Gas generator and method for manufacturing gas generator

Abstract

[Problem] To provide: a gas generator in which a connector pocket part is protected from the effects of the environment before being incorporated in an air bag device, and which has a seal part that is easy to remove when incorporating in the air bag device; and a manufacturing method for the same. [Solution] The gas generator 100 accommodates a short, substantially cylindrical housing, a holding part 30, an igniter 40, a cup-shaped member 50, a transfer charge 59, a gas generating agent 61, a lower support member 70, an upper support member 80, a cushion material 85, and a filter 90 and the like. In addition, a combustion chamber 60 mainly containing the gas generating agent 61 is located in an accommodation space provided inside the housing. The housing includes a lower shell 10 and an upper shell 20. A female connector part 34, in an initial state, is covered with a seal part 16 stuck to the bottom surface of a bottom plate part 11. The seal part 16 has a substantially horseshoe-shaped first portion 17 and a second portion 18 disposed inside the first portion 17.

Description

Gas generator and method for manufacturing gas generator

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas generator to be incorporated into an occupant protection device for protecting an occupant in the event of a collision of a vehicle or the like, and a method for manufacturing the gas generator.

[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 ignites the igniter with the flame generated by the igniter, burning the gas generating agent and instantly generating a large amount of gas, which inflates and deploys the airbag.

[0004] Gas generators have a variety of structures, but a gas generator that is particularly suitable for use in a driver's side airbag device, a passenger's side airbag device, etc. is a short, approximately cylindrical disk-type gas generator with a relatively large outer diameter.

[0005] A disk-type gas generator has a short, approximately cylindrical housing with both axial ends closed, a plurality of gas outlets provided in the peripheral wall of the housing, a transfer charge contained inside the housing so as to face an igniter assembled to the housing, a gas generating agent filled inside the housing so as to surround the transfer charge, and a filter contained inside the housing so as to further surround the gas generating agent.

[0006] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a laminated film (sealing portion) that covers the plug receiver (connector pocket portion), base body, and sealing material of an igniter to protect it from environmental influences.

[0007] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-134605

[0008] The laminated film of Patent Document 1 must be removed in order to attach a connector to the connector pocket when the laminated film is installed in an airbag device. However, the laminated film of Patent Document 1 is thought to be simply attached to the bottom of the housing, making it difficult to remove.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a gas generator that not only protects the connector pocket portion from environmental influences before being incorporated into an airbag device, but also has an easily removable seal portion for attaching a connector to the connector pocket portion when being incorporated into an airbag device, and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0010] (1) a connector pocket portion assembled to the bottom plate portion and capable of receiving a connector portion capable of electrically connecting with the igniter; and a seal portion integrally having a first portion covering at least a portion of a periphery of the connector pocket portion on the outside of a bottom surface of the bottom plate portion, and a second portion covering at least the connector pocket portion from the outside of the bottom plate portion, wherein a surface of at least the first portion of the seal portion facing the bottom plate portion is adhered to the outside of the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion with an adhesive or a bonding agent, and wherein at least a part of a boundary portion between the first portion and the second portion is provided with a fragile portion that allows the second portion to be separated from the first portion.

[0011] (2) In the gas generator of (1) above, it is preferable that the surface of the second portion on the side of the bottom plate portion is not adhered to the outside of the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion by an adhesive or glue.

[0012] (3) From another viewpoint, in the gas generator of (1) above, the fragile portion may be a perforation, and when the second portion is separated from the first portion, a perforation mark may remain in the first portion at a location that was the boundary between the first portion and the second portion.

[0013] (4) From another viewpoint, in the gas generator of (1) above, a plurality of the igniters may be provided on the bottom plate portion, the same number of the connector pocket portions may be provided on the bottom plate portion as the igniters, and the same number of the second portions may be provided as the connector pocket portions.

[0014] (5) A method of manufacturing a gas generator according to the present invention is a method of manufacturing a gas generator comprising: a short cylindrical housing constituted by a cylindrical peripheral wall portion provided with a gas outlet, a top plate portion closing one axial end of the peripheral wall portion, and a bottom plate portion closing the other axial end of the peripheral wall portion, the housing having a combustion chamber therein containing a gas generating agent; an igniter assembled to the bottom plate portion and including an ignition portion housing an ignition charge that ignites when activated; and a connector pocket assembled to the bottom plate portion and capable of receiving a connector portion that can be electrically connected to the igniter, the method comprising: a first portion covering at least a part of a periphery of the connector pocket on the outside of the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion; The connector assembly has at least a second part that covers the connector pocket portion from the outside of the bottom plate portion, and at least the surface of the first part facing the bottom plate portion is adhered to the outside of the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion with an adhesive or glue, and includes an attachment process of attaching a sealing part, which has a fragile part at the boundary between the first part and the second part that allows the second part to be separated from the first part, to the outside of the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion, a separation process of separating the second part from the sealing part along the fragile part after the attachment process, and an attachment process of attaching the connector part to the connector pocket portion after the separation process.

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gas generator having an easily removable seal portion that not only protects the connector pocket portion from environmental influences before being incorporated into an airbag device, but also allows the connector portion to be attached to the connector pocket portion when being incorporated into an airbag device, and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a disk-shaped gas generator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a seal portion used in the disk-shaped gas generator of FIG. 1, with (a) showing the initial state and (b) showing a state where the second portion has been separated from the first portion. FIG. 2 is a diagram of the disk-shaped gas generator of FIG. 1 viewed from the bottom side, with (a) showing the initial state and (b) showing a state where the second portion has been separated from the first portion. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a seal portion used in a disk-shaped gas generator according to a modification of the present invention, with (a) showing the initial state and (b) showing a state where the second portion has been separated from the first portion. FIG. 2 is a diagram of the disk-shaped gas generator according to a modification of the present invention viewed from the bottom side, with (a) showing the initial state and (b) showing a state where the second portion has been separated from the first portion. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a seal portion used in a disk-shaped gas generator according to another modification of the present invention, with (a) showing the initial state and (b) showing a state where the second portion has been separated from the first portion. 1A and 1B are views of a disk-shaped gas generator according to another modified example of the present invention, viewed from the bottom side, where (a) is a view showing the initial state and (b) is a view showing a state where the second portion has been separated from the first portion. FIG. 1B is a schematic view showing a seal portion used in a disk-shaped gas generator according to another modified example of the present invention, where (a) is a view showing the initial state and (b) is a view showing a state where the second portion has been separated from the first portion. FIG. 1C is a schematic view showing a seal portion used in a disk-shaped gas generator according to another modified example of the present invention, where (a) is a view showing the initial state and (b) is a view showing a state where the second portion has been separated from the first portion. FIG. 1C is a schematic view showing a seal portion used in a disk-shaped gas generator according to another modified example of the present invention, where (a) is a view showing the initial state and (b) is a view showing a state where the second portion has been separated from the first portion. FIG. 1D is a view of a disk-shaped gas generator according to another modified example of the present invention, viewed from the bottom side, where (a) is a view showing the initial state and (b) is a view showing a state where the second portion has been separated from the first portion.

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiment shown below is a disk-type gas generator that is suitably incorporated into an airbag device mounted on the steering wheel of an automobile or the like.

[0018] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a disk-type gas generator 100 in an embodiment of the present invention. First, with reference to Fig. 1, the configuration of disk-type gas generator 100 in the present embodiment will be described.

[0019] 1 , disk-type gas generator 100 has a short, substantially cylindrical housing with one and the other axial ends closed, and an accommodating space provided inside this housing accommodates internal components such as holding portion 30, igniter 40, cup-shaped member 50, transfer charge 59, gas generating agent 61, lower support member 70, upper support member 80, cushion material 85, and filter 90. Also, a combustion chamber 60 is located in the accommodating space provided inside the housing, and primarily accommodates gas generating agent 61, one of the above-mentioned internal components.

[0020] The housing includes a lower shell 10 and an upper shell 20. Each of the lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20 is a press-formed product formed, for example, by pressing a rolled metal plate-like member. The metal plate-like members constituting the lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20 are made of metal plates made of, for example, stainless steel, iron steel, aluminum alloy, stainless alloy, etc., and preferably so-called high-tensile steel plates that do not break or otherwise undergo damage even when a tensile stress of 440 MPa or more and 780 MPa or less is applied.

[0021] The lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20 are each formed in a generally cylindrical shape with a bottom, and are joined together with their open surfaces facing each other to form a housing. 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.

[0022] The upper end of the peripheral wall 12 of the lower shell 10 is inserted into the lower end of the peripheral wall 22 of the upper shell 20 and press-fitted. Furthermore, the peripheral wall 12 of the lower shell 10 and the peripheral wall 22 of the upper shell 20 are joined at or near their contact point, thereby fixing the lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20 together. Here, electron beam welding, laser welding, friction welding, or the like can be suitably used to join the lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20 together.

[0023] As a result, the portion of the peripheral wall of the housing closer to the bottom plate 11 is formed by the peripheral wall 12 of the lower shell 10, and the portion of the peripheral wall of the housing closer to the top plate 21 is formed by the peripheral wall 22 of the upper shell 20. One end and the other end in the axial direction of the housing are closed by the bottom plate 11 of the lower shell 10 and the top plate 21 of the upper shell 20, respectively.

[0024] A protruding cylindrical portion 13 that protrudes toward the top plate portion 21 is provided in the center of the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10, 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 a portion where the igniter 40 is fixed via the holding portion 30, and the recessed portion 14 is a portion that provides a space for providing the female connector portion 34 in the holding portion 30.

[0025] The protruding tube portion 13 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with a bottom, and has an opening 15 that is asymmetrical in a plan view (e.g., D-shaped, barrel-shaped, elliptical, etc.) at its axial end portion located on the top plate portion 21 side. The opening 15 is a portion through which a pair of terminal pins 42 of the igniter 40 is inserted.

[0026] The igniter 40 is for generating a flame and includes an ignition unit 41 and the above-mentioned pair of terminal pins 42. The ignition unit 41 contains an ignition charge that ignites and burns to generate a flame when activated, and a resistor for igniting the ignition charge. The pair of terminal pins 42 are connected to the ignition unit 41 to ignite the ignition charge.

[0027] More specifically, the ignition unit 41 comprises a cup-shaped squib cup and a plug that closes the open end of the squib cup and through which a pair of terminal pins 42 are inserted and held; a resistor (bridge wire) is attached so as to connect the tips of the pair of terminal pins 42 inserted into the squib cup; and an ignition charge is loaded into the squib cup so as to surround or be adjacent to the resistor.

[0028] Here, nichrome wire or the like is generally used as the resistor, and ZPP (zirconium potassium perchlorate), ZWPP (zirconium tungsten potassium perchlorate), lead tricinate, etc. are generally used as the ignition charge. The squib cup and plug are generally made of metal or plastic.

[0029] When a collision is detected, a predetermined amount of current flows through the resistor via the terminal pin 42. This current flow generates Joule heat in the resistor, causing the ignition charge to begin burning. The high-temperature flame generated by the combustion ruptures 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 ms or less when nichrome wire is used for the resistor.

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

[0031] The retaining portion 30 is formed by injection molding (more specifically, insert molding) using a mold, and is formed by adhering an insulating fluid resin material to the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10 so that it passes through an opening 15 provided in the bottom plate portion 11 and reaches from a portion of the inner surface of the bottom plate portion 11 to a portion of the outer surface, and then solidifying it.

[0032] As the raw material for the retaining portion 30 formed by injection molding, a resin material that exhibits excellent heat resistance, durability, corrosion resistance, and the like after hardening is preferably selected and used. In this case, it is not limited to thermosetting resins such as epoxy resin, but thermoplastic resins such as polybutylene terephthalate resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, polyamide resin (e.g., nylon 6, nylon 66, etc.), polypropylene sulfide resin, and polypropylene oxide resin can also be used. When such a thermoplastic resin is selected as the raw material, it is preferable to incorporate glass fiber or the like as a filler into the resin material to ensure the mechanical strength of the retaining portion 30 after molding. However, if sufficient mechanical strength can be ensured with the thermoplastic resin alone, it is not necessary to add a filler as described above.

[0033] The retaining portion 30 has an inner covering portion 31 that covers part of the inner surface of the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10, an outer covering portion 32 that covers 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.

[0034] The retaining portion 30 is fixed to the bottom plate portion 11 at the surfaces of the inner covering portion 31, the outer covering portion 32, and the connecting portion 33 that face the bottom plate portion 11. The retaining portion 30 is also fixed to the side and bottom surfaces of the ignition portion 41 of the igniter 40 near the lower end, and to the surface of the terminal pin 42 of the igniter 40 near the upper end.

[0035] As a result, opening 15 is completely filled with terminal pin 42 and holding portion 30, and the sealing of this portion ensures airtightness of the space inside the housing. Since opening 15 is formed in an asymmetrical shape in a plan view as described above, by filling opening 15 with connecting portion 33, opening 15 and connecting portion 33 also function as an anti-rotation mechanism that prevents holding portion 30 from rotating relative to bottom plate portion 11.

[0036] A female connector portion 34, which is a connector pocket, is formed in the portion of the outer covering portion 32 of the retaining portion 30 facing the outside. This female connector portion 34 is a portion for receiving a male connector portion (not shown) of a harness for connecting the igniter 40 to a control unit (not shown) together with a shunt ring 35, and is located within a recess 14 provided in the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10.

[0037] A portion of the terminal pin 42 of the igniter 40 near the lower end is exposed and disposed within the female connector portion 34. The male connector portion is inserted into the female connector portion 34, thereby establishing electrical continuity between the core wire of the harness and the terminal pin 42.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 and 3(a), in an initial state (for example, from the time of shipment of disc-shaped gas generator 100 to the time of assembly into an airbag device), female connector portion 34 is covered by seal portion 16 affixed to the outside of the bottom surface of bottom plate portion 11. Specifically, as shown in Figures 2(a) and 3(a), seal portion 16 has a substantially horseshoe-shaped first portion 17 on the surface of which legal matters and handling matters related to disc-shaped gas generator 100 are written, and a second portion 18 (hatched portion in Figure 2(a)) disposed inside substantially horseshoe-shaped first portion 17. First portion 17 covers the peripheral portion of female connector portion 34 on the outside of the bottom surface of bottom plate portion 11. Second portion 18 covers female connector portion 34 from the outside of bottom plate portion 11. Furthermore, the surface of the first portion 17 facing the bottom plate portion 11 is adhered to the outside of the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 11 with an adhesive or glue, but the surface of the second portion 18 facing the bottom plate portion 11 is not adhered to the outside of the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 11. Here, as a modified example, the surface of the second portion 18 facing the bottom plate portion 11 may be adhered to the outside of the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 11 with an adhesive or glue.

[0039] 2(a) and 3(a), a weakened portion 16a is provided at a portion of the boundary between the first portion 17 and the second portion 18 in the seal portion 16, allowing the second portion 18 to be separated from the first portion 17, and incisions 16b and 16c are formed extending from both ends of the weakened portion 16a. The weakened portion 16a is, for example, a perforation (cut line) that connects a cut portion to a connected portion, but is not limited to this and may be any weakened portion that can be easily torn off. The incisions 16b and 16c also make it easier to separate the second portion 18 from the first portion 17. 2(b) and 3(b), when second portion 18 is separated from first portion 17, perforation trace 16a1 remains in first portion 17 at the boundary between first portion 17 and second portion 18, and cut traces 16b1 and 16c1 remain. Here, as a modified example, at least one of cut portions 16b and 16c may be a perforation.

[0040] As a modified example, the seal portion 16 may have any shape as long as it has the above-described configuration and integrally includes a first portion 17 that covers at least a portion of the periphery of the female connector portion 34 on the outside of the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 11, and a second portion that covers at least the female connector portion 34 from the outside of the bottom plate portion 11. Also, the shunt ring 35 does not need to be provided.

[0041] A bar code sticker 19 is attached near the linear portion of the seal portion 16. Since the shape of the seal portion 16 is as shown in Figures 2 and 3(a), not only a space for attaching the seal portion 16 but also a space for attaching the bar code sticker 19 can be provided on the outer surface of the bottom plate portion 11.

[0042] As a modification of the above-described injection molding, the above-described injection molding may be performed using a lower shell 10 in which an adhesive layer is provided in advance at a predetermined position on the surface of the bottom plate portion 11 in a portion that will be covered by the holding portion 30. The adhesive layer can be formed by applying adhesive to a predetermined position on the bottom plate portion 11 in advance and then curing the adhesive, for example.

[0043] In this way, the hardened adhesive layer is positioned between the bottom plate portion 11 and the holding portion 30, so that the holding portion 30, which is made of a resin molded portion, can be more firmly fixed to the bottom plate portion 11. Therefore, if the adhesive layer is provided in a ring shape along the circumferential direction so as to surround the opening 15 provided in the bottom plate portion 11, it is possible to ensure a higher sealing performance in that portion.

[0044] Here, the adhesive to be applied in advance to the bottom plate portion 11 is preferably one that contains as its raw material a resin material that has excellent heat resistance, durability, corrosion resistance, etc. after hardening, and is particularly preferably one that contains as its raw material a cyanoacrylate-based resin or a silicone-based resin. In addition to the above-mentioned resin materials, materials containing raw materials such as phenolic resins, epoxy resins, melamine resins, urea resins, polyester resins, alkyd resins, polyurethane resins, polyimide resins, polyethylene resins, polypropylene resins, polyvinyl chloride resins, polystyrene resins, polyvinyl acetate resins, polytetrafluoroethylene resins, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resins, acrylonitrile styrene resins, acrylic resins, polyamide resins, polyacetal resins, polycarbonate resins, polyphenylene ether resins, polybutylene terephthalate resins, polyethylene terephthalate resins, polyolefin resins, polyphenylene sulfide resins, polysulfone resins, polyethersulfone resins, polyarylate resins, polyetheretherketone resins, polyamideimide resins, liquid crystal polymers, styrene rubbers, and olefin rubbers can also be used as the above-mentioned adhesives.

[0045] Here, an example of a configuration has been given in which the igniter 40 can be fixed to the lower shell 10 by injection molding the retaining portion 30 made of a resin molded portion, but other alternative means can also be used to fix the igniter 40 to the lower shell 10.

[0046] A cup-shaped member 50 is attached to the bottom plate 11 so as to cover the protruding tube 13, the holder 30, and the igniter 40. The cup-shaped member 50 has a generally cylindrical shape with a bottom that is open at the end on the bottom plate 11 side, and includes a space therein for accommodating a transfer charge 59. The cup-shaped member 50 is positioned so that it protrudes into the combustion chamber 60 that accommodates the gas generating agent 61, with the space provided therein facing the ignition portion 41 of the igniter 40.

[0047] The cup-shaped member 50 has a top wall portion 51, a cylindrical side wall portion 52 extending from the periphery of the top wall portion 51 toward the bottom plate portion 11, and an extension portion 53 extending radially outward from the opening end, which is the end of the side wall portion 52 on the bottom plate portion 11 side.

[0048] The extension portion 53 is formed to extend along the inner surface of the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10. Specifically, the extension portion 53 has a curved shape to follow the shape of the inner bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 11 at and near the portion where the protruding tubular portion 13 is provided, and includes a tip portion 54 extending in a flange-like shape at its radially outer portion.

[0049] The tip 54 of the extension 53 is disposed between the bottom plate 11 and the lower support member 70 along the axial direction of the housing, and is thereby sandwiched between the bottom plate 11 and the lower support member 70 along the axial direction of the housing. As a result, the tip 54 of the extension 53 of the cup-shaped member 50 is pressed toward the bottom plate 11 by the lower support member 70, and the cup-shaped member 50 is fixed to the bottom plate 11. This prevents the cup-shaped member 50 from falling off the bottom plate 11 without using crimping or press-fitting to fix the cup-shaped member 50.

[0050] The cup-shaped member 50 has no openings in either the side wall portion 52 or the top wall portion 51, and surrounds an internal space. When the igniter 40 is activated and the transfer charge 59 in the transfer chamber 57 is ignited, the cup-shaped member 50 bursts, deforms, or melts due to an increase in pressure in the internal space and the conduction of the generated heat.

[0051] Suitable materials for the cup-shaped member 50 include metal members such as stainless steel, steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, stainless steel alloy, etc., and resin members such as thermosetting resins typified by epoxy resin, polybutylene terephthalate resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, polyamide resin (e.g., nylon 6, nylon 66, etc.), polypropylene sulfide resin, polypropylene oxide resin, etc. In particular, aluminum alloys or iron-based metal materials such as stainless steel and steel, which have relatively higher mechanical strength than aluminum, are preferred.

[0052] The method for fixing the cup-shaped member 50 is not limited to the above-described fixing method using the lower support member 70, and other fixing methods may be used.

[0053] The transfer charge 59 filled in the transfer chamber 57 is ignited by the flame generated by the activation of the igniter 40, and generates thermal particles as it burns. The transfer charge 59 needs to be capable of reliably starting the combustion of the gas generant 61, and generally, a composition made of a metal powder / oxidizer, such as B / KNO3, B / NaNO3, or Sr(NO3)2, a composition made of titanium hydride / potassium perchlorate, or a composition made of B / 5-aminotetrazole / potassium nitrate / molybdenum trioxide, is used.

[0054] The enhancer charge 59 may be in a powder form, or formed into a predetermined shape with a binder, etc. The shape of the enhancer charge 59 formed with a binder may be, for example, granular, cylindrical, sheet, spherical, single-hole cylinder, multi-hole cylinder, tablet, or the like.

[0055] Within the space within the housing, the space surrounding the portion in which the cup-shaped member 50 is disposed defines a combustion chamber 60 containing gas generating agent 61. Specifically, as described above, the cup-shaped member 50 is disposed so as to protrude into the combustion chamber 60 formed within the housing, and the space provided in the portion facing the outer surface of the top wall portion 51 of the cup-shaped member 50 and the space provided in the portion facing the outer surface of the side wall portion 52 form the combustion chamber 60. As a result, the gas generating agent 61 is disposed adjacent to the outer surface of the cup-shaped member 50.

[0056] Furthermore, a filter 90 is disposed along the inner periphery of the housing in the space that radially surrounds the combustion chamber 60 that accommodates the gas generating agent 61. The filter 90 has a cylindrical shape and is disposed so that its central axis substantially coincides with the axial direction of the housing.

[0057] The gas generating agent 61 is an agent that is ignited by thermal particles generated by the transfer charge 59 when the igniter 40 is activated, and burns to generate gas. A non-azide gas generating agent is preferably used as the gas generating agent 61, and the gas generating agent 61 is generally formed as a molded body containing a fuel, an oxidizer, and an additive.

[0058] 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.

[0059] Examples of oxidizing agents that can be used include basic metal nitrates such as basic copper nitrate, basic metal carbonates such as 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.

[0060] Examples of additives include binders, slag formers, and combustion modifiers. Suitable binders include organic binders such as polyvinyl alcohol, metal salts of carboxymethyl cellulose, and stearates, as well as inorganic binders such as synthetic hydrotalcite and acid clay. Other suitable binders include polysaccharide derivatives such as hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate, nitrocellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, guar gum, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylamide, and starch, as well as inorganic binders such as molybdenum disulfide, talc, bentonite, diatomaceous earth, kaolin, and alumina. Suitable slag formers include silicon nitride, silica, and acid clay. Suitable combustion modifiers include metal oxides, ferrosilicon, activated carbon, and graphite.

[0061] The shape of the molded body of gas generating agent 61 may be various, including granular, pellet-like, cylindrical, or other particulate shapes, and disk-like shapes. Furthermore, among 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 as appropriate depending on the specifications of the airbag device into which disk-type gas generator 100 is incorporated, and 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 during combustion of gas generating agent 61. Furthermore, in addition to the shape of gas generating agent 61, it is preferable to select the size and filling amount of the molded body as appropriate, taking into consideration the burning rate, pressure exponent, etc. of gas generating agent 61.

[0062] The filter 90 can be made of, for example, metal wire such as stainless steel or steel wound and sintered, or a mesh of woven metal wires pressed together by pressing. Specific examples of mesh materials that can be used include knitted wire mesh, plain woven wire mesh, and an aggregate of crimped metal wires.

[0063] Alternatively, a perforated metal sheet wound around the filter 90 may be used. Examples of perforated metal sheets include expanded metal, which is a metal sheet with staggered cuts and then expanded to form holes and form a mesh, and hook metal, which is a metal sheet with holes drilled and flattened by crushing any burrs that may form around the holes. The size and shape of the holes can be varied as needed, and holes of different sizes and shapes may be included in the same metal sheet. Suitable metal sheets include mild steel and stainless steel, as well as non-ferrous metal sheets such as aluminum, copper, titanium, nickel, and alloys thereof.

[0064] The filter 90 functions as a cooling means for cooling the gas generated in the combustion chamber 60 by removing the high-temperature heat of the gas as the gas passes through the filter 90, and also functions as a removal means for removing residues (slag) contained in the gas. Therefore, in order to sufficiently cool the gas and prevent the residues from being released to the outside, it is necessary to ensure that the gas generated in the combustion chamber 60 passes through the filter 90. The filter 90 is disposed at a distance from the peripheral wall portions 12, 22 of the lower shell 10 and the peripheral wall portion 22 of the upper shell 20 that constitute the peripheral wall portions of the housing so that a gap 28 of a predetermined size is formed between the filter 90 and the peripheral wall portions 12, 22.

[0065] A plurality of gas outlets 23 are provided in the peripheral wall 22 of the upper shell 20 in a portion facing the filter 90. The gas outlets 23 are used to guide the gas that has passed through the filter 90 to the outside of the housing.

[0066] Additionally, a metal sealing tape 24 is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 22 of the upper shell 20 as a sealing member to close the plurality of gas ejection ports 23. This sealing tape 24 can be suitably made of aluminum foil with an adhesive applied to one side, or the like, and the sealing tape 24 ensures that the combustion chamber 60 is airtight.

[0067] A lower support member 70 is disposed near the end of the combustion chamber 60 that is located on the bottom plate 11 side. The lower support member 70 has an annular shape and is disposed substantially between the filter 90 and the bottom plate 11 so as to cover the boundary between the filter 90 and the bottom plate 11.

[0068] The lower support member 70 has an annular base portion 71 that is fitted to the bottom plate portion 11 so as to fit along the inner bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 11, an abutting portion 72 that abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the filter 90 closer to the bottom plate portion 11, and a tubular upright portion 73 that stands from the base portion 71 toward the top plate portion 21. The abutting portion 72 extends from the outer edge of the base portion 71, and the upright portion 73 extends from the inner edge of the base portion 71. The upright portion 73 covers the outer peripheral surface of the protruding tubular portion 13 of the lower shell 10 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner covering portion 31 of the holding portion 30 via the extension portion 53 of the cup-shaped member 50.

[0069] The lower support member 70 is a member for fixing the filter 90 to the housing, and also functions as an outflow prevention means for preventing gas generated in the combustion chamber 60 from escaping through the gap between the lower end of the filter 90 and the bottom plate portion 11 when the igniter 40 is activated, without passing through the inside of the filter 90. For this reason, the lower support member 70 is formed, for example, by pressing a metal plate-like member, and is preferably made of a member made of steel plate such as ordinary steel or special steel (for example, cold-rolled steel plate or stainless steel plate).

[0070] An upper support member 80 is disposed at the end of the combustion chamber 60 that is located on the top plate 21 side. The upper support member 80 has a generally disk-like shape and is disposed between the filter 90 and the top plate 21 so as to cover the boundary between the filter 90 and the top plate 21. As a result, the upper support member 80 is positioned near the end of the combustion chamber 60, between the top plate 21 and the gas generating agent 61.

[0071] The upper support member 80 has a base 81 that abuts against the top plate 21, and an abutment portion 82 that stands upright from the periphery of the base 81. The abutment portion 82 abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the axial end portion of the filter 90 that is located on the top plate 21 side.

[0072] The upper support member 80 is a member for fixing the filter 90 to the housing, and also functions as an outflow prevention means for preventing gas generated in the combustion chamber 60 from escaping through the gap between the upper end of the filter 90 and the top plate portion 21 when the igniter 40 is activated, without passing through the inside of the filter 90. For this reason, the upper support member 80 is formed, for example, by pressing a metal plate-like member, and is preferably made of a member made of a steel plate such as ordinary steel or special steel (for example, a cold-rolled steel plate or a stainless steel plate).

[0073] A circular plate-shaped cushion material 85 is disposed inside the base 81 of the upper support member 80 so as to come into contact with the gas generating agent 61 contained in the combustion chamber 60. The cushion material 85 is provided for the purpose of preventing the gas generating agent 61 made of a molded body from being crushed by vibration or the like, and is preferably made of a member such as a ceramic fiber molded body, rock wool, foamed resin (for example, foamed silicone, foamed polypropylene, foamed polyethylene, foamed urethane, etc.), or rubber typified by chloroprene and EPDM.

[0074] Here, the cushion material 85 is positioned between the top plate portion 21 and the gas generating agent 61 in the portion of the combustion chamber 60 on the top plate portion 21 side. Therefore, the cushion material 85 presses the gas generating agent 61 toward the bottom plate portion 11 side.

[0075] Next, with reference to Figs. 1 and 3, a procedure for assembling disk-type gas generator 100 in the present embodiment will be described.

[0076] First, the igniter 40 is fixed to the lower shell 10 by injection molding the retaining portion 30 made of a resin molded portion. Then, the side wall portion 52 of the cup-shaped member 50, which contains the transfer charge 59, is press-fitted into the retaining portion 30 of the lower shell 10 to fix it. Next, the lower support member 70 is placed on the tip portion 54 of the extension portion 53 of the cup-shaped member 50, and the filter 90 is inserted toward the inner bottom surface of the lower shell 10.

[0077] Then, gas generating agent 61 is filled inside filter 90, cushion material 85 is placed on the inner surface of base 81 of upper support member 80, and upper support member 80 is inserted into the upper end portion of filter 90. Thereafter, upper shell 20, whose gas outlets 23 have been closed with sealing tape 24, is placed over lower shell 10, and lower shell 10 and upper shell 20 are welded together. Next, seal portion 16 is attached to the outside of the bottom surface of bottom plate portion 11 (attaching process). This completes assembly of disc-shaped gas generator 100 having the structure shown in FIG. 1 . When incorporating disc-shaped gas generator 100 into an airbag device, second portion 18 is separated from first portion 17 (separation process), and then the male connector portion is attached to female connector portion 34 (attaching process).

[0078] Here, in disk-shaped gas generator 100 in the present embodiment, no opening is provided in cup-shaped member 50, and therefore the step of filling transfer charge 59 into transfer chamber 57 provided inside cup-shaped member 50 can be carried out very easily. This is because cup-shaped member 50 itself is constructed of a fragile member with low mechanical strength so that a part of the cup-shaped member will rupture, deform or melt when disk-shaped gas generator 100 is activated. In other words, the work of closing the opening provided in the cup-shaped member in order to fill transfer charge 59, such as with aluminum tape or a closing plate, which was necessary when a cup-shaped member having an opening was used, is no longer necessary, and the manufacturing process can be greatly simplified.

[0079] Next, the operation of disk-type gas generator 100 in the present embodiment will be described.

[0080] 1, when a vehicle equipped with disk-shaped gas generator 100 collides, the collision is detected by collision detection means separately provided in the vehicle, and based on this, a control unit separately provided in the vehicle supplies current to activate igniter 40. Transfer charge 59 accommodated in transfer chamber 57 is ignited by a flame generated by the activation of igniter 40, and begins combustion.

[0081] At this time, immediately after the igniter 40 is activated, the ignition charge loaded in the ignition section 41 burns rapidly, causing the squib cup of the ignition section 41 to burst, and the heat generated by the rapid combustion of the ignition charge is transmitted to the transfer charge 59 filled in the transfer chamber 57.

[0082] Subsequently, the thrust reaches the top wall 51 of the cup-shaped member 50, causing the cup-shaped member 50, which is made of a fragile material, to burst, deform, or melt. This burst, deformation, or melting of the cup-shaped member 50 occurs later than the ignition of the transfer charge 59 by the heat particles generated by the combustion of the ignition charge. Here, the transfer charge 59 of the cup-shaped member 50 is subjected to the thrust generated by the combustion of the ignition charge and is scattered and dispersed inside the cup-shaped member 50.

[0083] Therefore, in a short time, the transfer charge 59 located farthest from the igniter 40 is also ignited by the thermal particles and begins to burn, which results in a significant increase in pressure and temperature in the space inside the cup-shaped member 50. As a result, the cup-shaped member 50 bursts, deforms, or melts in a short time, and a large amount of thermal particles generated by the combustion of the transfer charge 59 flows into the combustion chamber 60 early.

[0084] In this way, the transfer charge 59 and a large amount of heat particles generated by the transfer charge 59 flow into the combustion chamber 60, igniting and burning the gas generating agent 61 contained in the combustion chamber 60, and generating a large amount of gas. The gas generated in the combustion chamber 60 passes through the inside of the filter 90, and in this process, heat is removed by the filter 90 and the gas is cooled, and slag contained in the gas is removed by the filter 90 and flows into the gap 28.

[0085] Then, as the pressure in the space inside the housing increases due to the combustion of gas generating agent 61, sealing tape 24 that has been closing gas outlet 23 provided in upper shell 20 ruptures, and gas is ejected to the outside of the housing through gas outlet 23. The ejected gas is introduced into the inside of an airbag provided adjacent to disk-shaped gas generator 100, and inflates and deploys the airbag.

[0086] Note that when the cup-shaped member 50 is made of iron or stainless steel, the strength is higher than when the cup-shaped member 50 is made of aluminum. Therefore, the cup-shaped member 50 does not rupture, deform, or melt in the initial stage of combustion of the transfer charge 59. At this time, the internal pressure of the cup-shaped member 50 increases until a predetermined time has elapsed at which the transfer charge 59 ruptures, deforms, or melts. Then, once the internal pressure reaches a certain level, the cup-shaped member 50 ruptures, deforms, or melts. Therefore, by using an iron-based metal material with high mechanical strength, such as iron or stainless steel, for the cup-shaped member 50, the mechanical strength can be increased to sufficiently promote the combustion of the transfer charge 59 when the cup-shaped member 50 ruptures, thereby rupturing the cup-shaped member 50. Such an improvement in the mechanical strength of the cup-shaped member 50 can be achieved by increasing its thickness, even when a metal with low strength, such as aluminum, is used. In this case, the thickness is preferably 0.4 mm to 1.5 mm, and more preferably 0.6 mm to 1.2 mm.

[0087] As described above, it is possible to provide a disk-shaped gas generator 100 and a method for manufacturing the same, which is provided with a seal portion 16 having a second portion 18 that is easily removable (easy to separate) in order to not only protect female connector portion 34 from environmental influences before incorporation into an airbag device, but also to attach a male connector to female connector portion 34 when incorporation into an airbag device.

[0088] Furthermore, if the seal portion is simply affixed to the outside of the bottom of the housing, the seal portion may be difficult to remove, or not only the adhesive or glue, but also a portion of the seal portion may remain around female connector portion 34. However, according to disk-shaped gas generator 100 of the above embodiment, fragile portion 16a and notched portions 16b, 16c are formed in seal portion 16, and further, second portion 18 is made a portion that is not adhered to the outside of the bottom surface of bottom plate portion 11 (a so-called glue-blocking portion), so not only is it easy to remove (separate) only second portion 18, which is the portion that corresponds to female connector portion 34, but it is also possible to prevent a portion of the seal portion, together with the adhesive or glue, from remaining around female connector portion 34.

[0089] Furthermore, since the seal portion 16 is used, the number of parts does not increase compared to the prior art.

[0090] Furthermore, the seal portion 16 does not require complicated processing and can be produced using existing seal portion production equipment, so there is no need to introduce new equipment.

[0091] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, they are merely illustrative examples and do not limit the present invention, and the specific configurations and the like can be appropriately modified in design. Furthermore, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the invention are merely a list of the most preferable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0092] For example, if there are multiple igniters, the sealing portion may be configured with the same technical concept as sealing portion 16, having multiple second portions corresponding to the positions of the female connector portions corresponding to each of the multiple igniters, and one first portion detachably integrated with the multiple second portions.

[0093] 4 and 5 are examples of modifications of the above embodiment. This modification will be described below, but in this modification, reference numerals with the same last two digits as those in the above embodiment are similar and therefore their explanations may be omitted. Furthermore, parts that are not particularly described are similar to the above embodiment and therefore their explanations may be omitted.

[0094] Disk-shaped gas generator 200 according to this modification differs from the above-described embodiment in that it has a circular seal portion 116. As shown in Figures 5(a) and (b), this seal portion 116 is affixed to the outside of the bottom surface of bottom plate portion 111 in an initial state (for example, from the time of shipment of disk-shaped gas generator 200 to the time of assembly into an airbag device), and covers female connector portion 134. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4(a) and 5(a), seal portion 116 has a substantially donut-shaped first portion 117 on the surface of which legal matters and handling matters related to disk-shaped gas generator 200 are printed, and a second portion 118 (the hatched portion in Figure 4(a)) disposed inside substantially donut-shaped first portion 117. First portion 117 covers the peripheral portion of female connector portion 134 on the outside of the bottom surface of bottom plate portion 111. The second portion 118 covers the female connector portion 134 from the outside of the bottom plate portion 111. The surface of the first portion 117 facing the bottom plate portion 111 is adhered to the outside of the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 111 with an adhesive or glue, but the surface of the second portion 118 facing the bottom plate portion 111 is not adhered to the outside of the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 111. Here, as a modified example, the surface of the second portion 118 facing the bottom plate portion 111 may be adhered to the outside of the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 111 with an adhesive or glue.

[0095] Furthermore, a weakened portion 116a is provided at a portion of the boundary between the first portion 117 and the second portion 118 in the seal portion 116, allowing the second portion 118 to be separated from the first portion 117. Cuts 116b, 116e, and 116f are formed extending from both ends of the weakened portion 116a. Cuts 116d, 116e, and 116f are formed in sequence, continuing from one end of cut 116b. One end of cut 116f is continuous with one end of cut 116c. For example, the weakened portion 116a may be a perforation (cut line) that connects a cut portion to a connected portion. However, this is not limited thereto, and any weakened portion that can be easily torn off may be used. Furthermore, the provision of cuts 116b, 116c, 116d, 116e, and 116f makes it easier to separate the second portion 118 from the first portion 117. 4(b) and 5(b), when second portion 118 is separated from first portion 117, perforation trace 116a1 remains in first portion 117 at the boundary between first portion 117 and second portion 118, and cut traces 116b1, 116c1, 116d1, 116e1, and 116f1 remain. Here, as a modified example, at least one of cut portions 116b, 116c, 116d, 116e, and 116f may be a perforation.

[0096] According to the disk-shaped gas generator 200 configured as above, it is possible to achieve the same effects as those of the disk-shaped gas generator 100 of the above embodiment.

[0097] Another modification of the above embodiment is shown in Figures 6 and 7. This modification will be described below, but in this modification, if the parts with the same last two digits as those in the above embodiment are similar, their description may be omitted. Furthermore, parts that are not particularly described may be omitted because they are the same as those in the above embodiment.

[0098] Disk-shaped gas generator 300 according to this modification differs from the above-described embodiment in that it has a circular seal portion 216. As shown in Figures 7(a) and (b), this seal portion 216 is affixed to the outside of the bottom surface of bottom plate portion 211 in an initial state (for example, from the time of shipment of disk-shaped gas generator 300 to the time of assembly into an airbag device), and covers female connector portion 234. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6(a) and 7(a), seal portion 216 has a substantially donut-shaped first portion 217 on the surface of which legal matters and handling matters relating to disk-shaped gas generator 300 are printed, and a second portion 218 (hatched portion in Figure 6(a)) disposed inside substantially donut-shaped first portion 217. First portion 217 covers the peripheral portion of female connector portion 234 on the outside of the bottom surface of bottom plate portion 211. The second portion 218 covers the female connector portion 234 from the outside of the bottom plate portion 211. The surface of the first portion 217 facing the bottom plate portion 211 is adhered to the outside of the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 211 with an adhesive or glue, but the surface of the second portion 218 facing the bottom plate portion 211 is not adhered to the outside of the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 211. Here, as a modified example, the surface of the second portion 218 facing the bottom plate portion 211 may be adhered to the outside of the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 211 with an adhesive or glue.

[0099] Additionally, a weakened portion 216e is provided at a portion of the boundary between the first portion 217 and the second portion 218 in the seal portion 216, enabling the second portion 218 to be separated from the first portion 217. Cuts 216d and 216f are formed extending from both ends of the weakened portion 216e. Cuts 216b, 216a, and 216c are formed in sequence, continuing from one end of the cut 216d. One end of the cut 216c is continuous with one end of the cut 216f. The weakened portion 216e may be, for example, a perforation (cut line) that connects a cut portion to a connected portion. However, the weakened portion 216e may be any weakened portion that can be easily torn. Furthermore, the cuts 216a, 216b, 216c, 216d, and 216f facilitate separation of the second portion 218 from the first portion 217. 6(b) and 7(b), when second portion 218 is separated from first portion 217, perforation trace 216e1 remains in first portion 217 at the boundary between first portion 217 and second portion 218, and cut traces 216a1, 216b1, 216c1, 216d1, and 216f1 remain. Here, as a modified example, at least one of cut portions 216a, 216b, 216c, 216d, and 216f may be a perforation.

[0100] According to disc-shaped gas generator 300 configured as above, it is possible to achieve the same effects as disc-shaped gas generator 100 of the above embodiment. Furthermore, in disc-shaped gas generator 300 configured as above, fragile part 216e is formed in a straight line, and therefore second part 218 can be separated more easily than in the case of disc-shaped gas generator 100 of the above embodiment.

[0101] Further, other modified examples of the above embodiment are shown in Figures 8 and 9. This modified example will be described below, but in this modified example, if the parts with the same last two digits as those in the above embodiment are similar, the description may be omitted. Furthermore, parts that are not particularly described may be omitted because they are the same as those in the above embodiment.

[0102] Disk-shaped gas generator 400 according to this modification differs from disk-shaped gas generator 100 according to the above embodiment mainly in that (1) it has a generally horseshoe-shaped seal portion 316 affixed to the periphery of female connector portion 334, and a generally convex bar code seal 319, (2) bar code seal 319 has a first portion 317 on which a bar code is printed, and a second portion 318 (hatched portion in Figure 8(a)) which has a shape that partially follows the concave shape of the inside of seal portion 316 and is provided so as to protrude from first portion 317 towards seal portion 316, and (3) it has a fragile portion 319a at the boundary between first portion 317 and second portion 318, which enables second portion 318 to be separated from first portion 317.

[0103] The first portion 317 is affixed to the outside of the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 311 near the female connector portion 334. The second portion 318 covers the female connector portion 334 from the outside of the bottom plate portion 311. The surface of the first portion 317 facing the bottom plate portion 311 is adhered to the outside of the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 311 with an adhesive or glue, but the surface of the second portion 318 facing the bottom plate portion 311 is not adhered to the outside of the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 311. Here, as a modified example, the surface of the second portion 318 facing the bottom plate portion 311 may be adhered to the outside of the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 311 with an adhesive or glue. The fragile portion 319a is a perforation (cut line) that connects a cut portion to a connected portion, but is not limited to this and may be a fragile portion that can be easily torn off.

[0104] Disk-shaped gas generator 400 configured as described above can achieve the same effects as disk-shaped gas generator 100 of the above embodiment. Furthermore, in disk-shaped gas generator 400 configured as described above, fragile portion 319a is formed in a straight line, making second portion 318 easier to separate than in the case of disk-shaped gas generator 100 of the above embodiment.

[0105] Further, other modified examples of the above embodiment are shown in Figures 10 and 11. This modified example will be described below, but in this modified example, if the parts with the same last two digits as those in the above embodiment are similar, the description may be omitted. Furthermore, parts that are not particularly described may be omitted because they are the same as those in the above embodiment.

[0106] Disk-shaped gas generator 500 according to this modification differs from disk-shaped gas generator 100 of the above embodiment mainly in the following points: (1) it is a so-called dual inflator in which two igniters are provided (there may be cases in which there is one combustion chamber inside the housing corresponding to each igniter); (2) it has a circular seal portion 416; (3) seal portion 416 has a first portion 417 and a pair of second portions 418 (hatched portions in FIG. 10( a)) arranged side by side inside the area of ​​first portion 417; (4) it has a pair of arc-shaped weakened portions 416 a at the boundary between first portion 417 and the pair of second portions 418, which can separate the pair of second portions 418 from first portion 417; and (5) it has a pair of arc-shaped notches 416 b formed from one end to the other end of weakened portion 416 a.

[0107] The first portion 417 is affixed to the periphery of the female connector portion 434 on the outer side of the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 411. The pair of second portions 418 cover each of the pair of female connector portions 434 from the outer side of the bottom plate portion 411 so that one second portion 418 is aligned with each of the pair of female connector portions 434. Furthermore, the surface of the first portion 417 facing the bottom plate portion 411 is adhered to the outer side of the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 411 with an adhesive or glue, but the surfaces of the pair of second portions 418 facing the bottom plate portion 411 are not adhered to the outer side of the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 411. Here, as a modified example, the surfaces of the second portions 418 facing the bottom plate portion 411 may be adhered to the outer side of the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 411 with an adhesive or glue. Furthermore, the pair of fragile portions 416a are perforations (cut lines) that connect the cut portion and the connected portion, but are not limited to this and may be fragile portions that can be easily cut. Furthermore, as a modified example, the cut portions 416b may be perforations similar to the fragile portions 416a.

[0108] According to disc-shaped gas generator 400 configured as above, even though it is a dual inflator, it can achieve the same effects as disc-shaped gas generator 100 of the above embodiment. Furthermore, since cut portion 416b is provided, second portion 418 can be easily separated from first portion 417.

[0109] Note that the respective portions of the above-described embodiment and modified examples may be combined as appropriate as necessary. Furthermore, the seal portions and barcode seals shown in the above-described embodiment and modified examples can also be applied in appropriate combination as necessary to a disk-type gas generator provided with three or more igniters.

[0110] 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 Lower shell 11, 111, 211, 311, 411 Bottom plate portion 12, 22 Peripheral wall portion 13 Projecting tubular portion 14 Recessed portion 15 Opening 16, 116, 216, 316, 416 Sealed portion 16a, 116a, 216e, 319a, 416a Weak portion 16a1, 116a1, 216e1, 319a1, 416a1 Perforation marks 16b, 16c, 116b, 116c, 116d, 116e, 116f, 216a, 216b, 216c, 216d, 216f, 416b Cut portion 16b1, 16c1, 116b1, 116c1, 116d1, 116e1, 116f1, 216a1, 216b1, 216c1, 216d1, 216f1, 416b1 Cut marks 17, 117, 217, 317, 417 First part 18, 118, 218, 318, 418 Second part 19, 319 Barcode seal 20, 120, 220, 320, 420 Upper shell 21 Top plate part 23 Gas outlet 24 Seal tape 28 Gap part 30 Holding part 31 Inner covering part 32 Outer covering part 33 Connection part 34, 134, 234, 334, 434 Female connector part 35, 135, 235, 335, 435 Shunt ring 40 Igniter 41 Igniter portion 42, 142, 242, 342, 442 Terminal pin 50 Cup-shaped member 51 Top wall portion 52 Side wall portion 53 Extension portion 54 Tip portion 57 Transfer chamber 59 Transfer charge 60 Combustion chamber 61 Gas generating agent 70 Lower support member 71, 81 Base portion 72, 82 Abutment portion 73 Upright portion 80 Upper support member 85 Cushion material 90 Filter 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 Disk-type gas generator

Claims

1. A gas generator comprising: a short cylindrical housing comprising a cylindrical peripheral wall portion provided with a gas outlet, a top plate portion closing one axial end of the peripheral wall portion, and a bottom plate portion closing the other axial end of the peripheral wall portion, the housing having an internal combustion chamber containing a gas generating agent; an igniter assembled to the bottom plate portion and including an ignition portion containing an ignition charge that ignites when activated; a connector pocket assembled to the bottom plate portion and capable of receiving a connector portion that is electrically conductive with the igniter; and a seal portion integrally having a first portion covering at least a portion of the periphery of the connector pocket on the outside of the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion, and a second portion covering at least the connector pocket from the outside of the bottom plate portion, wherein at least the surface of the first portion of the seal portion facing the bottom plate portion is adhered to the outside of the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion with an adhesive or bonding agent, and at least a fragile portion is provided at at least a portion of the boundary portion between the first portion and the second portion that allows the second portion to be separated from the first portion.

2. A gas generator as described in claim 1, characterized in that the surface of the second part facing the bottom plate is not adhered to the outside of the bottom surface of the bottom plate by an adhesive or glue.

3. A gas generator as described in claim 1, characterized in that the fragile portion is a perforation, and when the second portion is separated from the first portion, a perforation mark remains in the first portion at the location that was the boundary between the first portion and the second portion.

4. A gas generator as described in claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of said igniters are provided on said bottom plate portion, the same number of said connector pocket portions are provided on said bottom plate portion as the number of said igniters, and the same number of said second portions are provided as the number of said connector pocket portions.

5. A method for manufacturing a gas generator comprising: a short cylindrical housing comprising a cylindrical peripheral wall portion provided with a gas outlet, a top plate portion closing one axial end of the peripheral wall portion, and a bottom plate portion closing the other axial end of the peripheral wall portion, the housing having an internal combustion chamber containing a gas generating agent; an igniter assembled to the bottom plate portion and including an ignition portion containing an ignition charge that ignites when activated; and a connector pocket assembled to the bottom plate portion and capable of receiving a connector portion that is electrically conductive with the igniter, the gas generator comprising: an integral first portion covering at least a portion of the periphery of the connector pocket on the outside of the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion; and a second portion covering at least the connector pocket from the outside of the bottom plate portion, the surface of at least the first portion facing the bottom plate portion being adhered to the outside of the bottom surface of the bottom plate portion with an adhesive or glue; and a seal portion at the boundary between the first portion and the second portion, the seal portion having a fragile portion that allows the second portion to be separated from the first portion. a attaching step of attaching the second portion to an outer side of a bottom surface of the bottom plate portion; a separating step of separating the second portion from the seal portion along the fragile portion after the attaching step; and an attaching step of attaching the connector portion to the connector pocket portion after the separating step.

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