Inflator and air bag device for driver

Claim 1

An air bag device for a driver, comprising: a retainer having a plain outer surface, and an inflator insertion hole therein, an air bag attached to and placed on the retainer, a module cover placed over the retainer to cover the air bag and having a tear line so that the module cover is torn along the tear line, and an inflator inserted into the inflator insertion hole and fixed to the retainer, said inflator including, a container having a lower portion, and an upper portion fixed to the lower portion and having a plurality of ejection holes therein, gas generating agents retained in the container, said gas generating agents, when operated, generating gas which is ejected through the ejecting holes, a plate situated on the container for substantially covering the entire upper portion of the container and being movable in a direction away from the container, said plate having an outer surface with a cone shape projecting toward the module cover and disposed under the tear line so that when the gas is generated by the gas generating agents, the plate is pushed in the direction away from the container by the gas ejected through the ejection holes and an upward pressing force of the plate is concentrated to the tear line to easily tear the module cover, the gas ejected through the ejection holes being deflected by the plate and oriented substantially horizontally downwardly to help opening of the air bag sidewardly, and connecting means installed between the plate and the container, said connecting means allowing the plate to move from the container for a distance such that the module cover is torn by the plate.