Inflator, method of manufacturing the same and module including said inflator

Abstract

An inflator as well as a method of manufacturing an inflator, a module including an inflator and an airbag module. In an inflator, especially for a protective device. In a vehicle, comprising plural components a sealant is applied in the area of abutting components, especially a sealant which adheres to both abutting components.

Having described the invention, the following is claimed: 
     
         1 . An inflator ( 10 ) for a protective device in a vehicle, comprising:
 a housing;   at least one igniter; and   a base that connects the at least one igniter to the housing,   wherein the base is at least partially injection molded around the at least one igniter and the housing to interconnect the base, the housing, and the at least one igniter, the inflator further comprising a sealant applied in an area where the base abuts the housing.   
     
     
         2 . An inflator according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the housing is a first component ( 112 ) and   the igniter is a second component ( 114 ) connected to the first component ( 112 ) by the base by at least partially surrounding both components ( 112 ,  114 ) by injection molding,   wherein the first component ( 112 ) has an adhesive film ( 142 ) applied before injection molding in a contact area ( 140 ) with the base.   
     
     
         3 . An inflator according to  claim 2 , wherein the first component ( 112 ) is made of at least one of metal, ceramic, and plastic material. 
     
     
         4 . An inflator according to  claim 2 , wherein the first component ( 112 ) is an inflator housing or forms a partial element of an inflator housing. 
     
     
         5 . An inflator according to  claim 2 , wherein the second component ( 114 ) is a prefabricated igniter closed to the outside. 
     
     
         6 . An inflator according to  claim 2 , wherein the first component ( 112 ) has an orifice ( 120 ) for receiving and mounting the second component ( 114 ) the edge ( 122 ) of which is embedded in the during injection molding. 
     
     
         7 . An inflator according to  claim 2 , wherein the adhesive film ( 142 ) covers only part of the portion of the first component ( 112 ) surrounded by injection molding. 
     
     
         8 . An inflator according to  claim 2 , wherein the adhesive film ( 142 ) covers the entire portion of the first component ( 112 ) surrounded by injection molding. 
     
     
         9 . An inflator according to  claim 2 , wherein the adhesive film ( 142 ) projects from the portion of the first component ( 112 ) surrounded by injection molding. 
     
     
         10 . An inflator according to  claim 2 , wherein the adhesive film ( 142 ) comprises a plastic film ( 144 ) and an adhesive layer ( 146 ). 
     
     
         11 . An inflator according to  claim 10 , wherein the plastic film ( 144 ) is made of the same material as the base. 
     
     
         12 . An inflator according to  claim 10 , wherein the plastic film ( 144 ) is made of a material which is suited for establishing a connection with the material of the base. 
     
     
         13 . An inflator according to  claim 10 , wherein an adhesive of the adhesive layer ( 146 ) can be activated by a predetermined contact pressure or thermal influence. 
     
     
         14 . An inflator according to  claim 10 , wherein the materials of the plastic film ( 144 ) and the base are selected such that during injection-molding the plastic base ( 116 ) the plastic film ( 144 ) at least partially melts with the base. 
     
     
         15 . An inflator according to  claim 2 , wherein the adhesive film ( 142 ) forms a bonding bridge between the first component ( 112 ) and base. 
     
     
         16 . An inflator according to  claim 15 , wherein the bonding bridge is plastically and/or elastically deformable. 
     
     
         17 . An inflator according to  claim 10 , wherein the plastic film ( 144 ) includes a thermoplastic elastomer. 
     
     
         18 . A method for manufacturing an inflator ( 10 ), for a vehicle occupant restraint system, comprising the steps of:
 providing a first component ( 112 ) containing metal and/or plastic material and/or ceramic material,   providing a second component ( 114 ) to be connected to the first component ( 112 ),   applying an adhesive film ( 142 ) to the first component ( 112 ) in a connecting area,   positioning the second component ( 114 ) relative to the first component ( 112 ), and   jointly surrounding at least partially the first and second components ( 112 ,  114 ) by injection molding, thereby forming a plastic base ( 116 ) connecting the components ( 112 ,  114 ).   
     
     
         19 . A method according to  claim 18 , wherein a plastic film ( 144 ) of the adhesive film ( 142 ) melts with the plastic base ( 116 ) during injection molding. 
     
     
         20 . A method according to  claim 18 , wherein during or after applying the adhesive film ( 142 ) an adhesive of the adhesive film ( 142 ) is activated by pressing or heating. 
     
     
         21 . A module comprising an inflator ( 10 ,  110 ), an airbag ( 96 ) inflatable by the inflator ( 10 ,  110 ) and a fastening means for attaching the module, wherein the inflator ( 10 ,  110 ) is formed according to  claim 18 .