JP2001347919A - Multistage, air bag device and gas generator to be used for it - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multistage gas generator having no error in connection of a plurality of igniters 8 housed in a gas generator 1 to an output part 7 of an ignition signal output device 2. SOLUTION: In this multistage air bag device, a gas generator includes a plurality of igniters 8, and a limiting means 17 for combining and specifying only one connection of an ignition signal output means and the igniter 8 is provided on a connector 10 provided on a lead wire 9 for transmitting an ignition signal to respective igniters 8.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

2. Description of the Related Art An airbag system mounted on various kinds of vehicles such as automobiles is used when a vehicle collides at a high speed.
The purpose is to support the occupant with an airbag (bag body) that is rapidly inflated by gas, and to prevent the occupant from being injured by crushing a hard part inside the vehicle such as a steering wheel or a front glass due to inertia. . Such an airbag system generally includes a gas generator that is activated by a collision of a vehicle and emits gas, and an airbag that inflates by introducing the gas.

[0002] Such an airbag system can be used even if the occupant's physique (for example, a person with a high or low sitting height, an adult or a child, etc.), or his / her riding posture (for example, a posture that clings to a steering wheel) is different. It is desirable that the occupant can be restrained safely.

In view of the above, a multistage airbag system has been proposed which adjusts the operation performance of a gas generator and operates as little impact as possible on an occupant in an early stage of operation. Such a gas generator is disclosed, for example, in JP-A-9-183359. In the gas generator described in this publication, two combustion chambers are provided in a housing, an igniter is arranged for each combustion chamber, and each igniter is ignited independently, so that the time of the gas generating agent is reduced. The purpose of the present invention is to adjust the amount of generated gas, the speed at which the airbag is inflated, and the pressure in order to promote the ignition misalignment. This type of gas generator is usually connected to an operation signal output unit that detects an impact and outputs an operation signal of an igniter by a lead wire or the like,
The operation timing of each igniter is adjusted by an operation signal output from the operation signal output means. That is, the operation signal of the igniter output from the operation signal output device is adjusted to be different for each igniter.
In this case, if an operation signal from the ignition signal output unit is sent to a different igniter due to an incorrect connection between the ignition signal output unit and the igniter, the gas generator obtains the initially expected operation performance. It will not be possible. Therefore, in order to more reliably adjust the operation performance of the gas generator, it is desirable that the specific operation signal output from the ignition signal output means is always transmitted to the specific igniter.

[0004] Previously, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 5-82213 discloses a connector connecting structure for an inflator. In this publication, when connecting a connector disposed at the end of a lead wire to a joint (igniter) of an inflator,
Regarding a structure for facilitating the determination of the suitability of the connection of the two and preventing the connector from falling off, a lid covering the connector is generally constituted by two claws provided around the connection. However, although this method is effective for securely attaching the connector itself, it cannot solve the above-mentioned problem when a plurality of similar connectors are connected in an appropriate combination. Further, in this method, since the structure is complicated and bulky, there is a limit in providing a plurality of such means in one inflator.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention includes an airbag gas generator including a plurality of igniters, and for each igniter, an operation signal from an ignition signal output means is provided. A multi-stage gas generator capable of always operating at a desired output by eliminating an error in connection between each igniter and an ignition signal output device in an output airbag device.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises a multistage airbag gas generator comprising a plurality of igniters, and an actuation signal from the ignition signal output means has a connector. In a gas generator that is sent to each igniter by a lead wire, a limiting means is provided in the connector, and when the ignition signal output means and a plurality of igniters are connected by a plurality of lead wires, the connection is only one combination. And a multi-stage airbag device limited to

That is, the airbag device of the present invention comprises a multistage airbag gas generator having a plurality of electric ignition igniters housed in a housing, and an igniter which outputs an igniter operation signal by impact. And a multi-stage airbag device including a plurality of lead wires having a connector, wherein the igniter and the output section are connected by a lead wire having a connector. The connector is a multi-stage airbag device having limiting means for specifying one connection between any one of the igniters and the output unit.

The limiting means may be formed on a connector at at least one end of a lead wire connecting the igniter and the output section, or a lead wire connecting the igniter and the output section of the ignition signal output means. May be formed in at least one relay connector.

The number of lead wires can be provided in the same number as the number of the electric ignition type igniters provided in the gas generator. Each of the plurality of igniters is a multi-stage airbag device whose ignition timing is adjusted according to the environmental conditions at the time of operation of the airbag device.

In the case where the igniter is provided with a connecting portion that joins with the connector, the limiting means includes a connector for connecting a lead wire extending from an output portion of the ignition signal output means to each igniter, and a connector of each igniter. When the output portion of the ignition signal output means includes a connection portion connected to a connector, the limiting portion connects the lead wire extending from the gas generator to the output portion. It can be formed at the connection part of the connector and the output part. Also, the relay connector shall be composed of a plug part and a jack part, each part having a coupling part,
The limiting means may be formed at a connecting portion between the plug portion and the jack portion of the relay connector for connecting the lead wire extending from the gas generator and the lead wire extending from the output portion.

The connector and the connecting portion each have a conductive portion. By connecting the connector and the connecting portion, the conductive portions come into contact with each other, and the ignition output from the ignition signal output means. When the signal is configured to be able to be supplied to each igniter, the limiting means is configured to vary at least one of the shape, size, color, number, and position of the conductive portion of the connector. Can be realized. Further, a positioning portion may be formed on a flange portion formed on the housing, and this may be used as a limiting means. For example, the conductive portion of the connector may be formed in a convex or concave shape, and the conductive portion of the coupling portion may be formed in a concave or convex shape so as to be connectable thereto. When the connector provided on each lead wire is formed using a plastic member, the plastic member is provided with a limiting means, whereby a plurality of connectors can be connected to each other. As for the limiting means, a plurality of lead wires may be converged on one connector, and the connector may be provided with the limiting means.

As described above, in the multistage airbag apparatus, if the connector provided with the limiting means is used for the lead wire connecting the ignition signal output means and the igniter and transmitting the operation signal, the igniter can be used. The connection between the connector and the output portion of the operation signal output means can be uniquely specified.

This multi-stage airbag apparatus uses a gas generator having a cylindrical housing comprising a diffuser shell having a gas outlet and a closure shell forming an internal space together with the diffuser shell. Can be. The plurality of igniters may be installed in a closure shell, side by side in the same direction as the axis of the housing.

The present invention also provides a plurality of igniters activated by an electric signal in a housing having a gas discharge port, wherein the plurality of igniters burn and / or expand due to the operation of the igniters.
A gas generator for a multi-stage airbag containing gas generating means for generating a working gas, wherein each igniter is a lead wire for transmitting an operation signal output from an output portion of an ignition signal output means. For connecting a connector arranged at the tip of a multi-stage airbag, wherein the connecting portion is provided with a limiting means that allows connection of only one of the connectors. A gas generator is also provided. In particular, the gas generator for a multistage airbag can be suitably used for the multistage airbag device.

That is, the gas generator has a connecting portion for connecting a connector provided at the tip of a lead wire for transmitting an operation signal from an ignition signal output means when the gas generator is incorporated in an airbag device. In this connection,
The present invention is characterized in that a limiting means for connecting only one of the connectors is formed. Such limiting means include, for example, the shape, size, color, number, and / or shape of the conductive portion in the igniter that receives the activation signal from the ignition signal output means.
Or, the position is made different for each igniter, that is, at least one of the shape, the number, the size, the color and the position of the conductive part is made different for each igniter to form the conductive part. In addition to being able to join only a specific connector, it can be achieved by forming the shape of the coupling portion of the igniter into a shape that complementarily fits only with the specific connector. In the latter case, for example, for each igniter, a groove and / or a projection having a different position and / or shape can be formed at the joint thereof. Further, by providing positioning means on a flange formed on the gas generator housing for mounting on the module case, it is also possible to limit the positions of the two igniters to one and connect them only to a specific connector. .

The gas generator may include at least two igniters, and the gas generating means for generating the working gas for inflating the airbag (bag) is a solid gas generating agent. Or a pressurized gas. Further, the gas generator may have a shape suitable for being disposed on the driver's seat side or a shape suitable for being disposed on the passenger seat side. In this gas generator, the same number of combustion chambers as the igniter are provided in the housing, and the gas generator is configured to burn or expand the gas generating means in each combustion chamber by each igniter. Is desirable.

Further, in the present invention, there is provided a method of connecting ignition signal output means (output section) and an igniter which are suitably used in the above-mentioned multi-stage airbag apparatus.

That is, a connection method for connecting ignition signal output means including a control unit for issuing an ignition signal to a plurality of igniters included in the gas generator, and a plurality of ignition means included in the gas generator. Each igniter is connected to the igniting means output device by a lead wire having a connector, and the connection between each igniter and the igniting means output device output section is specified by the limiting means. This is a connection method characterized by the following.

The limiting means includes forming at least one of a shape, a size, a color, a number, and a position of a conductive portion provided for each igniter so as to be different for each igniter. Both can be formed in a shape that can be complementarily fitted to each other so that the combination of the and the coupling portion becomes one. In particular, the latter case can also be realized by forming grooves and / or protrusions having different positions and / or shapes for the respective igniters in the joints provided in the respective igniters.

Normally, a gas generator and an airbag (bag)
The size and shape are different depending on the place where the module is arranged, such as for the driver's seat, for the passenger seat, or for the rear seat, but the multi-stage airbag device of the present invention Can be used regardless of the shape and size of these modules. Similarly, the gas generator for a multi-stage airbag according to the present invention can be implemented even if the shape and size of the gas generator for a driver's seat, a passenger's seat, or a rear seat are different.

The operation signal output device used in the multi-stage airbag device has a plurality of operation signal output units, and is capable of adjusting the output timing of the operation signal output from the output unit. Furthermore, any device that detects an impact and outputs an operation signal can be used. Therefore, as long as it has a part that senses the impact and a part that controls the output signal by judging the degree of the impact, it should be used regardless of whether they are integrated or separate. Can be.

The above-described multi-stage airbag apparatus is designed to optimize the deployment pattern of the airbag (bag).
When the operation signal output means detects a shock, the output timing of the operation signal is adjusted, and the operation timing of each igniter included in the gas generator is adjusted. At this time, since the connecting means of the lead wire connecting the ignition signal output means and each igniter is provided with a limiting means, the operation signal output from the operation signal output means is sure to be a specific ignition signal. It is sent to the igniter, that is, the igniter that is scheduled to operate at first, and there is no change in the operation performance of the airbag device due to a misconnection between the ignition signal output means and the igniter. Therefore, the multi-stage airbag device can more reliably optimize the deployment pattern of the airbag.

Further, the present invention provides a positioning means which can be implemented not only in the above-described multi-stage gas generator but also in a gas generator having one or more ignition means.

That is, in a housing having a gas outlet, one or more igniters activated by an electric signal, and gas generation that burns and / or expands to generate a working gas due to the operation of the igniter And a gas generator for an airbag housed including the means, wherein each igniter exposes a conductive portion for receiving an activation signal outside the housing,
Air is characterized in that the exposed portion of the conductive portion is provided with limiting means for uniquely specifying the connection between the conductive portion and a connector of a plurality of lead wires extending from the output portion. It is a gas generator for bags.

In the case where a ring member is provided between the lead wire and the connector when the lead member is connected to the connector, for example, the limiting means may be a portion of the gas generator where the ring member is provided. Can be formed. Thereby, the connection between the ring member and the igniter is specified only one way, and the connection between the igniter and the connector can be specified only one way.

The ring member is disposed on a conductive portion (two conductive pins or the like) of the electric ignition type igniter projecting out of the housing to receive the ignition current. It is also possible to perform a short circuit between the sex parts (ie a short circuit). That is, the ring member may include a conductor portion that electrically connects the conductive portions to close the circuit. in this case,
The gas generator (or igniter) for the airbag to which the ring member is connected is not operated by any unintended external electric energy. Preferably, a conductor portion included in the ring member and electrically connecting between the conductive portions of the igniter is connected to a connector of a lead wire for transmitting an operation signal, thereby igniting a conductive pin or the like. Preferably, electrical connection between the conductive portion of the vessel and the conductive portion of the ring member is prevented (ie, insulated). In this case, the circuit of the igniter is opened by connection with the connector, and is connected to the ignition signal output means via a lead wire or the like.

A ring member suitably used in the above-mentioned gas generator is also a feature of the present invention.

That is, a ring member disposed between the igniter of the gas generator for an air bag and the tip of a lead wire for transmitting an operation signal to the igniter, wherein the ring member includes an igniter and A ring member of a gas generator for an airbag, wherein a limiting means for specifying only one connection between a lead wire and a connector is provided. This limiting means can be formed as uniquely specifying the connection between the ring member and the igniter and / or the connection between the ring member and the connector of the lead wire.

If the gas generator and the ring member are used, an airbag gas generator having at least one electric ignition igniter in a housing and an operation signal of the igniter are output by impact. An airbag device comprising an ignition signal output means having the same number of output units as the igniter, and a lead wire having a connector and the same number of lead wires as the electric ignition type igniter. Provides an airbag device characterized by providing a limiting means for specifying connection of a lead wire to a connector in only one way.

When the igniter is provided with a ring member interposed between the lead wire and the connector when the lead wire is connected to the connector, this limiting means can be formed on the ring member. In this case, the limiting means can be formed so as to specify the connection between the ring member and the igniter and / or the connection between the ring member and the connector of the lead wire only uniquely.

[0031]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION "Multistage airbag device"
A multistage airbag gas generator according to the present invention will be described based on an embodiment shown in the drawings. FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing one embodiment of a multi-stage airbag device of the present invention.

The multistage airbag device shown in FIG.
The multi-stage airbag gas generator 1 includes two igniters 8a and 8b, and an operation signal output unit 2 that outputs an operation signal to each igniter in response to an impact. The multistage airbag gas generator 1 is housed in the module case 4 together with the airbag 3 which expands by introducing a working gas generated by the operation of the gas generator.

The operation signal output means 2 comprises an impact sensor 5 for sensing an impact and a control unit 6 for inputting a signal from the impact sensor and outputting an igniter operation signal.

The shock sensor 5 is for sensing a shock, and can be formed by using, for example, a semiconductor type acceleration sensor or the like. In this semiconductor type acceleration sensor, four semiconductor strain gauges are formed on a beam of a silicon substrate which bends when an acceleration is applied, and these semiconductor strain gauges are bridge-connected. When acceleration is applied, the beam deflects, causing strain on the surface. Due to this strain, the resistance of the semiconductor strain gauge changes, and the change in resistance is detected as a voltage signal proportional to the acceleration.

The control unit 6 includes an ignition determination circuit, and a signal from the semiconductor acceleration sensor is input to the ignition determination circuit. When the shock signal from the sensor 5 exceeds a certain value, the control unit 6 starts the calculation, and when the calculation result exceeds a certain value, outputs an operation signal to each of the igniters 8a and 8b of the gas generator 1. I do.

The module case 4 is made of, for example, polyurethane and includes a module cover 29. In this module case 4, the airbag 3 and the gas generator 1
Are accommodated to form a pad module. This pad module is usually attached to the steering wheel 30 when it is attached to the driver's seat side of a car.

The airbag 3 is formed of nylon (for example, nylon 66) or polyester, and its bag opening 31 surrounds the gas outlet of the gas generator and is fixed to the flange of the gas generator in a folded state. Have been.

In the multi-stage airbag apparatus having the above-described configuration, when a semiconductor type acceleration sensor 5 detects a shock at the time of a vehicle collision, the signal is sent to the control unit 6, and the shock signal from the sensor exceeds a certain value. At this point, the control unit 6 starts the calculation. When the calculated result exceeds a certain value, the operation timing is adjusted and an operation signal is output to each of the igniters 8a and 8b. This allows each igniter 8
a and 8b operate to ignite and burn the gas generating agent to generate combustion gas. This gas is blown into the airbag 3, whereby the airbag breaks the module cover 29 and bulges out,
A shock absorbing cushion is formed between the steering wheel 30 and the occupant.

The operation signal output from the control unit 6 is, in the control unit 6, 8a, 8b for each igniter.
Is output from the output unit 7 provided in the control unit. This output unit 7
More than the number of igniters 8 included in the gas generator 1, that is, two or more in the present embodiment. The operation signals output from the output units 7a and 7b can output operation signals at different timings in order to adjust the operation timing of each igniter. The operation signals output from the respective output units 7a, 7b are transmitted to the respective igniters 8a, 8b included in the gas generator 1 by lead wires 9a, 9b which are provided in the same number as the igniters 8a, 8b. In this case, if a different lead wire 9 is mistakenly connected to any of the igniters, a desired operation output cannot be obtained. Therefore, by providing connectors 10a, 10b to the respective lead wires 9a, 9b connecting the output units 7a, 7b and the igniters 8a, 8b, and by providing a limiting means to each connector 10a, 10b, the first The operation signal output from the output unit 7a is reliably transmitted to the first igniter 8a, and the operation signal output from the second output unit 7b is reliably transmitted to the second igniter 8b. Regarding this limiting means, the igniter 8 and the control unit 6
Or lead wire connecting the igniter 8 and the output unit 7
It can be formed differently depending on the shape of 9 and the like.

In the multi-stage airbag apparatus shown in FIG. 1, as shown in FIG. 2, connectors 10a and 10b are connected to the tips of lead wires 9a and 9b extending from the output sections 7a and 7b.
And connect the respective connectors 10a, 10b to the respective igniters 8a,
In the case of joining to the joints 11a and 11b of FIG. 8b, the connectors 10a and 10b and the joints 11a and 11b are provided in FIGS.
The following limiting means can be provided. When the connector 10 of the lead wire 9 is connected to the igniter in this way, the control unit 6
A conductive portion that receives the actuation output from the
Is used.

In the gas generator, the limiting means shown in FIG. 3 is different in the shape of the connecting portion for each igniter, or by forming grooves and / or projections having different positions and / or shapes. I have. In the limiting means shown in FIG.
Positioning grooves (or projections) 17 are formed in a and 10b, and the positions of the projections (or grooves) 18 corresponding to the positioning grooves (or projections) 17 are different for each igniter. . In the limiting means shown in this figure, when attaching the connectors 10a and 10b to the gas generator, if the connectors are not attached in the correct directions, the connectors will interfere with each other and cannot be properly attached. (Projection) 17 position is changed. In the limiting means shown in FIG. 3B, a positioning groove (or projection) 19 is provided only in one of the connectors 10b. That is, the connector 10b provided with the groove (or protrusion) 19 can be joined to the igniter 8a on the side not provided with the protrusion (or groove) 20, but the connector does not have the groove (or protrusion) 19. Connector 10a
Cannot be joined to the igniter 8b on the side provided with the projection (or groove) 20. As a result, an erroneous connection of the connector can be easily noticed during assembly. FIG. 3c shows that the shape of the connecting portion 16 itself of each connector 10a, b is
Each is different. In FIG. 3d, the two connectors are combined into one and a positioning groove (or projection) 24 is formed.
Is formed.

Also, as in the gas generator shown in FIG.
In the case where 12 is present and the conductive portion of the connecting portion 11 (conductive pin 12) and the conductive portion of the connector 10 are formed so as to be able to be energized and connected to each other, Conductive pin
This can be realized by making the shape, number, or position of 12 different, and changing the shape, number, position, or the like of the energized portion of the connector 10 accordingly.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the conductive pin which is different for each igniter. FIG. 4A shows a case where the shape of the conductive pin 12 itself differs for each of the igniters 8a and 8b, and FIG. 4B shows a case where the conductive pin 12 is formed at a different position for each of the igniters 8a and 8b. Such an embodiment of the conductive pin can be appropriately adopted as long as it is unique for each igniter. In this case, the connectors 10a and 10b in FIG.
The conductive part on the side is connected to the conductive pin 12 of the igniters 8a and 8b to be joined.
The shape, the forming position, or the number is adjusted according to the form. Also, as shown in FIG. 4b, each of the igniters 8a, 8b
When the conductive pin 12 is formed at a different position every time, the connectors 10a and 10b connected to the conductive pins 12 can also connect the respective connectors 10a and 10b as shown in FIG. 4c.

As described above, when connecting the igniter to the connectors 10a and 10b by providing the limiting means, the respective connectors 10a and 10b further connect the lead wires 9a and 9b connected to the connectors 10a and 10b, respectively. It is desirable to be configured to be pulled out in the same direction, and the drawing direction is furthermore,
It is desirable that the housing is drawn out in a direction perpendicular to the center axis of the housing.

In another embodiment, although not shown, the connecting portions 11a and 11b of the igniters 8a and 8b and the connectors 10a and 10b connected to them can be set to the same color. In other words, the red connector 10a is the red connector 1
1a, each connector 10 and the connecting portion 11 are colored in advance so that the yellow connector 10b is connected to the red connecting portion 11b.

When a ring member 42 is arranged between each of the igniters 8a and 8b and each of the connectors 10a and 10b connected to the igniters 8a and 8b as shown in FIG.
Positioning means can be provided at 42. Normally, the ring member 42 is arranged to electrically connect the conductive pins 12 in each igniter and to intentionally achieve a short circuit, and to be provided in each of the coupling portions 11a and 11b. Be placed. The limiting means formed on the ring members 42a, 42b are:
Connection between each ring member 42a, 42b and each igniter 8a, 8b and / or connector 1 between each ring member 42a, 42b and a lead wire
It is necessary to form such that the connection with 0a and 10b is specified only one way. The limiting means in the connection between the ring member and the igniter, and the limiting means in the connection between the ring member and the connector of the lead wire connected to the inside thereof include the connecting portions 11a and 11b of the respective igniters and the respective connectors 10a. , 10b.

In the multi-stage airbag apparatus shown in FIG. 1, connectors 13a and 13b are provided at the ends of the lead wires 9a and 9b as shown in FIG.
When a and 13b are connected to the connecting portions 14a and 14b of the output portions 7a and 7b, the respective connectors 13a and 13b and the connecting portions 14
A limiting means similar to the limiting means on the igniter side shown in FIG. 3 can be provided for a and 14b. That is, each output unit 7
The shape of the coupling portions 14a and 14b of the connectors a and 7b may be different for each of the connectors 13a and 13b, or grooves and / or protrusions having different positions and / or shapes may be formed. In this case, each connector 13a, 13b is formed in the shape and the formation position and / or the shape of the groove and / or the projection in accordance with the coupling part 14a, 14b of the output part 7a, 7b to be joined. . Further, when the coupling portions 14a, 14b of the output portions 7a, 7b have conductive pins 15a, 15b functioning as conductive portions, the conductive pins 15a, 15b
Can be formed in the mode shown in FIG. As described above, in the case of a multi-stage airbag device in which the connector 13 of the lead wire 9 is connected to the ignition signal output means (the control unit 6 in the present embodiment), each output unit 7
By providing the connecting means 14a, 14b of a, 7b and the limiting means in the connectors 13a, 13b, the lead wire 9a is connected to the first output part 7a via the connector 13a, and the second output part 7b Has a lead wire 9b via connector 13b
Is connected. Therefore, in the connection between each of the igniters 8a, 8b and the lead wires 9a, 9b, if the limiting means as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is applied, the operation signal output from the first output unit 7a becomes Be sure to input to the first igniter 8a and the second output
The operation signal output from 7b is always input to the second igniter 8b. As a result, in the multi-stage airbag device, desired operation performance can be reliably obtained.

Further, in the multi-stage airbag apparatus shown in FIG. 1, as shown in FIG. 6, the output sections 7a and 7b of the ignition signal output means (the control unit 6 in the present embodiment)
A relay wire 25a, 25b is provided in the middle of a lead wire for connecting to a gas generator for a multi-stage airbag (igniter 8 in the present embodiment). Limiting means can also be applied to 25a and 25b. That is, in the relay connector 25a, the plug 25a1 and the jack 25a2, and in the relay connector 25b, the plug 25b1 and the jack 25b2 are provided with the limiting means as described with reference to FIGS. As such a limiting means, as described above, the connector 25a1 can be connected only to the jack 25a2, and the connector itself can be connected only to the jack 25b2. -It can be performed by adjusting the shape and the like. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7A, for each relay connector 25a, 25b, the formation position of each conductive pin 21 on the plug side 25a1, 25b1 is changed, or as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the shape of each conductive pin 21 on the plug side 25a1, 25b1 is made different for each relay connector 25a, 25b, or as shown in FIG.
The shape itself of a, 25b can be different. As shown in FIG. 8, for example, as shown in FIG.
It can also be used if 26a, 26b does not directly splice the connector. That is, when the igniter has a connecting portion for joining the connectors, the limiting means can be provided by the method shown in FIG. 3 or 4, but as shown in FIG. 8, each igniter 26a, 26b When the lead wires 27a, 27b extend directly from the igniters 26a, 2
It is difficult to splice the connector directly to 6b. Therefore, connectors 28a and 28b are provided at the ends of the lead wires 27a and 27b extending from the igniters 26a and 26b, and the relay connectors 25a and 25b are connected to the connectors 28a and 28b. Each connector is provided with the above-mentioned limiting means, and the connector 28a has the relay connector 25a, and the connector 28b has the relay connector 25b.
Are connected, the operation signal sent from the first lead wire 26a is reliably transmitted to the first igniter 26a,
The operation signal sent from the second lead wire 26b is transmitted to the second igniter 26b without fail.

With the above configuration and method, in this multi-stage airbag device, there is no connection error between the output section and the igniter, and the output is provided from each output section 7a, 7b of the control unit 6 in the ignition signal output means. The activation signal of the igniter can be reliably transmitted to the intended igniter. Therefore, in the multi-stage airbag device, the desired operation performance can be reliably obtained. [Gas Generator for Multistage Airbag] FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view showing one embodiment of a multistage airbag device suitably used for the multistage airbag device. That is, in this gas generator, in the multi-stage airbag device, a limiting means for specifying and joining the connectors 10a and 10b at the tip of each lead wire connected to the ignition signal output means was provided. It is a gas generator.

This gas generator is provided with two combustion chambers 32a, b for accommodating a gas generating agent in a housing 32, and burns the gas generating agents 34a, b arranged in each of the combustion chambers. Two igniters 35a, b are accommodated. Each igniter arranged in the housing can operate independently, and is configured such that the operation of one igniter ignites and burns the gas generating agent in any one of the combustion chambers.
That is, in this gas generator, the gas generating agents 34a, b in each of the combustion chambers 33a, b are ignited and activated only by the operation of one of the igniters 35.
The igniter 35
By adjusting the operation timing between a and b, it is possible to adjust the combustion timing of the gas generating agents 34a and 34b in each combustion chamber, thereby adjusting the operation performance of the gas generator and, consequently, the airbag device. . Specifically, when the first igniter 35a operates, the transfer charge 36 burns, and this flame is ejected from the first transfer hole 50 into the first combustion chamber 33a,
The first gas generating agent 34a contained therein is ignited and burned. Also, the second igniter 35b operates at the same time as or slightly behind the first igniter, and the flame of the second igniter 35b
Through b, it blows out into the second combustion chamber. This flame ignites and burns the second gas generating agent to generate working gas, and passes through the through-hole 52 of the inner cylinder member 51 to cause the first combustion chamber 33a.
Spouts in. The working gas generated by the combustion of the first gas generating agent 34a and the second gas generating agent 34b is purified and cooled while passing through the coolant filter 37, and is discharged from the gas outlet 53.

In this gas generator, the igniter 35 can be combined with a transfer charge 36 which can be ignited and burned by its operation to efficiently burn the gas generating agent. In addition, when the gas generating agent 34 burns, when a combustion residue is also generated, a filter for purifying the combustion residue can be arranged, and a coolant for cooling the combustion gas is arranged. Can be. In the present embodiment, a coolant filter 37 for purifying and cooling the combustion gas is used.

In this gas generator, the two igniters are housed in an igniter collar 38 and housed in a housing 32.
In the igniter collar, a coupling portion 39 is provided at a position where the igniter 35 is accommodated. When the airbag device is formed using the gas generator, a lead wire 9 extending from the ignition signal output means is connected to the connection portion.
The connectors 10 at the tips are joined together.

In the gas generator of the present invention, the connecting part 39 is provided with the limiting means 40, and the plurality of connectors 10a, b for transmitting the operation signal from the ignition signal output means to each of the igniters 35a, b.
Among them, the connector 10a that can be connected to one coupling portion 40 can be specified. In other words, this limiting means 40
10a, is formed as a different for each b, for example,
As shown in FIG. 3, the connecting portions 39a, b are provided for each of the igniters 25a, b.
May be different in shape, or grooves and / or protrusions with different positions and / or shapes may be formed.
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the shape, position, and the like of the conductive pins 41 of the igniters projecting from the coupling portions 39a, b can be different for each of the igniters 35a, b.

Although this embodiment has been described based on a gas generator which uses a solid gas generating agent and is suitable for being disposed on the driver's seat side, the present invention is also applicable to the case where the gas generator is disposed on the passenger seat side. Even a suitable axially long gas generator or a gas generator using a pressurized gas instead of a solid gas generating agent,
The present invention can be implemented as long as it has two or more igniters.

Further, the two igniters do not necessarily have to be juxtaposed on the same plane as shown in FIG.
For example, the present invention can be naturally applied to gas generators arranged on the upper surface and the lower surface.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, a substantially annular ring member 42a, 42b is fitted inside the coupling portion 39a, 39b provided at the place where the igniter 35 is accommodated. Four
Lead wire 9 connector 10 at the center of 2b
In the case where are joined, each connecting portion 39a, 39b can be provided with a limiting means 40 corresponding to the ring members 42a, 42b to be joined thereto. Thereby, each igniter 35a, 35
b, ring members 42a, 4 having limiting means corresponding thereto
Only 2b will be connected.

[0057]

According to the present invention, a gas generator for an air bag including a plurality of igniters is provided,
In an airbag device in which an operation signal is output from an ignition signal output unit for each igniter, an error in connection between each igniter and an output portion of the ignition signal output device can be eliminated, and operation can always be performed with a desired output. It becomes a multi-stage gas generator. Therefore, in a multi-stage airbag device in which the operation output and the timing of the output increase can be arbitrarily adjusted, the expected operation performance can always be obtained.

The gas generator of the present invention can be used for such a multistage airbag device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing one embodiment of an airbag device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing another embodiment of the airbag device.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an embodiment of a limiting means.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing another embodiment of the limiting means.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing still another embodiment of the airbag device.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing still another embodiment of the airbag device.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing still another embodiment of the limiting means.

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing still another embodiment of the airbag device.

FIG. 9 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing one embodiment of the gas generator of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing still another embodiment of the airbag device.

FIG. 11 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing another embodiment of the gas generator of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 gas generator for airbag 2 operation signal output means 3 airbag 7 operation signal output section 8 igniter 9 lead wire 10 connector 42 ring member

Claims (34)

[Claims] 1. A gas generator for a multistage airbag in which a plurality of electric ignition igniters are housed in a housing, and an ignition signal having the same number of output units as an igniter for outputting an operation signal of the igniter by impact. An output means, a multi-stage airbag device including a plurality of lead wires having a connector, the igniter and the output unit are connected by a lead wire having a connector, the connector,
A multi-stage airbag device having a limiting means for specifying the connection between one of the igniters and the output unit in one way. 2. The multi-stage airbag device according to claim 1, wherein said limiting means is formed in a connector provided at at least one end of a lead wire connecting an igniter and an output portion. 3. The multi-stage airbag device according to claim 1, wherein said limiting means is formed in a relay connector which is present in at least one portion of a lead wire connecting said igniter and an output portion. 4. The multi-stage airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the number of the lead wires is equal to the number of the electric ignition type igniters. 5. The igniter has a connection portion for connecting to a connector, and the limiting means is formed on a connector for connecting a lead wire extending from an output portion to each igniter, and on a connection portion of each igniter. The multi-stage airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein 6. The output unit includes a connection portion connected to a connector, and the limiting means is formed on a connector for connecting a lead wire extending from the gas generator to the output portion, and on a connection portion of the output portion. The multi-stage airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 7. The relay connector comprises a plug part and a jack part, each part having a coupling part,
7. The connecting device according to claim 1, wherein the limiting unit is formed at a connecting portion between a plug portion and a jack portion of the relay connector for connecting the lead wire extending from the gas generator and the lead wire extending from the output portion. 8. A multi-stage airbag device according to any one of the preceding claims. 8. The connector and the connecting portion each have a conductive portion, and when the connector and the connecting portion are joined, the conductive portions come into contact with each other and the ignition output from the ignition signal output means. The multi-stage airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a signal can be supplied to each igniter. 9. The connector according to claim 1, wherein said limiting means is realized by changing at least one of a shape, a number, a size, a color, and a position of conductive portions present in said connector.
A multi-stage airbag device according to any one of the preceding claims. 10. The multi-stage airbag device according to claim 9, wherein the conductive portion of the connector has a convex or concave shape, and is joined to the conductive portion of the connecting portion formed in the concave or convex shape, respectively. 11. The connector according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of lead wires are converged into one connector, and said connector is provided with a restricting means for specifying a coupling portion connectable to said connector. A multi-stage airbag device according to claim 1. 12. The multi-stage airbag according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of lead wires has a connector, and the plurality of connectors are connected to each other by a plastic member. apparatus. 13. The igniter is provided with a ring member interposed between the lead wire and the connector when the lead wire is connected to the connector, and the limiting means is formed on the ring member, and the igniter is connected to the igniter. The multi-stage airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the connection with the connector is specified only uniquely. 14. A gas generator for a multi-stage airbag according to claim 13, wherein said limiting means is formed on a ring member and a connector. 15. The multi-stage airbag device according to claim 13, wherein the limiting means specifies only one connection between the ring member and the igniter and / or only one connection between the ring member and the lead wire connector. . 16. A connector used for a plurality of lead wires connecting an output section and a plurality of igniters in the multi-stage airbag apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15,
A connector for a multi-stage airbag device, wherein a limiting means for specifying only one connection between the output unit and the igniter is provided. 17. A plurality of igniters activated by an electric signal in a housing having a gas discharge port, and gas generating means for generating combustion gas by burning and / or expanding due to the operation of the igniters. Wherein each igniter is connected to a connector arranged at the end of a lead wire for transmitting an operation signal output from an output section of an ignition signal output means. A connecting portion for coupling, and the connecting portion is provided with a limiting means for connecting only one of the connectors of the plurality of lead wires extending from the output portion. A gas generator for a multistage airbag, characterized in that: 18. The connector and the igniter both have a conductive portion which is brought into contact when the connector and the igniter are joined so that the ignition signal output means and the igniter can be energized. The limiting means, by making at least one of the shape, the number, the size, the color and the position of the conductive portion present in the connector different for each igniter,
18. The gas generator for a multi-stage airbag according to claim 17, wherein the gas generator is realized by positioning means provided on a flange formed on the housing. 19. The gas generator for a multi-stage airbag according to claim 17, wherein said limiting means is a connector and a coupling portion formed in a complementary fitting shape. 20. The limiting means is a groove and / or a protrusion formed on a connecting portion by making at least one of the number, size, color, position and shape different for each igniter.
20. The gas generator for a multi-stage airbag according to any one of claims 19 to 19. 21. The connecting device according to claim 17, wherein the limiting means is formed on a ring member interposed between the lead wire and the connector when the lead wire is connected to the connector, and specifies only one connection between the igniter and the connector. 21. The gas generator for a multi-stage airbag according to any one of 20. 22. The gas generator for a multi-stage airbag according to claim 21, wherein the limiting means specifies only one connection between the ring member and the igniter and / or only one connection between the ring member and the lead wire connector. vessel. 23. A connector connection method for connecting ignition signal output means including a control unit for issuing an ignition signal to a plurality of igniters included in a gas generator and a plurality of ignition means included in the gas generator. So, each igniter
Each of the igniters and the output section is connected to the output section of the ignition means output apparatus by a lead wire having a connector, and the connection between the igniter and the output section is specified by the limiting means. Connector connection method. 24. The connector and the igniter both have a conductive portion which is brought into contact with the igniter when the connector and the igniter are joined so that the ignition signal output means and the igniter can be energized. The limiting means, by making at least one of the shape, the number, the size, the color and the position of the conductive portion present in the connector different for each igniter,
24. The connector connection method according to claim 23, wherein the method is realized by positioning means provided on a flange formed on the housing. 25. The igniter includes a connection portion for connecting with a connector, and the limiting means is formed on a connector for connecting a lead wire extending from an output portion to each igniter, and on a connection portion of each igniter. 25. The method for connecting a connector according to claim 23 or 24. 26. The connector connecting method according to claim 25, wherein said limiting means is a connector and a coupling portion formed in a shape to be complementarily fitted. 27. The limiting means is a groove and / or a protrusion formed on a connecting portion by making at least one of the number, size, color, position and shape different for each igniter. 27. The connector connection method according to 26. 28. A gas generator for an air bag in which one or more electric ignition igniters are housed in a housing, and an ignition signal output having the same number of output units as an igniter for outputting an operation signal of the igniter by impact. An airbag device comprising: means, a connector, and an electric ignition type igniter, and the same number of lead wires as the electric igniter, wherein the igniter has only one connection to the lead wire connector. An airbag device characterized by providing a limiting means for specifying an airbag as follows. 29. The igniter is provided with a ring member interposed between the lead wire and the connector when the lead wire is connected to the connector. The limiting means is formed on the ring member, and the igniter is connected to the igniter. 28. The airbag device according to claim 27, wherein the connection with the connector is specified only uniquely. 30. The airbag device according to claim 28, wherein said limiting means is formed on a ring member and a connector. 31. The airbag device according to claim 29, wherein the limiting means specifies only one connection between the ring member and the igniter and / or only one connection between the ring member and the lead wire connector. 32. One or more igniters, actuated by an electrical signal, in a housing having a gas outlet, and gas generation that burns and / or expands to generate a working gas due to operation of the igniters. And a gas generator for an airbag housed including the means, wherein each igniter exposes a conductive portion for receiving an actuation signal outside the housing, and at a location where the conductive portion is exposed. The air generator gas generator according to claim 1, further comprising a limiting means for uniquely specifying a connection between the conductive portion and a connector of a plurality of lead wires extending from the output portion. 33. The limiting means is provided with a ring member interposed between the lead wire and the connector when the lead wire is connected to the connector. The limiting means is provided with the ring member in the gas generator. 32. The igniter and the connection between the connector and the connector are formed only in a unique manner.
A gas generator for an airbag as described in the above. 34. The airbag according to claim 33, wherein said limiting means specifies only one connection between the ring member and the igniter, thereby specifying only one connection between the igniter and the connector. For gas generator.