JP4438007B2 - Gas generator for airbag - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gas generator for an air bag.

  Airbag systems installed in various vehicles including automobiles support passengers with airbags (bags) that are rapidly inflated by gas when the vehicle collides at high speed. The purpose is to prevent injuries and the like by crashing into hard parts inside the vehicle such as the steering wheel and front glass. Such an airbag system is usually composed of a gas generator that is activated by a vehicle collision to release gas and an airbag that is inflated by introducing the gas.

  Such an airbag system can safely protect the occupant even if the physique of the occupant (for example, a person with a high or low seating height, an adult or a child, etc.), or the riding posture (for example, the posture clinging to the steering wheel) is different. It is desirable that it can be restrained. Therefore, conventionally, an air bag system has been proposed that operates in the initial stage of operation with as little impact as possible to the occupant. Such a gas generator is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-207696, US Pat. No. 4,998,751, and US Pat. No. 4,950,458. In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-207696, two types of igniters are used. A gas generator that ignites a capsule of a gas generating agent and generates gas in two stages is provided with two combustion chambers in U.S. Pat.No. 4,998,751 and U.S. Pat.No. 4,950,458 to regulate the operation function of the gas generator. Thus, gas generators that generate gas in two stages by the spread of the gas generating agent have been proposed.

  However, such a gas generator has the disadvantages that its internal structure is complicated, the size of the container is increased, and this increases the cost.

In JP-A-9-183359 and German Patent No. 19620758, two combustion chambers containing gas generating agents are provided in a housing, and an igniter is arranged for each combustion chamber. A gas generator is disclosed in which the operation output of the gas generator can be adjusted by adjusting the operation timing of the gas generator. However, in any gas generator, since the igniters arranged for each combustion chamber are arranged separately, it is difficult to assemble (manufacture) them, and the structure of the gas generator itself is complicated. Thus, the volume is large.
JP-A-8-207696 U.S. Pat.No. 4,998,751 U.S. Pat.No. 4,950,458 JP-A-9-183359 German Patent No. 19620758

  Therefore, the present invention suppresses the overall size of the container and is simple in structure and easy to manufacture, but operates at the initial stage of operation with as little impact as possible to the occupant. Even if the occupant's physique (for example, a high or low seated person, an adult or a child, etc.) or the riding posture (for example, the posture clinging to the steering wheel) is different, the occupant can be safely restrained. Thus, a gas generator is provided in which the operation output of the gas generator and the timing of the output increase can be adjusted widely.

  The gas generator for an air bag of the present invention is a gas generator in which two combustion chambers are provided in a housing, and has a feature in the arrangement structure of the two combustion chambers. In particular, the gas generating means accommodated in each combustion chamber can be independently ignited and burned by different ignition means.

  That is, the gas generator for an air bag according to the present invention includes an ignition means that is activated by impact in a housing having a gas discharge port, and a gas that generates a combustion gas that is ignited and burned by the ignition means to inflate the air bag. A gas generator for an air bag including a generating means, wherein two combustion chambers containing the gas generating means are provided concentrically adjacent to each other in the radial direction of the housing. Furthermore, the gas generator is characterized in that a communication hole is provided to allow the combustion chambers to communicate with each other.

  Furthermore, the present invention provides a cylindrical shape whose axial center length is longer than the outermost diameter, and has an ignition means that operates by impact in a housing having a plurality of gas discharge ports on its peripheral wall, and ignition by the ignition means. A gas generator for an air bag including a gas generating means for generating combustion gas for inflating the air bag to be combusted, wherein two gas generating means are accommodated in the housing. The gas generator is characterized in that the combustion chambers are provided coaxially adjacent to each other in the axial direction and / or the radial direction of the housing, and further provided with communication holes that allow the combustion chambers to communicate with each other. .

  The two combustion chambers provided coaxially adjacent to each other in the axial direction and / or the radial direction of the housing can be formed as a cylindrical combustion chamber and an annular combustion chamber.

  As described above, by forming two combustion chambers in the housing, the internal structure of the gas generator can be simplified, and the gas generating agent can be burned separately for each combustion chamber.

  The gas generating means is for inflating an airbag that restrains an occupant with combustion gas generated by the combustion. Therefore, even if the ignition means includes a transfer agent that is ignited and burned by the igniter and burns the gas generation means, the combustion gas generated by the combustion of the transfer charge burns the gas generation means. The two can be clearly distinguished in that they are not intended to directly inflate the airbag. In addition, the two combustion chambers provided in the housing are chambers exclusively for accommodating the gas generating means, and the ignition means is configured to contain a transfer charge, and the transfer charge is defined. Even if it is accommodated in an open space (hereinafter referred to as “accommodating chamber”), it is possible to clearly distinguish the accumulator accommodating chamber and the combustion chamber accommodating the gas generating means.

  When the ignition means for igniting / combusting the gas generating means includes two or more igniters that are activated by impact, the igniters are aligned with each other in order to facilitate the mounting. It is desirable to be provided in one initiator collar. Further, when the ignition means further includes a propellant that is ignited and burned by the operation of the igniter, the propellant is classified for each igniter, and is ignited independently for each igniter. -It is desirable to form so that the burned flame of the transfer charge corresponding to any one of the igniters does not directly ignite the transfer charge corresponding to the other igniters. As such a structure, for example, each igniter is disposed in an independent igniter housing chamber, and a transfer charge is disposed in the igniter housing chamber, or in each independent combustion chamber, It can be arranged at a place where it can be ignited and burned by the operation of the vessel.

  As described above, when the transfer charge is divided for each igniter, the gas generating means accommodated in the two combustion chambers are ignited and burned by the flames in which the transfer charges of different sections are burned. That is, according to the operation timing of the igniter, the transfer charge of each section burns, and the gas generation means in each combustion chamber can burn separately, so that the operation performance of the gas generator can be arbitrarily adjusted. it can.

  Therefore, by using the gas generator having the structure shown in the present invention, if the ignition timing is changed for each igniter, the transfer charge divided for each igniter can be burned separately, and each combustion is accordingly performed. Since the ignition / combustion timing of the gas generating means in the room can also be shifted, the operation output of the gas generator can be arbitrarily adjusted.

  Of the two combustion chambers provided in the housing, any one of the combustion chambers may be provided in the axial direction of the igniter, and the other combustion chamber may be provided in the radial direction of the ignition means. Further, in the case of adjusting the operating performance of the gas generator, in particular, the change over time of the gas discharge amount more characteristically, the combustion rate, composition, composition ratio or amount of each combustion chamber is in the two combustion chambers. At least one or more different gas generating means can be accommodated, and they can be ignited and burned independently at an arbitrary timing. Further, it is possible to fill each combustion chamber with gas generating means having different generated gas amounts per unit time.

  As the gas generating means, it is possible to use an azide-based gas generating agent based on an inorganic azide, for example, sodium azide (sodium azide), which has been widely used, or a non-azide-based gas generating agent not based on an inorganic azide. it can. However, in view of safety, a non-azide-based gas generant is desirable. Examples of such non-azide-based gas generant compositions include nitrogen-containing organic compounds such as tetrazole, triazole, or metal salts thereof, and alkali metals. Oxygen-containing oxidants such as nitrates as the main component, triaminoguanidine nitrate, carbohydrazide, nitroguanidine etc. as fuel and nitrogen source, alkali metal or alkaline earth metal nitrate, chlorate, Various compositions such as a composition using perchlorate can be used. In addition, the gas generating means is appropriately selected according to demands such as the combustion rate, non-toxicity, combustion temperature, and decomposition start temperature. When using gas generating means with different combustion rates for each combustion chamber, the composition and composition ratio itself, for example, using inorganic azide such as sodium azide or non-azide such as nitroguanidine as the fuel and nitrogen source, etc. In addition to using different gas generating means, the shape of the composition can be changed, such as pellets, wafers, hollow cylinders, disks, single holes or porous bodies, or depending on the size of the molded body, etc. Gas generating means having a changed surface area can be used. In particular, when the shape of the gas generating means is formed in a porous body having a plurality of through holes, the arrangement of the holes is not particularly limited, but for the stability of the gas generator performance, the outer end of the molded body An arrangement structure in which the distance between the portion and the center of the hole and the distance between the centers of the holes is substantially equal is desirable. Specifically, for example, in the case of a cylindrical molded body having a circular cross section, the six holes having the center of the hole and the center of the hole at the apex of an equilateral triangle that is equidistant from each other around the center. A structure in which the holes are arranged is preferable. Similarly, an arrangement with one hole in the center and 18 holes in the periphery is also conceivable. The number of holes and the arrangement structure are determined by the ease of manufacturing the gas generating agent and the balance between the manufacturing cost and the performance, and are not particularly limited.

  Of the two combustion chambers, the combustion chamber provided on the outer side in the radial direction may further contain a coolant means for cooling the combustion gas generated by the combustion of the gas generating means on the housing peripheral wall side. . This coolant means is disposed in the housing for the purpose of cooling and / or purifying the combustion gas generated by the combustion of the gas generating means. For example, a conventionally used filter for purifying the combustion gas In addition to using a coolant that cools the generated combustion gas, it is also possible to use a laminated wire mesh filter that is formed by appropriately forming a wire mesh made of a material into an annular laminate and compressing it. Preferably, this laminated wire mesh coolant is formed by forming a flat knitted stainless steel wire mesh into a cylindrical body, and repeatedly bending one end of the cylindrical body outward to form an annular laminated body. Compression molding or forming a flat knitted stainless steel wire mesh into a cylindrical body, pressing the cylindrical body in the radial direction to form a plate body, and then winding the plate body in multiple layers to form a laminate And can be molded by compression molding in a mold or the like. Moreover, it is also possible to have a double structure as a laminated wire mesh body with the inner side and the outer side being different, and have a function of protecting the coolant means on the inner side and a function of preventing expansion of the coolant means on the outer side. In addition, by supporting the outer periphery of the coolant means with an outer layer made of a laminated wire mesh body, a porous cylindrical body, an annular belt body, or the like, the swelling can also be suppressed.

  Further, the combustion gas generated by the combustion of the gas generating means accommodated in the two combustion chambers reaches the gas discharge port through a different flow path for each combustion chamber, and the gas generating means accommodated in one combustion chamber is In the case of a gas generator that is not directly ignited by combustion gas generated in other combustion chambers, the gas generating means in each combustion chamber burns completely independently for each combustion chamber. Therefore, ignition and combustion of the gas generating means accommodated in each combustion chamber can be performed more reliably and independently. As a result, even when the operation timings of the two igniters are considerably shifted, the flame of the gas generating means in one combustion chamber ignited by the igniter that was first operated becomes the gas generating means in the other combustion chamber. Is not burned, and a stable operation output can be obtained. Such a gas generator can be performed by, for example, arranging a flow path forming member in a housing to form a flow path, and guiding combustion gas generated in one combustion chamber as it is to the coolant means.

  The housing can be formed by forming a diffuser shell having a gas discharge port and a closure shell that forms an accommodation space together with the diffuser shell by casting, forging, pressing, or the like, and joining both shells. Both shells can be joined by various welding methods such as electron beam welding, laser welding, TIG welding, and prosection welding. When the diffuser shell and the closure shell are formed by pressing various steel plates such as a stainless copper plate, both shells can be easily manufactured and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Further, by forming both shells in a simple and simple cylindrical shape, the press working becomes easy. As for the material of the diffuser shell and the closure shell, a stainless steel plate is desirable, but the steel plate may be nickel-plated.

  The housing further accommodates ignition means that operates by sensing an impact and ignites and burns the gas generating means. In the gas generator of the present invention, an electric ignition type ignition means that operates by an electric signal (or an operation signal) transmitted from an impact sensor or the like that detects an impact is used as the ignition means. The electric ignition type ignition means includes an igniter that operates based on an electric signal transmitted from an electric sensor that senses an impact exclusively by an electric mechanism such as a semiconductor type acceleration sensor, and an ignition that is activated when necessary. -Consists of combustible explosives.

  The above-described gas generator for an air bag is accommodated in a module case together with an air bag (bag body) that introduces a gas generated by the gas generator and inflates, thereby forming an air bag device. In this airbag device, the gas generator operates in conjunction with the impact sensor sensing the impact, and the combustion gas is discharged from the gas discharge port of the housing. The combustion gas flows into the air bag, whereby the air bag breaks the module cover and inflates to form a cushion that absorbs an impact between a hard structure in the vehicle and the occupant.

  Other aspects of the present invention will be described below. The parts and combinations described above can be used for each aspect. Only the features of each embodiment are described below.

  Next, a gas generator including two or more combustion chambers will be described.

  In addition to being able to ignite and burn the gas generating means accommodated in each combustion chamber at different timings, and further to burn the gas generating means at different timings and / or momentum for each combustion chamber It is a gas generator.

  That is, the gas generator for an air bag according to the present invention includes an ignition means that is activated by impact in a housing having a gas discharge port, and a gas that generates a combustion gas that is ignited and burned by the ignition means to inflate the air bag. A gas generator for an air bag including a generating means, wherein a combustion chamber containing the gas generating means is formed in the housing in two or more compartments, and each combustion The gas generating means accommodated in each chamber is ignited and burned independently by the ignition means provided corresponding to each combustion chamber, and the gas generating means accommodated in each combustion chamber is provided for each combustion chamber. It is characterized in that at least one or more burning rates, shapes, compositions, composition ratios or amounts differ.

  When the combustion chambers provided in the housing are, for example, two chambers, they can be provided concentrically adjacent to each other in the radial direction of the housing, and communication holes can be provided that allow the combustion chambers to communicate with each other. .

  As described above, the plurality of combustion chambers partitioned and provided in the housing contain gas generation means that differ in at least one or more combustion speed, shape, composition, composition ratio or amount for each combustion chamber, By igniting and burning them independently at an arbitrary timing, it is possible to more characteristically adjust the operating performance of the gas generator, particularly the change over time in the gas discharge amount. The gas generating means can be filled with gas generating means having different amounts of generated gas per unit time for each combustion chamber. In other words, in the case of an air bag gas generator using the same type of gas generating means in each combustion chamber, its operating performance is unambiguous depending on the operating timing of the ignition means provided for each combustion chamber. However, if gas generating means having different combustion characteristics (for example, combustion speed, shape, composition, composition ratio or amount) are arranged for each combustion chamber as in the present invention, the operation timing of the ignition means is determined. Even if the same, the operating performance of the gas generator can be freely adjusted. Therefore, by adjusting the operation timing of the igniter and adjusting the gas generating means accommodated in each combustion chamber, it becomes possible to adjust the operating performance of the gas generator in a wide range and finely. In particular, when the shape of the gas generating means is different for each combustion chamber, it can be performed by changing the thickness or surface area of the gas generating agent forming pair, and the amount of the gas generating means is different for each combustion chamber. In this case, the weight of the gas generating means accommodated in each chamber can be varied.

  In the above gas generator, when a plurality of combustion chambers are divided in the housing and gas generating means having different combustion speeds are arranged for each combustion chamber, the combustion speed accommodated in any one of the combustion chambers is small. The value (Vl / Vs) of the combustion rate (Vl) of the gas generation unit having a large combustion rate accommodated in another combustion chamber with respect to the combustion rate (Vs) of the gas generation unit is greater than 1 and less than 14 Can be adjusted. For example, the housing is divided into two chambers (that is, a first combustion chamber and a second combustion chamber). The first combustion chamber has a first gas generating means, and the second combustion chamber has a second gas. When each of the generating means is arranged, the combustion speed of the first gas generating means: the combustion speed (mm / sec) of the second gas generating means can be adjusted in the range of 3:40 to 40: 3.

  In addition, when the gas generating means having different shapes for each combustion chamber is stored in the plurality of combustion chambers, the gas generating means stored in one of the combustion chambers and the gas generating means stored in another combustion chamber What is different in thickness and / or surface area can be used. For example, when using gas generating means having different thicknesses for each combustion chamber, the gas generating means stored in one of the combustion chambers is accommodated in another combustion chamber with respect to the thickness (Ts) of the gas generating means having a small thickness. The value (Tl / Ts) of the wall thickness (Tl) of the gas generating means having a large wall thickness is adjusted to be greater than 1 and 100 or less. More specifically, the first and second combustion chambers are defined in the housing, the first combustion chamber has a first gas generation means, and the second combustion chamber has a second gas generation means. , The thickness of the first gas generating means: the thickness (mm) of the second gas generating means is adjusted in the range of 0.1: 10 to 10: 0.1. The thickness of the gas generating means can be measured by the method described in the embodiment described later in the case of a porous cylindrical gas generating means.

  When gas generating means having a different surface area per unit weight is stored for each combustion chamber, the gas generating means stored in one of the combustion chambers is stored in another combustion chamber with respect to the surface area (Ss) of the gas generating means having a small surface area. The value (Sl / Ss) of the surface area (Sl) of the gas generating means having a large surface area can be appropriately selected within the range of more than 1 and less than 50.

  As described above, in the plurality of combustion chambers, in the gas generator containing the gas generating means having different shapes and / or amounts for each combustion chamber, the gas generating means stored in any one of the combustion chambers The ratio (TS1: TS2) of the total surface area (TS1) of the gas and the total surface area (TS2) of the gas generating means accommodated in the other combustion chamber is shorter than the radial direction in the axial direction (for example, In the case of a driver's gas generator), the gas generator can be adjusted in a range of 1:50 to 50: 1 and is longer in the axial direction than in the radial direction (for example, a gas generator for a passenger seat). In this case, it can be adjusted to a range of 1: 300 to 300: 1.

  When the amount of the gas generating means is different for each combustion chamber, the total weight (g) (TW1) of the gas generating means accommodated in any one combustion chamber and the other combustion chamber are accommodated. The ratio (TW1: TW2) to the total weight (g) of gas generating means (TW2) is 1 in the case of a gas generator that is shorter in the axial direction than in the radial direction (for example, a gas generator for a driver's seat). : Adjust the range from 50 to 50: 1, and adjust the range from 1: 300 to 300: 1 in the case of a gas generator that is longer in the axial direction than in the radial direction (for example, a gas generator for a passenger seat). be able to.

  When the gas generating means formed in the porous body is different for each combustion chamber, the gas generating means of a porous cylindrical body (for example, a 7-hole cylindrical body) is provided in any one combustion chamber. The other one combustion chamber can accommodate a single-hole cylindrical gas generating means.

  The gas generating means accommodated in the plurality of combustion chambers includes a gas generator in which any one of the gas generating means accommodated in the combustion chambers is not directly ignited by the combustion gas generated in the other combustion chambers. In this case, the gas generating means in each combustion chamber can be burned completely independently for each combustion chamber. Therefore, in this case, the gas generating means accommodated in each combustion chamber can be ignited and burned more reliably. As a result, even when the operation timing of the ignition means provided corresponding to each combustion chamber is considerably shifted, the flame of the gas generating means in one combustion chamber ignited by the ignition means that was first activated is A stable operation output can be obtained without burning the gas generating means in the other combustion chambers.

  In the present invention, the gas generator further includes two or more ignition means in the housing, and a gas discharge port formed in the housing and a blocking means such as a sealing tape for closing the gas discharge port. Also provided is a gas generator for an air bag characterized by a combination.

  That is, two or more ignition means that are ignited by an impact, and a gas generation means that generates combustion gas that is ignited and combusted by the ignition means to inflate the airbag, and a plurality of housings that form an outer shell container In the gas generator for an air bag in which the gas discharge port is formed, the gas discharge port is closed by a shut-off means for holding the internal pressure of the housing to a constant pressure, and the gas discharge port and / or the shut-off means To control the burst pressure for rupturing the shut-off means in a plurality of stages, to suppress the difference in the maximum internal pressure of the housing when each ignition means is actuated, and in the two or more combustion chambers, Each combustion chamber accommodates at least one gas generating means different in combustion speed, shape, composition, composition ratio and amount, and the gas generating means in each combustion chamber is independently attached at an arbitrary timing. - a gas generator for an air bag which can be burned.

  The present invention accommodates in a housing having a gas discharge port, including ignition means that operates by impact, and gas generation means that generates combustion gas that is ignited and burned by the ignition means to inflate the airbag. A gas generator for an air bag, wherein two combustion chambers containing gas generating means are provided concentrically adjacent to each other in the radial direction of the housing, and the combustion chambers are mutually connected. A communication hole for allowing communication is provided, and in each of the two combustion chambers, at least one or more gas generation means having different combustion rates, shapes, compositions, composition ratios, and amounts is accommodated for each of the combustion chambers. A gas generator for an air bag is also provided.

  Furthermore, the present invention accommodates in a housing having a gas discharge port, including ignition means that operates by impact, and gas generation means that generates combustion gas that is ignited and burned by the ignition means to inflate the airbag. A gas generator for an air bag, wherein a combustion chamber for storing gas generating means is divided into two or more chambers in the housing, and the gas generating means stored in each of the combustion chambers Are ignited and burned independently by the ignition means provided corresponding to each combustion chamber, and the gas generating means accommodated in each combustion chamber is the amount of gas generated per unit time for each combustion chamber. Also provided are gas generators for airbags that are different.

  Thus, when a plurality of combustion chambers are provided in the housing and different gas generating means are accommodated in the respective combustion chambers, the gas generating means are ignited and burned by different ignition means at the same time or with a time difference. However, by controlling the opening diameter (opening area) of the gas discharge port and / or the thickness of the sealing tape that closes the gas discharge port, the pressure in the housing when the gas generating means burns (hereinafter referred to as the pressure) It is possible to equalize the “combustion internal pressure” and stabilize the combustion performance. In this gas generator, two or more combustion chambers can be filled with gas generating means having different amounts of generated gas per unit time for each combustion chamber. Such adjustment of the burst pressure can be performed by controlling the opening diameter and / or opening area of the gas outlet to two or more. Thus, among the two or more types of gas discharge ports formed in the housing, the ratio of the large diameter gas discharge port / the small diameter gas discharge port is 4/1 for two types of openings having adjacent opening sizes. It is preferable that the opening area ratio is 97/3 to 3/97. The burst pressure is adjusted by controlling the thickness of the blocking means to two or more types. Thus, it is preferable that the ratio of adjacent thicknesses of the two or more types of blocking means is 1.1 / 1 to 12/1.

  In the present invention in which different gas generating means are accommodated in a plurality of combustion chambers, the opening diameter and / or opening area of the gas discharge port is controlled to two or more types, and the thickness of the blocking means is controlled to two or more types. Can also be done. Further, the blocking means is preferably a seal tape comprising a seal layer having a thickness of 20 μm to 200 μm and an adhesive layer having a thickness of 5 to 100 μm, or an adhesive layer. In the present invention, the thickness of the sealing tape refers to the thickness of the sealing tape and the adhesive layer or the adhesive layer. The shut-off means such as a seal tape is such that its burst pressure is adjusted by the size and / or thickness of the gas discharge port, and the maximum internal pressure (hereinafter referred to as “ It does not adjust the combustion performance of the gas generating means.

  Next, a gas generator including two igniters will be described.

  As one of the means for solving the problems, an ignition means that is activated by an impact in a housing having a gas discharge port, and a gas generator that generates combustion gas that is ignited and burned by the ignition means to inflate an airbag. A gas generator for an air bag including the means, wherein the ignition means includes two or more igniters that are operated by impact, and the igniters are provided with their axial directions aligned. A gas generator for an air bag is provided. That is, a housing having a gas discharge port includes an ignition unit that is activated by an impact, and a gas generation unit that generates a combustion gas that is ignited and burned by the ignition unit to inflate an airbag. A gas generator for an air bag, wherein the ignition means includes two or more igniters that are activated by impact, and the igniters are integrated with each other by a resin. It is a gas generator for bags.

  Further, in the present invention, two or more igniters included in the ignition means of the gas generator for an air bag described above are provided such that each igniter is aligned in the axial direction and fitted into one initiator collar. It can be set as the gas generator for airbags.

  Further, the present invention provides an airbag in which two or more igniters included in the ignition means of the above-described gas generator for an airbag are provided such that the igniters are aligned with each other in the axial direction and integrated with a resin. It can be used as a gas generator.

  Further, according to the present invention, two or more igniters included in the ignition means of the above-described gas generator for an air bag are integrated with a resin in one initiator collar with the igniters aligned in the axial direction. It can be set as the gas generator for airbags provided.

  As described above, since the airbag gas generator of the present invention is provided with two or more igniters aligned in the axial direction, when connecting the igniter and the control unit of the airbag apparatus, The lead wires used in the above can be pulled out in the same direction on the same plane.

  In addition, when two or more igniters are fitted in one initiator collar and / or integrated with resin, it is easy to attach the gas generator during assembly.

  In addition, when two or more igniters are integrated with a resin in one initiator collar, it is not necessary to match the internal shape of the initiator collar and the external shape of the igniter in advance, and at least the size of the igniter It is sufficient that the initiator color has a larger internal space. Furthermore, when the igniter is integrated with resin, the fixing member for the igniter is not necessary regardless of the form of the gas generator.

  As another solution, the present invention provides an ignition means that operates by impact in a housing having a gas discharge port, and a gas generation means that generates combustion gas that is ignited and burned by the ignition means to inflate an airbag. A gas generator for an air bag including the igniter, wherein the igniting means includes two or more igniters that are activated by impact, and the igniters are integrated with resin. A gas generator for an air bag is provided.

  Further, the present invention provides, as another solution, an ignition means that is activated by an impact in a housing having a gas discharge port, and a gas generator that generates combustion gas that is ignited and burned by the ignition means to inflate the airbag. A gas generator for an air bag including a plurality of igniters, wherein the igniting means includes two or more igniters that are actuated by impact, and each igniter is fitted into one initiator collar. A gas generator for an air bag is provided.

  As described above, since the two or more igniters are integrated with resin or fitted into one initiator collar, the mounting operation at the time of assembling the gas generator is further facilitated. The two or more igniters included in the ignition means of the airbag gas generator can be an airbag gas generator provided integrally with resin in one initiator collar. .

  As described above, when two or more igniters are fixed with resin in one initiator collar, it is not necessary to match the internal shape of the initiator collar and the external shape of the igniter in advance. It suffices if the internal space of the initiator color is larger than the size. In addition, since the igniter is integrally fixed with resin, the fixing member for the igniter is not necessary regardless of the form of the gas generator.

  In the gas generator of the present invention, an electric ignition type ignition means that operates by an electric signal (or an operation signal) transmitted from an impact sensor or the like that detects an impact is used as the ignition means. The electric ignition ignition means is an igniter that operates based on an electric signal transmitted from an electric sensor that senses an impact exclusively by an electric mechanism such as a semiconductor acceleration sensor, and ignites and burns by the operation of the igniter. It is composed including a charge transfer agent.

  In the gas generator for an air bag of the present invention, the constituent elements other than the above-described means of solution are not particularly limited, and the same constituent elements as those of a known air bag gas generator can be adopted. Modifications commonly made by those skilled in the art in these components are also included.

  Therefore, the gas generator for an air bag of the present invention has two or more ignition means, and two or more gas generations that generate ignition gas that is separately ignited and burned by the respective ignition means to inflate the airbag. A structure having means (two or more combustion chambers and a gas generating agent) can be employed.

  Next, a gas generator including a combustion chamber and ignition means in the inner cylinder member will be described.

  The gas generator for an air bag of the present invention is a gas generator in which two combustion chambers are provided in a housing, and has a feature in the arrangement structure of the two combustion chambers. The gas generation means accommodated in each combustion chamber can be ignited and burned independently by different ignition means.

  That is, the present invention accommodates in a housing having a gas discharge port, including ignition means that operates by impact, and gas generation means that generates combustion gas that is ignited and burned by the ignition means to inflate the airbag. An air bag gas generator comprising two combustion chambers in the housing for accommodating gas generating means, and further having communication holes that allow the combustion chambers to communicate with each other. One combustion chamber of the two combustion chambers is provided on the upper space side of the inner cylinder member disposed in the housing, and the ignition means is provided on the lower space side of the inner cylinder member, Provided is a gas generator for an air bag, wherein the upper space and the lower space are defined by a partition wall.

  Further, the present invention includes a housing having a gas discharge port, including ignition means that operates by impact, and gas generation means that generates combustion gas that is ignited and burned by the ignition means to inflate the airbag. A gas generator for an air bag comprising two combustion chambers that contain gas generating means concentrically adjacent to each other in the radial direction of the housing, and each combustion chamber is connected to each other. A communication hole that allows communication with the inner combustion chamber, the inner combustion chamber of the two combustion chambers is provided on the upper space side of the inner cylinder member disposed in the housing, and the ignition means is an inner cylinder member A gas generator for an air bag is provided in which the upper space and the lower space are defined by a partition wall.

  Furthermore, the present invention provides a cylindrical shape having an axial length longer than the outermost diameter, and has a plurality of gas discharge ports in its peripheral wall, an ignition means that operates by impact, and ignition by the ignition means A gas generator for an air bag including a gas generating means for generating combustion gas for inflating the air bag to be combusted, wherein two gas generating means are accommodated in the housing. Combustion chambers are provided coaxially adjacent to each other in the axial direction and / or radial direction of the housing, and further provided with communication holes that allow the respective combustion chambers to communicate with each other. An inner combustion chamber is provided on the upper space side of the inner cylinder member disposed in the housing, the ignition means is provided on the lower space side of the inner cylinder member, and the upper space and the lower space are defined by a partition wall. It is specially made To provide a gas generator for an air bag to.

  As described above, the internal structure of the gas generator can be simplified by arranging the inner combustion chamber and the ignition means vertically in the space formed by the defining member.

  In addition, as described above, the two combustion chambers are arranged concentrically in the housing, thereby simplifying the internal structure of the gas generator, and further, separately burning the gas generant for each combustion chamber. Can do.

  The gas generator for an air bag according to the present invention includes a gas generator having the above-described structure, which is characterized by the arrangement structure of one combustion chamber and ignition means and the fixing method of two or more ignition means. It is.

  That is, according to the present invention, in the above-described gas generator for an air bag, the ignition means includes two or more igniters that are activated by an impact. It can be set as the gas generator for airbags fixed with the covering igniter fixing member. Further, the two or more igniters may be an air bag gas generator provided in one initiator collar.

  As described above, by fixing two or more igniters at once with the igniter fixing member, the structure is simple and the manufacture is facilitated.

  According to the present invention, in the above-described gas generator for an air bag, any one of the two combustion chambers is provided outside an inner cylinder member disposed in the housing, and the interior of the inner cylinder member is provided. The space is defined as an air bag which is defined by another circular chamber and an ignition means accommodation chamber in which an ignition means including an igniter is accommodated by a compartment circular member and a seal cup member engaged with the compartment circular member. It can be used as a gas generator. Furthermore, it can be set as the gas generator for airbags by which the said division | segmentation circular member is latched by the notch part provided in the internal peripheral surface of the inner cylinder member. Further, the peripheral edge of the seal cup member is bent, and the bent portion of the peripheral edge can be a gas generator for an air bag fitted in a groove provided on the inner peripheral surface of the inner cylinder member.

  Further, the present invention is the above gas generator for an air bag, wherein the igniter included in the ignition means is supported by an igniter fixing member that covers an upper surface of the initiator collar and fixed to the initiator collar, and the seal cup member is And an igniter receiving port extending to the igniter fixing member, and an O-ring is disposed in a space formed by the igniter fixing member, the igniter receiving port, and the igniter. The gas generator for an air bag is sealed between the igniter fixing member and the igniter housing port, between the igniter fixing member and the igniter, and between the igniter housing port and the igniter. Can do.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the gas generator for an air bag described above, an air in which an O-ring is interposed between a bent portion at a peripheral edge of the seal cup portion and an inner wall surface of the inner cylinder member into which the bent portion is fitted. A gas generator for a bag can be obtained.

  As described above, by using a seal cup member having a specific structure, it is not necessary to interpose an O-ring at the fitting portion between the seal cup and the inner cylinder member, so that the diameter of the gas generator can be reduced. it can. In addition, since the ignition means can be kept airtight, the combustion of the transfer charge by the operation of the igniter is performed uniformly, and the internal pressure is further increased by the combustion of the transfer charge, whereby the bent portion of the seal cup member is inserted. Since it spreads in the radial direction so as to press the inner wall surface of the cylindrical member, the airtightness is further improved, and the transfer charge is burned uniformly.

  Further, as described above, by using the igniter fixing member and the seal cup member together with the O-ring, the two or more igniters can be completely separated.

  Next, the gas generator which transmits an electrical signal with a lead wire is demonstrated.

  The present invention accommodates in a housing having a gas discharge port, including ignition means that operates by impact, and gas generation means that generates combustion gas that is ignited and burned by the ignition means to inflate an airbag. A gas generator for an air bag comprising two combustion chambers for accommodating gas generating means, and a communication hole for allowing the combustion chambers to communicate with each other. The ignition means includes two or more igniters that are operated by an electric signal, and lead wires for transmitting the electric signals are connected to the igniters, and the lead wires are on the same plane. And the gas generator for airbags characterized by being pulled out in the same direction is provided.

  In the gas generator of the present invention, an electric ignition type ignition means that operates by an electric signal (or an operation signal) transmitted from an impact sensor or the like that detects an impact is used as the ignition means. The electric ignition ignition means is an igniter that operates based on an electric signal transmitted from an electric sensor that senses an impact exclusively by an electric mechanism such as a semiconductor acceleration sensor, and ignites and burns by the operation of the igniter. It is composed including a charge transfer agent.

  Further, it is desirable that two or more igniters have lead wires for transmitting electrical signals connected through connectors, and the connectors are arranged in parallel on the same plane.

  The two or more igniters preferably have lead wires that transmit electrical signals connected via connectors, and the lead wires are drawn by the connectors in the same direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the housing.

  Further, in order to facilitate the mounting of two or more igniters, it is desirable that each igniter is provided on one initiator collar with the axial direction aligned.

  It is desirable that the two combustion chambers for accommodating the gas generating means are provided concentrically adjacent to each other in the radial direction of the housing, and further provided with a communication hole that allows the combustion chambers to communicate with each other.

  Further, the present invention includes a housing having a gas discharge port, including ignition means that operates by impact and gas generation means that generates combustion gas that is ignited and burned by the ignition means to inflate the airbag. A gas generator for an air bag comprising two combustion chambers for accommodating gas generating means and a communication hole for allowing the combustion chambers to communicate with each other. The ignition means is configured to include two or more igniters that are actuated by electrical signals, and lead wires for transmitting electrical signals are connected to the igniters, respectively. Above, the angle when the center line of the lead wire connected to one igniter and the center line of the lead wire connected to the other igniter intersect is 180 ° or less. To provide a gas generator for an air bag according to symptoms.

  The center line of the lead wire is a line passing through the centers of the two lead wires normally connected to each igniter. The angle when the two center lines intersect is 180 ° or less, preferably 90 ° or less, more preferably 50 ° or 45 ° or less.

  Further, in the gas generator for an air bag described above, an ignition means that operates by impact in a cylindrical shape having a longer axial center than the outermost diameter and having a plurality of gas discharge ports on its peripheral wall. And a gas generator for an air bag that contains and generates a combustion gas that is ignited and burned by the ignition means and generates a combustion gas for inflating the air bag. Two combustion chambers that contain the generating means are provided coaxially adjacent to each other in the axial direction and / or radial direction of the housing, and further provided with communication holes that allow the respective combustion chambers to communicate with each other. It can also be used as a gas generator for bags.

  According to the present invention, by improving the mounting structure of the lead wires connected to two or more igniters, the two or more lead wires can be drawn out in the same plane and in the same direction. The assembly process of the airbag apparatus using the device is facilitated, and the structure of the apparatus can be simplified.

Next, a gas generator having an auto-ignition material will be described.
The gas generator for an air bag of the present invention is a gas generator in which two or more combustion chambers are provided in a housing, and the gas generating means remaining after the operation of the gas generator is completely combusted. This is a gas generator for an air bag. There will be no inconvenience during subsequent processing and disposal.

  That is, the gas generator for an air bag according to the present invention includes, in a housing having a gas discharge port, ignition means that operates by impact, and gas that generates combustion gas for inflating the air bag that is ignited and burned by the ignition means. A gas generator for an air bag including a generating means, wherein two or more combustion chambers for storing the gas generating means are provided in the housing, and the combustion chambers are Are connected to each other, and any one combustion chamber is provided with an automatic ignition material (AIM) that is ignited / combusted by conduction heat. For example, if gas generating means accommodated in a plurality of combustion chambers are burned at different timings for each combustion chamber, this auto-ignition material (AIM) contains gas generating means that burns at a later timing. It is preferable to arrange in the combustion chamber. In this case, the auto-ignition material (AIM) can be ignited and burned by conduction of heat generated by the combustion of the gas generating agent previously burned. This auto-ignition material preferably ignites a gas generating agent that burns at a late timing with a delay of 100 milliseconds or more after the ignition means for igniting the gas generating means that burns first operates. This auto-ignition material is disposed in combination with an igniter included in the ignition means for igniting and burning the gas generating means that burns at a later timing (or that may remain after the gas generator is activated). You can also.

  The gas generator that burns the gas generating means at different timings for each combustion chamber includes, for example, an ignition means including a charge that is ignited and burned by the operation of the igniter. The gas generating means divided into igniters and ignited / combusted independently for each igniter and accommodated in a plurality of combustion chambers are gases ignited / combusted by flames in which different types of explosives are burned. It can also be realized by using a generator.

  For example, two combustion chambers that house gas generating means are provided in the housing, and each of the combustion chambers includes a first gas generating means that burns first and a second gas generating means that burns at a later timing. In the gas generator further comprising a first ignition means for igniting the first gas generation means and a second ignition means for igniting the second gas generation means, the automatic ignition material ( AIM) is provided in an igniter included in the second combustion chamber or the second ignition means. As the automatic ignition material (AIM), a material that ignites and burns by heat generated by the combustion of the first gas generating means transmitted through the housing or the like is used.

  When two combustion chambers for accommodating the gas generating means are formed in the housing, the two combustion chambers are provided concentrically adjacent to each other in the radial direction of the housing, and the combustion chambers are mutually connected in the housing. It is possible to provide a communication hole that enables communication with the communication hole.

  The auto-ignition material (AIM) that can be used in the present invention can be ignited and combusted by at least the combustion heat (that is, conduction heat) of the gas generation means transmitted from the housing (initially combusted). Is used. Examples of such a material include nitrocellulose.

  However, these can naturally vary depending on the type of gas generating means used, the heat transfer member (for example, the housing) that transmits the combustion heat, and the distance from the location where the gas generating means that burns first is accommodated. Therefore, it is necessary to select and adopt as appropriate in the design.

  According to the present invention, the overall size of the container is suppressed and the structure is simple and easy to manufacture. Even if the occupant's physique (for example, a high or low seated person, an adult or a child, etc.) and the riding position (for example, the posture clinging to the steering wheel) are different, the occupant can be safely restrained. In this way, the ignition means is preferably used in a gas generator that can arbitrarily adjust the operation output of the gas generator and the timing of the output increase.

  Hereinafter, based on the embodiment shown in the drawings, the gas generator for an air bag of the present invention will be described.

“Embodiment 1”
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a first embodiment of a gas generator for an air bag according to the present invention, and has a structure particularly suitable for being arranged on the driver's seat side.

  In this gas generator, a substantially cylindrical inner cylinder member 4 is disposed in a housing 3 formed by joining a diffuser shell 1 having a gas discharge port and a closure shell 2 that forms an internal housing space together with the diffuser shell. And the outside is used as the first combustion chamber. Further, a stepped portion 6 is provided inside the inner cylinder member, and a substantially flat circular partition wall 7 is disposed in the stepped portion, and the inner cylinder is further divided into two chambers by the partition wall, A second combustion chamber 5b is formed on the diffuser shell side (upper space side), and an ignition means accommodation chamber 8 is formed on the closure shell side (lower space side). As a result, in this gas generator, the first combustion chamber 5a and the second combustion chamber 5b are provided concentrically in the housing 3 and are adjacent to each other in the radial direction of the housing. In the first and second combustion chambers, gas generating agents (9a, 9b) that burn by the ignition means that operates under impact and generate combustion gas are stored, and in the ignition means storage chamber 8, Ignition means that is actuated by impact is housed. A through hole 10 is provided in the inner cylinder member 4 that defines the first combustion chamber 5 a and the second combustion chamber 5 b, and the through hole is closed by a seal tape 11. However, since the seal tape 11 bursts when the gas generating agent burns, both the combustion chambers can communicate with each other through the through hole 10. The material and thickness of the seal tape 11 are adjusted so that the seal tape 11 is not broken by the combustion of the gas generating agent 9a in the first combustion chamber 5a but is torn when the gas generating agent 9b in the second combustion chamber 5b is burned. There is a need. In this embodiment, a stainless steel seal tape having a thickness of 40 μm is used. The through hole 10 has a larger opening area than the gas discharge port 26b and does not have a function of controlling the internal pressure in the combustion chamber 5b.

  The ignition means includes two electric ignition igniters (12a, 12b) that are activated by an activation signal that is output when the sensor senses an impact. The initiator collars 13 are provided with their heads protruding in parallel with each other. By providing two igniters (12a, 12b) in one initiator collar 13 in this way, the two igniters are fixed to the initiator collar 13 and become a single member, which can be assembled to the gas generator. It becomes easy. In particular, in the gas generator shown in this figure, the initiator collar 13 provided with two igniters (12a, 12b) is made to have a size that allows the initiator collar 13 to be inserted into the inner cylinder member 4. After being inserted into 4, the lower end of the inner cylinder member 4 is crimped to fix the initiator collar, so that the igniter can be fixed easily and reliably. Further, when the two igniters (12a, 12b) are arranged on the initiator collar 13, the direction of each igniter can be easily regulated. In the drawing, the two igniters are arranged eccentrically with respect to the central axis of the housing. When the igniters (12a, 12b) are arranged in the same direction, as shown in the rear view of the gas generator of the present embodiment in FIG. 2, the igniters (12a, 12b) and the control unit (see FIG. The lead wire 50 that connects to the other (not shown) can be pulled out in the same direction on the same plane. In FIG. 2, each lead wire 50 is connected to each igniter (12a, 12b) via a connector 50a, and the connectors are arranged in parallel on the same plane. By making this connector L-shaped, the lead wire that transmits an electrical signal (actuation signal) to the igniter can be pulled out in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the housing (that is, in the radial direction of the housing). At this time, the lead wire connected to each igniter can be pulled out in the same direction.

  In this embodiment, a substantially cylindrical separation cylinder is provided so as to surround any one of the igniters 12b (hereinafter referred to as “second igniters”) in the space between the initiator collar 13 and the partition wall 7. 14 is arranged, a first transfer charge storage chamber 15a is defined on the outer side, a second transfer charge storage chamber 15b is defined on the inner side, and an igniter and an ignition means together with the igniter are provided in each storage chamber. Contains explosives to make up. As a result, the charge transfer agent (16a, 16b) that constitutes the ignition means together with the igniter is reliably classified for each igniter (12a, 12b). In the first transfer charge storage chamber 15a, when the transfer charge 16a accommodated therein burns, the seal tape 18 that closes the transfer transfer hole 17 formed in the inner cylinder member 4 bursts and the first combustion is performed. It communicates with chamber 5a. Further, in the second transfer charge storage chamber 15b, when the transfer charge 16b therein burns, the seal tape 20 closing the transfer hole 19 formed in the partition wall 7 is ruptured and communicates with the second combustion chamber 5b. Therefore, when this gas generator is operated, the flame when the first igniter 12a is ignited (actuated) ignites and burns the transfer charge 16a in the storage chamber 15a, and the flame is the inner cylinder. The seven-hole gas generating agent 9a accommodated in the first combustion chamber 5a passing through the heat transfer hole 17 formed in the member 4 and positioned in the radial direction of the accommodating chamber 15a is ignited and burned. The second igniter 12b ignites and burns the second transfer charge 16b in the storage chamber 15b, and the flame passes through the transfer hole 19 provided in the axial direction of the storage chamber 15b and extends its extension. The single-hole gas generating agent 9b accommodated in the second combustion chamber 5b above is ignited and burned. The combustion gas generated in the second combustion chamber 9b flows into the first combustion chamber 5a through the through hole 10 provided on the diffuser shell 1 side of the inner cylinder member 4.

  In particular, in the gas generator shown in FIG. 1, the second igniter 12b and the first igniter 12a may ignite simultaneously in order to stabilize the operation performance, but the former 12b operates before the latter 12a. Never do. That is, the gas generating agent 9b accommodated in the second combustion chamber 5b burns at the same time as or with a delay from the gas generating agent 9a accommodated in the first combustion chamber 5a. When the gas generating agent 9a in the first combustion chamber 5a burns before the second gas generating agent 9b, the seal tape 11 is not broken by the combustion of the first gas generating agent 9a as described above, and the first It is broken only by the combustion of the second gas generating agent 9b. Further, in the gas generator shown in this figure, the separation cylinder 14 disposed between the initiator collar and the partition wall is disposed on the lower surface of the partition wall 7 and the upper surface of the initiator collar 13 as shown in the enlarged view of the main part of FIG. Holes 21 corresponding to the outer shape of the separation cylinder 14 are provided, and the upper end or the lower end of the separation cylinder 14 is fitted in each hole. By arranging the separation cylinder 14 in this way, the flame of the transfer charge generated in any one of the transfer charge combustion chambers does not directly burn the transfer charge in the other transfer charge storage chambers. The gas generating agent accommodated in the combustion chamber is ignited and burned by a flame in which different types of explosives are burned. That is, normally, when the transfer charge burns in the separation cylinder 14 (that is, in the second transfer charge storage chamber), the pressure of the gas generated by the combustion also causes the separation cylinder to expand in the radial direction. However, by arranging the separation cylinder as shown in FIG. 3, the upper and lower ends of the separation cylinder are surely supported by the peripheral walls of the holes into which the separation cylinders are inserted. Compared with the case where it is sandwiched between the partition wall and the initiator collar, it is possible to more reliably prevent leakage of the transfer gas combustion gas and flame.

  In the housing 3, a common coolant filter 22 for purifying and cooling the combustion gas generated by the combustion of the gas generating agent (9a, 9b) is disposed, and the inner periphery on the diffuser shell 1 side is disposed. The surface is covered with a short path preventing member 23 so that the combustion gas does not pass between the end surface of the coolant / filter 22 and the diffuser shell 1 ceiling inner surface 28. On the outside of the coolant / filter 22, an outer layer 24 for preventing the filter 22 from expanding due to passage of combustion gas or the like is disposed. The outer layer 24 is formed using, for example, a laminated wire mesh body, a porous cylindrical member having a plurality of through holes on the peripheral wall surface, or a belt-like deterring layer in which a belt-like member having a predetermined width is formed in an annular shape. You can also Further, a gap 25 is formed outside the outer layer 24 so that the combustion gas can pass through the entire surface of the filter 22. The gas outlet 26 formed in the diffuser shell is closed with a seal tape 27 to prevent the outside air from entering. The seal tape 27 is ruptured when gas is released. The purpose of the seal tape 27 is to protect the gas generating agent from external moisture, and it does not affect the performance adjustment such as the combustion internal pressure at all.

  In the gas generator formed as described above, when the first igniter 12a disposed in the ignition means accommodating chamber 8 and outside the separation cylinder 14 is activated, the first explosive charge accommodating chamber 15a The flame transfer agent 16a accommodated in the cylinder is ignited and burned, and the flame passes through the flame transfer hole 17 of the inner cylinder member 4 and has a porous cylindrical first having seven holes accommodated in the first combustion chamber 5a. The gas generating agent 9a is burned. Further, when the second igniter 12b surrounded by the separation cylinder 14 is operated in the same or delayed manner as the first igniter 12a, the transfer charge 16b stored in the second transfer charge storage chamber 15b is ignited. Combusting, and the flame ignites and burns the single-hole cylindrical second gas generating agent 9b accommodated in the second combustion chamber 5b. As a result, the ignition timing of the two igniters (12a, 12b) is adjusted, that is, the second igniter is operated after the first igniter is operated, or the first igniter and the second igniter are operated. The output form (operation performance) of the gas generator can be adjusted arbitrarily depending on whether the two are operated at the same time. In various situations such as the vehicle speed and environmental temperature at the time of collision, It is possible to optimize the deployment of the air bag at the maximum. In particular, in the gas generator shown in this figure, gas generating agents (9a, 9b) having different shapes are used for the respective combustion chambers (5a, 5b), and the first combustion chamber 5a has a porous cylindrical second. One gas generating agent 9a is accommodated in the second combustion chamber 5b, and a single-hole cylindrical second gas generating agent 9b is accommodated therein. Further, the amount of the gas generating agent accommodated in each combustion chamber (5a, 5b) is also different, 35 g in the first combustion chamber 5a, 6g gas generating agent (9a, 9b in the second combustion chamber 5b). ) Are housed. As a result, in this gas generator, it is possible to adjust the output form more accurately. Of course, the shape, composition, composition ratio, amount, and the like of the gas generating agent can be appropriately changed in order to obtain a desired output form.

  The operating performance of such a gas generator can be confirmed by, for example, the following tank combustion test.

<Tank combustion test>
A gas generator for airbags is fixed in a SUS (stainless steel) tank with an internal volume of 60 liters, and the tank is sealed at room temperature and then connected to an external ignition circuit. Separately, with the pressure transducer installed in the tank, the time when the ignition electric circuit switch was turned on (application of the ignition current) was set to 0, and the pressure increase change in the tank was measured for a time of 0 to 200 milliseconds. Each measurement data is finally converted into a tank pressure / time curve by computer processing to obtain a curve (hereinafter referred to as “tank curve”) for evaluating the performance of the gas generant molded product. After the completion of combustion, a part of the gas in the tank can be extracted and used for gas analysis such as CO and NOx.

“Embodiment 2”
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a second embodiment of the gas generator for an air bag of the present invention. Similarly to the gas generator shown in FIG. 1, the gas generator shown in this figure has a structure particularly suitable for being arranged on the driver's seat side. However, the gas generator shown in this figure is different from the gas generator shown in FIG. 1 in that a flow path forming member 51 is disposed in the first combustion chamber 5a, and the flow path forming member 51 and the diffuser shell ceiling portion. Between the inner surface 28, a flow path 52 through which the combustion gas generated in the second combustion chamber 5b passes is formed.

  The flow path forming member 51 is an annular shape in which the inner periphery and the outer periphery of the circular member are bent to form the inner peripheral wall 53 and the outer peripheral wall 54. A supporting wall 56 for securing a space is integrally formed between the two. The flow path forming member 51 sandwiches the inner cylindrical member 4 with its inner peripheral wall 53, and abuts the support wall 56 with the inner surface 28 of the diffuser shell ceiling portion, so that the circular portion 55 and the inner surface 28 of the diffuser shell ceiling portion A certain space is secured in between. Since the support wall has a large number of through holes 57, the space can function as the gas flow path 52. This gas flow path 52 communicates with the second combustion chamber 5b through the through hole 10 of the inner cylinder member 4 when the gas generating agent 9b in the second combustion chamber 5b is combusted. The combustion gas generated in the chamber 5b is discharged from the through hole 10 to the gas flow path 52, passes through the coolant / filter 22, and is discharged from the gas discharge port 26.

  In the gas generator formed as described above, the first combustion chamber 5a and the second combustion chamber 5b can communicate with each other through the mesh space of the coolant / filter 22, but any combustion The combustion gas combusted by the gas generating agent accommodated in the room passes through the coolant / filter 22 and is directly discharged from the gas outlet 26. As a result, the flame of the gas generating agent initially ignited and burned does not ignite the gas generating agent stored in the other combustion chambers, and the single-hole-shaped gas stored in the first combustion chamber 5a The generating agent 9a ′ is ignited and burned only by the operation of the first igniter 12a, and the gas generating agent 9b in the second combustion chamber 5b is caused only by the operation of the second igniter 12b. Then ignite and burn.

  Therefore, in the gas generator shown in this figure, even when the operation timings of the two igniters (12a, 12b) are considerably shifted, the flame of the gas generating agent ignited by the first igniter is Since the gas generating agent in other combustion chambers is not combusted, a stable tank curve can be obtained even in the tank combustion test. This is particularly advantageous when the second igniter 12b is operated after a predetermined time has elapsed after the first igniter 12a is operated. That is, in the gas generator shown in FIG. 4, since the through hole 10 is not closed with the seal tape, the combustion gas generated in the first combustion chamber 5a is not used when the flow path forming member is not used. There is a possibility that the gas generating agent 9b in the second combustion chamber 5b will ignite and burn through the through hole 10 of the inner cylinder member 4. However, if different flow paths are formed for each combustion chamber (5a, 5b) as in the present embodiment, the combustion gas generated in the first combustion chamber 5a passes through the coolant / filter 22 and passes through the second filter. The gas generating agent 9b in the combustion chamber 5b is discharged without being ignited. As a result, the gas generating agent 9b accommodated in the second combustion chamber 5a can be arbitrarily ignited and burned only by operating the second igniter 12a. In the gas generator of the present embodiment, the through hole 10 is not closed by the sealing tape, but even when the through hole 10 is closed by the sealing tape, the gas generating agent in each combustion chamber can be further ignited and burned independently. Therefore, the output performance of the gas generator can be optimized to the maximum according to the situation at the time of the vehicle collision.

  In the gas generator shown in FIG. 4, the transfer charge 16b ignited by the second igniter 12b is arranged not in the separation cylinder 14 but in the second combustion chamber 5b. By arranging the charge transfer agent 16b in this way, when the transfer charge 16b is ignited and burned by the operation of the second igniter 12b, the flame burns the gas generating agent 9b in the second combustion chamber 5b evenly. Furthermore, the charge 16b may not be directly burned by the flame of the charge 16a in the first charge storage chamber 15a. In FIG. 4, the same members as those in FIG.

  Next, the operation performance when the tank combustion test is performed using the gas generator having the structure shown in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG. At that time, each combustion chamber is filled with different amounts of gas generating agents in different amounts. In the tank curve shown in FIG. 5, the gas generating agent 9a in the first combustion chamber 5a has a smaller surface area per unit weight of the gas generating agent than the gas generating agent 9b in the second combustion chamber 5b. The ratio of the filling amount of each gas generating agent is 35/6 for the first gas generating agent / second gas generating agent.

  In FIG. 5, “A ignition” means a tank curve when only the gas generating agent 9a in the first combustion chamber 5a is burned by the operation of the first igniter 12a of the gas generator shown in FIG. It is. This tank curve is ignited because the gas generating agent 9a in the first combustion chamber 5a has a smaller surface area per unit weight of the gas generating agent than the gas generating agent 9b in the second combustion chamber 5b. However, it does not burn at a stretch, but rises in a gentle curve.

  In addition, “A + B (simultaneous) ignition” means that the first and second igniters (12a, 12b) are operated simultaneously, and the gas generating agent (9a in the first and second combustion chambers (5a, 5b)). , 9b) is the tank curve when burning simultaneously. In this tank curve, the second gas generating agent 9b in the second combustion chamber 5b having a large surface area per unit weight burns at a time when it is ignited and releases combustion gas, so both igniters (12a, 12b) As soon as the operation signal is transmitted to the tank, the tank pressure suddenly rises, and then the combustion gas generated by the gas generating agent 9a in the first combustion chamber 5a is continuously generated, so the increased output curve (tank curve) is It has been maintained for a while.

  Furthermore, “A + B (T millisecond delay) ignition” means that after the first igniter 12a for burning the first gas generating agent 9a in the first combustion chamber 5a is actuated, it is delayed by T milliseconds. This is a tank curve when the second igniter 12b for burning the gas generating agent 9b in the second combustion chamber 5b is operated. This tank curve is substantially the same as the tank curve of “A ignition” until T milliseconds, but after the second igniter 12b is activated (that is, after T milliseconds), the tank curve is in the second combustion chamber 5b. Since the amount of gas suddenly generated by the combustion of the gas generating agent 9b is added, the tank curve rises at a stretch. In the tank curve of “A + B (T millisecond delay) ignition”, the maximum output (X kPa) is higher than the maximum output (Y kPa) of the tank curve of “A + B (simultaneous) ignition”. In the case of “A + B (simultaneous) ignition”, the gas generating agents (9a, 9b) in both combustion chambers (5a, 5b) burn at once, whereas “A + B (T milliseconds delay) )) Ignition, the second gas generating agent 9b in the second combustion chamber 5b is ignited with a delay of T milliseconds from the first gas generating agent 9b filled in the first combustion chamber 5a. Since it burns, it is thought that it depends on the duration of the heat generated.

  As described above, in “A + B (T millisecond delay) ignition” in FIG. 5, after the first igniter 12a is activated, the second igniter 12b is activated at intervals of T milliseconds. The delay timing can be set at an arbitrary interval by adjusting the ignition circuit. Therefore, the judgment circuit instantly determines the speed at the time of a vehicle collision, or the occupant's posture (for example, people with high or low sitting height, or those who drive with the posture clinging to the steering wheel), etc., and sets an appropriate delay time By operating the ignition means, the airbag can be deployed in an optimal deployment mode in various situations.

“Embodiment 3”
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another embodiment of the gas generator for an air bag of the present invention. This gas generator has a structure particularly suitable for being arranged on the passenger seat side.

  The gas generator shown in this figure has a cylindrical shape whose axial length is longer than the outermost diameter, and in a housing 103 having a plurality of gas discharge ports on its peripheral wall, ignition means that operates by impact, A gas generating agent (9a, 9b) that generates a combustion gas that is ignited and burned by the ignition means to inflate the airbag; and a coolant that cools and / or purifies the combustion gas generated by the combustion of the gas generating agent. The filter 122 is contained. The two combustion chambers (105a, 105b) provided in the housing 103 are formed as a cylindrical combustion chamber 105a and an annular combustion chamber 105b, and are provided coaxially adjacent to each other in the axial direction of the housing 103. In addition, a communication hole 110 is provided that allows the combustion chambers (105a, 105b) to communicate with each other.

  The gas generator shown in the present embodiment has a shape that is long in the axial direction because the housing has a cylindrical shape that is long in the axial direction. As described above, the two combustion chambers (105a, 105b) shall be a combination of a cylindrical combustion chamber 105a and an annular combustion chamber 105b, which are provided adjacent to each other on the same axis so that both combustion chambers can communicate with each other. Accordingly, the operation output of the gas generator and the timing of the output increase can be arbitrarily adjusted, but the gas generator can be easily manufactured with a simple structure.

  The ignition means includes two or more igniters that are activated by impact, and each igniter (12a, 12b) is provided in parallel with each other on one initiator collar 113. It will be easy. Further, each igniter (12a, 12b) assembled in the one initiator collar 113 and accommodated in the housing is eccentric with respect to the shaft of the housing.

  In addition, a substantially cylindrical coolant / filter 122 is disposed in the housing 103 so as to face the inner peripheral surface of the housing in which a plurality of gas discharge ports 126 are formed. A predetermined gap 125 is secured. A first combustion chamber 105a is defined adjacent to a space in which the coolant / filter 122 is accommodated, and an ignition means including two igniters (12a, 12b) is provided in the first combustion chamber 105a. It is coaxially arranged adjacent to the combustion chamber 105a. Since the annular second combustion chamber 105b is defined in the radial direction of the ignition means, the first combustion chamber 105a and the second combustion chamber 105b are adjacent to each other in the axial direction of the housing 103. Will be provided. The first and second combustion chambers are filled with different gas generating agents (9a, 9b). In the gas generator shown in this figure, the first combustion chamber 105a has a porous cylindrical shape. A single-hole cylindrical second gas generating agent 9b is accommodated in each of the first gas generating agent 9a and the second combustion chamber 105b.

  The ignition means is configured to ignite and burn by the operation of the igniter (12a, 12b), and includes a charge generating agent that ignites the gas generating agent (105a, 105b) by the flame. Each igniter is defined, and each igniter ignites and burns independently. The space in which the transfer charge defined for each igniter is stored is defined by a cylindrical member, and the first transfer charge storage chamber 115a in which the first transfer charge 116a is stored includes ignition means. And the first combustion chamber 105a, the first transfer chamber 119 communicates with the first combustion chamber 105a at the transfer hole 119 of the partition wall 107 disposed between the first combustion chamber 105a and the second transfer agent storage chamber 115b. Is in communication with the second combustion chamber 105b through a heat transfer hole 117 formed in the cylindrical member 104 defining the storage chamber 115b. The first combustion chamber 105a and the second combustion chamber 105b are such that the seal tape 11 that closes the through hole 110 formed in the partition wall 107 is ruptured by the combustion of the second gas generating agent 9b. As a result, the through-hole 110 communicates.

  In the gas generator shown in this figure, when the first igniter 12a is activated, the transfer charge 116a in the first transfer charge storage chamber 115a is ignited and burned, and the flame passes through the transfer hole 119 of the partition wall member 107. Thus, the gas generating agent 9a disposed in the first combustion chamber 105a is ignited and burned to generate combustion gas. The combustion gas is purified and cooled while passing through the coolant / filter 122 and discharged from the gas discharge port 126. On the other hand, when the second igniter 12b is activated, the transfer charge 116b in the second transfer charge storage chamber 115b is ignited and burned, and the flame generates and burns the gas generating agent 9b in the second combustion chamber 105b. Let The combustion gas generated in the second combustion chamber 105b passes through the first combustion chamber 105a through the through hole 110 of the partition wall 107, and is purified and cooled while passing through the coolant / filter 122, Released from the gas outlet 126. The combustion gas generated by the combustion of the first gas generating agent and the combustion gas generated by the combustion of the second combustion gas are both purified and cooled while passing through the same coolant / filter 122. In this embodiment as well, the gas discharge port 126 is closed by the seal tape 127. The seal tape 127 is intended to protect the gas generating agent from external moisture, and is ruptured by the combustion gas generated by the combustion of the gas generating agent so that the combustion gas can be released. Therefore, the seal tape 127 does not control the combustion performance (combustion internal pressure) of the gas generating agent. Further, the heat transfer holes 119 are closed by the seal tape 20, and the heat transfer holes 117 are closed by the seal tape 18, respectively.

  In addition, the defining member 160 that defines the first combustion chamber 105b and the space in which the coolant / filter 122 is accommodated is provided with a communication hole 161 that communicates both chambers. Combustion gas generated in the combustion chamber (105a, 105b) reaches the accommodation space of the coolant / filter 122 through the communication hole 161. In this embodiment, the defining member 160 is formed with a communication hole 161 having the same size as the inner diameter of the coolant / filter 122. The communication hole 161 is provided with a metal mesh 162 so that the gas generating agent 9a in the first combustion chamber 105a does not move to the space where the coolant / filter 122 is accommodated during the combustion. Yes. The wire mesh 162 is a mesh of a size that can prevent the movement of the first gas generating agent 9a during combustion, and it does not have any ventilation resistance that controls the combustion performance. Absent.

  As described above, also in the gas generator of this aspect, the gas generating agent (9a, 9b) accommodated in each combustion chamber (105a, 105b) adjusts the operation timing of the two igniters (12a, 12b). By doing so, it is ignited and burned independently, and the output form (operating performance) of the gas generator can be arbitrarily adjusted. As a result, in various situations such as the speed of the vehicle and the environmental temperature at the time of the collision, it is possible to optimize the deployment of the airbag when the airbag device described later is used.

  In connection with the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the two combustion chambers provided in the housing can be further provided adjacent to each other in the axial direction and the radial direction of the housing, as shown in FIG. . Specifically, in the gas generator shown in FIG. 7, a partition wall 107 ′ defining the first combustion chamber 105a ′ and the ignition means and the second combustion chamber 105b ′ is bent in the axial direction. Thereafter, the second combustion chamber 105b ′ is expanded in the axial direction of the housing by abutting the front end of the second combustion chamber 105b on the inner periphery of the housing. As a result, in the gas generator shown in FIG. 7, the second combustion chamber expands in the axial direction, that is, protrudes toward the first combustion chamber, whereby the first combustion chamber and the second combustion chamber. Are adjacent in the axial and radial directions of the housing. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, when the partition wall 107 "is provided with a peripheral wall that projects the flange-shaped portion at the tip thereof until it contacts the defining member 160, the first combustion is performed. The chamber 105a "and the second combustion chamber 105b" are provided adjacent to each other in the radial direction of the housing and coaxially. As a result, the second combustion chamber is more than the gas generator shown in FIG. 7 and 8 can increase the volume of the second combustion chamber, so that the second gas generating agent is often used. 7 and 8, the gas generator shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 has a simple structure and is more compact than the gas generator shown in FIG. In addition, an air bag that can arbitrarily adjust the output configuration (operating performance) of the gas generator. Gas generator in shown in a use gas generator. FIG. 7 and 8, the same members as in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a description thereof will be omitted.

“Embodiment 4”
FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view showing still another embodiment of the gas generator for an air bag of the present invention. The gas generator shown in this figure has a structure particularly suitable for being arranged on the driver's seat side, similarly to the gas generator shown in FIGS. 1 and 4.

  Also in the gas generator shown in this figure, the first combustion chamber 305a and the second combustion chamber 305b are defined by the inner cylinder member 304, and are provided in the housing 3 so as to be concentrically adjacent to each other. It has been. A stepped portion 306 is provided at a predetermined height on the inner peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical member 304. The stepped portion 306 defines a second combustion chamber 305b and an ignition means accommodating chamber 308. A partition wall 307 is disposed. In the present embodiment, as shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 10, the partition wall 307 includes a partition circular member 350 that is engaged with the stepped portion 306 of the inner cylinder member 304, and the partition circular member 350. And a mating seal cup member 360. The section circular member 350 has a substantially flat circular shape, and an opening 351 into which a transfer charge storage portion 361 of a seal cup member 360, which will be described later, is fitted, and the bottom surface is cut out in a circular shape, and the upper portion of the igniter 312b It has a circular hole portion 352 to be accommodated, and a second heat transfer hole 319 that is drilled through substantially at the center of the circular hole portion. In addition, the seal cup member 360 includes a cylindrical transfer charge container 361 that fits into the opening 351 of the section circular member 350 and protrudes into the second combustion chamber 305b, and a circular hole in the section circular member 350. It has a cylindrical igniter accommodation port 362 that is formed at a position facing the portion 352 and extends to the opposite side of the transfer charge accommodation portion 361. A first transfer charge 316a is stored inside the transfer charge storage section 361, and a second igniter 312b is fitted in the igniter storage port 362. The section circular member 350 and the seal cup member 360 are engaged by engaging the transfer charge storage portion 361 of the seal cup member 360 with the opening 351 of the section circular member 350, and the igniter storage port 362. The upper part of the second igniter 312b fitted inside projects into the circular hole 352 of the partition circular member 350.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the partition wall 307 including the partition circular portion 350 and the seal cup member 360 is locked to a stepped portion 306 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the inner cylinder member 304. That is, the peripheral edge of the section circular member 350 is supported by the stepped portion 306, and the seal cup member 360 is supported in contact with the section circular member 350. Further, the peripheral edge of the seal cup member 360 is bent in the same direction as the igniter accommodating port 362, and the bent portion 363 is fitted into a groove 364 provided on the inner peripheral surface of the inner cylinder member 304. ing. As a result, the section circular portion 350 is supported by the seal cup member 360 and is prevented from moving in the axial direction of the housing 3. Further, by inserting the bent portion 363 on the peripheral edge of the seal cup member 360 into the groove 364 on the inner peripheral surface of the inner cylinder member 304, the partition wall 307 (that is, the seal cup member 360) and the inner cylinder member 304 are connected with no gap. Match. Therefore, in the inner cylinder member 304, the ignition means accommodation chamber 308 provided on the closure shell 2 side and the second combustion chamber 305b provided on the diffuser shell 1 side are the seal cup member 360 and the groove 364. It is reliably divided by the ignition means seal structure which consists of these combinations.

  The igniter accommodation port 362 formed in the seal cup member 360 has a skirt opened in a bowl shape, and between the inside, that is, the second igniter 312b accommodated in the accommodation port 362. The O-ring 381 is disposed, and a seal between the accommodation port 362 and the second igniter 312b is provided. Since the O-ring 381 is also in pressure contact with an igniter fixing member 382, which will be described later, the second igniter 312b has a circular hole 352 in the partition circular member and an igniter accommodation port 362 in the seal cup member. The O-ring 381 is disposed in a space defined by an igniter fixing member 382. In this partitioned space, when the second igniter 312b is operated, the seal tape 320 that closes the second heat transfer hole 319 formed in the circular hole 352 of the partitioned circular member 350 is ruptured, It communicates with the second combustion chamber 305b. The first igniter 312a and the second igniter 312b have a seal structure (hereinafter referred to as an “igniter seal structure”) including a skirt of the igniter accommodation port 362, an O-ring 381, and an igniter fixing member 382. ) To ensure separation. Thereby, the flame generated by the operation of any of the igniters does not flow directly into the space in which the other igniters are accommodated.

  Also in this embodiment, the two igniters 312a and 312b are fixed to a single initiator collar 313 in order to ensure ease of arrangement in the housing. In particular, in the present embodiment, the two igniters 312 a and 312 b are supported by an igniter fixing member 382 that engages with the initiator collar 313, and are fixed to the initiator collar 313. The igniter fixing member 382 has a shape that covers the upper surface of the initiator collar 313, and has a hole portion 384 that passes through the upper portion of each igniter and supports the shoulder portion 383. The two igniters 312 a and 312 b arranged on the initiator collar 313 are fixed to an igniter fixing member 382 that is fitted on the initiator collar 313. By using such an igniter fixing member 382, the two igniters 312a and 312b can be easily combined with the initiator collar 313. In the gas generator shown in this embodiment, the first igniter 312a and the second igniter 312b are formed in different sizes, and those having different operation outputs are used. An igniter with the same operating output can also be used.

  In the operation of the gas generator shown in the present embodiment, the flame generated by the operation of the first igniter 312a ignites and burns the first transfer charge 316a disposed above the flame. The flame generated by the combustion of the first transfer charge 316a does not flow into the space in which the second igniter 312b is accommodated by the igniter seal structure, and the bent portion of the seal cup member 360 Due to the ignition means seal structure comprising 363 and the groove 364 of the inner cylinder member 304, it does not flow into the second combustion chamber 305b. Therefore, the flame generated by the combustion of the first transfer agent 316a flows exclusively into the first combustion chamber 305a through the first transfer hole 317 formed in the peripheral wall of the inner cylindrical member 304, The first gas generating agent 309a is ignited and burned to generate combustion gas. Further, the flame generated by the operation of the second igniter 312b flows exclusively into the second combustion chamber 305b through the second heat transfer hole 319 formed in the circular hole 352 of the partition circular member 350. Then, the second gas generating agent 309b is ignited and burned to generate combustion gas. In particular, in the gas generator in this embodiment, the second explosive charge is not arranged, and the second gas generating agent 309a is directly generated by the flame generated by the operation of the second igniter 312b. It is supposed to be ignited and burned.

  Then, the combustion gas generated by the combustion of the first gas generating agent 309a and the second gas generating agent 309b is then purified and cooled while passing through the common coolant filter 22, passing through the gap 25, It is discharged from the gas outlet 26. The seal tapes 318 and 320 for closing the first and second transfer holes are ruptured when the flame of the igniter and the combustion gas of the transfer agent pass through, and the seal tape 27 for closing the gas discharge port 26 is free of the combustion gas. Burst when passing.

  Thus, when adjusting the ignition timing of the gas generating agents 309a and 309b, that is, the operating performance of the gas generator, by shifting the operation timing of the respective igniters 312a and 312b, the igniters 312a and 312b are arranged. Positioning means are formed at the locations where the lead wires 15 'connected to the respective igniters are specified. Such positioning means can be performed, for example, by using a connector 16 'of a different type for each igniter as shown in the exploded perspective view of the main part in FIGS. In the positioning means shown in FIG. 11a, a positioning groove (or protrusion) 17 ′ is formed in the connector, and the formation position of the protrusion (or groove) 18 ′ corresponding to the positioning groove (or protrusion) 17 ′ is Each igniter is different. That is, when attaching the connector 16 'to the gas generator, the connectors (16') are not attached properly so that the connectors will interfere with each other and cannot be attached properly. Change position. In the positioning means shown in FIG. 11b, a positioning groove (or projection) 19 ′ is provided only in one of the connectors 21 ′. That is, the connector 21A ′ provided with the groove (or protrusion) 19 ′ can be joined to the igniter 22b ′ on the side where the protrusion (or groove) 20 ′ is not provided, but the groove (or protrusion) 19 The connector 21B without 'cannot be connected to the igniter 22a' on the side where the protrusion (or groove) 20 'is provided. As a result, a mistake in the connection of the connector 21 'can be easily noticed during assembly. In FIG. 11c, the shape of the portion 23 'itself for connecting and connecting the connectors is different. In FIG. 11d, the two connectors are combined into one, and a positioning groove (or projection) 24 'is further formed. As the positioning means, other means for eliminating an error in connector connection can be appropriately implemented.

  Also in the gas generator shown in this embodiment, the first gas generating agent 309a depends on the operation of the first igniter 312a, and the second gas generating agent 309b is the second igniter 312b. Depending on the operation, they are ignited and burned independently, but in some cases, only the first igniter 312a is ignited by flowing current, and only the gas generating agent 309a in the first combustion chamber 305a is ignited and burned. There is a case to let you. That is, the second gas generating agent 309b and the second igniter 312b are left unburned. In such a case, it causes inconvenience during later processing / disposal, etc., so normal delayed ignition in which the second igniter 312b is activated after the gas generator (first igniter 312a only) is activated. It is desirable that the gas generating agent 309b in the second combustion chamber 305b be burned at a later timing (for example, 100 milliseconds or more) than the timing (for example, 10 to 40 milliseconds). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, an automatic ignition material 385 that ignites and burns by conduction of the combustion heat of the first gas generating agent 309a can be disposed in the second combustion chamber 305b. In this case, the ignition of the second gas generating agent 309b by the autoignition material 385 is a normal delay time when the second igniter 312b is operated by delaying a predetermined time after the operation of the first igniter 312a. This is performed after a sufficient time has elapsed (that is, the operation interval between the igniters). That is, it is different from delaying the combustion of the second gas generating agent 309b (that is, delaying the operation of the second igniter 312b) for the purpose of adjusting the operating performance of the gas generator. The second gas generating agent 309b is ignited and burned by the autoignition material 385 while optionally delaying the operating current to the second igniter 312b to adjust the operating performance of the gas generator. There is nothing. The automatic ignition material 385 can also be arranged in combination with the second igniter.

  The first combustion chamber 305a and the second combustion chamber 305b are defined by the inner cylinder member 304. The inner cylinder member 304 is provided with a through hole 310, and the through hole 310 is closed by a stainless steel plate 311. The stainless steel plate 311 is adhered to the inner cylinder member 304 by an adhesive member such as an adhesive, and the through hole 310 is opened exclusively by the combustion of the second gas generating agent 309b, and the combustion of the first gas generating agent 309a is performed. Does not open. In this way, the through hole 310 is closed with the stainless steel plate 311 because the flame in which the first gas generating agent 309a burns flows into the second combustion chamber 305b through the through hole 310, and the second This is to prevent the gas generating agent 309b from burning. Therefore, if such a function can be secured, in addition to closing the through-hole 310 with the stainless steel plate 311, the rupture may be ruptured, peeled off, burned out or removed due to the pressure generated by the combustion of the second gas generating agent. The plate is welded, bonded or heat sealed to the inner cylinder member to close the through hole 310, or a notch is provided in the peripheral wall of the inner cylinder member 304, or the wall thickness of the inner cylinder member 304 is partially reduced. It can also be realized by forming. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13, a substantially ring-shaped shielding plate 386 can be disposed so as to cover the through-hole 310 provided in the inner cylinder member 304. In particular, in the embodiment of the gas generator shown in FIG. 13, even if combustion gas is generated by the combustion of the first gas generating agent 309a, the sealing tape that closes the through hole 310 is protected by the shielding plate 386. Therefore, the first gas generating agent 309a is not ruptured by combustion. Thus, also in the present embodiment, the through hole 310 of the inner cylinder member 304 is opened only by the combustion of the second gas generating agent 309b, and is not opened by the combustion of the first gas generating agent 309a. Therefore, even if combustion gas is first generated in the first combustion chamber 305a, it does not flow into the second combustion chamber 305b, and the gas generating agent 309b in the second combustion chamber 305b is Then, the second igniter 312b is actuated (in some cases, combustion of the autoignition material 385) is ignited and combusted. The combustion gas generated by the combustion of the second gas generating agent 309b passes through the through-hole 310 opened by the combustion, passes through the first combustion chamber 305a, and is then purified and cooled by the coolant / filter 22. It is discharged from the gas outlet 26. 9 to 13, the same members as those in FIG.

“Embodiment 5”
FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of the airbag apparatus of the present invention in the case of including a gas generator using an electric ignition type ignition means.

  This airbag device includes a gas generator 200, an impact sensor 201, a control unit 202, a module case 203, and an airbag 204. As the gas generator 200, the gas generator described with reference to FIG. 1 is used, and its operation performance is adjusted so as not to give a shock to the occupant as much as possible in the initial stage of the gas generator operation. ing.

  The impact sensor 201 can be composed of, for example, a semiconductor acceleration sensor. In this semiconductor type acceleration sensor, four semiconductor strain gauges are formed on a beam of a silicon substrate which is bent when acceleration is applied, and these semiconductor strain gauges are bridge-connected. When acceleration is applied, the beam bends and the surface is distorted. Due to this strain, the resistance of the semiconductor strain gauge changes, and the change in resistance is detected as a voltage signal proportional to the acceleration.

  The control unit 202 includes an ignition determination circuit, and a signal from the semiconductor acceleration sensor is input to the ignition determination circuit. When the impact signal from the sensor 201 exceeds a certain value, the control unit 202 starts computation, and when the computed result exceeds a certain value, an operation signal is output to the igniter 12 of the gas generator 200. The control unit 202 and the igniter 12 of the gas generator 200 are connected by a lead wire drawn out in the same direction on the same plane via a connector connected to the igniter 12.

  The module case 203 is made of polyurethane, for example, and includes a module cover 205. The airbag 204 and the gas generator 200 are accommodated in the module case 203 and configured as a pad module. This pad module is usually attached to the steering wheel 207 when attached to the driver's seat side of the automobile.

  The airbag 204 is made of nylon (for example, nylon 66) or polyester, and the bag mouth 206 surrounds the gas outlet of the gas generator and is fixed to the flange portion of the gas generator in a folded state. .

  When the semiconductor acceleration sensor 201 detects an impact at the time of a car collision, the signal is sent to the control unit 202, and when the impact signal from the sensor exceeds a certain value, the control unit 202 starts calculation. When the calculated result exceeds a certain value, an operation signal is output to the igniter 12 of the gas generator 200. As a result, the igniter 12 operates to ignite the gas generating agent, and the gas generating agent burns to generate gas. This gas is ejected into the air bag 204, whereby the air bag breaks the module cover 205 and inflates to form a cushion that absorbs impact between the steering wheel 207 and the occupant.

  Hereinafter, a gas generator including two or more combustion chambers, a gas generator including two igniters, a gas generator including two different gas generating means, a gas generator including an igniter having a lead wire, An embodiment of a gas generator having a combustion chamber and ignition means in an inner cylinder member, and a gas generator including an auto-ignition material will be described.

“Embodiment 6”
In the first embodiment, the first combustion chamber 5a contains the first gas generating agent 9a having a porous cylindrical shape having seven holes, and the second combustion chamber 5b has a single-hole cylindrical shape. The second gas generating agent 9b may be accommodated. The single-hole cylindrical gas generating agent has, for example, an inner diameter of 0.5 to 1.5 mm, preferably 0.8 mm, and an outer diameter of 2 to 3 mm, preferably 2.4 mm, and a length of 2 ˜6 mm, preferably 4 mm, and the 7-hole cylindrical gas generating agent has, for example, an inner diameter of 0.6 to 0.7 mm (outside) and an outer shape of 5 to 5.3 mm. The one with a length of 5 mm is used. In this way, by storing gas generating agents with different shapes and different combustion speeds in the respective combustion chambers, the combustion gas generation pattern after the gas generating agents stored in the respective chambers start combustion also changes. Can be made. Such adjustment of the generation pattern of the combustion gas after the start of combustion of each gas generating agent can be performed by changing the composition, composition ratio or amount.

  Like the second gas generating agent, the thickness of the gas generating agent formed in a porous cylindrical shape is specified by a method as shown in FIG.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 22, when seven through holes are formed in a cylindrical molded body having a circular cross section, the center of one of the through holes is a circle of the molded body. The other six holes are arranged around the center hole. In FIG. 22, the distance (b) between the centers of the two holes arranged around each other, and the distance (c) between the centers of these two holes and the outer end of the molded body are equal to each other. The distances (a) between the center of each of the holes and the centers of the holes arranged around are equal to each other. It is desirable that the equilateral triangle composed of (a), (b) and (a) and the equilateral triangle composed of (b), (c) and (c) are substantially the same. Six equilateral triangles are arranged from one hole at the center, and the centers of the six surrounding holes are arranged at the apexes of the equilateral triangle. That is, in such a gas generant, the distance between (a), (b) and (a) is the thickness of the gas generant, and preferably the thickness (ie (a) (b) and (a) ) Are preferably equal.

  As another example of the molded body, the central hole can be surrounded by 18 surrounding holes. The number of holes and the arrangement structure can be made advantageous as described above. The number of holes and the arrangement structure are determined by the ease of manufacturing the gas generating agent and the balance between the manufacturing cost and the performance, and are not particularly limited.

“Embodiment 7”
Also in the embodiment of FIG. 4, different types of gas generating agents are used in the first combustion chamber and the second combustion chamber. In this way, by using different types of gas generating agents for each combustion chamber, as in the first embodiment, even after the gas generating agent accommodated in each chamber starts combustion, The generation pattern can be changed, and the airbag deployment pattern can be arbitrarily adjusted.

“Eighth embodiment”
In FIG. 6, even in a gas generator in which two combustion chambers are defined in a housing, if different types of gas generating agents are used in the respective combustion chambers, the gas generating agents contained in the respective chambers are burned. Even after starting, the combustion gas generation pattern can be changed, and as a result, the airbag deployment pattern can be arbitrarily adjusted.

“Embodiment 9”
In FIG. 9, different types of gas generating agents are used in the two combustion chambers that are partitioned and formed in the housing, as in the first embodiment. As a result, the combustion gas generation pattern can be changed even after the gas generating agent accommodated in each chamber starts combustion, and the airbag deployment pattern can be arbitrarily adjusted.

“Embodiment 10”
FIG. 15 shows another embodiment. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows other embodiment of the gas generator for airbags of this invention.

  In particular, the gas generator for an air bag shown in this figure is characterized in that in the gas generator shown in Embodiment 1, a combination of a gas discharge port formed in the housing and a blocking means such as a seal tape for closing the gas discharge port is provided. Have.

  In this gas generator, a substantially cylindrical inner cylinder member 4 is disposed in a housing 3 formed by joining a diffuser shell 1 having a gas discharge port and a closure shell 2 that forms an internal housing space together with the diffuser shell. And the outside is used as the first combustion chamber. In addition, a stepped portion is provided inside the inner cylinder member, and a substantially flat circular partition wall is arranged in the stepped portion, and the inner cylinder is further divided into two chambers by the partition wall, and a diffuser shell is formed. A second combustion chamber is formed on the side, and an ignition means accommodating chamber 8 is formed on the closure shell side. As a result, in this gas generator, the first combustion chamber 5a and the second combustion chamber 5b are provided concentrically in the housing 3 and are adjacent to each other in the radial direction of the housing. In the first and second combustion chambers, gas generating agents (9a, 9b) that burn by the ignition means that operates under impact and generate combustion gas are stored, and in the ignition means storage chamber 8, Ignition means that is actuated by impact is housed.

  Also in this embodiment, different types of gas generating agents are used in the first combustion chamber and the second combustion chamber, and the deployment pattern of the airbag can be optimized to the maximum.

  A through hole 10 is provided in the inner cylinder member 4 that defines the first combustion chamber 5 a and the second combustion chamber 5 b, and the through hole is closed by a seal tape 11. However, since the seal tape 11 bursts when the gas generating agent burns, both the combustion chambers can communicate with each other through the through hole 10. It is necessary to adjust the material and thickness of the seal tape 11 so that the seal tape 11 is torn only when the gas generating agent 9b in the second combustion chamber 5b burns. In this embodiment, a stainless steel seal tape having a thickness of 40 μm is used. The through hole 10 has a larger opening area than the gas discharge port 26b and does not have a function of controlling the internal pressure in the combustion chamber 5b.

  The ignition means includes two electric ignition igniters (12a, 12b) that are activated by an activation signal that is output when the sensor senses an impact. The initiator collars 13 are provided with their heads protruding in parallel with each other. By providing two igniters (12a, 12b) in one initiator collar 13 in this way, the two igniters are fixed to the initiator collar 13 and become a single member, which can be assembled to the gas generator. It becomes easy. In particular, in the gas generator shown in this figure, the initiator collar 13 provided with two igniters (12a, 12b) is made to have a size that allows the initiator collar 13 to be inserted into the inner cylinder member 4. After being inserted into 4, the lower end of the inner cylinder member 4 is crimped to fix the initiator collar, so that the igniter can be fixed easily and reliably. Further, when the two igniters (12a, 12b) are arranged on the initiator collar 13, the direction of each igniter can be easily regulated.

  In this embodiment, a substantially cylindrical separation cylinder is provided so as to surround any one of the igniters 12b (hereinafter referred to as “second igniters”) in the space between the initiator collar 13 and the partition wall 7. 14 is arranged, a first transfer charge storage chamber 15a is defined on the outer side, a second transfer charge storage chamber 15b is defined on the inner side, and an igniter and an ignition means together with the igniter are provided in each storage chamber. Contains explosives to make up. As a result, the charge transfer agent (16a, 16b) that constitutes the ignition means together with the igniter is reliably classified for each igniter (12a, 12b). In the first transfer charge storage chamber 15a, when the transfer charge 16a accommodated therein burns, the seal tape 18 that closes the transfer transfer hole 17 formed in the inner cylinder member 4 bursts and the first combustion is performed. It communicates with chamber 5a. Further, in the second transfer charge storage chamber 15b, when the transfer charge 16b therein burns, the seal tape 20 closing the transfer hole 19 formed in the partition wall 7 is ruptured and communicates with the second combustion chamber 5b. Therefore, when this gas generator is operated, the flame when the first igniter 12a is ignited (actuated) ignites and burns the transfer charge 16a in the storage chamber 15a, and the flame is the inner cylinder. The seven-hole gas generating agent 9a accommodated in the first combustion chamber 5a passing through the heat transfer hole 17 formed in the member 4 and positioned in the radial direction of the accommodating chamber 15a is ignited and burned. The second igniter 12b ignites and burns the second transfer charge 16b in the storage chamber 15b, and the flame passes through the transfer hole 19 provided in the axial direction of the storage chamber 15b and extends its extension. The single-hole gas generating agent 9b accommodated in the second combustion chamber 5b above is ignited and burned. The combustion gas generated in the second combustion chamber 9b flows into the first combustion chamber 5a through the through hole 10 provided on the diffuser shell 1 side of the inner cylinder member 4. In particular, in the gas generator shown in FIG. 15, the separation cylinder 14 arranged between the initiator collar and the partition wall has a hole 21 corresponding to the outer shape of the separation cylinder 14 on the lower surface of the partition wall 7 and the upper surface of the initiator collar 13. And the upper end or the lower end of the separation cylinder 14 is fitted in each hole. By arranging the separation cylinder 14 in this way, the flame of the transfer charge generated in any one of the transfer charge combustion chambers does not directly burn the transfer charge in the other transfer charge storage chambers. The gas generating agent accommodated in the combustion chamber is ignited and burned by a flame in which different types of explosives are burned. That is, normally, when the transfer charge burns in the separation cylinder 14 (that is, in the second transfer charge storage chamber), the pressure of the gas generated by the combustion also causes the separation cylinder to expand in the radial direction. However, by arranging the separation cylinder, the upper and lower ends of the separation cylinder are surely supported by the peripheral walls of the holes into which the separation cylinders are inserted. Compared with the case where it is sandwiched between, the leakage of the combustion gas / flame of the transfer agent can be prevented more reliably.

  Also, a coolant / filter 22 for purifying and cooling the combustion gas generated by the combustion of the gas generating agent (9a, 9b) is disposed in the housing 3, and the inner peripheral surface on the diffuser shell 1 side is The short-pass prevention member 23 is covered so that the combustion gas does not pass between the end face of the coolant / filter 22 and the inner surface 28 of the diffuser shell 1 ceiling. On the outside of the coolant / filter 22, an outer layer 24 for preventing the filter 22 from expanding due to passage of combustion gas or the like is disposed. The outer layer 24 is formed using, for example, a laminated wire mesh body, a porous cylindrical member having a plurality of through holes on the peripheral wall surface, or a belt-like deterring layer in which a belt-like member having a predetermined width is formed in an annular shape. You can also Further, a gap 25 is formed outside the outer layer 24 so that the combustion gas can pass through the entire surface of the filter 22.

  The gas generator of the present invention is characterized by the structure of the gas discharge port formed in the diffuser shell 1 and / or the sealing tape for closing the gas discharge port. Two types of gas outlets 26a and 26b having different diameters are provided in the peripheral wall portion of the diffuser shell 1 of the gas generator shown in FIG. 15, and the number of outlets can be the same. In this case, the diameter of the gas discharge port 26a is larger than the diameter of the gas discharge port 26b, and the number of holes is the same. Therefore, the total opening area of the gas discharge port 26a is larger than that of the gas discharge port 26b. In the present embodiment, the gas discharge port 26a has a diameter of φ3.0 mm and 10 holes, and the gas discharge port 26b has a diameter of φ2 mm and 6 holes. In order to protect the gas generating agent from environmental influences such as humidity outside the housing, a sealing tape 27 is attached to these discharge ports 26a and 26b from the inner peripheral surface of the diffuser shell 1 peripheral wall. This sealing tape 27 has a sufficient width even if two types of gas discharge ports arranged in the axial direction of the gas generator are closed at the same time. From the upper end or lower end of each discharge port 26a, 26b, the upper end of the seal tape, or It is desirable that there is a margin of 2 to 3 mm to the lower end, and a seal tape comprising an aluminum seal layer having a thickness of 20 μm to 200 μm and an adhesive layer having a thickness of 5 to 100 μm or an adhesive layer is used. Although it is preferable, the type and structure of the seal tape are not particularly limited as long as a desired effect is exhibited. In this embodiment, a seal tape having an aluminum seal layer thickness of 50 μm and an adhesive layer or adhesive layer thickness of 50 μm is used. In this embodiment, the discharge ports 26a and 26b are arranged in the axial direction of the gas generator housing. However, in order to obtain the effect of the present invention, for example, each discharge port is circumferentially disposed on the peripheral wall portion of the diffuser shell. Alternatively, they may be arranged alternately. The pressure at which the seal tape bursts is adjusted in two stages by such a combination of the gas discharge port and the seal tape.

  In this structure, when the gas generator is activated, for example, an igniter for igniting the single-hole gas generating agent in the combustion chamber 5b after energizing the igniter for igniting the seven-hole gas generating agent in the combustion chamber 5a after 30 msec. Is activated, the opening area (hole diameter and number of holes) of the gas outlet 26a is correlated with the combustion surface area of the gas generating agent in the combustion chamber 5a, and the opening area (hole diameter and number of holes) of the gas outlet 26b is combusted. Correlate with the combustion surface area of the gas generant in chamber 5b. Previously, only one type of hole diameter was used, so either the opening area was correlated with the surface area of the gas generant in the combustion chamber 5a, or the surface area of the entire gas generant in the combustion chambers 5a and 5b. It was only possible. In this case, the former is optimal in terms of conditions when the gas generating agent in the combustion chamber 5a is combusted, but the combustion pressure is increased when the gas generating agent in the combustion chamber 5b or the combustion chambers 5a and 5b is subsequently combusted. It becomes high and can become a gas generator with excessive output. In the latter case, when the gas generating agent only in the combustion chamber 5a is first combusted, the output becomes too gentle, and it is difficult to obtain sufficient restraining performance at the initial stage of airbag deployment.

  According to the present invention, as shown in the present embodiment, two types of discharge ports having different opening areas are provided, and correlated with the surface area of the gas generating agent in each combustion chamber, thereby relating to the ignition timing of each gas generating agent. The optimal airbag development is possible. Here, although the opening area of the gas discharge port is two types, it is possible to further suppress the difference in output performance due to the environmental temperature by increasing the types and adjusting the burst pressure of the seal tape in multiple stages.

  In the gas generator formed as described above, when the first igniter 12a disposed in the ignition means accommodating chamber 8 and outside the separation cylinder 14 is activated, the first explosive charge accommodating chamber 15a The flame transfer agent 16a accommodated in the cylinder is ignited and burned, and the flame passes through the flame transfer hole 17 of the inner cylinder member 4 and has a porous cylindrical first having seven holes accommodated in the first combustion chamber 5a. The gas generating agent 9a is burned. When the second igniter 12b surrounded by the separation cylinder 14 is activated, the transfer charge 16b stored in the second transfer charge storage chamber 15b is ignited and burned, and the flame is stored in the second combustion chamber 5b. The single-hole cylindrical second gas generating agent 9b accommodated in is ignited and burned. As a result, the ignition timing of the igniters (12a, 12b) is adjusted depending on whether the first igniter is activated and then the second igniter is activated, or the first and second igniters are activated simultaneously. As a result, the output configuration (operating performance) of the gas generator can be adjusted arbitrarily, and the air in the case of the airbag device described later in various situations such as the speed of the vehicle at the time of collision and the environmental temperature. The deployment of the bag can be optimized as much as possible. In particular, in the gas generator shown in this figure, gas generating agents (9a, 9b) having different shapes are used for the respective combustion chambers (5a, 5b), and the first combustion chamber 5a has a porous cylindrical second. One gas generating agent 9a is accommodated in the second combustion chamber 5b, and a single-hole cylindrical second gas generating agent 9b is accommodated therein. Further, the amount of the gas generating agent accommodated in each combustion chamber (5a, 5b) is also different, 35 g in the first combustion chamber 5a, 6g gas generating agent (9a, 9b in the second combustion chamber 5b). ) Are housed. As a result, in this gas generator, it is possible to adjust the output form more accurately. Of course, the shape, composition, composition ratio, amount, and the like of the gas generating agent can be appropriately changed in order to obtain a desired output form.

  According to the present invention, the combination of two or more igniters and two or more types of gas discharge ports can equalize the internal pressure during operation of the gas generator and stabilize the combustion performance.

  The gas generator shown in FIG. 16 has the same structure as that shown in FIG. 15 except that the configuration of the gas discharge port provided in the diffuser shell of the housing and the seal tape that closes the gas discharge port are changed. Are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. That is, in FIG. 16, since the pressure at which the sealing tape bursts is adjusted in two stages, the opening area (hole diameter and number of holes) of each gas outlet is the same, but the thickness of the sealing tape is changed. It is. In this case, the gas outlet 26a and the gas outlet 26b are arranged vertically in the housing axial direction, and the thickness of the seal tape 27a that closes the gas outlet 26a is smaller than the thickness of the seal tape 27b that closes the gas outlet 26b. The thickness is increased. However, the thickness of this seal tape is regulated in order to adjust the output performance (operation performance) of the gas generator, and the adjustment of the internal pressure of the housing during combustion of the gas generant is the opening of the gas outlet. Adjusted by area. That is, this seal tape does not affect the maximum combustion internal pressure. The gas discharge ports 26a and 26b have the same opening area (hole diameter and number of holes). In this case, for example, the opening area of the discharge port 26a and the thickness of the seal tape 27a are adjusted so that the seal tape 27a covering the gas discharge port 26a is all ruptured when the gas generating agent 9a in the combustion chamber 5a burns. If the gas generating agent 9b in the combustion chamber 5b is subsequently combusted, or if the gas generating agents 9a and 9b in the combustion chamber 5a and 5b are combusted simultaneously, a higher combustion internal pressure is generated. The seal tape 27b having a large thickness is attached to the discharge port 26b so that the seal tapes 27a and 27b covering the outlets 26a and 26b are ruptured. That is, since the seal tape 27a of the gas discharge port 26a is adjusted to a thickness that bursts by the combustion of the gas generating agent 9a only in the combustion chamber 5a, the seal tape 27b of the discharge port 26b is not ruptured. Therefore, the gas generating agent in the combustion chamber 5a exhibits optimum combustion because its surface area is correlated with the opening area of only the discharge port 26a. After that, when the gas generating agent 9b in the combustion chamber 5b burns with a delay, or when the gas generating agents 9a, 9b in both combustion chambers burn at the same time, a higher combustion pressure is generated, so that the gas outlet 26b The seal tape 27b is ruptured to suppress an increase in internal pressure, and an optimal airbag deployment is possible regardless of the timing of ignition. Also in this case, as described with reference to FIG. 15, the material and structure of the seal tape, the arrangement of the discharge ports, and the like are not limiting factors for obtaining the desired effect, and arbitrary specifications are possible. Further, by changing the thickness in multiple stages, the gas generator is similarly less affected by the environmental temperature and the like.

  In these two embodiments shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, there are examples in which only the opening area of the discharge port or only the thickness of the seal tape is changed, but both of them should be adjusted. Is also possible.

“Embodiment 11”
FIG. 17 shows another embodiment. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows other embodiment of the gas generator for airbags of this invention. This gas generator has a structure particularly suitable for being arranged on the passenger seat side.

  The gas generator shown in this figure has a cylindrical shape whose axial length is longer than the outermost diameter, and in a housing 103 having a plurality of gas discharge ports on its peripheral wall, ignition means that operates by impact, A gas generating agent (9a, 9b) that generates a combustion gas that is ignited and burned by the ignition means to inflate the airbag; and a coolant that cools and / or purifies the combustion gas generated by the combustion of the gas generating agent. The filter 122 is contained. The two combustion chambers (105a, 105b) provided in the housing 103 are coaxially provided adjacent to each other in the axial direction of the housing 103, and the combustion chambers (105a, 105b) can communicate with each other. A communication hole 110 is provided.

  The gas generator shown in the present embodiment has a shape that is long in the axial direction because the housing has a cylindrical shape that is long in the axial direction. In this way, two combustion chambers (105a, 105b) are provided adjacent to each other on the same axis, and both combustion chambers can communicate with each other, so that the operation output of the gas generator and the timing of output increase can be adjusted arbitrarily. However, the gas generator has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture.

  The ignition means includes two or more igniters that are activated by impact, and each igniter (12a, 12b) is provided in parallel with each other on one initiator collar 113. It will be easy.

  In addition, a substantially cylindrical coolant / filter 122 is disposed in the housing 103 so as to face a housing inner peripheral surface in which a plurality of gas discharge ports 126a and 126b are formed. A predetermined gap 125 is secured in between. A first combustion chamber 105a is defined adjacent to a space in which the coolant / filter 122 is accommodated, and an ignition means including two igniters (12a, 12b) is provided in the first combustion chamber 105a. It is coaxially arranged adjacent to the combustion chamber 105a. Since the annular second combustion chamber 105b is defined in the radial direction of the ignition means, the first combustion chamber 105a and the second combustion chamber 105b are adjacent to each other in the axial direction of the housing 103. Will be provided. The first and second combustion chambers are filled with different gas generating agents (9a, 9b). In the gas generator shown in this figure, the first combustion chamber 105a has a porous cylindrical shape. A single-hole cylindrical second gas generating agent 9b is accommodated in each of the first gas generating agent 9a and the second combustion chamber 105b. Thereby, the operating performance of the gas generator can be optimized as much as possible.

  The ignition means is configured to ignite and burn by the operation of the igniter (12a, 12b), and includes a charge generating agent that ignites the gas generating agent (105a, 105b) by the flame. Each igniter is defined, and each igniter ignites and burns independently. The space in which the transfer charge defined for each igniter is stored is defined by a cylindrical member, and the first transfer charge storage chamber 115a in which the first transfer charge 116a is stored includes ignition means. And the first combustion chamber 105a, the first transfer chamber 119 communicates with the first combustion chamber 105a at the transfer hole 119 of the partition wall 107 disposed between the first combustion chamber 105a and the second transfer agent storage chamber 115b. Is in communication with the second combustion chamber 105b through a heat transfer hole 117 formed in the cylindrical member 104 defining the storage chamber 115b. The first combustion chamber 105a and the second combustion chamber 105b communicate with each other through a through hole 110 formed in the partition wall 107.

  In the gas generator shown in this figure, when the first igniter 12a is activated, the transfer charge 116a in the first transfer charge storage chamber 115a is ignited and burned, and the flame passes through the transfer hole 119 of the partition wall member 107. Thus, the gas generating agent 9a disposed in the first combustion chamber 105a is ignited and burned to generate combustion gas. The combustion gas is purified and cooled while passing through the coolant / filter 122 and is discharged from the gas discharge port. On the other hand, when the second igniter 12b is activated, the transfer charge 116b in the second transfer charge storage chamber 115b is ignited and burned, and the flame generates and burns the gas generating agent 9b in the second combustion chamber 105b. Let The combustion gas generated in the second combustion chamber 105b passes through the first combustion chamber 105a through the through hole 110 of the partition wall 107, and is purified and cooled while passing through the coolant / filter 122, Released from the gas outlet. Also, in the gas generator shown in this figure, the through-hole 110 communicating with the first combustion chamber and the second combustion chamber is ruptured exclusively by the combustion of the gas generating agent in the second combustion chamber. The sealing tape 111 is closed. Also in this embodiment, the gas outlet is provided with a large-diameter gas outlet 126a and a small-diameter gas outlet 126b as in the gas generator of FIG. That is, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the thickness of the sealing tape is constant as shown in FIG. 15, and the opening area of the gas discharge port is made two types, thereby controlling the burst pressure of the sealing tape and the combustion chamber 105a. Regardless of the combustion timing of the gas generating agents 9a and 9b of 105b, the optimum output can always be adjusted. The gas discharge port is located on the peripheral wall of the cylindrical housing, and the surface area of the gas generating agent 9a and the gas discharge port 126a in the combustion chamber 105a, and the surface area of the gas generating agent 9b and the opening area of the discharge port 126b in the combustion chamber 105b Correlating. Since the operation principle is the same as that of FIG. 15, detailed description is omitted.

  The defining member 160 that defines the first combustion chamber 105a and the space in which the coolant / filter 122 is accommodated is provided with a communication hole 161 that communicates both chambers. The combustion gas generated in the combustion chamber (105a, 105b) reaches the accommodation space of the coolant / filter 122 through the communication hole 161. In this embodiment, the defining member 160 is formed with a communication hole 161 having the same size as the inner diameter of the coolant / filter 122. The communication hole 161 is provided with a metal mesh 162 so that the gas generating agent 9a in the first combustion chamber 105a does not move to the space where the coolant / filter 122 is accommodated during the combustion. Yes. The wire mesh 162 is a mesh of a size that can prevent the movement of the first gas generating agent 9a during combustion, and it does not have any ventilation resistance that controls the combustion performance. Absent.

  As described above, also in the gas generator of this aspect, the gas generating agent (9a, 9b) accommodated in each combustion chamber (105a, 105b) adjusts the operation timing of the two igniters (12a, 12b). By doing so, it is ignited and burned independently, and the output form (operating performance) of the gas generator can be arbitrarily adjusted. As a result, in various situations such as the speed of the vehicle and the environmental temperature at the time of the collision, it is possible to optimize the deployment of the airbag when the airbag device described later is used.

  In FIG. 17, the two combustion chambers provided in the housing are provided adjacent to each other in the axial direction and the radial direction of the housing. Specifically, in the gas generator shown in FIG. 17, the partition wall 107 that defines the first combustion chamber 105a and the ignition means and the second combustion chamber 105b is bent in the axial direction, and then The second combustion chamber 105b is expanded in the axial direction of the housing by abutting the front end with a flange shape on the inner periphery of the housing. As a result, in the gas generator shown in FIG. 17, the second combustion chamber expands in the axial direction, that is, protrudes toward the first combustion chamber, whereby the first combustion chamber and the second combustion chamber. Are adjacent in the axial and radial directions of the housing. The gas generator shown in FIG. 17 is advantageous when a large amount of the second gas generating agent is used because the volume of the second combustion chamber can be increased.

  FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the gas generator mainly restraining the passenger in the passenger seat, as in FIG. 17, and the opening area of each outlet is kept constant as shown in FIG. This shows an embodiment in which the burst pressure is adjusted by changing. That is, the gas outlet 126a and the gas outlet 126b are arranged vertically in the housing axial direction, and the thickness of the seal tape 127b that closes the gas outlet 126b is larger than the thickness of the seal tape 127a that closes the gas outlet 126a. Is thickened. The gas discharge ports 126a and 126b have the same opening area (hole diameter and number of holes). In the operation of the gas generator shown in FIG. 18, the same members as those in FIG. The configuration and operation of the gas discharge port and the seal tape are the same as those in FIG.

  Similarly, in the case of the passenger seat occupant restraint gas generator shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, by further increasing the types of opening areas of the discharge ports or increasing the types of thickness of the seal tape, Finer adjustments are possible to make them less susceptible to influence. Of course, the outlet opening area and the thickness of the seal tape may be combined at the same time.

“Embodiment 12”
FIG. 19 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a gas generator for an air bag according to another embodiment of the present invention. Similarly to the gas generator shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the gas generator shown in this embodiment has a structure particularly suitable for being arranged in the driver's seat.

  The gas generator shown in FIG. 19 has the same structure as that shown in FIG. 15 except for the structure of the partition wall defining the second combustion chamber and the ignition means accommodating chamber in the inner cylinder member. The same members as those in FIG. 15 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In particular, in the gas generator shown in this figure, the substantially flat circular partition wall 307 defining the inner cylinder member into the second combustion chamber and the ignition means accommodating chamber is provided as shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. The compartment circular member 350 is engaged with the stepped portion 306 of the inner cylindrical member 304, and the seal cup member 360 is engaged with the compartment circular member 350.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the partition wall 307 including the partition circular portion 350 and the seal cup member 360 is locked to a stepped portion 306 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the inner cylinder member 304. That is, the peripheral edge of the section circular member 350 is supported by the stepped portion 306, and the seal cup member 360 is supported in contact with the section circular member 350. Further, the peripheral edge of the seal cup member 360 is bent in the same direction as the igniter accommodating port 362, and the bent portion 363 is fitted into a groove 364 provided on the inner peripheral surface of the inner cylinder member 304. ing. As a result, the section circular portion 350 is supported by the seal cup member 360 and is prevented from moving in the axial direction of the housing 3. Further, by inserting the bent portion 363 on the peripheral edge of the seal cup member 360 into the groove 364 on the inner peripheral surface of the inner cylinder member 304, the partition wall 307 (that is, the seal cup member 360) and the inner cylinder member 304 are connected with no gap. Match. Therefore, in the inner cylinder member 304, the ignition means accommodation chamber 308 provided on the closure shell 2 side and the second combustion chamber 305b provided on the diffuser shell 1 side are the seal cup member 360 and the groove 364. It is reliably divided by the ignition means seal structure which consists of these combinations.

  The igniter accommodation port 362 formed in the seal cup member 360 has a skirt opened in a bowl shape, and between the inside, that is, the second igniter 312b accommodated in the accommodation port 362. The O-ring 381 is disposed, and a seal between the accommodation port 362 and the second igniter 312b is provided. The O-ring 381 is also in pressure contact with an igniter fixing member 382 that fixes the two igniters 312a and 312b to a single initiator collar 313. Therefore, the second igniter 312b is a section circular member. Are arranged in a space defined by a circular hole 352, an igniter receiving port 362 of the seal cup member, an O-ring 381, and an igniter fixing member 382. In this partitioned space, when the second igniter 312b is operated, the seal tape 320 that closes the second heat transfer hole 319 formed in the circular hole 352 of the partitioned circular member 350 is ruptured, It communicates with the second combustion chamber 305b. The first igniter 312a and the second igniter 312b have a seal structure (hereinafter referred to as an “igniter seal structure”) including a skirt of the igniter accommodation port 362, an O-ring 381, and an igniter fixing member 382. ) To ensure separation. Thereby, the flame generated by the operation of any of the igniters does not flow directly into the space in which the other igniters are accommodated. The igniter fixing member 382 is shaped to cover the upper surface of the initiator collar 313, and has a hole portion 384 that passes through the upper portion of each igniter and supports the shoulder portion 383. The two igniters 312 a and 312 b arranged on the initiator collar 313 are fixed to an igniter fixing member 382 that is fitted on the initiator collar 313. By using such an igniter fixing member 382, the two igniters 312a and 312b can be easily combined with the initiator collar 313. In the gas generator shown in this embodiment, the first igniter 312a and the second igniter 312b are formed in different sizes, and those having different operation outputs are used. An igniter with the same operating output can also be used.

  Also in the gas generator shown in this figure, as in the gas generator shown in FIG. 15, the plurality of gas discharge ports (26a, 26b) formed in the housing have an opening diameter and / or an opening area of 2. It is controlled more than types. As a result, the difference in maximum housing internal pressure when each ignition means is actuated can be suppressed, the internal pressure when the gas generator is actuated is equalized, and the gas generator for an air bag having stable combustion performance is obtained. Also in the gas generator in this embodiment, as with the gas generator shown in FIG. 16, the opening area of each gas discharge port is kept constant, and the blocking means such as the seal tape 27 is used. By adjusting the burst pressure by changing the thickness, it is possible to suppress the difference in the maximum housing internal pressure when each ignition means is activated. Furthermore, it is naturally possible to use both the control of the opening diameter and / or the opening surface of the gas discharge port and the control of the thickness of the product blocking means.

“Embodiment 13”
In the gas generator for an air bag shown in Embodiments 10 to 12 above, it is possible to arbitrarily have the configuration shown in FIGS.
<Embodiment related to through-holes between combustion chambers> FIG. 20 shows another embodiment of the opening which is opened by the combustion of the second gas generating agent and communicates the first combustion chamber and the second combustion chamber. Indicates.

  That is, FIG. 20a shows that the opening 505 formed in the partition wall 504 (including the inner shell) that defines the first combustion chamber 550 and the second combustion chamber 560 has an appropriately shaped shielding plate 590, For example, an embodiment is shown in which the belt-shaped member is covered with an annular shielding plate or the like, and the combustion flame of the first gas generating agent is not in direct contact. Reference numeral 522 represents a second gas generating agent. FIG. 20 b shows an embodiment in which a notch 512 is formed in the peripheral wall of the wall 504 to form an opening 505. Further, FIG. 20c shows an embodiment in which the opening 505 is formed by partially reducing the thickness of the peripheral wall of the partition wall 504. FIG.

  Therefore, in the gas generators shown in the tenth to thirteenth embodiments, an opening for communicating the first combustion chamber and the second combustion chamber is formed in the form shown in FIG. And the second combustion chamber can be communicated with each other.

<Embodiment related to positioning structure of igniter and cable>
In the tenth to thirteenth embodiments, it is possible to use a positioning structure of two igniters and a cable connected to transmit an operation signal to each igniter as shown in FIG. it can.

  As described above, in the gas generators shown in the above-described embodiments 10 to 13, when the positioning means for specifying the cables 15 connected to the respective igniters is provided, the operation of the gas generators is performed. Thus, an air bag gas generator capable of performing the above adjustment more reliably is realized.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, the lead wire connected to each igniter can be pulled out in the same direction on the same plane. In particular, as shown in this figure, it is desirable to connect the lead wires through connectors and arrange the connectors in parallel on the same plane. In this connector, it is desirable to pull out each lead wire in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the housing and in the same direction.

<Embodiment related to automatic ignition materials (AIM)>
FIG. 21 shows an air bag gas generator in an embodiment in which an automatic ignition material (AIM) 385 that is ignited by the combustion heat of the first gas generating agent 309a transmitted from the housing 1 or the like is accommodated in the second combustion chamber. The gas generator shown in this embodiment combusts only the first gas generating agent 309a, and the second gas generating agent 309b disposed in the second combustion chamber 305b is not activated after the operation of the gas generator. However, if it remains as it is, it is intended to be indirectly burned due to the combustion of the first gas generating agent 309a. Therefore, this embodiment will be described based on the gas generator for an air bag shown in the twelfth embodiment.

  That is, also in the gas generator for an air bag shown in the twelfth embodiment, the first gas generating agent 309a usually depends on the operation of the first igniter 312a, and the second gas generating agent 309b is Depending on the operation of the second igniter 312b, each is ignited and burned independently, but in some cases, only the first igniter 312a is ignited by flowing current to generate gas in the first combustion chamber 305a. Only the agent 309a may be ignited and burned. That is, the second gas generating agent 309b and the second igniter 312b are left unburned. In such a case, it causes inconvenience during later processing / disposal, etc., so normal delayed ignition in which the second igniter 312b is activated after the gas generator (first igniter 312a only) is activated. It is desirable that the gas generating agent 309b in the second combustion chamber 305b be burned at a later timing (for example, 100 milliseconds or more) than the timing (for example, 10 to 40 milliseconds). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 21, an automatic ignition material 385 that ignites and burns by conduction of the combustion heat of the first gas generating agent 309a can be disposed in the second combustion chamber 305b. In this case, the ignition of the second gas generating agent 309b by the autoignition material 385 is a normal delay time when the second igniter 312b is operated by delaying a predetermined time after the operation of the first igniter 312a. This is performed after a sufficient time has elapsed (that is, the operation interval between the igniters). That is, it is different from delaying the combustion of the second gas generating agent 309b (that is, delaying the operation of the second igniter 312b) for the purpose of adjusting the operating performance of the gas generator. The second gas generating agent 309b is ignited and burned by the autoignition material 385 while optionally delaying the operating current to the second igniter 312b to adjust the operating performance of the gas generator. There is nothing. The automatic ignition material 385 can also be arranged in combination with the second igniter.

  In particular, this embodiment has been described based on the gas generator shown in the twelfth embodiment. Naturally, the gas generator shown in the tenth, eleventh and thirteenth embodiments also has the second combustion chamber. In addition, the autoignition material can be arranged. In this case, even if the second gas generating agent remains after the operation of the gas generator, the second gas generating agent is burned by the conduction of the heat generated by burning the first gas generating agent. It becomes possible.

“Embodiment 14”
FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of the airbag apparatus of the present invention in the case of including a gas generator using an electric ignition type ignition means.

  The airbag device includes a gas generator 200, an impact sensor 201, a control unit 202, a module case 203, and an airbag 204. As the gas generator 200, the gas generator described with reference to FIG. 1 is used, and its operation performance is adjusted so as not to give a shock to the occupant as much as possible in the initial stage of the gas generator operation. ing.

  The impact sensor 201 can be composed of, for example, a semiconductor acceleration sensor. In this semiconductor type acceleration sensor, four semiconductor strain gauges are formed on a beam of a silicon substrate which is bent when acceleration is applied, and these semiconductor strain gauges are bridge-connected. When acceleration is applied, the beam bends and the surface is distorted. Due to this strain, the resistance of the semiconductor strain gauge changes, and the change in resistance is detected as a voltage signal proportional to the acceleration.

  The control unit 202 includes an ignition determination circuit, and a signal from the semiconductor acceleration sensor is input to the ignition determination circuit. When the impact signal from the sensor 201 exceeds a certain value, the control unit 202 starts computation, and when the computed result exceeds a certain value, an operation signal is output to the igniter 12 of the gas generator 200.

  The module case 203 is made of polyurethane, for example, and includes a module cover 205. The airbag 204 and the gas generator 200 are accommodated in the module case 203 and configured as a pad module. This pad module is usually attached to the steering wheel 207 when attached to the driver's seat side of the automobile.

  The airbag 204 is made of nylon (for example, nylon 66) or polyester, and the bag mouth 206 surrounds the gas outlet of the gas generator and is fixed to the flange portion of the gas generator in a folded state. .

  When the semiconductor acceleration sensor 201 detects an impact at the time of a car collision, the signal is sent to the control unit 202, and when the impact signal from the sensor exceeds a certain value, the control unit 202 starts calculation. When the calculated result exceeds a certain value, an operation signal is output to the igniter 12 of the gas generator 200. As a result, the igniter 12 operates to ignite the gas generating agent, and the gas generating agent burns to generate gas. This gas is ejected into the air bag 204, whereby the air bag breaks the module cover 205 and inflates to form a cushion that absorbs impact between the steering wheel 207 and the occupant.

It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows one embodiment of the gas generator of this invention. It is a rear view of the gas generator of this Embodiment. It is the elements on larger scale of the gas generator of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the other embodiment of the gas generator for airbags of this invention. It is a graph which shows the operation output of the gas generator for this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows other embodiment of the gas generator for airbags of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows other embodiment of the gas generator for airbags of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows other embodiment of the gas generator for airbags of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows other embodiment of the gas generator for airbags of this invention. It is a principal part disassembled perspective view which shows a partition. It is a principal part disassembled perspective view which shows a positioning means. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows other embodiment of the gas generator for airbags of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows other embodiment of the gas generator for airbags of this invention. It is a block diagram of the airbag apparatus of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows other embodiment of the gas generator of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows other embodiment of the gas generator of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows other embodiment of the gas generator for airbags of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows other embodiment of the gas generator for airbags of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows other embodiment of the gas generator of this invention. It is principal part sectional drawing which shows an opening part. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the aspect which has arrange | positioned the automatic ignition material. It is the schematic which shows the measuring method of the thickness in a porous cylindrical gas generating agent.

Explanation of symbols

3 Housing 5a First combustion chamber 5b Second combustion chamber 7 Partition wall 9a First gas generating agent 9b Second gas generating agent 12a First igniter 12b Second igniter 13 Initiator collar 22 Coolant filter 40 Resin 105a First combustion chamber 105b Second combustion chamber 107 Partition 113 Initiator collar 122 Coolant filter 305a First combustion chamber 305b Second combustion chamber 307 Partition 309a Gas generating agent 309b Gas generating agent 312a First igniter 312b Second igniter 313 Initiator collar 350 Compartment circular member 360 Seal cup member 308 Ignition means accommodation chamber 382 Igniter fixing member 50a, 50b Lead wire 51a, 51b Connector 385 Automatic ignition material (AIM)

Claims (2)

In a housing having a gas exhaust port, ignition means having a first igniter and a second igniter that are activated by an impact, and combustion gas that is ignited and burned by the ignition means to inflate the airbag are generated. A gas generator for an air bag comprising and containing a gas generating means having a first gas generating agent molded body and a second gas generating agent molded body,
An inner cylinder member is disposed in the housing, and a second combustion chamber filled with a second gas generant molded body is provided inside the inner cylinder member, and on the outer side of the inner cylinder member. A first combustion chamber filled with a first gas generant molded body is provided;
During the operation of the gas generator for the air bag, the first gas generating agent molded body in the first combustion chamber is ignited and burned by the operation of the first igniter, and the second gas generating agent in the second combustion chamber The gas generant molded body is ignited and burned by the operation of the second igniter,
The inner cylinder member is formed with a notch serving as an opening that communicates between the first combustion chamber and the second combustion chamber, and the notch is opened only by combustion of the second gas generant molded body. And the gas generator for airbags by which said 1st combustion chamber and said 2nd combustion chamber are connected. In a housing having a gas discharge port, an ignition means having a first igniter and a second igniter that are activated by an impact, and a combustion gas that is ignited and burned by the ignition means to inflate the airbag are generated. A gas generator for an air bag comprising and containing a gas generating means having a first gas generating agent molded body and a second gas generating agent molded body,
An inner cylinder member is disposed in the housing, and a second combustion chamber filled with a second gas generant molded body is provided inside the inner cylinder member, and on the outer side of the inner cylinder member. A first combustion chamber filled with a first gas generant molded body is provided;
During the operation of the gas generator for the air bag, the first gas generating agent molded body in the first combustion chamber is ignited and burned by the operation of the first igniter, and the second gas generating agent in the second combustion chamber The gas generant molded body is ignited and burned by the operation of the second igniter,
The inner cylinder member is formed with an opening communicating with the first combustion chamber and the second combustion chamber, and the opening is covered with a shielding plate from the outside to generate gas for an airbag. A gas generator for an air bag, wherein the combustion flame of the first gas generating agent molded body does not directly contact the opening during operation of the generator.

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