Method and apparatus for filling and sealing an inflator for an automotive airbag module

摘要

Apparatus and method for sealingly interconnecting a base (12) and canister (14) of a vehicle safety airbag inflator together thereby charging the inflator with compressed gas. The apparatus includes an upper chamber (30) containing a magnet (46), an upper cylinder (44) arranged to press on the magnet (46) and an annular welding electrode (50) configured to contact a joint between the base (12) and a welding ring (24) when they are held by the magnet (46). A lower chamber (32) for accommodating the canister (14) is urgable by a lower cylinder (34) sealingly into contact with the upper chamber (30) with a space between the base (12) and canister (14) through which compressed gas, supplied through a fill port (48) can pass. The base (12) and canister (14) are then urged together by the upper cylinder and welded together. The base and canister may alternatively be crimped together.