JP2018075881A - Gas generator and gas generator replacement time notification device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gas generator capable of preventing actuation when output in a predetermined range is not performed by predetermined or higher humidity, and to provide a gas generator replacement time notification device using the gas generator.SOLUTION: A gas generator 100 has a short substantially cylindrical housing of which both ends in an axial direction are blocked, and is configured so as to store a holding section 30, an igniter 40, a cup-like member 50, a transfer charge 56, a gas generating agent 61, a lower side holding member 62, an upper side holding member 63, a cushioning member 64 and the like in a combustion chamber provided inside of the housing. A squib cup has a pair of projections extending from the side portion of the bottom to a direction of a side wall portion 52 of the cup-like member 50, and is obtained by molding a conductive/absorptive material. The projections are set at such a length as not to come in contact with the side wall portion 52 of the cup-like member 50 in normal time, and absorb water and expands when the inside of the cup-like member 50 becomes predetermined or higher humidity and are previously set so as to come in contact with the side wall portion 52 of the cup-like member 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a gas generator used for safety devices such as automobiles, and more particularly to a gas generator used for airbag deployment.

  In order to protect an occupant from an impact caused by a car collision, a gas generator that rapidly inflates and deploys an air bag is incorporated in an air bag module mounted in a steering wheel or an instrument panel.

  Conventionally, for example, as described in claim 6 of Patent Document 1 below, the gas generating element includes at least a gas generating element, a power source, and a power circuit connecting the power source and the gas generating element. Is a heating element that generates heat when supplied with electrical energy, a gas generating agent that contacts the heating element, and a pair of positive and negative electrodes that are electrically connected to the heating element and electrically connected to a power source. It is disclosed that at least an electrode part is provided, and that the power supply circuit or the gas generating element is provided with a blocking means for cutting off the electrical connection between the power supply circuit and the gas generating element. In the gas generator (inflator) of Patent Document 1, when the operation of the gas generator is stopped due to reasons such as a decrease in urgency after starting the operation, the connection between the power source and the gas generating element is connected. It becomes possible to stop by cutting and to prevent unnecessary operation of the gas generator.

JP 2014-40200 A

  However, in the conventional gas generator including the gas generator of Patent Document 1 described above, when the humidity in the working chamber (combustion chamber or exterior body) exceeds a predetermined level, the output in the predetermined range cannot be output. Can be considered. In this way, it is preferable not to operate the gas generator when it is impossible to expect a predetermined range of output due to a predetermined humidity or higher. In addition, when the expected range of output is no longer expected, it is preferable to replace the gas generator. However, conventionally, due to the humidity problem in the working chamber (combustion chamber or exterior body), the expected range of output cannot be output. It was difficult to determine whether or not.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a gas generator capable of preventing the operation when a predetermined range of output cannot be output due to a predetermined humidity or higher, and a gas generator replacement time notification device using the gas generator. And

(1) The present invention includes a conductive housing in which a plurality of gas jets are disposed, a sealing-like closing member that closes the gas jets inside the housing, and a circumferential direction inside the housing. A filter material provided, a combustion chamber formed from a space surrounded by the inner wall of the housing and the inner wall of the filter material, a gas generating agent that is contained in the combustion chamber and generates gas by combustion, and is attached to the housing An ignition means for igniting and burning the gas generating agent, and the ignition means is bridged between the first terminal pin, the second terminal pin, and the first terminal pin and the second terminal pin. The resistor, the igniting agent provided in contact with the resistor, the bottomed cup member containing the igniting agent, the first terminal pin, and the second terminal pin are electrically disconnected. And the embolus that closes the opening of the bottomed cup member, and energizes between the first terminal pin and the second terminal pin to cause the point by the resistor. An igniter capable of igniting the gas generating agent by igniting explosives, a bottomed enhancer cup made of a conductive material and provided to cover the igniter, and the enhancer cup and the igniter. The bottomed cup member is provided toward the enhancer cup at the bottom of the bottomed cup member, and the inside of the enhancer cup has a predetermined or higher humidity. A protrusion made of a water-absorbing material that is expandable so that the tip contacts the inside of the enhancer cup, and the tip of the protrusion and the first A connection portion for electrically connecting the terminal pins is provided.

  According to the configuration of (1) above, when the inside of the enhancer cup reaches a predetermined humidity (when the combustion chamber reaches a predetermined humidity), the resistor is electrically short-circuited to reduce the resistance. Can do. As a result, normal energization to the igniter can be inhibited, and the operation of the gas generator that can no longer produce a predetermined range of output (preferable range of output) due to the humidity above the predetermined level can be prevented.

(2) In the gas generator of the above (1), it is preferable that at least the protrusion of the bottomed cup member is made of a conductive material and forms at least a part of the connection.

  According to the configuration of (2) above, since the protruding portion that is also a conductive material can be used as a part of the connecting portion, it is easy to form the connecting portion.

(3) In the gas generator of the above (1) or (2), the bottomed cup member is made of a material that forms the protruding portion, and is integrally formed with the protruding portion. preferable.

  According to the configuration of the above (3), not only the bottomed cup member having the protruding portion is easily formed, but also the connecting portion is easily formed.

(4) In the gas generators of the above (1) to (3), it is preferable that at least a part of the connection portion is a wiring formed of conductive ink.

  According to the configuration of (4) above, a part or all of the connection portion can be easily formed.

(5) The gas generator replacement time notification device of the present invention is connected to the gas generator of any one of (1) to (4) above, the first terminal pin, and the second terminal pin so as to be energized. , A resistance decrease detection unit that detects a resistance decrease of the resistor that occurs when the first current supply member and the second current supply member are in contact with each other, and the resistance decrease detection unit detects a resistance decrease of the resistor. And a notifying unit for notifying the resistance decrease of the resistor by a signal from the resistance decrease detecting unit when detected.

  According to the configuration of (5) above, it is possible to automatically notify that the gas generator has entered the replacement period by detecting that the gas generator is unable to output a predetermined range. it can. As a result, the gas generator is always replaced with a good state, and the safety can be further improved as compared with the conventional case.

It is a lineblock diagram showing the gas generator concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. (A) is a sectional view of the igniter in the gas generator shown in FIG. 1, (b) is a top view of (a), and (c) is a modification of the igniter in the gas generator shown in FIG. Sectional drawing, (d) is a top view of (c). It is drawing used for description of operation | movement of the gas generator shown in FIG. 1, Comprising: (a) is a partially expanded view which shows normal time, (b) is a partially expanded view which shows the time of operation | movement.

<First Embodiment>
(Configuration of gas generator)
The gas generator 100 shown in FIG. 1 has a short, substantially cylindrical housing that is closed at both ends in the axial direction, and internal components are provided in a housing space (combustion chamber) provided inside the housing. As a holding unit 30, an igniter 40, a cup-shaped member 50 (enhancer cup), a transfer agent 56, a gas generating agent 61, a lower holding member 62, an upper holding member 63, a cushion material 64, and a sealing tape (blocking member) 24. And the filter material 70 and the like are accommodated. Further, a gas generating agent storage chamber 60 in which the gas generating agent 61 among the above-described internal components is mainly stored is located in the storage space provided inside the housing.

  The short, substantially cylindrical housing includes a lower shell (initiator shell) 10 and an upper shell (closure shell) 20. Each of the lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20 is made of a press-formed product formed by pressing a rolled metal plate member.

  Each of the lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a bottom, and a housing is configured by joining these opening surfaces so as to face each other. The lower shell 10 has a bottom plate portion 11 and a peripheral wall portion 12, and the upper shell 20 has a top plate portion 21 and a peripheral wall portion 22. As a result, the axial end of the housing is closed by the top plate portion 21 and the bottom plate portion 11. For joining the lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20, electron beam welding, laser welding, friction welding, or the like can be suitably used.

  The upper shell 20 further includes a fixing portion 25 that is erected continuously outward from the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 22. The said fixing | fixed part 25 is a site | part for fixing a housing with respect to an external member (not shown), and the gas generator 100 is supported by the said external member after installation by this. The thickness of the upper shell 20 is preferably 2.0 mm or less, more preferably 1.8 mm or less.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a projecting cylindrical portion 13 that protrudes toward the top plate portion 21 side is provided at the center portion of the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10, thereby the bottom plate of the lower shell 10. A recess 14 is formed at the center of the portion 11. The projecting cylindrical portion 13 is a portion to which the igniter 40 is fixed via the holding portion 30 described above, and the recessed portion 14 is a portion that becomes a space for providing the female connector portion 34 in the holding portion 30. . The thickness of the lower shell 10 is preferably 2.0 mm or less, more preferably 1.8 mm or less.

  The projecting cylindrical portion 13 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a bottom, and an opening 15 having a circular shape in plan view is provided at an axial end located on the top plate portion 21 side. The opening 15 is a part through which the pair of terminal pins 42 and 43 of the igniter 40 are inserted.

  The lower shell 10 is manufactured by pressing a metal plate member rolled as described above. Specifically, the lower shell 10 is illustrated by pressing a rolled metal plate member from above and below using, for example, a pair of molds including an upper mold and a lower mold. It is manufactured by being molded into the shape as described above.

  Here, as the metal plate-like member constituting the lower shell 10, for example, a metal plate made of stainless steel, steel, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, or the like is used, and preferably a tensile stress of 440 MPa or more and 780 MPa or less. A so-called high-tensile steel plate that does not cause breakage or the like even when is applied is suitably used. The press working may be performed by hot forging or cold forging, but is more preferably performed by cold forging from the viewpoint of improving dimensional accuracy.

  The upper shell 20 is manufactured by pressing a metal plate member rolled as described above. Specifically, the upper shell 20 is illustrated by pressing a rolled metal plate member from above and below using, for example, a pair of molds including an upper mold and a lower mold. It is manufactured by being molded into the shape as described above. Here, as a metal plate-like member constituting the upper shell 20, a metal plate made of stainless steel, steel, an aluminum alloy, a stainless alloy, or the like can be used as in the case of the lower shell 10 described above. It is.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the igniter 40 is an ignition device for generating a flame, and includes an ignition unit 41 and the pair of terminal pins 42 and 43 described above. The ignition unit 41 includes therein an igniting agent 45 that generates a flame when ignited and burns during operation, and a resistor 47 for igniting the igniting agent. The pair of terminal pins 42 and 43 are connected to the ignition unit 41 in order to ignite the igniting agent.

  More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the ignition unit 41 includes a squib cup 46 (a bottomed cup member) formed in a cup shape and an open end of the squib cup 46. A base portion 49 (emboli) is provided that is closed and holds the pair of terminal pins 42 and 43 inserted therein, and connects the tips of the pair of terminal pins 42 and 43 inserted into the squib cup 46. A resistor 47 (bridge wire) is attached to the squib cup 46 so as to surround the resistor 47 or to be close to the resistor 47. The terminal pin 43 is attached to the base 49 via an insulator 48 such as glass.

  The squib cup 46 has a pair of rod-like protrusions 46a extending from the bottom side to the side wall 52 of the cup-shaped member 50, and is a combination of a water-absorbing material and a conductive material. It is formed by molding. Synthetic resin systems for water-absorbing materials include, for example, polyacrylates, polysulfonates, maleic anhydrides, polyacrylamides, polyvinyl alcohols, polyethylene oxides, polyamines, etc. Examples of the system include polyaspartate, polyglutamate, polyalginate, starch, cellulose, and polyglycol. Examples of the starch-based or cellulose-based water-absorbing material include starch-acrylic acid (salt) graft copolymers, saponified starch-acrylonitrile copolymers, and sodium carboxymethylcellulose cross-linked materials. Examples of conductive materials include polypyrroles, polyindoles, polycarbazoles, polythiophenes, polyanilines, polyacetylenes, polyfurans, polyparaphenylene vinylenes, polyazulenes, polyparaphenylenes, polyparaphenylene sulfides. , Chain conductive polymers such as polyisothianaphthenes and polythiazils, and polyacene-based conductive polymers. Any one or two or more of these water-absorbing materials and conductive materials may be combined. The protrusion 46a is normally set to a length that does not contact the side wall 52 of the cup-shaped member 50, and the inside of the cup-shaped member 50 (within the housing space (combustion chamber) inside the housing) exceeds a predetermined value. Is set in advance so as to absorb water (absorb) and expand to come into contact with the side wall 52 of the cup-shaped member 50. Here, as a modification, a flange-shaped protrusion or a protrusion made of a plate-like member may be used instead of the rod-shaped protrusion 46a.

  Nichrome wire or the like is generally used as the resistor 47, and ZPP (zirconium / potassium perchlorate), ZWPP (zirconium / tungsten / potassium perchlorate), lead tricinate, or the like is generally used as the igniter 45. The base 49 described above is made of conductive metal or conductive resin. However, as a modification, when an insulating member is used, the cup-shaped member 50 and the terminal pin 42 are made of conductive ink. It is good also as forming the connection part (not shown) which connects these on the surface. Examples of the conductive ink include pastes in which silver nanoparticles or carbon particles are mixed, pastes in which silver nanoparticles and carbon particles are mixed, and the like.

  When a collision is detected at normal times, a predetermined amount of current flows through the resistor 47 via the terminal pins 42 and 43. When a predetermined amount of current flows through the resistor 47, Joule heat is generated in the resistor 47, and the igniting agent starts burning. The high-temperature flame generated by the combustion ruptures the squib cup 46 containing the igniting agent. The time from when the current flows through the resistor 47 until the igniter 40 is activated is generally 2 milliseconds or less when a nichrome wire is used for the resistor 47. Here, the terminal pins 42 and 43 are connected to a resistance lowering detection unit (not shown) that can detect the resistance reduction of the resistor 47 by measuring the electric resistance between the terminal pins 42 and 43. Yes. In addition, when the resistance decrease of the resistor 47 is detected, the resistance decrease detection unit outputs a signal, and notifies the resistance decrease of the resistor 47 (lighting device such as a warning lamp or voice transmitting device such as a speaker). ) Can be notified to the outside.

  The igniter 40 is attached to the bottom plate 11 in a state in which the terminal pins 42 and 43 are inserted from the inside of the lower shell 10 so that the terminal pins 42 and 43 are inserted into the opening 15 provided in the protruding cylindrical portion 13. Specifically, a holding portion 30 made of a resin molded portion is provided around the protruding cylindrical portion 13 provided on the bottom plate portion 11, and the igniter 40 is held by the holding portion 30. Thus, the bottom plate portion 11 is fixed.

  Here, the size of the opening 15 provided in the projecting cylindrical portion 13 is configured to be smaller than the outer shape of the ignition portion 41 which is the maximum outer shape portion of the igniter 40. By configuring in this way, even if the holding part 30 is unexpectedly damaged, the igniter 40 passes through the opening 15 due to an increase in pressure inside the housing, and the outside of the housing. And the safe operation of the gas generator 100 is ensured.

  Further, the protruding cylindrical portion 13 (lower shell 10) serves as a ground terminal, and is external to the gas generator 100 via the fixing portion 25 and the grounding lead wire 90 connected to the fixing portion 25. Grounded with the ground circuit (minus pole).

  The holding portion 30 is formed by injection molding using a mold (more specifically, insert molding), and the bottom plate passes through an opening 15 provided in the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10. It is formed by adhering a resin material to the bottom plate part 11 so as to reach a part of the outer surface from a part of the inner surface of the part 11 and solidifying it.

  In addition, the holding part 30 includes an annular covering part 35 that covers the outer peripheral surface of the squib cup of the igniter 40. In this covering portion 35, a lower-side annular covering portion 36 and an upper-side annular covering portion 37 are provided by forming a step shape having a step forming surface 38. Specifically, the lower-side annular covering part 36 is provided so as to cover the lower part of the squib cup of the igniter 40, and the upper-side annular covering part 37 is above the lower-side annular covering part 36. It is provided so as to cover the height of the squib cup. In addition, the thickness along the radial direction of the upper annular cover portion 37 is configured to be smaller than the thickness along the radial direction of the lower annular cover portion 36. Thereby, the covering portion 35 is formed in a step shape having a substantially planar annular step forming surface 38 substantially orthogonal to the axial direction of the squib cup of the igniter 40. The ignition part 41 is held by the covering part 35 having the step shape in the radial direction.

  The lower annular covering portion 36 is mainly provided so as to exert a holding force for preventing the igniter 40 from falling off the holding portion 30 even during the operation of the gas generator 100. It is. On the other hand, the upper-side annular covering portion 37 is a portion that is provided so as to mainly receive an impact generated when the igniter 40 is operated during the operation of the gas generator 100.

  With such a configuration, the holding part 30 itself made of a resin molded body or a member to which the holding part 30 is fixed to the holding part 30 due to an impact generated by the operation of the igniter 40 when the gas generator 100 is operated. It is possible to prevent unintentional cracks that cause problems in the operation of the gas generator 100 from occurring at the interface between the lower shell 10 and the igniter 40 (particularly the igniter 40).

  The igniter 40 is inserted from the inside of the lower shell 10 so that the terminal pins 42 and 43 are inserted into the opening 15 when the holding unit 30 is molded. When the resin material described above is poured so as to fill the space between the side shells 10, the space is fixed to the bottom plate part 11 via the holding part 30.

  As a raw material of the holding part 30 formed by injection molding, a resin material excellent in heat resistance, durability, corrosion resistance, and the like after curing is suitably selected and used. In that case, it is not limited to a thermosetting resin typified by an epoxy resin or the like, but is typified by a polybutylene terephthalate resin, a polyethylene terephthalate resin, a polyamide resin (for example, nylon 6 or nylon 66), a polypropylene sulfide resin, or a polypropylene oxide resin. It is also possible to use a thermoplastic resin. When these thermoplastic resins are selected as raw materials, it is preferable to contain glass fibers or the like as fillers in these resin materials in order to ensure the mechanical strength of the holding portion 30 after molding. However, when sufficient mechanical strength can be ensured with only the thermoplastic resin, it is not necessary to add the filler as described above.

  The holding part 30 includes an inner covering part 31 that covers a part of the inner surface of the bottom plate part 11 of the lower shell 10, an outer covering part 32 that covers a part of the outer surface of the bottom plate part 11 of the lower shell 10, and a lower part A connecting portion 33 is provided in the opening 15 provided in the bottom plate portion 11 of the side shell 10 and is continuous with the inner covering portion 31 and the outer covering portion 32.

  The holding part 30 is fixed to the bottom plate part 11 on the surface of each of the inner covering part 31, the outer covering part 32 and the connecting part 33 on the bottom plate part 11 side. Further, the holding unit 30 is fixed to the side surface and the lower surface of the portion near the lower end of the igniter 40 of the igniter 40 and the surface of the portion near the upper end of the terminal pins 42 and 43 of the igniter 40. . As a result, the opening 15 is completely embedded by the terminal pins 42 and 43 and the holding portion 30, and the airtightness of the space inside the housing is ensured by ensuring the sealing performance at the portion. Yes.

  The inner covering portion 31 of the holding portion 30 is provided so as to cover only the axial end portion of the protruding cylindrical portion 13 provided on the bottom plate portion 11, and thereby the inside of the housing of the protruding cylindrical portion 13. The outer peripheral surface located at is not covered by the holding portion 30 and is exposed.

  A female connector portion 34 is formed on a portion of the holding portion 30 facing the outside of the outer covering portion 32. The female connector portion 34 is a portion for receiving a male connector (not shown) of a harness for connecting the igniter 40 and a control unit (not shown), and the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10. It is located in the hollow part 14 provided in. In the female connector portion 34, portions near the lower ends of the terminal pins 42 and 43 of the igniter 40 are disposed so as to be exposed. A male connector is inserted into the female connector portion 34, thereby realizing electrical continuity between the harness core wire and the terminal pins 42 and 43.

  Moreover, it is good also as performing the injection molding mentioned above using the lower side shell 10 by which the adhesive bond layer was previously provided in the predetermined position of the surface of the baseplate part 11 of the part which will be covered with the holding | maintenance part 30. FIG. The adhesive layer can be formed by previously applying an adhesive to a predetermined position of the bottom plate portion 11 and curing it.

  In this way, since the cured adhesive layer is positioned between the bottom plate portion 11 and the holding portion 30, the holding portion 30 made of the resin molded portion can be more firmly fixed to the bottom plate portion 11. It becomes possible. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the holding portion 30 from rotating relative to the bottom plate portion 11 after injection molding. Further, if the adhesive layer is provided in an annular shape along the circumferential direction so as to surround the opening 15 provided in the bottom plate portion 11, it is possible to ensure higher sealing performance in the portion.

  Here, as the adhesive to be applied in advance to the bottom plate portion 11, a material containing a resin material having excellent heat resistance, durability, corrosion resistance, and the like after curing as a raw material is preferably used. For example, cyanoacrylate A resin containing a silicone resin or a silicone resin as a raw material is particularly preferably used. In addition to the above resin materials, phenolic resins, epoxy resins, melamine resins, urea resins, polyester resins, alkyd resins, polyurethane resins, polyimide resins, polyethylene resins, polypropylene resins, Polyvinyl chloride resin, polystyrene resin, polyvinyl acetate resin, polytetrafluoroethylene resin, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin, acrylonitrile styrene resin, acrylic resin, polyamide resin, polyacetal resin, polycarbonate resin, Polyphenylene ether resin, polybutylene terephthalate resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, polyolefin resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, polysulfone resin, polyether sulfone resin, polyester Arylate resins, polyether ether ketone resin, polyamide-imide resin, liquid crystal polymer, styrene rubber, those containing olefin rubbers such as is available as an adhesive as described above.

  The position where the adhesive is applied is not particularly limited. For example, the outer surface of the bottom plate portion 11 where the protruding cylindrical portion 13 is formed (that is, covered by the outer covering portion 32 of the holding portion 30). The entire surface of the bottom plate portion 11) or only a part thereof, or the inner surface of the portion of the bottom plate portion 11 where the protruding cylindrical portion 13 is formed (that is, the portion covered by the inner covering portion 31 of the holding portion 30). Or the entire surface of the bottom plate portion 11 that is covered by the holding portion 30.

  In the igniter 40, an adhesive layer may be provided by applying an adhesive in advance at a predetermined position on the surface of the squib cup of the ignition unit 41, which is a portion to be covered by the holding unit 30. If comprised in this way, it will become possible to fix the igniter 40 firmly by the holding | maintenance part 30, like the case where the adhesive bond layer is previously provided in the baseplate part 11 mentioned above, and higher sealing performance in the said part. Can be secured.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the holding unit 30 is configured to be integrated with the igniter 40 and the lower shell 10 when the holding unit 30 is molded is illustrated. The holding unit 30 may be integrated only with the lower shell 10 and the igniter 40 may be assembled to the molded holding unit 30 by, for example, fitting. In that case, since the holding portion 30 is fixed only to the lower shell 10, the sealing performance between the holding portion 30 and the igniter 40 cannot be ensured by this alone. If an appropriate sealing process is performed such as arranging an O-ring on the surface, sufficient sealing performance can be ensured.

  A cup-shaped member 50 made of a conductive material is assembled to the bottom plate portion 11 so as to cover the protruding cylindrical portion 13, the holding portion 30 and the igniter 40. The cup-shaped member 50 has a substantially cylindrical shape with an open end on the bottom plate portion 11 side, and includes a heat transfer chamber 55 in which a charge transfer agent 56 is accommodated. The cup-shaped member 50 is directed toward the gas generating agent storage chamber 60 in which the gas generating agent 61 is stored so that the heat transfer chamber 55 provided therein faces the ignition part 41 of the igniter 40. Are arranged so as to protrude.

  The cup-shaped member 50 includes a top wall portion 51 and a side wall portion 52 that define the above-described transfer chamber 55, and an extending portion 53 that extends radially outward from a portion of the side wall portion 52 on the opening end side. have. The extending portion 53 is formed so as to extend along the inner surface of the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10. Specifically, the extending portion 53 has a shape that is curved so as to follow the shape of the inner bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 11 in the vicinity of the portion where the protruding cylindrical portion 13 is provided, and the diameter thereof. A distal end portion 54 extending in a flange shape is included in a portion on the outer side in the direction.

  The distal end portion 54 of the extending portion 53 is disposed between the bottom plate portion 11 and the lower holding member 62 along the axial direction of the housing, whereby the bottom plate portion 11 and the lower side are disposed along the axial direction of the housing. It is sandwiched between the holding member 62. Here, the lower holding member 62 is pressed toward the bottom plate portion 11 by the gas generating agent 61, the cushion material 64, the upper holding member 63, and the top plate portion 21 disposed above the lower holding member 62. The cup-shaped member 50 is in a state in which the distal end portion 54 of the extending portion 53 is pressed toward the bottom plate portion 11 by the lower holding member 62 and is fixed to the bottom plate portion 11. Thereby, the cup-shaped member 50 is grounded to the ground circuit (minus pole) outside the gas generator 100.

  The portion of the cup-shaped member 50 on the opening end side of the side wall portion 52 is extrapolated to the inner covering portion 31, which is a portion located inside the housing of the holding portion 30, so Has been. The press-fit fixing is a fixing portion for facilitating the assembly work when the cup-shaped member 50 is assembled to the housing. The cup-shaped member 50 is also fixed to the bottom plate portion by the press-fit fixing. 11 will be fixed.

  The cup-shaped member 50 does not have an opening in any of the top wall portion 51 and the side wall portion 52 and surrounds a heat transfer chamber 55 provided therein. The cup-shaped member 50 ruptures or melts as the pressure in the heat transfer chamber 55 rises or the generated heat is transferred when the transfer charge 56 is ignited by the operation of the igniter 40. A material having a relatively low mechanical strength is used.

  Therefore, the cup-shaped member 50 is preferably made of a metal-based conductive material such as aluminum or aluminum alloy, or a resin-based conductive material.

  The cup-shaped member 50 is made of a metal-based conductive material having high mechanical strength such as iron or copper, and has an opening in the side wall portion 52. It is also possible to use a material having a seal tape attached so as to close the opening.

The transfer charge 56 filled in the transfer chamber 55 is ignited by the flame generated by the operation of the igniter 40 and burns to generate hot particles. The charge transfer agent 56 must be capable of reliably starting the combustion of the gas generating agent 61, and is generally composed of a metal powder / oxidizer represented by B / KNO ₃ or the like. Things are used. As the explosive charge 56, a powdery one or one molded into a predetermined shape by a binder is used. Examples of the shape of the charge transfer agent 56 molded by the binder include various shapes such as a granular shape, a columnar shape, a sheet shape, a spherical shape, a single-hole cylindrical shape, a porous cylindrical shape, and a tablet shape. Moreover, as the transfer charge 56, it is also possible to use what has an auto ignition (AI) function. Here, the AI function is a function that automatically ignites regardless of the operation of the igniter 40. Since the charge transfer agent 56 having the AI function is automatically ignited at a temperature lower than that of the gas generating agent 61, in the unlikely event that a fire or the like occurs in a vehicle or the like equipped with an airbag device incorporating the gas generator 100, an external Induction of abnormal operation of the gas generator 100 due to being heated from above can be prevented.

  A gas generating agent storage chamber 60 in which a gas generating agent 61 is stored is placed in a space surrounding the portion where the cup-shaped member 50 is arranged in a space inside the housing composed of the lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20. Is located. Specifically, as described above, the cup-shaped member 50 is disposed so as to protrude into the gas generating agent storage chamber 60 formed inside the housing, and the outer surface of the side wall portion 52 of the cup-shaped member 50. A space provided in a portion facing the gas generating agent accommodating chamber 60 is configured.

  A filter material 70 is disposed along the inside of the housing in a space surrounding the gas generating agent storage chamber 60 in the radial direction of the housing. The filter member 70 has a cylindrical shape, and is disposed so that the central axis thereof substantially matches the axial direction of the housing, whereby the gas generating agent storage chamber in which the gas generating agent 61 is stored. 60 is surrounded in the radial direction.

  The gas generating agent 61 is an agent that generates gas by being ignited and burned by hot particles generated when the igniter 40 is operated. As the gas generating agent 61, it is preferable to use a non-azide-based gas generating agent, and the gas generating agent 61 is generally formed as a molded body containing a fuel, an oxidizing agent, 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, or alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, and ammonia. Nitrate containing cations is used. As the nitrate, for example, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate and the like are preferably used. In addition, examples of the additive include a binder, a slag forming agent, and a combustion adjusting agent. As the binder, for example, an organic binder such as a metal salt of carboxymethyl cellulose and stearate, or an inorganic binder such as synthetic hydroxytalcite and acid 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 61 includes various shapes such as granular shapes, pellet shapes, granular shapes such as columnar shapes, and disk shapes. In addition, in the case of a cylindrical shape, a porous (for example, a single-hole cylindrical shape or a porous cylindrical shape) having a through-hole inside the molded body is also used. These shapes are preferably selected as appropriate according to the specifications of the airbag apparatus in which the gas generator 100 is incorporated. For example, the shape in which the gas generation rate changes with time during the combustion of the gas generating agent 61 is selected. It is preferable to select an optimal shape according to the specifications. In addition to the shape of the gas generating agent 61, it is preferable to appropriately select the size or filling amount of the molded body in consideration of the linear combustion rate, the pressure index, etc. of the gas generating agent 61.

  The filter material 70 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 knitted wire mesh, a plain weave wire mesh, an assembly of crimped metal wires, or the like is used. The perforated metal plate may be, for example, expanded metal that has been cut into a zigzag pattern on the metal plate and expanded to form a hole or processed into a mesh shape, or a hole is formed in the metal plate and In addition, 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) or a stainless steel plate can be used suitably, and nonferrous metal plates, such as aluminum, copper, titanium, nickel, or these alloys, can also be utilized. Moreover, the metal wire which comprises the filter material 70 is provided with the groove part extended continuously along the extending direction on the surface. The groove portion of the metal wire has a substantially U-shaped cross section and is disposed so as to face the gas generating agent storage chamber 60 side. That is, of the pair of main surfaces of the metal wire, the wider main surface on which the groove is provided faces the inner side in the radial direction of the filter material 70, and the wider main surface on which the groove is not provided is the filter material 70. It faces the outside in the radial direction. The maximum outer dimension of the metal wire along the depth direction of the groove is configured to be smaller than the maximum outer dimension of the metal wire along the width direction of the groove. That is, the distance between the wider main surface where the groove portion of the metal wire is provided and the wider main surface where the groove portion is not provided is smaller than the distance between the pair of end surfaces of the metal wire. Yes.

  The filter material 70 functions as a cooling means that cools the gas by taking away the high-temperature heat of the gas when the gas generated in the gas generating agent storage chamber 60 passes through the filter material 70. It also functions as a removing means for removing residues (slag) and the like contained therein. Therefore, in order to sufficiently cool the gas and prevent the residue from being discharged to the outside, the gas generated in the gas generating agent storage chamber 60 must be surely passed through the filter material 70. is necessary.

  The gas outlet 23 is formed in the peripheral wall portion 22 of the upper shell 20 at the portion facing the filter material 70 (that is, the peripheral wall portion of the portion located on the top plate portion 21 side from the position where the fixing portion 25 is provided). A plurality are provided. The gas outlet 23 is a hole for leading the gas that has passed through the filter material 70 to the outside of the housing. In addition, a seal tape 24 is attached to a main surface located on the filter material 70 side of the peripheral wall portion 22 of the upper shell 20 so as to close the gas outlet 23. As this sealing tape 24, an aluminum foil or the like having an adhesive member applied on one side is used. Thereby, the airtightness of the gas generating agent accommodation chamber 60 is ensured.

  In the gas generating agent storage chamber 60, a lower holding member 62 is disposed in the vicinity of the end located on the bottom plate portion 11 side. The lower holding member 62 has an annular shape and is disposed so as to cover a boundary portion between the filter material 70 and the bottom plate portion 11. The lower holding member 62 positions and holds the filter material 70 by contacting the inner peripheral surface located on the bottom plate portion 11 side of the filter material 70, and the tip of the cup-shaped member 50 with the bottom plate portion 11. The cup-shaped member 50 is held by sandwiching the portion 54.

  During operation, the lower holding member 62 flows out of the gap between the lower end of the filter material 70 and the bottom plate portion 11 without passing through the inside of the filter material 70 without generating gas in the gas generating agent storage chamber 60. To prevent it. The lower holding member 62 is formed by, for example, pressing a metal plate-like member, and preferably a steel plate such as ordinary steel or special steel (for example, a cold-rolled steel plate or a stainless steel plate) ).

  An upper holding member 63 is disposed at an end portion of the gas generating agent storage chamber 60 located on the top plate portion 21 side. The upper holding member 63 has a substantially disk shape, and is disposed so as to cover the boundary portion between the filter material 70 and the top plate portion 21. The upper holding member 63 positions and holds the filter material 70 by contacting the inner peripheral surface located on the top plate portion 21 side of the filter material 70, and holds the cushion material 64 disposed therein. Yes.

  When the upper holding member 63 is in operation, the gas generated in the gas generating agent storage chamber 60 flows out from the gap between the upper end of the filter material 70 and the top plate portion 21 without passing through the inside of the filter material 70. To prevent it. Similarly to the lower holding member 62, the upper holding member 63 is formed by, for example, pressing a metal plate-like member, and preferably a steel plate such as ordinary steel or special steel (for example, Cold rolled steel plate or stainless steel plate).

  A disc-shaped cushion material 64 is disposed inside the upper holding member 63 so as to be in contact with the gas generating agent 61 stored in the gas generating agent storage chamber 60. Accordingly, the cushion material 64 is positioned between the top plate portion 21 and the gas generating agent 61 in the portion on the top plate portion 21 side of the gas generating agent storage chamber 60, and the gas generating agent 61 is placed on the bottom plate portion 11. It is pressing toward the side. The cushion material 64 is provided for the purpose of preventing the gas generating agent 61 made of a molded body from being crushed by vibration or the like, and is preferably a ceramic fiber molded body, rock wool, foamed resin (for example, (Foamed silicone, foamed polypropylene, foamed polyethylene, etc.) or a member made of rubber or the like typified by chloroprene and EPDM.

(Normal operation of the gas generator 100)
When a vehicle on which the gas generator 100 according to the present embodiment is mounted collides, a collision is detected by a collision detection unit provided separately in the vehicle, and based on this, a control unit provided separately in the vehicle The igniter 40 is activated by energization. The transfer charge 56 accommodated in the transfer chamber 55 is ignited and burned by the flame generated by the operation of the igniter 40 and generates a large amount of heat particles. The cup-shaped member 50 is ruptured or melted by the combustion of the charge transfer agent 56, and the above-described hot particles flow into the gas generating agent storage chamber 60.

  Due to the flowing heat particles, the gas generating agent 61 accommodated in the gas generating agent accommodating chamber 60 is ignited and burned to generate a large amount of gas. The gas generated in the gas generating agent storage chamber 60 passes through the inside of the filter material 70, and at that time, the filter material 70 removes heat and cools the slag contained in the gas. It is removed and flows into the outer peripheral edge of the housing.

  As the internal pressure of the housing increases, the sealing by the sealing tape 24 that has closed the gas outlet 23 of the upper shell 20 is broken, and gas is jetted out of the housing through the gas outlet 23. The ejected gas is introduced into an airbag provided adjacent to the gas generator 100, and expands and deploys the airbag.

(Operation of the gas generator 100 when the humidity in the cup-shaped member 50 exceeds a predetermined level)
When the humidity in the cup-shaped member 50 is higher than normal, that is, when the humidity in the housing space (combustion chamber) provided inside the housing is higher than normal, in the squib cup 46, The bottom side portion including the protrusion 46a absorbs moisture and expands in the width direction of the housing (in the direction of the white arrow in FIG. 3A). Here, when the inside of the cup-shaped member 50 becomes a predetermined or higher humidity (when the output of the gas generator 100 is not within a preferable range), the bottom side portion including the protrusion 46a expands, and the protrusion 46a will contact the inner wall surface of the side wall part 52 of the cup-shaped member 50 (refer FIG.3 (b)). When the protrusion 46a comes into contact with the inner wall surface of the side wall 52 of the cup-shaped member 50, the positive terminal pin 42 and the ground circuit are electrically connected via the squib cup 46, the base 49, and the housing, The resistor 47 provided in the igniter 40 is short-circuited and the resistance is reduced. As a result, the normal energization of the igniter 40 is hindered, and the inside of the cup-shaped member 50 has a predetermined or higher humidity so that the output of the predetermined range (preferable range of output) cannot be generated. The operation can be prevented. At this time, when a resistance decrease detection unit (not shown) connected to the terminal pins 42 and 43 detects a resistance decrease of the resistor 47, a notification unit (lighting device such as a warning lamp) is output by outputting a signal. Or a voice transmission device such as a speaker) to notify the outside of the resistance decrease of the resistor 47.

  According to the present embodiment, as described above, when the humidity in the cup-shaped member 50 becomes higher than normal, normal conduction to the igniter 40 is inhibited, and the inside of the cup-shaped member 50 is predetermined. It is possible to prevent the operation of the gas generator 100 that has reached the above humidity and is unable to output a predetermined range (preferable range of output).

  Further, since the protrusion 46a is integrally formed with the squib cup 46, not only the squib cup 46 is easily formed, but also the terminal pin 42 and the ground circuit are part of a connection part that can be electrically connected. And the connection portion can be easily formed.

  Further, when the resistance drop of the resistor 47 is detected by the resistance drop detecting unit connected to the terminal pins 42 and 43, a notification unit (lighting device such as a warning lamp, speaker, etc.) Can be notified to the outside. Therefore, an apparatus capable of notifying the replacement timing of the gas generator 100 based on the notification result can be provided.

Second Embodiment
Next, a gas generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The same parts as those in the first embodiment may be omitted from the description using the same names.

  In the gas generator according to the second embodiment, (1) instead of the squib cup 46 made of a conductive / water-absorbing material, the squib cup 46 has the same shape as the squib cup 46 but uses a squib cup made of a water-absorbing material (2) The tip of the squib cup protrusion and the positive terminal pin are formed with conductive ink on the surface of the squib cup (including the outer surface of the base if the base is not made of a conductive material). It is different from the first embodiment in that it is electrically connected by the connected wiring (connection portion). Here, examples of the water-absorbing material include polyacrylates, polysulfonates, maleic anhydrides, polyacrylamides, polyvinyl alcohols, polyethylene oxides, and polyamines, and are derived from natural products. Examples of the system include polyaspartate, polyglutamate, polyalginate, starch, cellulose, and polyglycol. Examples of the starch-based or cellulose-based water-absorbing material include starch-acrylic acid (salt) graft copolymers, saponified starch-acrylonitrile copolymers, and sodium carboxymethylcellulose cross-linked materials. Further, a water expansion rubber may be used. The water-expandable rubber is a rubber which is composed of a rubber material and a water-absorbing material, and whose volume is increased by the water-absorbing material absorbing water and expanding. As the rubber material, for example, chloroprene rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, natural rubber, nitrile rubber, urethane rubber, and other polymer materials are used alone or in combination.

  As in the first embodiment, examples of the conductive ink include pastes in which silver nanoparticles or carbon particles are mixed, pastes in which silver nanoparticles and carbon particles are mixed, and the like. Here, when using conductive ink in which only silver nanoparticles are mixed, it is preferable to protect the surface with carbon ink or resist (insulating ink) immediately after drying. In addition, as a method of forming the wiring with the conductive ink, printing on the surface of the squib cup may be performed, or it may be formed by drawing on the surface of the squib cup with a conductive ink pen such as a marker pen. It may be formed by applying to the squib cup surface with a brush or the like.

  The operation of the gas generator according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the gas generator 100 of the first embodiment. However, when the humidity in the cup-shaped member exceeds a predetermined level, the operation of the gas generator according to the present embodiment is performed. Is as follows. First, when the humidity in the cup-shaped member is higher than normal, that is, when the humidity in the housing space (combustion chamber) provided inside the housing is higher than normal, in the squib cup, The bottom side portion including the protrusion absorbs moisture and expands in the width direction of the housing. Here, when the inside of the cup-shaped member becomes a predetermined humidity or higher (when the output of the gas generator is not within a preferable range), the bottom including the protrusion of the squib cup as in the first embodiment. A side part expand | swells and this projection part contacts the inner wall face of the side wall part of a cup-shaped member. Then, when the protruding portion comes into contact with the inner wall surface of the side wall portion of the cup-shaped member, the positive electrode terminal pin and the ground circuit are electrically connected via a wiring (connection portion) formed of conductive ink, The resistor provided in the igniter is short-circuited and the resistance decreases. As a result, normal energization to the igniter is hindered, preventing the operation of the gas generator where the inside of the cup-shaped member is at a predetermined humidity or higher and the output in the expected range (preferably range output) cannot be generated. can do. At this time, similarly to the first embodiment, the resistance decrease detection unit (not shown) connected between the pair of terminal pins outputs a signal when detecting a resistance decrease of the resistor, thereby notifying the notification unit. (Lighting device such as a warning lamp or sound transmission device such as a speaker) is controlled to notify the outside of the resistance decrease of the resistor.

  According to the present embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained by merely forming the wiring (connection portion) using conductive ink on the surface of the squib cup made of the water-absorbing material.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described based on drawing, it should be thought that a specific structure is not limited to these embodiment. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiments but by the scope of claims for patent, and further includes meanings equivalent to the scope of claims for patent and all modifications within the scope. For example, in the first and second embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the squib cup 46 is integrally formed with the protrusion 46a, but FIG. As shown to (d), it is good also as what formed the projection part 46a separately, and adhere | attached with the conductive adhesive. Here, in FIGS. 2C and 2D, the parts having the same reference numerals as the first embodiment are the same as those described in the first embodiment. Although not shown, a donut-shaped ring having the same inner diameter as the outer diameter of the squib cup may be formed and attached to the side of the bottom of the squib cup to form a flange-like protrusion of the squib cup.

  Further, instead of the first and second embodiments, the squib cup is formed of a conventional resin or metal, and only the protrusion is formed of a water-absorbing material, and the tip of the protrusion and the positive terminal pin are electrically connected. It is good also as what is electrically connected by the wiring formed with the property ink.

  In the first and second embodiments, the squib cup 46 itself is formed of a conductive / water-absorbing material or a water-absorbing material, but the squib cup is used as a bottomed cup member having a U-shaped cross section. A cup-shaped cover having a surface shape such as a squib cup 46 made of a conductive / water-absorbing material or a water-absorbing material is formed, and the squib cup (a conventional U-shaped bottomed cup member) is covered. Also good. Here, as another example of the cup-shaped cover having a surface shape such as the squib cup 46, a cover made of only a water-absorbing material may be used. In this case, the tip of the protrusion and the positive electrode terminal What is necessary is just to electrically connect a pin with the wiring formed with the conductive ink.

  In the first and second embodiments, the terminal pins 42 and 142 are disposed so as to penetrate the base portions 49 and 149. However, the terminal pins 42 and 142 may be in contact with the base portions 49 and 149. 49, 149 may or may not be inserted, or may be inserted halfway. At this time, the resistors 47 and 147 may be in contact with the base portions 49 and 149, and may not be in direct contact with the terminal pins 42 and 142.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Lower side shell 11 Bottom plate part 12 Perimeter wall part 13 Projection cylinder part 14 Depression part 15 Opening part 20 Upper side shell 21 Top plate part 22 Perimeter wall part 23 Gas ejection port 24 Seal tape 25 Fixing part 30 Holding part 31 Inner coating | coated part 32 Outer covering portion 33 Connecting portion 34 Female connector portion 40 Ignition device 41, 141 Ignition portion 42, 43, 142, 143 Terminal pin 45, 145 Ignition agent 46, 146 Squib cup 46a, 146a Protrusion portion 47, 147 Resistor 48, 148 Insulator 49, 149 Base 50 Cup-shaped member 51 Top wall portion 52 Side wall portion 53 Extension portion 54 Tip portion 55 Transfer chamber 56 Transfer agent 60 Gas generating agent chamber 61 Gas generating agent 62 Lower holding member 63 Upper holding member Member 64 Cushion material 70 Filter material 100 Gas generator

Claims (5)

A conductive housing provided with a plurality of gas jets;
A sealing-like closing member that closes the gas jet port inside the housing;
A filter material provided in the circumferential direction inside the housing;
A combustion chamber formed from a space surrounded by the inner wall of the housing and the inner wall of the filter material;
A gas generating agent that is contained in the combustion chamber and generates gas by combustion;
Ignition means attached to the housing and igniting and burning the gas generating agent;
With
The ignition means is
A first terminal pin, a second terminal pin, a resistor bridged between the first terminal pin and the second terminal pin, an igniting agent provided in contact with the resistor, and the igniting agent A bottomed cup member that includes a cap, and a plug that fixes the first terminal pin and the second terminal pin in an electrically insulated state and closes the opening of the bottomed cup member. And an igniter capable of igniting the gas generating agent by energizing between the first terminal pin and the second terminal pin and igniting the igniting agent by the resistor,
A bottomed enhancer cup made of a conductive material and provided to cover the igniter;
A charge transfer agent accommodated between the enhancer cup and the igniter;
With
The bottomed cup member is provided toward the enhancer cup at the bottom of the bottomed cup member, and when the inside of the enhancer cup is at a predetermined humidity or higher, the tip comes into contact with the inside of the enhancer cup. It has a protrusion made of a water-absorbing material that can expand,
Furthermore, the connection part which electrically connects the said front-end | tip of the said projection part and the said 1st terminal pin is provided, The gas generator characterized by the above-mentioned.   2. The gas generator according to claim 1, wherein at least the protrusion of the bottomed cup member is made of a conductive material and forms at least a part of the connection portion.   3. The gas generator according to claim 1, wherein the bottomed cup member is made of a material that forms the protruding portion, and is integrally formed with the protruding portion.   The gas generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least a part of the connection portion is a wiring formed of conductive ink. A gas generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A resistor that is connected to the first terminal pin and the second terminal pin so as to be energized, and that detects a decrease in resistance of the resistor that occurs when the first energizing member and the second energizing member are in contact with each other. A drop detection unit;
When the resistance decrease detection unit detects a resistance decrease of the resistor, a notification unit that notifies the resistance decrease of the resistor by a signal from the resistance decrease detection unit;
A gas generator replacement time notifying device characterized by comprising:

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