DE102016120986A1 - Hybrid gas generator, method for operating a hybrid gas generator, gas bag module and vehicle safety system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a hybrid gas generator (10) comprising a compressed gas chamber (20) and an igniter chamber (36), wherein the igniter chamber (36) with a first bursting element (41) and the pressure gas chamber (20) in a diffusorseitigem end portion (15) a second bursting element (42) is closed. According to the invention, a guide tube (50) for guiding the shockwave (S) is formed in the pressure gas chamber (20), wherein the guide tube (50) extends at least from a formation plane (E) of the shockwave (S) to the diffuser-side end section (15). the pressure gas chamber (20), in particular substantially to the second bursting element (42) extends.

Description

The invention relates to a hybrid gas generator, comprising a compressed gas chamber and an igniter chamber, wherein the igniter chamber is closed with a first bursting element and the compressed gas chamber at a diffuser-side end portion with a second bursting element, according to the preamble of claim 1. Further, the invention relates to a method for operating a hybrid gas generator. Furthermore, the invention relates to an airbag module with a hybrid gas generator according to the invention and a vehicle safety system having a hybrid gas generator according to the invention or a gas bag module according to the invention.

Out DE 203 19 564 U1 For example, a gas generator with a pressure chamber is known. The pressure chamber may be filled with a compressed gas of helium, a helium / argon mixture or a helium / argon / oxygen mixture at a pressure between 240 to 1,500 bar. Thus, high forces act on the pressure gas chamber wall, so that the pressure gas chamber wall is correspondingly stable or must be formed with a large material thickness.

The object of the invention is to provide a further developed hybrid gas generator, wherein the pressure gas chamber is to be designed thinner walls. It is another object of the invention to provide a further developed method for operating a hybrid gas generator. In addition, it is an object of the invention to provide an airbag module and a vehicle safety system with a further developed hybrid gas generator.

According to the invention this object is with regard to a hybrid gas generator by the subject-matter of claim 1, with regard to a method for operating a hybrid gas generator by the subject-matter of claim 8, with regard to an airbag module by the subject-matter of claim 10 and with respect to a vehicle safety system the claim 11 solved.

To achieve the object mentioned above, the invention provides a hybrid gas generator, comprising a compressed gas chamber and an igniter chamber, wherein the igniter chamber is closed with a first bursting element and the compressed gas chamber at a diffuser-side end portion with a second bursting element.

According to the invention, a guide tube for guiding the shockwave is formed in the pressure gas chamber, wherein the guide tube extends at least from a formation plane of the shockwave to the diffuser-side end section of the pressure gas chamber, in particular essentially to the second burst element.

The second bursting element is opened by means of the generated shock wave.

In one embodiment of the invention, it is possible that the shockwave can be generated by the rupture of the first rupture element.

The wall of the compressed gas chamber is part of the outer casing of the gas generator. The guide tube for guiding the shock wave is thus formed within a volume formed by the outer housing of the hybrid gas generator.

Due to the guide tube according to the invention formed by the shock wave high pressure acts only on the guide tube. In other words, in the hybrid gas generator according to the invention, only the guide tube or only the guide tube wall is loaded by a high pressure of the shock wave. The pressure gas chamber or the Druckgaskammerwandung can be designed thinner walled for this reason.

The diffuser side end portion of the compressed gas chamber is associated with the diffuser of the hybrid gas generator. This section of the pressurized gas chamber is closest to the diffuser.

The other end portion of the pressurized gas chamber is the igniter-side end portion. The lighter side end portion is associated with the ignition unit. The lighter side end portion of the pressurized gas chamber is closest to the igniter unit.

The guide tube extends at least from the formation plane of the shock wave to the diffuser-side end portion of the pressure gas chamber. As the formation plane of a shock wave, the bursting plane of the first bursting element can be considered. In other words, the formation plane of the shockwave can substantially correspond to the rupture plane of the first rupture element, since the shockwave is triggered or initiated by bursting of the first rupture element.

At least the rear third of the compressed gas chamber directed away from the igniter chamber or the spaced rear third of the compressed gas chamber may be designated as the end section of the compressed gas chamber. At the end of the pressure gas chamber, opposite the igniter chamber, a diffuser of a gas generator can be formed directly thereafter. The diffuser can at least partially surround or enclose the end section of the compressed gas chamber. In the end section of the pressure gas chamber can In addition, a particular cap-like or sleeve-like trained screen may be formed. The guide tube may extend at least from the formation plane of the shock wave to the sieve.

Particularly preferably, the guide tube extends at least from the formation plane of the shock wave to the second bursting element or substantially to the nearest surrounding area of the second bursting element. In other words, the guide tube extends at least from the formation plane of the shock wave until just before the second bursting element. Due to the leadership of the shock wave with the help of inventively designed guide tube as lossless transmission of the shock wave is possible. The shock wave is guided as lossless as possible. The shock wave decreases only slightly starting from the first bursting element to the second bursting element in terms of their strength. In other words, the effectiveness of the shock wave is transferred without loss, starting from the first bursting element to the second bursting element.

Since the guide tube extends at least from the formation plane of the shock wave to an end portion of the pressure gas chamber, in particular to the second bursting element, the shock wave is generated in a chamber independent of the pressure gas chamber, with respect to the shock wave, namely in the volume bounded by the guide tube , The guide tube or the chamber independent of the pressure gas chamber with respect to propagation of the shock wave can be designed especially for a strong and robust shock wave. The guide tube may have a corresponding material thickness.

The guide tube preferably has an elongate cylindrical housing. The length of the guide tube may correspond to at least half of the total length of the hybrid gas generator, in particular at least 60% of the total length of the hybrid gas generator.

The first bursting element may also be referred to as a bursting element triggering the shock wave in the case of activation of the hybrid gas generator.

• - als eine Berstscheibe oder Berstmembran ausgebildet sein, wobei die Berstscheibe oder die Berstmembran vorzugsweise mittels eines Berstelementhalters mit einem Gehäuse der Anzünderkammer verbunden sein kann, oder
• - als eine kappenartig oder hülsenartig geformte Berstmembran ausgebildet sein.

The first bursting element can

• be formed as a rupture disk or bursting membrane, wherein the rupture disk or the bursting membrane may be preferably connected by means of a bursting element holder with a housing of the igniter chamber, or
• - Be designed as a cap-like or sleeve-like shaped bursting membrane.

The bursting membrane can also be attached directly to or on the housing of the igniter chamber, in particular welded, without the aid of a bursting membrane holder.

If the first bursting element is designed as a bursting disk or a bursting membrane which is connected by means of a bursting element holder to the housing of the igniter chamber, this assembly is referred to as a closure of an igniter chamber. It is possible that the bursting element holder is welded to the housing of the igniter chamber and / or adhesively bonded and / or latched and / or clamped.

In the formation of the first bursting element as a flat rupture disk or as a flat bursting membrane, the guide pipe preferably extends from the formation plane of the shockwave to the end portion of the pressure gas chamber. The guide tube is therefore formed in the axial extension of the igniter chamber.

The guide tube is preferably formed in the axial extension of the igniter chamber, in particular to the housing of the igniter chamber.

The bursting element can also be designed as a cap-like or sleeve-like shaped bursting membrane. The sleeve bottom or the cap tip is designed to be directed away from the igniter chamber. The cap-like or sleeve-like shaped bursting membrane may have at least one predetermined breaking point. Preferably, at least one predetermined breaking point is formed in a sleeve bottom of the cap-like or sleeve-like shaped bursting membrane. Such a predetermined breaking point is to be opened by the pressure in an igniter chamber.

In the formation of the first bursting element as a cap-like or sleeve-like shaped bursting membrane, the guide tube can be positioned or formed locally in front of the formation plane of the shock wave, ie in the direction of the igniter chamber. In such a case, the guide tube for guiding the shock wave locally extends in front of the formation plane of a shock wave to an end portion of the compressed gas chamber. The cap-like or sleeve-like shaped bursting membrane can protrude into the guide tube in this case. In a sleeve-like bursting membrane of the sleeve bottom can be referred to as bursting plane of the first bursting element. In the formation of the first bursting element as rupture disk or bursting membrane, the bursting plane is the plane into which the rupture disk or the bursting membrane extends to a maximum extent to rupture.

The guide tube is preferably free of fuel. In the guide tube, however, a minor amount of an igniter. The compressed gas chamber may be filled with a compressed gas of helium, a helium / argon mixture or a helium / argon / oxygen mixture at a pressure between 250 to 1500 bar.

The housing of the igniter chamber may also act as an igniter carrier for a prefabricated lighter. In the igniter chamber is a Anzündmittel, namely preferably a so-called booster charge or pyrotechnic amplifier charge, located. In other words, the igniter chamber is at least partially filled with a primer. The igniter can comprise granules and / or pressed tablets and / or extrudate bodies with axial through-channels and / or extrudate bodies without axial through-channels.

Between the outside of the guide tube and the inner wall of the pressure gas chamber, a combustion chamber is at least partially formed, is located in the fuel. The inner wall of the pressure gas chamber is at least partially the inner wall of the gas generator housing. Accordingly, between the inner wall of the gas generator housing and the guide tube, a combustion chamber may be formed, is located in the fuel. The fuel may be in tablet form. It is also possible that the fuel is formed as a stack of annular shaped bodies or segments of rings. The fuel is surrounded by compressed gas. The combustion chamber is physically separate from, but not necessarily fluid-tightly separated from, the space where the shock wave is generated and transmitted.

The fuel gas, which may also be referred to as fuel combustion gas, serves, for example, for filling an airbag, in particular an airbag. Overall, the outer wall or the outer housing of the hybrid gas generator must not be dimensioned for the generation of the shock wave. No thickening or diameter reduction or rolling is necessary.

Due to the formation of the hybrid gas generator according to the invention, furthermore, no highly charged lighter is required as a prefabricated component. Rather, it can be a cheap standard lighter use, which can ignite it downstream ignition.

The combustion chamber preferably has a ring shape in cross-section. The ring shape is formed due to the positioning of a cylindrical guide tube in a cylindrical pressure gas chamber. The combustion chamber may be delimited in the longitudinal extent or along the longitudinal axis of the hybrid gas generator by means of a combustion chamber screen and / or a limiting disk, in particular an expanded metal disk. The combustion chamber screen preferably has a ring shape and is slipped over the guide tube. The combustor screen prevents fuel from entering the end section of the pressurized gas chamber from the combustor. The combustion screen limits the combustion chamber on the side facing the end portion of the pressure gas chamber. A limiting disk, in particular an expanded metal disk, can limit the combustion chamber in the direction of the igniter chamber. It is possible that only one combustion chamber sieve is formed.

The boundary plate, in particular the expanded metal disc, can also be omitted. In this case, the fuel of the combustion chamber may also be formed radially outside the igniter chamber. In other words, the combustion chamber can surround the igniter chamber radially at least in sections. Preferably, the hybrid gas generator then has a filling body. The filler is preferably slipped over the igniter chamber. The filler body can rest on a base of the igniter unit or igniter chamber housing. The fuel of the combustion chamber can thus extend as far as the filling body. The hybrid gas generator according to the invention can be produced in this case with the aid of a fuel filling funnel. If in this case the fuel is in the form of fuel rings, can also be dispensed with a fuel filling funnel.

The guide tube of the hybrid gas generator according to the invention may have at least one outlet opening for the fluid connection of the inner region of the guide tube to the combustion chamber. The at least one outlet opening is preferably located in the front quarter, in particular in the front fifth of the guide tube. In other words, the at least one outlet opening is formed in the initial section of the guide tube, which is formed opposite to the end section of the compressed gas chamber. Preferably, the guide tube has a plurality of outlet openings, which are preferably distributed uniformly in a plane, in particular on a circular line, distributed in the guide tube housing.

Preferably, the at least one outlet opening is closed in the idle state of the hybrid gas generator, in particular by a damming. The fluid connection between the inner region of the guide tube and the combustion chamber is necessary for igniting the fuel located in the combustion chamber. The damming of the at least one opening may serve to delay the ignition of the fuel. In addition, the damming can protect the fuel Weld spatter at a Befüllschweißen in the production of the hybrid gas generator serve.

After the activation of the hybrid gas generator, the shock wave can first be conducted from the first burst bursting element in the direction of the second bursting element, so that it bursts quickly. Subsequently or at the same time or slightly before the bursting of the second bursting membrane, the damming of the at least one discharge opening can be opened. Hot ignition gas and / or hot ignition particles from the igniter chamber can then enter the combustion chamber through this at least one outlet opening in order to ignite the fuel stored there. The igniting of the fuel can thus be delayed in time for the propagation of the shock wave. The fuel burns according to the invention from time and space separated from the forwarded in the guide tube shock wave.

The guide tube may also have at least one further opening, namely at least one inlet opening, in particular a plurality of inlet openings. This at least one inlet opening is used for fluidly connecting the combustion chamber to the inner region of the guide tube such that fuel gas generated in the combustion chamber by combustion of the fuel and / or at least a partial quantity of the compressed gas which is already in the combustion chamber in the idle state of the hybrid gas generator the combustion chamber can flow through the at least one inlet opening into the inner region of the guide tube. The at least one inlet opening is preferably located in the rear quarter, in particular the rear fifth, in particular in the rear sixth of the guide tube. The rear end of the guide tube is located in the region of the end portion of the pressure gas chamber.

It is possible that the guide tube is nozzle-shaped at the diffuser end. The diffuser side end is the end of the draft tube that is closest to the diffuser of the hybrid gas generator. The diffuser side end is the end that is spaced from the igniter of the hybrid inflator. A nozzle-like shape can be formed for example by a truncated cone shape of the end of the guide tube. Overall results in a cross-sectional reduction of the guide tube at the diffuser end. The cross section of the guide tube decreases at the diffuser end along the longitudinal axis in the direction of the diffuser.

Preferably, a cross-sectional reduction of at least 50%, in particular at least 60%, in particular at least 70%, in particular at least 75%, caused.

A nozzle-like shaping of the diffuser-side end causes the shock wave guided in the guide tube to be focused on the second bursting element. The shock wave is thereby amplified. In other words, the opening system is more robust by shock wave.

Furthermore, a nozzle-like shaped diffuser-side end of the guide tube acts as a backwater element for igniting clouds. Combustion products, i. Gases and / or particles of the igniter, can be improved radially outwardly through outlet openings on the fuel to be ignited in the combustion chamber.

Due to a nozzle-shaped design of the diffuser-side end of the guide tube, the pressure of the shock wave front increases. Since the reduction of the cross section of the Leitrohrendes the outer space can be increased by the guide tube, combustion gases flowing from the surrounding the guide tube combustion chamber, flow through the enlarged cross section between the nozzle-like shaped end and the outer housing of the hybrid gas generator to the outlet of the gas cylinder become.

The high pressure, which is caused by a shock wave, remains limited to the guide tube. The outer casing of the hybrid gas generator is thereby relieved. Due to the amplifier function of the nozzle-like shaping of the diffuser-side end of the guide tube, a lower generation pressure of the shock wave is necessary. The igniter chamber can thus be dimensioned smaller.

1. a) Aktivieren eines Anzünders des Hybridgasgenerators;
2. b) Aufbauen eines Berstdrucks in einer Anzünderkammer;
3. c) Öffnen eines ersten Berstelements und Erzeugen einer Schockwelle;
4. d) Führen der Schockwelle innerhalb eines Leitrohrs, das in ein Außengehäuse des Hybridgasgenerator eingebracht ist, im Wesentlichen bis zu einem zweiten Berstelement;
5. e) Ausströmen von Anzündgas und/oder Anzündpartikel aus einem Innenbereich des Leitrohrs durch mindestens eine Austrittsöffnung des Leitrohrs in eine, das Leitrohr umgebende Brennkammer;
6. f) Öffnen des zweiten Berstelements;
7. g) Erzeugen eines Treibstoffgases in der Brennkammer;
8. h) Ausströmen des erzeugten Treibstoffgases durch das geöffnete zweite Berstelement.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a hybrid gas generator according to the invention. The process according to the invention is characterized by the following process steps:

1. a) activating a lighter of the hybrid gas generator;
2. b) establishing a bursting pressure in an igniter chamber;
3. c) opening a first bursting element and generating a shockwave;
4. d) guiding the shockwave within a guide tube, which is introduced into an outer housing of the hybrid gas generator, substantially up to a second bursting element;
5. e) outflow of ignition gas and / or ignition particles from an inner region of the guide tube through at least one outlet opening of the guide tube into a combustion chamber surrounding the guide tube;
6. f) opening the second bursting element;
7. g) generating a fuel gas in the combustion chamber;
8. h) outflow of the generated fuel gas through the opened second bursting element.

The process according to the invention is preferably carried out in the order indicated. The steps d), e) and g) can partly be carried out at the same time. The fuel can be locally separated and optionally burnt off from the propagating shockwave. To open the second bursting element is the shock wave. The generated fuel gas and the compressed gas stored in the pressure gas chamber serve to fill an airbag, in particular an airbag.

After opening the first bursting membrane, the shock wave is initiated on the one hand. On the other hand igniting gas and / or ignition particles, which originate from the lighter and / or a burnup of igniter within the igniter chamber, flows from the inner region of the guide tube through the at least one outlet opening of the guide tube into the combustion chamber surrounding the guide tube. Possibly, prior to step e), a damming which closes the at least one outlet opening when the hybrid gas generator is at rest must be opened or burst. In the combustion chamber, the fuel is ignited with the aid of the ignition gas and / or ignition particles. Fuel (burnout) gas then flows along the combustion chamber and through a combustor screen. The combustion chamber screen is used for filtering the fuel gas or fuel combustion gas. In addition, cooling of the fuel burn-off gas or fuel gas is effected in this connection with the flow through a combustion chamber screen.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is possible that in the flow direction after the combustion chamber sieve a filter disk is formed with an opening.

The fuel (burnout) gas flows through the optional filter disc after the combustion chamber screen.

The method according to the invention may comprise a step i). In step i), the fuel gas flows in front of step h) through at least one inlet opening of the guide tube from the combustion chamber into the inner region of the guide tube. The fuel (combustion) gas thus flows into the interior of the guide tube and flows through the open second bursting element from the gas generator. If a sieve is formed in the end section of the compressed gas chamber, the fuel (combustion) gas flows through this sieve into the diffuser.

Another subsidiary aspect of the invention relates to a gas bag module with a hybrid gas generator according to the invention. This results in similar advantages, as they are already indicated in connection with the hybrid gas generator according to the invention and / or with the inventive method for operating a hybrid gas generator.

Another subsidiary aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle safety system, in particular an airbag system, with a hybrid gas generator according to the invention or with an airbag module according to the invention. This results in similar advantages, as they are already indicated in connection with the hybrid gas generator according to the invention and / or with the inventive method for operating a hybrid gas generator.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

• 1: einen erfindungsgemäßen Hybridgasgenerator gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 2: einen erfindungsgemäßen Hybridgasgenerator gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel; und
• 3: einen erfindungsgemäßen Hybridgasgenerator gemäß einem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel.

Show:

• 1 a hybrid gas generator according to the invention according to a first embodiment;
• 2 a hybrid gas generator according to the invention according to a second embodiment; and
• 3 a hybrid gas generator according to the invention according to a third embodiment.

In the following, the same reference numbers are used for identical and equivalent parts.

The in 1 illustrated hybrid gas generator 10 includes an elongated tubular outer housing 11 , The hybrid gas generator 10 serves for inflating an airbag, in particular an airbag. The hybrid gas generator 10 comprises a central, elongated, cylindrical pressure gas chamber 20 as well as a firing unit 30 , An ignitor chamber 36 the igniter unit 30 is with a first bursting element 41 locked. The pressure gas chamber 20 is with a second bursting element 42 locked.

The pressure gas chamber 20 is filled with a compressed gas of helium, a helium / argon mixture or a helium / argon / oxygen mixture at a pressure between 240 to 1,500 bar. The ignition unit 30 includes a housing 31 , In the example shown is with the housing 31 one-piece a socket 32 educated. The base 32 serves as a carrier of the lighter 33 , The ignitor chamber 36 is with a kindling 34 filled. Also indicated is a filler 35 , This filler 35 serves as Weld protection during the production of the ignition unit 30 and / or as a volume compensation for a Befüllstand the Anzündmittels 34 , The lighter 33 protrudes into the igniter chamber 36 , With the help of the lighter 33 can that in the ignitor chamber 36 ignition means 34 be ignited. The housing 31 the igniter unit 30 is with the outer casing 11 of the hybrid gas generator 10 connected, preferably welded. Such welding can be done by means of laser welding.

The in the igniter chamber 36 ignition means 34 can also be referred to as booster charge or booster charge. Any known pyrotechnics, for example granules and / or pressed tablets and / or extrudate bodies with an axial through-passage and / or extrudate bodies without an axial through-passage can be used as the booster charge.

The first bursting element 41 is designed as a bursting membrane, wherein the bursting membrane by means of a bursting element holder 43 with the igniter unit 30 , in particular with the housing 31 the igniter unit 30 , connected is. If in the igniter chamber 36 by activation of the lighter 33 a pressure is built up, the first bursting element bulges 41 in the direction of the diffuser 80 to finally be opened or burst.

The rupture plane of the first rupture element 41 corresponds to a formation level e a shockwave S , In other words, by the first bursting element 41 is opened or burst, is also a shock wave S triggered. Here is a formation level e the shockwave S roughly at the in 1 indicated by a corresponding dashed line position, depending on the specific embodiment of the bursting element 41 , such as material or material thickness, which may affect the exact opening position of the bursting element.

In the pressure gas chamber 20 is a guide tube 50 for guiding the generated shockwave S educated. The guide tube 50 has a cylindrical shape. The guide tube 50 has such a length, wherein as the length of the guide tube 50 the extension in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the hybrid gas generator 10 it is understood that in about 70% of the total length of the outer casing 11 of the hybrid gas generator 10 equivalent. The guide tube 50 essentially extends from the formation level e a shockwave S to the end section 15 the compressed gas chamber 20 ,

As end section 15 is the area of the compressed gas chamber 20 to understand that in a rejuvenation 22 goes over and in which a cap-like sieve 23 located. In the example shown, the guide tube is sufficient 50 not completely up to the second bursting element 42 approach. The guide tube 50 lies on an interior section 24 the compressed gas chamber 20 , in particular on an interior section 24 of the outer casing 11 on. From the diffuser end 51 of the draft tube 50 to the second bursting element 42 thus takes over sections of the outer housing 11 the function of the guide tube 50 , One inside the draft tube 50 located gas or the shock wave S is in the direction of the second bursting element 42 directed.

Between the outside 52 of the draft tube 50 and the inner wall 25 the compressed gas chamber 20 is at least partially a combustion chamber 60 educated. In the combustion chamber 60 is a fuel 65 located. The fuel 65 is in tablet form. It is also possible that the fuel 65 in other geometric shapes, such as in the form of stacked rings or as fuel rings stacked, wherein fuel segments, in particular as sections of a ring, may be present in a row so that they have a total eie annular shape. Also, the fuel can 65 in common forms, such as granules and / or Extrudatkörper with axial passage and / or Extrudatkörper without axial passageway present. The combustion chamber 60 is in longitudinal extension, ie along the longitudinal axis L of the hybrid gas generator 10 towards the end section 15 the compressed gas chamber 20 by means of a combustion sieve 66 limited. Next to the combustion chamber sieve 66 can a filter disc 67 with passage openings 68 be educated. The combustion sieve 66 and the filter disc 67 prevent fuel 65 from the combustion chamber 60 exit.

In the example shown, the combustion chamber surrounds 60 also the igniter chamber 36 , To recognize is a packing 61 , in particular an annular packing 61 , This filler 61 on the one hand as welding protection in the production of the hybrid gas generator 10 serve. On the other hand, the filler 61 when filling the fuel 65 , For example, using a hopper, not shown, in the combustion chamber 60 serve as a compact support element or as a volume compensation.

The combustion sieve 66 and the filter disc 67 lie on a bead 16 of the outer casing 11 of the hybrid gas generator 10 on. The bead 16 is preferably formed as a completely circumferential bead.

In the draft tube 50 are several outlet openings 55 educated. The outlet openings 55 lie on a circular line of the guide tube housing. The outlet openings 55 serve, in particular in the case of activation of the hybrid gas generator 10 , for the fluid connection of the guide tube 50 or the interior of the guide tube 50 with the combustion chamber 60 , The outlet openings 55 can be closed or dammed in the idle state of the hybrid gas generator. Ie, that the outlet openings 55 with a preferably circumferential damming, such as a foil made of aluminum or steel, can be closed.

The guide tube 50 has several inlet openings 56 on. The entrance openings 56 are in the direction of the diffuser end 51 of the draft tube 50 educated. Through the inlet openings 56 can gas the combustion chamber 60 in the draft tube 50 or in an inner region of the guide tube 50 stream.

When activating a hybrid gas generator according to the invention 10 First, the lighter 33 of the hybrid gas generator 10 activated. In the igniter chamber 36 a bursting pressure is built up, in particular by an opening or by a pressure development of the lighter 33 itself and by burning off kindling 34 with appropriate pressure development. It follows the opening of the first bursting element 41 , By opening the first bursting element 41 becomes a shockwave S in the formation level e generated. The shockwave S is along the dashed lines inside the draft tube 50 in the direction of the second bursting element 42 guided. A stream of hot igniting gas and / or hot igniting particles (represented by the thick solid arrow line) flows out of the outlet openings 55 of the draft tube 50 into the combustion chamber 60 ,

In 1 only an arrow line is shown, which is representative of all other similar gas or particle flows through the remaining outlet openings 55 of the draft tube 50 into the combustion chamber 60 should stand. The propagation of the stream of hot igniting gas and / or hot ignition particles therefore takes place in the illustrated lower part of the combustion chamber 60 corresponding. In the combustion chamber 60 is due to the hot ignition gas or by the hot Anzündpartikel the fuel 65 inflamed.

The second bursting element 42 , which is formed as bursting membrane, is due to the shock wave S opened or burst. In the combustion chamber 60 flows through the combustion of the fuel 65 produced fuel combustion gas, but also a proportion of the idle state of the hybrid gas generator 10 stored compressed gas, through the combustion chamber sieve 66 and through the passage openings 68 the filter disc 67 , By means of the combustion chamber sieve 66 becomes the fuel 65 the fuel combustion gas retained or held until it is burned as intended. Furthermore, the fuel combustion gas is thereby cooled. The gas, including fuel burn-off gas and a portion of stored compressed gas, continues to flow along the outside 52 of the draft tube 50 ,

The combustion sieve 66 or the filter disc 67 limit a second section 69 the combustion chamber 60 extending from the combustion screen 66 or the filter disk 67 essentially until the end section 15 of the hybrid gas generator 10 extends, in particular extends to the area where the inside of the taper 22 the outside of the guide tube 50 contacted. This second section 69 the combustion chamber 60 is not fuel 65 filled. Through a series of inlet openings 56 in the draft tube 50 the fuel combustion gas and a portion of the stored compressed gas flows back into the inner region of the guide tube 50 into it. Through the sieve 23 and the opened second bursting element 42 becomes the fuel burn-off gas and the idle state of the hybrid gas generator 10 stored compressed gas in the direction of the diffuser 80 directed. Through openings 81 of the diffuser 80 the generated fuel gas and the stored compressed gas flows out of the hybrid gas generator 10 ,

In the illustrated hybrid gas generator according to the invention the fuel burns 65 temporally and spatially separated from the shockwave S from. This is partly due to the spatial separation of the shock wave S and the fuel 65 allows.

In 2 is another embodiment of a hybrid gas generator according to the invention 10 shown. This shows great agreement with the embodiment of the 1 on. In the following, only the differences from the embodiment of the 1 received.

The illustrated first bursting element 41 is formed as a sleeve-shaped bursting membrane. The rupture plane of the first rupture element 41 is thus in the area of the sleeve bottom 44 educated. The case bottom 44 corresponds to the formation level e the shockwave S , The first bursting element 41 protrudes in this example into the interior of the guide tube 50 into it. In the sleeve bottom 44 is a breaking point 45 formed on the after activation of the hybrid gas generator 10 the first bursting element 41 opens or tears open. The guide tube 50 is already spatially in front of the formation level e the shockwave S thus has its beginning, from the formation level e from upstream, toward the ignition chamber 36 ,

The combustion chamber 60 is in the example shown the 2 on one side, namely the side leading to the end section 15 of the hybrid gas generator 10 indicates, by means of the combustion chamber sieve 66 or the filter disk 67 limited. On the other hand, which to the lighter 33 indicates is the combustion chamber 60 through a limiting disc 62 , in particular an expanded metal disc, limited. The fuel 65 the combustion chamber 60 thus does not surround the housing radially 31 the igniter unit 30 or the igniter chamber 36 , The spread of the shock wave S and the fuel combustion gas substantially corresponds to those in the 1 illustrated courses. The formation level e the shockwave S is in 2 closer to the outlet openings 55 of the draft tube 50 trained as this in 1 the case is.

In 3 is another embodiment of a hybrid gas generator according to the invention 10 shown. This embodiment is very similar to the embodiments of FIGS 1 and 2 on. In the following, only the differences from the embodiments of the 1 and 2 received.

The structure of the ignition unit 30 with the individual elements and components as well as the structure of the first bursting element 41 with a bursting element holder 43 correspond to the embodiment according to 1 ,

The guide tube 50 has several outlet openings 55 pointing at an imaginary circular line of the draft tube 50 are arranged. In addition, the guide tube has 50 several additional outlet openings 53 on. The additional outlet openings 53 are also on an imaginary circle on the tailpipe 50 educated. The combustion chamber 60 is designed longer than the combustion chambers 60 according to the embodiments shown in the 1 and 2 are shown.

The outer housing 11 does not necessarily mean a bead 16 like this in the 1 and 2 is shown on. Rather, the Brennerkammersieb 66 and the filter disc 67 in the embodiment according to 3 on the inner wall 25 of the outer casing 11 of the hybrid gas generator 10 arranged. For example, the combustion chamber sieve 66 and the filter disc 67 with the inner wall 25 glued and / or welded.

Because the guide tube 50 both several outlet openings 55 as well as several additional outlet openings 53 may include a stream of hot igniting gas and / or hot igniting particles (represented by the thick solid arrow lines) from both the outlet openings 55 as well as through the additional outlet openings 53 into the combustion chamber 60 stream.

In 3 are only in above the longitudinal axis L pictured portion of the thick solid arrow lines shown. These are representative of all other similar gas or particle flows through the remaining outlet openings 55 and remaining additional outlet openings 53 into the combustion chamber 60 escape. The propagation of the stream of hot igniting gas and / or hot ignition particles therefore takes place in the illustrated lower part of the combustion chamber 60 corresponding. In the combustion chamber 60 is due to the hot ignition gas or by the hot Anzündpartikel the fuel 65 inflamed.

The second bursting element 42 is formed as a bursting membrane, wherein the bursting membrane by means of a second bursting element holder 70 with the outer housing 11 of the hybrid gas generator 10 connected is. The second bursting element 42 is due to the shockwave S opened or burst.

The diffuser end 51 of the draft tube 50 is in 3 shaped like a nozzle. The shockwave S is reinforced by it. The cross section of the guide tube increases along the longitudinal axis L at the diffuser end 51 of the guide tube in the direction of the second bursting element 42 from. Due to the amplifier function of the nozzle-like shape is a lower generation pressure of the shock wave S necessary. Between the outside 52 the guide tube and the inner wall 25 of the outer casing 11 becomes in the diffuser end section 15 the compressed gas chamber 20 a second section 69 the combustion chamber formed. This second section 69 the combustion chamber 60 is not fuel 65 filled. Through passage openings 68 in the filter disc 67 the fuel combustion gas and a portion of the stored pressurized gas flow into the second section 69 the combustion chamber 60 , Subsequently, the fuel combustion gas and a portion of the stored compressed gas flow in the direction of the burst second bursting element 42 ,

A sieve 23 is in 3 not trained. The narrowed cross section of the nozzle-like shaped diffuser end 51 of the draft tube 50 acts as a backwater element for igniting swaths. The igniting clouds are the combustion products, in particular hot gases and / or particles, of the igniting agent 34 to understand. The Anzündschwaden can thus better radially outward through the outlet openings 55 and the additional outlet openings 53 on the one in the combustion chamber 60 to be ignited fuel 65 be steered.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Hybrid gas generator

11

outer casing

15

end

16

Beading

20

Pressure gas chamber

22

rejuvenation

23

scree

24

inner portion

25

inner wall

30

Anzündereinheit

31

casing

32

base

33

lighter

34

ignition devices

35

packing

36

Anzünderkammer

41

first bursting element

42

second bursting element

43

Berstelementhalter

44

sleeve base

45

Breaking point

50

guide tube

51

diffuser end

52

outside

53

Additional outlet opening

55

outlet opening

56

inlet opening

60

combustion chamber

61

packing

62

handguard

65

fuel

66

Brennkammersieb

67

filter disc

68

Through opening

69

second section combustion chamber

70

second burst element holder

80

diffuser

81

opening

e

Emergence level shock wave

L

longitudinal axis

S

shockwave

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 20319564 U1 [0002]

Claims (11)

A hybrid gas generator (10) comprising a pressurized gas chamber (20) and an ignitor chamber (36), the igniter chamber (36) having a first bursting member (41) and the pressurized gas chamber (20) in a diffuser side end portion (15) having a second bursting member (42 ) is closed, characterized in that in the pressure gas chamber (20) a guide tube (50) for guiding a shock wave (S) is formed, wherein the guide tube (50) at least from a formation plane (E) of the shock wave (S) up to the diffuser side end portion (15) of the pressure gas chamber (20), in particular substantially to the second bursting element (42) extends. Hybrid gas generator (10) after Claim 1 , characterized in that by bursting of the first bursting element (41), the shock wave (S) can be generated and / or the formation plane (E) of the shock wave (S) substantially corresponds to the bursting plane of the first bursting element (41). Hybrid gas generator (10) after Claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the first rupture element (41) is formed as a rupture disk or rupture diaphragm, the rupture disk or rupture diaphragm being connected to a housing (31) of the igniter chamber (36), preferably by means of a burst element holder (43), or - is formed as a cap-like or sleeve-like shaped bursting membrane. Hybrid gas generator (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide tube (50) is free of fuel and / or in the igniter chamber (36) an ignition means (34) is located. Hybrid gas generator (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the outer side (52) of the guide tube (50) and the inner wall (25) of the compressed gas chamber (20) at least partially a combustion chamber (60) is formed in the fuel ( 65) is located, wherein preferably the combustion chamber (60) along a longitudinal axis (L) of the hybrid gas generator (10) by means of a Brennkammersiebs (66) and / or a limiting plate (62), in particular an expanded metal disc is limited. Hybrid gas generator (10) after Claim 5 , characterized in that the guide tube (50) has at least one outlet opening (55) for the fluid communication of the inner region of the guide tube (50) with the combustion chamber (60), wherein preferably the at least one outlet opening (55) in the idle state of the hybrid gas generator (10). is closed. Hybrid gas generator (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide tube (50) is nozzle-shaped at the diffuser-side end (51). Method for operating a hybrid gas generator (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 7 characterized by the steps of: a) activating a lighter (33) of the hybrid gas generator (10); b) establishing a bursting pressure in an ignitor chamber (36); c) opening a first bursting element (41) and generating a shock wave (S); d) guiding the shockwave (S) within a guide tube (50) which is introduced into an outer housing (11) of the hybrid gas generator (10) substantially as far as a second bursting element (42); e) outflow of igniting gas and / or ignition particles from an inner region of the guide tube (50) through at least one outlet opening (55) of the guide tube (50) into a combustion chamber (60) surrounding the guide tube (50); f) opening the second bursting element (42); g) generating a fuel gas in the combustion chamber (60); h) outflow of the generated fuel gas through the opened second bursting element (42). Method for operating a hybrid gas generator (10) according to Claim 8 characterized by a step i), wherein the fuel gas flows through at least one inlet opening (56) of the guide tube (50) from the combustion chamber (60) into the inner region of the guide tube (50) before step h). Airbag module with a hybrid gas generator (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 7 , Vehicle safety system with a hybrid gas generator (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 7 or with a gas bag module after Claim 10 ,

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