Gas generator

Abstract

To provide a gas generator which can achieve a stable operation while reducing a manufacturing cost and weight.SOLUTION: A gas generator 1 includes a housing body 10, a holder assembly, and an igniter. The holder assembly has a metal holder part 20A, and a resin connector part 20B. The holder part 20A includes a first cylindrical trunk 21 having a first end face 22 provided with a recess 22a, the connector part 20B includes a second cylindrical trunk 24 having a second end face 25 recessed with a projection 25a, and an engagement part 26 projecting toward an inner peripheral surface of the housing body 10 provided with a step part 12. The projection 25a and the recess 22a are brought into contact with each other in an axial direction and the engagement part 26 and the step part 12 are brought into contact with each other, the projection 25a and the recess 22a are brought into contact with each other in a circumferential direction, and thereby the connector part 20B is non-movably fixed in an axial direction and a circumferential direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas generator to be incorporated into an airbag device as an occupant protection device equipped in an automobile or the like, and particularly to a so-called cylinder-type gas generator having an elongated cylindrical outer shape that is suitably incorporated into a side airbag device or the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Airbag devices, which are passenger protection devices, have become widespread from the viewpoint of protecting passengers in automobiles, etc. Airbag devices are installed to protect passengers from impacts that occur during a vehicle collision, and the airbag instantly inflates and deploys during a vehicle collision, thereby acting as a cushion to support the passenger's body.

[0003] The gas generator is incorporated into this airbag device. When a vehicle crashes, the control unit energizes the igniter, which then generates a flame that burns the gas generating agent, instantly generating a large amount of gas, which inflates and deploys the airbag.

[0004] There are gas generators of various configurations based on specifications such as the installation position relative to a vehicle, output, etc. One of these is what is called a cylinder-type gas generator. A cylinder-type gas generator has an elongated cylindrical outer shape and is suitably incorporated into a side airbag device, a curtain airbag device, a knee airbag device, a seat cushion airbag device, etc.

[0005] Typically, in a cylinder-type gas generator, an igniter is assembled to one axial end of the housing, and a gas generating agent storage chamber containing gas generating agent is provided on the one end side, a filter chamber in which a filter is disposed is provided on the other axial end side of the housing, and a gas outlet is provided on the peripheral wall of the housing in a portion that defines the filter chamber.

[0006] In a cylinder-shaped gas generator configured in this manner, the gas generating agent burns in response to activation of the igniter, generating gas inside the housing, and the generated gas passes through the inside of the filter before being ejected to the outside through the gas outlet.

[0007] Incidentally, examples of documents disclosing this type of cylinder-type gas generator include Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-314102 (Patent Document 1), etc. In the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the housing is configured to include a substantially cylindrical housing main body and a holder inserted into the open end of the housing main body.

[0008] Here, the holder is required to have the following functions and characteristics: to hold the igniter, to accept a connector connected to the igniter, to provide a strong connection with the housing body, and to be strong enough to withstand the increase in internal pressure of the combustion chamber when the gas generator is activated. This inevitably results in a complex shape of the holder and requires high machining precision, resulting in a problem of high component costs for the holder. Furthermore, while there has been a strong demand in recent years for lighter gas generators, the holder is a relatively large metal component, which also results in a problem of increased weight of the cylinder-type gas generator.

[0009] In this regard, for example, JP 2020-517522 A discloses a cylinder-shaped gas generator in which the connector portion of the holder that can accept a connector is made of a separate resin member, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost and weight of the holder. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-314102 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2020-517522 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] Generally, in a cylinder-shaped gas generator, a shorting clip is inserted into and attached to a resin connector portion capable of receiving the connector as needed. The shorting clip intentionally shorts the terminal pins of the igniter to prevent the cylinder-shaped gas generator from malfunctioning due to electrostatic discharge or the like during transportation of the cylinder-shaped gas generator, for example.

[0012] Here, the cylinder-shaped gas generator disclosed in Patent Document 2 employs an assembly structure in which the connector portion is fixed to the housing body by a so-called snap fit consisting of an engaging portion and a stepped portion capable of engaging the engaging portion.

[0013] However, when the above assembly structure is used, considerable rattle occurs in the connector portion in the axial and circumferential directions. This rattle may cause the short circuit of the terminal pin of the igniter by the shorting clip to be unintentionally released, resulting in a malfunction of the cylinder-shaped gas generator. Furthermore, when the harness is inserted into the connector portion to energize the igniter during the stage of assembling the cylinder-shaped gas generator to the airbag device, the rattle may cause an unintentional release of electrical continuity between the core wire of the harness and the terminal pin of the igniter, resulting in a poor electrical conduction.

[0014] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has an object to provide a gas generator that can achieve stable operation while reducing manufacturing costs and weight. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] A gas generator according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a housing body, a holder assembly, and an igniter. The housing body is made of a cylindrical metal member containing a combustion chamber therein that houses a gas generating agent. The holder assembly is inserted into an axial open end of the housing body and includes a through-hole-like hollow opening extending parallel to the axial direction. The igniter includes an ignition portion containing an ignition charge and a terminal pin connected to the ignition portion, and at least a portion of the igniter is disposed inside the hollow opening with the ignition portion located on the combustion chamber side and the terminal pin located on the opposite side from the combustion chamber. The holder assembly has a metal holder portion located on the combustion chamber side that receives and holds the igniter, and a resin connector portion located on the opposite side from the combustion chamber that can receive a connector connected to the terminal pin. The holder portion includes a cylindrical first barrel portion that defines the hollow opening. The connector portion includes a cylindrical second body defining the hollow opening, and a locking portion protruding from the second body toward an inner circumferential surface of the housing main body. The first body has a first end face facing the second body at an end of the first body opposite to the combustion chamber side, and a recessed portion is provided on the first end face. The second body has a second end face facing the first body at an end of the second body facing the combustion chamber, and a protrusion is provided on the second end face. The inner circumferential surface of the housing main body is provided with a stepped portion capable of locking the locking portion. In the gas generator based on the first aspect of the present invention, the protrusion and the recessed portion abut in the axial direction, and the locking portion and the stepped portion abut in the axial direction, thereby fixing the connector portion so as to be unmovable in the axial direction. Furthermore, in the gas generator based on the first aspect of the present invention, the protrusion and the recess abut in the circumferential direction of the housing main body, thereby fixing the connector portion so as to be unable to move in the circumferential direction.

[0016] A gas generator according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises a housing body, a holder assembly, and an igniter. The housing body is made of a cylindrical metal member containing a combustion chamber therein that houses a gas generating agent. The holder assembly is inserted into an axial open end of the housing body and includes a through-hole-like hollow opening extending parallel to the axial direction. The igniter includes an ignition portion containing an ignition charge and a terminal pin connected to the ignition portion, and at least a portion of the igniter is disposed inside the hollow opening with the ignition portion located on the combustion chamber side and the terminal pin located on the opposite side from the combustion chamber. The holder assembly has a metal holder portion located on the combustion chamber side that receives and holds the igniter, and a resin connector portion located on the opposite side from the combustion chamber that can receive a connector connected to the terminal pin. The holder portion includes a cylindrical first barrel portion that defines the hollow opening. The connector portion includes a cylindrical second body portion that defines the hollow opening, and a locking portion that protrudes from the second body portion toward the inner circumferential surface of the housing main body. The first body portion has a first end face that faces the second body portion at an end of the first body opposite to the combustion chamber side. The second body portion has a second end face that faces the first body portion at an end of the second body on the combustion chamber side, and a protrusion is provided on the second end face. A step portion that can lock the locking portion is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the housing main body. In the gas generator based on the second aspect of the present invention, the protrusion and the first body portion are in contact with each other when the gas generator is tilted toward the radially outward side of the housing main body. 1 In the gas generator based on the second aspect of the present invention, the protrusion and the inner circumferential surface of the housing main body abut in the radial direction with the protrusion tilted outward in the radial direction, thereby fixing the connector portion so as to be unmovable in the circumferential direction of the housing main body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gas generator that can achieve stable operation while reducing manufacturing costs and weight. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic view of a cylinder-shaped gas generator according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the igniter shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the protrusion and recess shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the partition member shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a holder portion shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the connector portion shown in FIG. [Figure 7] 2A to 2C are cross-sectional views showing the procedure for assembling the holder assembly shown in FIG. [Figure 8] 2A to 2C are cross-sectional views showing the procedure for assembling the holder assembly shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the shape of a protrusion of a connector portion according to a first modified example. [Figure 10] 10A to 10C are cross-sectional views showing an assembly procedure for the holder assembly according to the first modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the shape of a recess in a holder part according to a second modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the shape of a protrusion of a connector portion according to a second modified example. [Figure 13] 10A to 10C are cross-sectional views showing an assembly procedure for a holder assembly according to a second modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of an igniter of a cylinder-shaped gas generator according to a second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the protrusion and recess shown in FIG. [Figure 16] 15 is a plan view showing a protrusion of the connector portion shown in FIG. 14. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the connector portion shown in FIG. [Figure 18] 10A to 10C are cross-sectional views showing an assembly procedure for the holder assembly according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments shown below exemplify the case where the present invention is applied to a cylinder-type gas generator incorporated in a side airbag device. In the embodiments shown below, the same or common parts are designated by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and their description will not be repeated.

[0020] (Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cylinder-shaped gas generator according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the igniter shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region III including the vicinity of the protrusion and recess shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region IV including the vicinity of the partition member shown in Fig. 1. Figs. 5 and 6 are perspective views of the holder portion and connector portion shown in Fig. 1, respectively. First, the configuration of cylinder-shaped gas generator 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 6.

[0021] 1, cylinder-shaped gas generator 1 has an elongated cylindrical outer shape and has a elongated cylindrical housing with one axial end and the other axial end closed. The housing includes housing main body 10, holder assembly 20, and closing member 30.

[0022] The housing, which is made up of the housing main body 10, the holder assembly 20, and the closing member 30, contains internal components such as an igniter 40, a partition member 50, a gas generating agent 60, a coil spring 70, and a filter 80. Also located inside the housing are a gas generating agent storage chamber S1, which stores the gas generating agent 60 and the coil spring 70, among the internal components described above, and a filter chamber S2, in which the filter 80 is disposed.

[0023] In the following explanation, the space inside cylinder-shaped gas generator 1, including the space corresponding to the gas generating agent storage chamber S1 described above, and the space in the filter chamber S2 described above corresponding to hollow portion 81 of filter 80 described below, will be referred to as the combustion chamber.

[0024] The housing body 10 forms the peripheral wall of the housing and is made of a long, cylindrical member with openings at both axial ends. The holder assembly 20 is made of a tubular member with a through-hole-like hollow opening extending parallel to the axial direction of the housing body 10, and has a holder portion 20A and a connector portion 20B, which will be described later. The blocking member 30 is made of a substantially disk-shaped member with a flange portion.

[0025] The housing body 10 may be made of a metal member such as stainless steel, iron steel, aluminum alloy, or stainless alloy, or may be made of a press-formed product formed into a cylindrical shape by pressing a rolled steel plate such as SPCE.The housing body 10 may also be made of an electric resistance welded pipe such as STKM.

[0026] In particular, when the housing body 10 is constructed from a press-formed rolled steel plate or an electric resistance welded pipe, the housing body 10 can be formed more cheaply and easily than when metal components such as stainless steel or steel are used, and the weight can be significantly reduced.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 2, a hole portion penetrating radially through housing body 10 is provided at one end in the axial direction of cylindrical housing body 10 on the side to which holder assembly 20 is assembled. As a result, a step portion 12 capable of engaging with engaging portion 26 of connector portion 20B, which will be described later, is formed on the inner circumferential surface of housing body 10. The number of hole portions and step portion 12 formed thereby is not particularly limited, and there may be one or more. In cylinder-shaped gas generator 1, the two hole portions and step portion 12 are arranged at positions rotationally symmetrical at 180° when viewed along the axial direction of housing body 10.

[0028] 1 to 3, the holder assembly 20 is fixed to the housing body 10 so as to close one axial open end of the housing body 10. Specifically, the holder portion 20A of the holder assembly 20 is fixed by inserting the holder portion 20A into the one open end of the housing body 10 and joining the holder portion 20A to the housing body 10 at or near their contact portion. The connector portion 20B of the holder assembly 20 is press-fit into the one open end of the housing body 10 and fixed to the housing body 10 by a so-called snap fit. As a result, one axial end of the housing is constituted by the holder assembly 20. Details of the assembling procedure of the holder assembly 20 will be described later.

[0029] 1, the closing member 30 is fixed to the housing body 10 so as to close the other axial open end of the housing body 10. Specifically, with a portion of the closing member 30 inserted into the other open end of the housing body 10, the closing member 30 is fixed by welding a flange portion of the closing member 30 to the housing body 10 at or near the contact portion. In this way, the other axial end of the housing is formed by the closing member 30.

[0030] The blocking member 30 is made of a metal member such as stainless steel, iron steel, aluminum alloy, or stainless alloy.

[0031] A welded portion 90 extending along the circumferential direction of the housing body 10 is formed on the closing member 30 and the portion of the housing body 10 corresponding to the portion into which the closing member 30 is inserted. Note that electron beam welding, laser welding, resistance welding, etc. can be suitably used to weld the closing member 30 to the housing body 10.

[0032] When the closing member 30 is fixed to the housing main body 10 by welding in this manner, the gap between the closing member 30 and the housing main body 10 is filled with the welded portion 90, thereby sealing the gap. Therefore, by configuring in this manner, it is possible to ensure airtightness in that portion.

[0033] The assembly structure of the closing member 30 to the housing main body 10 is not limited to the above-described assembly structure, and other assembly structures may be adopted. Furthermore, the housing main body 10 and the closing member 30 may not be separate bodies, but may be configured as a single member having a cylindrical shape with a bottom.

[0034] 1 and 2, the igniter 40 is mounted to the one axial end of the housing by being supported by the holder assembly 20. The igniter 40 is used to combust the gas generating agent 60, and is installed so as to face the interior space of the housing.

[0035] Igniter 40 is used to generate a flame and is also called a squib. Igniter 40 includes a base 41, an ignition unit 42, and a pair of terminal pins 43. Base 41 is a portion that holds ignition unit 42 and the pair of terminal pins 43, and is also a portion that is fixed to holder assembly 20. Base 41 holds the pair of terminal pins 43 by inserting them therethrough.

[0036] Ignition unit 42 contains an ignition charge that ignites and burns to generate a flame when activated, and a resistor (bridge wire) for igniting the ignition charge. A pair of terminal pins 43 are connected to ignition unit 42 to ignite the ignition charge.

[0037] More specifically, ignition unit 42 includes a squib cup formed in a cup shape, the resistor described above is attached so as to connect the tips of a pair of terminal pins 43 inserted into this squib cup, and an ignition charge is loaded in the squib cup so as to surround or be close to this resistor. Furthermore, ignition unit 42 may be loaded with an enhancer charge as needed.

[0038] Here, the resistor typically uses nichrome wire or resistance wire made of an alloy containing platinum and tungsten, and the ignition charge typically uses ZPP (zirconium-potassium perchlorate), ZWPP (zirconium-tungsten-potassium perchlorate), lead tricinate, etc. Furthermore, the transfer charge typically uses a composition consisting of a metal powder / oxidizer, such as B / KNO3, B / NaNO3, or Sr(NO3)2, a composition consisting of titanium hydride / potassium perchlorate, or a composition consisting of B / 5-aminotetrazole / potassium nitrate / molybdenum trioxide.

[0039] When a collision is detected, a predetermined amount of current flows through the resistor via the terminal pin 43. This current flow generates Joule heat in the resistor, causing the ignition charge to begin burning. The high-temperature particles generated by the combustion split open the squib cup containing the ignition charge. The time from when the current flows through the resistor to when the igniter 40 is activated is generally 2 milliseconds or less when nichrome wire is used for the resistor.

[0040] Igniter 40 is fixed to holder assembly 20 with its ignition portion 42 positioned to protrude into the housing and with a portion of it disposed inside the hollow opening of holder assembly 20. As a result, igniter 40 has its ignition portion 42 positioned on the gas generating agent accommodating chamber S1 side and its terminal pin 43 positioned on the opposite side from the gas generating agent accommodating chamber S1 side. Details of the fixing structure of igniter 40 to holder assembly 20 will be explained later.

[0041] 1 and 4, a partition member 50 is disposed at a predetermined position in the space inside the housing. The partition member 50 is a member for dividing the space inside the housing in the axial direction into a gas generating agent storage chamber S1 and a filter chamber S2.

[0042] The partition member 50 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and is made of a metal member such as stainless steel, iron steel, aluminum alloy, or stainless alloy. The partition member 50 has a flat partition wall portion 51 arranged perpendicular to the axial direction of the housing main body 10, and a cylindrical plate-like annular wall portion 52 erected from the periphery of the partition wall portion 51 toward the gas generating agent storage chamber S1. The partition member 50 is arranged so that the outer main surface of the partition wall portion 51 abuts against the filter 80, and the outer peripheral surface of the annular wall portion 52 abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the housing main body 10.

[0043] Scores 51a are provided on the main surface of the partition wall portion 51 that contacts the filter 80. The scores 51a are intended to allow the partition wall portion 51 to break and form an opening as the internal pressure of the gas generating agent storage chamber S1 increases due to combustion of the gas generating agent 60, and are configured, for example, by a plurality of grooves that are provided radially so as to intersect with one another. The scores 51a are provided in a portion of the filter 80 that faces the hollow portion 81.

[0044] The partition member 50 is fixed by being inserted into the housing main body 10 and joined to the housing main body 10. More specifically, the partition member 50 is press-fitted into the housing main body 10 and fixed by welding the annular wall portion 52 of the partition member 50 to the housing main body 10 at or near the contact portion between them.

[0045] As a result, a welded portion 91 extending along the circumferential direction of the housing main body 10 is formed on the housing main body 10 and the partition member 50 corresponding to the portion into which the partition member 50 is inserted. Note that electron beam welding, laser welding, resistance welding, etc. can be suitably used to weld the partition member 50 to the housing main body 10.

[0046] When the partition member 50 is fixed to the housing main body 10 by welding in this manner, the gap between the partition member 50 and the housing main body 10 is filled with the welded portion 91, thereby sealing the gap. Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to ensure airtightness in that portion.

[0047] The method of fixing the partition member 50 to the housing main body 10 is not limited to the above-mentioned methods using press-fitting and welding, and other fixing methods may be used. In such cases, airtightness between the partition member 50 and the housing main body 10 can be ensured by providing an O-ring, sealing tape, or the like in an appropriate position.

[0048] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, within the space inside the housing, a gas generating agent 60, a coil spring 70, and an autoignition agent 100 are arranged in the space sandwiched between the holder assembly 20 and the partition member 50 (i.e., the gas generating agent storage chamber S1).

[0049] Of these, the coil spring 70 is disposed on the side where the partition member 50 is located (i.e., the other end side of the gas generating agent storage chamber S1 in the axial direction of the housing), and the gas generating agent 60 is disposed between the holder assembly 20 and the coil spring 70. In addition, the autoignition agent 100 is disposed between the partition member 50 and the coil spring 70 so as to abut against the partition member 50.

[0050] The gas generating agent 60 is an agent that generates gas by being ignited and burning by thermal particles generated by the activation of the igniter 40. A non-azide gas generating agent is preferably used as the gas generating agent 60, and the gas generating agent 60 is generally configured as a molded body containing fuel, an oxidizer, and an additive.

[0051] The fuel may be, for example, a triazole derivative, a tetrazole derivative, a guanidine derivative, an azodicarbonamide derivative, a hydrazine derivative, or a combination thereof. Specifically, nitroguanidine, guanidine nitrate, cyanoguanidine, 5-aminotetrazole, or the like is preferably used.

[0052] Examples of oxidizing agents include basic metal salts such as basic copper nitrate and basic copper carbonate, perchlorates such as ammonium perchlorate and potassium perchlorate, and nitrates containing cations selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, and ammonia. Suitable nitrates include sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate.

[0053] Examples of additives include binders, slag formers, and combustion adjusters. Suitable binders include organic binders such as metal salts of carboxymethyl cellulose and stearates, and inorganic binders such as synthetic hydrotalcite and acid clay. Suitable slag formers include silicon nitride, silica, and acid clay. Suitable combustion adjusters include metal oxides, ferrosilicon, activated carbon, and graphite.

[0054] The shape of the molded body of the gas generating agent 60 may be various, including granular, pellet-like, cylindrical, or other granular shapes, as well as disk-like shapes. Furthermore, for cylindrical molded bodies, perforated molded bodies having through holes inside the molded body (for example, a single-hole cylindrical shape or a multi-hole cylindrical shape) are also used. These shapes are preferably selected appropriately depending on the specifications of the airbag device into which the cylindrical gas generator 1 is to be incorporated. It is preferable to select an optimal shape depending on the specifications, such as a shape in which the rate of gas generation changes over time when the gas generating agent 60 burns. Furthermore, in addition to the shape of the gas generating agent 60, it is preferable to select the size and filling amount of the molded body appropriately, taking into consideration the linear burning velocity, pressure exponent, etc. of the gas generating agent 60.

[0055] The coil spring 70 is provided for the purpose of preventing the gas generating agent 60, which is made of a molded body, from being crushed by vibration, etc., and has a cylindrical portion 71 formed by bending a metal wire and a pair of pressing portions 72 located at both ends thereof.

[0056] The cylindrical portion 71 is formed of a spring-like portion in which a metal wire is wound in a spiral shape. On the other hand, one of the pair of pressing portions 72 is provided at one end of the cylindrical portion 71, and the other is provided at the other end of the cylindrical portion 71. The pair of pressing portions 72 is configured to have a generally disk-like shape as a whole, for example, by arranging the metal wires in approximately parallel relation with a predetermined gap between them, or by arranging the metal wires in a spiral relation with a predetermined gap between them. One of the pair of pressing portions 72 is in contact with the gas generating agent 60, and the other is in contact with the autoignition agent 100.

[0057] Here, the coil spring 70 is sandwiched between the autoignition agent 100 and the gas generating agent 60, and is thereby compressed. Therefore, the gas generating agent 60 is elastically biased by the coil spring 70 toward the holder assembly 20 side (i.e., the above-mentioned one end side of the housing), thereby preventing the gas generating agent 60 from moving inside the gas generating agent accommodating chamber S1. Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to prevent the gas generating agent 60, which is a molded body, from being crushed by vibration or the like.

[0058] Furthermore, when assembling the coil spring 70, the coil spring 70 is sandwiched and compressed between the autoignition agent 100 and the gas generating agent 60, which allows the coil spring 70 to absorb dimensional variations in the various components housed inside the housing.

[0059] The autoignition agent 100 is made up of pellets formed into a flat, generally cylindrical shape. The autoignition agent 100 is disposed on the opposite side of the coil spring 70 from the side on which the gas generating agent 60 is located (i.e., on the filter 80 side), and is held by being sandwiched between the bulkhead 51 of the partition member 50 and the coil spring 70. As a result, the autoignition agent 100 is separated from the gas generating agent 60 by the coil spring 70.

[0060] The autoignition agent 100 is an agent that ignites automatically without the operation of the igniter 40. More specifically, the autoignition agent 100 spontaneously ignites at a lower temperature than the gas generating agent 60, and is intended to prevent abnormal operation of the cylinder-shaped gas generator 1 from being induced by external heating in the unlikely event of a fire or the like occurring in a vehicle or the like equipped with an airbag device incorporating the cylinder-shaped gas generator 1.

[0061] 1, a filter 80 is disposed in the space within the housing, which is sandwiched between the closing member 30 and the partition member 50 (i.e., the filter chamber S2). The filter 80 is made of a cylindrical member having a hollow portion 81 extending in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the housing body 10. One end face in the axial direction of the filter 80 abuts against the closing member 30, and the other end face in the axial direction abuts against the partition wall portion 51 of the partition member 50.

[0062] The filter 80 functions as a cooling means for cooling the gas by removing the high temperature heat of the gas generated by the combustion of the gas generating agent 60 as the gas passes through the filter 80, and also functions as a removal means for removing slag (residue) and the like contained in the gas. As described above, by using the filter 80 made of a cylindrical member, the flow resistance to the gas flowing through the filter chamber S2 during operation is kept low, making it possible to achieve an efficient gas flow.

[0063] The filter 80 can be preferably made of an assembly of metal wire or metal mesh material made of stainless steel, iron, etc. Specifically, it can be made of a knitted wire mesh, a plain woven wire mesh, an assembly of crimped woven metal wire, or any of these compressed by a press.

[0064] A wound perforated metal plate or the like can also be used as the filter 80. In this case, examples of the perforated metal plate that can be used include expanded metal, which is made by cutting staggered slits in a metal plate and expanding the slits to form holes and process it into a mesh-like shape, and hook metal, which is made by drilling holes in a metal plate and flattening the burrs that form around the holes by crushing them.

[0065] Here, the filter 80 is disposed at a distance from a portion of the housing body 10 that defines the filter chamber S2 so that a gap 82 of a predetermined size is formed between the filter 80 and that portion of the housing body 10. By providing this gap 82, the gas generated by the combustion of the gas generating agent 60 passes through almost the entire area of ​​the filter 80, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the filter 80.

[0066] The housing body 10 in the portion defining the filter chamber S2 is provided with a plurality of gas outlets 11 arranged in the circumferential and axial directions. These gas outlets 11 are used to guide the gas that has passed through the filter 80 to the outside of the housing.

[0067] Next, with reference to FIG. 1, an operation during operation of cylinder-shaped gas generator 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 1, when a vehicle equipped with cylinder-shaped gas generator 1 according to this embodiment collides, the collision is detected by collision detection means provided separately in the vehicle, and based on this, igniter 40 is activated by current supplied from a control unit provided separately in the vehicle.

[0069] When the igniter 40 is activated, the pressure inside the ignition section 42 increases due to the combustion of the ignition charge and / or the transfer charge in addition to the ignition charge, which causes the squib cup of the ignition section 42 to split, and thermal particles generated by the combustion of the ignition charge and / or the transfer charge in addition to the ignition charge flow out to the outside of the ignition section 42. The thermal particles that reach the gas generating agent 60 combust the gas generating agent 60, thereby generating a large amount of gas inside the gas generating agent storage chamber S1.

[0070] As a result, the pressure in the gas generating agent storage chamber S1 increases, and when the internal pressure of the gas generating agent storage chamber S1 reaches a predetermined pressure, a rupture occurs in the portion of the partition member 50 where the score 51a is provided. As a result, an opening is formed in the partition member 50 in the portion facing the hollow portion 81 of the filter 80, and the gas generating agent storage chamber S1 and the filter chamber S2 come into communication with each other via the opening.

[0071] As a result, the gas generated in the gas generating agent storage chamber S1 flows into the filter chamber S2 through the opening formed in the partition member 50. The gas that has flowed into the filter chamber S2 flows axially through the hollow portion 81 of the filter 80, then changes direction in the radial direction, and flows through the interior of the filter 80. During this process, the filter 80 removes heat to cool the gas, and the filter 80 removes slag contained in the gas.

[0072] Then, the gas that has passed through filter 80 is ejected to the outside of the housing through gas outlet 11 provided in housing main body 10. The ejected gas is introduced into the inside of an airbag provided adjacent to cylinder-shaped gas generator 1, and inflates and deploys the airbag.

[0073] As described above, cylinder-shaped gas generator 1 according to the present embodiment has holder assembly 20 as part of the housing, and holder assembly 20 is attached to the open end on the above-mentioned one end side of housing body 10. The configuration of holder assembly 20 and the structure for fixing igniter 40 to holder assembly 20 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 3, 5 and 6.

[0074] 1 to 3, 5 and 6, the holder assembly 20 has a metal holder portion 20A located on the gas generating agent storage chamber S1 side and a resin connector portion 20B located on the opposite side from the gas generating agent storage chamber S1 side. The holder assembly 20 is configured as an integrated part by assembling the holder portion 20A and the connector portion 20B to each other. The holder assembly 20 is attached to the one open end of the housing main body 10.

[0075] 1 to 3 and 5, the holder portion 20A is configured from a flat, substantially disk-shaped member having a through-hole extending axially in its center, and includes a cylindrical first barrel portion 21. The first barrel portion 21 has, at its end opposite the gas generating agent storage chamber S1 side, a first end surface 22 that faces a second barrel portion 24 of the connector portion 20B, which will be described later.

[0076] First end face 22 is provided with a generally hemispherical recess 22a. Recess 22a is a portion that receives protrusion 25a of connector portion 20B, which will be described later. The number of recesses 22a is not particularly limited, but preferably corresponds to the number of protrusions 25a. In cylinder-shaped gas generator 1, two recesses 22a are arranged at positions that are rotationally symmetrical by 180° when viewed along the axial direction of holder portion 20A. The shape of recess 22a is not particularly limited to a generally hemispherical shape, and can be changed as appropriate to match the shape of protrusion 25a.

[0077] The holder portion 20A is inserted into the housing body 10 so that its axial direction is parallel to the axial direction of the housing body 10. As a result, the through portion provided in the holder portion 20A defines a part of the hollow opening of the holder assembly 20.

[0078] Holder portion 20A is a member for receiving and holding igniter 40, and has a concave-shaped accommodation portion 23a at its axial end on the gas generating agent storage chamber S1 side to receive igniter 40. This accommodation portion 23a communicates with a through-hole provided in holder portion 20A. Furthermore, a crimping portion 23b is provided at the end of holder portion 20A on the gas generating agent storage chamber S1 side so as to surround accommodation portion 23a. Crimping portion 23b is a portion for crimping and fixing igniter 40 to holder portion 20A.

[0079] The holder portion 20A is made of a metal member such as stainless steel, iron steel, aluminum alloy, or stainless alloy.

[0080] 2 and 3, igniter 40 is fixed to holder part 20A with its base 41 accommodated in accommodation portion 23a of holder part 20A. Specifically, base 41 is inserted into accommodation portion 23a of holder part 20A, and base 41 is fastened against the bottom surface of accommodation portion 23a. In this state, crimping portion 23b provided on holder part 20A is bent, thereby fixing igniter 40 to holder part 20A. In this way, igniter 40 is held by holder part 20A.

[0081] Here, a seal member 27 made of an O-ring or the like is interposed between holder portion 20A and igniter 40, and thereby the gap between holder portion 20A and igniter 40 is filled with seal member 27, thereby sealing the gap. Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to ensure airtightness in that portion. Note that the method of fixing igniter 40 is not limited to the fixing method using crimping portion 23b described above, and other fixing methods may also be used.

[0082] 1 to 3 and 6, connector portion 20B is configured from a substantially cylindrical member having a through portion extending axially at its center, and includes a cylindrical second body portion 24 and a hook-shaped locking portion 26 that protrudes from second body portion 24 radially outward of connector portion 20B. There are no particular limitations on the number of locking portions 26, and there may be one or more locking portions 26. In cylinder-shaped gas generator 1, two locking portions 26 are arranged at positions rotationally symmetrical at 180° when viewed along the axial direction of connector portion 20B.

[0083] The second barrel portion 24 has a second end surface 25 at the end on the gas generating agent storage chamber S1 side that faces the first barrel portion 21 of the holder portion 20A. The second end surface 25 is provided with a protrusion 25a having a substantially conical shape.

[0084] Protrusion 25a comes into contact with recess 22a when pressed toward holder portion 20A. More preferably, protrusion 25a comes into pressure contact with recess 22a when pressed toward recess 22a and is crushed. The number of protrusions 25a is not particularly limited, and there may be one or more. In cylinder-shaped gas generator 1, two protrusions 25a are arranged at positions rotationally symmetrical by 180° when viewed along the axial direction of connector portion 20B. The shape of protrusion 25a is not particularly limited to a substantially conical shape, and can be changed as appropriate to, for example, a substantially prismatic shape, a substantially truncated pyramidal shape, a substantially hemispherical shape, etc.

[0085] The connector portion 20B is inserted into the housing body 10 so that its axial direction is parallel to the axial direction of the housing body 10. As a result, the through portion provided in the connector portion 20B defines a part of the hollow opening of the holder assembly 20.

[0086] Connector portion 20B is for receiving a connection connector that is connected to terminal pin 43 of igniter 40. Terminal pin 43 of igniter 40 is arranged inside this connector portion 20B. The through portion provided in connector portion 20B described above constitutes a portion for receiving this connection connector.

[0087] More specifically, in cylinder-shaped gas generator 1, igniter 40 must be electrically connected to an externally provided control unit (not shown) of a vehicle or the like, and a harness is normally used for this electrical connection. A male connector is attached to the tip of this harness, and connector portion 20B must be provided with a female connector that can be connected to this male connector. The penetration portion provided in connector portion 20B constitutes this female connector.

[0088] Furthermore, when the male connector of the harness is inserted into the penetration portion that functions as a female connector, electrical continuity is established between the core wire of the harness and the terminal pin 43, thereby connecting the igniter 40 to a control unit of a vehicle, etc.

[0089] The material of the connector portion 20B is not particularly limited, but nylon-based resins such as nylon 6, nylon 66, and those filled with glass filler, polyacetal (POM) resin, polycarbonate (PC) resin, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin, etc. can be suitably used.

[0090] Figures 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views showing a procedure for assembling a holder assembly in the cylinder-shaped gas generator shown in Figure 1. Next, with reference to Figures 7 and 8, a procedure for assembling holder assembly 20 in cylinder-shaped gas generator 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0091] When assembling holder assembly 20 to housing main body 10, first, as shown in Fig. 7, holder portion 20A to which igniter 40 is attached is prepared, and this is inserted into one open end of housing main body 10. Next, holder portion 20A and housing main body 10 are fixed by welding them to each other at or near their contact points.

[0092] As a result, a welded portion 92 extending along the circumferential direction of the housing main body 10 is formed in the housing main body 10 and the holder portion 20A corresponding to the portion into which the holder portion 20A is inserted. Note that electron beam welding, laser welding, resistance welding, etc. can be suitably used to weld the holder portion 20A and the housing main body 10 together.

[0093] When holder portion 20A is fixed to housing main body 10 by welding in this manner, the gap between holder portion 20A and housing main body 10 is filled with welded portion 92, thereby sealing the gap. Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to ensure airtightness in that portion.

[0094] Next, as shown in Fig. 8, the connector portion 20B is assembled to the holder portion 20A. Specifically, the connector portion 20B is press-fitted into the one open end of the housing main body 10. This causes the protrusion 25a of the connector portion 20B to deform, and the protrusion 25a comes into contact with the recess 22a of the holder portion 20A. Furthermore, with these in contact, the locking portion 26 of the connector portion 20B is locked with the step portion 12 provided on the inner circumferential surface of the housing main body 10, thereby fixing the connector portion 20B. Here, it is preferable that the protrusion 25a is deformed so as to be crushed, thereby bringing the protrusion 25a and the recess 22a into pressure contact.

[0095] Through the above-described series of steps, connector portion 20B is assembled to holder portion 20A to which igniter 40 is assembled, and the assembly of holder assembly 20, which is constituted by holder portion 20A and connector portion 20B, to housing main body 10 is completed. In addition, as a result, the open end on the one end side of housing main body 10 is closed by holder assembly 20.

[0096] With the above configuration, it is possible to provide a cylinder-shaped gas generator 1 that can achieve stable operation.

[0097] That is, in cylinder-shaped gas generator 1 according to the present embodiment, as described above, in a state in which deformation of protrusion 25a generates an elastic restoring force therein, protrusion 25a and recess 22a abut against each other in the axial direction of holder portion 20A and connector portion 20B. This restricts movement of connector portion 20B toward gas generating agent storage chamber S1 in the axial direction (i.e., upward movement in Fig. 3), and causes connector portion 20B to be elastically urged toward the opposite side to gas generating agent storage chamber S1 in the axial direction.

[0098] In this state, connector portion 20B is fixed by its locking portion 26 being locked to step portion 12 of housing main body 10. As a result, locking portion 26 and step portion 12 come into contact with each other in the axial direction, and as a result, connector portion 20B is fixed so as not to move in the axial direction.

[0099] Furthermore, in cylinder-shaped gas generator 1, when protrusion 25a is deformed and an elastic restoring force is generated in it, protrusion 25a and recess 22a abut against each other in the circumferential direction of holder portion 20A and connector portion 20B, thereby fixing connector portion 20B so as not to move in the circumferential direction.

[0100] In other words, in the case of a cylinder-shaped gas generator 1 according to this embodiment, connector portion 20B is fixed so as not to be able to move in either the axial or circumferential direction, thereby suppressing rattling of connector portion 20B in these directions.

[0101] Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent short-circuiting of terminal pin 43 of igniter 40 due to a shorting clip inserted into connector portion 20B, and to prevent the electrical connection between the core wire of the harness inserted into connector portion 20B and terminal pin 43 from being unintentionally released due to rattle of connector portion 20B, thereby making it possible to achieve a cylinder-shaped gas generator 1 that can achieve stable operation.

[0102] Furthermore, in cylinder-shaped gas generator 1 according to the present embodiment, the holder, which has conventionally been constituted by a single metal part, is constituted by holder assembly 20, which is a composite part made of metal holder portion 20A and resin connector portion 20B. This makes it possible to dramatically reduce the amount of metal material used, and consequently achieves a significant weight reduction. In addition, the high-precision machining that was necessary when constructing the holder from a single metal part is no longer necessary, and furthermore, the holder configuration is greatly simplified, which also makes it possible to reduce material costs and processing costs.

[0103] Therefore, by using cylinder-shaped gas generator 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to achieve stable operation while reducing manufacturing costs and weight compared to conventional gas generators.

[0104] In cylinder-shaped gas generator 1 according to the present embodiment, connector portion 20B is provided with two protrusions 25a, each of which abuts against a corresponding recess 22a of holder portion 20A. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent rattling of connector portion 20B described above compared to when only one protrusion 25a is provided.

[0105] (First Modification) Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the shape of a connector portion of a cylinder-shaped gas generator pertaining to a first modified example based on the above-described first embodiment, and Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a procedure for assembling a holder assembly pertaining to the first modified example. Cylinder-shaped gas generator 1A pertaining to the first modified example will now be described with reference to Figs. 9 and 10. The procedure for assembling the holder assembly pertaining to the first modified example is basically the same as the procedure for assembling the holder assembly pertaining to the above-described first embodiment.

[0106] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, cylinder-shaped gas generator 1A according to the first modified example differs from cylinder-shaped gas generator 1 according to embodiment 1 described above only in the shape of protrusion 25a1 of connector portion 20B1.

[0107] Specifically, in the connector portion 20B1 according to the first modification, the protrusion 25a1 has a generally quadrangular pyramid shape whose cross section becomes smaller toward the gas generating agent storage chamber S1 side.

[0108] With this configuration, protrusions 25a1 of connector portion 20B1 and recesses 22a of holder portion 20A come into contact with each other at four locations in the circumferential direction of holder portion 20A and connector portion 20B1. Therefore, with this configuration, in addition to the effects described in the first embodiment, rattles in the circumferential direction of connector portion 20B1 can be more reliably prevented.

[0109] (Second Modification) Figures 11 and 12 are perspective views showing the shape of the recessed portion of the holder portion and the protrusion of the connector portion of a cylinder-shaped gas generator according to a second modified example based on the first embodiment described above. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing an assembly procedure for the holder assembly according to the second modified example. Hereinafter, cylinder-shaped gas generator 1B according to the second modified example will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 13. The assembly procedure for the holder assembly according to the second modified example is basically the same as the assembly procedure for the holder assembly according to the first embodiment described above.

[0110] As shown in Figures 11 to 13, cylinder-shaped gas generator 1B according to the second modified example differs from cylinder-shaped gas generator 1 according to embodiment 1 described above in the shape of recess 22a2 of holder portion 20A2 and the shape of protrusion 25a2 of connector portion 20B2.

[0111] Specifically, in the holder part 20A2 according to the second modification, the recess 22a2 is defined by a V-shaped groove extending in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the holder part 20A2. In addition, in the connector part 20B2 according to the second modification, the protrusion 25a2 has a triangular prism shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the connector part 20B2.

[0112] In this configuration, the protrusion 25a2 and the recess 22a2 come into surface contact at two locations. This configuration dramatically increases the frictional resistance between the protrusion 25a2 and the recess 22a2 compared to when they are in point contact. Therefore, in addition to the effects described in the first embodiment, it is possible to more reliably prevent rattling of the connector portion 20B2 in the circumferential direction.

[0113] (Embodiment 2) FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the igniter of a cylinder-shaped gas generator according to embodiment 2, and FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region XV including the vicinity of the protrusion of the connector portion shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a plan view showing the protrusion of the connector portion shown in FIG. 14, and FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the connector portion. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a procedure for assembling a holder assembly according to embodiment 2. Here, cylinder-shaped gas generator 2 according to embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 18. Here, FIG. 16 shows connector portion 20B3 in plan view, and also shows in schematic cross-sectional view a portion of housing main body 10 that contacts protrusion 25a3 of connector portion 20B3. The procedure for assembling a holder assembly according to embodiment 2 is basically the same as the procedure for assembling a holder assembly according to embodiment 1 described above.

[0114] 14 to 16, cylinder-shaped gas generator 2 according to the present embodiment differs in the shape of protrusion 25a3 of connector portion 20B3 when compared with cylinder-shaped gas generator 1 according to the above-described first embodiment. Cylinder-shaped gas generator 2 according to the present embodiment also differs from cylinder-shaped gas generator 1 according to the first embodiment in that recess 22a is not provided in holder portion 20A3.

[0115] Specifically, protrusion 25a3 of connector section 20B3 according to embodiment 2 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape extending along a tangential direction of second trunk section 24 when viewed along the axial direction of connector section 20B3. Furthermore, protrusion 25a3 includes, on a side surface of a portion located radially inward of connector section 20B3, inclined surface 28 that inclines so as to move radially outward toward gas generating agent storage chamber S1. The number of protrusions 25a3 is not particularly limited, and there may be one or more. In cylinder-shaped gas generator 2, two protrusions 25a3 are arranged at positions rotationally symmetrical by 180° when viewed along the axial direction of connector section 20B3.

[0116] 17 and 18, before the connector portion 20B3 is assembled to the holder portion 20A3, the protrusion 25a3 protrudes toward the first end surface 22 of the first body portion 21 of the holder portion 20A3. However, because the protrusion 25a3 includes the inclined surface 28, when the connector portion 20B3 is press-fitted into the housing main body 10, the protrusion 25a3 tilts radially outward (i.e., toward the direction of arrow F in FIG. 18) while contacting the first end surface 22.

[0117] When the protrusion 25a3 is tilted in this manner and generates an elastic restoring force, the protrusion 25a3 and the first end surface 22 of the holder portion 20A3 abut against each other in the axial direction of the holder portion 20A3 and the connector portion 20B3. This fixes the connector portion 20B3 so that it cannot move in the axial direction. Note that the protrusion 25a3 and the first end surface 22 are preferably in pressure contact with each other in the axial direction when the protrusion 25a3 generates an elastic restoring force.

[0118] Furthermore, when the protrusion 25a3 is tilted and generates an elastic restoring force, the protrusion 25a3 abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the housing main body 10 in the radial direction of the connector portion 20B3. This fixes the connector portion 20B3 so that it cannot move in the circumferential direction. Note that it is preferable that the protrusion 25a3 and the inner circumferential surface are in pressure contact in the radial direction when the protrusion 25a3 generates an elastic restoring force.

[0119] Even in this configuration, the same effects as those described in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0120] Furthermore, in cylinder-shaped gas generator 2 according to the present embodiment, protrusions 25a3 abut against the inner circumferential surface of housing main body 10 in the radial direction at two locations in the circumferential direction of connector portion 20B3, as shown in Fig. 15. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent rattling of connector portion 20B3 in the circumferential direction.

[0121] Note that, in cylinder-shaped gas generator 2 according to the present embodiment, protrusion 25a3 has been described as having a shape including inclined surface 28 as described above, but the shape of protrusion 25a3 is not particularly limited to this. That is, protrusion 25a3 only needs to be configured so that protrusion 25a3 inclines radially outward while contacting first end face 22 when connector portion 20B3 is press-fitted into housing body 10, and a weakened portion may be provided by, for example, cutting out a portion of the radially outer surface. Alternatively, a guide surface inclined to guide protrusion 25a3 radially outward may be provided on first end face 22 of holder portion 20A in a portion corresponding to protrusion 25a3.

[0122] (Addendum) The characteristic configurations of the gas generators disclosed in the above-described embodiments can be summarized as follows.

[0123] [Appendix 1] a cylindrical metal housing body including a combustion chamber in which a gas generating agent is accommodated; a holder assembly inserted into an axial opening end of the housing body and including a through-hole-shaped hollow opening extending in a direction parallel to the axial direction; an igniter including an ignition part containing an ignition charge and a terminal pin connected to the ignition part, at least a part of which is disposed inside the hollow opening with the ignition part positioned on the combustion chamber side and the terminal pin positioned on the opposite side from the combustion chamber side; the holder assembly includes a metal holder portion located on the combustion chamber side and configured to receive and hold the igniter, and a resin connector portion located on the opposite side from the combustion chamber side and configured to receive a connector to be connected to the terminal pin, the holder portion includes a cylindrical first body portion that defines the hollow opening, the connector portion includes a cylindrical second body portion defining the hollow opening, and a locking portion protruding from the second body portion toward an inner circumferential surface of the housing main body, the first body portion has a first end surface facing the second body portion at an end of the first body portion opposite to the combustion chamber side, The first end surface is provided with a recess, the second body portion has a second end surface facing the first body portion at an end portion of the second body portion on the combustion chamber side, The second end surface is provided with a protrusion, a step portion on which the locking portion can be locked is provided on an inner circumferential surface of the housing main body; the protrusion and the recess are in contact with each other in the axial direction, and the locking portion and the step portion are in contact with each other in the axial direction, thereby fixing the connector portion so as not to move in the axial direction, The gas generator, wherein the protrusion and the recess abut against each other in the circumferential direction of the housing body, thereby fixing the connector portion so as to be unmovable in the circumferential direction.

[0124] [Appendix 2] 2. The gas generator according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion has a truncated pyramidal shape.

[0125] [Appendix 3] the protrusion and the recess extend along a direction intersecting the circumferential direction, 2. The gas generator according to claim 1, wherein the protrusions are fitted into the recesses, so that side surfaces of the protrusions positioned in the circumferential direction are in surface contact with the recesses.

[0126] [Appendix 4] 4. The gas generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the protrusion and the recess are each provided in plurality in the circumferential direction.

[0127] [Appendix 5] a cylindrical metal housing body including a combustion chamber in which a gas generating agent is accommodated; a holder assembly inserted into an axial opening end of the housing body and including a through-hole-shaped hollow opening extending in a direction parallel to the axial direction; an igniter including an ignition part containing an ignition charge and a terminal pin connected to the ignition part, at least a part of which is disposed inside the hollow opening with the ignition part positioned on the combustion chamber side and the terminal pin positioned on the opposite side from the combustion chamber side; the holder assembly includes a metal holder portion located on the combustion chamber side and configured to receive and hold the igniter, and a resin connector portion located on the opposite side from the combustion chamber side and configured to receive a connector to be connected to the terminal pin, the holder portion includes a cylindrical first body portion that defines the hollow opening, the connector portion includes a cylindrical second body portion defining the hollow opening, and a locking portion protruding from the second body portion toward an inner circumferential surface of the housing main body, the first body portion has a first end surface facing the second body portion at an end of the first body portion opposite to the combustion chamber side, the second body portion has a second end surface facing the first body portion at an end portion of the second body portion on the combustion chamber side, The second end surface is provided with a protrusion, a step portion on which the locking portion can be locked is provided on an inner circumferential surface of the housing main body; The protrusion and the second housing are inclined radially outward in the state where the protrusion is inclined radially outward in the housing body. 1 the end surface is in contact with the connector portion in the axial direction, so that the connector portion is fixed so as not to move in the axial direction, a gas generator in which the connector portion is fixed so as not to move in the circumferential direction of the housing body by the protrusion abutting against the inner surface of the housing body in the radial direction with the protrusion tilted radially outward.

[0128] [Appendix 6] 6. The gas generator according to claim 5, wherein the protrusion includes, on a side surface of a portion located radially inward, an inclined surface that inclines toward the combustion chamber and toward the radially outward side.

[0129] [Appendix 7] 7. The gas generator according to claim 5, wherein a plurality of the protrusions are provided in the circumferential direction.

[0130] (Other forms) In the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the case where the present invention is applied to a cylinder-type gas generator incorporated in a side airbag device has been described as an example, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can also be applied to cylinder-type gas generators incorporated in curtain airbag devices, knee airbag devices, seat cushion airbag devices, etc., and so-called T-shaped gas generators which have an elongated outer shape similar to a cylinder-type gas generator.

[0131] In addition, in the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the case where the number of step portions provided on the housing main body is two has been described as an example, but the number of step portions is not particularly limited to two, and may be one, or three or more. The same applies to the number of locking portions provided on the connector portion.

[0132] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the case where the number of protrusions provided on the connector portion is two has been described as an example, but the number of protrusions is not particularly limited to two, and may be one, or three or more. The same applies to the number of recesses provided on the holder portion.

[0133] As such, the above-described embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The technical scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1, 1A, 1B, 2 Cylinder-shaped gas generator, 10 Housing body, 11 Gas outlet, 12 Step portion, 20 Holder assembly, 20A, 20A2, 20A3 Holder portion, 20B, 20B1, 20B2, 20B3 Connector portion, 21 First body portion, 22 First end face, 22a, 22a2 Recessed portion, 23a Storage portion, 23b Crimping portion, 24 Second body portion, 25 Second end face, 25a, 25a1, 25a2, 25a3 Protrusion, 26 Locking portion, 27 Sealing member, 28 Inclined surface, 30 Closure member, 40 Igniter, 41 Base portion, 42 Ignition portion, 43 Terminal pin, 50 Partition member, 51 Bulkhead portion, 51a Score, 52 Annular wall portion, 60 Gas generating agent, 70 coil spring, 71 cylindrical portion, 72 pressing portion, 80 filter, 81 hollow portion, 82 gap portion, 90, 91, 92 welded portion, 100 auto-ignition agent, S1 gas generating agent storage chamber, S2 filter chamber.

Claims

1. a cylindrical metal housing body including a combustion chamber in which a gas generating agent is accommodated; a holder assembly inserted into an axial opening end of the housing body and including a through-hole-shaped hollow opening extending in a direction parallel to the axial direction; an igniter including an ignition part containing an ignition charge and a terminal pin connected to the ignition part, the ignition part being positioned on the combustion chamber side and the terminal pin being positioned on the opposite side to the combustion chamber side, and at least a part of the igniter being disposed inside the hollow opening, the holder assembly includes a metal holder portion located on the combustion chamber side and configured to receive and hold the igniter, and a resin connector portion located on the opposite side from the combustion chamber side and configured to receive a connector to be connected to the terminal pin, the holder portion includes a cylindrical first body portion that defines the hollow opening, the connector portion includes a cylindrical second body portion defining the hollow opening, and a locking portion protruding from the second body portion toward an inner circumferential surface of the housing main body, the first body portion has a first end surface facing the second body portion at an end of the first body portion opposite to the combustion chamber side, The first end surface is provided with a recess, the second body portion has a second end surface facing the first body portion at an end portion of the second body portion on the combustion chamber side, The second end surface is provided with a protrusion, a step portion on which the locking portion can be locked is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the housing main body; The protrusion and the recess are in contact with each other in the axial direction, and the locking portion and the step portion are in contact with each other in the axial direction, so that the connector portion is fixed so as not to move in the axial direction, The gas generator, wherein the connector portion is fixed so as not to move in the circumferential direction by the protrusion and the recess abutting against each other in the circumferential direction of the housing body.

2. 2. The gas generator according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion has a truncated pyramidal shape.

3. the protrusion and the recess extend in a direction intersecting the circumferential direction, 2. The gas generator according to claim 1, wherein the projections are fitted into the recesses, so that side surfaces of the projections positioned in the circumferential direction are in surface contact with the recesses.

4. 4. The gas generator according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of said projections and a plurality of said recesses are provided in said circumferential direction.

5. a cylindrical metal housing body including a combustion chamber in which a gas generating agent is accommodated; a holder assembly inserted into an axial opening end of the housing body and including a through-hole-shaped hollow opening extending in a direction parallel to the axial direction; an igniter including an ignition part containing an ignition charge and a terminal pin connected to the ignition part, the ignition part being positioned on the combustion chamber side and the terminal pin being positioned on the opposite side to the combustion chamber side, and at least a part of the igniter being disposed inside the hollow opening, the holder assembly includes a metal holder portion located on the combustion chamber side and configured to receive and hold the igniter, and a resin connector portion located on the opposite side from the combustion chamber side and configured to receive a connector to be connected to the terminal pin, the holder portion includes a cylindrical first body portion that defines the hollow opening, the connector portion includes a cylindrical second body portion defining the hollow opening, and a locking portion protruding from the second body portion toward an inner circumferential surface of the housing main body, the first body portion has a first end surface facing the second body portion at an end of the first body portion opposite to the combustion chamber side, the second body portion has a second end surface facing the first body portion at an end portion of the second body portion on the combustion chamber side, The second end surface is provided with a protrusion, a step portion on which the locking portion can be locked is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the housing main body; the protrusion and the first end surface are in contact with each other in the axial direction in a state in which the protrusion is inclined toward the radially outer side of the housing main body, whereby the connector portion is fixed so as not to move in the axial direction, a gas generator in which the connector portion is fixed so as not to move in the circumferential direction of the housing body by the protrusion abutting against the inner surface of the housing body in the radial direction with the protrusion tilted radially outward.

6. 6. The gas generator according to claim 5, wherein the protrusion includes, on a side surface of a portion located inside in the radial direction, an inclined surface that inclines toward the combustion chamber and toward the outside in the radial direction.

7. 7. The gas generator according to claim 5, wherein a plurality of the protrusions are provided in the circumferential direction.

Images