JP2003025947A - Gas generator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gas generator capable of expanding and developing an air bag to the optimum by sufficiently exhibiting an inherent inflammation performance of an inflammation agent filled in an ignition means, enhancing a thermal energy without increasing a filling amount of the inflammation agent and certainly and stably igniting and burning a gas generation agent. SOLUTION: The gas generator is provided with a cylindrical housing 1; the ignition means 4 installed in the housing 1; an inflammation chamber 12 continuously contacted with the ignition means 4, filled with the inflammation agent 13 and having an inflammation bore; a gas generation chamber S storing the gas generation agent 3 for generating a high temperature gas by burning; and a filter material 2 cooling the high temperature gas and collecting a slag in the high temperature gas. At least a part of the inflammation agent 13 is filled in a flowable state such that a space is formed at a part of the inflammation chamber 12.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gas generator used in a gas generator of an air bag device for an automobile and capable of stably transmitting a gas generating agent.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A gas generator for inflating and deploying an airbag instantaneously is incorporated in an airbag module mounted in an instrument panel or the like in order to protect an occupant from an impact generated when a vehicle crashes. This gas generator instantly generates a large amount of high-temperature gas in response to a collision detection signal from a collision sensor during a collision.

An example of a gas generator for inflating and deploying an airbag is shown in FIG. The gas generator of FIG. 4 is mainly for inflating and deploying an airbag for a passenger seat, and has an outer cylinder 102 having both ends open, and an outer cylinder 10.
2 is provided with a long cylindrical housing 101 composed of lid members 103 and 104 that close each opening side. A cylindrical filter material 105 is mounted in the housing 101. A gas generating agent 106 that generates a high temperature gas by combustion is loaded inside the inner periphery of the filter material 105. Further, the lid member 103 is equipped with an ignition means 109 including an igniter 107 and a transfer agent 108.

In this gas generator, the igniter 107 is energized and ignited by the collision detection signal from the collision sensor to ignite the transfer agent 108. The flame of the transfer agent 108 is ejected into the inner periphery of the filter material 105, and the gas generating agent 106 is ignited and burned to generate a large amount of high-temperature gas.
The high-temperature gas generated in the housing 101 flows into the filter material 105, where it is collected and cooled, and then discharged into the airbag from the gas discharge holes 102a of the outer cylinder 102. The airbag is rapidly inflated and deployed by a large amount of clean gas released from each gas release hole 102a.

[0005]

In the conventional gas generator, the gas generating agent 106 is sequentially supplied from the shaft end side of the housing 101 by mounting the ignition means 109 on the lid member 103 which is the shaft end portion of the housing 101. , Adopts a structure that ignites and burns. The transfer agent 108 that transfers the gas to the gas generating agent 106 is filled in the transfer chamber 110 without any gap. The flame from the igniter 107 is sequentially transmitted to the transfer agent 108 loaded at a position near the igniter 107.
Therefore, the transfer agent 10 loaded in the transfer chamber 110
All of 8 are in a state of being difficult to ignite substantially at the same time, and there is a problem that the function of increasing the thermal energy of the flame ejected from the igniter 107 originally of the transfer agent 108 is not fully utilized.

In recent years, gas generating agents are changing from those containing harmful substances such as metal azide compounds to those containing nitrogen-containing organic compounds. Gas generating agents of nitrogen-containing organic compounds are generally inferior in ignitability to those of metal azide compounds. Therefore, in the gas generator using the nitrogen-containing organic compound-based gas generating agent, the thermal energy of the flame ejected from the ignition means 109 needs to be higher than that in the case of the metal azide compound. In the past, this problem was addressed by increasing the charge of transfer agent 108 to increase the thermal energy from igniter 107. However, the transfer agent 10
Increasing the loading amount of No. 8 inevitably increases the size of the gas generator, causing a new problem that goes against the recent trend toward miniaturization of the gas generator.

The object of the present invention is to make full use of the original transfer performance of the transfer agent loaded in the ignition means, to increase the thermal energy and to increase the gas generating agent without increasing the load of the transfer agent. An object of the present invention is to provide a gas generator capable of inflating and expanding an airbag optimally by steadily and stably igniting and burning.

[0008]

A gas generator according to claim 1 of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems comprises a cylindrical housing, and an ignition means mounted on the housing.
A flame transfer chamber connected to the ignition means, charged with a flame transfer agent, and having a flame transfer hole; a gas generation chamber containing a gas generant that generates a high temperature gas by combustion; and cooling the high temperature gas. And a filter material for collecting slag in the high-temperature gas, wherein at least a part of the transfer agent is flowable in the transfer chamber. Is characterized by. Since at least a part of the transfer agent is loaded in the transfer chamber in a flowable state, when a flame is ejected from the igniter, the transfer force will flow due to the flame force of the flame, causing the transfer chamber to flow. All of the transfer agents in the above are ignited at approximately the same time. The original transfer performance of the transfer agent loaded in the transfer chamber is fully demonstrated. Therefore, the thermal energy from the igniter can be sufficiently increased without increasing the loading amount of the transfer agent. Therefore, it is not necessary to increase the volume of the transfer chamber. Further, the ignition delay of the gas generating agent can be eliminated without being influenced by the type of the gas generating agent loaded in the gas generating chamber, and stable ignition combustion can be achieved.

The gas generator according to a second aspect of the present invention is the gas generator according to the first aspect, wherein the ratio a / b between the loading volume a of the transfer agent and the volume b of the transfer chamber is 0.55 to 0. 0.90, preferably 0.6 to 0.8. With such a ratio, the transfer agent loaded in the transfer chamber is easily flowed by the flame from the igniter. Here, when the ratio a / b is smaller than 0.55, the amount of the transfer agent is small, and it becomes difficult to increase the flame power of the flame from the igniter and transfer it to the gas generating agent. Also, the ratio a / b
When it exceeds 0.90, the transfer agent does not flow sufficiently in the transfer chamber, and it becomes difficult to sufficiently exhibit the original transfer performance of the transfer agent.

The gas generator according to a third aspect of the present invention is the gas generator according to the first or second aspect, wherein the transfer agent is in direct contact with the igniter in the transfer chamber and a part of the transfer chamber. It is loaded so that a space is formed in it. When the gas generator is placed at a predetermined position on the car,
The transfer agent is in direct contact with the igniter, and a space is formed in the transfer chamber. Therefore, when a flame is ejected from the igniter, the transfer agent loaded in the transfer chamber is agitated, and the flame from the igniter is evenly propagated. This ensures that the transfer agent loaded in the transfer chamber burns.

A gas generator according to a fourth aspect is the gas generator according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the transfer agent is a granule or a powder. Since the transfer agent is granules or powder, the flame from the igniter facilitates agitation in the transfer chamber. As a result, the original transfer performance of the transfer agent can be fully exhibited.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Gas generator P1 shown in FIG.
Is mainly for inflating and deploying an airbag for a passenger seat, and is a long cylindrical housing 1 having both ends closed, and is mounted in the housing 1 and arranged between both axial end portions of the housing 1. A cylindrical filter material 2
A gas generating agent 3 which is loaded in the gas generating agent combustion chamber S on the inner circumference of the filter material 2 and generates a high temperature gas by combustion,
Ignition means 4 is mounted on the shaft end of the housing 1 and ignites and burns the gas generating agent 3 in the gas generating agent combustion chamber S from the shaft end side of the housing 1.

The housing 1 has an outer cylindrical member 7 having both ends open.
And two lid members 8 and 9 for closing both ends of the outer tubular member 7. The housing 1 includes lid members 8,
9 has a structure in which the gas generating agent combustion chamber S sealed inside is formed by inserting 9 into each opening side in the outer tubular member 7 and bending each opening side of the outer tubular member 7 inward in a radial direction. . Thus, the housing 1 has a long cylindrical shape with the lid members 8 and 9 as the shaft end portions and both ends closed.

The outer cylinder member 7 is formed with a plurality of gas discharge holes 5 which connect the gas generating agent combustion chamber S and the air bag. The gas release holes 5 are formed at predetermined intervals in the axial direction and the circumferential direction of the outer tubular member 7. Further, each gas discharge hole 5 is attached to the inner periphery of the outer cylindrical member 7 by the burst plate 1
Closed by 0. The burst plate 10 is formed of a metal foil such as aluminum and plays a role of preventing moisture inside the housing 1 and adjusting the internal pressure.

The filter material 2 is mounted in the gas generating agent combustion chamber S of the housing 1 and is arranged in the axial direction of the housing 1 between the lid members 8 and 9. The filter material 2 is formed into a cylindrical shape from a plurality of filter layers made of knitted wire mesh, plain weave wire mesh, crimp weave metal wire, or the like. In addition, on the inner circumference of the filter material 2,
A cylindrical inner cylinder material 11 is inserted. Then, the filter material 2 together with the inner tubular material 11 is the shaft end portion 2 on the lid member 9 side.
It is attached to the outer periphery of the protrusion 9a of the lid member 9 at B. The shaft end portion 2A on the other side is attached to the protruding portion 15a of the cylindrical member 15 fitted to the lid member 8. The filter material 2 forms an annular gas passage space S2 with the outer cylinder material 7.

The inner tubular member 11 is formed with a plurality of gas passage holes 11a communicating with the inside of the filter material 2. The gas passage holes 11a are formed at predetermined intervals in the axial direction and the circumferential direction of the inner tubular member 11. The inner cylinder member 11 is manufactured by forming a porous steel plate (punching plate) or an expanded metal into a cylindrical shape.

As shown in FIG. 1, the cylindrical member 15 is formed with a screw or the like on the outer peripheral portion thereof, and has a body portion 15b fitted to the lid member 8 which is an axial end portion of the housing 1 and a lid member 8 side. It is configured by a protruding step portion 15c and a protruding portion 15a protruding toward the inner tubular member 11 side. The protruding portion 15a has a slightly thin protruding portion from the body portion 15b, and is elastically deformed inward. Further, its outer diameter is formed to be slightly larger than the inner diameter of the inner tubular member 11, and an O-ring 16 is fitted on the outer circumference. Therefore, the inner cylinder material 1
When fitted in 1, the urging force acts on the inner tubular member 11, and the inside of the gas generating agent combustion chamber S is reliably sealed.
Further, the inside of the body portion 15b of the cylindrical member 15 is formed in a cup shape, and the flame transfer chamber 12 whose surface is covered with aluminum foil or the like is formed. The bottom part 17 of this transfer chamber 12
Inside the cylindrical member 15 (the transfer chamber 12) and the gas generating agent 3
A flame transfer hole 17a communicating with the inside of the gas generating agent combustion chamber S in which is charged is formed.

The ignition means 4 includes an igniter 14 mounted on a cover member 8 which is an axial end portion of the housing 1, and a cylindrical member 15.
It is composed of a flame transfer chamber 12 formed inside the body portion 15b and a transfer agent 13 loaded in the flame transfer chamber 12. The igniter 14 is caulked and fixed to the lid member 8. A seal member 18 made of resin is mounted around the igniter 14 and seals the inside of the transfer chamber 12 together with the step portion 15c of the cylindrical member 15.

The transfer agent 13 is preferably in the form of granules or powder that easily stirs and flows by the flame from the igniter 14. Examples of the transfer agent include 5-aminotetrazole, boron fine powder, molybdenum trioxide, potassium nitrate and the like. Further, the calorific value is 3500 J / g or more, and the number of moles of the gas generated by combustion is 0.5 mol /
5-aminotetrazole, so as to be 100 g or more,
It is preferable to use a mixture of fine powder of boron, molybdenum trioxide and potassium nitrate in predetermined amounts. Then, it is loaded in the transfer chamber 12 in a fluid state,
The ratio of the loading volume a to the volume b of the transfer chamber 12 is a.
/ B is preferably 0.55 to 0.90, more preferably 0.6 to 0.8, so that a part of the transfer chamber (preferably 10% to 45% of the transfer chamber volume, It is preferably loaded such that a space of 20% to 40% of the volume of the transfer chamber is formed. Therefore, as shown in FIG.
When the gas generator P1 is placed horizontally, a space S1 is formed in the upper part of the transfer chamber 12. Further, the transfer agent 13 may be in direct contact with the igniter 14.

The flowable state is represented by the following formula: α = tan ⁻¹ h / r α; angle of repose (deg) h; holding the funnel on the graph paper and gently flowing down the powder. The height (c) when the top of the stack reaches the tip of the lot.
m) r; radius of circular bottom (cm)
], The angle of repose α <45 (deg) is preferable.

When the igniter 14 is energized and ignited by the collision detection signal from the collision sensor, the transfer charge 13 is surely ignited, and the flame transfer force causes the transfer charge 13 to stir and flow in the transfer chamber 12. Let As a result, all of the transfer agent 13 loaded in the transfer chamber 12 is ignited substantially at the same time. With this, the thermal energy due to the flame from the igniter 14 can be increased without deteriorating the original flame transfer performance of the flame transfer agent 13, and the gas generant 3 loaded in the gas generant combustion chamber S can be removed. Ignition and combustion are performed from the shaft end side of the housing 1. It should be noted that the gas generating agent 3 is prevented from being powdered due to vibration by the cushion material 19 mounted between the gas generating agent 3 and the lid member 9. As the cushion material 19, an elastic material such as silicone rubber or silicone foam material is used.

The gas generating agent 3 loaded in the gas generating agent combustion chamber S is not particularly limited in its components, composition and the like. Specifically, it is preferable to use one that uses a nitrogen-containing organic compound having a self-igniting property as a fuel. The nitrogen-containing organic compound-based self-igniting explosive composition includes a tetrazole-based organic compound, an oxidizing agent containing a nitrate as a main component, Zr, Hf, Mo, W, Mn, Ni, and F.
It is preferable to add a binder to a mixture containing a combustion control agent composed of a simple metal such as e or an oxide or sulfide of these. As the binder, for example, nitrocellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate,
Cellulose acetate butyrate, Viton gum, GAP (Glys
idyl Azide Polymer), polyvinyl acetate, a silicon-based binder and the like.

Gas generator P constructed as described above
1, the operation will be described below.

When the collision sensor detects an automobile collision,
The gas generator P1 energizes and ignites the igniter 14 of the ignition means 4, and ignites the transfer agent 13. At this time, since the transfer agent 13 is loaded in the transfer chamber 12 so that the space S1 is formed in a part of the transfer chamber so that the transfer chamber 13 can flow, the flame from the igniter 14 causes transfer of the transfer chamber 12 Flow within. Therefore, due to the flame from the igniter 14, almost all of the transfer agent 13 loaded in the transfer chamber 12 is ignited and burned at substantially the same time, so that the transfer performance of the transfer agent 13 is not deteriorated. While increasing the flame power from the
It is jetted into the gas generating agent combustion chamber S from a. As a result, the gas generating agent 3 is ignited and burned from the shaft end side of the housing 1 to generate a high temperature gas.

The high-temperature gas or the like generated in the gas generating agent combustion chamber S is jetted into the inner cylindrical member 11 which is the inner periphery of the filter material 2 and is transferred to the overall combustion of the gas generating agent 3,
A large amount of high-temperature gas is generated, passes through the gas passage holes 11 a formed in the inner tubular member 11, and flows into the filter material 2. As a result, the high-temperature gas flows into the filter material 2 from the entire range of the filter material 2, undergoes slag collection and cooling, and then flows out into the gas passage space S2.

When the combustion of the gas generating agent 3 progresses and the inside of the housing 1 rises to a predetermined pressure, the burst plate 10
Ruptures, and clean gas made uniform in the gas passage space S2 is released into the airbag through the gas release holes 5. With this, the airbag is rapidly inflated and deployed by the clean gas discharged from each gas discharge hole 5.

As described above, the gas generator P of the present embodiment example
According to 1, the thermal energy of the flame from the ignition means 4 is
Since it can be raised in the transfer chamber 12 and ejected into the gas generant combustion chamber S, the gas generant 3 can be reliably and reliably discharged regardless of the type of the gas generant 3 in the gas generant combustion chamber S. Stable ignition and combustion can be achieved. As a result, the gas generator P1 enhances the ignition performance of the gas generating agent 3 by eliminating the ignition delay of the gas generating agent 3, and raises the amount of clean gas and the pressure of the airbag at the optimum time (milliseconds). It becomes possible to inflate and deploy.

Further, since the high temperature gas generated in the housing 1 flows in from the entire range of the filter material 2, the entire filter material 2 can be effectively used to collect and cool the slag. As a result, it becomes possible to enhance the efficiency of collecting and cooling the slag of the high temperature gas.

The gas generator according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but is applicable to, for example, the gas generator P2 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 2, the gas generator P2 includes a housing 1, a lid member 8 attached to one shaft end of the housing 1, an igniter 14 attached to the lid member 8, and the igniter 14 And a partition plate 24 that divides the housing 1 into a gas generating agent combustion chamber S and a filter chamber 27, and an inner cylinder 11 that defines a hollow space 25 in the gas generating agent combustion chamber S. And the gas generating agent 3 loaded on the outer periphery of the hollow space 25.

The housing 1 has an outer cylindrical member 7 with both ends open.
A lid plate 26 for closing one end of the outer tubular member 7, and a lid member 8
It consists of and. This housing 1 has a lid plate 26.
And the lid member 8 are fitted into the respective openings of the outer tubular member 7 to form a sealed space inside. The housing 1 is formed into a long cylindrical shape with the lid plate 26 and the lid member 8 serving as axial end portions of both ends thereof closed. The sealed space inside the housing 1 is divided by the partition plate 24 into two chambers, the gas generating agent combustion chamber S and the filter chamber 27.

The partition plate 24 has a stepped portion, and an orifice 28 is formed on the axis of the housing 1. This orifice 28 is used for the gas generating agent combustion chamber S and the filter chamber 2
7 can be communicated. The partition plate 24 is welded to a predetermined position of the outer tubular member 7 after the outer tubular member 7 is caulked and fixed from the outer peripheral side.

The orifice 28 is closed by a burst plate 24a attached to the partition plate 24. The burst plate 24a is formed of a metal foil such as aluminum and plays a role of preventing moisture inside the gas generating agent combustion chamber S and adjusting the internal pressure.

On the filter chamber 27 side of the outer cylinder member 7, a plurality of gas passage holes 11a are formed for communicating the inside of the filter chamber 27 with the airbag. Each gas release hole 5 has an outer cylinder member 7
Are formed at predetermined intervals in the axial direction and the circumferential direction.

A stepped space S3 is formed in the lid member 8. The stepped space S3 has a screw formed on the inner diameter portion thereof, and is screwed with the screw formed on the large diameter portion 29 of the flame transfer means 20.

The filter material 2 is inserted into the filter chamber 27 defined by the partition plate 24 in the housing 1, and the cover plate 26 is inserted.
And the partition plate 24. The filter material 2 forms an annular space S4 with the outer cylinder material 7.

The gas generating agent combustion chamber S has a hollow space 25 defined by an inner cylindrical member 11 made of metal such as aluminum.
And an annular space S4 filled with the gas generating agent 3. In the hollow space 25, one end side of the inner tubular member 11 is fitted to a stepped portion provided on the partition plate 24, and the other end side thereof is the lid member 8.
It is formed by being fitted to the large-diameter portion 29 of the flame transfer means 20 provided in the. Further, the inner tubular member 11 is formed with a plurality of gas passage holes 30 that communicate the hollow space 25 inside the inner tubular member 11 with the space between the outer tubular member 7. Each gas passage hole 30
Are formed at predetermined intervals in the axial direction and the circumferential direction of the inner tubular member 11. The hollow space 25 is formed on the same axis as the gas generating agent combustion chamber S, and the gas generating agent combustion chamber S
50% or more of the length in the axial direction, or about 90% in the present embodiment. Therefore, the gas generated in the annular space S4 efficiently flows into the hollow space 25.

Fire transfer means 20 extending into the hollow space 25
The first transfer chamber 23 and the hollow space 25 inside the housing 1
And a second flame transfer chamber 22 in the shape of a nozzle that is concentric with the axial center of and extends in the axial direction.

The second transfer chamber 22 is concentric with the shaft center of the housing 1 and extends in the hollow space 25 in the axial direction.
The burst plate 3 is provided on the side of the first transfer chamber 23 of the second transfer chamber 22.
1 is in contact with the first plate,
It can be communicated with the inside of the transfer chamber 23. The inner diameter of the second transfer chamber 22 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first transfer chamber 23, and the extension length of the second transfer chamber 22 is an arbitrary length within the hollow space 25. Has been done. It is preferable to set the length of the hollow space 25 to 1/3 or more.
This makes it possible to gradually burn the gas generating agent 3. Further, a plurality of transfer holes 21 are formed in the second transfer chamber 22. Each of the fire transfer holes 21 is arranged in the axial direction and the circumferential direction of the second transfer chamber 22 and communicates the inside of the second transfer chamber 22 with the hollow space 25. Further, each of the transfer holes 21 is formed so that the pitch between the holes is reduced near the first transfer chamber 23 and the pitch between the holes is increased as the distance from the transfer chamber 23 is increased. Each of these transfer holes 21 is closed by a rupture plate 32 attached to the outer periphery of the second transfer chamber 22. The rupture plate 32 is formed of a metal foil such as aluminum, and is used for the second transfer chamber 22.
The inside is sealed from the inside of the hollow space 25.

As shown in FIG. 2, the gas generating agent 3 loaded in the annular space S4 of the gas generating agent combustion chamber S generates high temperature gas by combustion. It is loaded in the axial direction.

The transfer agent 13 loaded in the first transfer chamber 23 and the second transfer chamber 22 has a loading volume a in each of the transfer chambers 23, 22. The volume a is set so that the ratio a / b is 0.55 to 0.90, preferably 0.6 to 0.8. As a result, the transfer agent 13 loaded in each transfer chamber 23, 22
Is in a state in which it easily flows in the transfer chambers 23, 22 and does not deteriorate the original transfer performance of the transfer agent, and the igniter 14
The heat energy from the flame from can be increased.

The first transfer chamber 23 and the second transfer chamber 2
The transfer agent 13 charged in 2 can be appropriately adjusted by using the same composition or different compositions. For example, the transfer agent 13 in the first transfer chamber 23
A composition that generates heat by ignition combustion,
The transfer agent 13 in the second transfer chamber 22 may have a composition that generates heat by ignition combustion and generates high-temperature gas. Further, it is also possible to employ the transfer agent in any of the transfer chambers 23, 22 having a composition that generates heat by ignition combustion and generates a high temperature gas.

Next, the operation of the gas generator P2 will be described with reference to FIG.

When the collision sensor detects a collision of an automobile,
As shown in FIG. 2, the igniter 14 of the gas generator P2 is energized and ignited. The flame generated by the ignition of the igniter 14 is jetted into the first transfer chamber 23 to stir and flow the transfer agent 13 and simultaneously ignite and burn all the transfer agents loaded. Due to the combustion of the transfer agent 13, heat such as flame and high temperature gas are generated in the first transfer chamber 23, and when the pressure in the first transfer chamber 23 reaches a predetermined pressure, the rupture plate 31 bursts. The first transfer chamber 23 and the second transfer chamber 22 communicate with each other.

The heat and high temperature gas generated in the first transfer chamber 23 propagate and flow into the second transfer chamber 22 to ignite and burn the loaded transfer agent 13. This second fire room 2
The rupture plate 32 is generated by the ignition and combustion of the second transfer agent 13.
Ruptures and opens each flame transfer hole 21 in the hollow space 25. Each of these transfer holes 21 is sequentially opened by the combustion of the second transfer chamber 22 in the axial direction, and heat of the generated flame or the like is
It is ejected into the intermediate space 25. Further, the heat of the flame or the like is ejected into the intermediate space 25 over the circumferential direction of the second transfer chamber 22, as shown in FIG. And the intermediate space 25
The heat of the flame or the like ejected inside is ejected into the annular space S4 from the gas passage hole 30 formed in the inner tubular member 11. Inner tube material 1
The gas generating agent 3 loaded in the annular space S4 is sequentially ignited and burned by the heat of the flame or the like sequentially ejected from the first gas passage hole 30. Here, since the hollow space 25 is formed over substantially the entire length of the gas generating agent combustion chamber S (90% or more of the axial length of the gas generating agent combustion chamber S), it is loaded in the annular space S4. The generated gas generating agent 3 burns efficiently. Then, a large amount of high-temperature gas generated by the ignition and combustion of the gas generating agent 3 passes through the gas passage hole 30 formed in the inner tubular member 11 again and is discharged into the hollow space 25. Here, since the hollow space 25 is formed over substantially the entire length of the gas generating agent combustion chamber S, the high temperature gas generated in the annular space S4 efficiently flows into the hollow space 25.
When the pressure in the gas generating agent combustion chamber S reaches a predetermined pressure by the gas flowing into the hollow space 25, the burst plate 24a provided on the partition plate 24 bursts. And
The gas passes through the orifice 28 and flows into the filter chamber 27.

The high temperature gas flowing into the second transfer chamber 22 is released into the intermediate space 25 from the transfer holes 21 near the first transfer chamber 23. This is because a large number of flame transfer holes 21 are formed in the vicinity of the first transfer chamber 23 with a small pitch between the holes, so that high-temperature gas is not trapped in the second transfer chamber 22 and is quickly intermediate. This is because the structure is such that it flows into the space 25. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the second transfer chamber 22 from being damaged by the pressure of the high temperature gas generated in the first transfer chamber 23 or the like.

The high temperature gas flowing into the filter chamber 27 is
After passing through the hollow portion of the filter material 2 in the filter chamber 27, the gas flows into the filter material 2 from the entire axial direction, where the slag is collected and cooled, and then is discharged into the gas passage space S2. Then, the cleaned gas is discharged into the airbag through each gas discharge hole 5. The airbag has each gas release hole 5
It is rapidly expanded and deployed by the clean gas released from it.

As described above, even when the flame transfer chamber is formed like the first flame transfer chamber 23 and the second flame transfer chamber 22 like the gas generator P2, the flow occurs in the flame transfer chamber. By loading the transfer agent so that it is possible,
It is possible to exhibit the original fire performance of. Also,
It is possible to obtain the same flame transfer performance even when the amount of the transfer charge is reduced compared to the case where the transfer charge is loaded in the transfer chamber without any gap as in the conventional case.

Further, the gas generator P2 according to the present embodiment example
According to the above, the gas generated by the combustion of the gas generant 3 is
Since the gas is passed through the orifice 28 and discharged to the filter chamber 27, the pressure of the gas discharged by the orifice 28 can be controlled. Further, since the hollow space 25 is formed and the gas generating agent 3 is loaded in the annular space S4 formed on the outer periphery thereof, the diameter of the housing 1 is reduced even when a predetermined amount of the gas generating agent 3 is loaded. Can be made smaller, and the gas generator can be made smaller and lighter. Further, since the gas generating agent 3 is sequentially combusted, the amount of gas generated is gradually increased, and the airbag can be gradually inflated and deployed.

The gas generator D1 having the configuration shown in FIG. 5 is also applicable. The gas generator in FIG. 5 is mainly for inflating and deploying an airbag for a driver's seat, and a cylindrical filter material 2 is mounted in the housing 1. A gas generating agent 3 that generates a high temperature gas by combustion is loaded inside the inner periphery of the filter material 2. Further, in the gas generating agent combustion chamber S, an ignition means including an igniter 14 and a transfer agent 13 is mounted. In this gas generator, the igniter 14 is energized and ignited by the collision detection signal from the collision sensor to ignite the transfer agent 13. The flame of the transfer agent 13 is ejected into the inner circumference of the filter material 2 and ignites and burns the gas generating agent 3 to generate a large amount of high-temperature gas. The high-temperature gas generated in the housing 1 flows into the filter material 2, where it is collected and cooled, and then discharged from the gas discharge holes 5 of the housing 1 into the airbag. The airbag is rapidly inflated and deployed by a large amount of clean gas released from each gas release hole 5.

Although the above description has been made on the long cylinder type gas generator for the passenger seat and the short cylinder type gas generator for the driver's seat, it is also applicable to the side gas generator and other gas generators. Can be adopted.

[0052]

EXAMPLES The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

Example 1 In the gas generator P1 shown in FIG. 1, the volume b of the transfer chamber 12 is constant, and the ratio a / b of the charging volume a to the transfer chamber 12 is 0.6. So that the fire chamber 1
A granular transfer agent was charged in the sample No. 2, and a tank internal pressure test was performed at 85 ° C. using a tank having an internal capacity of 60 liters.

Example 2 A flame transfer agent was loaded in the transfer chamber so that the ratio a / b was 0.7, and a tank pressure test was conducted in the same manner as in Example 1.

Example 3 A transfer agent was charged in the transfer chamber so that the ratio a / b was 0.90, and the tank internal pressure test was conducted in the same manner as in Example 1.

Example 4 A flame transfer agent was loaded into the transfer chamber so that the ratio a / b was 0.5, and a tank pressure test was conducted in the same manner as in Example 1.

Example 5 A tank transfer pressure test was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1 by charging the transfer chamber with a transfer agent so that the ratio a / b was 0.95.

FIG. 3 collectively shows the above results.

From FIG. 3, the ignition time becomes shorter as the value of the ratio a / b increases, that is, as the loading ratio of the transfer agent increases. On the contrary, when the ratio a / b is around 0.7, the ignition time becomes longer as the value of the ratio a / b increases, that is, as the loading ratio of the transfer agent increases. From this, it is understood that a large amount of gas can be generated in the shortest time when the ratio a / b is about 0.7. In addition, as the transfer agent is loaded more closely, that is, as the fluidity of the transfer agent in the transfer chamber decreases, the transfer agent's original transfer performance must be fully exhibited in the transfer chamber. It can be said that it is impossible.

Example 6 In the gas generator D1 shown in FIG. 5, the ratio a / b of the volume b of the transfer chamber 12 to the loading volume a of the transfer agent 13 is 0.7.
Then, a granular transfer agent 13 was filled in the transfer chamber 12 so that a tank internal pressure test was performed using a tank having an internal capacity of 60 liters. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0061] Table 1                        Ignition time for ignition (ms)      a / b = 0.7 Contact with transfer agent 4.34                      No transfer agent contact 6.52

According to Table 1, the transfer charge 13 is the direct igniter 1
By contacting No. 4, the ignition time was short and a more stable ignition effect was obtained. That is, the transfer agent 13 is loaded so as to form a space in a part of the transfer chamber 12, and the igniter 14
By making direct contact with the flame transfer agent 13, it becomes possible to sufficiently exhibit the original flame transfer performance.

[0063]

The present invention is configured as described above,
Since the transfer agent is loaded in the transfer chamber in a flowable state, when flame is ejected from the igniter, the flame force of the flame causes the transfer agent to flow and the flame path is transferred. Easily formed indoors. Therefore, the transfer agent loaded in the transfer chamber is easily ignited, the transfer agent loaded in the transfer chamber is surely burned, and the transfer performance of the transfer agent is sufficiently exhibited. As a result, the gas generating agent loaded in the inner space of the filter material is stably ignited and burned without delaying ignition.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an assembled sectional view showing an embodiment of a gas generator (P1) according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an assembled sectional view showing an embodiment of a gas generator (P2) according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a ratio a / b of the volume of the transfer chamber to the volume b of the transfer agent in the gas generator (P1) according to the present invention.
It is a figure which shows the relationship between and the ignition time.

FIG. 4 is an assembled sectional view showing an example of a conventional gas generator.

FIG. 5 is an assembled sectional view showing an embodiment of a gas generator (D1) according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a ratio a / b of a volume b of a transfer chamber to a loading volume a of a transfer agent in a gas generator (D1) according to the present invention.
It is a figure which shows the relationship between and the ignition time.

[Explanation of symbols]

P1 gas generator D1 gas generator S gas generating agent combustion chamber S1 space S2 gas passage space S3 stepped void S4 annular space 1 housing 2 Filter material 2A shaft end 2B shaft end 3 gas generating agents 4 Ignition means 5 gas release holes 7 Outer cylinder material 8 Lid member 9 Lid member 9a protrusion 10 burst plates 11 Inner tube material 11a gas passage hole 12 Fire room 13 Transfer agent 14 igniter 15 Cylindrical material 15a protrusion 15b body 15c step 16 O-ring 17 bottom 17a Fire hole 18 Seal member 19 Cushion material 20 means of fire 21 Fire hole 22 Second fire chamber 23 First Fire Room 24 partition boards 24a burst plate 25 hollow space 26 Lid 27 Filter room 28 Orifice 29 Large diameter part 30 gas passage holes 31 burst plate 32 burst plate

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Kenjiro Ikeda             3903-39, Toyotomi-cho, Himeji-shi, Hyogo Prefecture             Yaku Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 3D054 AA03 AA07 AA14 DD15 DD19                       DD21 DD22 DD28

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A cylindrical housing, an ignition means attached to the housing, a transfer chamber connected to the ignition means, charged with a transfer agent, and having a transfer hole, and a high temperature gas generated by combustion. A gas generating chamber containing a gas generating agent to be generated,
A gas generator comprising: a filter material that cools the high-temperature gas and collects slag in the high-temperature gas, wherein the transfer is performed in a state where at least a part of the transfer agent is flowable. A gas generator characterized by being loaded in a chamber. 2. The gas generator according to claim 1, wherein a ratio a / b of the charging volume a of the transfer agent and the volume b of the transfer chamber is 0.55 to 0.90. 3. The transfer agent according to claim 1, wherein the transfer agent is loaded in the transfer chamber so as to be in direct contact with the igniter and to form a space in a part of the transfer chamber. The gas generator described. 4. The gas generator according to claim 1, wherein the transfer agent is a granule or a powder.