Pyrotechnical Actuator Unit, Method of Manufacturing the Same, and Gas Bag Module With Such Actuator Unit

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

p-0003The present invention relates to a pyrotechnical actuator unit for actuating a vehicle safety system, including a pyrotechnical igniter and an outer housing made of a plastic material accommodating the pyrotechnical igniter, the outer housing breaking by an activation of the igniter.

p-0004The present invention furthermore concerns a gas bag module for a vehicle safety system including such an actuator unit, and a method of manufacturing a pyrotechnical actuator unit

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

p-0005In engineering, in particular in vehicle safety engineering, separation bolts are used as actuator units. These separation bolts are, as a rule, extremely sturdy metal components which are fastened by means of a thread and can take up very high forces. The activation energy required for such separation bolts is correspondingly high, for them to expose housing openings, displace components (occasionally contrary to a pressure force) or separate themselves, for example.

p-0006In modern vehicle safety systems, particularly in gas bag modules, attempts are made to adjust the safety system to various parameters of a crash situation increasingly individually. One known and advantageous option here is the use of traction means such as, e.g., tethers which, when released, cause discharge openings to be opened or closed. Moreover, such traction means can also be used to influence the geometry of the gas bag and/or open up an additional gas bag volume.

p-0007A tether release device called TAU (tether activation unit) is required for active release of the traction means. These TAUs are generally subjected to shearing stresses by comparatively low transverse force loads. Conventional separation bolts are often oversized and too expensive for these applications.

p-0008DE 10 2004 042 359 A1 discloses a pyrotechnical actuator unit according to the generic part of claim <b>1</b>, which is used to initially fix tether sections in a gas bag module in place and to release them upon an actuation of the actuator unit. This document shows screw-in attachment devices having a metal housing and includes the general remark that it is also possible for a housing of the attachment device to be made of a plastic or synthetic material. It is furthermore mentioned that the threaded screw-in sections of the housing may be designed in the form of a snap-in connector.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

p-0009It is the object of the present invention to provide a pyrotechnical actuator unit for moderate loads, in particular transverse force stresses, which may be produced at low cost and is simple to install while requiring little space.

p-0010The object is achieved according to the invention by a pyrotechnical actuator unit of the type initially mentioned, the outer housing being made up of a first plastic part and a second plastic part and the two plastic parts being permanently connected with each other. In the cases of application mentioned at the outset, the plastic housing exhibits a reliability similar to that of a metal housing, but is considerably more cost-effective in comparison with conventional metal housings. Compared with a one-piece housing configuration made of plastic, the design comprised of a first plastic part and a second plastic part is somewhat more elaborate, but it does offer the advantage that during production of the actuator unit, the pyrotechnical igniter is subjected to less heat than in the case of, e.g., a one-piece insert-molded plastic casing. Any spurious activation of the igniter as a consequence of a thermal load is thereby largely ruled out.

p-0011In one embodiment, the outer housing has a pressure chamber formed therein which is defined by the igniter, on the one hand, and by the outer housing, on the other hand. After an activation of the pyrotechnical igniter, this pressure chamber is of particular advantage to a continuous development of pressure in the outer housing and a defined rupture of the outer housing. Other advantages in manufacturing the pyrotechnical actuator unit, more particularly advantages in terms of process engineering, ensue for design variants in which merely the first plastic part and the pyrotechnical igniter define the pressure chamber.

p-0012The pressure chamber is preferably provided in the area of a predefined breaking point of the outer housing. The internal pressure in the pressure chamber rises continuously after an activation of the igniter. Provision of a predetermined breaking point in the area of the pressure chamber allows the place and the moment of breakage of the housing to be predefined in a simple way.

p-0013In a further embodiment, the first plastic part and the second plastic part form a receiving space in the outer housing, the receiving space being at least partly occupied by the pyrotechnical igniter.

p-0014Here, the pressure chamber may in particular be the remaining portion of the receiving space that is not occupied by the pyrotechnical igniter. Fabrication of the pyrotechnical actuator unit is especially simple in this embodiment since only one single predefined receiving space is to be formed. After assembly of the pyrotechnical igniter, the pressure chamber automatically results as a “residual volume” of the receiving space that is not occupied by the pyrotechnical igniter.

p-0015In a further embodiment, the receiving space is bordered by the first plastic part and by the second plastic part. In case at least one of the plastic parts is injection-molded onto the igniter, in this embodiment merely partial areas of the igniter surface are heated when the respective plastic part is joined by injection-molding. As a result, the thermal load and, hence, the risk of a spurious release of the igniter during manufacture of the pyrotechnical actuator unit is low.

p-0016In one embodiment, the first plastic part is injection-molded onto the igniter. In this case, the manufacture of the first plastic part is very simple since part of the igniter itself serves as an injection mold. Also, an interlocking connection is produced between the igniter and the first plastic part, so that the igniter is fixed in place in the first plastic part. Since in this embodiment it is not possible to form a pressure chamber between the first plastic part and the igniter, one option is to integrate the pressure chamber into the pyrotechnical igniter. To this end, the igniter may include an igniter cap which is arranged at a distance from a fuel-filled combustion chamber of the igniter in order to form the pressure chamber. The first plastic part is then injection-molded onto the igniter or, to be more precise, the igniter cap of the igniter.

p-0017In a further embodiment, the first plastic part is a prefabricated injection-molded part and the second plastic part is injection-molded onto the first plastic part. In this embodiment, a connection between the first and second plastic parts is produced simultaneously with the production of the second plastic part. In this way, the manufacturing expenditure of the pyrotechnical actuator unit is reduced because separate connecting means may be dispensed with.

p-0018As an alternative, the two plastic parts are welded to each other. While the separate connecting process slightly raises the manufacturing expenditure, both plastic parts may be prefabricated.

p-0019The first plastic part has a first end permanently connected with the second plastic part and a second end opposite the first end, and preferably has a detent portion in the area of the second end to attach the actuator unit. The detent portion, firstly, provides a way of attaching the actuator unit quickly and reliably and, secondly, can be integrally molded onto the first plastic part with little effort.

p-0020Preferably, the first plastic part here includes an outer, lateral guide portion which is closer to the second end of the first plastic part than the detent portion. This guide portion further simplifies the installation of the actuator unit on a receiving component.

p-0021In a further embodiment, the first plastic part has a first end permanently connected with the second plastic part and a second end opposite the first end, and has an anti-rotation means in the area of the second end. Such anti-rotation means are used in particular to fix rotationally symmetrical actuator units in the peripheral direction after installation thereof.

p-0022The present invention further encompasses a gas bag module for a vehicle safety system, including a gas bag, a gas generator, a module housing, and an above-mentioned pyrotechnical actuator unit, in which a traction means is provided which is fixed in place by the actuator unit before an activation of the pyrotechnical igniter and is released after an activation of the pyrotechnical igniter. Since the plastic material used for the outer housing and the preferred detent attachment of the actuator unit are well suited for normal stresses upon traction means release devices, the employment of the pyrotechnical actuator unit as a traction means release device is especially advantageous.

p-0023Preferably, one end of the traction means engages a predefined breaking point of the outer housing of the pyrotechnical actuator unit. This ensures that the traction means is quickly and reliably released after an activation of the pyrotechnical igniter.

p-0024Alternatively, one end of the traction means may engage a portion of the outer housing of the pyrotechnical actuator unit which after the activation of the pyrotechnical igniter is separated from an attachment section of the actuator unit. In addition to the likewise rapid and reliable release of the traction means, in this variant that portion of the outer housing which separates from the attachment section after the activation of the pyrotechnical igniter is additionally secured by the traction means.

p-0025The present invention furthermore relates to a method of manufacturing a pyrotechnical actuator unit, including a pyrotechnical igniter and an outer housing accommodating the pyrotechnical igniter, the outer housing being made up of a first housing part and a second housing part, the method including the following method steps: <ul><li id="ul0001-0001" num="0000"><ul><li id="ul0002-0001" num="0024">(a) the first housing part is produced to have a receiving space for the pyrotechnical igniter;</li><li id="ul0002-0002" num="0025">(b) the pyrotechnical igniter is inserted into the receiving space; and</li><li id="ul0002-0003" num="0026">(c) the second housing part is injection-molded onto the pyrotechnical igniter and onto a first end of the first housing part, so that the receiving space is essentially closed.</li></ul></li></ul>

p-0026This method provides a two-part outer housing for a pyrotechnical igniter, offering the advantage that when the actuator unit is manufactured, the pyrotechnical igniter is not subjected to as much heat as in the case of, e.g., a one-part insert-molded plastic casing. The increase in manufacturing expense for a two-part outer housing is minimized in that, along with the production of the second housing part a connection to the first housing part is established at the same time. A separate method step of connecting the two housing parts can be saved here, as can additional fastening means.

p-0027Preferably, the first housing part is produced as an injection-molded part in step (a). The outer housing of the actuator unit is thus essentially made of a plastic material, which results in low material costs and a low weight of the actuator unit.

p-0028In one variant of the method, a press fit develops between the pyrotechnical igniter and a side wall of the receiving space in step (b). Owing to the press fit, the igniter is fixed in place relative to the first housing part; a stable intermediate product made up of the pyrotechnical igniter and the first housing part is produced, which is easier to handle in the further process than any loosely fitted parts.

p-0029Preferably, in step (b) the pyrotechnical igniter is not fully inserted into the receiving space, so that the igniter and the first housing part form a pressure chamber. This constitutes a very simple way to provide the pressure chamber that is advantageous to a controlled and defined separation of the housing. In case a press fit develops between the pyrotechnical igniter and the side wall of the receiving space, it is made sure at the same time that the injection-molding composition of the second housing part does not penetrate into and fill the pressure chamber when the second housing part is joined by injection-molding in method step (c).

p-0030During the fabrication of the first housing part, a stop for the pyrotechnical igniter may be formed in the receiving space. For one thing, method step (b) is given a defined end by this stop; for another thing, the stop allows the pressure chamber volume to be exactly defined.

p-0031In a further variant of the method, an interlocking connection develops between the pyrotechnical igniter and the second housing part, so that the igniter is reliably fixed to the second housing part.

p-0032In a particularly preferred variant of the method, the first end of the first housing part is fabricated in step (a) so as to be profiled such that after the second housing part is joined by injection-molding and is cured, the two housing parts form a non-detachable interlocking connection. This modified connection prevents any weak point from developing in the connecting region between the first and second housing parts, so that the outer housing reliably breaks at a usually provided predetermined breaking point. In addition, this connection of the two housing parts produces a so-called labyrinth seal, which distinguishes itself by a particularly high degree of tightness. Any undesirable leakage loss after activation of the pyrotechnical igniter can thus be avoided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

p-0033Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings, in which:

p-0034<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> shows a perspective view of a pyrotechnical actuator unit according to a first embodiment of the invention;

p-0035<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> shows part of a gas bag module according to the invention with an actuator unit of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> according to the invention in the installed condition;

p-0036<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows part of a gas bag module according to the invention with an actuator unit according to a second embodiment of the invention in the installed condition;

p-0037<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows a perspective sectional view of the pyrotechnical actuator unit of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> according to the invention;

p-0038<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> shows a sectional view of the pyrotechnical actuator unit of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, with welding areas highlighted;

p-0039<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> shows a perspective sectional view of a pyrotechnical actuator unit according to a third embodiment of the invention;

p-0040<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> shows part of a gas bag module according to the invention with the actuator unit of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> according to the invention;

p-0041<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> shows a perspective view of the pyrotechnical actuator unit of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>; and

p-0042<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> shows a further perspective view of the pyrotechnical actuator unit of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

p-0043<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> shows a perspective view of a pyrotechnical actuator unit <b>10</b> according to a first embodiment, including a pyrotechnical igniter <b>12</b> (illustrated in dashed lines) and an outer housing <b>14</b> made of plastic and accommodating the pyrotechnical igniter <b>12</b>, the outer housing <b>14</b> breaking by an activation of the igniter <b>12</b>. In contrast to a bursting of housing diaphragms or the like, in this context the breaking of the outer housing <b>14</b> is actually to be understood to mean a destruction of the housing during which at least one load-bearing housing component breaks into two or more parts. The outer housing <b>14</b> consists of a first plastic part <b>18</b> and a second plastic part <b>20</b>, the two plastic parts <b>18</b>, <b>20</b> being connected with each other permanently. In the first embodiment the plastic parts <b>18</b>, <b>20</b> are welded, preferably laser-welded. The respective weld seam is shown schematically in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> and is denoted by reference numeral <b>22</b>. After an activation of the pyrotechnical igniter <b>12</b>, the outer housing <b>14</b>, preferably the second plastic part <b>20</b> of the outer housing <b>14</b>, will break.

p-0044The first and second plastic parts <b>18</b>, <b>20</b> form a largely closed receiving space <b>24</b> in the outer housing <b>14</b>, the receiving space <b>24</b> being at least partly occupied by the pyrotechnical igniter <b>12</b>, and only contact pins <b>26</b> of the igniter <b>12</b> projecting through the second plastic part <b>20</b> and out of the receiving space <b>24</b>. The two contact pins serve to connect the igniter <b>12</b> to a power source (not shown) which, under predefined conditions, emits a current pulse leading to an activation of the pyrotechnical igniter <b>12</b>.

p-0045In order to attain a controlled pressure evolution and a defined, reproducible rupture of the outer housing <b>14</b> upon an activation of the pyrotechnical igniter, the outer housing <b>14</b> has a pressure chamber <b>16</b> configured therein which is defined by the igniter <b>12</b>, on the one hand, and by the outer housing <b>14</b>, on the other hand, and in the first embodiment as illustrated is even defined only by the first plastic part <b>18</b> of the outer housing <b>14</b>.

p-0046The receiving space <b>24</b> of the outer housing <b>14</b> is bordered by the first plastic part <b>18</b> and by the second plastic part <b>20</b>. The remaining portion of the receiving space <b>24</b> which is not occupied by the pyrotechnical igniter <b>12</b> constitutes the pressure chamber <b>16</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. The formation of a pressure chamber <b>16</b> in the outer housing <b>14</b> prevents any local, uncontrollable stress peaks from arising in the walls of the receiving space <b>24</b> after an activation of the pyrotechnical igniter <b>12</b>; rather, the internal pressure in the pressure chamber <b>16</b> or in the receiving space <b>24</b> rises substantially continuously until the outer housing <b>14</b> breaks at its weakest point. To induce a defined and reproducible rupture, the outer housing <b>14</b> is provided with a predefined breaking point <b>30</b> which is located in the region of the pressure chamber <b>16</b>. In <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, this predefined breaking point <b>30</b> is an externally surrounding groove, this groove being at the same time adapted to fix a traction means <b>32</b> in place, which engages the second plastic part <b>20</b> (cf. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>).

p-0047At a first end <b>34</b> the first plastic part <b>18</b> is welded to the second plastic part <b>20</b>. In the region of a second end <b>36</b> opposite the first end <b>34</b>, the first plastic part <b>18</b> has a detent portion <b>38</b> for attaching the actuator unit <b>10</b>. In <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the first plastic part <b>18</b> of the pyrotechnical actuator unit <b>10</b> features a substantially cylindrical, partly hollow cylindrical shape. The detent portion <b>38</b> includes a plurality of detent members <b>40</b> distributed over the periphery, which are each integrally molded with the first plastic part <b>18</b> at one axial end and have detent hooks at their other, free axial end. The detent hooks project over the outer surface of the outer housing <b>14</b> in the radial direction and are movable in the radial direction owing to the elasticity of the detent members <b>40</b>.

p-0048The production of the pyrotechnical actuator unit <b>10</b> according to the first embodiment is now briefly described below. The first plastic part is produced as a prefabricated injection-molded part which has a recess formed therein at the first end <b>34</b>, the recess constituting a portion of the future receiving space <b>24</b>. The pyrotechnical igniter <b>12</b> is then inserted into this recess, preferably forming a press fit with a surrounding wall <b>41</b> of the first plastic part <b>18</b>. However, in this method step the igniter <b>12</b> is preferably not completely inserted into the recess, whereby the pressure chamber <b>16</b> is produced in a simple manner. To obtain a defined and reproducible pressure chamber volume, a stop is preferably formed in the recess of the first plastic part <b>18</b>. For this purpose, pins may be integrally molded in the region of the recess, for example, which are used as spacers. As an alternative, the stop may also be in the form of a continuous bead within the recess or a taper provided in the direction of insertion of the igniter <b>12</b>. The second plastic part <b>20</b> is subsequently either injection-molded directly onto the pyrotechnical igniter <b>12</b> and/or the first plastic part <b>18</b>, or it is likewise a prefabricated injection-molded part that is slipped onto the igniter <b>12</b>. Finally, the two plastic parts <b>18</b>, <b>20</b> are welded to each other, so that they are connected with one another tightly and durably.

p-0049In some design variants it is also possible for the second plastic part <b>20</b> to be injection-molded onto the igniter <b>12</b> first and for the prefabricated first plastic part <b>18</b> to be pushed on and to be welded to the second plastic part <b>20</b> thereafter.

p-0050<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> shows a portion of a gas bag module <b>42</b> to which the actuator unit <b>10</b> is attached. For attachment purposes, a receiving component <b>44</b> (such as, e.g., a module housing or a gas generator) of the gas bag module <b>42</b> needs to be provided with a substantially cylindrical recess <b>45</b> having an undercut. During assembly, the pyrotechnical actuator unit <b>10</b> is then introduced into this recess <b>45</b> in the axial direction. In the process, the detent members <b>40</b> are first elastically deformed radially inward, i.e. toward the housing axis. Eventually, the detent members <b>40</b> snap radially outward into a detent position of the pyrotechnical actuator unit <b>10</b> to engage with the undercut of the recess <b>45</b> of the receiving component <b>44</b>. The actuator unit <b>10</b> is thus attached firmly and reliably to the receiving component <b>44</b>. As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the traction means <b>32</b> can then be fitted to the actuator unit <b>10</b>.

p-0051The traction means <b>32</b> is a tether or a tear-resistant cord, for instance, and one end of the traction means <b>32</b> is attached to the pyrotechnical actuator unit <b>10</b>, preferably directly at the predefined breaking point of the outer housing <b>14</b>. The other, opposite, end of the traction means <b>32</b> is connected with a gas bag <b>46</b> of the gas bag module <b>42</b>, for example, the traction means <b>32</b> being adapted to be acted upon with a force F upon a deployment of the gas bag <b>46</b>.

p-0052In a further variant embodiment (not illustrated) of the actuator unit <b>10</b>, the traction means <b>32</b> engages a portion <b>47</b> (cf. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 6</figref>) of the outer housing <b>14</b>, which after the activation of the pyrotechnical igniter <b>12</b> is separated from an attachment section <b>49</b> (cf. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 6</figref>) of the pyrotechnical actuator unit <b>10</b>.

p-0053<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows a part of a gas bag module <b>42</b> to which the actuator unit <b>10</b> according to a second embodiment is attached, which is very similar to the first embodiment. One difference consists in that here the predefined breaking point <b>30</b> is not configured as a groove or notch. Rupture of the outer housing <b>14</b> of the actuator unit <b>10</b> will occur in the region encircled in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, near the surface of the receiving component <b>44</b>, at a place where the wall <b>41</b> of the first plastic part <b>18</b> is weakest. The outer housing <b>14</b> tapers in this region, so that together with the surface of the receiving component <b>44</b> it forms a wedge-shaped groove in which the end to be attached of the traction means <b>32</b> may be at least partially accommodated and is thus axially secured.

p-0054A further difference from <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> resides in the design of the detent portion <b>38</b> in the area of the second end <b>36</b> of the first plastic part <b>18</b>, which will be discussed in greater detail in the description of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7 to 9</figref>.

p-0055<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4 and 5</figref> show longitudinal sections through the pyrotechnical actuator unit <b>10</b> according to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, in which the connecting region, only schematically indicated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 to 3</figref>, between the first and second plastic parts <b>18</b>, <b>20</b> is illustrated in one possible exemplary detailed configuration. After a laser welding of the two plastic parts <b>18</b>, <b>20</b>, the connecting region (encircled region in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>) is hardly visible as such any more, because the weld produces a substantially one-piece outer housing <b>14</b>. In the sectional view of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the surrounding weld regions are drawn in bold.

p-0056<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> shows a third embodiment of the pyrotechnical actuator unit <b>10</b> in a sectional view, similar to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>. The essential difference from the preceding embodiments consists in the type of production of the permanent connection between first and second housing parts <b>48</b>, <b>50</b>. The second housing part <b>50</b> is not welded to the first housing part <b>48</b> here, but is directly injection-molded onto the first housing part <b>48</b>.

p-0057The method of manufacturing this pyrotechnical actuator unit <b>10</b> including the pyrotechnical igniter <b>12</b> and the outer housing <b>14</b> which accommodates the pyrotechnical igniter <b>12</b> comprises the following steps: at first, the first housing part <b>48</b> is produced to have the recess for the pyrotechnical igniter <b>12</b>, followed by insertion of the igniter <b>12</b> into the recess. Finally, the second housing part <b>50</b> is injection-molded onto the pyrotechnical igniter <b>12</b> and onto the first end <b>34</b> of the first housing part <b>48</b>, so that the receiving space <b>24</b> for the pyrotechnical igniter <b>12</b> is essentially closed.

p-0058In this method, the first housing part <b>48</b> may be made from any desired material, including metal, for example. In case the first housing part is made of plastic, the housing parts <b>48</b>, <b>50</b> correspond to the plastic parts <b>18</b>, <b>20</b> described above. In that case, the first housing part <b>48</b> is particularly preferably a prefabricated injection-molded part.

p-0059<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> likewise shows that when the pyrotechnical igniter <b>12</b> was introduced into the recess, it was not introduced so far that it completely fills the recess in the first housing part <b>48</b>. The recess in the first housing part <b>48</b> is tapered in the direction of insertion of the igniter <b>12</b>, thus forming a stop for the pyrotechnical igniter <b>12</b>. This ensures that the first housing part <b>48</b> and the pyrotechnical igniter <b>12</b> define the pressure chamber <b>16</b>.

p-0060When the pyrotechnical igniter <b>12</b> is inserted into the recess, a largely tight press fit develops between the igniter <b>12</b> and the surrounding wall <b>41</b> of the first housing part <b>48</b>. This prevents any injection-molding composition from being able to penetrate into and fill the pressure chamber <b>16</b> when the second housing part <b>50</b> is joined by injection-molding. The process of injection-molding the second housing part <b>50</b> onto the pyrotechnical igniter <b>12</b> automatically produces an interlocking connection between the igniter <b>12</b> and the second housing part <b>50</b>, so that the igniter <b>12</b> and the first and second housing parts <b>48</b>, <b>50</b> are fixed to one another and firmly connected with each other.

p-0061The design of the connection of the two housing parts <b>48</b>, <b>50</b> as illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is particularly advantageous. The first end <b>34</b> of the first housing part <b>48</b> is produced here to have such a profile that the two housing parts <b>48</b>, <b>50</b> form a non-detachable interlocking connection after the second housing part <b>50</b> has been joined by injection-molding and has cured. Without any additional welding, this results in a very firm and reliable connection which does not constitute a weak point of the outer housing <b>14</b>. Accordingly, the outer housing <b>14</b> will reliably rupture at a predefined breaking point <b>30</b>, rather than in the region connecting the housing parts <b>48</b>, <b>50</b>. In addition, the profiling illustrated further provides a kind of labyrinth seal between the first and second housing parts <b>48</b>, <b>50</b>, which distinguishes itself by a very high degree of tightness. Any undesirable leakage losses after an activation of the pyrotechnical igniter <b>12</b>, which have an adverse effect on the pressure development in the pressure chamber <b>16</b>, are largely avoided in this way.

p-0062<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> shows a detail of the gas bag module <b>42</b> in the area of the connection between the pyrotechnical actuator unit <b>10</b> and the receiving component <b>44</b> of the gas bag module <b>42</b>. It can be clearly seen that the first housing part <b>48</b> has a detent portion <b>38</b> for attachment of the actuator unit <b>10</b>. Unlike in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, however, the first housing part <b>48</b> further has an outer, lateral guide portion <b>52</b> which is closer to the second end <b>36</b> of the first housing part <b>48</b> than the detent portion <b>38</b>. This guide portion <b>52</b> makes it easier to fit the pyrotechnical actuator unit <b>10</b> to the receiving component <b>44</b>. Further, an anti-rotation means <b>54</b> is provided in the area of the second end <b>36</b> of the first housing part <b>48</b>. In the present case, this anti-rotation means <b>54</b> is in the form of a bead which extends in the direction of installation of the actuator unit <b>10</b> and cooperates with a groove <b>56</b> in the recess <b>45</b> of the receiving component <b>44</b>, so that in the installed condition, any rotation of the actuator unit <b>10</b> in relation to the receiving component <b>44</b> is prevented.

p-0063<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8 and 9</figref> show perspective views of the actuator unit <b>10</b>, where especially the detent members <b>40</b> of the detent portion <b>38</b> as well as the guide portion <b>52</b> and the anti-rotation means <b>54</b> are clearly visible. In addition, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> illustrates the two contact pins <b>26</b> by means of which the pyrotechnical igniter <b>12</b> can be activated. In the region of the contact pins <b>26</b>, the second housing part <b>48</b> is configured as a plug connector which is adapted to establish a firm connection with an appropriate counterpart on an electric cable.