DE102018119084A1 - Deflector component, gas generator, gas bag module, vehicle safety system and method for operating a gas generator - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a deflector component (10) for a gas generator (100), in particular for a hybrid gas generator for a vehicle safety system. According to the invention, the deflector component (10) has a disk-shaped base element (40) which has a central gas-impermeable section (41) and an outer gas-permeable section (42), the central gas-impermeable section (41) being designed as a gas deflecting section.

Description

The invention relates to a deflector component for a gas generator, in particular for a hybrid gas generator for a vehicle safety system, according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a gas generator, in particular a hybrid gas generator, according to claim 6. The invention also relates to a gas bag module which has such a Has gas generator. Furthermore, the invention shows a vehicle safety system and a method for operating a gas generator.

The so-called ignition chain of a gas generator, in particular a hybrid gas generator, is designed as standard so that the individual ignition stages are run through as quickly as possible. In other words, after an intended activation of the gas generator, an inflation gas for, for example, an airbag to be inflated should be provided as quickly as possible. For this purpose, one or more pyrotechnic means are activated or ignited within the gas generator, the resulting sequence of individual ignitions being able to be referred to as an ignition chain, which should run as quickly as possible within the gas generator. A first ignition stage relates to the transition from an igniter to a pyrotechnic booster charge. A second ignition stage, on the other hand, denotes the transition from ignition particles or ignition gas from a booster to a pyrotechnic fuel. The hot ignition particles and hot ignition gas or gases are to be passed on to the next stage as directly as possible and with minimal loss in order to activate or ignite them in an energetically efficient manner.

In hybrid gas generators that have a fuel in a compressed gas container, there is a different starting pressure when the fuel is ignited, depending on the ambient temperature. When a gas generator with a temperature of approx. + 85 ° C is activated, the internal pressure is higher compared to a colder gas generator, so that the fuel is ignited more quickly. The internal pressure thus rises at an ambient temperature of approx. + 85 ° C.

When a gas generator is activated at an ambient temperature of - 35 ° C, the internal pressure is comparatively low, so that the ignition of the fuel takes a comparatively long time. At a lower ambient temperature, the pressure required to open a bursting membrane and thus to introduce a gas into a gas bag is reached somewhat later than at a higher ambient temperature.

In order to be designed accordingly for both of the above-mentioned ambient temperatures, the ignition or initiation of an ignition chain of a gas generator must be designed to be so low in energy that the maximum permissible internal pressure of a compressed gas container is not exceeded at high ambient temperatures. This usually leads to relatively late time-to-first gas values at correspondingly low ambient temperatures, in particular at ambient temperatures of up to -35 ° C. In other words, a fixed, predetermined available energy input for initiating an ignition chain at high temperatures do not overload the system (maximum permissible internal pressure), but must nevertheless function reliably at low ambient temperatures (reliably ignite the ignition chain) If the fuel is ignited quickly in a hybrid gas generator, the maxima of the mass flows of cold gas and fuel combustion may overlap at the start of activation of the gas generator. This results in a so-called high onset for a corresponding time-pressure curve. This can lead to a higher inflation load of an inflatable gas bag or a higher mechanical load of a corresponding gas bag module.

Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a further developed component for a gas generator which serves as a kind of ignition brake. With the help of the further developed component, it is to be made possible that the ignition chain of a gas generator can be slowed down and nevertheless a required amount of gas can be made available from the gas generator correspondingly quickly.

Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a further developed gas generator, in particular a further developed gas generator with a component according to the invention.

The invention also has the task of specifying a gas bag module and a vehicle safety system with a gas generator and a method for operating a gas generator.

According to the invention, this object is achieved with regard to the deflector component by the subject matter of claim 1, with regard to the gas generator by the subject matter of claim 6, with regard to the gas bag module by the subject of claim 10, with regard to the vehicle safety system by the subject matter of the claim 11 and in view of the method for operating a gas generator by the subject matter of claim 12.

Thus, the invention is based on the idea of specifying a deflector component for a gas generator, in particular deflector component for a hybrid gas generator for a vehicle safety system, the deflector component having a disk-shaped base element which has a central gas-impermeable section and an outer gas-permeable section, the central gas-impermeable section is designed as a gas deflection section. In one embodiment of the invention, the deflector component is designed only as a disk-shaped basic element. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the deflector component can comprise further sections, elements or components in addition to the disk-shaped base element.

In principle, a disk-shaped base element is to be understood as a flat component, the thickness of which is less than the transverse or width extent measured perpendicular thereto, or in other words, the axial extent of the disk-shaped base element (without further sections, elements or components) is less than the associated radial one extension. The disk-shaped base element has at least two sections. The first section is a central gas-impermeable section. The further or second section is the outer gas-permeable section. The central gas-impermeable section is designed or effective as a gas deflecting section. In other words, the central gas-impermeable section is designed such that a gas impinging on this section is deflected. In other words, a main flow direction of a gas which is directed onto the central gas-impermeable section or strikes there is quasi interrupted and deflected due to the central gas-impermeable section. The gas deflection can take place at an angle of up to 90 ° and / or at an angle of up to 180 °. If the main direction of flow of a gas is directed essentially perpendicular to the central gas-impermeable section or its surface or strikes there, it can be deflected at an angle of essentially 90 °, in particular if the disk-shaped base element has no further sections, elements or Components such as comprises a sleeve or a bead. A corresponding gas deflection at an angle of up to 180 ° can, however, take place if such further sections, elements or components such as e.g. a sleeve or a bead is or is arranged on the disk-shaped base element, so that the direction of the main flow direction is virtually reversed.

It is possible for the central gas-impermeable section to be completely surrounded and / or delimited by the outer gas-permeable section. The area size of the central gas-impermeable section can have at least 1/5, in particular at least 1/4, in particular at least 1/3, of the total area of the disk-shaped basic element.

The disk-shaped base element can be designed as a circular disk. In this case, the surface of the disk-shaped basic element can be circular. The central gas-impermeable section can be circular. Furthermore, it is possible for the central gas-impermeable section to be essentially circular. Such a section is to be understood as essentially circular, which has a circular basic shape, but has, for example, serrated elements at the transition sections to the outer gas-permeable section.

The outer gas-permeable section can be annular. The outer gas-permeable section is, in particular, ring-shaped if the disk-shaped base element is designed as a circular disk. Since gas generators are preferably tubular and accordingly form a tubular gas generator, it is advantageous to adapt the disk-shaped basic element to the housing shape or housing inner contour of the gas generator and to design the disk-shaped basic element as a circular disk.

The outer gas-permeable section can be formed at least in sections from an expanded metal and / or a grid and / or a braid and / or a perforated plate. Due to the design of the outer gas-permeable section in the manner described, it is possible for gas to penetrate through openings in the expanded metal and / or the grille and / or the braid and / or the perforated plate. The openings of the expanded metal and / or the grating and / or the braid and / or the perforated plate are to be selected such that a predetermined amount of ignition vapor can flow through the openings.

Furthermore, it is possible for the outer gas-permeable section of the disk-shaped base element to have a plurality of, in particular circular, gas passage openings, the gas passage openings preferably being formed on at least one circular circumferential line. It is possible that all, preferably circular, gas passage openings are formed on a single circular circumferential line. The circumferential line (s) is / are preferably formed concentrically with the central gas-impermeable section of the disk-shaped base element.

If only a circular circumferential line is formed with gas passage openings, the opening cross sections of the gas passage openings should be chosen to be correspondingly large.

Furthermore, it is possible for the, in particular circular, gas passage openings to be formed on at least two, in particular at least three, in particular at least four, circular circumferential lines.

If a plurality of circular circumferential lines are formed with gas passage openings formed thereon, the opening cross sections of the gas passage openings are smaller or smaller in comparison to an embodiment with only one circular circumferential line with gas passage openings formed thereon.

The gas passage openings of adjacent or adjacent circular circumferential lines are preferably offset from one another, so that a uniform or homogeneously formed pattern with gas passage openings is formed on the outer gas-permeable section.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the deflector component has an axially extending sleeve and / or a bead, the sleeve / bead separating the central gas-impermeable section from the outer gas-permeable section. The sleeve or the bead is thus positioned between the central gas-impermeable section and the outer gas-permeable section in such a way that it causes / these two sections to separate. In this context, the term “axially extending” means that the sleeve extends essentially perpendicular to the surfaces of the end faces of the deflector component. The sleeve or the bead can be formed in one piece with the deflector component, as is preferably the case with the bead, or can be placed or attached to the deflector component as a separate component, as is preferably the case with the sleeve. Such a sleeve and / or such a bead has the effect that a deflector component installed in a gas generator has a gas deflecting section which causes a gas deflection by 180 °. In such an embodiment of the invention, it is avoided that a gas deflected only by 90 ° to the main flow direction of the gas is passed on directly to the gas-permeable section. In other words, the formation of a sleeve and / or a bulge deliberately delays the ignition or ignition of a solid fuel, without the filling of an airbag being adversely delayed by means of a gas generator in which the deflector component according to the invention is installed.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is possible for the deflector component to have an outer axially extending sleeve or an integrally formed deformation. The outer axially extending sleeve or deformation can also be referred to as a peripheral flange. With the help of such a peripheral flange, the fastening of the deflector component in the gas generator can be facilitated. Such an outer sleeve / deformation or such a peripheral flange preferably bears against the inside of the housing of a gas generator.

With the aid of the deflector component according to the invention for a gas generator, an ignition brake or advantageous ignition delay of a gas generator is thus made available. The deflector component has the effect that fumes or hot ignition gases / particles from an igniter unit cannot flow in the direction of a fuel or a fuel bed in direct gas flow technology terms, if the deflector component were not present.

The deflector component according to the invention is a structurally simple component that is easy to manufacture and can be easily installed in a gas generator.

Another, in particular secondary aspect, of the invention relates to a gas generator for an airbag module, in particular a hybrid gas generator for a vehicle safety system. The gas generator according to the invention comprises a, in particular tubular, housing, an igniter unit and a deflector component. According to the invention, the deflector component is designed as described above or as specified in claims 1-5.

The deflector component brings about a spatial separation of a solid fuel bed from a first chamber section, which at least partially surrounds the igniter unit. The first chamber section is preferably designed as part of a pressurized gas container. A so-called cold gas, which consists of a gas or a mixture of gases, such as, for example, oxygen, nitrogen, argon or helium, is filled into such a compressed gas container. A pressure of approximately 550 bar prevails in the compressed gas container at room temperature.

The igniter unit preferably comprises a closure piece, in particular a closure cap, which projects into the first chamber section of the pressurized gas container. The closure piece, in particular the closure cap, is preferably by means of a bursting element, in particular by means of a first bursting membrane, sealed gas-tight. The igniter unit can comprise an ignition chamber, a so-called booster charge being formed in the ignition chamber. After activating the igniter of the igniter unit, the booster charge can be ignited, wherein such a high pressure can be built up within the chamber delimited by the closure piece that the first bursting element, in particular the first bursting membrane, breaks open or is opened.

When installed, the deflector component is arranged in the gas generator in such a way that the deflector component forms a spatial separation with respect to two chamber sections. The first chamber section itself is preferably fuel-free, the igniter unit, which comprises the booster charge, projects into the first chamber section, as already described above. The solid fuel bed is preferably formed in the second chamber section. Both the booster charge and the solid fuel bed can be made of pyrotechnic materials and can be present as a bed of individual fuel bodies and e.g. Compressed, in particular dry pressed, fuel tablets or extruded bodies, but also in the form of broken granules or in the form of a monolithic molded body or in the form of rows or disks lined up.

The central gas-impermeable section of the disk-shaped base element of the deflector component is preferably designed in alignment with the first burst element of the igniter unit. In this case, an aligned design is to be understood as such a positioning that takes place along the longitudinal axis of the gas generator. In particular, the central gas-impermeable section is oriented substantially parallel opposite the first bursting element or an end face of the first bursting element, preferably in such a way that a projection of the end face of the first bursting element along the longitudinal axis of the gas generator onto the opposite end face of the central gas-impermeable section there covers a central corresponding surface, which preferably corresponds to a central partial section of the central gas-impermeable section, so that there is an annular residual surface of the central gas-impermeable section which extends virtually beyond it. In other words, the area of the first bursting element on the end face or the corresponding area of such a projection mentioned above is smaller than the opposite end face of the central gas-impermeable section. The central gas-impermeable section of the disk-shaped base element is preferably in a main flow direction of a gas flowing through the burst first bursting element and / or the center gas-impermeable section of the disk-shaped base element is flowed against by a main flow of a gas flowing through the burst first bursting element after activation of the gas generator.

An axially extending sleeve and / or a bead of the deflector component points in the direction of the igniter unit. If the deflector component according to the invention has an axially extending sleeve and / or a bead, this sleeve / bead protrudes into the first chamber section of the pressurized gas container. This enables a gas impinging on the gas-impermeable section of the disk-shaped base element to be deflected by up to 180 °. The deflected gas can thus initially flow back towards the igniter unit.

If the deflector component has an outer axially extending sleeve or a circumferential flange or a corresponding deformation, this outer sleeve / this circumferential flange or deformation can also extend in the direction of the igniter unit, in other words in the direction of the igniter unit. This facilitates the installation of the deflector component during manufacture of the gas generator, since the deflector component in particular represents guidance in the axial direction when the deflector component is inserted / inserted into the housing of the gas generator by means of such a sleeve or peripheral flange or deformation. It is also advantageously avoided that such a deflector component jams or jams during such assembly.

The deflector component can be pressed onto the solid fuel bed by a prestressed spring element. In other words, the deflector component can be positioned with the aid of a prestressed spring element. The deflector component can thus serve as a filler body to compensate for filling tolerances of the solid fuel bed. In other words, the deflector component is pressed axially against the solid fuel by means of a prestressed spring and can bring about a positioning or securing of the position of the solid fuel. The housing of the gas generator, in particular the hybrid gas generator, advantageously forms a pressurized gas container which is filled with prestressed pressurized gas even before the gas generator is activated. After activation of the gas generator, the compressed gas can be released in addition to the combustion gas which is formed by igniting or converting the solid fuel and introduced into an airbag to be inflated. In this way, the compressed gas supports the inflation of the gas bag.

Another secondary aspect of the invention relates to an airbag module with a gas generator, an inflatable by the gas generator Airbag and a fastening device for attaching the airbag module to a vehicle. The gas generator is designed in the manner described above.

Furthermore, a vehicle safety system, in particular for the protection of a person, for example a vehicle occupant or pedestrians, is disclosed and claimed within the scope of the present application. The vehicle safety system according to the invention has a gas generator, an airbag inflatable by it, as part of a gas bag module, and an electronic control unit, by means of which the gas generator can be activated in the event of a triggering situation. In the vehicle safety system according to the invention, the gas generator is designed according to the invention in the manner described above.

1. a) Aktivierung einer Anzündereinheit und Erzeugung von Anzündschwaden innerhalb einer Anzündkammer;
2. b) Öffnen eines ersten Berstelements und axiales Einleiten der Anzündschwaden in einen ersten Kammerabschnitt des Gehäuses des Gasgenerators;
3. c) Leiten der Anzündschwaden auf ein Deflektorbauteil, insbesondere auf einen mittigen gasundurchlässigen Abschnitt eines scheibenförmigen Grundelements des Deflektorbauteils, und Ablenken der Anzündschwaden mittels des als Gas-Umlenkabschnitt ausgebildeten mittigen gasundurchlässigen Abschnitts;
4. d) Einleiten der Anzündschwaden mittels eines äußeren gasdurchlässigen Abschnitts des Deflektorbauteils in einen, ein Festtreibstoffbett aufweisenden, zweiten Kammerabschnitt des Gehäuses;
5. e) Anzünden des Festtreibstoffbetts und Ausleiten eines Abbrandgases aus dem zweiten Kammerabschnitt.

Another secondary aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a gas generator, in particular a gas generator according to the invention. The operating method according to the invention has the following steps:

1. a) activation of a lighter unit and generation of ignition vapor within an ignition chamber;
2. b) opening a first bursting element and axially introducing the ignition vapor into a first chamber section of the housing of the gas generator;
3. c) directing the ignition clouds onto a deflector component, in particular onto a central gas-impermeable section of a disk-shaped basic element of the deflector component, and deflecting the ignition clouds via the central gas-impermeable section designed as a gas deflection section;
4. d) introducing the ignition vapor by means of an outer gas-permeable section of the deflector component into a second chamber section of the housing having a solid fuel bed;
5. e) lighting the solid fuel bed and discharging a combustion gas from the second chamber section.

The method can further comprise a step f). Step f) provides for the opening of a second bursting element, which is formed at the axial end of the second chamber section of the housing, step f) being carried out before or after step e). The opening of a bursting element according to step b) and / or according to step f) can relate to bursting or destruction of the bursting element. The first bursting element and / or the second bursting element can be designed as a bursting membrane.

The second bursting element is preferably opened due to an overpressure and / or an increase in internal pressure in one / the compressed gas container of the gas generator.

After activating the lighter of a lighter unit, i.e. After step a), such a high pressure is preferably built up within a closure piece belonging to the igniter unit, in particular a closure cap which is closed by the first bursting element, that the first bursting element is opened, in particular breaks open. It is thus possible that fumes which are formed by the igniter or a conversion of a booster charge within the closure piece can flow into a compressed gas container of the gas generator. In particular, the ignition vapors are introduced axially into the first chamber section of the housing, in particular into the first chamber section of the pressurized gas container. Hot fumes and / or fumes are to be understood as fumes.

In step c), the fumes come into contact with the deflector component or are directed there, in particular onto the central gas-impermeable section of the disk-shaped basic element, where they are deflected or undergo a directional deflection or reversal of direction. The deflection is initially carried out in such a way that the fumes from the preceding main flow direction, which runs along the longitudinal axis of the gas generator or essentially parallel to it, are first deflected away from the bed of solid fuel to be ignited. A first deflection of this type preferably takes place initially by essentially 180 °, which therefore means a reversal of the direction of the ignition vapor. Then, in step d), the ignition vapors are introduced into the second chamber section of the housing of the gas generator by means of the outer gas-permeable section of the deflector component and are thus directed in the direction of the solid fuel bed.

The ignition of the solid fuel bed is thus advantageously delayed according to the invention by the deflector component according to the invention, so that a moderate gas bag module opening behavior or a moderate inflation of a gas bag can be achieved. The energy of the igniter unit, in particular the energy from the ignited or converted booster charge, is primarily used to heat the cold gas in the compressed gas container as quickly as possible and thereby to increase the internal pressure extremely rapidly so that the second bursting element opens quickly in step f) can be.

The method according to the invention and / or the gas generator according to the invention has / have the advantage that the opening pressure for opening the second bursting element can be reached quickly without having to ignite the solid fuel bed.

The method according to the invention also provides that an airbag inflatable by the gas generator is initially filled with cold gas and with a mixture of cold gas and combustion gas at different times or only with combustion gas at different times after step f).

As an alternative to this, it is also possible according to the invention that the solid fuel bed is ignited before the second bursting element is opened, but only burns to an extremely small extent or is converted to a very small proportion to burnup gas before the second bursting element is opened, whereby here, too, an airbag inflatable by the gas generator after step f) is initially filled with cold gas and at different times with a mixture of cold gas and combustion gas. This process sequence can be used in particular to ensure a reliable ignition of the solid fuel before the second bursting element is opened and pressure can escape from the compressed gas container to the outside, since it can be advantageous, depending on the nature of the solid fuel, that a certain amount of fuel can be ignited the pressure surrounding the solid fuel still prevails.

After opening the second burst element, i.e. In other words, after step f), cool gas, that is to say the cold gas pre-stored in the compressed gas container, initially flows from the gas generator into the gas bag. Until the solid fuel bed is ignited, the internal pressure in the compressed gas container can drop due to the outflow of the cold gas. The maximum pressure in the compressed gas container can thus be reduced.

The solid fuel bed or the fuel of the solid fuel bed thus burns at a comparatively low pressure, so that the burning time can be extended according to the invention. The maximum mass flow is also reduced.

An advantage of the gas generator according to the invention or the method according to the invention for operating the gas generator is a rapid opening of the second bursting element by overpressure and / or by an increase in internal pressure in one / the compressed gas container. The second bursting element is preferably not opened due to a shock wave, which would suddenly expand unhindered from the opened first bursting element to the second bursting element. The rapid outflow of initially only cold gas is gentle on the gas bag to be inflated. With the time-delayed afterflow of a mixture of cold gas and combustion gas or only combustion gas, a so-called “S-stop” -shaped pressure increase, based on a time-pressure characteristic curve of the gas generator gas bag system, can be achieved within the gas bag module or within the gas bag , This means that after an initially gentle increase in pressure, there is a greater increase in pressure within the gas bag, which is responsible for filling or inflating the main volume of the gas bag.

• 1: eine Längsschnittansicht durch einen erfindungsgemäßen Gasgenerator mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Deflektorbauteil;
• 2a-2b: verschiedene Ausführungsformen hinsichtlich eines erfindungsgemäßen Deflektorbauteils (ohne Hülse/Wulst); und
• 2c-2f: verschiedene Ausführungsformen hinsichtlich eines erfindungsgemäßen Deflektorbauteils mit einer Hülse/Wulst.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached schematic figures. In it show:

• 1 : A longitudinal sectional view through a gas generator according to the invention with a deflector component according to the invention;
• 2a-2b : Different embodiments with regard to a deflector component according to the invention (without sleeve / bead); and
• 2c-2f : Different embodiments with regard to a deflector component according to the invention with a sleeve / bead.

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

1 shows a longitudinal section through a gas generator 100 , the installation situation of a deflector component 10 as well as flow paths or flow directions of ignition vapor should be shown. The gas generator comprises a compressed gas container 30 which is a housing 31 of the gas generator 100 forms. The compressed gas tank 30 is essentially tubular.

The compressed gas tank 30 has a first chamber section 33 in which a lighter unit 20 and a spring element 32 are arranged. A second chamber section 34 of the compressed gas tank 30 takes up a prestressed compressed gas. The compressed gas can be, for example, under a pressure of 550 bar at room temperature in the compressed gas container 30 be in the idle state of the gas generator - that is, in a not yet activated state of the gas generator. In the second section of the chamber 34 is also a solid fuel bed 15 educated. The solid fuel bed 15 is made up of individual fuel bodies 16 educated.

At an outlet end of the compressed gas tank 30 or the housing 31 is a second burst element 35 arranged. The second burst element 35 closes the compressed gas tank 30 , The second burst element 35 towards the igniter unit 20 upstream is a filter disc 36 , The filter disc 36 filters combustion particles so that this not in one on the gas generator 100 connected gas bag.

At the outlet end of the compressed gas tank 30 or the housing 31 is also a diffuser 37 arranged. The diffuser 37 has a diffuser cap 39 on that with the housing 31 of the gas generator 100 connected, in particular welded. The diffuser cap 39 includes outlet openings 38 that extend substantially radially outward. Via the outlet openings 38 released gas or inflation gas after opening the second bursting element after the intended activation of the gas generator 35 flow into a connected gas bag (not shown) to be inflated.

At the inlet end of the compressed gas tank 30 or the housing 31 is the igniter unit 20 arranged. The igniter unit is specific 20 in the first chamber section 33 of the compressed gas tank 30 used. The lighter unit 20 includes a lighter carrier 21 and a lighter 22 , The lighter 22 has electrical connections for connection to an electronic control unit (not shown). The electronic control unit is preferably provided on the vehicle side and enables the gas generator to be activated 100 in a predetermined triggering situation.

There is also an ignition chamber 23 educated. In the ignition chamber 23 is a so-called booster charge 27 in the form of pyrotechnic agents. The lighter 22 usually includes an ignition wire which, when electrically activated, ignites the igniter 22 activated or ignited. The booster charge is then ignited 27 , There is also a cap 24 educated. The cap 24 forms among other things the ignition chamber 23 or includes part of this, in which the booster charge 27 is trained. The face 26 the cap 24 has a first burst element 25 which is welded onto the sealing cap. The first burst element 25 disconnects the lighter unit 20 from a gas-filled interior of the compressed gas container 30 ,

When the gas generator is activated 100 and thus igniting and burning off the booster charge 27 arises in the ignition chamber 23 an overpressure that eventually leads to an opening / tearing or destruction of the first bursting element 25 leads. The one in the ignition chamber 23 by burning off the booster charge 27 Fires of ignition generated, which include hot gases and / or hot particles, are thus opened by the first bursting element 25 in the first chamber section 33 of the housing 31 introduced axially. This is in 1 with that on the longitudinal axis L symbolizes lying thick arrow.

In the first section of the chamber 33 of the housing 31 is the spring element 32 trained that on the deflector component 10 suppressed. The deflector component 10 is thus on the solid fuel bed 15 pressed. The deflector component 10 together with the spring element 32 in other words, the effect of a packing to compensate for the filling tolerances of the solid fuel bed 15 in the manufacture or over the lifetime of the gas generator.

The exact embodiments of the deflector component 10 are in the 2a-2f presented in more detail.

The deflector component 10 basically comprises a disk-shaped basic element 40 that has a central gas impermeable section 41 and an outer gas permeable section 42 having.

In the second section of the chamber 34 of the housing 31 is also a filter element 12 educated. With this filter element 12 can burn gas, which in the event of activation by burning or implementation of the solid fuel bed 15 is formed, in the direction of the (opened) second bursting element 35 be directed. With the bursting elements 25 and 35 each is preferably a disk-shaped, in particular welded-on, bursting membrane.

The central gas impermeable section 41 of the deflector component 10 is essentially designed as a gas deflection section. In or after an activation of the gas generator 100 the fumes initially ignite in the direction of the deflector component 10 , especially in the direction of the central gas-impermeable section 41 of the disk-shaped basic element 40 , headed. Due to the gas-impermeable design of the section 41 the fumes are deflected. The deflection takes place in the direction of the closure cap 24 , especially towards the front 26 the cap 24 , Gas deflections of up to 180 ° are possible, which essentially reverses the direction of the deflector component 10 impinging fumes means. The fumes are ignited in the direction of the two arrows P2 redirected or as described above, deflected directly by 180 ° or from the central gas-impermeable section 41 of the deflector component 10 reflected accordingly. It is in 1 through the arrows P2 at least to recognize that the fumes initially from the solid fuel bed 15 be led away. Without the presence of the deflector component according to the invention 10 or without the presence of the central gas impermeable section 41 of the deflector component 10 , or if this section were designed to be gas-permeable, the ignition clouds could come out of the sealing cap 24 emerging directly or by the shortest route to or into the solid fuel bed 15 get and ignite this extremely quickly, too quickly for a correspondingly desired power design of the gas generator. The ignition of the solid fuel bed 15 is deliberately delayed according to the invention in order to achieve a moderate opening behavior or inflation of an airbag connected to the gas generator according to the invention.

The second burst element 35 is due to the in the compressed gas tank 30 resulting overpressure by introducing the hot fumes into the compressed gas tank 30 or opened quickly due to the corresponding increase in internal pressure. This enables a very rapid outflow of initially only cold gas from the compressed gas container 30 and thus an intended inflation or filling of a gas bag.

The deflector component 10 also has an outer axially extending sleeve or deformation in the direction of the igniter unit 20 on. This outer, essentially axially extending sleeve or reshaping can also be used as a peripheral flange 47 be designated. With the help of the peripheral flange 47 can fix the deflector component 10 in the gas generator 100 be relieved. The peripheral flange 47 is on the inside 18 of the housing 31 of the gas generator 100 on.

The fumes are ignited after the previously described deflection, initially in the direction of the arrows P2 takes place, further towards the outer gas-permeable section 42 steered so that the fumes from the gas passage opening (see 2a-2f) towards the solid fuel bed 15 and thus in the second chamber section 34 of the compressed gas tank 30 can flow. This is in 1 using the arrows P3 symbolizes.

The solid fuel bed 15 is then ignited by means of the ignition vapor. The cold gas that has initially flowed into a gas bag is then followed by a mixture of cold gas and combustion gas or only one combustion gas. The combustion gas is ignited or the fuel body is reacted accordingly 16 of the solid fuel bed 15 generated. A so-called S-slope-shaped pressure increase can thus be achieved within the gas bag module or within the gas bag. This means that an initially gentle pressure increase is followed by a greater pressure increase that fills the main volume of the gas bag.

In the 2a-2f are different embodiments with regard to deflector components according to the invention 10 shown.

All deflector components 10 have a disk-shaped basic element 40 on, which in turn has a central gas impermeable section 41 and an outer gas permeable section 42 having. The central gas impermeable section 41 is completely from the outer gas-permeable section 42 surround, this is not an unconditional design for the deflector component according to the invention 10 represents, for example, the central gas-impermeable section 41 only in regions or sectors from the outer gas-permeable section 42 can be surrounded. All shown disc-shaped basic elements 40 are designed as circular disks. Even the central gas-impermeable sections 41 are essentially all circular. Due to the formation of the disc-shaped basic elements 40 the outer gas-permeable sections are also circular disks 42 each formed in a ring.

In 2a are several circular gas openings 43 shown in the outer gas permeable section 42 are trained. The gas passage openings 43 are formed on a common circular circumferential line. The circumference is concentric with the central gas-impermeable section 41 of the disk-shaped basic element 40 educated.

In 2 B is an alternative embodiment with respect to a disk-shaped base element 40 shown. In this case too, the outer gas-permeable section has 42 several circular gas openings 43 on. The gas passage openings shown there 43 are however formed in four circular circumferential lines. The four circular circumferential lines are in turn concentric with the central gas-impermeable section 41 educated. Furthermore, it can be seen that the gas passage openings 43 circular circumferential lines arranged or formed adjacent to one another are offset from one another. This creates a homogeneous or evenly distributed pattern of gas passage openings 43 educated.

The 2c shows an embodiment with respect to a deflector component 10 which according to the embodiment 2a similar. In addition to the disc-shaped basic element 40 is an axially extending sleeve 44 educated. The sleeve 44 points in the installed state towards the igniter unit 20 ,

The sleeve 44 is circular cylindrical and separates the central gas-impermeable section 41 from the outer gas permeable section 42 , The sleeve 44 causes the fumes to redirect towards the igniter unit 20 , There is thus a direct lateral deflection in the direction of the outer gas-permeable section 42 suppressed. An ignition of the solid fuel bed 15 can due to such a sleeve 44 be delayed in an effective manner.

2d shows an embodiment with respect to a deflector component 10 which according to the embodiment 2 B similar. In addition to a matching embodiment with regard to the disk-shaped basic element 40 shows this embodiment, as already stated 2c is known an axially extending sleeve 44 on. In this connection, the same explanations apply as in connection with 2c are specified.

In 2e becomes another possible embodiment with respect to a deflector component 10 shown. The disk-shaped basic element 40 is designed in a similar way as this one in 2 B respectively. 2d is shown. Instead of an axially extending sleeve 44 , as in 2d is a bead in this case 45 educated. The bead 45 is in turn formed on the side of the disk-shaped base element, which in the installed state faces the igniter unit 20 has. The trained bulge too 45 , which also as a one-piece corresponding shape of the basic element 40 can be understood, causes that fumes are deflected by more than 90 ° and not directly in the direction of the outer gas-permeable section 42 of the disk-shaped basic element 40 be redirected. Rather, the fumes are ignited even when the deflector component is formed 10 according to the embodiment of 2e first in the direction of the igniter unit 20 deflected, i.e. deflected by a maximum of 180 ° or reflected accordingly.

In 2f becomes a deflector component 10 shown, which is a disk-shaped basic element 40 with a central gas impermeable section 41 having. The outer gas permeable section 42 is in this embodiment of the invention by an expanded metal 46 educated. The expanded metal 46 has gas passage openings 43 on.

Due to the use of an expanded metal 46 are the gas passage openings 43 substantially evenly over the outer gas permeable section 42 spread out. In this case, too, it is possible that the deflector component 10 an axially extending sleeve 44 has, the sleeve in the installed state of the deflector component 10 towards the igniter unit 20 has.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Deflektorbauteil

12

filter element

15

Solid propellant bed

16

fuel body

18

inside

20

Anzündereinheit

21

Anzünderträger

22

lighter

23

ignition chamber

24

cap

25

first burst element

26

front

27

booster charge

30

Compressed gas containers

31

casing

32

spring element

33

first chamber section

34

second chamber section

35

second burst element

36

filter disc

37

diffuser

38

outlet

39

diffuser cap

40

disc-shaped basic element

41

central gas impermeable section

42

outer gas permeable section

43

Gas port

44

shell

45

bead

46

expanded metal

47

circumferential flange

100

inflator

L

Longitudinal axis gas generator

P2

arrow

P3

arrow

Claims (15)

Deflector component (10) for a gas generator (100), in particular for a hybrid gas generator for a vehicle safety system, characterized by a disk-shaped base element (40) which has a central gas-impermeable section (41) and an outer gas-permeable section (42), the central gas-impermeable section (41) being designed as a gas deflecting section. Deflector component (10) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the disk-shaped base element (40) is designed as a circular disk and / or the central gas-impermeable section (41) is circular and / or the outer gas-permeable section (42) is annular. Deflector component (10) after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the outer gas-permeable section (42) is formed at least in sections from an expanded metal (46) and / or a grid and / or a braid and / or a perforated plate. Deflector component (10) according to one of the Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that the outer gas-permeable section (42) has a plurality of, in particular circular, gas passage openings (43), the gas passage openings (43) preferably being formed on at least one circular circumferential line. Deflector component (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an axially extending sleeve (44) and / or a bead (45) which separates / separates the central gas-impermeable section (41) from the outer gas-permeable section (42). Gas generator (100) for an airbag module, in particular hybrid gas generator for a vehicle safety system, with - one, in particular tubular, housing (31) - an igniter unit (20), and - a deflector component (10) according to at least one of the Claims 1 to 5 , wherein the deflector component (10) spatially separates a solid fuel bed (15) from a first chamber section (33) which surrounds the igniter unit (20) at least in sections, the first chamber section (33) preferably being formed as part of a compressed gas container (30) , Gas generator (100) after Claim 6 , characterized in that the central gas-impermeable section (41) of the disk-shaped base element (40) of the deflector component (10) is designed in alignment with a first burst element (25) of the igniter unit (20). Gas generator (100) after Claim 6 or 7 , characterized in that one / the axially extending sleeve (44) and / or bead (45) of the deflector component (10) points in the direction of the igniter unit (20). Gas generator (100) according to one of the Claims 6 to 8th , characterized in that the deflector component (10) is pressed onto the solid fuel bed (15) by a prestressed spring element (32). Airbag module with a gas generator (100), an airbag inflatable by the gas generator (100) and a fastening device for attaching the airbag module to a vehicle, characterized in that the gas generator (100) according to at least one of the Claims 6 to 9 is trained. Vehicle safety system, in particular for the protection of a person, for example a vehicle occupant or passers-by, with a gas generator (100), an airbag inflatable by it, as part of a gas bag module, and an electronic control unit by means of which the gas generator (100) can be activated when a triggering situation is present , characterized in that the gas generator (100) according to at least one of the Claims 6 to 9 is trained. Method for operating a gas generator (100) according to one of the Claims 6 to 9 , with the following steps: a) activation of an igniter (22) and generation of ignition vapor within an ignition chamber (23); b) opening a first bursting element (25) and axially introducing the ignition vapor into a first chamber section (33) of a housing (31) of the gas generator (100); c) directing the ignition vapor onto a deflector component (10), in particular onto a central gas-impermeable section (41) of a disk-shaped base element (40) of the deflector component (10), and deflecting the ignition swaths by means of the central gas-impermeable section (41) designed as a gas deflection section ; d) introducing the ignition vapor by means of an outer gas-permeable section (42) of the deflector component (10) into a second chamber section (34) of the housing (31) having a solid fuel bed (15); e) igniting the solid fuel bed (15) and discharging a combustion gas from the second chamber section (34). Procedure according to Claim 12 , characterized by f) opening a second bursting element (35) which is formed at the axial end of the second chamber section (34) of the housing (31), the step f) being carried out before or after the step e). Procedure according to Claim 13 , characterized in that the second bursting element (35) is opened by overpressure and / or internal pressure increase in one / the compressed gas container (30). Procedure according to one of the Claims 12 to 14 , especially after Claim 13 or 14 , characterized in that an airbag inflatable by the gas generator (100) after step f) is initially filled with cold gas and at different times with a mixture of cold gas and combustion gas or at different times only with combustion gas.

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