JP2007098991A - Side airbag device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a side airbag device capable of being attached to a seat without impairing the design of the seat, being constructed small, and assuring a stable performance. <P>SOLUTION: The side airbag device 20A is equipped with a gas generator 101A installed on the side face of a seat frame embedded in the seat back part 12 of the seat 10 and an air bag 20 spreading upon being fed with a gas jetted out of the gas generator 101A. The gas generator 101A has an upper cylindrical portion provided internally with an upper combustion chamber and a lower cylindrical portion provided internally with an lower combustion chamber, wherein the upper cylindrical portion is formed thinner than the lower cylindrical portion. The gas jetted out of an upper gas jet leading to the upper combustion chamber is introduced to the upper space 22 of the airbag 20 as a part to protect the breast Pc of the occupant P, while the gas jetted out of a lower gas jet leading to the lower combustion chamber is introduced to the lower space 23 of the airbag 20 as a part to protect the waist Pc of the occupant P. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  According to the present invention, when an impact of a predetermined value or more is applied to the side portion of the vehicle due to a collision from the side of the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as a side collision), the airbag is installed on the side portion of the vehicle and the seat installed in the vehicle interior. The present invention relates to a side airbag device as an occupant protection device configured to be deployed between a seated occupant.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, airbag devices that are occupant protection devices have been widely used from the viewpoint of protecting occupants of vehicles such as automobiles. The airbag device is equipped for the purpose of protecting the occupant from the impact caused by the collision of the vehicle or the like. By inflating and deploying the airbag instantaneously at the time of the collision of the vehicle or the like, the airbag device serves as a cushion and catches the occupant's body. Is. A gas generator is incorporated in the airbag device, and gas is instantaneously generated by the gas generator when a vehicle or the like collides, and the airbag is inflated and deployed by the generated gas.

  There are various types of airbag devices depending on the mounting position on a vehicle or the like, the body part to be protected, and the like. One of them is a so-called side airbag device installed on a seat such as a driver seat or a passenger seat. The side airbag device is attached to the side surface of the seat frame embedded in the seat, and instantly deploys the airbag between the side portion of the vehicle and the occupant at the time of a side collision.

  In the side airbag device, it is preferable to divide the inner space of the airbag to be inflated and deployed by a seam, and to inflate and deploy each of the partitioned spaces with an internal pressure suitable for a part to be protected by the body. In general, the waist is more tolerant than the chest, and in response to this, the part that contacts the waist of the airbag is inflated and deployed at a high internal pressure, and the part that contacts the chest is inflated at a low internal pressure. It is considered preferable to deploy. Examples of the side airbag device configured based on such knowledge are those disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-177527 (Patent Document 1) and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-280853 (Patent Document 2). Are known.

  On the other hand, there is a so-called T-shaped gas generator as a gas generator preferably incorporated in the side airbag device. The T-shaped gas generator is provided with one ignition chamber in which a igniter and a charge transfer agent are accommodated at a central position of a cylindrical housing, and both ends of the cylindrical housing that are positions where the ignition chamber is sandwiched. A pair of combustion chambers in which the gas generating agent is accommodated is provided, and gas outlets communicating with the respective combustion chambers are separately provided in the cylindrical housing. In this T-shaped gas generator, two gas output units that generate and output gas can be provided independently, and these two gas output units can be driven by one igniter. . Therefore, it is suitably used for a side airbag device including an airbag having a space partitioned by a seam or the like. References disclosing this T-shaped gas generator include, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-26064 (Patent Document 3) and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-287400 (Patent Document 4).

  FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional T-shaped gas generator disclosed in Patent Document 3. As shown in FIG. 17, in the T-shaped gas generator 201 in Conventional Example 1, a base portion 210 and a support member 211 are arranged at the center of a cylindrical housing 202 whose both ends are closed by closing members 241 and 242. First and second combustion chambers in which an igniter 212 and a charge transfer agent 214 are accommodated in an ignition chamber 213 defined by the base portion 210 and the support member 211, and gas generating agents 224 and 234 are accommodated on both outer sides thereof. 223 and 233 are disposed so as to sandwich the ignition chamber 213, and further, first and second filter chambers in which the filter members 225 and 235 are accommodated are respectively disposed on the outer sides thereof. The ignition chamber 213 in which the charge transfer agent 214 is accommodated and the first and second combustion chambers 223 and 233 in which the gas generating agents 224 and 234 are accommodated are a first heat transfer path 215 and a first heat transfer path 215 provided in the base portion 210, respectively. Two communication paths 216 are connected. Gas outlets 222 and 232 for ejecting the generated gas are provided on the peripheral surface of the housing 202 at portions defining the first and second filter chambers. Output units 221 and 231 are provided.

  In the T-shaped gas generator 201 in the conventional example 1, the igniter 212 is activated at the time of a vehicle collision, so that the transfer charge 214 in the ignition chamber 213 is ignited and burned, and the transfer charge 214 is burned. The heated particles flow into the first combustion chamber 223 and the second combustion chamber 233 via the first heat transfer path 215 and the second heat transfer path 216, respectively, and thereby enter the first combustion chamber 223 and the second combustion chamber 233. The stored gas generating agents 224 and 234 are each ignited and burned. A large amount of gas is generated in the first and second combustion chambers 223 and 233 by the combustion of the gas generating agents 224 and 234, and the generated gases are respectively stored in the first filter chamber and the second filter chamber. The gas is jetted out of the housing 202 from the gas jets 222 and 232 via The airbag is inflated and deployed by the gas ejected from the housing 202.

  FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a T-shaped gas generator in Conventional Example 2 disclosed in Patent Document 4. As shown in FIG. 18, in the T-shaped gas generator 301 in the conventional example 2, the igniter 312 is accommodated at a position shifted from the central portion in the axial direction of the cylindrical housing 302 whose both ends are closed. The first and second combustion chambers 323 and 333 in which the gas generating agents 324 and 334 are accommodated are arranged so as to sandwich the igniter 312 therebetween. On the circumferential surface of the cylindrical housing 302 that defines the first and second combustion chambers 323 and 333, gas outlets 322 and 332 for ejecting the gas generated in each combustion chamber are provided. Accordingly, gas output portions 321 and 331 are provided in the vicinity of both end portions of the cylindrical housing 302. Further, a combustion accelerator 380 is disposed at a position closer to the closed end side of the housing 302 of the first and second combustion chambers 323 and 333, respectively. Combustion is promoted.

Also in the T-shaped gas generator 301 in the conventional example 2, the first and second combustions are performed by operating the igniter 312 at the time of a vehicle collision, almost the same as the T-shaped gas generator 201 in the conventional example 1 described above. The gas generating agents 324 and 334 accommodated in the chambers 323 and 333 are combusted, and a large amount of gas generated thereby is ejected from the gas outlets 322 and 332 to the outside of the housing 302, so that the airbag is inflated and deployed.
JP 2000-177527 A JP 2000-280853 A JP-A-8-26064 JP 2003-287400 A

  In recent years, the design of a seat such as a driver's seat or a passenger seat has been regarded as important, and in particular, the thickness of the backrest portion of the seat tends to be thinner than before. In general, the thickness of the upper portion of the seat back portion is smaller than the thickness of the lower portion. In order to assemble the side airbag device to the side portion of the sheet thus thinned, it is naturally necessary to reduce the size of the side airbag device, but the side airbag device while ensuring desired performance. There is a limit to downsizing, which is a big problem in designing.

  In the side airbag device before deployment, the main component that determines its size is a gas generator. As described above, the side airbag device has an airbag in which an internal space is divided by being partitioned by a seam or the like, and in order to independently deploy these divided spaces, It is preferable to use the T-shaped gas generator described above. However, in this T-shaped gas generator, when it is not desired to equalize the outputs at the pair of gas output portions, the combustion characteristics of the gas generating agent stored in the first combustion chamber and the second combustion chamber It is necessary to make the combustion characteristics of the generated gas generating agent different. More specifically, the type or composition of the gas generating agent stored in the first combustion chamber is different from the type or composition of the gas generating agent stored in the second combustion chamber, or the gas stored in the first combustion chamber. It is necessary to make the filling amount of the generating agent different from the filling amount of the gas generating agent accommodated in the second combustion chamber.

  Of these, when the former method of making a difference in the type and composition of the gas generating agent is adopted, an extra manufacturing cost is required to prepare these different types and compositions of gas generating agents, It is necessary to optimize the structure of the gas generator in accordance with the gas generating agent, which is very difficult to realize. On the other hand, in the case of adopting the latter method of making a difference in the filling amount of the gas generating agent, it is possible to suppress an increase in manufacturing cost and to realize it relatively easily. However, in order to make a difference in the filling amount of the gas generating agent, it is necessary to make the capacities of the respective combustion chambers different. It is necessary to make some change to at least one of the shapes of 233.

  In the T-shaped gas generator 301 in Conventional Example 2, the first and second combustion chambers are made different in the axial length of the first combustion chamber 323 and the axial length of the second combustion chamber 333. The capacities of 323 and 333 are different. However, when configured in this way, the rising (ie, ignition) of the gas output in the combustion chamber having the longer axial length (the second combustion chamber 333 in the T-shaped gas generator 301 shown in FIG. 18). The time until the gas is ejected from the gas output section and the amount of ejection) from the operation of the vessel may become dull. This is because the gas generating agent is ignited from the ignition chamber side and combusts immediately after ignition, and in the combustion chamber having a longer axial length than the combustion chamber having a shorter axial length, This is because the distance to the gas outlet becomes longer. In the side airbag device, since it is necessary to deploy the airbag in a portion where the distance between the occupant and the vehicle is short, it is necessary to inflate and deploy the airbag instantaneously from the side collision of the vehicle, The dull rise in gas output as described above greatly affects the airbag deployment speed, which is a very big problem. In order to avoid this, it is conceivable to provide a gas outlet near the igniter. However, when the gas generator configured in this way is applied to a side airbag device, the air divided by the seam is used. There is a risk that gas will not be smoothly introduced into each space of the bag, or the gas blown out from the respective gas outlets may be mixed, which may result in failure to obtain the desired airbag. .

  In addition, when the axial lengths of the combustion chambers are different, there is a concern that the outer shape of the gas generator itself is greatly increased. If the gas generator is greatly lengthened, the side airbag device will be enlarged accordingly, and it will be very difficult to assemble the side airbag device to the side portion of the seat where the mounting space is severely restricted. Problems also arise.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and a side airbag device that can be assembled to a sheet without impairing the design of the sheet and can be obtained with a small and stable performance. The purpose is to provide.

  A side airbag device according to the present invention is attached to a side surface of a seat frame embedded in a backrest portion of a seat, and a gas generator that generates and ejects gas, and gas that is ejected from the gas generator is introduced. And an airbag including an upper space and a lower space that are deployed, and the airbag is deployed between an occupant seated on the seat and a side portion of the vehicle. The gas generator includes a housing including an upper cylindrical portion extending upward from the seat and a lower cylindrical portion extending downward from the seat, and an upper combustion chamber provided in the housing, It includes a lower combustion chamber, an upper gas outlet and a lower gas outlet, and an igniter disposed between the upper cylindrical portion and the lower cylindrical portion. The upper combustion chamber is provided in the upper cylindrical portion and contains a gas generating agent and communicates with the igniter. The lower combustion chamber is provided in the lower cylindrical portion and contains a gas generating agent and communicates with the igniter. The upper gas outlet is provided in the upper cylindrical portion and introduces gas generated in the upper combustion chamber into the upper space. The lower gas outlet is provided in the lower cylindrical portion and introduces gas generated in the lower combustion chamber into the lower space. And the said upper side cylindrical part is comprised substantially thinner than the said lower side cylindrical part.

  Here, “the upper cylindrical portion is configured to be substantially thinner than the lower cylindrical portion” means that the cross-sectional area of the cross section perpendicular to the axis of the maximum outer shape portion in the axial direction of the upper cylindrical portion. Means that it is formed smaller than the cross-sectional area of the cross section perpendicular to the axis of the axial portion of the lower cylindrical portion in the axial direction, and the axial line in any portion of the upper cylindrical portion in the axial direction The cross-sectional area of the orthogonal cross section is not required to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of the cross section orthogonal to the axis of the axially smallest outer shape portion of the lower cylindrical portion. In this sense, it is not excluded that the maximum outer shape portion of the upper cylindrical portion is locally thicker than the minimum outer shape portion of the lower cylindrical portion for reasons such as processing during assembly. When the upper cylindrical portion and the lower cylindrical portion have a columnar outer shape, the outer diameter of the upper cylindrical portion is smaller than the outer diameter of the lower cylindrical portion. Cost.

  By comprising in this way, the gas generator which is the main components which determine the external shape of a side airbag apparatus can be made into a thin shape in the upper part rather than the lower part. Along with this, the outer shape of the side airbag device can also be made thinner at the upper part. Therefore, the side air to the side part of the backrest part of the seat, which is usually configured with the upper part being thin and the lower part being thick. The shape is suitable for assembling the bag device. Further, by configuring as described above, it is possible to make a difference in the capacity of each combustion chamber while preventing the gas generator from being lengthened. In that case, even when the upper side gas outlet and the lower side gas outlet are provided at or near both ends of the housing, the gas generating agent ignited by the operation of the igniter in the combustion chamber having a large capacity. The distance from the portion on the igniter side to the portion that reaches the gas outlet can be shortened, and the rise of the gas output does not slow down. Therefore, it can be set as the side airbag apparatus which can be assembled | attached to a sheet | seat without impairing the design property of a sheet | seat, and can obtain the small and stable performance.

  In the side airbag device according to the present invention, the gas accommodated in the upper combustion chamber is configured such that the volume of the upper combustion chamber is smaller than the volume of the lower combustion chamber. The filling amount of the generating agent may be smaller than the filling amount of the gas generating agent accommodated in the lower combustion chamber.

  As described above, when the upper cylindrical portion of the gas generator is formed thinner than the lower cylindrical portion, and the capacity of the upper combustion chamber is made smaller than that of the lower combustion chamber accordingly. The filling amount of the gas generating agent accommodated in the upper combustion chamber is smaller than the filling amount of the gas generating agent accommodated in the lower combustion chamber. With this configuration, the amount of gas introduced into the upper space of the airbag and the amount of gas introduced into the lower space can be reduced in the upper space and increased in the lower space. It becomes possible to differentiate the shape, internal pressure, etc.

  In the side airbag device according to the present invention, the upper space is preferably a part that protects the occupant's chest, and the lower space is preferably a part that protects the occupant's waist. In this case, it is preferable that the inner pressure of the upper space is smaller than the inner pressure of the lower space when the airbag is deployed.

  As described above, when the upper cylindrical portion of the gas generator is formed narrower than the lower cylindrical portion, the output of the gas discharged from the upper gas outlet is usually lower. It becomes smaller than the output of the gas ejected from the outlet. Therefore, the lower space that is inflated and deployed at a high internal pressure is brought into contact with the lumbar region, and the upper space that is inflated and deployed at a low internal pressure is brought into contact with the chest, so that the chest can be safely pressed without being compressed. And it becomes possible to protect a passenger | crew from the impact at the time of a side collision reliably.

  In the side airbag device according to the present invention, the upper side cylinder is arranged such that the central axis of the upper cylindrical part is disposed closer to the seat frame than the central axis of the lower cylindrical part. It is preferable that the shape portion is offset with respect to the lower cylindrical portion.

  With this configuration, even when the outer shape of the upper cylindrical portion is reduced, an unnecessary gap is not generated between the upper cylindrical portion and the side surface of the seat frame. Can be assembled to the seat frame.

  In the side airbag device according to the present invention, a base portion including an ignition chamber for connecting the upper cylindrical portion and the lower cylindrical portion and containing a transfer charge and the igniter is further provided in the housing. A lower side heat transfer path in which the ignition chamber and the upper side combustion chamber are communicated by an upper side heat transfer path provided in the housing, and the ignition chamber and the lower side combustion chamber are provided in the housing. When the gas generating agent is ignited and burned by the transfer charge ignited by the igniter, the combustion of the gas generating agent accommodated in the upper combustion chamber is Suppressing means for suppressing the influence of the gas generating agent contained in the lower combustion chamber from affecting the combustion via the upper fire transfer path, the ignition chamber, and the lower fire transfer path. Generator It is preferable to further comprise.

  Here, the “effect due to combustion” includes the influence due to the pressure fluctuation accompanying the pressure difference between the combustion chambers, the influence due to the movement of the hot particles, and the like. In fact, the combustion in the combustion chamber in the high pressure state and the combustion in the combustion chamber in the low pressure state interfere with each other, and in that sense, both affect each other and are simultaneously applied. In the present specification, the description of “influence” is used with a focus on the viewpoint that the combustion in the combustion chamber in the high pressure state affects the combustion in the combustion chamber in the low pressure state. . Further, “suppressing the influence” includes not only reducing the influence but also eliminating the influence completely.

  By configuring in this way, combustion of the gas generating agent accommodated in the upper combustion chamber is caused to flow to the lower combustion chamber via the upper fire passage, the ignition chamber, and the lower fire passage by the suppressing means. The influence on the combustion of the stored gas generant is suppressed or prevented. Accordingly, the combustion characteristics of the gas generating agent in the upper combustion chamber and the combustion characteristics of the gas generating agent in the lower combustion chamber can be made substantially or completely independent from each other. The combustion characteristics of the gas generating agent thus obtained can be obtained, and the output of the gas ejected from each gas ejection port becomes desired. As a result, the upper space and the lower space of the airbag can be inflated at a desired deployment speed and at a desired internal pressure, respectively, and a side airbag device that can obtain stable performance can be obtained.

  In the side airbag device according to the present invention, as the suppression means, the center line of the upper side transmission path and the center line of the lower side transmission path do not overlap on the same straight line. It is preferable that the upper side heat transfer path and the lower side heat transfer path are shifted from each other.

  Here, the “center line of the heat transfer path” is a line connecting the center points of the cross section of the heat transfer path orthogonal to the direction in which the heat transfer path extends, and the heat transfer path is formed by a linearly extending hole. When the heat transfer path is formed by a hole extending in a curved shape, this center line also becomes a curved line. The center line of the heat transfer path substantially overlaps with the traveling direction of the gas and heat particles flowing through the heat transfer path.

  By comprising in this way, the path | route which consists of an upper side transmission path, an ignition chamber, and a lower side transmission path located between an upper side combustion chamber and a lower side combustion chamber becomes the upper side transmission path and lower side side. Compared to the case where the heat transfer path and the center line overlap with each other on the same straight line across the ignition chamber, the heat transfer path becomes complicated. Therefore, this functions as a suppression means so that the combustion of the gas generant accommodated in the upper combustion chamber is suppressed from affecting the combustion of the gas generant accommodated in the lower combustion chamber. Become. Accordingly, the combustion characteristics of the gas generating agent in the upper combustion chamber and the combustion characteristics of the gas generating agent in the lower combustion chamber can be made substantially independent of each other. The combustion characteristics of the agent can be obtained, and the output of the gas ejected from each gas ejection port becomes desired. As a result, the upper space and the lower space of the airbag can be inflated at a desired deployment speed and at a desired internal pressure, respectively, and a side airbag device that can obtain stable performance can be obtained.

  In the side airbag device according to the present invention, as the suppression means, the opening side of the upper side heat transfer path provided on the wall surface of the ignition chamber and the lower side provided on the wall surface of the ignition chamber. It is preferable to provide a partition between the opening surface of the heat transfer path.

  By comprising in this way, since the opening surface of the upper side heat transfer path provided in the wall surface of the ignition chamber and the opening surface of the lower side heat transfer path are separated by the partition wall, It can be set as the state which is not connecting substantially or completely with a lower part side heat transfer path. Therefore, the partition wall functions as suppression means, and the combustion of the gas generant accommodated in the upper combustion chamber is suppressed or prevented from affecting the combustion of the gas generant accommodated in the lower combustion chamber. Become so. Accordingly, the combustion characteristics of the gas generating agent in the upper combustion chamber and the combustion characteristics of the gas generating agent in the lower combustion chamber can be made substantially or completely independent from each other. The combustion characteristics of the gas generating agent thus obtained can be obtained, and the output of the gas ejected from each gas ejection port becomes desired. As a result, the upper space and the lower space of the airbag can be inflated at a desired deployment speed and at a desired internal pressure, respectively, and a side airbag device that can obtain stable performance can be obtained.

  In the side airbag device according to the present invention, as the suppression means, the pressure difference between the upper combustion chamber and the lower combustion chamber is set at a position where the upper side heat transfer path can be closed. It is preferable to arrange a check valve that is driven on the basis thereof.

  With this configuration, the check valve is driven based on the pressure difference between the upper combustion chamber and the lower combustion chamber in a state where the gas generating agent is combusted in the upper combustion chamber, and the upper side transmission is performed. Since the fire path is blocked, the upper combustion chamber and the lower combustion chamber can be completely disconnected. Therefore, the check valve functions as a suppressing means, and the combustion of the gas generating agent accommodated in the upper combustion chamber is prevented from affecting the combustion of the gas generating agent accommodated in the lower combustion chamber. Become so. Accordingly, the combustion characteristics of the gas generating agent in the upper combustion chamber and the combustion characteristics of the gas generating agent in the lower combustion chamber can be made completely independent from each other. Combustion characteristics can be obtained, and the output of the gas ejected from each gas ejection port becomes desired. As a result, the upper space and the lower space of the airbag can be inflated at a desired deployment speed and at a desired internal pressure, respectively, and a side airbag device that can obtain stable performance can be obtained.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it can be set as the side airbag apparatus which can be assembled | attached to a sheet | seat without impairing the designability of a sheet | seat, and can obtain the small and stable performance.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment described below, the side airbag device will be described by exemplifying the one installed in the right front seat of the automobile.

(Embodiment 1)
1 is a side sectional view after deployment of a side airbag device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line II-II shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a seat in which the side airbag device according to the present embodiment is incorporated. First, the schematic structure of the side airbag device 20A in the present embodiment will be described with reference to these drawings.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the side airbag device 20 </ b> A in the present embodiment is provided on the seat 10. The seat 10 includes a headrest 11, a backrest portion 12, and a stool portion 13, and the side airbag device 20 </ b> A is incorporated in a side portion of the backrest portion 12. Here, the side part of the backrest part 12 where the side airbag device 20A is provided is a side part closer to the side part 15 of the vehicle.

  The side airbag device 20A mainly includes an airbag 21 and a gas generator 101A. The gas generator 101A is electrically connected via a connector 60 (see FIG. 3) to a collision detection sensor (not shown) that detects an impact when a side collision occurs, and a signal from the collision detection sensor is received. It is a device that generates gas upon receipt. The airbag 21 is a bag-like member that is introduced and deployed by the gas ejected from the gas generator 101A. The airbag 21 is deployed between the occupant P seated on the seat 10 and the side portion 15 of the vehicle. It protects P from side impacts.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the gas generator 101 </ b> A is attached to the side surface of the seat frame 14 embedded in the backrest portion 12 of the seat 10 via a retainer 40. The gas generator 101 </ b> A has a long, substantially cylindrical outer shape, and includes a base portion 110 that is located in the center portion in the axial direction, and an upper cylindrical portion that extends from the base portion 110 toward the upper side of the seat 10. And a lower cylindrical portion 130 as a lower cylindrical portion extending from the base portion 110 toward the lower side of the seat 10. The base part 110 connects the upper cylindrical part 120 and the lower cylindrical part 130 to each other. The upper side cylindrical part 120 and the lower side cylindrical part 130 shown in the figure have irregularities that occur during processing on their surfaces. However, this unevenness is locally provided, and the upper cylindrical portion 120 and the lower cylindrical portion 130 have substantially columnar outer shapes. Therefore, it can be said that the gas generator 101A has a long, substantially cylindrical outer shape as a whole. An upper side gas outlet 122 is provided in the vicinity of the upper end portion of the housing composed of the base portion 110, the upper side cylindrical portion 120, and the lower side cylindrical portion 130, and the lower side gas injection port is provided in the vicinity of the lower end portion of the housing. An outlet 132 is provided. The detailed structure of the gas generator 101A will be described later.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the airbag 21 is formed by sewing a pair of base fabrics made of woven fabric or the like so as to form a bag shape as a whole at their peripheral edges, and is folded before deployment. In this state, it is incorporated in the side part of the backrest part 12 of the seat 10. Inside the airbag 21, the above-described gas generator 101A is disposed. A seam 25 formed by sewing the two base fabrics together is formed at a substantially central portion in the vertical direction of the airbag 21 formed in a bag shape by sewing a pair of base fabrics. By the seam 25, the space inside the airbag 21 is partitioned into an upper space 22 and a lower space 23. The upper space 22 and the lower space 23 are not in a completely non-communication state, and communicate with each other at a communication portion provided outside the end portion of the seam 25.

  One end of the seam 25 described above reaches the vicinity of the base portion 110 of the gas generator 101A arranged so as to extend in the vertical direction. Therefore, the upper gas outlet 122 of the gas generator 101A is in communication with the upper space 22 of the airbag 21, and the lower gas outlet 132 of the gas generator 101A is in the lower space 23 of the airbag 21. You will be communicating. The upper space 22 of the airbag 21 is introduced with the gas ejected from the upper gas outlet 122 of the gas generator 101A during deployment, and the chest Pc of the occupant P seated on the seat 10 and the side 15 of the vehicle. Expand between. On the other hand, in the lower space 23 of the airbag 21, the gas jetted from the lower gas outlet 132 of the gas generator 101A is introduced during deployment, and the waist part Ph of the occupant P seated on the seat 10 and the vehicle It expands between the side portions 15 of the. When the airbag 21 is deployed, part of the gas passes between the upper space 22 and the lower space 23 by the communication portion provided at the end of the seam 25 described above.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the gas generator incorporated in the side airbag device in the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the detailed structure of the gas generator 101A incorporated in the side airbag device 20A in the present embodiment will be described with reference to this drawing.

  Referring to FIG. 4, gas generator 101A has a long, substantially cylindrical housing having a substantially columnar outer shape as described above. Both end portions of the cylindrical housing are closed by closing members 141 and 142. A concave portion is provided at a predetermined position in the circumferential direction of the base portion 110 in a direction intersecting with the axial direction of the housing having a substantially cylindrical outer shape, and an igniter (squib) 112 described later is supported in this concave portion. The supporting member 111 to be fitted is fitted. A partition plate 126 that divides the space inside the upper cylindrical portion 120 in the axial direction is disposed at a predetermined position in the axial direction of the upper cylindrical portion 120. A partition plate 136 that divides the space inside the lower cylindrical portion 130 in the axial direction is disposed at a predetermined position. The base part 110, the support member 111, the upper cylindrical part 120, the lower cylindrical part 130, the partition plates 126 and 136, and the closing members 141 and 142 are all made of stainless steel, steel, aluminum alloy, stainless alloy, or the like. It consists of a metal member and is connected and fixed by welding, caulking, or the like.

  As described above, in the vicinity of the end of the upper cylindrical portion 120 that is not fixed to the base portion 110, the upper gas outlet 122 for ejecting gas is provided, and in this portion, the gas is discharged. An output unit 121 is formed. Further, in the vicinity of the end of the lower cylindrical portion 130 that is not fixed to the base portion 110, a lower gas outlet 132 for ejecting gas is provided in the same manner as the upper cylindrical portion 120. The gas output part 131 is formed in this part.

  Inside the housing are an ignition chamber 113 containing an igniter 112 and a charge transfer agent 114, an upper combustion chamber 123 containing a gas generating agent 124 and a filter member 125, a gas generating agent 134 and a filter member 135. An accommodated lower combustion chamber 133, an upper fire transfer path 115 that communicates with the ignition chamber 113 and the upper combustion chamber 123, and a lower fire transfer path 116 that communicates with the ignition chamber 113 and the lower combustion chamber 133. It is mainly provided. The gas generator 101A of the side airbag device 20A according to the present embodiment has a substantially cylindrical housing shaft except that the upper cylindrical portion 120 and the lower cylindrical portion 130 are formed to have different diameters. The upper side combustion chamber 123 and the upper side heat transfer path 115 are on the left side of the figure, and the lower side combustion chamber is on the right side of the figure. 133 and the lower side heat transfer path 116 are arrange | positioned. Therefore, the ignition chamber 113, the upper combustion chamber 123, and the lower combustion chamber 133 are arranged in a straight line.

  The ignition chamber 113 is defined by the base portion 110 and the support member 111, and is provided at a substantially central portion in the axial direction of the substantially cylindrical housing. The ignition chamber 113 is filled with the single igniter 112 and the transfer charge 114 as described above. The igniter 112 supported by the support member 111 is arranged so that its header pin (input terminal) is exposed on the outer surface of the gas generator 101A. A connector 60 for connecting the igniter 112 and the collision detection sensor is connected to the header pin. A seal member 119 is affixed to the wall surface of the ignition chamber 113 in which the opening surface of the upper side heat transfer path 115 is formed and the wall surface of the ignition chamber 113 in which the lower side heat transfer path 116 is formed. Each of the opening surfaces is closed by 119. As the sealing member 119, an aluminum foil or the like having an adhesive member applied on one side is used. Thereby, the airtightness between the ignition chamber 113 and the upper side heat transfer path 115 and the lower side heat transfer path 116 is ensured.

  The igniter 112 is an ignition device for generating a flame, and includes an ignition agent (not shown) and a resistor (not shown) for burning the ignition agent inside. More specifically, the igniter 112 includes a base portion through which a pair of header pins are inserted and held, and a squib cup attached on the base portion, and connects the tip of the header pin inserted into the squib cup. A resistor (bridge wire) is attached to the squib cup, and an igniting agent is filled in the squib cup so as to surround or be in contact with the resistor. Nichrome wire or the like is generally used as the resistor, and ZPP (zirconium / potassium perchlorate), ZWPP (zirconium / tungsten / potassium perchlorate), lead tricinate, or the like is generally used as the igniting agent. The squib cup is generally made of metal or plastic.

  When a collision is detected, a predetermined amount of current flows through the resistor via the header pin. When a predetermined amount of current flows through the resistor, Joule heat is generated in the resistor, and the ignition agent starts burning. The high temperature flame generated by the combustion ruptures the squib cup containing the igniting agent. The time from when the current flows through the resistor until the igniter 112 is activated is 2 milliseconds or less when a nichrome wire is used as the resistor.

  A seal member 117 is interposed between the igniter 112 and the support member 111. The seal member 117 is for sealing the ignition chamber 113 by hermetically sealing a gap generated between the igniter 112 and the support member 111, and when the igniter 112 is caulked and fixed to the support member 111. Is inserted into the gap. Further, a seal member 118 is interposed between the base portion 110 and the support member 111. The seal member 118 is for sealing the ignition chamber 113 by hermetically sealing a gap generated between the base portion 110 and the support member 111, and when the support member 111 is caulked and fixed to the base portion 110. Is inserted into the gap.

The explosive charge 114 filled in the ignition chamber 113 is ignited by a flame generated by the operation of the igniter 112 and burns to generate heat particles. The transfer agent 114 must be capable of reliably starting the combustion of the gas generating agents 124 and 134. Generally, from the metal powder / oxidant represented by B / KNO ₃ or the like. The composition etc. which become are used. As the charge transfer agent 114, a powdery one, a one molded into a predetermined shape by a binder, or the like is used. Examples of the shape of the transfer charge molded by the binder include various shapes such as a granular shape, a columnar shape, a sheet shape, a spherical shape, a single-hole cylindrical shape, a porous cylindrical shape, and a tablet shape.

  The upper combustion chamber 123 is defined by the upper cylindrical portion 120, the base portion 110, and the partition plate 126, and is provided near one end (upper side portion in the drawing) of the substantially cylindrical housing. The lower combustion chamber 133 is defined by the lower cylindrical portion 130, the base portion 110, and the partition plate 136, and is provided near the other end (lower portion in the drawing) of the substantially cylindrical housing. In the upper combustion chamber 123 and the lower combustion chamber 133, the gas generating agents 124 and 134 and the filter members 125 and 135 are accommodated as described above. The gas generating agents 124 and 134 are disposed in the spaces on the ignition chamber 113 side of the upper combustion chamber 123 and the lower combustion chamber 133, respectively, and the filter members 125 and 135 are adjacent to the gas generating agents 124 and 134 in the upper part. The side combustion chamber 123 and the lower combustion chamber 133 are disposed in spaces on the partition plates 126 and 136 side, respectively.

  The gas generating agents 124 and 134 are ignited by the hot particles generated by the combustion of the transfer charge 114 ignited by the igniter 112, and generate gas by burning. The gas generating agents 124 and 134 are generally formed as a molded body containing a fuel, an oxidant, and an additive. As the fuel, for example, a triazole derivative, a tetrazole derivative, a guanidine derivative, an azodicarbonamide derivative, a hydrazine derivative, or a combination thereof is used. Specifically, for example, nitroguanidine, guanidine nitrate, cyanoguanidine, 5-aminotetrazole and the like are preferably used. In addition, as the oxidizing agent, for example, nitrate containing a cation selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, and ammonia is used. As the nitrate, for example, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate and the like are preferably used. In addition, examples of the additive include a binder, a slag forming agent, and a combustion adjusting agent. As the binder, for example, an organic binder such as a metal salt of carboxymethyl cellulose or a stearate, or an inorganic binder such as synthetic hydroxytalcite or acidic clay can be suitably used. As the slag forming agent, silicon nitride, silica, acid clay, etc. can be suitably used. Moreover, as a combustion regulator, a metal oxide, ferrosilicon, activated carbon, graphite, etc. can be used suitably.

  The shapes of the gas generating agents 124 and 134 include various shapes such as granules, pellets, columns, and disks. In addition, a porous (for example, a single-hole cylindrical shape or a porous cylindrical shape) having a hole inside the molded body is also used. These shapes are preferably selected as appropriate in accordance with the specifications of the airbag apparatus in which the gas generator 101A is incorporated. For example, the shape in which the gas generation rate changes with time when the gas generating agents 124 and 134 are burned. It is preferable to select an optimal shape according to the specification, such as selecting. In addition to the shapes of the gas generating agents 124 and 134, it is preferable to appropriately select the size and filling amount of the molded body in consideration of the linear combustion speed, the pressure index, and the like of the gas generating agents 124 and 134.

  The upper combustion chamber 123 and the lower combustion chamber 133 are cushioned so as to come into contact with the wall surface of the base portion 110 where the opening surface of the upper side heat transfer path 115 and the opening surface of the lower side heat transfer path 116 are formed. Materials 128 and 138 are arranged. The cushion materials 128 and 138 are attached for the purpose of preventing the gas generating agents 124 and 134 made of a molded body from being pulverized by vibration or the like. Preferably, a molded body of ceramic fiber, foamed silicon, or the like is used. Used.

  As the filter members 125 and 135, for example, a wire rod or a net member made of a metal such as stainless steel or steel, a member wound around a net member, a member pressed by pressing, or the like is used. The filter members 125 and 135 cool the gas by taking the high-temperature heat of the gas when the gas generated in the upper combustion chamber 123 and the lower combustion chamber 133 passes through the filter members 125 and 135. In addition to functioning as a cooling means, it also functions as a removing means for removing residues (slag) and the like contained in the gas.

  The partition plates 126 and 136 are provided with communication holes 127 and 137, respectively. The communication hole 127 passes through the upper combustion chamber 123 and the upper gas outlet 122, and the communication hole 137 passes through the lower combustion chamber 133 and the lower gas outlet 132. Seal members 129, occupying the communication holes 127, 137 on the main surface of the partition plate 126 located on the upper combustion chamber 123 side and the main surface of the partition plate 136 located on the lower combustion chamber 133 side, respectively. 139 is affixed. As the sealing members 129 and 139, an aluminum foil or the like having an adhesive member applied on one side is used. Thereby, the airtightness between the upper combustion chamber 123 and the lower combustion chamber 133 and the outside of the housing is ensured.

  Next, the operation of the above gas generator will be described. When the vehicle on which the gas generator 101A is mounted collides, the igniter 112 is activated. The explosive charge 114 accommodated in the ignition chamber 113 is ignited and burned by the flame generated by the operation of the igniter 112, and generates a large amount of heat particles. Due to the combustion of the charge transfer agent 114, the pressure in the ignition chamber 113 increases, whereby the seal of the seal member 119 is broken, and the heat particles pass through the upper side transfer path 115 and the lower side transfer path 116. The cushion members 128 and 138 are arranged from the base portion 110 of the upper combustion chamber 123 and the lower combustion chamber 133. The heat particles that have reached the cushion materials 128 and 138 open or divide the cushion materials 128 and 138 by the heat, whereby the heat particles flow into the upper combustion chamber 123 and the lower combustion chamber 133.

  The gas particles 124 and 134 accommodated in the upper combustion chamber 123 and the lower combustion chamber 133 are ignited and burned by the flowing heat particles, and a large amount of gas is generated. Due to the combustion of the gas generating agents 124 and 134, the pressure in the upper combustion chamber 123 and the lower combustion chamber 133 is increased, whereby the sealing of the seal members 129 and 139 is broken, and the generated gas is converted into the upper gas. The gas is discharged from the gas output portions 121 and 131 to the outside of the gas generator 101A via the jet port 122 and the lower gas jet port 132, respectively. At this time, the gas passes through the filter members 125 and 135 and is cooled to a predetermined temperature, and is ejected from the gas ejection ports 122 and 132 to the outside of the housing, and then guided to the inside of the airbag. Inflate and deploy the bag.

  In the gas generator 101A described above, there is a difference between the filling amount of the gas generating agent 124 accommodated in the upper combustion chamber 123 and the filling amount of the gas generating agent 134 accommodated in the lower combustion chamber 133. Has been. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the outer diameter R2 of the lower cylindrical portion 130 is configured to be larger than the outer diameter R1 of the upper cylindrical portion 120 of the gas generator 101A. The inner diameter r1 of the side cylindrical portion 120 is configured to be smaller than the inner diameter r2 of the lower side cylindrical portion 130. In addition, the axial length A1 of the upper cylindrical portion 120 of the gas generator 101A and the axial length A2 of the lower cylindrical portion 130 are set to be the same. The axial length a1 of the portion in which the gas generating agent 124 is accommodated and the axial length a2 of the portion in the lower combustion chamber 133 in which the gas generating agent 134 is accommodated are the same. . Therefore, the capacity of the upper combustion chamber 123 is configured to be smaller than the capacity of the lower combustion chamber 133, whereby the filling amount of the gas generating agent 124 accommodated in the upper combustion chamber 123 is reduced. The filling amount of the gas generating agent 134 accommodated in the chamber 133 is smaller.

  5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining a detailed assembly structure of the side airbag device according to the present embodiment to the seat frame. Among these, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VV shown in FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIA-VIA shown in FIG. 5, and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIB-VIB shown in FIG. Hereinafter, a detailed assembly structure of the side airbag device 20A to the seat frame 14 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to these drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the gas generator 101 </ b> A is attached to the seat frame 14 via the retainer 40. The retainer 40 is made of a sheet metal cylindrical member having openings at the upper and lower ends, and a gas generator 101 </ b> A is accommodated in a hollow portion of the retainer 40. The gas generator 101 </ b> A is held by a retainer 40, and the retainer 40 is fixed to the seat frame 14 by bolts 55 and nuts 56 at the overlapping portion 41. The airbag 21 is inserted between the retainer 40 and the seat frame 14 and is sandwiched between the retainer 40 and the seat frame 14. In the side airbag device 20A according to the present embodiment, the retainer 40 having an opening formed at the upper end and the lower end thereof is used, but a retainer in which these portions are closed can also be used.

  The retainer 40 has a small diameter on the upper side and a large diameter on the lower side, corresponding to the outer shape of the gas generator 101A. Cover portions 42, 43, 44 and caulking portions 47, 48, 49 are formed at predetermined positions of the retainer 40 by cutting out predetermined positions on the peripheral wall of the cylindrical member made of sheet metal. Of these, the cover part 42 is a part that covers the upper cylindrical part 120 of the gas generator 101A, and the caulking part 47 is a part that holds and fixes the upper cylindrical part 120 at four points in the circumferential direction. is there. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6A, a pair of projections 47a and a pair of caulking are provided so that the upper cylindrical portion 120 of the gas generator 101A is sandwiched at a predetermined position in the circumferential direction of the caulking portion 47. The upper cylindrical portion 120 is held and fixed by the contact portion 47b. On the other hand, the cover portion 44 is a portion that covers the lower cylindrical portion 130 of the gas generator 101A, and the caulking portion 49 is a portion that holds and fixes the lower cylindrical portion 130 at four points in the circumferential direction. . Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6B, a pair of caulking portions 49 and a pair of caulking portions 49a and caulking portions 49 so as to sandwich lower cylindrical portion 130 of gas generator 101A at a predetermined position in the circumferential direction. The lower cylindrical portion 130 is held and fixed by the contact portion 49b. The cover 43 is a part that covers the base part 110 of the gas generator 101A, and the caulking part 48 is a part that holds and fixes the base part 110 at four points in the circumferential direction.

  In the vicinity of the upper end portion of the retainer 40, an ejection window 45 for ejecting gas is provided corresponding to the upper gas ejection port 122 of the gas generator 101A. Further, in the vicinity of the lower end portion of the retainer 40, an ejection window 46 for ejecting gas is provided corresponding to the lower gas ejection port 332 of the gas generator 101A. These ejection windows 45 and 46 are windows for discharging the gas ejected from the gas generator 101 </ b> A to the inside of the airbag 21. In the side airbag device 20A in the present embodiment, the ejection windows 45 and 46 are provided so as to face the upper side gas ejection port 122 and the lower side gas ejection port 132, respectively. There is no need to do so, and the upper side gas outlet 122 and the lower side gas outlet 132 may be shifted from the outlet windows 45 and 46. As described above, when the upper side gas outlet 122 and the lower side gas outlet 132 and the outlet windows 45 and 46 are shifted from each other, the jets are ejected from the upper side gas outlet 122 and the lower side gas outlet 132. The gas can be guided to the ejection windows 45 and 46 after being blown onto the retainer 40 cover portions 42 and 44. As a result, it is possible to adjust the traveling direction of the gas introduced into the upper space 22 and the lower space 23 of the airbag 20, the ejection pressure, and the like.

  In the retainer 40 described above, the diameter thereof is changed in the vertical direction in accordance with the shape of the gas generator 101A. Therefore, an unnecessary gap is generated between the upper portion of the retainer 40 having a smaller diameter and the seat frame 14, and there is a concern that the gas generator 101A may not be stably fixed to the seat frame 14. Therefore, in the side airbag device 20A according to the present embodiment, this problem is solved by sandwiching the spacer 51 between the upper portion of the retainer 40 and the seat frame 14, and a stable assembly of the side airbag device 20A. Has been realized.

  In the side airbag device 20A according to the present embodiment described above, the gas generator 101A, which is a main component that determines the outer shape of the device, has a thinner shape in the upper part than in the lower part. Accordingly, since the outer shape of the side airbag device 20A can also be thinned at the upper part, the side part of the backrest part 12 of the seat 10 is usually configured such that the upper part is thin and the lower part is thick. The side airbag device 20A has a shape suitable for assembly. Further, by configuring as described above, it is possible to make a difference in the capacities of the upper combustion chamber 123 and the lower combustion chamber 133 while preventing the gas generator 101A from becoming longer. In that case, in the large-capacity lower combustion chamber 133, the distance from the portion on the ignition chamber 113 side of the gas generating agent 124 ignited by the operation of the igniter 112 to the portion reaching the lower gas outlet 132 is shortened. And the rise of gas output does not slow down. Therefore, it can be set as the small side airbag apparatus which can be assembled | attached to the sheet | seat 10 without impairing the design property of the sheet | seat 10, and can obtain the stable performance.

  Further, in the side airbag device 20A in the present embodiment, the upper cylindrical portion 120 of the gas generator 101A is formed thinner than the lower cylindrical portion 130, and is formed inside the upper cylindrical portion 120. Since the capacity of the upper combustion chamber 123 provided is smaller than the capacity of the lower combustion chamber 133 provided inside the lower cylindrical portion 130, the gas generating agent 124 filled in the upper combustion chamber 123 is arranged. The filling amount is smaller than the filling amount of the gas generating agent 134 filled in the lower combustion chamber 133. Therefore, the output of the gas ejected from the upper gas outlet 122 is smaller than the output of the gas ejected from the lower gas outlet 132. Here, in the side airbag device 20A in the present embodiment, the lower space 23 of the airbag 21 that is inflated and deployed by the high-power gas ejected from the lower gas ejection port 132 is used as the waist portion Ph of the occupant P. Since the upper space 22 of the airbag 21 that is inflated and deployed by the low-power gas ejected from the upper gas outlet 322 is brought into contact with the chest Pc of the occupant P, the chest Pc The passenger P can be safely and reliably protected from an impact at the time of a side collision without being strongly pressed.

  7 to 10 are cross-sectional views showing first to fourth modified examples of the structure for assembling the side airbag device to the seat frame in the present embodiment. The following modification eliminates the instability of assembly of the gas generator to the seat frame caused by making the outer diameter of the upper cylindrical portion of the gas generator smaller than the outer diameter of the lower cylindrical portion. Other assembled structure examples will be shown as first to fourth modified examples.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the assembly structure of the side airbag device 20B according to the first modification to the seat frame 14 is configured by a plane without bending the peripheral wall on the seat frame 14 side of the retainer 40, and gas is generated. The spacer 52 is sandwiched between the peripheral surface of the upper cylindrical portion 120 of the vessel 101A and the peripheral wall of the retainer 40, thereby solving the above-mentioned instability problem of assembly. With this configuration, an unnecessary gap between the retainer 40 and the upper cylindrical portion 120 of the gas generator 101A is filled by the spacer 51, so that the side airbag device 20B can be stably attached to the seat frame 14. Can be assembled to.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the assembly structure of the side airbag device 20C according to the second modification to the seat frame 14 projects a position corresponding to the small diameter portion of the retainer 40 of the seat frame 14 toward the retainer 40 side. Thus, a projecting portion 14A is formed on the seat frame 14, and the projecting portion 14A eliminates an unnecessary gap between the retainer 40 and the seat frame 14. With this configuration, no unnecessary gap is generated between the retainer 40 and the seat frame 14 and between the retainer 40 and the upper cylindrical portion 320 of the gas generator 101A. The side airbag device 20C can be assembled to the seat frame 14.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the assembly structure of the side airbag device 20D according to the third modification to the seat frame 14 is opposite to the retainer 40 side at the position corresponding to the large diameter portion of the retainer 40 of the seat frame 14. The concave portion 14B is formed in the seat frame 14 by this, and the retainer 40 is fitted into the concave portion 14B, and the small diameter portion of the retainer 40 is brought into contact with the portion where the concave portion 14B is not formed. It is to be fixed. With this configuration, no unnecessary gap is generated between the retainer 40 and the seat frame 14 and between the retainer 40 and the upper cylindrical portion 120 of the gas generator 101A. The side airbag device 20D can be assembled to the seat frame 14.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the assembly structure of the side airbag device 20E according to the fourth modification to the seat frame 14 is configured in a plane without bending the peripheral wall on the seat frame 14 side of the retainer 40, and the retainer As the gas generator assembled to 40, the upper cylindrical portion 120 is placed on the lower side so that the central axis of the upper cylindrical portion 120 is arranged closer to the seat frame 14 than the central axis of the lower cylindrical portion 130. A gas generator 101B arranged offset with respect to the side cylindrical portion 130 is used. With this configuration, unnecessary gaps are not generated between the retainer 40 and the seat frame 14 and between the retainer and the upper cylindrical portion 120 of the gas generator 101B. There is no problem of instability. Therefore, by adopting the above configuration, the side airbag device 20E can be stably assembled to the seat frame 14.

  In addition, the assembly structure to the seat frame 14 of the side airbag apparatus 20E to show in figure is the bus-line 120c on the seat frame 14 side of the upper side cylindrical part 120 (the axial direction contained on the outer peripheral surface of the upper side cylindrical part 120 , A line closest to the seat frame 14 side) and a bus bar 130c on the seat frame 14 side of the lower cylindrical portion 130 (an axis included on the outer peripheral surface of the lower cylindrical portion 130) The upper cylindrical portion 120 is offset with respect to the lower cylindrical portion 130 so that the straight line parallel to the direction and the line closest to the seat frame 14 side overlaps on the same straight line. However, it is not always necessary to make such a configuration. For example, the offset amount of the upper cylindrical portion 120 may be changed. Some may change the offset direction if a direction toward the over arm 14 side. Further, in the structure for assembling the side airbag device 20E shown in the figure to the seat frame 14, the direction in which the header pin of the igniter 112 of the gas generator 101B is located is the rear side of the vehicle. It is also possible to change to the vehicle front side. However, even in such a change, the direction in which the upper cylindrical portion 120 is offset needs to be on the seat frame 14 side.

  FIG. 11 is a side sectional view showing a modification of the airbag of the side airbag device according to the present embodiment. The side airbag device 20 </ b> A in the first embodiment employs a configuration in which the upper space 22 and the lower space 23 of the airbag 21 communicate with each other outside both ends of the seam 25. However, in the side airbag device 20F according to this modification, as shown in FIG. 11, one end of the seam 25 is formed to reach the base portion 310 of the gas generator 101A, and the other end of the seam 25 is It is comprised so that it may reach even the sewing part provided in the periphery of the airbag 21. FIG. Therefore, the upper space 22 and the lower space 23 are substantially completely disconnected from each other, and gas flow in the upper space 22 and the lower space 23 is prevented during deployment. Even when configured in this manner, the same effects as those of the side airbag device 20A in the first embodiment described above can be obtained.

(Embodiment 2)
12A is a cross-sectional view of the gas generator of the side airbag device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and FIG. 12B is along the line XIIB-XIIB in FIG. A cross-sectional view, FIG. 12C, is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIIC-XIIC in FIG. Since the side airbag device in the present embodiment is different from the side airbag device 20A in the first embodiment only in the configuration of the gas generator, only the gas generator is illustrated. Parts similar to those of the gas generator 101A of the side airbag device 20A in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawing, and description thereof will not be repeated here. Further, in FIGS. 12B and 12C, the illustration of the seal member 119 attached to the wall surface of the ignition chamber 113 is omitted.

  In the gas generator 101A of the side airbag device 20A in the above-described first embodiment, the gas generation accommodated in the upper combustion chamber 323 is intended to make the output characteristics of the gas output portions 121 and 131 different from each other. The filling amount of the agent 324 is different from the filling amount of the gas generating agent 334 accommodated in the lower combustion chamber 333. However, in the gas generator 101A of the side airbag device 20A in the first embodiment described above, the opening surface of the upper side heat transfer path 115 and the opening surface of the lower side heat transfer path 116 provided on the wall surface of the ignition chamber 113. And the upper side heat transfer path 115 and the lower side heat transfer path 116 are provided so that their center lines overlap on the same straight line with the ignition chamber 113 interposed therebetween, so that the gas generator 101A During operation, that is, in a state where the gas generating agents 124 and 134 are ignited by the transfer agent 114 ignited by the igniter 112, the combustion of the gas generating agents 124 and 134 in the upper combustion chamber 123 and the lower combustion chamber 133 is performed. Combustion of the gas generant in the other combustion chamber via the upper side heat transfer path 115, the ignition chamber 113 and the lower side heat transfer path 116. To influence it is concerned. When this influence occurs, pressure is made uniform between the upper combustion chamber 123 and the lower combustion chamber 133, and as a result, the gas is ejected from the upper gas ejection port 122 and the lower gas ejection port 132. There is a risk that the gas output may not be as desired. Therefore, in the gas generator 101C of the side airbag device 20A in the present embodiment, the combustion of the gas generating agent in one combustion chamber is suppressed so as not to affect the combustion of the gas generating agent in the other combustion chamber. Means are provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C, in the gas generator 101C of the side airbag device in the present embodiment, the gas generator 101A of the side airbag device 20A in the first embodiment described above. Similarly, the inner diameter r1 of the upper cylindrical portion 120 is smaller than the inner diameter r2 of the lower cylindrical portion 130. The upper side heat transfer path 115 that passes through the ignition chamber 113 and the upper side combustion chamber 123 is formed by a single linearly bored hole formed in the base portion 110, and connects the ignition chamber 113 and the lower side combustion chamber 133. The communicating lower side heat transfer path 116 is formed by three holes extending in a straight line formed in the base part 110. Then, the upper side heat transfer path 115 and the lower side are arranged so that the center line of the hole constituting the upper side heat transfer path 115 and the center line of the hole constituting the lower side heat transfer path 116 do not overlap on the same straight line. The heat transfer path 116 is arranged so as to be shifted in parallel.

  With this configuration, a path including the upper side transfer path 115, the ignition chamber 113, and the lower side transfer path 116 positioned between the upper side combustion chamber 123 and the lower side combustion chamber 133 becomes an upper side transfer path. Compared to the case where the fire path 115 and the lower heat transfer path 116 are provided on the same straight line with the center line overlapping with the ignition chamber 113 interposed therebetween, it becomes more complicated. For this reason, the arrangement of the upper-side heat transfer path 115 and the lower-side heat transfer path 116 in this way functions as suppression means, and is ignited during operation of the gas generator 101C, that is, by the igniter 112. In a state where the gas generating agents 124 and 134 are ignited by the transfer agent 114, the combustion of the gas generating agent 124 accommodated in the upper combustion chamber 123 becomes the combustion of the gas generating agent 134 accommodated in the lower combustion chamber 133. The influence is suppressed. More specifically, when a pressure difference occurs between the upper combustion chamber 123 and the lower combustion chamber 133, the pressure increase in the upper combustion chamber 123 caused by the combustion of the gas generating agent 124 in the upper combustion chamber 123. As a result, the backflow of the generated gas is prevented, and the movement of the thermal particles from the upper combustion chamber 123 to the lower combustion chamber 133 is prevented. Therefore, the combustion characteristics of the gas generating agent 124 in the upper combustion chamber 123 and the combustion characteristics of the gas generating agent 134 in the lower combustion chamber 133 can be made substantially independent of each other. 133, the combustion characteristics of the gas generants 124, 134 that were planned for can be obtained, and desired outputs can be obtained at the respective gas output portions 121, 131.

  In the gas generator 101C of the side airbag device according to the present embodiment, the opening surface 115b of the upper side heat transfer path 115 provided on the wall surface of the ignition chamber 113 extends along the center line of the upper side heat transfer path 115. When projected onto the wall surface of the ignition chamber 113 provided with the opening surface 116b of the lower side heat transfer path 116, the opening surface 115b of the upper side heat transfer path 115 after projection is the opening surface 116b of the lower side heat transfer path 116. Since the upper side heat transfer path 115 and the lower side heat transfer path 116 are arranged so as not to overlap with each other (particularly, see FIG. 12C), the suppression effect becomes more prominent.

  As described above, when it is not desired to equalize the outputs at the pair of gas output portions, the gas generator mounted on the side airbag device is configured as described above to slow down the gas output. The combustion of the gas generating agent in the upper combustion chamber and the lower combustion chamber greatly affects the combustion of the gas generating agent in the other combustion chamber without increasing the length of the gas generator. While preventing reliably, the output characteristics in a pair of gas output part can be made different, respectively. As a result, the upper space and the lower space of the airbag can be inflated at a desired deployment speed and at a desired internal pressure, respectively, and a side airbag device that can obtain stable performance can be obtained.

  FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the gas generator of the side airbag device in the present embodiment, and FIG. 13B is taken along line XIIIB-XIIIB in FIG. FIG. 13C is a sectional view taken along line XIIIC-XIIIC in FIG. In FIGS. 13B and 13C, the seal member 119 attached to the wall surface of the ignition chamber 113 is not shown.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 (A) to 13 (C), in the gas generator 101D according to this modification, one hole extending in a straight line in which the upper side heat transfer path 115 is formed in the base portion 110 is formed. The lower side heat transfer path 116 is formed by one straight hole formed in the base portion 110. Further, in the gas generator 101D according to this modification, the inner diameter r1 of the upper cylindrical portion 120 and the lower cylindrical portion 130 are the same as the gas generator 101C of the side airbag device in the present embodiment described above. Is different from the inner diameter r2. Here, the upper-side heat transfer path 115 is disposed on the central axis of the upper-side cylindrical portion 120, and the lower-side fire transfer path 116 is disposed on the central axis of the lower-side cylindrical portion 130. ing. The upper cylindrical portion 120 and the lower cylindrical portion 130 having different inner diameters are offset in the left-right direction in the drawing so that their central axes do not overlap on the same straight line. As a result, the upper side heat transfer path 115 and the lower side heat transfer path 116 are arranged to be shifted in parallel, and the center line of the hole constituting the upper side heat transfer path 115 and the lower side heat transfer path 116 are arranged. The center line of the hole which comprises is not overlapped on the same straight line. Even in such a configuration, the path composed of the upper side heat transfer path 115, the ignition chamber 113, and the lower side heat transfer path 116 is complicated, and thus the gas generator of the side airbag device in the above-described embodiment. As with 101C, a significant suppression effect can be obtained. Therefore, a desired output can be obtained in each of the gas output portions 121 and 131, and the upper space 22 and the lower space 23 of the airbag 21 can be inflated at a desired deployment speed and a desired internal pressure, respectively. Therefore, the side airbag device can be obtained with stable performance. The offset direction and the offset amount when the upper cylindrical portion 120 is offset with respect to the lower cylindrical portion 130 are not particularly limited, and can be appropriately changed according to the specifications of the airbag device to be incorporated. It is.

  In the present embodiment and its modifications, the upper side transmission path and the lower side transmission path are arranged so that the center line of the upper side transmission path and the center line of the lower side transmission path do not overlap on the same straight line. Although the case where the fireway is arranged in parallel with each other is illustrated, the upper side heat transfer path and the lower side are arranged so that the center line of the upper side transfer path is not parallel to the center line of the lower side transfer path. It is also possible to arrange it so as to be inclined so that at least one of the heat transfer paths intersects the axial direction of the long housing. Thus, if the center line of the lower side heat transfer path does not overlap the extension line of the center line of the upper side heat transfer path, a suppression effect can be obtained in many cases. Therefore, the shape and size of the upper side heat transfer path and the lower side heat transfer path, the formation position, or the shape, size and formation position of the upper side cylindrical part and the lower side cylindrical part can be appropriately changed. .

(Embodiment 3)
14A is a cross-sectional view of the gas generator of the side airbag device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, and FIG. 14B is taken along line XIVB-XIVB in FIG. FIG. 14C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIVC-XIVC in FIG. Note that the gas generator 101E of the side airbag device in the present embodiment has a common configuration in most part with the gas generator 101A of the side airbag device 20A in the above-described first embodiment. Parts similar to those of gas generator 101A of side airbag device 20A in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawing, and the description thereof will not be repeated here. 14B and 14C, illustration of a seal member 119 attached to the wall surface of the ignition chamber 113 and a partition wall 150 provided in the ignition chamber 113 described later is omitted.

  In the gas generator 101E of the side airbag device in the present embodiment, the combustion of the gas generating agent in one combustion chamber is the combustion of the other in the same manner as the gas generator 101D of the side airbag device in the second embodiment described above. Suppression means is provided so as not to affect the combustion of the gas generating agent in the chamber. However, the specific configuration of the suppression means is different from that of the gas generator 101D of the side airbag device in the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C, in the gas generator 101C of the side airbag device in the present embodiment, the gas generator 101A of the side airbag device 20A in the above-described first embodiment. Similarly, the inner diameter r1 of the upper cylindrical portion 120 is smaller than the inner diameter r2 of the lower cylindrical portion 130. At a predetermined position of the ignition chamber 113, a partition wall 150 is provided as suppression means. The partition wall 150 is provided between the opening surface 115 b of the upper side heat transfer path 115 provided on the wall surface of the ignition chamber 113 and the opening surface 116 b of the lower side heat transfer path 116 provided on the wall surface of the ignition chamber 113. And the opening surfaces 115b and 116b are separated from each other. Both spaces of the ignition chamber 113 partitioned by the partition wall 150 are filled with a transfer charge 114. In addition, this partition 150 is comprised with metal members, such as stainless steel, steel, an aluminum alloy, a stainless alloy, for example, and is fixed to the wall surface of the ignition chamber 113 by fitting or welding.

  By comprising in this way, since the opening surface 115b of the upper side heat transfer path 115 provided in the wall surface of the ignition chamber 113 and the opening surface 116b of the lower side heat transfer path 116 are separated by the partition 150, The upper side heat transfer path 115 and the lower side heat transfer path 116 can be substantially not communicated. Therefore, the partition wall 150 functions as a suppression means, and when the gas generator 101D is operated, that is, in a state where the gas generating agents 124 and 134 are ignited by the transfer agent 114 ignited by the igniter 112, the upper side The combustion of the gas generating agent 124 accommodated in the combustion chamber 123 is suppressed from affecting the combustion of the gas generating agent 134 accommodated in the lower combustion chamber 133. Therefore, the combustion characteristics of the gas generating agent 124 in the upper combustion chamber 123 and the combustion characteristics of the gas generating agent 134 in the lower combustion chamber 133 can be made substantially independent of each other. 133, the combustion characteristics of the gas generants 124, 134 that were planned for can be obtained, and desired outputs can be obtained at the respective gas output portions 121, 131.

  As described above, when it is not desired to equalize the outputs at the pair of gas output portions, the gas generator mounted on the side airbag device is configured as described above to slow down the gas output. The combustion of the gas generating agent in the upper combustion chamber and the lower combustion chamber greatly affects the combustion of the gas generating agent in the other combustion chamber without increasing the length of the gas generator. While preventing reliably, the output characteristics in a pair of gas output part can be made different, respectively. As a result, the upper space and the lower space of the airbag can be inflated at a desired deployment speed and at a desired internal pressure, respectively, and a side airbag device that can obtain stable performance can be obtained.

  In the gas generator 101E of the side airbag device in the present embodiment, the opening surface 115b of the upper side heat transfer path 115 and the opening surface 116b of the lower side heat transfer path 116 are completely shielded by the partition wall 150. However, it is not always necessary to be completely shielded, and even when only a part of the structure is shielded, a certain degree of suppression effect can be obtained. it can.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the gas generator of the side airbag device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Since the gas generator 101F of the side airbag device in the present embodiment has a common configuration in most part with the gas generator 101A of the side airbag device 20A in the above-described first embodiment, Parts similar to those of gas generator 101A of side airbag device 20A in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawing, and the description thereof will not be repeated here.

  The gas generator 101F of the side airbag device in the present embodiment is similar to the gas generators 101D and 101F of the side airbag device in the second and third embodiments described above, and the combustion of the gas generating agent in one combustion chamber. Is provided with suppression means that does not affect the combustion of the gas generating agent in the other combustion chamber. However, the specific configuration of the suppression means is different from the gas generators 101D and 101F of the side airbag device in the third and fourth embodiments.

  As shown in FIG. 15, in the gas generator 101F of the side airbag device in the present embodiment, the lower cylindrical portion is similar to the gas generator 101A of the side airbag device 20A in the first embodiment described above. The inner diameter r1 of the upper cylindrical portion 120 is smaller than the inner diameter r2 of 130. The upper side heat transfer path 115 passing through the ignition chamber 113 and the upper side combustion chamber 123 is formed by one linearly extending hole formed in the base portion 110, and the ignition chamber 113 and the lower side combustion chamber 133 are formed. The lower side heat transfer path 116 that passes through the base portion 110 is formed by one straight hole formed in the base portion 110. The upper combustion chamber 123 and the lower combustion chamber 133 are provided with check valves 160 and 165 adjacent to the wall surface on the ignition chamber 113 side, respectively. The check valves 160 and 165 have outer shapes slightly larger than the inner diameter r1 of the upper cylindrical portion 120 and the inner diameter r2 of the lower cylindrical portion 130, respectively. In the groove part 120a, 130a provided in the part close | similar to the ignition chamber 113 of the shape part 130, each is slidably fitted.

  Protrusions 161 and 166 projecting toward the ignition chamber 113 are provided at the central portions of the check valves 160 and 165, respectively. The protrusions 161 and 166 are provided on the upper side heat transfer path 115 and the lower side. The heat transfer path 116 can be blocked from the upper combustion chamber 123 side and the lower combustion chamber 133 side, respectively. The peripheral portions of the check valves 160 and 165 are bent toward the side opposite to the ignition chamber 113 side, and through holes 162 and 167 are provided in the bent portions, respectively. These check valves 160 and 165 are made of, for example, a metal such as stainless steel, steel, an aluminum alloy, or a stainless alloy, and cushion materials 128 and 138 are attached to the main surfaces located on the side opposite to the ignition chamber 113 side, respectively. It has been.

  FIG. 16 is a view for explaining the operation of the check valve of the gas generator of the side airbag device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 16B is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing the stage at which combustion of the gas generating agent in the upper combustion chamber has started. Hereinafter, the operation of the check valve 160 when the pressure in the upper combustion chamber 123 becomes higher than the pressure in the lower combustion chamber 133 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 16A, when the igniter 112 is activated and the transfer charge 114 accommodated in the ignition chamber 113 starts to combust, the pressure in the ignition chamber 113 rises, whereby the seal member 119 The sealing is broken, and the ignition chamber 113 and the upper side heat transfer path 115 communicate with each other. As a result, the pressure in the upper side heat transfer path 115 also rises, and the check valve 160 is pushed in the direction of the arrow A1 in the figure based on the pressure difference between the upper side combustion chamber 123 and the check valve 161. The blockage is released, gas flows into the space, and the upper side heat transfer path 115 and the upper side combustion chamber 123 communicate with each other through a through hole 162 provided in the check valve 160. In this state, the heat particles flow into the upper combustion chamber 123 along the arrow B direction in the figure via the upper side heat transfer path 115, and the gas generating agent 124 accommodated in the upper combustion chamber 123 is ignited. It burns and generates a large amount of gas. Similarly, the check valve 165 also moves on the lower combustion chamber 133 side in accordance with the operation of the igniter 112, and the blocking of the lower side heat transfer path 116 by the check valve 165 is released, so that the lower side Combustion of the gas generating agent 134 accommodated in the combustion chamber 133 is started.

  When the pressure in the upper combustion chamber 123 increases due to the combustion of the gas generating agent 124 described above, and the pressure in the upper combustion chamber 123 becomes higher than the pressure in the upper heat transfer path 115, FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the check valve 160 is pushed back in the direction of arrow A2 in the drawing based on the pressure difference with the upper side heat transfer path 115, and the protrusion 161 of the check valve 160 is moved to the upper side heat transfer path. 115 is closed, and the upper side heat transfer path 115 and the upper side combustion chamber 123 are not in communication. After the upper side heat transfer path 115 and the upper side combustion chamber 123 are disconnected, the combustion of the gas generating agent 124 continues as long as the gas generating agent 124 accommodated in the upper side combustion chamber 123 remains. As a result, the airbag is inflated and deployed.

  With this configuration, the pressure difference between the upper combustion chamber 123 and the upper heat transfer path 115 (that is, the upper combustion chamber 123 and the ignition chamber) in a state where the gas generating agent 124 is combusted in the upper combustion chamber 123. 113 and the lower combustion chamber 133), the check valve 160 is driven and slid, and the upper heat transfer path 115 is closed. A state in which the lower combustion chamber 133 is not completely in communication can be achieved. Therefore, the check valve 160 functions as a suppression means, and when the gas generator 101F is operated, that is, in a state where the gas generating agents 124 and 134 are ignited by the transfer agent 114 ignited by the igniter 112, The combustion of the gas generating agent 124 accommodated in the upper combustion chamber 123 is suppressed from affecting the combustion of the gas generating agent 134 accommodated in the lower combustion chamber 133. Therefore, the combustion characteristics of the gas generating agent 124 in the upper combustion chamber 123 and the combustion characteristics of the gas generating agent 134 in the lower combustion chamber 133 can be made substantially independent of each other. 133, the combustion characteristics of the gas generants 124, 134 that were planned for can be obtained, and desired outputs can be obtained at the respective gas output portions 121, 131.

  In the gas generator 101F of the side airbag device according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, a case where a similar check valve 165 is also provided on the lower combustion chamber 133 side will be described as an example. However, the check valve 165 on the lower combustion chamber 133 side can be omitted depending on the situation. For example, when it is not desired to make the outputs in the pair of gas output portions uniform, the case where the increase rate of the internal pressure in the upper combustion chamber 123 is clearly larger than that in the lower combustion chamber 133 can be omitted. In other words, the combustion of the gas generating agent 134 in the lower combustion chamber 133 is combusted by the gas generating agent 124 in the upper combustion chamber 123 via the lower heat transfer path 116, the ignition chamber 113 and the upper fire transfer path 115. If there is no possibility that the pressure in the lower combustion chamber 133 is higher than the pressure in the upper combustion chamber 123, the check valve 165 on the lower combustion chamber 133 side is omitted. can do.

  As described above, when it is not desired to equalize the outputs at the pair of gas output portions, the gas generator mounted on the side airbag device is configured as described above to slow down the gas output. The combustion of the gas generating agent in the upper combustion chamber and the lower combustion chamber greatly affects the combustion of the gas generating agent in the other combustion chamber without increasing the length of the gas generator. While preventing reliably, the output characteristics in a pair of gas output part can be made different, respectively. As a result, the upper space and the lower space of the airbag can be inflated at a desired deployment speed and at a desired internal pressure, respectively, and a side airbag device that can obtain stable performance can be obtained.

  In the gas generator 101F of the gas side airbag device according to the present embodiment, before the igniter 112 is operated, the upper side heat transfer path 115 and the lower side heat transfer path 116 are respectively set by check valves 160 and 165. Although the case where it is configured to be closed is illustrated, before the igniter 112 is operated, the upper side transfer path 115 and the lower side transfer path 116 are not blocked by the check valves 160 and 165. May be.

  In the gas generator 101F of the side airbag device according to the present embodiment, the valve body slides on the basis of the pressure difference between the upper combustion chamber 123 and the lower combustion chamber 133, so that the check is made. The case where the check valves 160 and 165 configured to exhibit the function as a valve are provided in the upper combustion chamber 123 and the lower combustion chamber 133 has been described as an example, but a configuration different from this is described. It is also possible to use a check valve. For example, it is also possible to use what functions as a check valve by deforming the valve body based on the pressure difference between the upper combustion chamber 123 and the lower combustion chamber 133. Even in that case, before the igniter 112 is operated, the upper side heat transfer path 115 and the lower side heat transfer path 116 may be respectively closed by the check valve. Before the above operation, the upper side heat transfer path 115 and the lower side heat transfer path 116 may not be blocked by the check valve.

  In the above-described embodiment, as the gas generator mounted in the side airbag device, the axial length of the upper cylindrical portion and the axial length of the lower cylindrical portion are set to be the same. The axial length of the portion of the upper combustion chamber in which the gas generating agent is accommodated and the axial length of the portion of the lower combustion chamber in which the gas generating agent is accommodated are exemplified. As described above, the axial length of the upper cylindrical portion and the axial length of the lower cylindrical portion do not have to coincide with each other, and the portion of the upper combustion chamber in which the gas generating agent is accommodated. The axial length and the axial length of the portion of the lower combustion chamber in which the gas generating agent is stored need not necessarily match. These can be appropriately changed according to the specifications of the side airbag device.

  In the above-described embodiment, the gas generator mounted on the side airbag device is described as an example in which the gas generating agent and the filter member are disposed in the combustion chamber. For example, the partition plate is disposed between the gas generating agent and the filter member, and the combustion chamber in which the gas generating agent is accommodated and the filter chamber in which the filter member is accommodated in separate chambers. It may be configured. In that case, the filter member may be a hollow cylinder, and the filter chamber and the distribution chamber may be configured as a single chamber by providing a gas outlet on the peripheral wall of the cylindrical member that defines the filter chamber.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the gas generator mounted in the side airbag device will be described by exemplifying a gas generator having a configuration in which an igniter and a transfer charge are separately accommodated in an ignition chamber. However, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the inside of the igniter is filled with both the ignition charge and the transfer charge.

  In the above-described embodiment, as the gas generator mounted on the side airbag device, the base portion that connects the upper cylindrical portion and the lower cylindrical portion is the upper cylindrical portion and the lower cylindrical portion. The case where it is configured by a substantially cylindrical member having an outer shape larger than the shape portion has been described as an example, but the shape of the base portion is not particularly limited, and can be changed to various shapes. Is possible. In consideration of the capacity of the side airbag device in the seat, the outer shape of the base portion in the cross section intersecting the axial direction is the same size as the outer shape of the lower cylindrical portion in the cross section intersecting the axial direction. However, since an igniter is disposed in the base portion, the outer shape of the base portion in the cross section intersecting the axial direction is slightly more than the outer shape of the lower cylindrical portion in the cross section intersecting the axial direction. It is allowed to grow. Even in that case, it is more preferable if the shape of the base portion is tapered toward the upper side of the sheet, or if the base portion has a stepped portion so that the outer shape of the base portion becomes thinner on the upper side of the sheet. is there.

  Moreover, in the side airbag device in the above-described embodiment, the case where the airbag is divided into two chambers of the upper section and the lower space by the seam has been described as an example. Of course, it is also possible to configure the space with separate airbags. In addition, it is possible to further divide the single airbag into three or four chambers by seams or the like, but in this case, at least the gas ejected from the upper gas outlet of the gas generator is introduced. The two chambers are necessarily required: a space that expands and a space in which the gas ejected from the lower gas outlet of the gas generator is introduced and deployed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the side airbag device applied to the right front seat of the automobile has been described as an example. Of course, it is also possible to apply.

  As described above, the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The technical scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is side sectional drawing after the expansion | deployment of the side airbag apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view after the expansion | deployment of the side airbag apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the sheet | seat in which the side airbag apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention was integrated. It is sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of the gas generator integrated in the side airbag apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the assembly | attachment structure to the seat frame of the side airbag apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention, and is sectional drawing along the VV line shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the assembly | attachment structure to the seat frame of the side airbag apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention, (A) is sectional drawing along the VIA-VIA line | wire shown in FIG. B) is a sectional view taken along line VIB-VIB shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the 1st modification of the assembly | attachment structure to the seat frame of the side airbag apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the 2nd modification of the assembly | attachment structure to the seat frame of the side airbag apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the 3rd modification of the assembly | attachment structure to the seat frame of the side airbag apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the 4th modification of the assembly | attachment structure to the seat frame of the side airbag apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a sectional side view which shows the modification of the airbag of the side airbag apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. (A) is sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of the gas generator integrated in the side airbag apparatus in Embodiment 2 of this invention, (B) is along the XIIB-XIIB line | wire shown in (A). Sectional drawing (C) is a sectional view along the line XIIC-XIIC shown in (A). (A) is sectional drawing which shows the modification of the gas generator of the side airbag apparatus in Embodiment 2 of this invention, (B) is a cross section along the XIIIB-XIIIB line | wire shown in (A). FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIIIC-XIIIC shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of the gas generator integrated in the side airbag apparatus in Embodiment 3 of this invention, (B) is sectional drawing along the XIVB-XIVB line | wire shown in (A), (C) is sectional drawing along the XIVC-XIVC line | wire shown in (A). It is sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of the gas generator integrated in the side airbag apparatus in Embodiment 4 of this invention, (B) is sectional drawing along the XVB-XVB line | wire shown in (A), (C) is sectional drawing which followed the XVC-XVC line | wire shown in (A). It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the non-return valve of the gas generator of the side airbag apparatus in Embodiment 4 of this invention, (A) is a model in the stage where combustion of the charge transfer agent in the ignition chamber started (B) is an enlarged sectional view schematically showing a stage where combustion of the gas generant in the upper combustion chamber has started. It is sectional drawing of the gas generator in the prior art example 1. FIG. It is sectional drawing of the gas generator in the prior art example 2.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Seat, 11 Headrest, 12 Backrest part, 13 Seat part, 14 Seat frame, 14A Projection part, 14B Recessed part, 15 Side part of vehicle, 20A-20F Side airbag apparatus, 21 Air bag, 22 Upper space, 23 Lower part Space, 25 Seam, 40 Retainer, 41 Superposed part, 42, 43, 44 Cover part, 45, 46 Ejection window, 47, 48, 49 Caulking part, 47a, 49a Protruding part, 47b, 49b Abutting part, 51, 52 spacers, 55 bolts, 56 nuts, 60 connectors, 101A to 101F gas generators, 110 base parts, 111 support members, 112 igniters, 113 ignition chambers, 114 transfer agents, 115 upper side transfer paths, 115b opening surfaces, 116 Lower side heat transfer path, 116b opening surface, 117, 118, 119C 120 member, cylindrical portion, 120a groove, 120c bus, 121 gas output portion, 122 upper gas outlet, 123 upper combustion chamber, 124 gas generating agent, 125 filter member, 126 partition plate, 127 communication hole 128 Cushion material, 129 Seal member, 130 Lower cylindrical portion, 130a Groove, 130c Busbar, 131 Gas output portion, 132 Lower gas outlet, 133 Lower combustion chamber, 134 Gas generating agent, 135 Filter member, 136 Partition plate, 137 communication hole, 138 cushioning agent, 139 sealing member, 141, 142 closing member, 150 partition, 160, 165 check valve, 161, 166 protrusion, 162, 167 through hole, P occupant, Pc chest, Ph waist.

Claims (9)

A gas generator attached to the side surface of the seat frame embedded in the backrest portion of the seat, for generating and ejecting gas;
An air bag including an upper space and a lower space in which gas ejected from the gas generator is introduced and deployed;
A side airbag device that deploys the airbag between an occupant seated on the seat and a side of the vehicle,
The gas generator
A housing including an upper cylindrical portion extending upward of the seat and a lower cylindrical portion extending downward of the seat;
An igniter disposed between the upper cylindrical portion and the lower cylindrical portion of the housing;
An upper combustion chamber provided in the upper cylindrical portion, containing a gas generating agent and communicating with the igniter;
A lower combustion chamber provided in the lower cylindrical portion, containing a gas generating agent and communicating with the igniter;
An upper-side gas outlet provided in the upper-side cylindrical portion and introducing the gas generated in the upper-side combustion chamber into the upper space;
A lower gas outlet that is provided in the lower cylindrical portion and introduces the gas generated in the lower combustion chamber into the lower space;
The side airbag device in which the upper-side cylindrical portion is configured to be substantially thinner than the lower-side cylindrical portion.   The volume of the upper combustion chamber is smaller than the volume of the lower combustion chamber, so that the amount of the gas generating agent stored in the upper combustion chamber is the amount of gas generating agent stored in the lower combustion chamber. The side airbag device according to claim 1, wherein the side airbag device is less than a filling amount. The upper space is a part that protects the chest of an occupant,
The side airbag device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lower space is a portion that protects a waist portion of an occupant.   The side airbag device according to claim 3, wherein an inner pressure of the upper space is smaller than an inner pressure of the lower space when the airbag is deployed.   The upper cylindrical portion is offset from the lower cylindrical portion so that the central axis of the upper cylindrical portion is disposed closer to the seat frame than the central axis of the lower cylindrical portion. The side airbag device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the side airbag device is provided. The housing further includes a base portion that includes an ignition chamber that connects the upper-side cylindrical portion and the lower-side cylindrical portion, and stores a transfer charge and the igniter.
The ignition chamber and the upper combustion chamber communicate with each other through an upper side heat transfer path provided in the housing,
The ignition chamber and the lower combustion chamber communicate with each other through a lower side heat transfer path provided in the housing,
When the gas generating agent is ignited and burned by the transfer agent ignited by the igniter, the combustion of the gas generating agent accommodated in the upper combustion chamber is caused by the upper side transfer path and the ignition. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising suppression means for suppressing an influence on combustion of the gas generating agent accommodated in the lower combustion chamber via the chamber and the lower heat transfer path. A side airbag device according to claim 1.   In the suppression means, the upper side transmission path and the lower side transmission path are arranged so that the center line of the upper side transmission path and the center line of the lower side transmission path do not overlap on the same straight line. The side airbag device according to claim 6, wherein the side airbag device includes a staggered arrangement.   A partition wall provided between the opening surface of the upper side heat transfer path provided on the wall surface of the ignition chamber and the opening surface of the lower side heat transfer path provided on the wall surface of the ignition chamber. The side airbag device according to claim 6, comprising:   The suppression means has a check valve that is disposed at a position capable of closing the upper side heat transfer path and is driven based on a pressure difference between the upper side combustion chamber and the lower side combustion chamber. The side airbag device according to claim 6.

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