Alignment mechanism for attaching gas generators to modules

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an alignment mechanism that enables quick and easy attachment of a gas generator to a module when the gas generator is attached to the module.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as represented by Patent Document 1 below, an attachment mechanism used when attaching a gas generator to an airbag module or a vehicle has been known. This attachment mechanism has a cylindrical main body portion having a plurality of communication holes, an inner bent portion formed inwardly at an opening on one end side of the cylindrical main body portion, and a flange portion formed at an opening on the opposite side of the cylindrical main body portion. Further, attachment holes are formed in four convex portions formed at equal intervals on this flange portion. After aligning each of these attachment holes with corresponding holes provided in a module case or the like, the gas generator can be fixed to an airbag module or the like by fastening using bolts and nuts, or rivets or the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the gas generator of Patent Document 1 above, it is essential to fasten using bolts and nuts, or rivets or the like. However, since there are relatively many fastening parts and the attachment process is complicated, the gas generator cannot be quickly and easily attached to an airbag module or the like.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a positioning mechanism that enables the gas generator to be attached to an airbag module or the like more quickly and easily than in the conventional method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) The present invention relates to a housing and a fixing projection provided on the housing so as to protrude outward from the side surface of the housing and for fixing to a part of an airbag module, and a positioning mechanism for aligning the fixing position of the fixing projection of the gas generator with the fixing position of the part of the airbag module. ,before A separate fixing projection is provided, and is located on the housing at a position offset from the fixing projection so as to protrude outward from the side surface of the housing. ta The airbag module is characterized by comprising: a protruding portion for alignment; and an insertable portion provided on the airbag module into which at least a part of the alignment protruding portion is fitted; the insertable portion allows for alignment of the mounting position of the fixing protruding portion with the fixing portion of the airbag module, starting from the insertion of the alignment protruding portion into the insertable portion.

[0007] (2) In the alignment mechanism of (1) above, the part to be inserted is a hole, and at least part of the alignment projection teeth, In the aforementioned hole Insertable in a mating manner Preferably, the protruding part is a convex portion, and the fixing protrusion is provided with a mounting hole, and the fixed portion of the airbag module is provided with a hole through the mounting hole that allows the fixing protrusion to be fixed by a mounting device.

[0008] (3) From another perspective, This invention teeth, A gas generator having a housing and a fixing projection provided on the housing so as to protrude outward from the side surface of the housing and for fixing to a fixed part of an airbag module, the gas generator's fixing projection is aligned with the fixed position of the airbag module, comprising: an alignment projection that also serves as the same member as the fixing projection; and an insertion part provided on the airbag module into which at least a part of the alignment projection is fitted, the insertion part being capable of aligning the mounting position of the fixing projection with the fixed part of the airbag module, starting from the insertion of the alignment projection into the insertion part,Two or more fixing protrusions are provided, at least two of the fixing protrusions also serve as alignment protrusions, the same number of insertion portions are provided as the alignment protrusions, each of the same number of insertion portions is formed integrally with each of the insertion portions, and each of the insertion portions integrated with the insertion portion has a pair of clamping members that clamp and fix the alignment protrusion when it is inserted into the insertion portion. In conjunction with the movement of inserting the housing into the insertion portion, accompanied by rotation around the housing's axis, the pair of clamping members clamp and fix the alignment projection. It's okay to have it. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an alignment mechanism that allows gas generators to be attached to airbag modules and the like more quickly and easily than in the conventional method. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of a gas generator and a part of an airbag module, including an alignment mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an external view of the gas generator shown in Figure 1, viewed from the bottom. [Figure 3] This figure shows a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] A figure including at least a part of the alignment mechanism according to the second embodiment, wherein (a) is an external view of the gas generator as seen from the bottom side, and (b) is a figure showing a cross-section of the gas generator and a part of the airbag module as seen from the direction of the arrow in (a). [Figure 5] A diagram including at least a part of the alignment mechanism according to the third embodiment, wherein (a) is an external view of the gas generator as seen from the bottom side, and (b) is a diagram used to explain when the gas generator is attached to the airbag module. [Figure 6] This diagram is used to explain the mounting state of the gas generator to the airbag module in Figure 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] <First Embodiment> The alignment mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Note that the gas generator 100 shown in Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Figure 2.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the alignment mechanisms 80A and 80B are incorporated into parts of the gas generator 100 and parts of the airbag modules 90A and 90B. The alignment mechanisms 80A and 80B will be described in detail below, along with descriptions of the gas generator 100 and the airbag modules 90A and 90B.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the gas generator 100 in this embodiment has a short, substantially cylindrical housing with both axial ends closed. Inside this housing is a storage space where internal components such as a holding part 30, an igniter 40, a cup-shaped member 50, a propellant charge 56, a gas generating agent 61, a lower holding member 62, an upper holding member 63, a cushioning material 64, and a filter 70 are housed. Furthermore, a gas generating agent storage chamber 60, which mainly houses the gas generating agent 61 among the aforementioned internal components, is located inside the housing space.

[0014] The short, roughly cylindrical housing includes a lower shell 10 and an upper shell 20. Each of the lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20 is made from a press-formed product formed by press-working a rolled metal plate-like member.

[0015] The lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20 are each formed in a bottomed substantially cylindrical shape, and the housing is configured by combining and joining them so that their opening surfaces face each other. The lower shell 10 has a bottom plate portion 11 and a peripheral wall portion 12, and the upper shell 20 has a top plate portion 21 and a peripheral wall portion 22. Thereby, the axial ends of the housing are closed by the top plate portion 21 and the bottom plate portion 11. In addition, for the joining of the lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20, electron beam welding, laser welding, friction pressure welding, or the like can be preferably used.

[0016] Further, the upper shell 20 further has a flange 25 standing upright outward continuously from the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 22. As shown in FIG. 2, the flange 25 has alignment protrusions 81A and 81B and fixing protrusions 91A and 91B.

[0017] The alignment protrusions 81A and 81B are provided symmetrically with respect to the center of the upper shell 20 and protruding outward from the outer edge of the flange 25 as shown in FIG. 2. In addition, each of the alignment protrusions 81A and 81B has bottomed cylindrical convex portions 83A and 83B formed by embossing so as to protrude upward as shown in FIG. 1. The convex portion 83A can be inserted or press-fitted into a hole portion 82A (insertion portion) provided in an airbag module 90A (only a part is shown in FIG. 1). Similarly, the convex portion 83B can be inserted or press-fitted into a hole portion 82B (insertion portion) provided in an airbag module 90B (only a part is shown in FIG. 1). The airbag modules 90A and 90B are parts for fixedly supporting the housing of the gas generator 100.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, the fixing protrusions 91A and 91B are provided symmetrically with respect to the center of the upper shell 20 and protrude outward from the outer edge of the flange 25, and are positioned to intersect the positions of the alignment protrusions 81A and 81B at a 90° angle. Furthermore, each of the fixing protrusions 91A and 91B has mounting holes 92A and 92B, as shown in Figure 2. The mounting holes 92A and 92B are formed to correspond to the positions of two holes (not shown) that will be fixed to the airbag module, and as in the conventional method, the mounting holes 92A and 92B can be fixed to each of the two holes using fasteners (mounting devices) such as bolts and nuts or rivets.

[0019] Here, we will describe a method for quickly and easily aligning the mounting holes 92A and 92B of the fixing protrusions 91A and 91B with the positions of the two holes provided in the airbag module, and fixing the gas generator 100 to the airbag module. First, one of the protrusions 83A and 83B of the alignment protrusions 81A and 81B is inserted into one of the holes 82A and 82B of the airbag module 90A and 90B, and using this as a starting point, the remaining protrusion is inserted into the remaining hole. At this time, the mounting holes 92A and 92B of the fixing protrusions 91A and 91B will automatically align with the positions of the two holes (not shown) provided in the airbag module. After that, as in the conventional method, the mounting holes 92A and 92B are fixed to each of the two holes using fasteners (fixing devices) such as bolts and nuts or rivets. In this way, it is only necessary to fix the gas generator 100 in two places with fasteners, making it possible to attach the gas generator 100 to the airbag module more quickly and easily than before. Furthermore, by making the diameters of the two holes provided in the airbag module the same as the diameters of the holes 82A and 82B in the airbag modules 90A and 90B, even if the gas generator 100 is installed with a phase shift of 90° in the direction of the housing periphery, the mounting holes 92A and 92B of the fixing protrusions 91A and 91B can be quickly and easily aligned with the position of the holes provided in the airbag module, as described above. In other words, the alignment of the gas generator 100 in the direction of the housing periphery to the airbag module can be made quickly and easily, making it possible to attach the gas generator 100 to the airbag module more quickly and easily than before.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, a protruding cylindrical portion 13 is provided in the center of the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10, projecting toward the top plate portion 21, thereby forming a recessed portion 14 in the center of the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10. The protruding cylindrical portion 13 is the part to which the igniter 40 is fixed via the aforementioned holding portion 30, and the recessed portion 14 is the part that provides space for a female connector portion 34 to be provided on the holding portion 30.

[0021] The protruding cylindrical portion 13 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a bottom, and a circular opening 15 is provided at its axial end located on the top plate portion 21 side. This opening 15 is the portion through which a pair of terminal pins 42 of the igniter 40 are inserted.

[0022] The lower shell 10 is manufactured by press-forming a rolled metal plate as described above. Specifically, the lower shell 10 is manufactured by pressing a single rolled metal plate from above and below using a pair of molds, for example, consisting of an upper die and a lower die, to form it into the shape shown in the figure.

[0023] Here, the metal plate-like member constituting the lower shell 10 is, for example, a metal plate made of stainless steel, iron or steel, aluminum alloy, or stainless steel alloy, and preferably a so-called high-tensile steel plate that does not break or fail even when a tensile stress of 440 MPa to 780 MPa is applied is preferably used. The press work may be carried out by hot forging or cold forging, but from the viewpoint of improving dimensional accuracy, cold forging is more preferably used.

[0024] The upper shell 20 is manufactured by press-forming a rolled metal plate as described above. Specifically, the upper shell 20 is manufactured by pressing a single rolled metal plate from above and below using a pair of molds, for example, consisting of an upper die and a lower die, to form it into the shape shown in the figure. Here, as with the case of the lower shell 10 described above, a metal plate made of stainless steel, iron or steel, aluminum alloy, or stainless steel alloy can be used as the metal plate that constitutes the upper shell 20.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the igniter 40 is an ignition device for generating a flame, and comprises an ignition unit 41 and the pair of terminal pins 42 described above. The ignition unit 41 contains an igniter that generates a flame by igniting and burning when in operation, and a resistor for igniting the igniter. The pair of terminal pins 42 are connected to the ignition unit 41 for igniting the igniter.

[0026] More specifically, the ignition unit 41 comprises a squib cup formed in the shape of a cup, and a base that closes the open end of the squib cup and holds a pair of terminal pins 42 through which they are inserted. A resistor (bridge wire) is attached to connect the tips of the pair of terminal pins 42 inserted into the squib cup, and an igniter is loaded into the squib cup so as to surround or be close to the resistor.

[0027] Here, nichrome wire is generally used as the resistor, and ZPP (zirconium-potassium perchlorate), ZWPP (zirconium-tungsten-potassium perchlorate), lead tricinate, etc. are generally used as the igniter. The squib cup and base mentioned above are generally made of metal or plastic.

[0028] As the resin used for the holding part 30, a resin material with excellent heat resistance, durability, corrosion resistance, etc. after curing is preferably selected and used. In this case, it is not limited to thermosetting resins such as epoxy resin, but it is also possible to use thermoplastic resins such as polybutylene terephthalate resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, polyamide resin (for example, nylon 6 or nylon 66, etc.), polypropylene sulfide resin, and polypropylene oxide resin. When selecting these thermoplastic resins as raw materials, it is preferable to include glass fibers or the like as fillers in these resin materials in order to ensure the mechanical strength of the holding part 30 after molding. However, if sufficient mechanical strength can be ensured with thermoplastic resin alone, it is not necessary to add the above-mentioned fillers.

[0029] When a collision is detected, a predetermined amount of current flows through the resistor via terminal pin 42. This current generates Joule heat in the resistor, causing the igniter to begin burning. The resulting high-temperature flame ruptures the squib cup containing the igniter. The time from when current flows through the resistor until the igniter 40 activates is generally less than 2 milliseconds when a nichrome wire is used for the resistor.

[0030] The igniter 40 is attached to the bottom plate portion 11 by being inserted from the inside of the lower shell 10 so that the terminal pin 42 is inserted through the opening 15 provided in the protruding cylindrical portion 13. Specifically, a retaining portion 30 made of resin molded material is provided around the protruding cylindrical portion 13 on the bottom plate portion 11, and the igniter 40 is fixed to the bottom plate portion 11 by being held by the retaining portion 30.

[0031] Here, the size of the opening 15 provided in the protruding cylindrical portion 13 is smaller than the outer diameter of the ignition portion 41, which is the largest outer diameter part of the igniter 40. By configuring it in this way, even if the holding portion 30 is unexpectedly damaged, it is possible to prevent the igniter 40 from passing through the opening 15 and flying out of the housing due to the pressure rise inside the housing, thereby ensuring the safe operation of the gas generator 100.

[0032] The retaining portion 30 is formed by injection molding (more specifically, insert molding) using a mold. It is formed by adhering a fluid insulating resin material to the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10, through an opening 15 provided in the bottom plate portion 11, so that it reaches from a part of the inner surface to a part of the outer surface of the bottom plate portion 11, and then solidifying it. At this time, injection molding may be performed while compression is being carried out.

[0033] The igniter 40 is inserted from the inside of the lower shell 10 during the molding of the holding portion 30 so that the terminal pin 42 is inserted through the opening 15. In this state, the above-mentioned fluid insulating resin material is poured to fill the space between the igniter 40 and the lower shell 10, thereby fixing it to the bottom plate portion 11 via the holding portion 30. At this time, injection molding may be performed while compressing.

[0034] As the raw material for the retaining part 30 formed by injection molding, a resin material with excellent heat resistance, durability, corrosion resistance, etc. after curing is preferably selected and used. In this case, it is not limited to thermosetting resins such as epoxy resin, but it is also possible to use thermoplastic resins such as polybutylene terephthalate resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, polyamide resin (for example, nylon 6 or nylon 66, etc.), polypropylene sulfide resin, and polypropylene oxide resin. When selecting these thermoplastic resins as raw materials, it is preferable to include glass fibers or the like as fillers in these resin materials in order to ensure the mechanical strength of the retaining part 30 after molding. However, if sufficient mechanical strength can be ensured with thermoplastic resin alone, it is not necessary to add the fillers as described above.

[0035] The holding portion 30 has an inner covering portion 31 that covers a part of the inner surface of the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10, an outer covering portion 32 that covers a part of the outer surface of the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10, and a connecting portion 33 that is located within the opening 15 provided in the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10 and is continuous with the inner covering portion 31 and the outer covering portion 32, respectively.

[0036] The retaining portion 30 is fixed to the bottom plate portion 11 on the surface of the bottom plate portion 11 side of the inner covering portion 31, the outer covering portion 32, and the connecting portion 33. The retaining portion 30 is also fixed to the side and bottom surface of the portion of the ignition portion 41 of the igniter 40 that is near the lower end, and to the surface of the portion of the terminal pin 42 of the igniter 40 that is near the upper end. As a result, the opening 15 is completely filled by the terminal pin 42 and the retaining portion 30, and the airtightness of the space inside the housing is ensured by the sealing performance in that portion.

[0037] Furthermore, the inner covering portion 31 of the holding portion 30 is provided so as to cover only the axial end of the protruding cylindrical portion 13 provided on the bottom plate portion 11, and as a result the outer circumferential surface of the protruding cylindrical portion 13 located inside the housing is exposed and not covered by the holding portion 30.

[0038] A female connector portion 34 is formed on the outer surface of the outer covering portion 32 of the holding portion 30. This female connector portion 34 is a part for receiving a male connector (not shown) of a harness for connecting the igniter 40 and the control unit (not shown), and is located in a recess 14 provided in the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10.

[0039] A cup-shaped member 50 is assembled to the bottom plate portion 11 so as to cover the protruding cylindrical portion 13, the holding portion 30, and the igniter 40. The cup-shaped member 50 has a substantially cylindrical shape with an open end on the bottom plate portion 11 side, and contains a ignition chamber 55 containing a propellant charge 56 inside. The cup-shaped member 50 is positioned to protrude into the gas generating agent storage chamber 60 containing the gas generating agent 61, so that the ignition chamber 55 inside it faces the ignition portion 41 of the igniter 40.

[0040] The cup-shaped member 50 has a top wall portion 51 and a side wall portion 52 that define the fire transmission chamber 55 described above, and an extended portion 53 that extends radially outward from the open end side of the side wall portion 52. The extended portion 53 is formed to extend along the inner surface of the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10. Specifically, the extended portion 53 has a curved shape that conforms to the shape of the inner bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 11 in the portion where the protruding cylindrical portion 13 is provided and in its vicinity, and includes a tip portion 54 that extends radially outward in a flange-like manner.

[0041] The tip 54 of the extension 53 is positioned between the bottom plate 11 and the lower holding member 62 along the axial direction of the housing, and is thus sandwiched between the bottom plate 11 and the lower holding member 62 along the axial direction of the housing. Here, the lower holding member 62 is pressed toward the bottom plate 11 by the gas generating agent 61, cushioning material 64, upper holding member 63 and top plate 21 positioned above it, so the tip 54 of the extension 53 of the cup-shaped member 50 is pressed toward the bottom plate 11 by the lower holding member 62, and is fixed to the bottom plate 11.

[0042] Furthermore, the portion of the side wall 52 of the cup-shaped member 50 that is on the open end side is externally fitted onto the inner covering portion 31, which is located inside the housing of the holding portion 30, thereby press-fitting and fixing it to the holding portion 30. This press-fitting fixation is a fixing point that makes the assembly work of the cup-shaped member 50 to the housing easier, and this press-fitting fixation also fixes the cup-shaped member 50 to the bottom plate portion 11.

[0043] The cup-shaped member 50 has no openings in either its top wall 51 or side wall 52, and surrounds the ignition chamber 55 located inside it. This cup-shaped member 50 is designed to rupture or melt due to the pressure increase or heat conduction within the ignition chamber 55 when the propellant 56 is ignited by the operation of the igniter 40, and therefore a material with relatively low mechanical strength is used.

[0044] Therefore, the cup-shaped member 50 is preferably made of a metal such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, or a resin such as a thermosetting resin represented by epoxy resin, polybutylene terephthalate resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, polyamide resin (for example, nylon 6 or nylon 66), polypropylene sulfide resin, or polypropylene oxide resin.

[0045] In addition to the above, the cup-shaped member 50 can also be made of a metal member with high mechanical strength, such as iron or copper, which has an opening in its side wall portion 52 and has sealing tape attached to close the opening.

[0046] The ignition charge 56 filled in the ignition chamber 55 is ignited by the flame generated when the igniter 40 is activated, and burns, generating thermal particles. The ignition charge 56 must be able to reliably start the combustion of the gas generating agent 61, and generally, compositions consisting of metal powder / oxidizing agent, such as B / KNO3, are used. The ignition charge 56 can be in powder form or molded into a predetermined shape using a binder. Examples of shapes for ignition charge 56 molded with a binder include granules, cylindrical, sheet, spherical, single-hole cylindrical, porous cylindrical, and tablet shapes.

[0047] Within the internal space of the housing, which consists of a lower shell 10 and an upper shell 20, a gas generating agent storage chamber 60 containing a gas generating agent 61 is located in the space surrounding the portion where the cup-shaped member 50 described above is positioned. Specifically, as described above, the cup-shaped member 50 is positioned protruding into the gas generating agent storage chamber 60 formed inside the housing, and the space provided in the portion of the side wall portion 52 of the cup-shaped member 50 facing the outer surface constitutes the gas generating agent storage chamber 60.

[0048] Furthermore, a filter 70 is positioned along the inner circumference of the housing in the space surrounding the gas generating agent chamber 60 radially. The filter 70 has a cylindrical shape and is positioned so that its central axis substantially coincides with the axial direction of the housing, thereby surrounding the gas generating agent chamber 60 containing the gas generating agent 61 in the radial direction.

[0049] The gas generating agent 61 is an agent that generates gas by being ignited by thermal particles produced when the igniter 40 is activated and then combusted. Preferably, a non-azide gas generating agent is used as the gas generating agent 61, and generally, the gas generating agent 61 is formed as a molded body containing fuel, an oxidizer, and additives. As fuel, for example, triazole derivatives, tetrazole derivatives, guanidine derivatives, azodicarbonamide derivatives, hydrazine derivatives, etc., or combinations thereof can be used. Specifically, for example, nitroguanidine, guanidine nitrate, cyanoguanidine, 5-aminotetrazole, etc., are suitably used. As oxidizer, for example, basic nitrates such as basic copper nitrate, perchlorates such as ammonium perchlorate and potassium perchlorate, or nitrates containing cations selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, and ammonia can be used. For example, sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate are suitably used as nitrates. Additives include binders, slag-forming agents, and combustion regulators. Suitable binders include, for example, organic binders such as metal salts of carboxymethylcellulose and stearates, or inorganic binders such as synthetic hydroxytalcite and acid clay. Suitable slag-forming agents include silicon nitride, silica, and acid clay. Suitable combustion modifiers include metal oxides, ferrosilicon, activated carbon, and graphite.

[0050] The molded body of the gas generating agent 61 can take various shapes, such as granular, pelletized, cylindrical, or disc-shaped forms. In addition, cylindrical molded bodies with perforations (e.g., single-hole cylindrical or multi-hole cylindrical) with through holes inside the molded body are also used. These shapes are preferably selected appropriately according to the specifications of the airbag device into which the gas generator 100 is incorporated. For example, it is preferable to select an optimal shape according to the specifications, such as selecting a shape in which the gas generation rate changes over time during the combustion of the gas generating agent 61. Furthermore, in addition to the shape of the gas generating agent 61, it is also preferable to appropriately select the size and filling amount of the molded body by taking into consideration the linear combustion rate and pressure index of the gas generating agent 61.

[0051] The filter 70 can be made from, for example, metal wire such as stainless steel or iron wire wound and sintered, a mesh material made by pressing and compressing a mesh material woven from metal wire, or a perforated metal plate wound around the filter. Specifically, the mesh material can be knitted wire mesh, plain woven wire mesh, or an assembly of crimped metal wire. As for the perforated metal plate, for example, expanded metal made by cutting a metal plate in a staggered pattern and then expanding the cuts to form holes and create a mesh pattern, or hook metal made by drilling holes in a metal plate and then flattening the burrs that form around the edges of the holes. In this case, the size and shape of the holes formed can be changed as needed, and holes of different sizes and shapes may be included on the same metal plate. As for the metal plate, for example, steel plate (mild steel) or stainless steel plate can be suitably used, and non-ferrous metal plates such as aluminum, copper, titanium, nickel, or alloys thereof can also be used.

[0052] The filter 70 functions as a cooling means to cool the gas generated in the gas generating agent containment chamber 60 by removing the high-temperature heat from the gas as it passes through the filter 70, and also functions as a removal means to remove residue (slag) and other substances contained in the gas. Therefore, in order to sufficiently cool the gas and prevent residue from being released to the outside, it is necessary to ensure that the gas generated in the gas generating agent containment chamber 60 reliably passes through the filter 70.

[0053] Multiple gas outlets 23 are provided on the peripheral wall portion 22 of the upper shell 20 facing the filter 70 (i.e., the peripheral wall portion located on the side of the top plate portion 21 that is closer to the position where the flange 25 is provided). These gas outlets 23 are for guiding the gas that has passed through the filter 70 to the outside of the housing. A sealing tape 24 is applied to the main surface of the peripheral wall portion 22 of the upper shell 20 that is on the filter 70 side, so as to close the gas outlets 23. As this sealing tape 24, aluminum foil or the like with an adhesive material applied to one side is used. This ensures the airtightness of the gas generating agent containment chamber 60.

[0054] A lower holding member 62 is positioned near the end of the gas generating agent chamber 60 that is located on the bottom plate portion 11 side. The lower holding member 62 has an annular shape and is positioned to cover the boundary between the filter 70 and the bottom plate portion 11. The lower holding member 62 positions and holds the filter 70 by contacting the inner circumferential surface of the filter 70 located on the bottom plate portion 11 side, and also holds the cup-shaped member 50 by sandwiching its tip portion 54 between itself and the bottom plate portion 11.

[0055] The lower holding member 62 prevents the gas generated in the gas generating agent containment chamber 60 from flowing out through the gap between the lower end of the filter 70 and the bottom plate portion 11 during operation, without passing through the inside of the filter 70. The lower holding member 62 is formed, for example, by pressing a metal plate, and is preferably made of a steel plate such as ordinary steel or special steel (for example, cold-rolled steel plate or stainless steel plate).

[0056] An upper holding member 63 is positioned at the end of the gas generating agent containment chamber 60 that is located on the side facing the top plate portion 21. The upper holding member 63 has a roughly disc-like shape and is positioned to cover the boundary between the filter 70 and the top plate portion 21. The upper holding member 63 positions and holds the filter 70 by contacting the inner circumferential surface of the filter 70 located on the side facing the top plate portion 21, and also holds the cushioning material 64 that is placed inside it.

[0057] The upper holding member 63 prevents the gas generated in the gas generating agent containment chamber 60 from flowing out through the gap between the upper end of the filter 70 and the top plate portion 21 during operation, without passing through the inside of the filter 70. The upper holding member 63, like the lower holding member 62, is formed, for example, by pressing a metal plate, and is preferably made of a steel plate such as ordinary steel or special steel (for example, cold-rolled steel plate or stainless steel plate).

[0058] An annular cushioning material 64 is positioned inside the upper holding member 63 so as to contact the gas generating agent 61 housed in the gas generating agent storage chamber 60. As a result, the cushioning material 64 is positioned between the top plate portion 21 and the gas generating agent 61 in the portion of the gas generating agent storage chamber 60 that faces the top plate portion 21, pressing the gas generating agent 61 toward the bottom plate portion 11. This cushioning material 64 is provided to prevent the molded gas generating agent 61 from being crushed by vibration or the like, and is preferably made of a molded ceramic fiber, a molded zeolite, rock wool, foamed resin (e.g., foamed silicone, foamed polypropylene, foamed polyethylene, etc.), or rubber such as chloroprene and EPDM.

[0059] Next, the operation of the gas generator 100 during operation, as described above, will be explained. When a vehicle equipped with the gas generator 100 in this embodiment is involved in a collision, the collision is detected by a collision detection means separately provided on the vehicle, and based on this, the igniter 40 is activated by power supplied from a control unit separately provided on the vehicle. The propellant charge 56 contained in the propellant chamber 55 is ignited and burns by the flame generated when the igniter 40 is activated, generating a large amount of thermal particles. The combustion of this propellant charge 56 causes the cup-shaped member 50 to rupture or melt, and the aforementioned thermal particles flow into the gas generating agent containment chamber 60.

[0060] The incoming thermal particles ignite and burn the gas generating agent 61 contained in the gas generating agent chamber 60, generating a large amount of gas. The gas generated in the gas generating agent chamber 60 passes through the filter 70, where it is cooled as heat is removed, and the slag contained in the gas is removed by the filter 70 before flowing into the outer edge of the housing.

[0061] As the internal pressure of the housing increases, the seal provided by the sealing tape 24 that was blocking the gas outlet 23 of the upper shell 20 is broken, and gas is ejected to the outside of the housing through the gas outlet 23. The ejected gas is introduced into the airbag located adjacent to the gas generator 100, causing the airbag to inflate and deploy.

[0062] According to this embodiment, alignment mechanisms 80A and 80B are provided that enable the gas generator 100 to be attached to an airbag module or the like more quickly and easily than in the conventional method.

[0063] Furthermore, the housing of the gas generator 100 is made of high-strength metal components capable of withstanding the pressure of the generated gas during operation. Therefore, when the protrusions 83A and 83B are formed integrally with the housing, they have sufficient strength to replace fasteners such as bolts. In other words, the properties of conventional metal components used to form the housing can be effectively utilized.

[0064] Here, as one modification, instead of the bottomed cylindrical protrusions 83A and 83B, a bottomless cylindrical protrusion 83C may be formed by burring, as shown in Figure 3. Even in this modification, the same effects and advantages as in the first embodiment can be achieved. Note that in Figure 3, parts other than the protrusion 83C are the same as in the above embodiment, so the reference numerals are omitted.

[0065] <Second Embodiment> Next, the alignment mechanism according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 4. In this embodiment, reference numerals with the same last two digits as those in the first embodiment are the same and their descriptions may be omitted. Also, parts that are not specifically described are the same as those in the first embodiment and their descriptions may be omitted.

[0066] The alignment mechanisms 180A and 180B in this embodiment differ from the first embodiment in that (1) instead of bottomed cylindrical protrusions 83A and 83B, they have plate-shaped protrusions 183A and 183B that are erected upward from the protruding portion 181A, and (2) instead of holes 82A and 82B in the airbag modules 90A and 90B, the airbag modules 190A and 190B have slit-shaped holes 182A and 182B into which the plate-shaped protrusions 183A and 183B can be inserted or press-fitted.

[0067] According to this embodiment, the same effects and advantages as in the first embodiment can be achieved.

[0068] <Third Embodiment> Next, the alignment mechanism according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. In this embodiment, reference numerals with the same last two digits as those in the first embodiment are the same and their descriptions may be omitted. Also, parts that are not specifically described are the same as those in the first embodiment and their descriptions may be omitted.

[0069] As shown in Figure 5(b), the alignment mechanisms 280A, 280B, and 280C in this embodiment not only have the same alignment function as in the above embodiments, but also a mounting and fixing function. A detailed explanation follows.

[0070] As shown in Figure 5(a), the gas generator 300 differs from the gas generator 100 of the first embodiment in that it has protrusions 281A, 281B, and 281C instead of alignment protrusions 81A, 81B and fixing protrusions 91A, 91B. Furthermore, the alignment mechanism 280A differs from the alignment mechanisms 80A and 80B of the first embodiment in that it has an insertion portion 282A, which is part of the airbag module 290A (only partially shown), and a pair of clamping members 282A1 and 282A2 that clamp the protrusion 281A, shown by the dashed line in Figure 5(b), when it is inserted into the insertion portion 282A (see Figure 6) so as to rotate around the axis of the gas generator 300. Alignment mechanisms 280B and 280C are the same as alignment mechanism 280A, except that their positions are different (they are shifted (rotated) by 120° each from alignment mechanism 280A with respect to the central axis of the gas generator 300 in Figure 5(b)), so their explanation is omitted. Also, the overall airbag modules 290A, 290B, and 290C are not shown in the illustration.

[0071] Each of the clamping members 282A1 and 282A2 is a leaf spring, and the principle of this leaf spring (elastic force) is used to clamp and fix the protrusion 281A. Similarly, each of the clamping members 282B1 and 282B2 clamps and fixes the protrusion 281B, and each of the clamping members 282C1 and 282C2 clamps and fixes the protrusion 281C. In other words, each of the sets of clamping members 282A1 and 282A2, 282B1 and 282B2, and 282C1 and 282C2 not only forms the insertion portion 282A, but also becomes part of the fixed portion to which the gas generator 300 can be attached and fixed to the airbag module.

[0072] According to this embodiment, the same effects and advantages as in the first embodiment can be achieved. Furthermore, when attaching the gas generator 300 to the airbag module, fasteners such as bolts are not required, thus contributing to a reduction in the number of parts compared to conventional designs. In addition, when inflating a large-capacity airbag, two gas generators may be used. In such cases, arranging the gas generators 300, which have a roughly triangular housing as in this embodiment, in a staggered pattern makes it possible to save space. Moreover, the same space-saving effect can be obtained when transporting and storing the roughly triangular upper shell 220 and the gas generator 300, thus reducing transportation costs and storage space.

[0073] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the above description of embodiments, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. For example, although not shown, a long cylindrical so-called cylinder-type housing may be used instead of the housing of the above embodiments.

[0074] Furthermore, although two fixing protrusions were used in the first and second embodiments described above, when attaching and fixing the gas generator housing to the airbag module, one fixing protrusion may be used as long as it can be securely attached. In this case, the number of mounting holes on the airbag module side should be the same as the number of fixing protrusions.

[0075] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, the gas generator housing may be modified to be attached and fixed to the airbag module using three or more fixing protrusions. In this case, the number of mounting holes on the airbag module side should be the same as the number of fixing protrusions. When using three fixing protrusions, it is preferable to provide them at equal intervals so that the shape of the gas generator housing has a substantially triangular appearance.

[0076] Furthermore, although two alignment protrusions were used in the first and second embodiments described above, it is also possible to provide only one alignment protrusion and use only this protrusion as the starting point for alignment, while guiding the fixing protrusion to the position of the mounting hole of the airbag module. In this case, the number of insertion parts on the airbag module side should be the same as the number of alignment protrusions.

[0077] Furthermore, although two alignment protrusions were used in the first and second embodiments described above, three or more alignment protrusions may be provided. In this case, the number of insertion parts on the airbag module side should be the same as the number of alignment protrusions.

[0078] Furthermore, although the third embodiment described above shows a configuration with three alignment protrusions (which also serve as fixing protrusions), a configuration with two alignment protrusions (which also serve as fixing protrusions), or a configuration with four or more alignment protrusions (which also serve as fixing protrusions), may also be provided. In this case, the number of fixing parts integrated with the insertion part on the airbag module side should be the same as the number of alignment protrusions (which also serve as fixing protrusions).

[0079] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the flange is provided on the upper shell, and the alignment projection and fixing projection are provided as extensions from the flange, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the alignment projection and fixing projection may be provided so as to protrude directly from the peripheral wall of the upper shell or the peripheral wall of the lower shell. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 10, 110, 210 Lower shell 11, 111, 211 Bottom plate part 12, 112, 212 Peripheral wall part 13, 113, 213 Projected cylinder part 14. Recessed area 15 Opening 20, 120, 220 Upper shell 21, 121, 221 Top panel 22, 122, 222 Peripheral wall part 23, 123, 223 Gas nozzles 24 Seal tape 25, 125, 225 flanges 30, 130, 230 holding part 31 Inner covering 32, 132, 232 Outer covering part 33 Connecting part 34, 134, 234 Female connector section 40 Igniter 41 Ignition part Terminal pins 42, 142, 242 50 Cup-shaped member 51 Top wall 52 Side wall section 53 Extension section 54 Tip 55 Fire transmission room 56. Explosives 60 Gas Generating Agent Storage Room 61 Gas generating agent 62 Lower retaining member 63 Upper retaining member 64 Cushioning material 70 filters 80A, 80B, 180A, 180B, 280A, 280B, 280C Alignment Mechanism 81A, 81B, 181A, 181B, 281A, 281B, 281C Alignment protrusions 82A, 82B, 182A, 182B Hole 83A, 83B, 83C, 183A, 183B protrusions 90A, 90B, 190A, 190B, 290A, 290B, 290C Airbag Modules 91A, 91B, 191A, 191B Fixing protrusion 92A, 92B, 192A, 192B mounting holes 100, 200, 300 gas generators 281A, 281B, 281C protrusion 282A Inserted part 282A1, 282A2, 282B1, 282B2, 282C1, 282C2 Hijacking Components

Claims

1. A gas generator having a housing and a fixing projection provided on the housing so as to protrude outward from the side of the housing and for fixing to a part of an airbag module, the alignment mechanism for aligning the fixing position of the fixing projection with the fixing position of the airbag module, A positioning projection is provided on the housing, separate from the aforementioned fixing projection, and is positioned offset from the position of the fixing projection so as to protrude outward from the side surface of the housing, An insertable portion provided in the airbag module into which at least a portion of the alignment projection is fitted, wherein the insertable portion allows for alignment of the mounting position of the fixing projection with respect to the fixing portion of the airbag module, starting from the insertion of the alignment projection into the insertable portion, A positioning mechanism characterized by having the following features.

2. The part to be inserted is a hole, At least a portion of the alignment projection is a protrusion that is fitted into the hole, The aforementioned fixing projection is provided with a mounting hole. The alignment mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixed portion of the airbag module is provided with a hole through which the fixing projection can be fixed by an attachment device via the mounting hole.

3. A gas generator having a housing and a fixing projection provided on the housing so as to protrude outward from the side surface of the housing and for fixing to a part of an airbag module, wherein the fixing projection of the gas generator is aligned with the fixing position of the part of the airbag module, A positioning projection that also serves as the same component as the aforementioned fixing projection, An insertable portion provided in the airbag module into which at least a portion of the alignment projection is fitted, wherein the insertable portion allows for alignment of the mounting position of the fixing projection with respect to the fixing portion of the airbag module, starting from the insertion of the alignment projection into the insertable portion, It is equipped with, Two or more of the aforementioned fixing protrusions are provided, At least two of the aforementioned fixing protrusions also serve as the aforementioned alignment protrusions. The number of insertion portions is the same as the number of alignment protrusions, Of the fixed portions, each of the fixed portions is formed integrally with each of the inserted portions, with the same number of fixed portions as the alignment protrusions. Each of the fixed portions, which is integrated with the inserted portion, has a set of clamping members that clamp and fix the alignment projection when it is inserted into the inserted portion. An alignment mechanism characterized in that, in conjunction with the movement of inserting the housing into the insertion portion with rotation around the axis of the housing, the pair of clamping members clamp and fix the alignment projection.

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