Stamped metal toroidal hybrid gas generator

摘要

The inflator comprises an upper stamped metal housing part (24) welded (36) to a lower stamped metal housing part (26) which includes an integral centre tie (22) containing a metal cup (42) accommodating gas generant material (70) and an igniter assembly (43) including a squib (64). Initiation of the generant material (70) causes an upper piston portion of the cup (42) to separate from the rest of the cup at a circumferential groove (52) and move upwardly uncovering openings (55) which allows hot gas to pass outwardly into a surrounding toroidal chamber (20) accommodating pressurised gas from where gas passes inwardly through further openings (58) into the centre tie (22) above the cup (42) and then out of the inflator through a frangibly sealed orifice (40). Upward movement of the piston portion is arrested by friction and inwardly directed tabs (60). <IMAGE>