JP2011031763A - Gas generator and method for manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gas generator which is simply manufactured with excellent workability, and capable of obtaining the desired output characteristic, and effectively preventing granular gas generating agent from being pulverized. <P>SOLUTION: A cylinder type gas generator 1 includes a long cylindrical housing, a working gas production chamber and a filter chamber provided inside the housing, and an igniter 30. A first enclosing container 80 in which a demarcation member 50, a coil spring 65 as a pulverization preventive member and granular gas generating agent 62 are stored therein is arranged in the working gas production chamber. The granular gas generating agent 62 is filled in a part except a hollow part 55 of the demarcation member 50, and the coil spring 65 is inserted outside a cylindrical part 52 of the demarcation member 50, and arranged on an end on the filter chamber side of the first enclosing container 80. The coil spring 65 is elastically compressed in the axial direction, and urges the granular gas generating agent 62 toward the igniter 30 side. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gas generator incorporated in an airbag device as an occupant protection device mounted on an automobile or the like, and a manufacturing method thereof, and more specifically, a gas generator having a long cylindrical outer shape and the manufacturing thereof. Regarding the method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, airbag devices, which are occupant protection devices, have been widely used from the viewpoint of protecting occupants such as automobiles. An airbag device is installed in a vehicle or the like for the purpose of protecting an occupant from an impact caused by the collision of a vehicle or the like, and is an airbag that is deployed by instantly inflating and deploying the airbag at the time of a vehicle or the like collision. It is intended to catch the passenger's body. The gas generator is a device that is incorporated in the airbag device and inflates and deploys the airbag by instantaneously generating gas when a vehicle or the like collides.

  Gas generators of various configurations exist based on specifications such as installation positions and outputs with respect to vehicles and the like. One of them is a gas generator having a structure called “cylinder type”. The cylinder type gas generator has a long cylindrical shape, and is suitably incorporated in a side airbag device, a passenger seat airbag device, a curtain airbag device, a knee airbag device, or the like. As a gas generator having a long cylindrical outer shape, there is a so-called T-shaped gas generator other than the cylinder type gas generator.

  The cylinder type gas generator described above includes a long cylindrical housing as a pressure vessel constituting an outer shell member, an igniter assembled at one end in the axial direction of the housing, and a portion adjacent to the igniter. A working gas generation chamber provided inside the housing and a filter chamber provided inside the housing at a portion adjacent to the working gas generation chamber are provided. Among these, the working gas generation chamber contains a gas generating agent that generates working gas by burning, and the working gas cools the working gas by passing through the inside of the filter chamber and A filter for removing combustion residue (slag) contained in the working gas is accommodated. Further, the part of the housing that defines the filter chamber is provided with a gas ejection port for ejecting the working gas to the outside.

  In the cylinder type gas generator, the gas generating agent is combusted by the flame generated by the operation of the igniter, whereby a high-temperature and high-pressure working gas is generated in the working gas generation chamber. The generated high-temperature and high-pressure working gas flows into the filter chamber from the working gas generation chamber, is cooled by passing through the filter, and slag is removed, and is then ejected to the outside of the housing through the gas ejection port. The The working gas ejected from the gas ejection port is used for inflating and deploying the airbag.

  As documents that specifically disclose the configuration of this type of cylinder-type gas generator, for example, Japanese translations of PCT publication No. 2000-510792 (Patent Document 1), JP 2008-114683 A (Patent Document 2), and JP JP-A-2002-166818 (Patent Document 3), JP-A-2005-313812 (Patent Document 4), JP-A-2007-314102 (Patent Document 5), and the like. Among these, in the cylinder type gas generator disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the working gas generation chamber and the filter chamber described above are not partitioned by a partition wall such as a partition member, and the inner peripheral surface of the housing. A cylindrical filter is disposed along the gas filter, and a gas generating agent is accommodated so as to fill a hollow portion of the cylindrical filter. On the other hand, in the cylinder type gas generators disclosed in Patent Documents 3 to 5, the partition member is interposed in the axial direction of the housing, so that the space inside the housing is axially moved to the working gas generation chamber, the filter chamber, The gas generating agent and the filter are accommodated in the working gas generation chamber and the filter chamber, respectively.

  Here, as the gas generating agent accommodated in the working gas generation chamber, as disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, a disk is used as a large molded body so that it can be arranged in a line along the axial direction of the housing. Some are formed in a shape, and others are formed in a granular form as a small compact as disclosed in Patent Documents 1, 3 to 5.

  Conventionally, since a gas generating agent containing an azide compound or a tetrazole-based compound has been used, it can be sufficiently burned even when the above-described large disk-shaped pellet is used. However, when a gas generating agent containing an azide compound is used, there is a problem in terms of its toxicity, and when a gas generating agent containing a tetrazole compound is used, the combustion temperature is higher than the melting point of slag. Therefore, there is a problem in that the slag cannot be effectively captured by the filter.

  Therefore, in recent years, a cylinder type gas generator using a gas generating agent containing a guanidine-based compound as a fuel and containing basic copper nitrate as an oxidizing agent has become widespread. When a gas generating agent containing this guanidine compound and basic copper nitrate is used, there is no problem of toxicity as in the case of an azide compound, and the combustion temperature is lower than the melting point of the slag so that the slag is converted into a solid substance. There is also a merit that the filter can be effectively captured. However, in order to use the gas generating agent, it is essential to increase the surface area of the gas generating agent in order to start combustion, and in order to maintain the combustion, the internal pressure of the working gas generation chamber is considerably increased. It is essential to keep it high. Therefore, in recent years, as disclosed in Patent Documents 3 to 5, the working gas generation chamber, the filter chamber, It is becoming common to maintain the increase in internal pressure to a considerably high level by partitioning with a partition member.

  Moreover, the said patent document 3 is disclosing the cylinder type gas generator by which a bottomed cylindrical partition member is arrange | positioned in a working gas production | generation chamber (refer especially FIG. 3 of patent document 3). In the cylinder type gas generator in which the partition member is arranged in the working gas generation chamber, the granular gas generating agent is accommodated in the working gas generation chamber in the portion excluding the hollow portion of the partition member, and the igniter The particulate gas generating agent ignited by the combustion is sequentially burned from the igniter side to generate a working gas, and the generated working gas is quickly passed through the communication hole provided in the partition member, and the hollow portion of the partition member Will flow into the filter chamber. Therefore, by adopting the configuration, it is possible to prevent the unburned gas generating agent from becoming the flow resistance of the working gas, and the working gas generation chamber in the portion in which the gas generating agent is accommodated by the partition member. Is maintained at a considerably high internal pressure, and a cylinder type gas generator having excellent output characteristics can be obtained.

JP 2000-510792 A JP 2008-114683 A JP 2002-166818 A JP 2005-313812 A JP 2007-314102 A

  By the way, in the above-described cylinder type gas generator, it is necessary to prevent the gas generating agent accommodated in the working gas generating chamber from being crushed by vibration or impact. This is because, when the gas generant is pulverized by vibration or impact, the combustion characteristics (for example, the combustion speed and the combustion temperature) are originally intended when the gas generant is combusted. This is because the output characteristics of the working gas vary as a result. For this reason, in the cylinder type gas generator, a crushing prevention member that absorbs vibration, impact, etc. is arranged in the working gas generation chamber, and the gas generation agent is pressed against the wall defining the working gas generation chamber by the crushing prevention member. It is common to be configured to be energized.

  As the above-mentioned crush prevention member, as disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1, 2, and 5, a coil spring formed by winding a wire is used, and as disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 4, a disk. It is known to use a molded body of ceramic fiber formed in a shape or a cushion material made of foamed silicon or the like. In addition, in the said patent document 3, there is no description in particular about providing a crushing prevention member in a working gas production | generation chamber.

  Here, when trying to press the gas generating agent composed of small granular pellets with the anti-crushing member, the pressing of the anti-crushing member so that the granular small pellets can be uniformly pressed and urged. It is preferable that the surface is formed in a planar shape, and from this point of view, it can be said that it is preferable to use a disc-shaped cushion material as disclosed in Patent Document 4. However, when the configuration as disclosed in Patent Document 4 is adopted, the cushioning material becomes an obstruction when transmitting the flame of the igniter to the gas generating agent, and therefore the timing of ignition of the gas generating agent is delayed. Cause problems. In addition, when the cushion material is assembled, the gas generating agent is compressed while the cushioning material is elastically compressed so that the gas generating agent is appropriately pressed and biased by the elastic compression of the cushion material. An operation for filling the generation chamber with a predetermined amount is required, and this operation involves considerable difficulty.

  On the other hand, when trying to press the gas generating agent made of granular small pellets using a crushing prevention member made of a coil spring, in order to uniformly press and urge the granular small pellets, the above Patent Document 2 A plate-like pressing disk as disclosed is interposed between the coil spring and the gas generating agent, or as disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 5, the wire rod is densely arranged at the end of the coil spring on the gas generating agent side. It is necessary to form a lid-like part by winding. However, as disclosed in Patent Documents 3 to 5 described above, such a configuration is adopted in a cylinder type gas generator in which a partition member is used to partition a working gas generation chamber and a filter chamber along the axial direction of the housing. If this happens, the pressure disk or coil spring lid will become the flow resistance of the working gas that tends to flow into the filter chamber, and not only the desired working gas output characteristics will be obtained, but it will also operate rapidly. There arises a problem that the internal pressure of the gas generating chamber is increased, and the thickness of the housing needs to be increased so as to withstand the increase in the internal pressure. Similarly to the case of using the cushion material described above, when the coil spring is assembled, the coil spring is elastically compressed so that the gas generating agent is appropriately pressed and biased by elastic compression of the coil spring. However, an operation for filling the working gas generation chamber with a predetermined amount of the gas generating agent is required, and this operation involves considerable difficulty.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and can be easily manufactured with good workability, and desired output characteristics can be obtained and the granular gas generating agent can be effectively crushed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gas generator and a method for manufacturing the same that can be prevented.

  The gas generator based on this invention is provided with the housing, the ignition means, the partition member, the division member, and the crushing prevention member. The housing is formed of a long cylindrical member whose both ends in the axial direction are closed, and includes a working gas generation chamber in which a working gas is generated by burning a granular gas generating agent, and the working gas generation chamber. And a filter chamber containing a filter through which the generated working gas passes. The ignition means generates a flame for burning the granular gas generating agent, and is arranged at one end of the housing in the axial direction. The partition member is located inside the housing, and partitions a space inside the housing into the working gas generation chamber and the filter chamber in the axial direction. The partition member partitions the working gas generation chamber, and the crushing prevention member is for preventing crushing of the granular gas generating agent. The filter chamber is located on the other end side of the housing with respect to the working gas generation chamber, and the working gas that has passed through the filter is ejected to the outside of the housing to define the filter chamber. For this purpose, a plurality of gas outlets are provided. A first sealed container having a sealed storage space is disposed in the working gas generation chamber, and in the storage space of the first sealed container, the granular gas generating agent, the partition member, The said crushing prevention member is arrange | positioned. The partition member is configured by a bottomed cylindrical member having a hollow portion disposed coaxially with the housing, and from the end of the first sealed container on the partition member side of the housing. A cylindrical portion extending along the axial direction and a bottom portion that closes an end portion of the cylindrical portion on the ignition means side are included. Among these, the said bottom part is located in the said partition member side rather than the edge part by the side of the said ignition means of the said 1st airtight container. The granular gas generating agent is accommodated in the accommodating space of the first sealed container in a portion excluding the hollow portion of the partition member. The cylindrical portion is provided with a plurality of first communication holes that communicate the space in which the granular gas generating agent is accommodated with the hollow portion, and the hollow portion is provided at the center of the partition member. And a second communication hole for communicating with the filter chamber. The anti-crushing member is composed of a coil spring that can be elastically compressed in the axial direction, and is inserted into the outside of the cylindrical portion of the partition member to thereby end the filter chamber side of the first sealed container. Located in the department. Here, the anti-crushing member made of a coil spring urges the granular gas generating agent toward the ignition means.

  In the gas generator based on the said invention, it is preferable that the coil spring as said crushing prevention member is what can be elastically compressed to an axial direction by applying a magnetic field.

  In the gas generator according to the present invention, the coil spring as the anti-crushing member is preferably a conical coil spring. In that case, when the conical coil spring is elastically compressed in the axial direction, it is preferable that the conical coil spring can be elastically compressed to the thickness of the wire constituting the conical coil spring.

  In the gas generator according to the present invention, it is preferable that the partition member further includes a flange portion extending outward from an end portion of the cylindrical portion on the filter chamber side, In that case, the coil spring as the crushing prevention member abuts on the main surface of the flange portion on the ignition means side, and the main surface of the flange portion on the filter chamber side is the above-mentioned of the first sealed container. It is preferable to contact the end on the filter chamber side.

  In the gas generator according to the present invention, the housing may further include an ignition chamber in which the ignition means is disposed, and the ignition means generates a flame by burning. An igniter including an explosive and a transfer agent for transmitting a flame generated in the igniter to the granular gas generating agent may be included. In that case, it is preferable that the 2nd airtight container which has the sealed accommodation space is arrange | positioned in the said ignition chamber, and it is preferable that the said explosive charge is arrange | positioned in the said accommodation space of the said 2nd airtight container. .

  In the gas generator according to the present invention, the housing has a long bottomed cylindrical first housing member that constitutes the other end portion and the peripheral wall portion in the axial direction of the housing, and the first housing member. A second housing member that constitutes the one end of the housing by closing the open end of the housing, and in that case, the first housing member is a press formed by press-forming a rolled steel sheet. It is preferable to be comprised with a molded article. In such a configuration, the outer diameter R1 of the first housing member satisfies the condition of 15 mm ≦ R1 ≦ 20 mm, and the first communication provided closest to the bottom of the first communication holes. The distance L1 from the bottom end of the hole to the bottom satisfies the condition L1 ≦ 5 mm, and the distance L2 from the bottom to the ignition means side end of the working gas generation chamber and the working gas The diameter R2 of the generation chamber satisfies the condition of 0.026 ≦ L2 / R2 ≦ 0.71, and the diameter R3 of the hollow portion and the diameter R2 of the working gas generation chamber are 0.28 ≦ R3. It is preferable that the condition of /R2≦0.54 is satisfied.

  In the gas generator according to the present invention, the particulate gas generating agent preferably contains a guanidine compound as a fuel and basic copper nitrate as an oxidizing agent.

The manufacturing method of the gas generator based on this invention is a method for manufacturing the gas generator mentioned above, Comprising: The following processes are provided.
(A) The process of arrange | positioning the said partition member and the coil spring as said crushing prevention member inside the bottomed cylindrical cup part used as a part of said 1st airtight container.
(B) A step of elastically compressing the coil spring as the anti-crushing member by applying a magnetic field from the outside of the cup part.
(C) A step of filling the cup portion with a predetermined amount of the granular gas generating agent while maintaining a state where the coil spring as the crushing preventing member is elastically compressed.
(D) Assembling a cap portion that is a part of the first hermetic container to the cup portion in which the granular gas generating agent is accommodated while maintaining a state in which the coil spring as the crush preventing member is elastically compressed. A step of hermetically sealing the housing space constituted by the cup portion and the cap portion from the outside.
(E) A step of applying an urging force by a coil spring as the anti-fracturing member to the granular gas generating agent by releasing the application of the magnetic field.

  According to the present invention, a gas generator capable of obtaining desired output characteristics and effectively preventing the granular gas generating agent from being crushed can be easily manufactured with good workability.

It is the front view and side view of a cylinder type gas generator in one embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic cross section of the cylinder type gas generator shown in FIG. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the structure inside the 1st airtight container shown in FIG. It is the top view and side view which show the shape of the coil spring as a crushing prevention member shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. It is a schematic cross section for demonstrating the manufacturing method of the cylinder type gas generator in one embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic cross section for demonstrating the manufacturing method of the cylinder type gas generator in one embodiment of this invention. It is the top view and side view which show the shape of the coil spring as a crushing prevention member which concerns on a 1st modification. It is a perspective view which shows the state which accommodated the coil spring as a crushing prevention member which concerns on a 2nd modification in the 1st airtight container.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, one embodiment shown below illustrates the case where this invention is applied to what is called a cylinder type gas generator suitably incorporated in a side airbag device or the like.

  1A and 1B are views showing an external structure of a cylinder type gas generator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a front view and FIG. 1B is a right side view. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the cylinder type gas generator shown in FIG. 1, and is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II shown in FIGS. 1 (A) and 1 (B). FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the internal structure of the first sealed container shown in FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the shape of the coil spring as the anti-crushing member shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, FIG. 4 (A) is a plan view, and FIG. 4 (B) is a side view. Hereinafter, the external structure and internal structure of the cylinder type gas generator in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 1 (A), FIG. 1 (B), and FIG. 2, the cylinder type gas generator 1 in the present embodiment has a long cylindrical outer shape, and both ends in the axial direction are closed. It has a housing as an outer shell member. A housing as an outer shell member includes a first housing member 10 having a bottomed cylindrical shape with one side in the axial direction having a peripheral wall portion 11 and a bottom wall portion 12 closed, and in the same direction as the axial direction of the first housing member 10. And a cylindrical second housing member 20 having a penetrating portion 23 extending along. The second housing member 20 has a later-described caulking fixing groove 21 at a predetermined position on its outer peripheral surface, and the groove 21 extends along the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the second housing member 20. It is formed in an annular shape.

  The second housing member 20 is fixed to the first housing member 10 so as to close the open end of the first housing member 10. Specifically, in a state in which a part of the second housing member 20 is inserted into the opening end of the first housing member 10, a portion corresponding to the groove 21 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second housing member 20. The second housing member 20 is caulked and fixed to the first housing member 10 by reducing the diameter of the peripheral wall portion 11 of the first housing member 10 radially inward and engaging with the groove 21. As a result, one end of the housing in the axial direction is constituted by the second housing member 20, and the other end of the housing in the axial direction is constituted by the bottom wall portion 12 of the first housing member 10. become.

  The caulking and fixing is caulking and fixing that is referred to as eight-side caulking, in which the diameter of the peripheral wall portion 11 of the first housing member 10 is uniformly reduced toward the inside in the radial direction. By performing the eight-side caulking, the caulking portion 14 is provided on the peripheral wall portion 11 of the first housing member 10. If the above-described eight-side caulking is used, the airtightness inside the housing can be secured to a considerable extent without interposing a seal member between the first housing member 10 and the second housing member 20 to be caulked and fixed. .

  The first housing member 10 may be composed of a metal member such as stainless steel, steel, aluminum alloy, stainless alloy, or a bottomed cylindrical shape by pressing a rolled steel plate represented by SPCE. It may be composed of a metal press-molded product formed into a metal. In particular, when the first housing member 10 is constituted by a press-formed product of a rolled steel plate, the first housing member 10 is formed at a lower cost and more easily than when a metal member such as stainless steel or steel is used. As well as significant weight savings. On the other hand, the 2nd housing member 20 is comprised with metal members, such as stainless steel, steel, an aluminum alloy, and a stainless alloy.

  A partition member 40 is disposed in a space inside the housing constituted by the first housing member 10 and the second housing member 20. The partition member 40 partitions an internal space of the housing into a working gas generation chamber and a filter chamber in the axial direction. The working gas generation chamber is located at a substantially central portion in the axial direction of the housing, and a first sealed container 80 described later is accommodated therein. The filter chamber is located on the other end side in the axial direction of the housing (that is, on the bottom wall 12 side of the first housing member 10), and a filter 70 described later is accommodated therein.

  As shown in FIG. 2, an igniter (squib) 30 and a transfer agent (enhancer) 61 as ignition means are arranged at one end of the housing in the axial direction (that is, a portion near the second housing member 20). Yes. The igniter 30 and the transfer agent 61 as ignition means are for generating a flame for burning a granular gas generating agent 62 to be described later, and the transfer agent 61 of these is transferred to the second sealed container 90. Contained. A space inside the housing in which the igniter 30 and the second sealed container 90 are accommodated corresponds to an ignition chamber. That is, the ignition chamber is located in a portion near one end portion in the axial direction of the housing, and is defined by the peripheral wall portion 11 of the first housing member 10, the second housing member 20, and a first sealed container 80 described later. Has been.

  The igniter 30 is inserted into the through portion 23 of the second housing member 20 and fixed by caulking. More specifically, the second housing member 20 has a caulking portion 24 at an end portion facing the space inside the housing, and the igniter 30 is inserted into the through portion 23 so that the second housing member 20 is inserted. By caulking the caulking portion 24 in a state where the igniter 30 is clamped to the second housing member 20, the igniter 30 is clamped by the second housing member 20 and the igniter 30 is fixed to the second housing member 20.

  The igniter 30 is an ignition device for generating a flame, and includes a base portion 31, an ignition portion 32, and a terminal pin 33. The base 31 is a part for inserting and holding the pair of terminal pins 33, and is provided adjacent to the ignition part 32. The ignition unit 32 includes an igniting agent that ignites during operation and a resistor for burning the igniting agent. The terminal pin 33 is connected to the ignition unit 32 in order to ignite the igniting agent.

  More specifically, in the igniter 30, a pair of terminal pins 33 held by the base portion 31 are inserted into the ignition portion 32, and a resistor (bridge wire) is attached so as to connect the tips thereof. The ignition part 32 is filled with an ignition agent so as to surround the body or to be in contact with the resistor. As the resistor, nichrome wire or a resistance wire made of an alloy containing platinum and tungsten is generally used. As the igniting agent, ZPP (zirconium / potassium perchlorate) or ZWPP (zirconium / tungsten / potassium perchlorate) is generally used. ), Lead tricinate and the like are used. The squib cup that surrounds the ignition unit 32 is generally made of metal or plastic.

  When a collision is detected, a predetermined amount of current flows through the resistor via the terminal pin 33. When a predetermined amount of current flows through the resistor, Joule heat is generated in the resistor, and the ignition powder starts to burn upon receiving this heat. 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 30 is activated is 3 milliseconds or less when a nichrome wire is used as the resistor.

  As described above, the transfer charge 61 is accommodated in the second sealed container 90. The second sealed container 90 includes a bottomed cylindrical cup portion 91 and a cap portion 92 that closes the opening of the cup portion 91. The second sealed container 90 is connected to the igniter 30 at a position near one end portion in the axial direction of the housing. Interpolated to connect. In the second sealed container 90, the cup portion 91 and the cap portion 92 are combined and joined, so that an accommodation space 93 formed inside the second sealed container 90 is formed outside the second sealed container 90. It is hermetically sealed. As the cup part 91 and the cap part 92, a metal member formed by pressing a metal thin plate (foil) such as copper, aluminum, a copper alloy, or an aluminum alloy, injection molding, sheet molding, etc. The formed resin member or the like is used. In addition, brazing, bonding, winding and the like are suitably used for joining the cup portion 91 and the cap portion 92.

The explosive charge 61 is ignited by a flame generated by the operation of the igniter 30 and burns to generate heat particles. It is necessary for the transfer agent 61 to be able to reliably start the gas generating agent 62 described later. Generally, from the metal powder / oxidant represented by B / KNO ₃ or the like. A composition having a high burning rate and a high exothermic property is used, such as a composition having a higher combustion rate than the gas generating agent 62 described later. As the explosive charge 61, a powdery one, a one formed into a predetermined shape by a binder, or the like is used. Examples of the shape of the charge transfer agent formed 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.

  A cushion material 63 is disposed in the ignition chamber between the second sealed container 90 and the second housing member 20 and in the part surrounding the ignition part 32 of the igniter 30. The cushion material 63 is a member for fixing various internal components described later in the axial direction inside the housing, and at the same time, a member for absorbing the above-described variation in the axial length of the internal components. . Therefore, the cushion material 63 is sandwiched and fixed in the axial direction of the housing by the second sealed container 90 and the second housing member 20 described above. As the cushion material 63, for example, a molded body of ceramic fiber, foamed silicon, or the like can be used.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the working gas generation chamber is defined by the peripheral wall portion 11 of the first housing member 10, the second sealed container 90, and the partition member 40, and the working gas generation chamber includes the first as described above. A sealed container 80 is arranged. The first sealed container 80 includes a bottomed cylindrical cup portion 81 and a cap portion 82 that closes the opening of the cup portion 81, and is inserted into a space inside the housing. In the first sealed container 80, the storage space 83 formed inside the first sealed container 80 is formed from the outside of the first sealed container 80 by joining the cup part 81 and the cap part 82 together. It is hermetically sealed. As the cup part 81 and the cap part 82, a metal member formed by pressing a metal thin plate (foil) such as copper, aluminum, a copper alloy, and an aluminum alloy, injection molding, sheet molding, etc. The formed resin member or the like is used. In addition, brazing, bonding, winding and the like are preferably used for joining the cup portion 81 and the cap portion 82.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the accommodating space 83 of the first sealed container 80 accommodates a partition member 50, a granular gas generating agent 62, and a coil spring 65 as a crushing preventing member. In addition, illustration of the granular gas generating agent 62 is abbreviate | omitted in FIG.

  The partition member 50 is configured by a bottomed cylindrical member having a hollow portion 55 inside and closed at one end, and includes a flange portion 51, a cylindrical portion 52, and a bottom portion 53. The flange 51 is disposed at the end of the first sealed container 80 on the partition member 40 side, and the main surface of the flange 51 on the partition member 40 side is the axial direction of the first sealed container 80 on the partition member 40 side. It is in contact with the end 81a. The cylindrical portion 52 extends continuously from the inner peripheral edge of the flange portion 51, and is located so as to protrude from the end of the first sealed container 80 on the partition member 40 side toward the inside of the accommodation space 83. The bottom 53 extends continuously from the cylindrical portion 52 and closes the end of the cylindrical portion 52 on the igniter 30 side. The bottom portion 53 is disposed at a predetermined distance from the end of the first sealed container 80 on the igniter 30 side.

  Here, the above-described granular gas generating agent 62 and the coil spring 65 as a crushing preventing member are accommodated in a portion of the working gas generation chamber excluding the hollow portion 55 of the partition member 50. More specifically, the coil spring 65 as a crushing prevention member is accommodated in an end portion on the partition member 40 side in the space surrounding the cylindrical portion 52 of the partition member 50, and the granular gas generating agent 62 is Of the space surrounding the cylindrical portion 52 of the partition member 50, the space excluding the portion where the coil spring 65 is disposed, the space and the axial end of the partition member 50 and the first sealed container 80 on the igniter 30 side. Are accommodated in spaces located between the two.

  The granular gas generating agent 62 is ignited by the hot particles generated by burning the transfer charge 61 ignited by the igniter 30, and generates gas by burning. Each of the granular gas generating agents 62 is 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. The oxidizing agent is selected from basic nitrates such as basic copper nitrate, perchlorates such as ammonium perchlorate and potassium perchlorate, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, and ammonia. Nitrate containing cation 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, cellulose derivatives such as hydroxypropylene methylcellulose, organic binders such as metal salts and stearates of carboxymethylcellulose, and inorganic binders such as synthetic hydroxytalcite and 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.

  Examples of the shape of the individual gas generating agent 62 formed in a granular shape include various shapes such as a granular shape, a pellet shape, a cylindrical shape, and a disk shape. A perforated shaped body (for example, a single-hole cylindrical shape or a porous cylindrical shape) having holes inside the molded body can also be used. These shapes are preferably selected as appropriate in accordance with the specifications of the airbag apparatus in which the cylinder type gas generator 1 is incorporated. For example, the working gas generation rate changes with time during combustion of the gas generating agent 62. It is preferable to select an optimum shape according to the specification, such as selecting a shape. In addition to the shape of the gas generating agent 62, it is preferable to appropriately select the size and filling amount of the molded body in consideration of the linear combustion rate, the pressure index, and the like of the gas generating agent 62.

  As the granular gas generating agent 62, it is particularly preferable to use a gas containing a guanidine-based compound as a fuel and basic copper nitrate as an oxidizing agent. If a gas generant containing this guanidine compound and basic copper nitrate is used, there will be no toxicity problem as in the case of an azide compound, and the combustion temperature will be lower than the melting point of slag. Slag can be effectively captured by the filter as a solid matter.

  The coil spring 65 is a member for preventing the above-described granular gas generating agent 62 from being crushed by vibration or impact, and for example, a metal wire made of a magnetic material such as steel represented by spring steel is wound around the coil spring 65. Is formed so as to be elastically compressible in the axial direction. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 (A), and 4 (B), the coil spring 65 is configured by a conical coil spring having a truncated cone shape when viewed from the side, and the cylindrical shape of the partition member 50. By being inserted outside the portion 52, it is disposed adjacent to the axial end portion 81 a of the first sealed container 80. As shown in FIG. 2, the large-diameter portion 65 a located at one end in the axial direction of the coil spring 65 is in contact with the main surface on the igniter 30 side of the flange portion 51 of the partition member 50. The small diameter portion 65 b located at the other end is in contact with the granular gas generating agent 62.

  Here, the coil spring 65 is housed in the housing space 83 of the first hermetic container 80 in a state where the coil spring 65 is elastically compressed by a predetermined amount, and the granular gas generating agent 62 is moved to the igniter 30 side along the axial direction. It is energizing towards. Thereby, the granular gas generating agent 62 is pressed and urged toward the cap portion 82 of the first sealed container 80 as a whole. The small diameter portion 65 b of the coil spring 65 is located at a substantially central portion in the radial direction of the space surrounding the cylindrical portion 52 of the partition member 50, and the granular gas generating agent 62 is almost uniformly ignited by the coil spring 65. The state of being biased toward the 30 side is maintained.

  2 and 3, the cylindrical portion 52 of the partition member 50 is provided with a plurality of first communication holes 54 along the circumferential direction and the axial direction. The first communication hole 54 is a hole for communicating the space in which the granular gas generating agent 62 is accommodated with the hollow portion 55 of the partition member 50, and is configured by a hole having a smaller diameter than the granular gas generating agent 62. Has been. The first communication hole 54 is not provided in the bottom 53 of the partition member 50.

  The partition member 50 functions as a pressure partition for creating a pressure difference between the hollow portion 55 and the space in which the granular gas generating agent 62 is accommodated during operation, and has a predetermined strength. It is comprised by the member. Specifically, the partition member 50 is made of a metal member such as stainless steel, steel, an aluminum alloy, or a stainless alloy.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the partition member 40 partitions the space inside the housing into a working gas generation chamber and a filter chamber in the axial direction. The partition member 40 is disposed so as to be in contact with the first sealed container 80 described above in the space inside the housing, and has an annular plate portion 41, a cylindrical projecting portion 42, and a second communication hole 43. Yes. The annular plate portion 41 is disposed in contact with the first sealed container 80 so as to be orthogonal to the axis of the housing. The cylindrical projecting portion 42 extends continuously from the inner peripheral edge of the annular plate portion 41 and is located so as to project in a direction away from the first sealed container 80 described above. The second communication hole 43 is defined by the cylindrical protrusion 42 and is a hole for communicating the hollow portion 55 of the partition member 50 and the filter chamber.

  The partition member 40 is fitted or loosely fitted to the housing, and the housing is not subjected to caulking processing for fixing the partition member 40. Here, the fitting includes so-called press-fitting and refers to a state in which the outer peripheral end of the annular plate portion 41 of the partition member 40 is attached in a state of being in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the housing. In addition, loose fitting refers to a state in which the outer peripheral end of the annular plate portion 41 of the partition member 40 and the inner peripheral surface of the housing are not necessarily in contact with each other over the entire circumference, and are inserted with a slight gap (play). .

  The partition member 40 is attached to an end portion of the filter 70 to be described later on the working gas generation chamber side, and is sandwiched between the filter 70 and the first sealed container 80 that stores the granular gas generating agent 62 described above. Is supported inside. The partition member 40 is formed by, for example, pressing a metal plate-like member such as stainless steel, steel, an aluminum alloy, or a stainless alloy.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a filter 70 is disposed in the filter chamber defined by the peripheral wall portion 11 and the bottom wall portion 12 of the first housing member 10 and the partition member 40. The filter chamber in which the filter 70 is accommodated is provided adjacent to the working gas generation chamber via the partition member 40, and is located on the other end side of the housing with respect to the working gas generation chamber (that is, the bottom wall of the first housing member 10). Part 12 side).

  The filter 70 is formed of a cylindrical member having a hollow communication portion 71 that extends along the same direction as the axial direction of the housing and reaches the axial end surface thereof, and the end surface on the side of the working gas generation chamber in the axial direction is the partition member 40. The other end surface is in contact with the bottom wall portion 12 of the first housing member 10. The outer peripheral surface of the filter 70 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 11 of the first housing member 10. By using such a filter 70 made of a cylindrical member, the flow resistance of the working gas flowing through the filter chamber during operation can be kept low, and an efficient working gas flow can be realized.

  As the filter 70, for example, a metal wire material such as stainless steel or steel or a mesh material in which a metal wire material is knitted is wound or pressed by pressing. Specifically, a knitted wire mesh, a plain weave wire mesh, an assembly of crimped metal wires or the like is used as the mesh material. As described above, the filter 70 formed by winding or pressing the metal wire into a cylindrical shape includes a gap in the inside thereof, and enables the above-described working gas to flow. When the working gas generated in the working gas generation chamber passes through the filter 70, the filter 70 functions as a cooling means that cools the working gas by taking away the high-temperature heat of the working gas. It also functions as a removing means for removing residues (slag) and the like contained in the gas.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a gas outlet 13 is provided in the peripheral wall portion 11 of the first housing member 10 that defines the filter chamber. The gas outlet 13 is a hole for discharging the working gas generated inside the cylinder type gas generator 1 to the outside, and extends along the circumferential direction and the axial direction of the peripheral wall portion 11 of the first housing member 10. A plurality are provided.

  A female connector (not shown) is attached to the end of the cylinder type gas generator 1 on the side where the second housing member 20 is disposed. More specifically, there is a female connector in which a male connector of a harness for transmitting a signal from a collision detection sensor provided separately from the cylinder type gas generator 1 is connected to a recess 22 provided in the second housing member 20. Mounted. A shorting clip (not shown) is attached to the female connector as necessary. This shorting clip is attached in order to prevent the cylinder type gas generator 1 from malfunctioning due to electrostatic discharge or the like when the cylinder type gas generator 1 is transported. In the stage, when the male connector of the harness is inserted into the female connector, the contact with the terminal pin 33 is released.

  Next, the operation | movement at the time of the action | operation of the cylinder type gas generator 1 demonstrated above is demonstrated with reference to FIG. When a vehicle equipped with an airbag device incorporating the cylinder type gas generator 1 according to the present embodiment collides, the collision is detected by a collision detection unit provided separately in the vehicle, and ignition is performed based on this. The device 30 is activated. When the igniter 30 is activated, the pressure in the igniter 32 is increased due to combustion of the igniting agent, whereby the igniter 32 is ruptured and the flame flows out of the igniter 32.

  After the igniter 32 is ruptured, the temperature and pressure of the space surrounding the igniter 32 increase, and the second sealed container 90 is melted or ruptured. Thereby, the transfer charge 61 accommodated in the 2nd airtight container 90 is ignited and burned by the flame produced when the igniter 30 act | operates, and generates a lot of thermal particles. The large amount of generated heat particles flows into the working gas generation chamber by melting or rupturing the cap portion 82 of the first sealed container 80.

  The hot particles flowing into the working gas generation chamber ignite and burn the granular gas generating agent 62 sequentially from the side where the igniter 30 is located, thereby generating a large amount of working gas. The working gas generated in this manner passes through the first communication hole 54 provided in the partition member 50 and flows into the hollow portion 55 of the partition member 50, and the cup of the first sealed container 80 positioned at the end thereof. The axial end portion 81 a of the portion 81 is ruptured and flows into the filter chamber via the second communication hole 43 provided in the partition member 40.

  The working gas that has flowed into the filter chamber enters the filter 70 via the hollow communication portion 71 of the filter 70, passes through the filter 70, is cooled to a predetermined temperature, and is discharged from the gas outlet 13. It is ejected to the outside of the cylinder type gas generator 1. The working gas ejected from the gas ejection port 13 is guided into the airbag to inflate and deploy the airbag.

  In the cylinder type gas generator 1 according to the present embodiment, in the initial stage of combustion of the granular gas generating agent 62, the axial direction of the bottom 53 of the partition member 50 and the first sealed container 80 on the igniter 30 side. A portion of the gas generating agent 62 located between the end portions is sequentially burned from the side where the second hermetic container 90 is located, and the internal pressure of the portion excluding the hollow portion 55 of the working gas generating chamber rapidly rises to generate gas. A considerably high pressure suitable for the combustion of the agent 62 is reached, thereby promoting the combustion of the gas generating agent 62, and the working gas flows without being disturbed by the unburned gas generating agent 62. It flows into the hollow portion 55 via the first communication hole 54 provided in the cylindrical portion 52 of the partition member 50.

  Then, after the initial stage of combustion of the granular gas generating agent 62 is completed, the portion of the gas generating agent 62 located in the space surrounding the cylindrical portion 52 of the partition member 50 is from the side where the second sealed container 90 is positioned. Sequential combustion is performed, the working gas is stably generated while maintaining the internal pressure of the working gas generation chamber except for the hollow portion 55, and the flow of the generated working gas is inhibited by the unburned gas generating agent 62. The working gas flows into the hollow portion 55 via the first communication hole 54 provided in the cylindrical portion 52 of the partition member 50 without any problem.

  Therefore, by adopting a configuration like the cylinder type gas generator 1 in the present embodiment, the function of the partition member 50 prevents the unburned gas generating agent from becoming the flow resistance of the working gas. As a result, a cylinder type gas generator having excellent output characteristics can be obtained.

  Here, in order to obtain a cylinder type gas generator having excellent output characteristics as described above, it is positioned between the bottom 53 of the partition member 50 and the axial end of the first sealed container 80 on the igniter 30 side. It is extremely important to accurately adjust the filling amount of the gas generating agent 62 in the portion to be a predetermined amount. This is because, when the filling amount of the gas generating agent 62 in the portion is insufficient, the internal pressure rise in the portion excluding the hollow portion 55 of the working gas generation chamber is not sufficient in the initial stage of combustion, and as a result, the subsequent gas generation This is because the combustion state of the agent 62 is greatly affected, and as a result, desired output characteristics cannot be obtained.

  Therefore, when the anti-crushing member is disposed at the axial end of the first sealed container 80 on the igniter 30 side, the bottom 53 of the partition member 50 and the igniter 30 side of the first sealed container 80 are disposed. Since it becomes difficult to accurately adjust the filling amount of the gas generating agent 62 in the portion located between the axial ends, in the cylinder type gas generator 1 in the present embodiment, The coil spring 65 is arranged at a portion near the other axial end 81a of the first sealed container 80. Then, by energizing the granular gas generating agent 62 toward the igniter 30 by the coil spring 65, the bottom 53 of the partition member 50 and the axial end of the first sealed container 80 on the igniter 30 side are formed. It is possible to adjust the filling amount of the gas generating agent 62 in the portion located between them to ensure a predetermined amount.

  Further, by adopting the above-described configuration, crushing prevention that may inhibit the combustion of the gas generating agent 62 between the bottom 53 of the partition member 50 and the axial end of the first airtight container 80 on the igniter 30 side. Since the members are not disposed, the gas generating agent 62 is ignited more quickly, and the gas output can be obtained without delay after the igniter 30 is operated.

  In addition, by adopting the above configuration, the space at the end of the working gas generation chamber on the filter chamber side is partitioned in the radial direction by the cylindrical portion 52 of the partition member 50, and the granular gas generating agent 62. Since the space in which the gas is filled has an annular shape, the cylindrical gas spring 65 is used as a crushing prevention member, so that the granular gas generating agent 62 is urged more uniformly toward the igniter 30 side. It becomes possible. Accordingly, there is no need to provide a lid-like portion at the end of the coil spring 65 on the igniter 30 side, or to dispose a plate-like pressing disk between the coil spring 65 and the granular gas generating agent 62. Can be simplified.

  Moreover, in the cylinder type gas generator 1 in this Embodiment demonstrated above, the crushing prevention member which prevents the crushing by pressing and energizing the granular gas generating agent 62 with the coil spring 65 which consists of magnetic materials is used. It is configured to be disposed at the end of the first sealed container 80 on the filter chamber side by being inserted inside the first sealed container 80 and outside the cylindrical portion 52 of the partition member 50. By adopting such a configuration, in the cylinder type gas generator 1 according to the present embodiment, a method for manufacturing the cylinder type gas generator according to the present embodiment as described below can be realized.

  5 and 6 are schematic cross-sectional views for explaining a method for manufacturing the cylinder type gas generator in the present embodiment. Next, with reference to these FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the manufacturing method of the cylinder type gas generator in this Embodiment is demonstrated.

  When manufacturing the cylinder-type gas generator 1 in the present embodiment, first, as shown in FIG. 5A, a bottomed cylindrical cup portion 81 that is a part of the first sealed container 80 is prepared, The partition member 50 and the coil spring 65 are disposed inside the cup portion 81. More specifically, the partition member 50 is inserted into the cup portion 81 through the opening of the cup portion 81, and the flange portion 51 of the partition member 50 is brought into contact with the axial end portion 81 a that is the bottom wall of the cup portion 81. Make contact. Thereafter, the coil spring 65 is inserted into the cup portion 81 through the opening of the cup portion 81 so that the coil spring 65 is positioned outside the cylindrical portion 52 of the partition member 50, and the large-diameter portion 65 a of the coil spring 65. Is brought into contact with the flange portion 51 of the partition member 50. Here, by configuring the outer diameter of the large-diameter portion 65a of the coil spring 65 to be the same as or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the cup portion 81, the coil spring 65 can be positioned and assembled inside the cup portion 81. become. Instead of the above, a coil spring 65 may be extrapolated to the partition member 50 in advance, and this may be inserted into the cup portion 81.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5B, a magnetic field is applied toward the space inside the cup portion 81 by bringing the permanent magnet 100 from the outside of the cup portion 81 close to the axial end portion 81 a of the cup portion 81. To do. As a result, the coil spring 65 accommodated in the cup portion 81 is magnetized and elastically compressed in the direction of the arrow A1 in the figure, and the outer shape in the axial direction is reduced.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5C, while maintaining the state where the coil spring 65 is elastically compressed (that is, while maintaining the state where the permanent magnet 100 is brought close to the axial end portion 81a of the cup portion 81), A predetermined amount of the granular gas generating agent 62 is filled into the space inside the cup portion 81. At this time, more preferably, the cup part 81 is lightly vibrated so that the granular gas generating agent 62 is more densely filled in the space inside the cup part 81 and the space surrounding the partition member 50 without a gap. To do. However, when vibration is applied to the cup portion 81, it is necessary to make the vibration sufficiently weak so that the granular gas generating agent 62 is not crushed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6A, while maintaining the state where the coil spring 65 is elastically compressed (that is, while maintaining the state where the permanent magnet 100 is brought close to the axial end portion 81a of the cup portion 81), The cap part 82 is assembled so as to close the opening of the cup part 81, and the space inside the cup part 81 is hermetically sealed from the outside. For assembling the cap portion 82 to the cup portion 81, as described above, brazing, bonding, winding and the like are preferably used.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6B, the permanent magnet 100 is moved away from the axial end portion 81a of the cup portion 81, and the magnetic field applied toward the space inside the cup portion 81 is removed to remove the coil spring 65. Release the magnetization of. As a result, the coil spring 65 is restored in the direction of the arrow A2 in the drawing, and the outer shape in the axial direction is enlarged. At that time, the granular gas generating agent 62 is pushed up toward the cap portion 82 side of the first hermetic container 80 by the restoring force of the coil spring 65 and is urged toward the cap portion 82 as a whole. .

  As described above, a desired amount of the granular gas generating agent 62 is supplied to the first sealed container 80 while realizing a state in which the granular gas generating agent 62 is pressed and urged with an appropriate urging force by the coil spring 65 as an anti-crushing member. It is possible to easily fill the storage space 83 of the storage space. That is, by filling the granular gas generating agent 62 while applying a magnetic field to the coil spring 65 and compressing it, the first sealed container 80 and the partition member housed in the working gas generating chamber with good workability and simplicity. 50, it is possible to manufacture a subassembly including a granular gas generant 62 and a coil spring 65. In the above description, the case where the permanent magnet 100 is used as the means for applying the magnetic field is illustrated, but it is naturally possible to use an electromagnet or the like instead.

  Thereafter, although not shown and described, the filter 70, the partition member 40, the first sealed container 80, the second sealed container 90, and the cushion material 63 are sequentially inserted into the first housing member 10 in this order. Further, the opening end of the first housing member 10 is closed by the second housing member 20 to which the igniter 30 is assembled, and the first housing member 10 is caulked and fixed to the second housing member 20, and FIG. 1 and FIG. The manufacture of the cylinder type gas generator 1 in the present embodiment as shown in FIG.

  As described above, by adopting the cylinder type gas generator and the manufacturing method thereof in the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain desired output characteristics and effectively prevent the granular gas generating agent from being crushed. It is possible to easily and easily manufacture a cylinder type gas generator capable of being manufactured with good workability.

  Further, in the cylinder type gas generator 1 in the present embodiment, since the gas generating agent 62 and the transfer agent 61 are sealed in the first sealed container 80 and the second sealed container 90, respectively, these chemicals are sealed in advance. By enclosing in a container, not only the assembly work of the cylinder-type gas generator 1 is facilitated, but it is also unnecessary to separately perform a hermetic treatment on the housing, and the number of parts can be reduced and the configuration can be simplified. become. In addition, in the cylinder type gas generator 1 in the present embodiment, since the partition member 50 and the coil spring 65 are sealed in advance in the first sealed container 80 in addition to the gas generating agent 62, the cylinder type gas generator is provided. The effect of further facilitating the assembly work of 1 can also be obtained.

  Further, in the cylinder type gas generator 1 according to the present embodiment, as described above, it is not necessary to perform the sealing process for hermetically sealing the gas generating agent 62 and the transfer agent 61 on the housing. The outer shape of the housing can be reduced by that amount (that is, the diameter can be reduced or shortened), or the thickness of the housing can be increased by that amount to improve the pressure resistance, resulting in a reduction in size. In addition, a cylinder type gas generator having a structure advantageous for high pressure resistance can be obtained.

  In addition, by using the cylinder type gas generator 1 in the present embodiment, the working gas generated in the working gas generation chamber does not flow in the axial direction of the housing but flows in the radial direction of the housing. Since it flows into the hollow portion 55 of the partition member 50 via the communication hole 54 and then flows into the filter chamber via the second communication hole 43, the gas generating agent during combustion or unburned gas The amount of solid residue generated when the generating agent is destroyed by the flow of the working gas is greatly suppressed, and the solid residue is further broken down by the flow of the working gas to become a minute residue. As a result, the load on the filter 70 is greatly reduced. Therefore, the filter 70 can be downsized, and a small and lightweight cylinder type gas generator can be obtained.

  In the above-described cylinder-type gas generator 1 in the present embodiment, referring to FIG. 2, when the outer diameter of the first housing member 10 is R1, the R1 is 15 mm ≦ R1 ≦ 20 mm. It is preferable that the conditions are satisfied.

  In the cylinder-type gas generator 1 according to the present embodiment described above, referring to FIG. 2, the distance from the bottom 53 of the partition member 50 to the end of the first sealed container 80 on the igniter 30 side (the relevant The distance corresponds to the axial length of the working gas generation chamber in the portion where the partition member 50 is not located, and the axis of the portion in which the gas generating agent 62 is filled throughout the radial direction of the working gas generation chamber. L2 is the length in the direction), and the diameter of the working gas generation chamber (more specifically, the diameter of the portion of the working gas generation chamber filled with the gas generating agent 62, that is, the inner diameter of the first sealed container 80). When R is R2, it is preferable that these L2 and R2 satisfy the condition of 0.026 ≦ L2 / R2 ≦ 0.71.

  Moreover, in the cylinder type gas generator 1 in this Embodiment mentioned above, with reference to FIG. 2, the diameter of the hollow part 55 of the division member 50, ie, the internal diameter of the cylindrical part 52 of the division member 50 was set to R3. In this case, it is preferable that R2 and R3 described above satisfy the condition of 0.28 ≦ R3 / R2 ≦ 0.54.

  In addition, in the cylinder type gas generator 1 in the present embodiment described above, referring to FIG. 2, the first communication hole provided closest to the bottom 53 among the first communication holes 54, the bottom 53 side. When the distance from the end portion to the bottom portion 53 is L1, it is preferable that the L1 satisfies the condition of L1 ≦ 5 mm.

  By satisfying these conditions, even when the first housing member 10 is configured using a press-formed product of a rolled steel plate, the housing can be prevented from being damaged while promoting the combustion of the gas generating agent 62. . Specifically, by satisfying the above conditions, the internal pressure of the working gas generation chamber can be appropriately maintained after the initial stage of combustion of the gas generating agent 62 and after the completion of the initial stage. In addition, unintended deformation of the first housing member 10 made of a press-formed product of a rolled steel plate can be suppressed. Therefore, even when the first housing member 10 is configured using a press-formed product of a rolled steel plate, a cylinder-type gas generator that achieves a desired output characteristic by satisfying the above conditions can be achieved. It can be.

  Here, when L2 and R2 described above are L2 / R2 <0.026, it has been experimentally confirmed that the maximum internal pressure of the working gas generation chamber is less than 35 MPa. As a result, the desired gas output cannot be obtained, and the airbag may be insufficiently expanded and deployed. On the other hand, when L2 and R2 described above are 0.71 <L2 / R2, it has been experimentally confirmed that the maximum internal pressure of the working gas generation chamber exceeds 90 MPa. There is a possibility that unintended deformation may occur in the first housing member 10 made of a press-formed product of a steel plate. In order to ensure more reliable and stable operation, it is more preferable that the above-described L2 and R2 satisfy the condition of 0.053 ≦ L2 / R2 ≦ 0.57.

  Further, when R3 and R2 described above satisfy R3 / R2 <0.28, it has been experimentally confirmed that the maximum internal pressure of the working gas generation chamber exceeds 90 MPa. There is a possibility that unintended deformation may occur in the first housing member 10 made of a press-formed product of a steel plate. On the other hand, when R3 and R2 described above are 0.54 <R3 / R2, it has been experimentally confirmed that the maximum internal pressure of the working gas generation chamber is less than 35 MPa. There is a possibility that the desired gas output cannot be obtained and the airbag is not sufficiently expanded and deployed. In order to guarantee more reliable and stable operation, it is more preferable that R3 and R2 described above satisfy the condition of 0.32 ≦ R3 / R2 ≦ 0.43.

  In the above-described cylinder type gas generator 1 in the present embodiment, the case where the conical coil spring having the shape as shown in FIG. 4 is used as the crushing prevention member is exemplified, but conical coil springs having other shapes may be used. Is possible. 7A and 7B are views showing the shape of a coil spring as a crushing preventing member according to the first modification. FIG. 7A is a plan view and FIG. 7B is a side view. FIG. 8 is a view showing the shape of a coil spring as a crush preventing member according to a second modification, and is a perspective view of the coil spring housed in a first sealed container.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the coil spring 65A as the crush preventing member according to the first modification is so arranged that the wires constituting the coil spring 65A do not overlap each other when viewed from above. Is formed. If the coil spring 65A formed in this way is used, when the magnetic field is applied to elastically compress the coil spring 65A in the axial direction, the axial size can be reduced to the thickness of the wire constituting the coil spring 65A. Can do. Therefore, it is possible to secure a larger space inside the cup portion 81 when filling the granular gas generating agent 62, and the workability at the time of assembly is further improved.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the coil spring 65B as the anti-crushing member according to the second modification differs from the coil spring 65 shown in FIG. 4 described above in that the positions of the large diameter portion 65a and the small diameter portion 65b are reversed in the axial direction. is doing. That is, the small diameter portion 65b of the coil spring 65B is in contact with the flange portion 51 of the partition member 50, and the large diameter portion 65a of the coil spring 65B is in contact with the granular gas generating agent 62 (not shown in FIG. 8). Also in this case, the same effect as the case where the coil spring 65 shown in FIG. 4 described above is used can be obtained. In this case, the coil spring 65B is positioned by attaching the small diameter portion 65b of the coil spring 65B to the root portion of the cylindrical portion 52 (that is, the end of the cylindrical portion 52 on the flange portion 51 side). It is preferable that the large-diameter portion 65a of the coil spring 65B is positioned at a substantially central portion in the radial direction of the space surrounding the cylindrical portion 52 of the partition member 50. It is preferable.

  In addition, although not shown in detail in the drawing, the coil spring as the anti-crushing member includes various coil springs such as a cylindrical coil spring, a barrel-shaped coil spring, and a drum-shaped coil spring. Can be used. In addition, if a so-called unequal pitch spring is used as the coil spring, it is possible to suppress the coil spring from resonating with a periodic vibration generated in a vehicle or the like, and to more reliably prevent the generation of noise and the crushing of the granular gas generating agent. it can.

  In the embodiment described above, it has been described that the case where the first housing member is constituted by a press-formed product formed by press-molding a rolled steel plate is particularly suitable. You may comprise by the molded product formed by carrying out the closing process of one of the axial direction edge parts of the seamless pipe formed by drawing-molding the 1st housing member, or an electric-welded pipe.

  Further, in the embodiment described above, the igniter has been described by exemplifying one using a nichrome wire as a resistor as a heat source, but a so-called semiconductor bridge is used as a heat source. It is also possible to use an igniter to be used. When an igniter that uses the semiconductor bridge as a heat source is used, a cylinder type gas generator that can obtain a gas output more quickly during operation can be obtained.

  In the embodiment described above, a cylinder type gas generator in which a charge transfer agent is loaded in order to promote the combustion of the gas generation agent has been described as an example. It is not an essential configuration, and it is possible to eliminate the need to load a transfer charge by improving the sensitivity of the gas generating agent for starting combustion. Moreover, also when employ | adopting the structure which loads a transfer charge to a cylinder type gas generator, it is also possible to integrate the said transfer charge in an igniter, and to assemble | attach.

  Further, in the embodiment described above, the cylinder type gas generator formed by connecting the first housing member and the second housing member by caulking and fixing is described as an example. Of course, welding may be used to fix the housing member and the second housing member.

  Further, in the embodiment described above, the case where the present invention is applied to a cylinder type gas generator incorporated in a side airbag device is described as an example. It is not limited, and it has a long gas output section like a cylinder type gas generator or a cylinder type gas generator incorporated in a passenger airbag device, curtain airbag device, knee airbag device, etc. This can also be applied to a so-called T-shaped gas generator.

  As described above, the above-described embodiment and its modified examples disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. 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.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cylinder-type gas generator, 10 1st housing member, 11 Perimeter wall part, 12 Bottom wall part, 13 Gas outlet, 14 Caulking part, 20 2nd housing member, 21 Groove, 22 Recessed part, 23 Through part, 24 Caulking part , 30 igniter, 31 base part, 32 ignition part, 33 terminal pin, 40 partition member, 41 annular plate part, 42 cylindrical projection part, 43 second communication hole, 50 partition member, 51 flange part, 52 cylindrical part, 53 bottom part, 54 first communication hole, 55 hollow part, 61 explosive agent, 62 gas generating agent, 63 cushion material, 65, 65A, 65B coil spring, 65a large diameter part, 65b small diameter part, 70 filter, 71 hollow communication part, 80 1st airtight container, 81 cup part, 81a axial direction edge part, 82 cap part, 83 accommodation space, 90 2nd airtight container, 91 cup part, 9 Cap, 93 housing space, 100 a permanent magnet.

Claims (9)

A working gas generation chamber in which a working gas is generated by burning a granular gas generating agent, and a filter chamber in which a filter through which the working gas generated in the working gas generation chamber passes is housed, A long cylindrical housing that is closed at both ends in the direction;
An ignition means disposed at one end of the housing in the axial direction and generating a flame for burning the particulate gas generating agent;
A partition member located inside the housing and partitioning the space inside the housing into the working gas generation chamber and the filter chamber in the axial direction;
A partition member that partitions the working gas generation chamber;
A crush prevention member for preventing crushing of the granular gas generating agent,
The filter chamber is located on the other end side of the housing from the working gas generation chamber,
A portion defining the filter chamber of the housing is provided with a plurality of gas jets for ejecting the working gas that has passed through the filter to the outside.
In the working gas generation chamber, a first sealed container having a sealed storage space is disposed,
In the storage space of the first sealed container, the granular gas generating agent, the partition member, and the crush prevention member are arranged,
The partition member is configured by a bottomed cylindrical member having a hollow portion arranged coaxially with the housing, and from the end of the first sealed container on the partition member side in the axial direction of the housing A cylindrical portion extending along the bottom, and a bottom portion that closes an end of the cylindrical portion on the ignition means side,
The bottom portion is located closer to the partition member than the end on the ignition means side of the first sealed container,
The granular gas generating agent is accommodated in the accommodating space of the first sealed container in a portion excluding the hollow portion of the partition member,
The cylindrical portion is provided with a plurality of first communication holes that communicate the space in which the granular gas generating agent is stored and the hollow portion,
A second communication hole for communicating the hollow portion and the filter chamber is provided in the central portion of the partition member,
The anti-crushing member is composed of a coil spring that can be elastically compressed in the axial direction, and is inserted into the outer side of the cylindrical portion of the partition member so that the filter chamber side end of the first sealed container A gas generator located and energizing the particulate gas generating agent toward the ignition means.   The gas generator according to claim 1, wherein the coil spring as the anti-crushing member is capable of elastic compression in the axial direction when a magnetic field is applied.   The gas generator according to claim 1, wherein the coil spring as the crushing prevention member is a conical coil spring.   The gas generator according to claim 3, wherein the conical coil spring can be elastically compressed to the thickness of a wire constituting the conical coil spring when elastically compressed in the axial direction. The partition member further includes a flange portion extending outward from an end portion of the cylindrical portion on the filter chamber side,
A coil spring as the anti-crushing member contacts the main surface of the flange portion on the ignition means side, and the main surface of the flange portion on the filter chamber side is the end of the first sealed container on the filter chamber side. The gas generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gas generator is in contact with the portion. The housing further includes an ignition chamber in which the ignition means is disposed,
The ignition means includes an igniter including an igniter that generates a flame by burning, and a transfer agent for transmitting the flame generated in the igniter to the granular gas generating agent,
In the ignition chamber, a second sealed container having a sealed storage space is disposed,
The gas generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the transfer charge is disposed in the accommodation space of the second sealed container. The housing has a long bottomed cylindrical first housing member that constitutes the other axial end of the housing and a peripheral wall portion, and the one end of the housing by closing an open end of the first housing member. A second housing member constituting the part,
The first housing member is constituted by a press-formed product formed by press-forming a rolled steel plate,
The outer diameter R1 of the first housing member satisfies a condition of 15 mm ≦ R1 ≦ 20 mm,
The distance L1 from the bottom side end of the first communication hole provided closest to the bottom among the first communication holes satisfies the condition of L1 ≦ 5 mm,
The distance L2 from the bottom to the end of the working gas generation chamber on the ignition means side and the diameter R2 of the working gas generation chamber satisfy the condition of 0.026 ≦ L2 / R2 ≦ 0.71.
The gas according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a diameter R3 of the hollow portion and a diameter R2 of the working gas generation chamber satisfy a condition of 0.28 ≦ R3 / R2 ≦ 0.54. Generator.   The gas generator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the particulate gas generating agent includes a guanidine-based compound as a fuel and basic copper nitrate as an oxidizing agent. It is a manufacturing method of the gas generator according to claim 2,
A step of disposing a coil spring as the partition member and the anti-crushing member inside a bottomed cylindrical cup portion that becomes a part of the first closed container;
A step of elastically compressing a coil spring as the anti-fracturing member by applying a magnetic field from the outside of the cup part;
A step of filling a predetermined amount of the granular gas generating agent inside the cup portion while maintaining a state where the coil spring as the crushing prevention member is elastically compressed;
These cups are assembled by assembling a cap portion that becomes a part of the first hermetic container to the cup portion in which the granular gas generating agent is accommodated while maintaining a state in which the coil spring as the crush preventing member is elastically compressed. A step of hermetically sealing the housing space constituted by a portion and a cap portion from the outside;
And a step of applying an urging force by a coil spring as the crush preventing member to the granular gas generating agent by releasing the application of the magnetic field.

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