JP2012254728A - Gas generator and cushion material for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gas generator that can be inexpensively manufactured in a small size to sufficiently obtain a crushing prevention function of gas generating agent.SOLUTION: This disk type gas generator 100 includes: a housing including a combustion chamber 140 stored with the gas generating agent 141 therein; an igniter 130 mounted in the housing to burn the gas generating agent 141 by an operation; and a sheet-like cushion material 1A arranged in the combustion chamber 140 to prevent crushing of the gas generating agent 141. The sheet-like cushion material 1A is constituted of a foam body having a material selected from a group constituted of polyurethane resin, polypropylene resin and chloroprene rubber as a main component, and the cushion material 1A is interposed between a wall surface stipulating the combustion chamber 140 and the gas generating agent 141 so that the gas generating agent 141 is elastically energized along the thickness direction.

Description

  The present invention is used in a gas generator so as to cover a part of a wall surface defining a combustion chamber in which the gas generating agent is accommodated in order to prevent the gas generating agent from being crushed by vibration or impact. The present invention relates to a sheet-like cushion material for a gas generator (hereinafter also simply referred to as a cushion material) and a gas generator including the same.

  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. The airbag device is equipped for the purpose of protecting the occupant from the impact generated when the vehicle or the like collides. The airbag is inflated and deployed instantaneously when the vehicle or the like collides, so that the airbag becomes a cushion of the occupant. It is to catch the body.

  The gas generator is incorporated in the airbag device, and igniters (squibs) are ignited by energization from the control unit (actuator) in the event of a vehicle collision, etc., and the gas generating agent is combusted by the flame generated in the igniter. This is a device that instantaneously generates the gas and thereby inflates and deploys the airbag.

  There are various types of gas generators, but there is a disk-type gas generator as a gas generator suitably used for a driver side airbag device, a side airbag device, a curtain airbag device, There is a cylinder type gas generator as a gas generator suitably used for a passenger side airbag device, a knee airbag device and the like.

  Generally, in a gas generator, it is necessary to prevent the gas generating agent accommodated in the housing from being crushed by vibration or impact. This is because when the gas generating agent is pulverized by pulverization, the surface area of the gas generating agent changes, so that the combustion characteristics (for example, the combustion speed and combustion temperature) of the gas generating agent are originally intended. This is because the output characteristics of the gas generator vary.

  Therefore, normally, the gas generator is provided with a cushion material as a crushing prevention member that absorbs vibration, impact, and the like. Examples of the cushion material are disclosed in JP-A-11-59315 (Patent Document 1), JP-A 2008-183939 (Patent Document 2), JP-A 2010-260388 (Patent Document 3), and the like. As described above, in many cases, a sheet formed of a ceramic fiber or foamed silicone molded body is used.

  The sheet-like cushion material is disposed so as to cover a part of a wall surface that defines a combustion chamber in which the gas generating agent is accommodated, and is compressed by being sandwiched between the wall surface and the gas generating agent. Embedded in. As a result, the gas generating agent is elastically urged and supported in a predetermined direction by the restoring force of the sheet-like cushioning material, thereby suppressing vibration, impact, etc. from being applied to the gas generating agent. The crushing is effectively prevented.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-59315 JP 2008-183939 A JP 2010-260388 A

  However, the conventional gas generator provided with a cushion material made of a ceramic fiber or foamed silicone molded body as described above has the following problems.

  First, since the cushion material is arranged and used in the combustion chamber in which the gas generating agent is accommodated as described above, the total amount of the gas generating agent that can be accommodated in the combustion chamber by arranging the cushion material is as follows. There was a problem that it naturally decreased and the gas generator was enlarged. From this point of view, it is preferable to make the cushioning material as thin as possible. However, when the cushioning material is simply made thin, the above-described function of preventing the crushing of the gas generating agent itself is impaired. Will end up. In particular, a cushion material made of a ceramic fiber molded body has a relatively small compression rate in the first place.

  Secondly, when a cushion material made of a ceramic fiber molded body is used, this is a relatively heavy member, which leads to an increase in the weight of the gas generator. Furthermore, the cushion material made of a ceramic fiber molded body has a small compressibility as described above, so that the crushing margin at the time of assembling is small, and the assembling work becomes difficult. When the specification is changed, it is necessary to change the thickness in accordance with the change of the specification, and there is a problem that flexibility as a part does not work.

  Thirdly, a cushion material made of a molded body of ceramic fiber or foamed silicone is relatively expensive, and therefore has a problem of pressing the manufacturing cost of the gas generator.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides a small and inexpensive gas generator capable of sufficiently obtaining a gas generating agent crush prevention function. In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive cushioning material for a gas generator that can sufficiently exhibit a function of preventing the crushing of a gas generating agent and can be sufficiently exhibited.

  The inventor of the present invention pays attention to the fact that each of the conventional gas generator cushion materials described above is mainly composed of a non-flammable or flame retardant material. We conducted intensive research to find out if the problem could be solved by changing to what we do. In other words, if the cushion material can be changed to a material whose main component is an easily combustible material, not only the gas generating agent but also the cushion material is combusted when the gas generator is operated. The gas generated by combustion supplements the gas generated by the combustion of the gas generant, thereby reducing the amount of gas generant filling, and consequently reducing the size of the gas generator. Will be possible. Further, if the easily combustible material is relatively inexpensive and has a high compression ratio, the gas generator cushioning material can be manufactured at low cost, and is made thin after assembly. As a result, the gas generator can be made small and inexpensive.

  Therefore, the present inventor has actually made a prototype of a cushioning material using various types of easily combustible materials, and verified whether the above problems can be solved when the cushioning material is incorporated in a gas generator and used. In addition, the present inventors have completed the present invention by verifying whether or not this has characteristics required for use in a gas generator.

  A gas generator according to the present invention includes a housing that includes a combustion chamber in which a gas generating agent is accommodated, an igniter that is attached to the housing and operates to burn the gas generating agent, and the combustion chamber. And a seat-like cushion material arranged. The cushion material is made of a foam mainly composed of a material selected from the group consisting of polyurethane resin, polypropylene resin and chloroprene rubber, and the gas generating agent is elastic along the thickness direction of the cushion material. The gas generating agent is interposed between a wall surface defining the combustion chamber and the gas generating agent.

  In the gas generator according to the present invention, it is preferable that the housing is configured by a cylindrical member whose both ends in the axial direction are closed. In this case, the cushion material is the housing. Preferably, the gas generating agent is arranged so as to cover a wall surface that intersects the axial direction of the housing among the wall surfaces defining the combustion chamber so that the gas generating agent is elastically biased along the axial direction.

  In the gas generator according to the present invention, the outer shape of the cushion material is preferably a disc shape or an annular flat plate shape.

  The cushioning member for a gas generator according to the present invention is interposed between a wall surface defining a combustion chamber in which the gas generating agent is accommodated and the gas generating agent so as to elastically bias the gas generating agent in a predetermined direction. It is a sheet-like material that is used, and is composed of a foamed body mainly composed of a material selected from the group consisting of polyurethane resin, polypropylene resin and chloroprene rubber.

  The gas generator cushion material according to the present invention preferably has a disc shape or an annular flat plate shape.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the gas generator which can be manufactured inexpensively with the small which can fully obtain the crushing prevention function of a gas generating agent can be provided, and also the crushing of a gas generating agent can be provided. It is possible to provide a cushioning material for a gas generator that is capable of sufficiently exhibiting the prevention function and has a high compression rate and is inexpensive.

It is a schematic perspective view of the cushion material for gas generators in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a schematic cross section of the disk type gas generator in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is the table | surface which put together the result in various verification tests. It is the graph which compared the gas output obtained when using the cushion material for gas generators concerning Example 1 and the gas output obtained when using the cushion material for gas generators concerning a comparative example. It is the graph which compared the gas output obtained when using the cushion material for gas generators concerning Example 2, and the gas output obtained when using the cushion material for gas generators concerning a comparative example. It is the graph which compared the gas output obtained when using the cushion material for gas generators concerning Example 3, and the gas output obtained when using the cushion material for gas generators concerning a comparative example. Gas components generated when the gas generator cushions according to Examples 1 to 3 are used and their contents, and gas components generated when the gas generator cushions according to Comparative Examples are used and their contents It is the table | surface which compared quantity. It is a schematic perspective view of the cushion material for gas generators in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a schematic cross section of the cylinder type gas generator in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment described below, a case where the present invention is applied to a so-called disk-type gas generator and a cushion material provided therein is exemplified as Embodiment 1, and is provided in a so-called cylinder-type gas generator and the same. A case where the present invention is applied to a cushion material is exemplified as a second embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
1 is a schematic perspective view of a gas generator cushion material according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. First, a gas generator cushion material 1A according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the gas generator cushion material 1 </ b> A in the present embodiment is made of a sheet-like member having a predetermined thickness, and more specifically, the outer shape having an opening 2 at the center is an annular shape. It consists of a flat sheet-like member. The cushion material 1A is used by being incorporated in a disk-type gas generator 100 described later so as to elastically urge the gas generating agent in a predetermined direction. For example, one main surface 3 of the cushion material 1A is a combustion chamber. Are arranged so as to face the wall surface that defines the gas generating agent, and the other main surface 4 is arranged so as to face the gas generating agent.

  Cushioning material 1A includes a foam mainly composed of a polyurethane resin (generally referred to as “soft urethane foam”), a foam mainly composed of a polypropylene resin (generally referred to as “foamed polypropylene”), and chloroprene rubber. It is comprised by the molded object in any one of the foams (it is generally called a "chloroprene rubber foam"). Note that these flexible urethane foam, foamed polypropylene and chloroprene rubber foam are all flammable materials and flexible materials having a high compressibility. In addition, these flexible urethane foams, foamed polypropylene and chloroprene rubber foams have a low shrinkage and excellent stability even when exposed to high temperature environments for a long time, and are relatively light and inexpensive. Can be produced.

  The structure of these foams constituting the cushion material 1A may be a closed-cell porous body or an open-cell porous body. Moreover, when composing cushion material 1A with a flexible urethane foam, it may be a polyether-based flexible urethane foam produced using a polyether polyol, or a polyester produced using a polyester polyol. A flexible polyurethane foam may be used.

  As the thickness of the cushion material 1A (thickness t1 shown in the figure), the foam material constituting the cushion material 1A (that is, the above-mentioned soft urethane foam, foamed polypropylene, or chloroprene rubber foam) Or the foaming ratio, the shape of the gas generating agent that should be prevented from being crushed by the cushion material 1A, and the like. Preferably, the function of preventing the gas generating agent from being crushed is required for the cushion material 1A. The thickness is made as thin as possible among the thicknesses within a sufficiently exhibited range. In addition, since the bulk density of the cushioning material 1A can be adjusted relatively freely by changing the foaming ratio of the foamed body, the compression rate that particularly affects the above-described crushing prevention function of the gas generating agent of the cushioning material 1A Hardness etc. will change greatly with this. Therefore, when determining the specific specifications of the cushion material 1A, it is preferable to particularly optimize the expansion ratio.

An example of a bulk density and thickness of the cushion material 1A, when using the soft urethane foam, and the bulk density of 0.015g / cm ³ ~0.5g / cm ³ approximately, 4Mm～12mm about the thickness it is preferable that a, when using the foamed polypropylene, it is preferable that the the bulk density of 0.02g / cm ³ ~0.06g / cm ³ or so, to the thickness of about 4Mm～12mm, chloroprene rubber When a foam is used, the bulk density is preferably about 0.07 g / cm ^{3 to} 0.38 g / cm ³ and the thickness is preferably about ³ mm to 10 mm.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the disk-type gas generator in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Next, with reference to this FIG. 2, the disk type gas generator 100 in this Embodiment in which the gas generator cushion material 1A described above is incorporated will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the disk-type gas generator 100 according to the present embodiment has a short cylindrical housing closed at both ends in the axial direction, and various components are accommodated inside the housing. Has been. The housing is formed by combining an initiator shell 110 and a closure shell 120, each of which has a bottomed cylindrical shape. More specifically, the initiator shell 110 has a bottom plate portion 111 and a peripheral wall portion 112, and the closure shell 120 has a top plate portion 121 and a peripheral wall portion 122. By being combined so that the open ends of the closure shell 120 face each other, a space for accommodating various components is formed therein.

  Each of the initiator shell 110 and the closure shell 120 is made of a metal member such as stainless steel, steel, an aluminum alloy, or a stainless alloy. More specifically, the initiator shell 110 and the closure shell 120 are each forged, drawn, pressed using a die or the like corresponding to each part from one plate-like or one-piece block-like metal member. By combining processing and the like, molding is performed by repeated pressurization and flow. For joining the initiator shell 110 and the closure shell 120, electron beam welding, laser welding, friction welding, or the like is preferably used.

  A holding portion 113 is formed at a substantially central portion of the bottom plate portion 111 of the initiator shell 110. The holding unit 113 is a part for holding the igniter 130 when the igniter 130 is inserted. Specifically, the igniter 130 is attached to the holding unit 113 from the inside of the initiator shell 110 so that the terminal pin 132 of the igniter 130 is inserted into the opening provided in the holding unit 113. In this state, The igniter 130 is caulked and fixed to the holding part 113 of the initiator shell 110 by caulking the caulking part 114 a provided at the tip toward the igniter 130 side. A harness connector (not shown) for connecting the igniter 130 and the control unit is connected to the terminal pin 132 arranged so as to be exposed to the outside of the housing.

  The igniter 130 is a device for generating a flame, and includes an igniter 131 and the terminal pin 132 described above. The igniter 131 includes therein an igniting agent that ignites during operation and a resistor for burning the igniting agent. The terminal pin 132 is connected to the ignition unit 131 to ignite the igniting agent.

  More specifically, the igniter 130 includes a base portion through which a pair of terminal pins 132 are inserted and held, and a squib cup mounted on the base portion, and the terminal pins 132 inserted into the squib cup. A resistor (bridge wire) is attached so as to connect the tips of the squib cups, and an igniting agent is filled in the squib cup so as to surround the resistor or 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 terminal pin 132. 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 130 is activated is generally 2 milliseconds or less when a nichrome wire is used as the resistor.

  A seal member 133 is interposed between the igniter 130 and the holding unit 113. The seal member 133 is for hermetically sealing a gap formed between the igniter 130 and the holding portion 113 so as to hermetically seal a transfer chamber 139 described later, and the igniter 130 is caulked to the holding portion 113. When it is fixed, it is inserted into the gap. The seal member 133 is preferably made of a material having sufficient heat resistance and durability. For example, an O-ring made of EPDM resin, which is a kind of ethylene propylene rubber, is preferably used. In addition, if the liquid sealing agent is separately applied to the portion where the sealing member 133 is interposed, the sealing performance of the fire transfer chamber 139 can be further improved.

  A bottomed cylindrical enhancer cup 135 is fixed to the holding portion 113 of the initiator shell 110 so as to cover the igniter 130. The enhancer cup 135 has a top wall portion 136, a side wall portion 137, and a flange portion 138, and includes a fire transfer chamber 139 in which a charge transfer agent 134 is accommodated. The enhancer cup 135 is a member for partitioning the heat transfer chamber 139 and a combustion chamber 140, which will be described later, and is a press-formed product formed by pressing one plate-shaped or one block-shaped metal member. Consists of.

  The enhancer cup 135 is fixed to the holding portion 113 so that a heat transfer chamber 139 provided in the enhancer cup 135 faces the ignition portion 131. More specifically, the enhancer cup 135 is fixed to the holding portion 113 by caulking the flange portion 138 of the enhancer cup 135 by the caulking portion 114 b provided in the holding portion 113.

  The enhancer cup 135 does not have an opening in either the top wall portion 136 or the side wall portion 137, and the enhancer cup 135 is provided in the state where the enhancer cup 135 is fixed to the holding portion 113 of the initiator shell 110. The firebox 139 is completely sealed. The enhancer cup 135 is ruptured or melted as the pressure in the heat transfer chamber 139 rises or the generated heat is conducted when the transfer powder 134 is ignited by operating the igniter 130. As the material of the enhancer cup 135, a metal is preferably used, and aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or the like is particularly preferably used from the viewpoint of formability and press weight reduction during press working.

The explosive charge 134 filled in the heat transfer chamber 139 is ignited by a flame generated by the operation of the igniter 130 and burns to generate hot particles. It is necessary for the transfer agent 134 to be able to reliably start the gas generating agent 141 to be described later. Generally, from the metal powder / oxidant represented by B / KNO ₃ or the like. The composition etc. which become are used. As the explosive charge 134, a powdery one, 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 combustion chamber 140 in which the gas generating agent 141 is accommodated is located in a space surrounding the portion where the above-described enhancer cup 135 is arranged in the space inside the housing composed of the initiator shell 110 and the closure shell 120. More specifically, the above-described enhancer cup 135 is disposed so as to protrude into the combustion chamber 140 formed inside the housing, and a portion and a side wall facing the outer surface of the top wall portion 136 of the enhancer cup 135. A space provided in a portion facing the outer surface of the portion 137 is configured as a combustion chamber 140. Here, in the disc type gas generator 100 in the present embodiment, the gas generating agent 141 is accommodated only in the space of the combustion chamber 140 that faces the outer surface of the side wall portion 137 of the enhancer cup 135. Yes.

  A filter 150 is disposed in the space surrounding the combustion chamber 140 along the inner periphery of the housing. The filter 150 has a cylindrical shape, and is arranged so that its central axis substantially coincides with the central axis of the housing.

  The gas generating agent 141 is ignited by the hot particles generated by the combustion of the transfer charge 134 ignited by the igniter 130, and generates gas by burning. The gas generating agent 141 is preferably a non-azide gas generating agent, and is generally formed as a granular 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 oxidant was 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. For example, nitrates containing cations are 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 shape of the molded body of the gas generating agent 141 includes various shapes such as a granular shape, a pellet shape, a granular shape such as a cylindrical shape, and a disk shape. In addition, in the cylindrical shape, a porous (for example, a single-hole cylindrical shape or a porous cylindrical shape) having a hole in the molded body is also used. These shapes are preferably selected as appropriate according to the specifications of the airbag apparatus in which the disk-type gas generator 100 is incorporated. For example, the shape in which the gas generation rate changes with time when the gas generating agent 141 is burned. It is preferable to select an optimal shape according to the specification, such as selecting. In addition to the shape of the gas generating agent 141, 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, etc. of the gas generating agent 141.

  The filter 150 is, for example, one obtained by winding and sintering a metal wire such as stainless steel or steel, one obtained by pressing a net material knitted with a metal wire, or by winding a perforated metal plate. Things are used. Here, as the net material, specifically, a knit metal mesh, a plain weave metal mesh, an assembly of crimped metal wires, or the like is used. In addition, as a perforated metal plate, for example, expanded metal that has been cut into a zigzag pattern on the metal plate and expanded to form a hole and processed into a mesh shape, or a hole is formed in the metal plate and at that time A hook metal or the like obtained by flattening the burr generated at the periphery of the hole is used. In this case, the size and shape of the hole to be formed can be appropriately changed as necessary, and holes of different sizes and shapes may be included on the same metal plate. In addition, as a metal plate, a steel plate (mild steel), a stainless steel plate, for example can be used suitably, and nonferrous metal plates, such as aluminum, copper, titanium, nickel, or these alloys, can also be utilized.

  When the gas generated in the combustion chamber 140 passes through the filter 150, the filter 150 functions as a cooling unit that cools the gas by taking away the high-temperature heat of the gas, and in the gas. It also functions as a removing means for removing contained residues (slag) and the like. Therefore, in order to sufficiently cool the gas and prevent the residue from being released to the outside, it is necessary to ensure that the gas generated in the combustion chamber 140 passes through the filter 150. .

  A plurality of gas jets 123 are provided on the peripheral wall 122 of the closure shell 120 that faces the filter 150. The gas outlet 123 is for leading the gas that has passed through the filter 150 to the outside of the housing. A seal member 124 is affixed to a main surface located on the filter 150 side of the peripheral wall portion 122 of the closure shell 120 so as to close the gas outlet 123. As the seal member 124, an aluminum foil or the like having an adhesive member applied on one side is used. Thereby, the airtightness of the combustion chamber 140 is ensured.

  A closure shell-side holding member 142 for fixing the upper end of the filter 150 to the housing is disposed at the end of the closure shell 120 on the top plate 121 side in the space inside the housing. The closure shell side holding member 142 has a portion that comes into contact with the top plate portion 121 of the closure shell 120 and a portion that comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the upper end portion of the filter 150.

  On the other hand, an initiator shell side holding member 143 for fixing the lower end of the filter 150 to the housing is disposed at the end of the initiator shell 110 on the bottom plate portion 111 side in the space inside the housing. The initiator shell side holding member 143 has a portion that contacts the inner bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 111 of the initiator shell 110 and a portion that contacts the inner peripheral surface of the lower end portion of the filter 150.

  The closure shell side holding member 142 and the initiator shell side holding member 143 are formed by, for example, pressing a single metal plate-like member, and preferably steel plates such as ordinary steel and special steel. (For example, a cold rolled steel plate (SPCC), a stainless steel plate (SUS304), etc.) is used. Since the closure shell side holding member 142 and the initiator shell side holding member 143 are formed by bending a part of the metal plate-like member as described above, the closure shell side holding member 142 and the initiator shell side holding member 143 are held. Each member 143 has appropriate elasticity.

  For this reason, the closure shell side holding member 142 and the initiator shell side holding member 143 are in appropriate pressure contact with the inner peripheral surface of the filter 150, respectively, whereby the filter 150 is held and fixed by the housing. . Each of the closure shell side holding member 142 and the initiator shell side holding member 143 includes a gap between the upper end of the filter 150 and the top plate portion 121 of the closure shell 120 and the lower end of the filter 150 and the bottom plate portion 111 of the initiator shell 110. It also functions to prevent the outflow of gas from the gap between the two.

  Here, in the disk-type gas generator 100 according to the present embodiment, the sheet-like cushion material 1A as the above-described crushing preventing member is disposed at a predetermined position of the combustion chamber 140 in which the gas generating agent 141 is accommodated. . Specifically, in disc-type gas generator 100 in the present embodiment, combustion chamber 140 mainly includes an outer surface of top wall portion 136 and side wall portion 137 of enhancer cup 135, closure shell side holding member 142, and It is defined by the inner surface of the initiator shell side holding member 143 and the inner peripheral surface of the filter 150, and the cushion material 1 </ b> A is disposed so as to cover the inner surface of the closure shell side holding member 142.

  More specifically, the cushion material 1A is positioned in close contact with the bottom surface so that one main surface 3 of the cushion material 1A faces the bottom surface of the closure shell side holding member 142 that defines the combustion chamber 140, The other main surface 4 is arranged inside the closure shell-side holding member 142 so as to face the granular gas generating agent 141 and be in contact with the granular gas generating agent 141. Thereby, the bottom surface of the closure shell side holding member 142 which is a wall surface that intersects the axial direction of the housing among the wall surfaces defining the combustion chamber 140 is covered with the cushion material 1A. In addition, the edge part by the side of the top wall part 136 of the enhancer cup 135 is inserted in the opening part 2 of 1 A of cushion materials.

  As described above, the cushion material 1 </ b> A is housed and disposed in the combustion chamber 140 in a compressed state by being sandwiched between the closure shell side holding member 142 and the granular gas generating agent 141, and the granular gas generating agent 141. Is supported by being elastically biased toward the initiator shell 110 along the axial direction of the housing by the restoring force of the cushion material 1A. Therefore, vibrations and impacts are suppressed from being applied to the granular gas generating agent 141, and the crushing is effectively prevented.

  Note that, as described above, the cushion material 1A in the present embodiment has a higher compression ratio than the conventional cushion material, and therefore the thickness of the cushion material 1A after assembly is thinner than the conventional one. This can contribute to the downsizing of the disk-type gas generator 100. Furthermore, since the cushion material 1A in the present embodiment is a lighter member than the conventional cushion material, the weight of the disk-type gas generator 100 can be reduced by using the cushion material 1A. Also become. In addition, as described above, the cushioning material 1A in the present embodiment has a high compression rate, and therefore, when the specification is changed, such as when the filling amount of the gas generating agent 141 is changed, In accordance with this, it is not always necessary to change the thickness, and flexibility as a part can be improved.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the procedure for assembling the disc-type gas generator 100 in the present embodiment will be described.

  First, the igniter 130 is caulked and fixed by attaching a seal member 133 to the holding portion 113 of the initiator shell 110. Then, the enhancer cup 135 in which the transfer charge 134 is accommodated is caulked and fixed to the holding portion 113 of the initiator shell 110. Next, the initiator shell side holding member 143 and the filter 150 are inserted and arranged toward the inner bottom surface of the initiator shell 110.

  And the granular gas generating agent 141 is filled inside the filter 150, and the closure shell side holding member 142 interposing the cushion material 1A is inserted into the upper end portion of the filter 150. Thereafter, the closure shell 120 whose gas outlet 123 is closed by the seal member 124 is placed on the initiator shell 110, and the initiator shell 110 and the closure shell 120 are welded.

  At that time, by performing welding while pressing the closure shell 120 toward the initiator shell 110 with a predetermined pressure, the cushion material 1A is sandwiched between the closure shell-side holding member 142 and the granular gas generating agent 141 and compressed. It will be assembled in a deformed state. Here, as described above, the cushioning material 1A according to the present embodiment has a higher compression ratio than the conventional cushioning material, so that the crushing margin at the time of assembly is large. Assembly work can be performed more easily.

  By performing the assembly operation described above, the manufacture of the disk-type gas generator 100 having the structure shown in FIG. 2 is completed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the operation | movement at the time of the action | operation of the disk type gas generator 100 in this Embodiment is demonstrated.

  When a vehicle equipped with the disk-type gas generator 100 in the present embodiment collides, the collision is detected by a collision detection unit provided separately in the vehicle, and the igniter 130 is operated based on this. The transfer charge 134 accommodated in the transfer chamber 139 is ignited and burned by the flame generated by the operation of the igniter 130, and generates a large amount of heat particles. By the combustion of the charge transfer agent 134, the enhancer cup 135 is ruptured or melted, and the above-described hot particles flow into the combustion chamber 140.

  The gas generating agent 141 accommodated in the combustion chamber 140 is ignited and burned by the flowing heat particles, and a large amount of gas is generated. At this time, the cushion material 1A is also ignited and burned by the combustion of the gas generating agent 141, and generates a considerable amount of gas. The gas generated in the combustion chamber 140 passes through the filter 150, and at that time, heat is taken away by the filter 150 and cooled, and the residue contained in the gas is removed by the filter 150.

  The gas after passing through the filter 150 flows into the outer peripheral edge of the housing, and then is ejected from the gas outlet 123 provided in the peripheral wall 122 of the closure shell 120 to the outside of the housing. The ejected gas is introduced into an airbag provided adjacent to the disk-type gas generator 100, and the airbag is inflated and deployed.

(Verification test)
Next, the effects obtained when the above-described gas generator cushioning material 1A according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention and the disk-type gas generator 100 including the same are experimentally tested and verified. This will be described based on the results of various verification tests. FIG. 3 is a table summarizing the results of the various verification tests.

  In the verification test, three types of disk-type gas generators according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention are prepared as Examples 1 to 3, and a conventional disk-type gas generator is compared with these for comparison. One type was prepared. And using these samples, heat resistance test to confirm the heat resistance characteristics of the cushion material, vibration resistance characteristics of the cushion material and vibration resistance test to confirm the presence and degree of anti-crushing function, output of the gas generator A performance test was conducted to confirm the characteristics and the content of gas components contained in the output gas.

  Here, the disk-type gas generator according to Example 1 is one in which a cushion material made of a flexible polyurethane foam molded body is incorporated, and the disk-type gas generator according to Example 2 is a molded body of foamed polypropylene. The disc-type gas generator according to Example 3 is built with a cushion material made of a molded product of chloroprene rubber foam. Further, the disk-type gas generator according to the comparative example incorporates a cushion material made of a ceramic fiber molded body.

  In the gas generators according to Examples 1 to 3 and the comparative example, the outer shape and dimensions of the cushion material and the structure and dimensions of the gas generator in which the cushion material was incorporated were set in the same manner. That is, the only difference between the gas generators according to Examples 1 to 3 and the comparative example is the material of the cushion material.

<Heat resistance test>
In the heat resistance test, the gas generators according to Examples 1 to 3 and the comparative example are all put into a thermostat by a plurality of samples, and a predetermined thermal history is obtained by changing the set temperature of the thermostat to a high temperature and a low temperature. The sample was added over a long period of time, and after completion of the test, the sample was removed from the thermostatic chamber and checked to see if there was any change in the cushioning material. More specifically, it was confirmed whether or not the cushion material had unacceptable shrinkage, deformation, breakage, or alteration due to the thermal history.

  As a result, in the gas generators according to Examples 1 and 3 and the comparative example, none of the shrinkage, deformation, breakage, alteration, etc. unacceptable for the cushion material occurred, and the gas according to Example 2 Although there was some shrinkage in the generator, no unacceptable shrinkage, deformation, breakage, alteration, etc. occurred, and it was confirmed that good results were obtained for all.

  In the table shown in FIG. 3, those that have hardly undergone shrinkage, deformation, breakage, or alteration after the heat test are indicated by “に て”, and shrinkage, deformation, breakage, alteration, etc. are not observed after the heat test. A part that has occurred but is well tolerated is marked with “○”.

<Vibration resistance test>
In the vibration resistance test, as in the heat resistance test, the gas generators according to Examples 1 to 3 and the comparative example are all put into a thermostatic chamber sample by sample so that a predetermined vibration is constantly applied to the sample. In addition, by changing the set temperature of the thermostatic chamber to high and low temperatures, a predetermined thermal history is applied to the sample for a long time, and after the test is completed, the sample is removed from the thermostatic chamber and the gas generating agent is crushed. It was done by checking whether it was not.

  As a result, in each of the gas generators according to Examples 1 to 3 and the comparative example, it was confirmed that the gas generating agent was not crushed and good results were obtained for all.

  In the table shown in FIG. 3, “◎” indicates that the gas generating agent is not crushed after the vibration resistance test.

<Performance test>
In the performance test, each of the gas generators according to Examples 1 to 3 and the comparative example is prepared by a plurality of samples, and these are individually installed in a hermetically sealed vacuum tank of a predetermined capacity to operate each. Then, the change with time of the pressure in the tank at that time was measured, and then the components and contents of the gas injected into the tank were analyzed by the detector tube method. The temperature conditions in the tank during operation were room temperature conditions in all cases.

  4 to 7 show the gas output obtained when the gas generator cushion material according to Examples 1 to 3 is used and the gas output obtained when the gas generator cushion material according to the comparative example is used. It is the graph compared. Further, FIG. 7 is generated when the gas generator cushion material according to Examples 1 to 3 is used and the gas component generated by using the gas generator cushion material according to the comparative example and the gas generator cushion material according to the comparative example. 2 is a table comparing gas components and their contents. In the graphs shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the pressure in the tank [kPa] is taken on the vertical axis and the time [ms] is taken on the horizontal axis, and the results of a plurality of samples operated in the performance test are shown. Averaged. Further, in the table shown in FIG. 7, the average value of the results in a plurality of samples is calculated and shown, and the reference standard value in the table shown in FIG. 7 is merely a guideline and exceeds the reference standard value There is no immediate problem.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, in the gas generator according to Examples 1 to 3, the pressure in the tank is generally higher at each time after the operation, compared to the gas generator according to the comparative example, Therefore, it can be seen that the amount of gas ejected from the gas generator is increased compared to that of the gas generator according to the comparative example. Therefore, from the results, it was confirmed that in any of the gas generators according to Examples 1 to 3, the gas output was improved as compared with the gas generator according to the comparative example.

  This is because, in the gas generator according to Examples 1 to 3, by selecting any one of soft urethane foam, foamed polypropylene, and chloroprene rubber foam, which is an easily combustible material, as a cushioning material, Even the cushion material is combusted. As a result, the gas generated by the combustion of the cushion material is considered to be the result of being ejected from the gas generator together with the gas generated by the combustion of the gas generating agent. .

  Moreover, the increase rate of the gas output of the gas generator according to Examples 1 to 3 when compared with the gas output of the gas generator according to the comparative example is about 5.0% at the maximum, in other words, The filling amount of the gas generating agent necessary for obtaining a gas output equivalent to the gas output of the gas generator according to the comparative example is the same as that of the gas generator according to the first to third embodiments. This means that it can be reduced by about 4.8% compared with the filling amount.

  In the table shown in FIG. 3, this is indicated by “◯” based on the gas output of the gas generator according to the comparative example, and the improvement is seen by “◎”. ing.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 7, among the components contained in the gas ejected from the gas generator, carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen monoxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (components to be reduced as much as possible). When the contents of NO ₂ ), ammonia (NH ₃ ) and chlorine (Cl ₂ ) were confirmed, in the gas generators according to Examples 1 to 3, carbon monoxide and A slight increase in the amount of ammonia was observed, but the amount of emissions was lower than the standard amount indicated as the reference standard value, and whether the amounts of nitrogen monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and chlorine were the same. It was confirmed that it decreased. Therefore, it was confirmed from the results that acceptable results were obtained in any of the gas generators according to Examples 1 to 3.

  In the table shown in FIG. 3, among the gas components contained in the gas ejected from the gas generator, the emission amounts of various components to be reduced as much as possible are all items from the reference standard values shown in the table. Those below are marked with “◎”.

<Characteristics etc. of cushion material>
Further, the compression rate of the cushion material made of any one of the flexible urethane foam, foamed polypropylene, and chloroprene rubber foam is much higher than the compression rate of the cushion material made of the ceramic fiber molded body. For example, when each cushion material is compressed with a pressure of 40 MPa, a cushion material made of a ceramic fiber molded body having a thickness of 4 mm has a thickness of 1.5 mm after compression, and a molded body of flexible urethane foam having a thickness of 10 mm. The cushion material made of the foamed material is 0.1 mm after compression, and the cushion material made of a foamed polypropylene molded product having a thickness of 10 mm is 0.1 mm thick after compression, and the foamed chloroprene rubber has a thickness of 5 mm. It has been confirmed that the thickness of the cushion material made of a molded body is 0.5 mm after compression.

  In the table shown in FIG. 3, “◎” indicates that the compression rate of the cushion material can be configured to be extremely high, and “○” indicates that the compression rate of the cushion material can be configured relatively high. In addition, although the compression rate of the cushion material is relatively low, what can be configured to an acceptable level is indicated by “Δ”.

  Further, the weight of the cushion material made of any one of the flexible urethane foam, foamed polypropylene, and chloroprene rubber foam is much lighter than the weight of the cushion material made of the ceramic fiber molded body. For example, when a cushion material of the same volume is made of these materials, and the weight of the cushion material made of a ceramic fiber molded body is 1, a cushion material made of a flexible urethane foam molded body and a cushion made of a foamed polypropylene molded body The weight of each material is about 0.09, and it has been confirmed that the weight of the cushion material made of a molded body of chloroprene rubber foam is about 0.62.

  In the table shown in FIG. 3, “◎” indicates that the cushion material can be configured very lightly, and “○” indicates that the cushion material can be configured relatively lightly. Those that can be constructed to an acceptable level even though they become heavier are indicated by “Δ”.

  In addition, the cost of parts when a cushioning material is manufactured with a molded body of flexible urethane foam, foamed polypropylene, or chloroprene rubber foam is the same as the cost of parts when a cushioning material is manufactured with a ceramic fiber molded body. In comparison, in any case, the cost can be reduced. In particular, when the cushion material is manufactured by using either a flexible urethane foam or a foamed polypropylene, the cost can be significantly reduced.

  In the table shown in FIG. 3, a cushion material that can be configured at a very low price is indicated by “◎”, and a cushion material that can be configured at a relatively low price is indicated by “◯”. Are not inexpensive but can be configured to an acceptable level with “Δ”.

  As described above, by using the gas generator cushion material 1A according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, the high compression ratio capable of sufficiently exhibiting the function of preventing the granular gas generating agent 141 from being crushed. And an inexpensive cushion material for a gas generator. Therefore, by using the disk-type gas generator 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, it is possible to manufacture a small and inexpensive device that can sufficiently obtain the function of preventing the granular gas generating agent 141 from being crushed. Can be a gas generator.

  In Embodiment 1 of the present invention described above, the disc is formed so that the gas generator cushion material is formed in an annular flat plate shape, and the end on the top wall side of the enhancer cup is inserted into the hollow portion. The gas generator cushion is formed into a disk shape, and the gas generating agent is contained in the space facing the outer surface of the top wall of the enhancer cup. The gas generating agent accommodated in the space may be configured to be elastically urged toward the initiator shell side along the axial direction of the housing by the gas generator cushion material.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a gas generator cushion material according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. First, the gas generator cushion material 1B in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the gas generator cushion material 1 </ b> B according to the present embodiment is made of a sheet-like member having a predetermined thickness. The cushion material 1B is used by being incorporated in a cylinder type gas generator 200 described later so as to elastically urge the gas generating agent in a predetermined direction. For example, one main surface 3 of the cushion material 1B has a combustion chamber. Are arranged so as to face the wall surface that defines the gas generating agent, and the other main surface 4 is arranged so as to face the gas generating agent.

  Cushioning material 1B is formed of any one of a flexible urethane foam, a foamed polypropylene, and a chloroprene rubber foam, similarly to cushioning material 1A in the first embodiment of the present invention described above.

  As the thickness of the cushion material 1B (thickness t2 shown in the figure), the material of the foam constituting the cushion material 1B (that is, the above-mentioned soft urethane foam, foamed polypropylene, or chloroprene rubber foam) Or the foaming ratio, the shape of the gas generating agent that should be prevented from being crushed by the cushion material 1B, and the like. Preferably, the function of preventing the gas generating agent from being crushed by the cushion material 1B is preferable. The thickness is made as thin as possible among the thicknesses within a sufficiently exhibited range. In addition, since the bulk density of the cushioning material 1B can be adjusted relatively freely by changing the foaming ratio of the foamed material, the compression rate that particularly affects the above-described crushing prevention function of the gas generating agent of the cushioning material 1B Hardness etc. will change greatly with this. Therefore, when determining the specific specifications of the cushion material 1B, it is preferable to particularly optimize the expansion ratio.

An example of a bulk density and thickness of the cushion material 1B, when using the soft urethane foam, and the bulk density of 0.015g / cm ³ ~0.5g / cm ³ approximately, 4Mm～12mm about the thickness it is preferable that a, when using the foamed polypropylene, it is preferable that the the bulk density of 0.02g / cm ³ ~0.06g / cm ³ or so, to the thickness of about 4Mm～12mm, chloroprene rubber When a foam is used, the bulk density is preferably about 0.07 g / cm ^{3 to} 0.38 g / cm ³ and the thickness is preferably about ³ mm to 10 mm.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cylinder type gas generator in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Next, a cylinder type gas generator 200 in the present embodiment in which the above-described gas generator cushion material 1B is incorporated will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the cylinder type gas generator 200 in the present embodiment has a long cylindrical housing with both ends closed in the axial direction, and various components are contained inside the housing. Contained. The housing is formed by combining a shell 210 formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape and a holder 220 formed in a block shape. More specifically, the shell 210 has a peripheral wall portion 211 and a bottom plate portion 212. When the holder 220 is combined with the shell 210 so as to close the open end of the shell 210, various kinds of shells 210 are formed therein. A space for accommodating the components is formed.

  A partition member 260 is arranged in a space inside the housing constituted by the shell 210 and the holder 220. The partition member 260 partitions the space inside the housing in the axial direction. The details of the partition member 260 will be described later.

  The shell 210 may be made of a metal member such as stainless steel, steel, an aluminum alloy, or a stainless alloy, or is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape by pressing a rolled steel plate represented by SPCE. It may be configured by a metal press-molded product or a metal molded product formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape by closing one of axial end portions of an electric resistance welded pipe represented by STKM. . In particular, when the shell 210 is formed of a rolled steel plate press-formed product or an electric-welded tube molded product, the shell 210 can be easily and inexpensively compared to the case of using a metal member such as stainless steel or steel. It can be formed and can be significantly reduced in weight.

  On the other hand, the holder 220 is made of a metal member such as stainless steel, steel, aluminum alloy, stainless alloy, etc., and a die or the like corresponding to each part is used from one block-shaped metal member. It is formed by repeated pressurization and flow by combining forging, drawing and pressing.

  The holder 220 has a groove 221 for caulking and fixing at a predetermined position on the outer circumferential surface thereof, and the groove 221 is formed in an annular shape so as to extend along the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface of the holder 220. With the holder 220 partially inserted into the open end of the shell 210, the peripheral wall portion 211 of the shell 210 corresponding to the groove 221 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the holder 220 faces radially inward. By being reduced in diameter and engaged with the groove 221, it is caulked and fixed to the shell 210. The caulking fixing is caulking fixing called eight-side caulking in which the diameter of the peripheral wall portion 211 of the shell 210 is uniformly reduced toward the inside in the radial direction. By performing this caulking, the caulking portion 214 is provided on the peripheral wall portion 211 of the shell 210.

  A penetration part 222 is formed in the holder 220 along the axial direction of the housing, and an igniter 230 is disposed inside the penetration part 222. Specifically, the igniter 230 is inserted into the holder 220 so that the terminal pin 232 of the igniter 230 is inserted into the penetrating portion 222 and is fixed to the holder 220. In this state, the housing of the holder 220 The igniter 230 is caulked and fixed to the holder 220 by caulking portions 224 provided at the end facing the internal space of the igniter toward the igniter 230 side. A harness connector (not shown) for connecting the igniter 230 and the control unit is connected to the terminal pin 232 disposed so as to be exposed to the outside of the housing.

  The igniter 230 is a device for generating a flame, and includes an igniter 231 and the terminal pin 232 described above. Note that details of the igniter 230 are the same as those of the igniter 130 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention described above, and therefore, description thereof will not be repeated here.

  A spacer member 233 and a first sealed container 235 are arranged in a portion of the space inside the housing that faces the ignition unit 231 of the igniter 230 described above.

  The spacer member 233 is a member for fixing various internal components described later in the axial direction inside the housing, and is also a member for absorbing the above-described variation in the axial length of the internal components. As the spacer member 233, for example, a molded body of ceramic fiber, foamed silicone, or the like can be used, and any of soft urethane foam, foamed polypropylene, and chloroprene rubber foam can be used as in the cushion material 1B in the present embodiment described above. Such molded bodies can also be used.

  The first sealed container 235 includes a bottomed cylindrical cup portion 236 and a cap portion 237 that closes the opening of the cup portion 236, and is inserted into the housing so as to be connected to the igniter 230. . The 1st airtight container 235 is comprised by combining and joining the cup part 236 and the cap part 237, and contains the transfer chamber 239 in which the transfer charge 234 was accommodated in the inside.

  The first sealed container 235 has no opening in the cup part 236 and the cap part 237, and completely seals the heat transfer chamber 239 provided therein. The first airtight container 235 enables combustion of the transfer charge 234 by rupturing or melting the cap portion 237 due to the flame generated by the operation of the igniter 230, and then the internal pressure of the transfer chamber 239 is increased. The cup portion 236 is ruptured or melted by rising or conduction of generated heat.

  As the cup part 236 and the cap part 237 constituting the first hermetic container 235, a metal member formed by pressing a metal thin plate (foil) such as copper, aluminum, copper alloy, aluminum alloy, or injection molding A resin member formed by performing sheet molding or the like is used. For joining the cup part 236 and the cap part 237, brazing, adhesion, winding (caulking) or the like is preferably used. If a sealant is used in the joining, the airtightness can be further improved.

  The charge transfer agent 234 is ignited by the flame generated by the operation of the igniter 230 and burns to generate hot particles. Note that the details of the charge transfer agent 234 are the same as those of the transfer charge 134 in the first embodiment of the present invention described above, and therefore the description thereof will not be repeated here.

  The 2nd airtight container 242 is arrange | positioned in the part which faces the cup part 236 of the 1st airtight container 235 mentioned above among the space inside a housing. The second sealed container 242 includes a bottomed cylindrical cup portion 243 and a cap portion 244 that closes the opening of the cup portion 243, and is inserted into the housing so as to be connected to the first sealed container 235. ing. The second sealed container 242 is configured by combining and joining the cup portion 243 and the cap portion 244, and has a storage space including a combustion chamber 240 and the like in which the gas generating agent 241 is stored. ing.

  The second sealed container 242 has neither the cup part 243 nor the cap part 244 having an opening, and completely seals the accommodation space provided therein. The second sealed container 242 allows the gas generating agent 241 to burn by the cap part 244 rupturing or melting due to the heat particles generated by the combustion of the charge transfer agent 234, and then the internal pressure of the accommodation space is increased. The cup portion 236 is ruptured or melted by rising or conduction of generated heat.

  As the cup part 243 and the cap part 244 constituting the second hermetic container 242, a metal member formed by pressing a metal thin plate (foil) such as copper, aluminum, copper alloy, aluminum alloy, or injection molding A resin member formed by performing sheet molding or the like is used. For joining the cup part 243 and the cap part 244, brazing, bonding, winding (caulking) or the like is preferably used. If a sealant is used in the joining, the airtightness can be further improved.

  Inside the second sealed container 242, the gas generating agent 241, the partition member 270, and the sheet-like cushion material 1B as the above-described crush preventing member are disposed. More specifically, the cushion material 1B is disposed on the end portion of the second sealed container 242 on the side where the first sealed container 235 is located, and the portion excluding the portion where the cushion material 1B is disposed, A gas generating agent 241 and a partition member 270 are disposed. Here, the storage space provided inside the second sealed container 242 is divided into two spaces by the partition member 270, one of which is the combustion chamber 240 in which the gas generating agent 241 and the cushion material 1B are stored. It is said.

  The partition member 270 is configured by a bottomed cylindrical member with one end closed and having a hollow portion 275 inside, and has a flange portion 271, a cylindrical portion 272, and a bottom portion 273. The flange portion 271 is disposed at the end of the second sealed container 242 on the partition member 260 side, and the main surface of the flange portion 271 on the partition member 260 side is the axial direction of the second sealed container 242 on the partition member 260 side. It is in contact with the end. The cylindrical portion 272 extends continuously from the inner peripheral edge of the flange portion 271 and is positioned so as to protrude from the end portion of the second sealed container 242 on the partition member 260 side toward the inside of the accommodation space. The bottom portion 273 extends continuously from the tubular portion 272 and closes the end portion of the tubular portion 272 on the igniter 230 side. The bottom portion 273 is disposed at a predetermined distance from the end of the second sealed container 242 on the igniter 230 side, and has a tapered shape whose outer shape gradually decreases toward the igniter 230 side. It is preferable.

  A plurality of first communication holes 274 are provided in the cylindrical portion 272 of the partition member 270 along the circumferential direction and the axial direction. The first communication hole 274 is a hole for communicating the combustion chamber 240, which is a space in which the gas generating agent 241 is accommodated, and the hollow portion 275 of the partition member 270, and has a smaller diameter than the gas generating agent 241. It is configured. The first communication hole 274 is preferably not provided in the bottom 273 of the partition member 270. This is because if the first communication hole 274 exists in the bottom portion 273, the hole is closed when the cylinder type gas generator 200 is operated, and the performance is likely to vary.

  The partition member 270 functions as a pressure partition for generating a pressure difference between the hollow portion 275 and the combustion chamber 240 in which the gas generating agent 241 is stored during operation, and has a predetermined strength. It is comprised by the member. Specifically, the partition member 270 is made of a metal member such as stainless steel, steel, an aluminum alloy, or a stainless alloy.

  As described above, the combustion chamber 240 in which the gas generating agent 241 and the cushioning material 1B are accommodated is provided in a portion excluding the hollow portion 275 of the partition member 270. More specifically, the combustion chamber 240 is configured by a space provided in a portion facing the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 272 of the partition member 270 and a portion facing the outer surface of the bottom portion 273. Here, in the cylinder type gas generator 200 according to the present embodiment, not only the space of the combustion chamber 240 that faces the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 272 of the partition member 270 but also the outer surface of the bottom portion 273. The gas generating agent 241 is also stored in the space of the facing portion.

  The gas generating agent 241 is ignited by the hot particles generated by burning the charge transfer agent 234 ignited by the igniter 230, and generates gas by burning. Note that the details of the gas generating agent 241 are the same as those of the gas generating agent 141 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention described above, and therefore the description thereof will not be repeated here. Details of the arrangement position and the like of the cushion material 1B will be described later.

  As described above, the cylinder-type gas generator 200 according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the first transfer container 235 and the second sealed container 242 are sealed with the charge transfer agent 234 and the gas generation agent 241, respectively. Encapsulating these chemicals in a sealed container not only facilitates the assembly work of the cylinder-type gas generator 200, but also eliminates the need for a separate airtight treatment on the housing, reducing the number of parts and the configuration. Simplification is possible.

  The partition member 260 is disposed so as to contact the above-described second sealed container 242 in the space inside the housing, and includes an annular plate portion 261, a cylindrical projecting portion 262, and a second communication hole 263. Yes. The annular plate portion 261 is disposed in contact with the second sealed container 242 so as to be orthogonal to the axis of the housing. The cylindrical projecting portion 262 continuously extends from the inner peripheral edge of the annular plate portion 261, and is located so as to project in a direction away from the second sealed container 242 described above. The second communication hole 263 is defined by the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical projecting portion 262 and is a hole for communicating the hollow portion 275 of the partition member 270 with a filter chamber described later.

  The partition member 260 is fitted or loosely fitted to the housing, and the housing is not subjected to caulking processing for fixing the partition member 260. Here, the fitting includes so-called press-fitting and refers to a state where the outer peripheral end of the annular plate portion 261 of the partition member 260 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 261 of the partition member 260 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). . From the viewpoint of facilitating assembly work, it is preferable to loosely fit the partition member 260 to the housing.

  The partition member 260 is attached to an end portion of the filter 250 described later on the second sealed container 242 side, and is supported inside the housing by being sandwiched between the filter 250 and the second sealed container 242. The partition member 260 is formed, for example, by pressing a metal plate-like member such as stainless steel, steel, an aluminum alloy, or a stainless alloy.

  A filter 250 is disposed in a space defined by the peripheral wall portion 211 and the bottom plate portion 212 of the shell 210 and the partition member 260 described above, and the space corresponds to the filter chamber described above. The filter 250 is formed of a cylindrical member having a hollow communication portion 251 that extends in the same direction as the axial direction of the housing and reaches the axial end surface thereof, and the end surface on the second sealed container 242 side in the axial direction is a partition member. 260, and the other end surface is in contact with the bottom plate portion 212 of the shell 210. The outer peripheral surface of the filter 250 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 211 of the shell 210.

  When the gas generated in the combustion chamber 240 passes through the filter 250, the filter 250 functions as a cooling means for cooling the gas by taking away the high-temperature heat of the gas, and in the gas. It also functions as a removing means for removing contained residues (slag) and the like. Note that the details of the filter 250 are basically the same as those of the filter 150 according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated here.

  A plurality of gas outlets 213 are provided in the peripheral wall portion 211 of the shell 210 that defines the filter chamber. The gas outlet 213 is for leading the gas that has passed through the filter 250 to the outside of the housing.

  Here, in the cylinder type gas generator 200 in the present embodiment, as described above, the sheet-like cushion material 1B as the anti-crushing member is disposed at a predetermined position of the combustion chamber 240 in which the gas generating agent 241 is accommodated. Has been. Specifically, in the cylinder type gas generator 200 in the present embodiment, the combustion chamber 240 mainly includes the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 272 and the bottom portion 273 of the partition member 270 and the cup portion of the second sealed container 242. It is prescribed | regulated by the inner peripheral surface of 243, and the inner surface of the cap part 244, and the cushioning material 1B is arrange | positioned so that the inner surface of the cap part 244 may be covered.

  More specifically, the cushion material 1B is in close contact with the inner surface such that one main surface 3 of the cushion material 1B faces the inner surface of the cap portion 244 of the second sealed container 242 that defines the combustion chamber 240. And the other main surface 4 is disposed inside the second sealed container 242 so as to face the granular gas generating agent 241 and to be in contact with the granular gas generating agent 241. Thereby, the inner surface of the cap part 244 of the 2nd airtight container 242 which is a wall surface which cross | intersects the axial direction of a housing among the wall surfaces which define the combustion chamber 240 will be covered with the cushioning material 1B.

  As described above, the cushion material 1B is accommodated and disposed in the combustion chamber 240 in a compressed state by being sandwiched between the cap portion 244 of the second sealed container 242 and the granular gas generating agent 241. The generating agent 241 is supported by being elastically urged toward the filter 250 along the axial direction of the housing by the restoring force of the cushion material 1B. Therefore, vibration and impact are suppressed from being applied to the granular gas generating agent 241 and the crushing is effectively prevented.

  As described above, the cushion material 1B in the present embodiment has a higher compression ratio than the conventional cushion material, and therefore the thickness of the cushion material 1B after assembly is thinner than the conventional one. This can contribute to the downsizing of the cylinder type gas generator 200. Furthermore, since the cushion material 1B in the present embodiment is a lighter member than the conventional cushion material, the weight of the cylinder-type gas generator 200 can be reduced by using the cushion material 1B. Also become. In addition, as described above, the cushioning material 1B according to the present embodiment has a high compression rate, and therefore, when the specification is changed, such as when the filling amount of the gas generating agent 241 is changed, In accordance with this, it is not always necessary to change the thickness, and flexibility as a part can be improved.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the outline of the assembly work of the cylinder type gas generator 200 in the present embodiment will be described.

  First, a cup part 243 to be a part of the second sealed container 242 is prepared, a partition member 270 is disposed inside the cup part 243, and a granular gas is provided inside the cup part 243 and around the partition member 270. The generating agent 241 is filled, and then the cushion material 1B is inserted into the cup portion 243. Next, the cap part 244 is assembled so as to close the opening of the cup part 243, and the space inside the cup part 243 is hermetically sealed from the outside. For assembling the cap portion 244 to the cup portion 243, as described above, brazing, bonding, winding and the like are preferably used.

  At that time, the cap member 244 is assembled to the cup portion 243 while pressing the cap portion 244 toward the cup portion 243 with a predetermined pressure, so that the cushion material 1B is formed by the cap portion 244 and the granular gas generating agent 241. It is assembled in a state of being sandwiched and compressed and deformed. Here, as described above, the cushioning material 1B according to the present embodiment has a higher compression ratio than the conventional cushioning material, so that the crushing margin at the time of assembly is large. Assembly work can be performed more easily.

  After that, the filter 250, the partition member 260, the above-described second sealed container 242, the first sealed container 235 in which the transfer charge 234 is sealed in advance, and the spacer member 233 are sequentially inserted into the shell 210 in this order, and the shell 210 The open end is closed by a holder 220 to which an igniter 230 is previously assembled, and the shell 210 is caulked and fixed to the holder 220.

  By performing the assembly operation described above, the manufacture of the cylinder type gas generator 200 having the structure shown in FIG. 9 is completed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the operation | movement at the time of the action | operation of the cylinder type gas generator 200 in this Embodiment is demonstrated.

  When a vehicle equipped with the cylinder type gas generator 200 according to the present embodiment collides, the collision is detected by the collision detection means provided separately in the vehicle, and the igniter 230 is operated based on this. The charge transfer agent 234 accommodated in the transfer chamber 239 is ignited and burned by the flame generated by the operation of the igniter 230, and generates a large amount of heat particles. By the combustion of the charge transfer agent 234, the above-mentioned heat particles reach the cushion material 1B.

  The cushioning material 1B is ignited and burned by the heat particles that have reached the cushioning material 1B, thereby generating a considerable amount of gas. Thereafter, when the cushion material 1B is burned out, the heat particles generated by the combustion of the transfer charge 234 flow into the combustion chamber 240, and the gas generating agent accommodated in the combustion chamber 240 by the flowing heat particles. 241 is ignited and burned to generate a large amount of gas.

  The gas generated in the combustion chamber 240 passes through the first communication hole 274 provided in the partition member 270, flows into the hollow portion 275 of the partition member 270, and the cup portion of the second hermetic container 242 positioned at the end thereof. The axial direction end of 243 is ruptured and flows into the filter chamber via the second communication hole 263 provided in the partition member 260.

  The gas that has flowed into the filter chamber enters the filter 250 through the hollow communication portion 251 of the filter 250, and heat is taken away and cooled by the filter 250, and the residue contained in the gas is filtered. 250.

  The gas after passing through the filter 250 is ejected from the gas ejection port 213 provided in the peripheral wall portion 211 of the shell 210 to the outside of the housing. The ejected gas is introduced into an airbag provided adjacent to the cylinder type gas generator 200, and the airbag is inflated and deployed.

  Even in the case of the gas generator cushion material 1B and the cylinder type gas generator 200 including the same in the present embodiment described above, the same effects as those described in the first embodiment can be obtained. it can. That is, by using the gas generator cushion material 1B according to the present embodiment, the gas generator cushion material having a high compression ratio and a low cost capable of sufficiently exhibiting the crushing prevention function of the granular gas generating agent 241. In addition, by using the cylinder-type gas generator 200 in the present embodiment, it is possible to manufacture the gas generator 241 in a small size and at a low cost, which can sufficiently obtain the crushing prevention function of the granular gas generating agent 241. Can be a gas generator.

  In the second embodiment of the present invention described above, a cylinder-type gas generator in which the transfer charge, the gas generating agent, and the cushion material are housed in the first sealed container and the second sealed container, respectively, will be described as an example. Although it did, it does not necessarily need to be configured in this way, the explosive and gas generating agent and the cushioning material may be configured to be directly filled in a housing composed of a shell and a holder. However, in that case, it is necessary that an airtight treatment for preventing the gas generating agent and the transfer agent from absorbing moisture is separately applied to a predetermined portion of the housing.

  Further, in the above-described second embodiment of the present invention, the case where the cushion material is arranged at the end portion on the igniter side of the combustion chamber is exemplified, but the cushion material is a filter chamber of the combustion chamber. You may arrange | position at the edge part of the side.

  Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention described above exemplify cases where the present invention is applied to one configuration example based on one configuration example of a disk type gas generator and a cylinder type gas generator. It is. Accordingly, the above-described arrangement position and dimensions of the cushion material are merely examples, and can be appropriately changed.

  Moreover, in Embodiment 1 and 2 of this invention mentioned above, although the case where the material chosen from the group which consists of a polyurethane resin, a polypropylene resin, and a chloroprene rubber was used as a raw material of a cushioning material was illustrated, it integrated in a gas generator. Of these various parts, a part or all of the specific parts may be made of those materials. That is, if a material selected from the group consisting of polyurethane resin, polypropylene resin and chloroprene rubber is used in some form as a gas generator material, a new material will be provided as a gas generator material used in the gas generator Will be.

  In that case, the specific component may be disposed inside the combustion chamber or may be disposed outside the combustion chamber. For example, as described in the above-described second embodiment of the present invention, the spacer member that fills the space inside the housing may be formed of these materials, and is not particularly described in the above-described embodiment. However, it is good also as what uses these materials as a sealing member for maintaining airtightness. Furthermore, it is good also as using what consists of these materials as a coating film of components represented by the housing etc.

  Thus, the above-described embodiment disclosed herein is illustrative in all respects and is 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.

  1A, 1B Cushion material, 2 openings, 3, 4 main surface, 100 disk-type gas generator, 110 initiator shell, 111 bottom plate, 112 peripheral wall, 113 holding part, 114a, 114b caulking part, 120 closure shell, 121 Top plate part, 122 peripheral wall part, 123 gas outlet, 124 seal member, 130 igniter, 131 igniter part, 132 terminal pin, 133 seal member, 134 transfer agent, 135 enhancer cup, 136 top wall part, 137 side wall part, 138 Flange part, 139 Fire transfer chamber, 140 Combustion chamber, 141 Gas generating agent, 142 Closure shell side holding member, 143 Initiator shell side holding member, 150 filter, 200 cylinder type gas generator, 210 shell, 211 Peripheral wall part, 212 Bottom plate part, 213 gas jet Mouth, 214 caulking portion, 220 holder, 221 groove, 222 penetration portion, 224 caulking portion, 230 igniter, 231 ignition portion, 232 terminal pin, 233 spacer member, 234 transfer agent, 235 first sealed container, 236 cup portion, 237 Cap part, 239 Fire transfer chamber, 240 Combustion chamber, 241 Gas generating agent, 242 Second sealed container, 243 Cup part, 244 Cap part, 250 filter, 251 Hollow communication part, 260 Partition member, 261 Annular plate part, 262 Cylindrical protrusion part, 263 Second communication hole, 270 Partition member, 271 Flange part, 272 Cylindrical part, 273 Bottom part, 274 First communication hole, 275 Hollow part.

Claims (5)

A housing containing therein a combustion chamber containing a gas generating agent;
An igniter attached to the housing and operating to burn the gas generating agent;
A sheet-like cushion material disposed in the combustion chamber,
The cushion material is composed of a foam mainly composed of a material selected from the group consisting of polyurethane resin, polypropylene resin and chloroprene rubber,
A gas in which the cushion material is interposed between a wall surface defining the combustion chamber and the gas generating agent so that the gas generating agent is elastically biased along the thickness direction of the cushion material. Generator. The housing is composed of a cylindrical member with both axial ends closed.
The cushion material is disposed so as to cover a wall surface that intersects the axial direction of the housing among the wall surfaces that define the combustion chamber so that the gas generating agent is elastically biased along the axial direction of the housing. The gas generator according to claim 1, wherein   The gas generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an outer shape of the cushion material is a disc shape or an annular flat plate shape. For a sheet-like gas generator used between a wall surface defining a combustion chamber in which the gas generating agent is accommodated and the gas generating agent so as to elastically bias the gas generating agent in a predetermined direction. A cushioning material,
A cushioning material for a gas generator, comprising a foam mainly composed of a material selected from the group consisting of polyurethane resin, polypropylene resin and chloroprene rubber.   The cushion material for gas generators of Claim 4 whose external shape is a disk shape or an annular flat plate shape.

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