JPH0958398A - Gas generator for air bag - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gas generator for air bag which is inexpensive and has housing structure having bulk height suppressed to a degree at which stability of a handle and safe operation can be ensured sufficiently. SOLUTION: A gas generator for air bag is provided with a combustion chamber 10, an ignition means 12, and a filter chamber 13, and an opening 16a is provided in a central part of a shaft. A flange 16c which rises from below and is extended to the outside in the radial direction is formed in an outer peripheral section 16b, and a peripheral fringe 17a of a downward opening of a cylindrical member 17 having a bottom is welded on a peripheral fringe 16e on an inner bottom face of a platelike member 16 in which a through hole 16d for mounting an air bag module is provided to form the gas generator. An end 18a on a hole side on a bottom face and an outer peripheral fringe 18b on a lower side of a cylindrical face of a cap body 18 provided with a hole at its center are welded on an end 17b on the bottom face and an inner peripheral face 16f of a rise section of an outer peripheral section 16b of the platelike member 16, respectively, to form the filter chamber 13. Moreover, a plurality of through holes 18c for exhausting gas are provided in the peripheral direction on the cylindrical face.

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】Detailed Description of the Invention

【０００１】[0001]

【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、乗り物に使用され
るエアバッグ用ガス発生器、さらに詳しくは、ハウジン
グ構造に特徴のあるエアバッグ用ガス発生器に関するも
のである。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an air bag gas generator used for vehicles, and more particularly to an air bag gas generator characterized by a housing structure.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】この種のガス発生器のハウジング構造と
しては、軽量化を重視してアルミ鍛造品が汎用されてき
たが、厚肉構造物となることは避けられず、ガス発生器
の再使用が極めて困難なことと相まってコスト面で難点
があるとされてきた。そこで、鋼板加工品の溶接構造体
を採用することの可能性が検討され、その実用化に向け
て研究開発が進められつつある。2. Description of the Related Art As a housing structure for a gas generator of this type, an aluminum forged product has been widely used with an emphasis on weight reduction. It has been considered to be difficult in terms of cost in combination with being extremely difficult to use. Therefore, the possibility of adopting a welded structure of a steel plate processed product has been examined, and research and development are being promoted toward its practical application.

【０００３】これまでに提案された例としては、まず特
開平２−１５５８５７号公報に記載の「エアバッグ展開
用ガス発生装置」（以下「第１従来例」という）が挙げ
られる。この第１従来例のハウジング構造は、図７に示
すように燃焼室４１を、ハウジング本体５９の有底筒状
部６１と、この開口部６３に溶接される蓋部材６５によ
り形成するとともに、前記ハウジング本体５９を、前記
有底筒状部６１と、この有底筒状部６１の開口部６３に
外側に向けて一体に形成されるフランジ部６７と、この
フランジ部６７の外周から前記ハウジング本体５９の底
面部６９側に向けて折曲される外筒部７１とから形成
し、充気室５１を、前記外筒部７１および前記筒状部６
１をハウジング本体５９の前記底面部６９側から掩い部
材７７により掩うことにより形成し、さらに、この掩い
部材７７を前記外筒部７１および筒状部６１に溶接接合
したものである。[0003] As an example proposed so far, there is, first, the "gas generator for deploying an air bag" (hereinafter referred to as "first conventional example") described in JP-A-2-155857. In the housing structure of the first conventional example, as shown in FIG. 7, the combustion chamber 41 is formed by a bottomed cylindrical portion 61 of the housing body 59 and a lid member 65 welded to the opening 63, and The housing main body 59 includes the bottomed tubular portion 61, a flange portion 67 integrally formed with the bottomed tubular portion 61 toward the outside of the opening 63, and the housing body from the outer periphery of the flange portion 67. The outer cylinder portion 71 is bent toward the bottom surface portion 69 side of 59, and the charging chamber 51 is formed by the outer cylinder portion 71 and the cylindrical portion 6.
1 is formed by covering the housing body 59 from the side of the bottom surface 69 with a covering member 77, and the covering member 77 is welded to the outer cylindrical portion 71 and the cylindrical portion 61.

【０００４】また、特開平５−４０３５号公報記載の
「ガス発生器用容器及びその製造方法並びにガス発生
器」（以下「第２従来例」という）が知られている。こ
の第２従来例のハウジング構造は、図８に示すように燃
焼室９の上壁１１と燃焼室９及び冷却捕集室１４を仕切
る隔壁１５と冷却捕集室１４の下壁１２とが一体形成さ
れ、その断面がクランク形状で、かつプレス加工用金属
材料で形成されたシェル１０と、同シェル１０に接合さ
れた点火ケース２と、ガス排出口２２を有しシェル１０
と冷却捕集室１４を形成する冷却用シェル２０と、シェ
ル１０と燃焼室９を形成するカバー１３とからなってい
る。Further, a "gas generator container, a method for manufacturing the same, and a gas generator" described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-4035 (hereinafter referred to as "second conventional example") is known. In the housing structure of the second conventional example, as shown in FIG. 8, the upper wall 11 of the combustion chamber 9, the partition wall 15 for partitioning the combustion chamber 9 and the cooling collection chamber 14, and the lower wall 12 of the cooling collection chamber 14 are integrated. The shell 10 is formed and has a crank shape in cross section and is made of a metal material for press working, an ignition case 2 joined to the shell 10, and a gas discharge port 22.
And a cooling shell 20 forming a cooling collection chamber 14, and a cover 13 forming the shell 10 and the combustion chamber 9.

【０００５】さらに、特開平４−３３４６４１号公報記
載の「エアバッグ膨張装置」（以下「第３従来例」とい
う）が知られている。即ち、図９には、インフレータ１
０のハウジング４０が、いわゆるハット型帽子のように
つばのある有底筒状部材の上からさらに中心穴付きのつ
ばのある有底筒状部材をかぶせ、それぞれ底面同士及び
つば同士を溶接して接合されたものであることが示され
ている。Furthermore, an "airbag inflator" (hereinafter referred to as "third conventional example") described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-3346461 is known. That is, FIG. 9 shows the inflator 1
The housing 40 of 0 covers the bottomed cylindrical member having a collar like a so-called hat-shaped cap with the bottomed cylindrical member having a central hole, and welds the bottom surfaces and the brims together. It has been shown to be spliced.

【０００６】[0006]

【発明を解決しようとする課題】しかし、第１従来例の
場合は、図７に示すように、ハウジング本体５９がその
形状からしてプレス成形作業を別々の方向（図面では上
下方向）から合わせて２回行う必要があり、しかもその
断面形状はいわゆるクランク型であり、屈曲部が４か所
もあるためプレス成形に大きな加工力を必要とする。こ
のようにプレス成形作業効率の悪さと大型のプレス成形
機を要するという別の問題点が存在し、いずれも新たな
コスト上昇の要因となるため、安価なハウジング構造を
提供するという所期の目的を達成できるに至っていな
い。However, in the case of the first conventional example, as shown in FIG. 7, the shape of the housing main body 59 allows the press forming work to be performed in different directions (vertical direction in the drawing). It is necessary to perform it twice, and the cross-sectional shape is so-called crank type, and since there are four bent portions, a large working force is required for press molding. In this way, there are other problems that the press molding work efficiency is low and a large press molding machine is required, both of which cause new cost increase. Therefore, the intended purpose of providing an inexpensive housing structure Has not been achieved yet.

【０００７】また、第２従来例の場合は、図８に示すよ
うに、ハウジング構造の主要構成要素といえるシェル１
０が、第１従来例のハウジング本体５９とほぼ同じ形状
（上下反転した形状）をしているため、第１従来例と同
じ問題がある。Further, in the case of the second conventional example, as shown in FIG. 8, the shell 1 which can be said to be a main constituent element of the housing structure.
0 has substantially the same shape (upside-down shape) as the housing main body 59 of the first conventional example, and therefore has the same problem as the first conventional example.

【０００８】さらに、第３従来例の場合は、図９に示す
ようにハウジング４０の主要構成要素である２つのつば
付き有底筒状部材は、いずれも１方向からのプレス作業
で成形できるので、第１従来例，第２従来例のようなプ
レス工程時のコスト上昇という問題は無い。しかし、第
１従来例，第２従来例には存在しなかった別の問題が表
面化している。即ち、この種のエアバッグ用ガス発生器
は、ハンドルを支えるステアリングホイールの上端部で
あってハンドルの中央に取付られるが、ハンドルの安
定，安全操作等の観点より、できる限りコンパクトに設
置されなければなれない。言い換えれば、ガス発生器を
ステアリングホイールに取り付けたとき、ハンドルの中
央部にできるだけ低くコンパクトに取付られていること
が好ましく、従ってガス発生器のハンドル方向の高さ
も、できる限り低いものであることが望まれる。Further, in the case of the third conventional example, as shown in FIG. 9, the two bottomed tubular members with flanges, which are the main constituent elements of the housing 40, can be formed by pressing from one direction. There is no problem of cost increase during the pressing process as in the first conventional example and the second conventional example. However, another problem that did not exist in the first and second conventional examples has come to the surface. That is, this type of gas generator for an airbag is attached to the center of the steering wheel at the upper end of the steering wheel that supports the steering wheel, but it must be installed as compactly as possible from the viewpoint of the stability and safe operation of the steering wheel. I have to. In other words, when the gas generator is mounted on the steering wheel, it is preferable that it is mounted as low and compact as possible in the center of the steering wheel, and therefore the height of the gas generator in the steering wheel direction should be as low as possible. desired.

【０００９】この点から第３従来例を検討すれば、図９
に示すように、インフレータ１０のステアリングホイー
ルへの取付フランジに当たる外側フランジ８２からハン
ドル方向の端部までの距離Ｌが長い、つまり嵩高いイン
フレータ１０となっており、この点での改良も望まれて
いた。Considering the third conventional example from this point, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the inflator 10 has a long distance L from the outer flange 82, which corresponds to the mounting flange of the inflator 10 to the steering wheel, to the end in the steering wheel direction, that is, the inflator 10 is bulky. It was

【００１０】そこで、本発明のうち請求項１〜６記載の
発明は、少なくとも、安価にプレス成形できること、及
びハンドルの安定，安全操作を十分確保できる程度に抑
えられた嵩高さの構造とすること、という２つの条件を
同時に満たすことのできるエアバッグ用ガス発生器を提
供することを目的としたものである。Therefore, the invention according to claims 1 to 6 of the present invention is such that at least the press molding can be performed at a low cost, and the bulky structure is suppressed to the extent that a stable and safe operation of the handle can be sufficiently ensured. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gas generator for an airbag that can simultaneously satisfy the two conditions such as.

【００１１】[0011]

【課題を解決するための手段】上記目的を達成し得た本
発明のうちで、請求項１記載の発明は、該発生器のハウ
ジング構造として、前記燃焼室（１０）を、軸中心部に
は開口部（１６ａ）が設けられると共に、外周部（１６
ｂ）には下方から立ち上がって半径方向外側に伸びるフ
ランジ（１６ｃ）が形成され、かつ該フランジ（１６
ｃ）にはガス発生器をエアバッグモジュールに取付ける
ための貫通穴（１６ｄ）が設けられた皿状部材１６の内
底面周縁（１６ｅ）に有底筒状部材（１７）の下方開口
部周縁１７ａを溶接して形成すると共に、前記フィルタ
室（１３）を、中心穴付きキャップ体（１８）の底面穴
側端部（１８ａ）及び筒面下側外周縁（１８ｂ）をそれ
ぞれ、前記有底筒状部材（１７）の底面の端部（１７
ｂ）及び前記皿状部材（１６）の外周部（１６ｂ）の立
ち上がり部内周面（１６ｆ）に溶接して形成し、かつ前
記（１８）の筒面にはガス排出用貫通穴（１８ｃ）を周
方向に複数配設したものであることを特徴とする。Among the inventions that have achieved the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is the housing structure of the generator, wherein the combustion chamber (10) is provided at the center of the shaft. Is provided with an opening (16a) and an outer peripheral portion (16a).
b) is formed with a flange (16c) which rises from below and extends radially outward, and the flange (16c) is formed.
In c), the inner peripheral edge (16e) of the dish-shaped member 16 provided with the through hole (16d) for attaching the gas generator to the airbag module is provided with the lower opening peripheral edge 17a of the bottomed tubular member (17). And forming the filter chamber (13) with the bottom hole side end (18a) and the cylinder surface lower outer peripheral edge (18b) of the center hole cap body (18), respectively. End (17) of the bottom surface of the member (17)
b) and the inner peripheral surface (16f) of the rising portion of the outer peripheral portion (16b) of the dish-shaped member (16) are welded to each other, and a through hole (18c) for gas discharge is formed on the cylindrical surface of the (18). It is characterized in that a plurality is arranged in the circumferential direction.

【００１２】このようなハウジング構造であれば、皿状
部材，有底筒状部材及び中心穴付きキャップ体は、いず
れも鋼板を１方向からのプレス作業で成形加工して得ら
れるため、第１従来例，第２従来例のようなプレス成形
コストを上昇させるという問題は無い。また、フランジ
から中心穴付きキャップ体底面（エアバッグ側の外表
面）までの距離が短いので、このガス発生器をステアリ
ングホイールに取り付けたときに、ハンドルの中央部に
できるだけ低くコンパクトに取り付けられた状態とな
る。即ち、ハンドルの安定，安全操作を十分確保できる
程度に抑えられた嵩高さのものとすることができる。With such a housing structure, the dish-shaped member, the bottomed tubular member, and the cap body with the central hole are all obtained by forming a steel plate by pressing from one direction. There is no problem of increasing the press molding cost as in the conventional example and the second conventional example. Also, since the distance from the flange to the bottom surface of the cap body with the central hole (outer surface on the airbag side) is short, when this gas generator was attached to the steering wheel, it was attached to the center of the steering wheel as low and compact as possible. It becomes a state. That is, it is possible to make the handle bulky so that stable and safe operation of the handle can be sufficiently ensured.

【００１３】請求項２記載の発明は、請求項１記載の発
明の構成のうち、中心穴付きキャップ体（１８）を、外
筒及び内筒間に底部を有する２重管構造の筒状部材であ
って、前記内筒長が前記外筒長よりも短いものとしたこ
とを特徴とする。これにより溶接時には、有底筒状部材
にキャップ体を単に嵌込んだ状態で隙間部分を溶接でき
るため、溶接作業の効率化を図ることができる利点があ
る。According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first aspect of the invention, the tubular member having the double-tube structure, in which the central hole cap body (18) has a bottom portion between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder, is provided. The inner cylinder length is shorter than the outer cylinder length. With this, at the time of welding, the gap portion can be welded in a state where the cap body is simply fitted into the bottomed tubular member, so that there is an advantage that efficiency of welding work can be achieved.

【００１４】請求項３記載の発明は、請求項１又は請求
項２記載の発明の構成に、「前記燃焼室（１０）の中央
部には、前記点火手段（１２）を収納しかつガス発生剤
収納空間（１１）と連通する開口（１５ａ）を有する筒
部材（１５）を配置し、さらに該筒部材（１５）の下端
部（１５ｂ）を前記皿状部材（１６）の開口部周縁（１
６ｈ）と溶接する一方、上端（１５ｃ）を前記有底筒状
部材（１７）の内底面（１７ｃ）に溶接したものであ
る」構成を加えたことを特徴とする。これにより、ハウ
ジング構造全体として見た場合、軸中央部が強度的に高
められた構成とすることができる。従って、その分、有
底筒状部材及び皿状部材の燃焼室の外壁に相当する部分
の肉厚を全体にわたって薄くすることができ、ガス発生
器の一層の軽量化に貢献することができる。According to a third aspect of the invention, in the structure of the first or second aspect of the invention, "the ignition means (12) is housed in the center of the combustion chamber (10) and gas is generated. A tubular member (15) having an opening (15a) communicating with the agent storage space (11) is arranged, and a lower end portion (15b) of the tubular member (15) is provided with a peripheral edge of an opening (15) of the dish-shaped member (16). 1
6h), while the upper end (15c) is welded to the inner bottom surface (17c) of the bottomed tubular member (17). " As a result, when viewed as a housing structure as a whole, the central portion of the shaft can be made stronger in terms of strength. Therefore, the wall thickness of the portion of the bottomed tubular member and the dish-shaped member corresponding to the outer wall of the combustion chamber can be reduced by that amount, and the weight of the gas generator can be further reduced.

【００１５】請求項４記載の発明は、「前記燃焼室（１
０）を、中心穴付きの有底筒状部材（２）と、この部材
（２）の開口部周縁（２ａ）に溶接される蓋部材（１）
により形成すると共に、前記フィルタ室（１３）を、蓋
部材（１）の外周部（１ｂ）を軸方向下向きに折り曲げ
て円筒状とし、かつその円筒部にはガス排出用貫通穴
（１ｃ）を周方向に複数配設し、さらにその貫通穴（１
ｃ）を軸方向に少し下がった位置からその円筒を半径方
向外側に曲げてフランジ（１ｄ）を形成すると共に、該
フランジ（１ｄ）にはガス発生器をエアバッグモジュー
ルに取付けるための貫通穴（１ｅ）が設けられ、かつ中
心穴付きキャップ体（１４）の底面穴側端部（１４ａ）
及び筒面上側外周縁（１４ｂ）をそれぞれ、前記中心穴
付きの有底筒状部材（２）の底面の端部（２ｂ）及び前
記蓋部材（１）の折曲円筒のガス排出用貫通穴（１ｃ）
より下側の内周面（１ｆ）に溶接して形成したものであ
る」ことを特徴としている。このような構成によれば、
請求項１〜３記載の発明の構成に加えて、燃焼室，フィ
ルタ室に対してちょうど王冠をかぶせるように蓋部材を
取付ける構成となるので、請求項１〜３記載の発明の効
果に加えて、「溶接接合部の万一の亀裂事故時にもエア
バッグの損傷を防止できる」効果をも発揮させることが
できる。According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the "combustion chamber (1
0) and a bottomed cylindrical member (2) with a central hole, and a lid member (1) welded to the peripheral edge (2a) of the opening of this member (2).
And the outer peripheral portion (1b) of the lid member (1) is bent downward in the axial direction to form a cylindrical shape, and a through hole (1c) for gas discharge is formed in the cylindrical portion. A plurality of holes are arranged in the circumferential direction, and the through holes (1
The cylinder (c) is bent slightly outward in the axial direction and the cylinder is bent outward in the radial direction to form a flange (1d), and the flange (1d) has a through hole (for attaching the gas generator to the airbag module. 1e) is provided and the bottom hole side end portion (14a) of the cap body (14) with a central hole is provided.
And a cylindrical surface upper outer peripheral edge (14b), respectively, at the end portion (2b) of the bottom surface of the bottomed cylindrical member (2) with the central hole and the bent cylinder gas discharge through hole of the lid member (1). (1c)
It is formed by welding to the inner peripheral surface (1f) on the lower side. " According to such a configuration,
In addition to the configurations of the inventions described in claims 1 to 3, since the lid member is attached to the combustion chamber and the filter chamber so as to just cover the crown, in addition to the effects of the inventions of claims 1 to 3, , "It is possible to prevent the airbag from being damaged even in the event of a crack at the welded joint".

【００１６】請求項５記載の発明は、請求項４記載の発
明の構成のうち、中心穴付きキャップ体（１４）を、外
筒及び内筒間に底部を有する２重管構造の筒状部材であ
って、前記内筒長が前記外筒長よりも短いものとしたこ
とを特徴とする。According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the structure of the fourth aspect of the invention, the cap member (14) with a central hole is a tubular member having a double pipe structure having a bottom portion between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder. The inner cylinder length is shorter than the outer cylinder length.

【００１７】請求項６記載の発明は、請求項４及び請求
項５記載の発明の構成に、「前記燃焼室（１０）の中央
部には、前記点火手段（１２）を収納しかつガス発生剤
収納空間（１１）と連通する開口（１５ａ）を有する筒
部材（１５）を配置し、さらに該筒部材（１５）の下端
部（１５ｂ）を前記中心穴付きの有底筒状部材（２）の
開口部周縁（２ｃ）と溶接する一方、上端（１５ｃ）を
前記蓋部材（１）の裏面に溶接したものである」構成を
加えたことを特徴とする。According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the structure of the fourth and fifth aspects of the invention, "the ignition means (12) is housed in the center of the combustion chamber (10) and gas is generated. A tubular member (15) having an opening (15a) communicating with the agent storage space (11) is arranged, and a lower end portion (15b) of the tubular member (15) is further provided with a bottomed tubular member (2) having the central hole. ) Is welded to the peripheral edge (2c) of the opening, while the upper end (15c) is welded to the back surface of the lid member (1).

【００１８】[0018]

【発明の実施の形態】以下、本発明の実施の形態を、図
面を参照しつつ説明する。図１は、本発明のエアバッグ
用ガス発生器の一実施形態（第１実施形態）を示す概略
断面説明図である。この図で、１０は、ガス発生剤６が
収納される燃焼室であり、１２は、燃焼室１０の中央に
配置され、ガス発生剤６を燃焼するための、スクイブ４
及び着火剤５からなる点火手段である。また、１３は、
燃焼室１０を半径方向外側から囲んで環状に配置され、
燃焼室１０を通過したガスの冷却・スラグ捕集を行うフ
ィルタ室である。BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional explanatory view showing an embodiment (first embodiment) of an airbag gas generator of the present invention. In this figure, 10 is a combustion chamber in which the gas generating agent 6 is housed, 12 is arranged in the center of the combustion chamber 10, and a squib 4 for burning the gas generating agent 6 is provided.
And an igniting agent 5. Also, 13 is
Arranged in a ring shape surrounding the combustion chamber 10 from the outside in the radial direction,
It is a filter chamber that cools the gas that has passed through the combustion chamber 10 and collects slag.

【００１９】これら燃焼室１０，点火手段１２の収納区
画，フィルタ室１３を備えたガス発生器のハウジング構
造として、まず、燃焼室１０を、軸中心部には開口部１
６ａが、外周部１６ｂには下方から立ち上がって半径方
向外側に伸びるフランジ１６ｃが形成された皿状部材１
６の内底面周縁１６ｅに有底筒状部材１７の下方開口部
周縁１７ａを溶接して形成している。As the housing structure of the gas generator including the combustion chamber 10, the compartment for accommodating the ignition means 12, and the filter chamber 13, first, the combustion chamber 10 is provided with the opening 1 at the center of the shaft.
6a is a dish-shaped member 1 in which a flange 16c is formed on the outer peripheral portion 16b so as to rise from below and extend outward in the radial direction.
The lower opening peripheral edge 17a of the bottomed tubular member 17 is welded to the inner bottom peripheral edge 16e of the nozzle 6.

【００２０】また、前記フィルタ室１３を、中心穴付き
キャップ体１８の底面穴側端部１８ａ及び筒面下側外周
縁１８ｂをそれぞれ、前記有底筒状部材１７の底面の端
部１７ｂ及び前記皿状部材１６の外周部１６ｂの立ち上
がり部内周面１６ｅに溶接して形成している。In the filter chamber 13, the bottom hole end 18a of the cap body 18 with a center hole and the lower outer peripheral edge 18b of the cylindrical surface are respectively connected to the bottom end 17b of the bottomed tubular member 17 and the bottom end 17b. It is formed by welding to the inner peripheral surface 16e of the rising portion of the outer peripheral portion 16b of the dish-shaped member 16.

【００２１】このように構成されたハウジング構造にお
いて、皿状部材１６，有底筒状部材１７及び中心穴付き
キャップ体１８は、いずれも鋼板を１方向からのプレス
作業で成形加工して得られる。このため、第１従来例，
第２従来例のようなプレス成形コストを上昇させるとい
う問題は無い。In the thus constructed housing structure, the dish-shaped member 16, the bottomed cylindrical member 17 and the cap body 18 with the central hole are all obtained by forming a steel plate by a pressing work from one direction. . Therefore, the first conventional example,
There is no problem of increasing the press molding cost as in the second conventional example.

【００２２】また、フランジ１６ｃから中心穴付きキャ
ップ体１８底面（エアバッグ側の外表面であり、図面で
は上側表面）までの距離Ｌが短いので、このガス発生器
をステアリングホイール（図示せず）に取り付けたとき
に、ハンドルの中央部にできるだけ低くコンパクトに取
り付けられた状態となる。即ち、ハンドルの安定，安全
操作を十分確保できる程度に抑えられた嵩高さの構造と
することができる。Further, since the distance L from the flange 16c to the bottom surface of the cap body 18 with the central hole (the outer surface on the side of the air bag, the upper surface in the drawing) is short, this gas generator is used as a steering wheel (not shown). When attached to, it will be in a state where it is attached to the center of the handle as low and compact as possible. That is, it is possible to provide a bulky structure that is sufficiently suppressed to ensure stable and safe operation of the handle.

【００２３】なお、中心穴付きキヤップ体１８として
は、図２に示すように、外筒及び内筒間に底部を有する
２重管構造の筒状部材であって、前記内筒長が前記外筒
長よりも短いものを採用するのが好ましい。溶接時に
は、有底筒状部材１７にキャップ体１８を単に嵌込んだ
状態で隙間部分（溶接接合部Ｑ，Ｒに相当する部分）を
溶接できるため、溶接作業を簡素化できる。この点、図
１の実施形態では溶接時にはキャップ体１８を予め有底
筒状部材１７に押し付けて密着させる必要があり、その
分作業が煩雑であることに比べて有利である。As shown in FIG. 2, the cap 18 with the center hole is a tubular member having a double pipe structure having a bottom portion between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder, and the inner cylinder length is the outer cylinder. It is preferable to use a tube shorter than the tube length. At the time of welding, the gap portion (portions corresponding to the welded joints Q and R) can be welded in a state where the cap body 18 is simply fitted into the bottomed tubular member 17, so that the welding operation can be simplified. In this respect, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, it is necessary to press the cap body 18 against the bottomed tubular member 17 in advance during welding, which is advantageous in that the work is complicated accordingly.

【００２４】また、図３に示すように燃焼室１０と点火
手段１２の収納部の仕切りとして筒部材１５を配置し、
該筒部材１５の上端１５ｃ及び下端１５ｂをそれぞれ有
底筒状部材１７及び皿状部材１６に溶接し接合すると、
ハウジング構造全体として見た場合、軸中央部が強度的
に高められた構成となる。Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a tubular member 15 is arranged as a partition between the combustion chamber 10 and the housing of the ignition means 12.
When the upper end 15c and the lower end 15b of the tubular member 15 are welded and joined to the bottomed tubular member 17 and the dish-shaped member 16, respectively,
When viewed as the entire housing structure, the central portion of the shaft has a structure in which strength is increased.

【００２５】従って、ガス発生時に大きなガス圧がハウ
ジング中央付近に作用しても、大部分が筒部材１５に吸
収される。即ち、筒部材１５の存在により、ハウジング
構造の中心部の変形が抑制されることになる。従って、
その分、有底筒状部材１７及び皿状部材１６の燃焼室１
０の外壁に相当する部分の肉厚を全体にわたって、図
１，図２の実施形態の場合よりも薄くすることができ
る。このため、ガス発生器の一層の軽量化に貢献するこ
とができる。Therefore, even if a large gas pressure acts near the center of the housing when gas is generated, most of it is absorbed by the tubular member 15. That is, the presence of the tubular member 15 suppresses the deformation of the central portion of the housing structure. Therefore,
Therefore, the combustion chamber 1 of the bottomed tubular member 17 and the dish-shaped member 16
The wall thickness of the portion corresponding to the outer wall of 0 can be made thinner than the case of the embodiment of FIGS. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to further weight reduction of the gas generator.

【００２６】また、図４の実施形態（第４実施形態）
は、ハウジング構造として、まず、燃焼室１０を、中心
穴付きの有底筒状部材２と、この部材２の開口部周縁２
ａに溶接される蓋部材１により形成している。The embodiment of FIG. 4 (the fourth embodiment)
As a housing structure, first, the combustion chamber 10 is provided with a bottomed cylindrical member 2 having a center hole and an opening peripheral edge 2 of the member 2.
The lid member 1 is welded to a.

【００２７】また、前記フィルタ室１３は、以下の構成
としている。即ち、蓋部材１の外周部１ｂを軸方向下向
きに折り曲げて円筒状とし、かつその円筒部にはガス排
出用貫通穴１ｃを周方向に複数配設し、さらにその貫通
穴１ｃを軸方向に少し下がった位置からその円筒を半径
方向外側に曲げてフランジ１ｄを形成すると共に、該フ
ランジ１ｄにはガス発生器をエアバッグモジュールに取
付けるための貫通穴１ｅが設けられ、かつ中心穴付きキ
ャップ体１４の底面穴側端部１４ａ及び筒面上側外周縁
１４ｂをそれぞれ、前記中心穴付きの有底筒状部材２の
底面の端部２ｂ及び前記蓋部材１の折曲円筒のガス排出
用貫通穴１ｃより下側の内周面１ｆに溶接して形成して
いる。The filter chamber 13 has the following structure. That is, the outer peripheral portion 1b of the lid member 1 is bent downward in the axial direction to form a cylindrical shape, and a plurality of through holes 1c for gas discharge are circumferentially arranged in the cylindrical portion, and the through holes 1c are arranged in the axial direction. The cylinder is bent radially outward from a slightly lowered position to form a flange 1d, and the flange 1d is provided with a through hole 1e for attaching the gas generator to the airbag module, and a cap body with a center hole. The bottom hole side end 14a and the cylinder surface upper side outer peripheral edge 14b of 14 are respectively the bottom end 2b of the bottomed cylindrical member 2 with the center hole and the bent cylinder gas through hole of the lid member 1. It is formed by welding to the inner peripheral surface 1f below 1c.

【００２８】このように構成されたハウジング構造にお
いて、蓋部材１，中心穴付き有底筒状部材２及び中心穴
付きキャップ体１４はいずれも鋼板を１方向からのプレ
ス作業で成形加工して得られる。このため、第１従来
例，第２従来例のようなプレス成形コストを上昇させる
という問題は無い。In the thus constructed housing structure, the lid member 1, the bottomed cylindrical member 2 with a center hole, and the cap body 14 with a center hole are all obtained by forming a steel plate by pressing from one direction. To be Therefore, there is no problem of increasing the press molding cost as in the first conventional example and the second conventional example.

【００２９】また、フランジ１ｄら蓋部材１表面までの
距離Ｌが短いので、このガス発生器をステアリングホイ
ール（図示せず）に取り付けたときに、ハンドルの中央
部にできるだけ低くコンパクトに取り付けられた状態と
なる。即ち、ハンドルの安定，安全操作を十分確保でき
る程度に抑えられた嵩高さの構造とすることができる。Also, since the distance L from the flange 1d to the surface of the lid member 1 is short, when this gas generator was attached to a steering wheel (not shown), it was attached to the center of the steering wheel as low and compact as possible. It becomes a state. That is, it is possible to provide a bulky structure that is sufficiently suppressed to ensure stable and safe operation of the handle.

【００３０】さらに、本実施形態では、燃焼室１０，フ
ィルタ室１３に対してちょうど王冠をかぶせるように蓋
部材１を取付け、そして中心穴付き有底筒状部材２及び
中心穴付きキャップ体１４と溶接する構成であるため、
何らかの原因でその溶接接合部Ｐ，Ｑ，Ｒのいずれかが
外れても、フィルタ７等がエアバッグ（図示せず）内へ
飛散するという事態は生じない。Further, in this embodiment, the lid member 1 is attached to the combustion chamber 10 and the filter chamber 13 so as to cover the crown exactly, and the bottomed cylindrical member 2 with a center hole and the cap body 14 with a center hole are provided. Because it is a welding structure,
Even if any of the welded joints P, Q, and R comes off for some reason, the filter 7 or the like does not fly into the airbag (not shown).

【００３１】この結果、本実施形態によれば、第１，第
２，第３従来例のすべての問題点を解消し、安価にプレ
ス成形でき、ハンドルの安定，安全操作を十分確保でき
る程度に抑えられた嵩高さの構造とすることができるの
みならず、付加的効果として溶接接合部の万一の亀裂事
故時にもエアバッグを損傷を防止できる、改良されたガ
ス発生器の提供が可能となる。As a result, according to the present embodiment, all the problems of the first, second, and third conventional examples are solved, press molding can be performed at low cost, and the stability and safe operation of the handle can be sufficiently secured. It is possible to provide an improved gas generator that not only has a structure with a suppressed bulkiness but also has the additional effect of preventing damage to the airbag even in the unlikely event of a crack in the welded joint. Become.

【００３２】なお、中心穴付きキャップ体１４として、
図５に示すように断面がＪ字を向き合わせたような形を
有する部材の環状形成体とした場合は、図２の実施形態
と同じ作用効果を発揮させることができ、より好ましい
態様といえる。As the cap body 14 with the central hole,
As shown in FIG. 5, when the ring-shaped body is formed of a member having a shape in which the J-shapes face each other as shown in FIG. 5, the same effects as those of the embodiment of FIG. .

【００３３】また、図６の実施形態は、燃焼室１０の中
央部には、前記点火手段１２を収納しかつガス発生剤収
納空間１１と連通する開口１５ａを有する筒部材１５を
配置し、さらに該筒部材１５の下端部１５ｂを前記中心
穴付きの有底筒状部材２の開口部周縁２ｃと溶接する一
方、上端１５ｃを前記蓋部材１の裏面に溶接したもので
ある。いわば、図３の実施形態の主要構成を図４，５の
実施形態に適用したものといえる。Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a cylindrical member 15 for accommodating the ignition means 12 and having an opening 15a communicating with the gas generating agent accommodating space 11 is arranged in the center of the combustion chamber 10. The lower end portion 15b of the tubular member 15 is welded to the opening peripheral edge 2c of the bottomed tubular member 2 with a central hole, while the upper end 15c is welded to the back surface of the lid member 1. In other words, it can be said that the main configuration of the embodiment of FIG. 3 is applied to the embodiments of FIGS.

【００３４】従って、第６実施形態についても、第３実
施形態と同じ作用効果を発揮させることができる。即
ち、蓋部材１及び有底筒状部材２の燃焼室１０の外壁に
相当する部分の肉厚を全体にわたって図４，図５の実施
形態の場合よりも薄くすることができ、ガス発生器の一
層の軽量化に貢献することができる。Therefore, also in the sixth embodiment, the same operational effect as in the third embodiment can be exhibited. That is, the wall thickness of the portion corresponding to the outer wall of the combustion chamber 10 of the lid member 1 and the bottomed tubular member 2 can be made thinner as a whole than in the embodiment of FIGS. This can contribute to further weight reduction.

【００３５】[0035]

【発明の効果】以上説明したように、本発明のうち請求
項１〜３記載の発明は、要するにハウジング構造を、１
プレス工程で得られる鋼板製筒状加工品の溶接構造体と
すると共に、ハンドルへの取付高さをできる限り低く抑
えられる構成としたので、安価にプレス成形でき、かつ
ハンドルの安定，安全操作を十分確保できる程度に抑え
られた嵩高さの構造とすることができるエアバッグ用ガ
ス発生器の提供が可能となった。また、請求項４〜６記
載の発明は、要するに請求項１〜３記載の発明の構成に
加えて、燃焼室１０，フィルタ室１３に対してちょうど
王冠をかぶせるように蓋部材１を取付け、そして中心穴
付き有底筒状部材２及び中心穴付きキャップ体１４と溶
接する構成としたので、請求項１〜３記載の発明の効果
に加えて、「溶接接合部の万一の亀裂事故時にもエアバ
ッグの損傷を防止できる」効果をも発揮しうるガス発生
器の提供が可能となった。As described above, according to the invention described in claims 1 to 3 of the present invention, in short, the housing structure is
Welded structure made of steel plate tubular products obtained in the pressing process, and because the mounting height to the handle is kept as low as possible, press molding can be done at low cost, and stable and safe operation of the handle is possible. It has become possible to provide a gas generator for an airbag, which can have a bulky structure that is sufficiently suppressed. In addition, the invention described in claims 4 to 6 is, in short, in addition to the configuration of the invention described in claims 1 to 3, the lid member 1 is attached so as to cover the combustion chamber 10 and the filter chamber 13 exactly, and Since it is configured to be welded to the bottomed cylindrical member 2 with a center hole and the cap body 14 with a center hole, in addition to the effects of the invention according to claims 1 to 3, "in the event of a crack accident in the welded joint, It is now possible to provide a gas generator that can exert the effect of “preventing damage to the airbag”.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of drawings]

【図１】本発明のエアバッグ用ガス発生器の一実施形態
（第１実施形態）を示す断面図である。FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment (first embodiment) of an airbag gas generator of the present invention.

【図２】第２の実施形態を示す断面図である。FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a second embodiment.

【図３】第３の実施形態を示す断面図である。FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a third embodiment.

【図４】第４の実施形態を示す断面図である。FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a fourth embodiment.

【図５】第５の実施形態を示す断面図である。FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a fifth embodiment.

【図６】第６の実施形態を示す断面図である。FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a sixth embodiment.

【図７】従来のエアバッグ用ガス発生器（第１従来例）
を示す断面図である。FIG. 7: Conventional airbag gas generator (first conventional example)
FIG.

【図８】第２従来例を示す断面図である。FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a second conventional example.

【図９】第３従来例を示す断面図である。FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a third conventional example.

【符号の説明】[Explanation of symbols]

１ 蓋部材 ２ 中心穴付き有底筒状部材 ４ スクイブ ５ 着火剤 ６ ガス発生剤 １０ 燃焼室 １２ 点火手段 １３ フィルタ室 １４ 中心穴付きキャップ体 １５ 筒部材 １６ 皿状部材 １７ 有底筒状部材 １８ 中心穴付きキャップ体 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Lid member 2 Bottomed cylindrical member with a central hole 4 Squib 5 Ignition agent 6 Gas generating agent 10 Combustion chamber 12 Ignition means 13 Filter chamber 14 Cap body with a central hole 15 Cylindrical member 16 Plate-shaped member 17 Bottomed cylindrical member 18 Cap body with center hole

───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (72)発明者 田中 耕治 兵庫県姫路市豊富町豊富3903−39 日本化 薬株式会社姫路工場内センサー・テクノロ ジー株式会社姫路テクニカルセンター内 (72)発明者 左宗 高 兵庫県姫路市豊富町豊富3903−39 日本化 薬株式会社姫路工場内センサー・テクノロ ジー株式会社姫路テクニカルセンター内 (72)発明者 神田 剛 兵庫県姫路市豊富町豊富3903−39 日本化 薬株式会社姫路工場内センサー・テクノロ ジー株式会社姫路テクニカルセンター内 (72)発明者 伊藤 裕二 兵庫県姫路市豊富町豊富3903−39 日本化 薬株式会社姫路工場内 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Koji Tanaka 3903-39, Abundant Town, Himeji-shi, Hyogo Prefecture Nihon Kayaku Co., Ltd. Himeji Plant Sensor / Technology Co., Ltd. Himeji Technical Center (72) Inventor Takashi Saso 3903-39 Abundant Town, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture 3903-39 Nihon Kayaku Co., Ltd. Himeji Factory Sensor Technology Co., Ltd., Himeji Technical Center (72) Inventor Tsuyoshi Kanda 3903-39 Abundant Town, Himeji City, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd. Himeji Factory Sensor Technology Co., Ltd. Himeji Technical Center (72) Inventor Yuji Ito 3903-39, Toyotomi-cho, Himeji-shi, Hyogo Nihon Kayaku Co., Ltd. Himeji Factory

Claims (6)

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims] 【請求項１】 ガス発生剤（６）が収納される燃焼室
（１０）と、この燃焼室（１０）の中央に配置され前記
ガス発生剤（６）を燃焼するための、スクイブ（４）及
び着火剤（５）からなる点火手段（１２）と、前記燃焼
室（１０）を半径方向外側から囲んで環状に配置され、
前記燃焼室（１０）を通過したガスの冷却・スラグ捕集
を行うフィルタ室（１３）とを備えたエアバッグ用ガス
発生器において、該発生器のハウジング構造として、前
記燃焼室（１０）を、軸中心部には開口部（１６ａ）が
設けられると共に、外周部（１６ｂ）には下方から立ち
上がって半径方向外側に伸びるフランジ（１６ｃ）が形
成され、かつ該フランジ（１６ｃ）にはガス発生器をエ
アバッグモジュールに取付けるための貫通穴（１６ｄ）
が設けられた皿状部材１６の内底面周縁（１６ｅ）に有
底筒状部材（１７）の下方開口部周縁１７ａを溶接して
形成すると共に、前記フィルタ室（１３）を、中心穴付
きキャップ体（１８）の底面穴側端部（１８ａ）及び筒
面下側外周縁（１８ｂ）をそれぞれ、前記有底筒状部材
（１７）の底面端部（１７ｂ）及び前記皿状部材（１
６）の外周部（１６ｂ）の立ち上がり部内周面（１６
ｆ）に溶接して形成し、かつ前記中心穴付きキャップ体
（１８）の筒面にはガス排出用貫通穴（１８ｃ）を周方
向に複数配設したことを特徴とするエアバッグ用ガス発
生器。1. A combustion chamber (10) accommodating a gas generating agent (6) and a squib (4) arranged in the center of the combustion chamber (10) for burning the gas generating agent (6). And an ignition means (12) composed of an igniting agent (5) and an annular arrangement surrounding the combustion chamber (10) from the outside in the radial direction,
In a gas generator for an air bag, which comprises a filter chamber (13) for cooling and collecting slag of the gas passing through the combustion chamber (10), the combustion chamber (10) is used as a housing structure of the generator. An opening (16a) is provided at the center of the shaft, and a flange (16c) that rises from below and extends outward in the radial direction is formed at the outer peripheral portion (16b), and gas is generated at the flange (16c). Through hole (16d) for attaching the device to the airbag module
The lower opening peripheral edge 17a of the bottomed tubular member (17) is formed by welding to the inner bottom surface peripheral edge (16e) of the dish-shaped member 16 provided with the filter chamber (13) and the center hole cap (13). The bottom hole side end (18a) and the cylinder surface lower outer peripheral edge (18b) of the body (18) are respectively the bottom end (17b) and the dish-shaped member (1) of the bottomed cylindrical member (17).
6) rising part inner peripheral surface (16b) of outer peripheral part (16b)
f) is formed by welding, and a plurality of through holes (18c) for gas discharge are circumferentially arranged on the cylindrical surface of the cap body (18) with a central hole, and gas generation for an air bag. vessel. 【請求項２】 前記中心穴付きキャップ体（１８）は、
外筒及び内筒間に底部を有する２重管構造の筒状部材で
あって、前記内筒長が前記外筒長よりも短いものである
請求項１記載のエアバッグ用ガス発生器。2. The cap body (18) with a central hole is
2. The gas generator for an airbag according to claim 1, wherein the tubular member is a tubular member having a double pipe structure having a bottom portion between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder, and the inner cylinder length is shorter than the outer cylinder length. 【請求項３】 前記燃焼室（１０）の中央部には、前記
点火手段（１２）を収納しかつガス発生剤収納空間（１
１）と連通する開口（１５ａ）を有する筒部材（１５）
を配置し、さらに該筒部材（１５）の下端部（１５ｂ）
を前記皿状部材（１６）の開口部周縁（１６ｈ）と溶接
する一方、上端（１５ｃ）を前記有底筒状部材（１７）
の内底面（１７ｃ）に溶接したものである請求項１又は
請求項２記載のエアバッグ用ガス発生器。3. A gas generating agent accommodating space (1) for accommodating the ignition means (12) in a central portion of the combustion chamber (10).
1) A tubular member (15) having an opening (15a) communicating with
And the lower end (15b) of the tubular member (15).
Is welded to the peripheral edge (16h) of the opening of the dish-shaped member (16), while the upper end (15c) is attached to the bottomed tubular member (17).
The gas generator for an air bag according to claim 1 or 2, which is welded to the inner bottom surface (17c) of the. 【請求項４】 前記燃焼室（１０）を、中心穴付きの有
底筒状部材（２）と、この部材（２）の開口部周縁（２
ａ）に溶接される蓋部材（１）により形成すると共に、
前記フィルタ室（１３）を、蓋部材（１）の外周部（１
ｂ）を軸方向下向きに折り曲げて円筒状とし、かつその
円筒部にはガス排出用貫通穴（１ｃ）を周方向に複数配
設し、さらにその貫通穴（１ｃ）を軸方向に少し下がっ
た位置からその円筒を半径方向外側に曲げてフランジ
（１ｄ）を形成すると共に、該フランジ（１ｄ）にはガ
ス発生器をエアバッグモジュールに取付けるための貫通
穴（１ｅ）が設けられ、かつ中心穴付きキャップ体（１
４）の底面穴側端部（１４ａ）及び筒面上側外周縁（１
４ｂ）をそれぞれ、前記中心穴付きの有底筒状部材
（２）の底面端部（２ｂ）及び前記蓋部材（１）の折曲
円筒のガス排出用貫通穴（１ｃ）より下側の内周面（１
ｆ）に溶接して形成したことを特徴とするエアバッグ用
ガス発生器。4. The bottom of the combustion chamber (10) is a cylindrical member (2) with a center hole, and the peripheral edge (2) of the opening of the member (2).
formed by the lid member (1) welded to a),
The filter chamber (13) is provided with an outer peripheral portion (1) of the lid member (1).
B) is bent downward in the axial direction to form a cylindrical shape, and a plurality of through holes (1c) for gas discharge are circumferentially arranged in the cylindrical portion, and the through holes (1c) are slightly lowered in the axial direction. The cylinder is bent radially outward from the position to form a flange (1d), and the flange (1d) is provided with a through hole (1e) for attaching the gas generator to the airbag module, and a central hole. With cap body (1
4) bottom hole side end (14a) and cylindrical surface upper outer peripheral edge (1
4b) inside the bottom end portion (2b) of the bottomed tubular member (2) with the central hole and the bent cylinder gas discharge through hole (1c) of the lid member (1), respectively. Perimeter (1
A gas generator for an air bag characterized by being formed by welding to f). 【請求項５】 前記中心穴付きキャップ体（１４）は、
外筒及び内筒間に底部を有する２重管構造の筒状部材で
あって、前記内筒長が前記外筒長よりも短いものである
請求項４記載のエアバッグ用ガス発生器。5. The cap body (14) with a central hole comprises:
The gas generator for an air bag according to claim 4, which is a tubular member having a double pipe structure having a bottom portion between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder, wherein the inner cylinder length is shorter than the outer cylinder length. 【請求項６】 前記燃焼室（１０）の中央部には、前記
点火手段（１２）を収納しかつガス発生剤収納空間（１
１）と連通する開口（１５ａ）を有する筒部材（１５）
を配置し、さらに該筒部材（１５）の下端部（１５ｂ）
を前記中心穴付きの有底筒状部材（２）の開口部周縁
（２ｃ）と溶接する一方、上端（１５ｃ）を前記蓋部材
（１）の裏面に溶接したものである請求項４又は請求項
５記載のエアバッグ用ガス発生器。6. A gas generating agent accommodating space (1) for accommodating the ignition means (12) in a central portion of the combustion chamber (10).
1) A tubular member (15) having an opening (15a) communicating with
And the lower end (15b) of the tubular member (15).
Is welded to the peripheral edge (2c) of the opening of the bottomed cylindrical member (2) with the central hole, while the upper end (15c) is welded to the back surface of the lid member (1). Item 5. The gas generator for an airbag according to item 5.