JP2019026200A - Gas generator - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a gas generator which can shorten time from a moment that an igniter is actuated to a moment that a gas is jetted to the outside through a gas port while reducing a loading amount of a transfer charge to a small amount.SOLUTION: A gas generator 1A includes an igniter 40, a cup-shaped member 50 and a partition part 56. The cup-shaped member 50 is disposed so that an internal space faces the igniter 40. The partition part 56 is disposed in the cup-shaped member 50. The partition part 56 can be ruptured or deformed or melted in conjunction with actuation of the igniter 40 and partitions the internal space of the cup-shaped member 50 into a first space S1 located at the bottom plate part 11 side of a housing to which the igniter 40 is assembled; and a second space S2 located at the top plate part 21 side of the housing. The first space S1 is formed as an inflammation chamber filled with a transfer charge 59, and the second space S2 is formed as a gap part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a gas generator incorporated in an occupant protection device that protects an occupant when a vehicle or the like collides, and more particularly to a gas generator incorporated in an airbag device installed in an automobile or the like.

  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 this airbag device, and ignites the igniter by energization from the control unit at the time of a vehicle collision, etc., and the gas generating agent is burned by the flame generated in the igniter to instantly generate a large amount of gas. This is a device for inflating and deploying the airbag.

  There are various types of gas generators, but as a gas generator that can be particularly suitably used for a driver side airbag device, a passenger side airbag device, etc., a short, substantially circular shape having a relatively large outer diameter. There is a columnar disk-type gas generator.

  The disk-type gas generator has a short, substantially cylindrical housing that is closed at both ends in the axial direction. A plurality of gas jets are provided on the peripheral wall of the housing, and an igniter assembled in the housing. A charge transfer agent is contained inside the housing so as to face, and a gas generating agent is filled inside the housing so as to surround the transfer charge, and a filter is provided inside the housing so as to further surround the periphery of the gas generation agent. It is contained.

  As a document disclosing a specific configuration of the disk type gas generator, there is, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-183939 (Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-183939 A

  In the disk-type gas generator, it is preferable that the time from when the igniter is activated to when the gas starts to be ejected to the outside through the gas ejection port is preferably shorter. This is because when the time from when the igniter is activated to when gas starts to be ejected to the outside through the gas ejection port is long, this leads to a delay in the deployment of the airbag. The important issue is how to spout the gas.

  In particular, in a disk-type gas generator in which the gas generation amount during operation is set to be relatively large, gas is ejected as compared with a disk-type gas generator in which the gas generation amount during operation is set to be relatively small. Tends to be longer. This is due to the relatively large filling amount of the gas generating agent in the disk-type gas generator in which the gas generation amount during operation is set to be relatively large.

  In more detail, as the filling amount of the gas generating agent increases, the housing inevitably increases in size, and as a result, the distance from the igniter to the gas outlet becomes longer. It is necessary to go through a longer path to reach the gas outlet, which leads to a delay in gas ejection. In addition, as the amount of the gas generating agent is increased, the amount of the unburned gas generating agent immediately after the start of operation is inevitably increased, which becomes a flow resistance against the gas generated immediately after the start of operation. This also leads to a delay in gas ejection.

  Therefore, in the conventional disk-type gas generator, from the viewpoint of ejecting the gas in a short time, the charge amount of the transfer charge is set so that the gas generating agent starts burning earlier and more. Measures such as more are taken.

  However, even when the charge amount of the transfer charge is increased, there is a limit to shortening the time from the time when the igniter is activated until the time when gas starts to be ejected to the outside through the gas ejection port. It can't be fast enough. This is because if the charge charge is simply increased, it will not be possible to quickly ignite the charge placed at a position away from the igniter, resulting in a significant difference from the case where the charge charge is reduced. This is because there will be no.

  In addition, when the charge amount of the explosive charge is increased, there is a problem that the manufacturing cost naturally increases accordingly, and there is a demand for improvement.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and gas is started to be ejected to the outside through the gas ejection port from the time when the igniter is operated while suppressing the charging amount of the transfer charge. An object of the present invention is to provide a gas generator capable of shortening the time to the time point.

  The gas generator based on this invention is provided with the housing, the igniter, the cup-shaped member, and the partition part. The housing includes a cylindrical peripheral wall portion provided with a gas outlet, and a top plate portion and a bottom plate portion that close one end and the other end in the axial direction of the peripheral wall portion, and accommodates a gas generating agent. It has a combustion chamber inside. The igniter is assembled to the bottom plate portion, and includes an igniter that contains an igniting agent that ignites during operation. The cup-shaped member is disposed so as to protrude toward the combustion chamber so that an internal space faces the ignition part. The partition portion is disposed inside the cup-shaped member so as to partition the space inside the cup-shaped member into a first space on the bottom plate portion side and a second space on the top plate portion side. The partition portion is disposed to face the ignition portion so that it can be ruptured, deformed, or melted with the operation of the igniter. In the gas generator according to the present invention, the first space is configured as a heat transfer chamber filled with a charge transfer agent, and the second space is configured as a gap.

  In the gas generator based on the said invention, it is preferable that the said partition part is a product made from aluminum or aluminum alloy.

  In the gas generator according to the present invention, it is preferable that the partition portion is more fragile than the cup-shaped member.

  In the gas generator according to the present invention, the cup-shaped member is ruptured by the combustion of the transfer charge accompanying the operation of the igniter, or the entire portion defining the first space and the second space is ruptured. You may be comprised with the member to fuse | melt.

  In the gas generator according to the present invention, the cup-shaped member may be made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

  In the gas generator according to the present invention, the gas generating agent is disposed adjacent to the cup-shaped member so that the combustion chamber is defined by the outer surface of the cup-shaped member. Is preferred.

  In the gas generator based on the said invention, the score may be provided in the said partition part.

  In the gas generator according to the present invention, it is preferable that the partition portion is configured by the bottom portion of the bottomed cylindrical partition member including the cylindrical portion and the bottom portion. The partition member may be fixed by being press-fitted into the cup-shaped member.

  In the gas generator according to the present invention, the cylindrical portion is disposed closer to the top plate than the bottom as the partition, thereby positioning the bottom as the partition. It is preferable that this is performed by the cylindrical portion.

  In the gas generator according to the present invention, the cylindrical portion may include a folded portion folded toward the outside at an end portion on the top plate portion side. It is preferable that the partition member is fixed to the cup-shaped member when the folded portion abuts against the side wall portion of the cup-shaped member.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to shorten the time from the time when the igniter is activated to the time when gas starts to be ejected to the outside through the gas ejection port while suppressing the amount of charge transfer powder to be reduced. Can be a container.

It is the schematic of the disk type gas generator in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating operation | movement of the disk type gas generator shown in FIG. It is an expanded sectional view of the important section of the disk type gas generator concerning the 1st modification. It is an expanded sectional view of the important section of the disk type gas generator concerning the 2nd modification. It is an expanded sectional view of the important section of the disc type gas generator concerning the 3rd modification. It is an expanded sectional view of the important section of the disc type gas generator concerning the 4th modification. 3 is a schematic view of a disk-type gas generator according to Comparative Example 1. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a disk-type gas generator according to Comparative Example 2. FIG. It is a table | surface which shows the test conditions and test result of a verification test. It is the schematic of the disk type gas generator in Embodiment 2 of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment described below, the present invention is applied to a disk-type gas generator that is suitably incorporated in an airbag device mounted on a steering wheel or the like of an automobile. In the following embodiments, the same or common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and description thereof will not be repeated.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a disk-type gas generator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. First, with reference to FIG. 1, the configuration of a disk-type gas generator 1A in the present embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the disk-type gas generator 1A has a short, substantially cylindrical housing with one end and the other end closed in the axial direction. In the housing space provided in the housing, The holding part 30, the igniter 40, the cup-shaped member 50, the partition member 55, the transfer agent 59, the gas generating agent 61, the lower support member 70, the upper support member 80, the cushion material 85, the filter 90, and the like as internal components. It is contained. A combustion chamber 60 in which the gas generating agent 61 among the above-described internal components is mainly housed is located in the housing space provided inside the housing.

  The housing includes a lower shell 10 and an upper shell 20. Each of the lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20 is made of a press-formed product formed by, for example, pressing a rolled metal plate-like member. As the metal plate-like members constituting the lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20, for example, a metal plate made of stainless steel, steel, aluminum alloy, stainless alloy or the like is used, and preferably 440 [MPa] or more and 780 A so-called high-tensile steel plate that does not cause breakage or the like even when a tensile stress of [MPa] or less is applied is used.

  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.

  The upper end of the peripheral wall portion 12 of the lower shell 10 is press-fitted by being inserted into the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 22 of the upper shell 20. Furthermore, the peripheral wall portion 12 of the lower shell 10 and the peripheral wall portion 22 of the upper shell 20 are joined at or near their contact portions, so that the lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20 are fixed. ing. Here, for the joining of the lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20, electron beam welding, laser welding, friction welding, or the like can be suitably used.

  Thereby, the portion near the bottom plate portion 11 in the peripheral wall portion of the housing is constituted by the peripheral wall portion 12 of the lower shell 10, and the portion near the top plate portion 21 in the peripheral wall portion of the housing is the upper side. The peripheral wall portion 22 of the shell 20 is configured. One end and the other end of the housing in the axial direction are closed by a bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10 and a top plate portion 21 of the upper shell 20, respectively.

  At the center of the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10, there is provided a protruding cylindrical portion 13 that protrudes toward the top plate portion 21, so that the center portion of the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10 has a central portion. A recess 14 is formed. The projecting cylindrical portion 13 is a portion to which the igniter 40 is fixed via the holding portion 30, and the hollow portion 14 is a portion serving as a space for providing the female connector portion 34 in the holding portion 30.

  The projecting cylindrical portion 13 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a bottom, and an axial end located on the top plate portion 21 side has an asymmetrical shape (for example, D-shaped, barrel, etc.) in a plan view. A mold shape, an oval shape, or the like) is provided. The opening 15 is a part through which the pair of terminal pins 42 of the igniter 40 is inserted.

  The igniter 40 is for generating a flame, and includes an igniter 41 and the pair of terminal pins 42 described above. The ignition unit 41 includes therein an igniting agent that generates a flame by igniting and burning during operation, and a resistor for igniting the igniting agent. The pair of terminal pins 42 are connected to the ignition unit 41 to ignite the igniting agent.

  More specifically, the ignition unit 41 includes a squib cup formed in a cup shape, and a plug that closes the open end of the squib cup and through which the pair of terminal pins 42 are inserted and held, A resistor (bridge wire) is attached so as to connect the tips of the pair of terminal pins 42 inserted in the squib cup, and a dot is placed in the squib cup so as to surround the resistor or close to the resistor. It has a configuration loaded with explosives.

  Here, 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 and the embolus described above are generally made of metal or plastic.

  When a collision is detected, a predetermined amount of current flows through the resistor via the terminal pin 42. 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 40 is activated is generally 2 [ms] or less when a nichrome wire is used as the resistor.

  The igniter 40 is attached to the bottom plate portion 11 in a state where the igniter 40 is inserted from the inside of the lower shell 10 so that the terminal pin 42 is inserted into the opening 15 provided in the projecting 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.

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

  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 ignition unit 41 of the igniter 40 and the surface of the portion near the upper end of the terminal pin 42 of the igniter 40.

  As a result, the opening 15 is completely embedded by the terminal pin 42 and the holding part 30, and the sealing property at the part is ensured, thereby ensuring the airtightness of the space inside the housing. Since the opening 15 is formed in an asymmetrical shape in plan view as described above, the opening 15 and the connecting part 33 are held by the holding part 30 by embedding the opening 15 in the connecting part 33. Also functions as a detent mechanism that prevents the base plate portion 11 from rotating relative to the bottom plate portion 11.

  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, a portion near the lower end of the terminal pin 42 of the igniter 40 is 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 pin 42.

  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, for example, applying an adhesive in advance 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, 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 part 11, it is possible to ensure higher sealing performance in the part.

  Here, as the adhesive to be applied in advance to the bottom plate portion 11, a material containing a resin material excellent in heat resistance, durability, corrosion resistance and the like after curing as a raw material is preferably used. Those containing a resin or a silicone resin as a raw material are 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 raw materials, is available as an adhesive as described above.

  In addition, although the example of a structure at the time of enabling fixation of the igniter 40 with respect to the lower side shell 10 by injection-molding the holding | maintenance part 30 which consists of a resin molding part was illustrated here, the igniter 40 with respect to the lower side shell 10 is shown. It is possible to use other alternative means for fixing.

  A cup-shaped member 50 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 bottomed cylindrical shape with an opening on the bottom plate portion 11 side, and includes a space in which the partition member 55 and the transfer charge 59 are accommodated. The cup-shaped member 50 is positioned so as to protrude toward the combustion chamber 60 in which the gas generating agent 61 is accommodated so that the space provided therein faces the ignition part 41 of the igniter 40. Is arranged.

  The cup-shaped member 50 includes a top wall 51, a cylindrical side wall 52 extending from the periphery of the top wall 51 toward the bottom plate 11, and an end of the side wall 52 on the bottom plate 11 side. And an extending portion 53 extending outward in the radial direction from the opening end which is a portion. 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 support member 70 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 support members 70. Here, the lower support member 70 is in a state of being pressed toward the bottom plate portion 11 side by the gas generating agent 61, the cushion material 85, the upper support member 80, and the top plate portion 21 disposed above the lower support member 70. The cup-shaped member 50 is in a state where the distal end portion 54 of the extended portion 53 is pressed toward the bottom plate portion 11 by the lower support member 70 and is fixed to the bottom plate portion 11. Accordingly, the cup-shaped member 50 can be prevented from falling off the bottom plate portion 11 without using caulking or press-fitting for fixing the cup-shaped member 50.

  The cup-shaped member 50 does not have an opening in any of the side wall portion 52 and the top wall portion 51 and surrounds a space provided therein. The cup-shaped member 50 ruptures or melts when the transfer charge 59 is ignited by the operation of the igniter 40, as the pressure in the internal space rises or the generated heat is conducted. It consists of a fragile member with relatively low mechanical strength. Here, the portion of the cup-shaped member 50 that bursts or melts when the igniter 40 is actuated is a portion that mainly defines a first space S1 and a second space S2 to be described later.

  Therefore, as the cup-shaped member 50, a metal member such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, a thermosetting resin typified by an epoxy resin, a polybutylene terephthalate resin, a polyethylene terephthalate resin, a polyamide resin (for example, nylon 6 or nylon) 66), and those made of a resin member such as a thermoplastic resin typified by polypropylene sulfide resin, polypropylene oxide resin and the like are preferably used.

  In addition, as a fixing method of the cup-shaped member 50, it is not restricted to the fixing method using the lower side support member 70 mentioned above, You may utilize another fixing method.

  A partition member 55 is disposed in a space inside the cup-shaped member 50. The partition member 55 has a bottomed substantially cylindrical shape with an opening on the top plate portion 21 side, and has a partition portion 56 as a bottom portion and the periphery of the partition portion 56 toward the top plate portion 21 side. And a cylindrical portion 57 extending toward the end. Here, the partition member 55 is disposed so that the axial direction thereof coincides with the axial direction of the cup-shaped member 50 so that the partition portion 56 faces the ignition portion 41 of the igniter 40.

  Thereby, the space inside the cup-shaped member 50 is partitioned into two spaces in the axial direction by the partition portion 56 of the partition member 55. Of these two spaces, the first space S1 located on the bottom plate portion 11 side is filled with the transfer charge 59, and thus the first space S1 is configured as a transfer chamber. On the other hand, among these two spaces, the second space S2 located on the top plate portion 21 side is configured as a gap without accommodating the transfer charge 59 or the like.

  The first space S <b> 1 that is a transfer chamber includes a part of the side wall portion 52 of the cup-shaped member 50, the partition portion 56 of the partition member 55, the inner covering portion 31 of the holding portion 30, and the ignition portion 41 of the igniter 40. It is prescribed by. As a result, the transfer charge 59 is arranged so as to face the ignition part 41 of the igniter 40, and most of the second charge space is the igniter 40 and the gap part along the axial direction of the housing. It is located between S2.

  The partition member 55 does not have an opening in the partition part 56, and prevents the transfer charge 59 from moving from the first space S1 to the second space S2. When the igniter 40 is operated, the partition member 55 is ruptured or deformed by a thrust generated by burning the igniting agent, and is made of a fragile member having a relatively low mechanical strength.

  Therefore, as the partition member 55, a metal member such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, a thermosetting resin typified by an epoxy resin, a polybutylene terephthalate resin, a polyethylene terephthalate resin, a polyamide resin (for example, nylon 6 or nylon 66). Etc.), and those made of a resin member such as a thermoplastic resin typified by polypropylene sulfide resin, polypropylene oxide resin and the like are suitably used.

  Here, the partition member 55 is preferably fixed by being press-fitted into the cup-shaped member 50. In other words, it is preferable that the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 57 of the partition member 55 is in pressure contact with the inner peripheral surface of the side wall portion 52 of the cup-shaped member 50. With this configuration, the partition member 55 can be easily assembled to the cup-shaped member 50.

  In addition, as described above, it is preferable that the partition member 55 is inserted into the cup-shaped member 50 so that the tubular portion 57 of the partition member 55 is positioned closer to the top plate portion 21 than the partition portion 56. . By configuring in this way, the end of the cylindrical portion 57 on the top plate portion 21 side can be brought into contact with the top wall portion 51 of the cup-shaped member 50, so that the partition portion 56 can be easily positioned. Can be performed.

The transfer charge 59 filled in the first space S1, which is a transfer chamber, is ignited by the flame generated by the operation of the igniter 40 and burns to generate hot particles. The transfer agent 59 needs to be able to start combustion of the gas generating agent 61 with certainty. Generally, B / KNO ₃ , B / NaNO ₃ , Sr (NO ₃ ) _2, etc. The composition consisting of metal powder / oxidant represented by the above, the composition consisting of titanium hydride / potassium perchlorate, the composition consisting of B / 5-aminotetrazole / potassium nitrate / molybdenum trioxide, and the like are used.

  As the explosive charge 59, a powdery one, a one formed into a predetermined shape by a binder, or the like is used. Examples of the shape of the transfer charge 59 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.

  The combustion chamber 60 in which the gas generating agent 61 is accommodated is located in the space surrounding the portion where the cup-shaped member 50 described above is disposed in the space inside the housing. Specifically, as described above, the cup-shaped member 50 is disposed so as to protrude into the combustion chamber 60 formed inside the housing, and faces the outer surface of the top wall portion 51 of the cup-shaped member 50. The space provided in the part to be formed and the space provided in the part facing the outer surface of the side wall part 52 are configured as the combustion chamber 60. As a result, the gas generating agent 61 is disposed on the outer surface of the cup-shaped member 50 so as to be adjacent thereto.

  A filter 90 is disposed along the inner periphery of the housing in a space surrounding the combustion chamber 60 in which the gas generating agent 61 is accommodated in the radial direction of the housing. The filter 90 has a cylindrical shape, and is arranged so that its central axis substantially matches the axial direction of the housing.

  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.

  Examples of the oxidizing agent include basic nitrates such as basic copper nitrate, perchlorates such as ammonium perchlorate and potassium perchlorate, cations selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, and ammonia. Nitrate containing etc. is used. As the nitrate, for example, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate and the like are preferably used.

  Examples of the additive include a binder, a slag forming agent, and a combustion adjusting agent. As the binder, for example, organic binders such as polyvinyl alcohol, metal salts of carboxymethyl cellulose, stearates, and inorganic binders such as synthetic hydrotalcite and acid clay can be suitably used. In addition, other binders include polysaccharide derivatives such as hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate, nitrocellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, guar gum, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylamide, and starch. Inorganic binders such as molybdenum disulfide, talc, bentonite, diatomaceous earth, kaolin, and alumina can also be suitably used. As the slag forming agent, silicon nitride, silica, acid clay, etc. can be suitably used. As the combustion regulator, metal oxide, ferrosilicon, activated carbon, graphite and the like can be suitably used.

  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 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 disk-type gas generator 1A is incorporated. For example, the shape in which the gas generation rate changes with time during the combustion of the gas generating agent 61. 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 61, 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 61.

  As the filter 90, for example, a metal wire such as stainless steel or steel wound around and sintered, or a filter obtained by pressing a net material in which a metal wire is knitted can be used. Specifically, a knitted wire mesh, a plain weave wire mesh, an assembly of crimped metal wires, or the like can be used as the mesh material.

  Further, as the filter 90, a filter with a perforated metal plate wound around it can be used. In this case, as the perforated metal plate, for example, expanded metal that has been cut in a zigzag pattern on the metal plate and expanded to form a hole and processed into a mesh, 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), 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 60 passes through the filter 90, the filter 90 functions as a cooling unit that cools the gas by taking away the high-temperature heat of the gas, and a residue contained in the gas. It also functions as a removing means for removing (slag) and the like. Therefore, in order to sufficiently cool the gas and prevent the residue from being discharged to the outside, it is necessary to ensure that the gas generated in the combustion chamber 60 passes through the filter 90. In the filter 90, a gap 28 having a predetermined size is formed between the peripheral wall portion 12 of the lower shell 10 and the peripheral wall portion 22 of the upper shell 20 constituting the peripheral wall portion of the housing. Further, the peripheral wall portions 12 and 22 are spaced apart from each other.

  A plurality of gas outlets 23 are provided on the peripheral wall portion 22 of the upper shell 20 at a portion facing the filter 90. The plurality of gas outlets 23 are for leading the gas that has passed through the filter 90 to the outside of the housing.

  Further, a metal seal tape 24 as a seal member is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 22 of the upper shell 20 so as to close the plurality of gas ejection ports 23. As the seal tape 24, an aluminum foil or the like coated with an adhesive member on one side can be suitably used, and the airtightness of the combustion chamber 60 is secured by the seal tape 24.

  In the combustion chamber 60, a lower support member 70 is disposed in the vicinity of the end located on the bottom plate portion 11 side. The lower support member 70 has an annular shape, and is arranged so as to be substantially addressed to the filter 90 and the bottom plate portion 11 so as to cover the boundary portion between the filter 90 and the bottom plate portion 11. Yes. Accordingly, the lower support member 70 is located between the bottom plate portion 11 and the gas generating agent 61 in the vicinity of the end portion of the combustion chamber 60.

  The lower support member 70 is in contact with an annular plate-shaped base 71 addressed to the bottom plate portion 11 along the inner bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 11 and an inner peripheral surface of the filter 90 near the bottom plate portion 11. Part 72 and a cylindrical standing part 73 standing from the base part 71 toward the top plate part 21 side. The contact portion 72 is extended from the outer edge of the base portion 71, and the standing portion 73 is extended from the inner edge of the base portion 71. The standing portion 73 covers the outer peripheral surface of the protruding cylindrical portion 13 of the lower shell 10 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner covering portion 31 of the holding portion 30 via the extending portion 53 of the cup-shaped member 50. .

  The lower support member 70 is a member for fixing the filter 90 to the housing, and the gas generated in the combustion chamber 60 during operation does not pass through the inside of the filter 90 and the lower end and the bottom plate portion of the filter 90. 11 also functions as an outflow prevention means for preventing outflow from the gap between the two. Therefore, the lower support member 70 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). ).

  Here, the distal end portion 54 of the extending portion 53 of the cup-shaped member 50 described above is disposed between the bottom plate portion 11 and the base portion 71 of the lower support member 70 along the axial direction of the housing. Thereby, the front-end | tip part 54 is pinched | interposed and hold | maintained by the baseplate part 11 and the base 71 along the axial direction of a housing. By configuring in this way, the cup-shaped member 50 is in a state where the distal end portion 54 of the extending portion 53 is pressed toward the bottom plate portion 11 side by the base portion 71 of the lower support member 70, and On the other hand, it will be fixed.

  An upper support member 80 is disposed at an end portion of the combustion chamber 60 located on the top plate portion 21 side. The upper support member 80 has a substantially disk shape, and is arranged so as to be addressed to the filter 90 and the top plate portion 21 so as to cover the boundary portion between the filter 90 and the top plate portion 21. Yes. Accordingly, the upper support member 80 is positioned between the top plate portion 21 and the gas generating agent 61 in the vicinity of the end portion of the combustion chamber 60.

  The upper support member 80 includes a base portion 81 that contacts the top plate portion 21, and a contact portion 82 that stands up from the periphery of the base portion 81. The contact portion 82 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the end portion in the axial direction located on the top plate portion 21 side of the filter 90.

  The upper support member 80 is a member for fixing the filter 90 to the housing, and during operation, the gas generated in the combustion chamber 60 does not pass through the inside of the filter 90 and the upper end of the filter 90 and the top plate portion. 21 also functions as an outflow prevention means for preventing the liquid from flowing out of the gap between the two. Therefore, the upper support member 80 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). It is comprised with the member which consists of.

  Inside the upper support member 80, a disc-shaped cushion material 85 is disposed so as to contact the gas generating agent 61 accommodated in the combustion chamber 60. Thereby, the cushion material 85 is located between the top plate portion 21 and the gas generating agent 61 in the portion of the combustion chamber 60 on the top plate portion 21 side, and the gas generating agent 61 is directed toward the bottom plate portion 11 side. Is pressing.

  The cushion material 85 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 resin). (Silicone, foamed polypropylene, foamed polyethylene, etc.), chloroprene, and a member made of rubber typified by EPDM.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the disk-type gas generator in the present embodiment. Next, the operation of the disc type gas generator 1A according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. In FIG. 2, changes in the state of the cup-shaped member 50 are shown in time series in the order of (A) and (B).

  Referring to FIG. 1, when a vehicle equipped with disk-type gas generator 1A collides, the collision is detected by a collision detection unit provided separately in the vehicle, and the vehicle is separately provided based on this. The igniter 40 is activated by energization from the control unit. The transfer charge 59 accommodated in the first space S <b> 1 that is a transfer chamber is ignited by the flame generated by the operation of the igniter 40 and starts to burn.

  At that time, as shown in FIG. 2A, immediately after the igniter 40 is operated, the squib cup of the igniter 41 is ruptured by the rapid combustion of the igniter loaded in the igniter 41. The thrust generated by the rapid combustion of the igniting agent propagates to the charge transfer agent 59 filled in the first space S1, which is the transfer chamber. This thrust propagates along the axial direction of the igniter 40 (that is, in the direction of the arrow AR shown in the figure) through the transfer charge 59 filled in the first space S1, and the partition portion of the partition member 55 56.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, when the thrust reaches the partition portion 56, the partition portion 56 of the partition member 55 made of a fragile member is ruptured or deformed. This rupture or deformation of the partition portion 56 occurs almost simultaneously with or earlier than the ignition of the transfer charge 59 by the hot particles generated by burning the ignition charge.

  Here, when the partition part 56 is ruptured, the first space S1 and the second space S2 partitioned by the partition part 56 communicate with each other, and the volume of the space filled with the transfer charge 59 is It will increase instantaneously by the volume of the second space S2 as the gap. At this time, the transfer charge 59 receives the thrust generated by burning the ignition charge and scatters inside the cup-shaped member 50 to be dispersed.

  On the other hand, when the partition part 56 is deformed, the volume of the space filled with the transfer charge 59 is instantly equal to the amount by which the partition part 56 is pushed toward the top wall part 51 side of the cup-shaped member 50. Will increase. At this time, the transfer charge 59 receives the thrust generated by burning the ignition charge and scatters inside the cup-shaped member 50 to be dispersed.

  When the partition 56 is ruptured or deformed in this way, the volume of the space filled with the transfer charge 59 is instantaneously increased, and accordingly, the transfer charge 59 is dispersed in the cup-shaped member 50. Therefore, the density of the transfer charge 59 in the portion where the transfer charge 59 is located is greatly reduced as the contact between adjacent transfer charge 59 is released and the exposed surface area increases. As a result, the heat particles generated by the combustion of the igniting agent are spread evenly to the inside of the cup-shaped member 50 in a state in which the igniting agent 59 is dispersed. Will be promoted.

  For this reason, the explosive charge 59 located far from the igniter 40 in a shorter time is also ignited by the heat particles and starts to burn, resulting in an increase in pressure in the space inside the cup-shaped member 50 and The temperature rise in the space will be greatly promoted. As a result, the cup-shaped member 50 is ruptured or melted in a shorter time, and a large amount of heat particles generated by the combustion of the transfer charge 59 flow into the combustion chamber 60 at an early stage.

  As shown in FIG. 1, when a large amount of hot particles flow into the combustion chamber 60, the gas generating agent 61 accommodated in the combustion chamber 60 is ignited and burned to generate a large amount of gas. The gas generated in the combustion chamber 60 passes through the inside of the filter 90. At this time, heat is taken away and cooled by the filter 90, and slag contained in the gas is removed by the filter 90, and the gap portion 28 is removed. Flow into.

  As the gas generating agent 61 burns and the pressure in the space inside the housing increases, the seal tape 24 that has closed the gas outlet 23 provided in the upper shell 20 is cleaved, and the gas outlet 23 is cut. Gas is ejected to the outside of the housing through the. The jetted gas is introduced into an airbag provided adjacent to the disk-type gas generator 1A, and the airbag is inflated and deployed.

  Here, whether the partition 56 of the partition member 55 is ruptured or deformed due to the propagation of thrust generated by the operation of the igniter 40 depends on the mechanical strength (thickness, material, shape, etc.) of the partition member 55. ), The output of the igniter 40, the distance between the ignition part 41 and the partition part 56, the density of the transfer charge 59 filled in the first space S1, and the like.

  Further, in the disk-type gas generator 1A according to the present embodiment described above, the partition 56 of the partition member 55 is ruptured or deformed by receiving the propagation of the thrust generated by the operation of the igniter 40. Although the case where the volume of the space filled with the explosive 59 is configured to increase instantaneously, the thrust is not used, but the pressure increase in the first space S1 accompanying the combustion of the explosive 59 is used. The partition portion 56 of the partition member 55 is configured to be ruptured or deformed, or the partition portion 56 of the partition member 55 is melted by utilizing the temperature rise of the first space S1 accompanying the combustion of the transfer charge 59. It is also possible to configure so that the volume of the space filled with the transfer charge 59 increases instantaneously.

  As described above, in order to rupture, deform, or melt the partition portion 56 of the partition member 55 using the pressure increase or temperature increase of the first space S1 accompanying the combustion of the charge transfer 59, the machine of the partition member 55 described above is used. It is only necessary to variously adjust the mechanical strength (thickness, material, shape, etc.), the output of the igniter 40, the distance between the ignition part 41 and the partition part 56, the density of the transfer charge 59 filled in the first space S1. However, the partition member can be realized relatively easily by configuring the partition member with a resin member.

  In any case, the partition portion 56 of the partition member 55 is preferably weaker than the cup-shaped member 50. As a method of making the partition portion 56 more fragile than the cup-shaped member 50, it is assumed that these thicknesses are adjusted, these materials are made different, or these shapes are devised.

  With this configuration, it is possible to relatively easily realize the rupture, deformation, or melting of the partition portion 56 before the cup-shaped member 50 is ruptured or melted. However, when the partition part 56 can be ruptured, deformed or melted before the cup-shaped member 50 is ruptured or melted, the partition part 56 of the partition member 55 and the cup-shaped member 50 are mechanically equivalent to each other. The cup-shaped member 50 may be more fragile than the partition portion 56 of the partition member 55.

  As described above, by using the above-described disk-type gas generator 1A, it becomes possible to start the combustion of the gas generating agent 61 earlier by promoting the combustion of the transfer charge 59. As a result, it is possible to shorten the time from when the igniter is activated to when the gas starts to be ejected to the outside through the gas ejection port 23 as compared with the conventional case. Moreover, although the number of parts increases by adding the partition member 55, the filling amount of the transfer charge 59 can be significantly reduced, and from the point of time when the igniter is activated, the gas injection port 23 is used. The time until the point at which gas starts to be ejected to the outside can be reduced at a low cost.

  As described above, by using the disk-type gas generator 1A in the present embodiment, the gas is discharged to the outside through the gas outlet 23 from the time when the igniter 40 is operated while suppressing the filling amount of the transfer charge 59 small. It is possible to provide a disk-type gas generator that can shorten the time until the point at which the gas begins to be ejected.

(First modification)
FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of the disk-type gas generator according to the first modification based on the first embodiment described above. Hereinafter, with reference to this FIG. 3, the disk type gas generator 1B which concerns on this modification is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the disk type gas generator 1B according to the present modification is the disk type gas in the first embodiment described above only in that the protruding portion 56a is provided in the partition portion 56 of the partition member 55. The configuration of the generator 1A is different from that of the generator 1A.

  Specifically, in the disc-type gas generator 1B, an annular convex portion 56a is provided by causing a part of the partition portion 56 to bulge toward the top wall portion 51 side of the cup-shaped member 50, Thereby, the partition part 56 is comprised so that it may have an unevenness | corrugation of a cross-sectional view wave shape.

  In the case of such a configuration, not only the effect described in the first embodiment described above is obtained, but also when the transfer charge 59 is loaded into the first space S1 that is the transfer chamber, the density is increased. The effect that it becomes possible to fill the transfer charge 59 is also obtained.

  The uneven shape of the partition 56 is not limited to that described above, and may be any shape. For example, an annular convex portion may be provided by causing a part of the partition portion 56 to bulge toward the first space S1 side, or the entire partition portion 56 may be curved. Moreover, it is good also as providing several convex part or recessed part in the partition part 56 in the shape of a point sequence or a matrix.

(Second modification)
FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of a disk-type gas generator according to a second modification based on the first embodiment described above. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, a disk-type gas generator 1C according to this modification will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the disc type gas generator 1C according to this modification is the disc type gas generator in the first embodiment described above only in that the score 56b is provided in the partition portion 56 of the partition member 55. The configuration of the device 1A is different.

  Specifically, in the disk-type gas generator 1C, a score 56b is provided on the main surface of the partition 56 on the first space S1 side. The score 56b is preferably provided in a cross shape or an asterisk shape in plan view with the substantially central portion of the partition portion 56 as the center.

  In such a configuration, not only the effect described in the first embodiment is obtained, but also the partition 56 is more reliably ruptured or deformed when the igniter 40 is operated. The effect of ensuring the promotion of combustion of the explosive 59 can be obtained.

  Note that the score 56 b is not necessarily provided on the main surface of the partition portion 56 on the first space S <b> 1 side, and may be provided on the main surface of the cup-shaped member 50 on the top wall portion 51 side. Further, the shape of the score 56b is not limited to that described above, and the shape can be variously changed as necessary.

(Third Modification)
FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of a disk-type gas generator according to a third modification based on Embodiment 1 described above. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5, a disk-type gas generator 1D according to this modification will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the disk-type gas generator 1D according to this modification is folded outward toward the end opposite to the end on the partitioning part 56 side of the cylindrical part 57 of the partitioning member 55. Only in that the folded portion 58 is provided, the configuration is different from the disc-type gas generator 1A in the first embodiment described above.

  Specifically, in the disk-type gas generator 1D, a folded portion 58 that is folded outward is provided at the end of the partition portion 56 that is located on the top wall portion 51 side of the cup-shaped member 50. The partition member 55 is press-fitted and fixed to the cup-shaped member 50 so that the folded portion 58 contacts the side wall portion 52 of the cup-shaped member 50.

  In the case of such a configuration, not only the effect described in the first embodiment described above can be obtained, but also an effect of surely fixing the partition member 55 to the cup-shaped member 50 can be obtained.

(Fourth modification)
FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of a disk-type gas generator according to a fourth modification based on Embodiment 1 described above. Hereinafter, with reference to this FIG. 6, the disk type gas generator 1E which concerns on this modification is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the disk-type gas generator 1E according to this modification includes the top wall portion 51 and the side wall portion 52 so that the top wall portion 51 and the side wall portion 52 of the cup-shaped member 50 are substantially orthogonal to each other. Are different from the above-described disk-type gas generator 1A in the first embodiment only in that they have a connected shape.

  Specifically, when the top wall portion 51 and the side wall portion 52 of the cup-shaped member 50 are configured so as to be substantially orthogonal to each other, the end portion on the opening end side of the cylindrical portion 57 of the partition member 55 is arranged at the top. It arrange | positions so that the inner corner part of the wall part 51 and the side wall part 52 may contact | abut.

  When configured in this manner, not only the effects described in the first embodiment described above can be obtained, but also the effect of ensuring the positioning of the partition member 55 with respect to the cup-shaped member 50 can be obtained.

(Verification test)
Below, the verification test which confirmed the effect of this invention is demonstrated. In the verification test, as an example, four disk-type gas generators 1A according to Embodiment 1 described above are manufactured, and four disk-type gas generators 1X and 1Y according to Comparative Examples 1 and 2 are manufactured. did.

  In each of the disk type gas generators 1A, 1X, and 1Y according to the example and the comparative examples 1 and 2, the gas generation amount during operation is set to be relatively large. By making the filling amounts of explosives the same, the gas generation amounts thereof are both set to about 3.0 [mol]. Here, when the disk type gas generator 1A according to the example and the disk type gas generators 1X and 1Y according to comparative examples 1 and 2 are compared, the difference is that the configuration of the cup-shaped member and the charge transfer agent are different. It is only a filling state, and it was set as the common structure about all other points.

Referring to FIG. 1, the disk-type gas generator 1A according to the embodiment has a partition member 55 disposed inside a cup-shaped member 50, and the volume of the first space S1 is about 3217 [mm]. ³ ], and the filling rate of the transfer charge 59 in the first space S1 is about 95 [%]. The volume of the second space S2 is about 1196 [mm ³ ].

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a disk-type gas generator according to Comparative Example 1. As shown in FIG. 7, the disc-type gas generator 1X according to the comparative example 1 has a partition member 55 inside the cup-shaped member 50, as compared with the disc-type gas generator 1A according to the example (see FIG. 1). The configuration is different only in that is not arranged. Here, the volume of the space inside the cup-shaped member 50 filled with the transfer charge 59 is about 4413 [mm ³ ], and the filling rate of the transfer charge 59 in the space is about 70 [%].

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a disk-type gas generator according to Comparative Example 2. As shown in FIG. 8, the disk-type gas generator 1Y according to the comparative example 2 has a partition member 55 in the cup-shaped member 50 as compared with the disk-type gas generator 1A according to the example (see FIG. 1). The configuration is different only in that the is not disposed and the cup-shaped member 50 is small. Here, the volume of the space inside the cup-shaped member 50 filled with the transfer charge 59 is about 3220 [mm ³ ], and the filling rate of the transfer charge 59 in the space is about 95 [%].

  That is, the disc type gas generator 1X according to the comparative example 1 has almost the same amount of the charge 59 and the volume of the space inside the cup-shaped member 50 as compared with the disc type gas generator 1A according to the example. Only the density of the transfer charge 59 in the space filled with the transfer charge 59 is different. On the other hand, when compared with the disk-type gas generator 1A according to the example, the disk-type gas generator 1Y according to Comparative Example 2 has the charge amount of the charge-transfer agent 59 and the charge-transfer charge 59 in the space filled with the charge-transfer charge 59. Are substantially the same, and only the volume of the space inside the cup-shaped member 50 is different.

  In the verification test, each of the four disk-type gas generators 1A, 1X, and 1Y according to the example and the comparative examples 1 and 2 is individually installed in a sealed tank having a predetermined volume and is operated. Thus, the increase in the tank internal pressure is measured over time, whereby the time Tout from the time when the igniter is activated until the time when gas starts to be ejected to the outside through the gas ejection port, from the time when the igniter is activated The tank internal pressure P1 after 10 [ms] and the tank internal pressure P2 after 20 [ms] from the time when the igniter was activated were measured.

  Among these, P1 and P2 indicate how much gas output is obtained at a relatively early stage from the time when the igniter is operated, and the larger the value of P1 and P2, the larger the amount of gas output. Gas is being discharged from the disk-type gas generator. Here, in the airbag device, it is important that the airbag is inflated and deployed earlier, and for that purpose, it is necessary to obtain a high gas output at a relatively early stage from the time when the igniter is activated. It is. Therefore, it is preferable for the disk-type gas generator that the values of P1 and P2 are larger.

  Of the four disk-type gas generators 1A, 1X, and 1Y according to each of the example and the comparative examples 1 and 2, two of them are installed in a horizontal state and operated, and the remaining two As for, it was decided to operate it by installing it in a vertical state. Here, the horizontal state means a state where the axial direction of the housing is arranged so as to be orthogonal to the horizontal plane, and the vertical state means a state where the axial direction of the housing is arranged parallel to the horizontal plane.

  FIG. 9 is a table showing test conditions and test results of the verification test. In FIG. 9, sample numbers 1-4 are assigned to a total of four disk-type gas generators 1A according to the embodiments, respectively, and a total of four disk-type gas generators 1X according to Comparative Example 1 are respectively assigned. Sample numbers 5 to 8 are assigned, and a total of four disc type gas generators 1Y according to Comparative Example 2 are assigned sample numbers 9 to 12, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the disc-type gas generator 1A according to the embodiment, Tout is 4.8 [ms] on the average in the horizontal state and 5.6 [ms] on the average in the vertical state. Met. On the other hand, in the disc-type gas generator 1X according to Comparative Example 1, Tout was 4.6 [ms] on the average in the horizontal state and 9.1 [ms] on the average in the vertical state. Further, in the disc-type gas generator 1Y according to Comparative Example 2, Tout was 6.7 [ms] on average in the horizontal state and 6.9 [ms] on average in the vertical state.

  Further, in the disk-type gas generator 1A according to the example, P1 was 62.4 [kPa] on average in the horizontal state and 46.5 [kPa] on average in the vertical state. On the other hand, in the disc-type gas generator 1X according to Comparative Example 1, P1 was 63.1 [kPa] on average in the horizontal state and 11.8 [kPa] on average in the vertical state. . Further, in the disk-type gas generator 1Y according to Comparative Example 2, P1 was 42.1 [kPa] on average in the horizontal state and 36.2 [kPa] on average in the vertical state.

  Furthermore, in the disk-type gas generator 1A according to the example, P2 was 228.0 [kPa] on average in the horizontal state and 209.2 [kPa] on average in the vertical state. On the other hand, in the disk-type gas generator 1X according to Comparative Example 1, P2 was an average value of 233.0 [kPa] in the horizontal state and an average value of 165.4 [kPa] in the vertical state. . Further, in the disk-type gas generator 1Y according to Comparative Example 2, P2 was 214.7 [kPa] on average in the horizontal state and 199.3 [kPa] on average in the vertical state.

  From the above results, in the disc-type gas generator 1A according to the embodiment, gas is ejected to the outside through the gas ejection port from the time when the igniter is basically operated regardless of whether it is in the horizontal state or the vertical state. It can be seen that the time Tout until the start of the operation is shorter than both of the disk-type gas generators 1X and 1Y according to Comparative Examples 1 and 2. However, in the horizontal state of the disc type gas generator 1A according to the example, Tout is substantially the same as the horizontal state of the disc type gas generator 1X according to the comparative example 1.

  Further, from the above results, in the disk-type gas generator 1A according to the example, the tank internal pressure P1 after 10 [ms] from the time when the igniter is operated basically regardless of the horizontal state or the vertical state. However, it is understood that it is larger than both of the disk-type gas generators 1X and 1Y according to Comparative Examples 1 and 2. However, in the horizontal state of the disk type gas generator 1A according to the example, P1 is substantially the same as the horizontal state of the disk type gas generator 1X according to the comparative example 1.

  Furthermore, from the above results, in the disk-type gas generator 1A according to the example, the tank internal pressure after 20 [ms] from the time when the igniter is basically operated regardless of the horizontal state or the vertical state. It can be seen that P2 is larger than both of the disk-type gas generators 1X and 1Y according to Comparative Examples 1 and 2. However, in the horizontal state of the disk type gas generator 1A according to the example, P2 is substantially the same as the horizontal state of the disk type gas generator 1X according to Comparative Example 1.

  Here, the disk-type gas generator is usually installed in an inclined posture in which the axial direction of the housing has a predetermined angle with respect to the floor of the vehicle. In addition, as the slope of the road surface on which the vehicle travels changes, the angle of the disk-type gas generator with respect to the horizontal plane always changes within a certain range of angles. Therefore, in the disk-type gas generator, the time Tout from the time when the igniter is activated until the time when gas starts to be ejected to the outside through the gas ejection port is within a predetermined angle range as described above. The tank internal pressure P1 after 10 [ms] from the time when the igniter is activated and the tank internal pressure P2 after 20 [ms] from the time when the igniter is activated are both large values. Is required.

  In this regard, the disk-type gas generator 1X according to Comparative Example 1 has a space inside the cup-shaped member due to a change in the inclined state of the disk-type gas generator due to the relatively low charge transfer rate. There is a bias in the position of the charge transfer material at Tout, and large changes occur in Tout, P1, and P2 between the horizontal state and the vertical state.

  On the other hand, the disk type gas generator 1Y according to Comparative Example 2 has a relatively high transfer charge filling rate, and even if the tilt state of the disk type gas generator changes, the inside of the cup-shaped member is changed. The position of the charge transfer material in the space is not easily biased, and as a result, there are relatively no significant changes in Tout, P1, and P2 between the horizontal state and the vertical state.

  On the other hand, the disc-type gas generator 1A according to the embodiment has a relatively high transfer rate of the charge transfer agent, so that the propagation in the space inside the cup-shaped member is changed even if the tilt state of the disc-type gas generator changes. The position of the gunpowder is less likely to be biased, and as a result, there is no significant change in Tout, P1, P2 between the horizontal state and the vertical state, but the difference is larger than that of the disk-type gas generator 1Y according to Comparative Example 2. Yes.

  However, as described above, the disk type gas generator 1A according to the example has a shorter Tout and P1 and P2 in both the horizontal state and the vertical state than the disk type gas generator 1Y according to the comparative example 2. Since it is large, it can be judged that this point is advantageous.

  As described above, by using the disk-type gas generator 1A according to the first embodiment described above, the charging amount of the transfer charge 59 is suppressed to a small amount, and the igniter 40 is operated from the time when the igniter 40 is operated to the outside through the gas outlet 23. It can be said that it has been experimentally confirmed that a disk-type gas generator capable of shortening the time until gas starts to be ejected can be obtained.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a disk-type gas generator according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Hereinafter, the disc type gas generator 1F in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the disk-type gas generator 1B in the present embodiment is the disk-type gas generator in the first embodiment described above only in that the partition wall 74 is provided in the lower support member 70. The configuration is different from 1A.

  Specifically, the partition wall portion 74 is provided at an intermediate position of the combustion chamber 60 along the axial direction of the housing by extending the standing portion 73 of the lower support member 70 toward the top plate portion 21 side. Located to reach up to. Accordingly, a part of the side wall 52 of the cup-shaped member 50 on the side of the bottom plate 11 is surrounded by the partition wall 74.

  The end of the partition wall 74 on the top plate 21 side is disposed on the top plate 21 side of the upper surface of the ignition unit 41 of the igniter 40 along the axial direction of the housing. Thereby, the ignition part 41 of the igniter 40 is made into the state surrounded by the partition part 74 along the radial direction of the housing.

  In the case of such a configuration, when the disk-type gas generator 1A is operated, a predetermined amount of heat particles generated by burning of the portion of the charge transfer 59 disposed adjacent to the igniter 40 in a predetermined direction is scattered. Directivity can be imparted.

  Here, in general, the transfer charge ignited by the igniter basically spreads radially by the combustion, and the heat particles generated by the combustion of the transfer charge are also scattered in a radial manner. Does not have the directivity.

  However, in the disc type gas generator 1B in the present embodiment, the partition wall portion 74 having a relatively high mechanical strength is provided so as to surround the ignition portion 41 of the igniter 40 and the space above it in the radial direction of the housing. Accordingly, the traveling direction is changed so that the thermal particles scattered toward the partition wall portion 74 are scattered toward the top plate portion 21 by the partition wall portion 74 (in other words, the traveling direction is reduced). As a result, the transfer charge 59 efficiently burns and spreads toward the top plate portion 21 side.

  As a result, not only the transfer charge 59 disposed at a position close to the igniter 40 but also the transfer charge 59 disposed at a position away from the igniter 40, the early stage from the start of operation of the igniter 40. Ignition can be performed, and as a result, the gas generating agent 61 can be burned smoothly. For this reason, the gas generating agent 61 also starts to burn quickly, and the time from when the igniter 40 is actuated until when gas starts to be ejected to the outside through the gas ejection port 23 can be shortened.

  Thus, in the case of the disk-type gas generator 1B according to the present embodiment, not only the effects described in the first embodiment are obtained, but also by providing the partition wall portion 74, the igniter 40 is provided. The time from the point of operation to the point of time when gas starts to be ejected to the outside through the gas ejection port 23 can be shortened, and by these synergistic effects, a disk-type gas generator that can eject gas earlier It can be.

(Other forms)
In the above-described first and second embodiments of the present invention and the modifications thereof, the case where the upper shell and the lower shell are configured by a press-formed product formed by pressing a metal member is illustrated. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and an upper shell and a lower shell formed by a combination of pressing and other processing (forging, drawing, cutting, etc.) may be used. However, it is possible to use an upper shell and a lower shell formed only by the other processing.

  Further, in the above-described first and second embodiments of the present invention and the modifications thereof, the case where the projecting cylindrical portion is provided in the lower shell has been illustrated, but the gas generation having a configuration in which the projecting cylindrical portion is not provided. Of course, the present invention can be applied to a vessel.

  Furthermore, in the above-described first and second embodiments of the present invention and modifications thereof, when the transfer charge is ignited as a cup-shaped member by igniting the igniter, the pressure increase in the internal space or Although the case where a material that bursts or melts along with the generated heat is used has been described as an example, a cup-shaped member having another configuration may be used. Specifically, as a cup-shaped member, an opening is provided in advance in a member having high mechanical strength such as a stainless alloy, and the opening of the sealing tape is broken during operation by closing the opening with a sealing tape. It is also possible to use one configured as described above. In that case, it is good also as providing the opening mentioned above in the cup-shaped member of the part which prescribes | regulates the 1st space which is a transfer chamber, and it is good for the cup-shaped member of the part which prescribes | regulates the 2nd space which is a space | gap part. It is good also as providing.

  In addition, the characteristic configurations shown in the above-described first and second embodiments of the present invention and modifications thereof can naturally be combined with each other as long as it is allowed in light of the spirit of the present invention.

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

  1A to 1F Disc type gas generator, 10 Lower shell, 11 Bottom plate portion, 12 Perimeter wall portion, 13 Protruding tube portion, 14 Depression portion, 15 Opening portion, 20 Upper side shell, 21 Top plate portion, 22 Perimeter wall portion, 23 Gas ejection port, 24 Seal tape, 28 Gap part, 30 Holding part, 31 Inner covering part, 32 Outer covering part, 33 Connecting part, 34 Female connector part, 40 Igniter, 41 Ignition part, 42 Terminal pin, 50 Cup-shaped member, 51 Top wall part, 52 Side wall part, 53 Extension part, 54 Tip part, 55 Partition member, 56 Partition part (bottom part), 56a Convex part, 56b Score, 57 Cylindrical part, 58 Folded part, 59 Transfer powder, 60 Combustion chamber, 61 Gas generating agent, 70 Lower support member, 71 Base, 72 Abutting portion, 73 Standing portion, 74 Bulkhead, 80 Upper support member, 81 Base, 82 Parts, 85 cushion material, 90 filter, S1 first space, S2 second space.

Claims (6)

A cylindrical peripheral wall portion provided with a gas outlet, and a top plate portion and a bottom plate portion that close one end and the other end in the axial direction of the peripheral wall portion, and a combustion chamber containing a gas generating agent inside A housing having
An igniter including an ignition part that is assembled to the bottom plate part and contains an igniting agent that ignites during operation;
A cup-shaped member disposed so as to protrude toward the combustion chamber so that an internal space faces the ignition unit;
A partition portion disposed inside the cup-shaped member so as to partition the space inside the cup-shaped member into a first space on the bottom plate portion side and a second space on the top plate portion side;
The partition portion is disposed to face the ignition portion so that it can be ruptured or deformed or melted with the operation of the igniter,
The gas generator, wherein the first space is configured as a transfer chamber filled with a transfer agent, and the second space is configured as a gap.   The gas generator according to claim 1, wherein the partition portion is weaker than the cup-shaped member.   The said cup-shaped member is comprised by the member which the whole part which prescribes | regulates the said 1st space and the said 2nd space bursts or melt | dissolves by combustion of the said transfer charge accompanying the action | operation of the said igniter. Or the gas generator of 2. The partition portion is configured by the bottom portion of a bottomed cylindrical partition member including a cylindrical portion and a bottom portion,
The gas generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the partition member is fixed by being press-fitted into the cup-shaped member.   The positioning of the bottom part as the partition part is performed by the cylindrical part by arranging the cylindrical part closer to the top plate part than the bottom part as the partition part. A gas generator according to 1. The cylindrical portion includes a folded portion folded toward the outside at an end on the top plate portion side,
The gas generator according to claim 5, wherein the partition member is fixed to the cup-shaped member by the contact of the folded portion with a side wall portion of the cup-shaped member.

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