JP5025306B2 - Gas generator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gas generator incorporated in an airbag device as an occupant protection device mounted on an automobile or the like.

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

  There are various types of gas generators based on specifications such as installation position and output with respect to a vehicle or the like. One of them is a gas generator having a structure called “cylinder type”. The cylinder type gas generator has a long cylindrical shape, and is suitably incorporated in a side airbag device or the like. In a cylinder type gas generator, an igniter and a transfer charge are disposed at one end in the axial direction, a gas generating agent is disposed at a substantially central portion in the axial direction, and a filter and a gas outlet are disposed at the other end in the axial direction. Be placed.

  In this cylinder type gas generator, the flame generated by the operation of the igniter is transmitted to the gas generating agent through the combustion of the explosive charge, whereby the gas generating agent burns to generate high-temperature and high-pressure gas. . The generated high-temperature and high-pressure gas is ejected from the gas ejection port to the outside of the housing via the filter, and is used for inflation and deployment of the airbag.

  Further, a gas generator having a structure called “T-shaped” is known as a configuration similar to a cylinder type gas generator. The outer shape of the T-shaped gas generator is a long cylindrical shape like the above-described cylinder-type gas generator, and is suitably incorporated in a side airbag device or the like. In the T-shaped gas generator, a single igniter and a charge transfer agent are disposed at a substantially central portion in the axial direction, a gas generating agent is disposed on both sides in the axial direction, and a pair of outer sides in the axial direction is provided. A filter and a gas outlet are arranged.

  Also in this T-shaped gas generator, the flame generated by the operation of the igniter is transmitted to the gas generating agent located on both sides of the charge transfer agent through the combustion of the transfer charge, whereby the gas generating agent burns. High temperature and high pressure gas is generated. The generated high-temperature and high-pressure gas is ejected from the gas ejection port to the outside of the housing through filters located at both ends in the axial direction of the housing, and is used for inflation and deployment of the airbag, respectively. This T-shaped gas generator is distinguished from the above-described cylinder type gas generator in that a different gas output can be obtained from both ends in the axial direction of the housing by using a single igniter. It is.

In these cylinder-type gas generator and T-shaped gas generator, a plurality of gas outlets are provided on the peripheral wall portion of the housing defining the filter chamber so as to face the outer peripheral surface of the filter. As literatures that disclose such a cylinder type gas generator having a gas outlet, for example, JP-A-10-329635 (Patent Document 1), JP-A-2005-246160 (Patent Document 2), Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2005-313812 (Patent Document 3) is known. In general, since a high gas output is required to deploy the airbag, the gas outlets are provided in a plurality of rows at positions shifted in the axial direction of the housing. When this is provided in a row, the gas generated inside the housing cannot be efficiently ejected to the outside of the housing, and it becomes difficult to ensure a sufficient opening area of the gas ejection port. Problems arise.
JP-A-10-329635 JP 2005-246160 A JP 2005-313812 A

  In the cylinder type gas generator disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, a cylindrical member having a hollow opening extending in the same direction as the axial direction of the housing is used as a filter accommodated in the filter chamber. If a member having such a hollow opening is used as a filter, the flow resistance to the generated gas can be kept low, and an efficient gas flow can be realized.

  In Patent Document 1, a cylinder type gas generator (in which a plurality of gas outlets are arranged in a row along the circumferential direction of the housing on the peripheral wall portion of the housing corresponding to the center position in the axial direction of the filter) (See FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 of Patent Document 1). In Patent Documents 1 to 3, a plurality of gas outlets are arranged in a row along the circumferential direction of the housing on the peripheral wall portion of the housing at the same distance from the center position in the axial direction of the filter. Cylinder-type gas generators (see FIGS. 6, 7 and 9 of Patent Document 1, FIG. 2 of Patent Document 2, and FIG. 3 of Patent Document 3). It is disclosed.

  In each of these cylinder type gas generators, the center position of the gas outlet formation region in the axial direction of the housing is matched with the center position in the axial direction of the filter. Here, the gas outlet formation region is located at the end of the closed end side of the gas outlet located closest to the closed end of the housing in the axial direction of the housing and the combustion chamber side closest to the axial direction of the housing. It refers to the region of the peripheral wall portion of the housing located between the end of the gas jet port on the combustion chamber side. That is, in these cylinder type gas generators, it is avoided that the gas outlets are unevenly distributed near one end in the axial direction of the filter chamber, and the gas pressures ejected from the respective gas outlets are made more uniform. Designed to take into account. In the cylinder type gas generator in which a plurality of gas outlets are arranged in a line along the circumferential direction of the housing on the peripheral wall portion of the housing corresponding to the center position in the axial direction of the filter, as described above. It is feared that there will be a shortage of the opening area of the gas outlet, and it is a configuration that is practically difficult to adopt considering actual specifications.

  Further, in Patent Documents 2 and 3, a plurality of gas jets are provided on the peripheral wall portion of the housing corresponding to a position shifted from the center position in the axial direction of the filter toward the combustion chamber in the illustrated cross section. A cylinder type gas generator (see FIG. 1 of the above-mentioned patent document 2 and FIG. 2 of the above-mentioned patent document 3) is disclosed which is arranged in a line along the circumferential direction.

  Here, in the specifications of Patent Documents 2 and 3, “the gas jets may be provided not only in one row in the axial direction but also in a plurality of rows in the axial direction. It may be provided in a shape "(refer to the description in paragraph 0035 of the specification of the above-mentioned patent document 2 and the description of paragraph 0065 of the specification of the above-mentioned patent document 3). In these cylinder type gas generators, the gas outlet shown in the figure is formed on the peripheral wall portion on the closed end side of the housing where the distance from the center position in the axial direction of the filter is the same as that of the gas outlet shown in the drawing. It is assumed that there is a gas outlet provided at a position shifted along the circumferential direction of the housing. That is, in the cross section shown in the figure, it is assumed that only the gas outlet provided in the peripheral wall portion of the housing corresponding to the position shifted from the center position in the axial direction of the filter to the combustion chamber side appears. . In such a case, also in these cylinder type gas generators, the center position of the gas outlet formation region in the axial direction of the housing matches the center position in the axial direction of the filter, as in the above-described cylinder type gas generator. It will be configured.

  Temporarily, these cylinder type gas generators are provided with gas outlets only on the peripheral wall portion of the housing corresponding to the position shifted from the center position in the axial direction of the filter to the combustion chamber side. Assuming that, the gas outlet is locally provided in the axial direction of the housing of the cylinder type gas generator, and there is a concern that the opening area of the gas outlet as described above is insufficient. Considering actual specifications, this is a configuration that is difficult to adopt in practice.

  As described above, in Patent Documents 1 to 3, when designing a cylinder type gas generator, a plurality of gas outlets are arranged at positions shifted in the axial direction of the housing so that efficient gas injection can be performed. In this case, the gas jet forming region where the plurality of gas jets are provided is not unevenly distributed in the axial direction of the filter, and the central position in the axial direction of the gas jet forming region is the center in the axial direction of the filter. It can be said that only the technical idea of arranging so as to match the position is disclosed. That is, in the conventional cylinder type gas generator, the formation position of the gas outlet is not particularly taken into consideration, and only a plurality of gas outlets are provided at symmetrical positions with respect to the center position of the filter. Absent.

  By the way, in the gas generator, it is important to control the output characteristics of the gas ejected from the gas generator during operation. The output characteristics to be controlled in particular include the amount of gas ejected and the temperature of the ejected gas. As described above, the gas generated inside the gas generator is very hot and high pressure, and if it is ejected as it is, the airbag may be damaged. Therefore, the gas generator is configured so that the gas passes through the above-described filter, so that the gas after being cooled by the filter is jetted into the airbag.

  However, in the cylinder type gas generator designed based on the above technical idea, the gas does not necessarily pass evenly over the entire area of the filter accommodated in the filter chamber when the gas generator is operated. That is, in the gas generators disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, since the gas enters the hollow opening of the filter from one opening end of the filter having a hollow opening in the axial direction, Accordingly, the amount of gas that passes through the filter differs, and a portion that does not substantially contribute to the cooling of the gas exists in the filter. Therefore, there is a problem that the effective volume of the filter that contributes to cooling decreases and the cooling efficiency of the gas decreases. Therefore, it is necessary to take a certain measure to ensure a high effective volume of the filter and increase the cooling efficiency of the gas.

  Further, in the cylinder type gas generator designed based on the above technical idea, a part of slag (residue) generated by the combustion of the gas generating agent passes through the filter from the gas outlet to the airbag. In some cases, defects that are released may occur. This slag is very hot, which can cause damage to the airbag in some cases, and in the worst case it can lead to holes in the airbag. Therefore, when designing the cylinder-type gas generator having the above-described configuration, it is necessary to take some measures for suppressing the amount of slag discharged from the gas ejection port.

  In view of such circumstances, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a cylinder-type gas generator and a T-shaped gas generator with the interior of the gas generator. In addition to effectively cooling the gas generated in step 1 with high cooling efficiency, the amount of slag discharged from the gas outlet is reduced.

  In the cylinder-type gas generator and the T-shaped gas generator, the inventors have changed the gas cooling efficiency when the formation position of the gas outlet provided in the peripheral wall portion of the housing is variously changed. Focusing on the change in the amount of slag discharged from the gas outlet, the present invention has been completed.

The gas generator based on this invention is equipped with the elongate cylindrical housing, the disk-shaped partition member, and the igniter. The housing includes a combustion chamber in which a gas generating agent is accommodated and a filter chamber in which a filter is accommodated. The housing is closed at its axial end located on the filter chamber side by a closing portion. The partition member is located inside the housing and divides a space inside the housing into the combustion chamber and the filter chamber in the axial direction. A first communication hole that communicates the combustion chamber and the filter chamber is provided at the center of the partition member. The igniter is located on the combustion chamber side as viewed from the partition member. The main surface that defines the filter chamber of the blocking portion is configured to be flat. The filter is formed of a cylindrical member having a hollow opening extending in the same direction as the axial direction of the housing, and one end surface in the axial direction is in contact with the main surface of the closing portion. The other end surface of the filter in the axial direction is in contact with the partition member. Of the main surface of the blocking portion, a portion of the filter that faces the hollow opening is disposed to face the first communication hole via the hollow opening, and thereby the hollow opening. Constitutes a flow path for the gas generated by the combustion of the gas generating agent to flow along the direction in which the hollow opening extends. At the end of the combustion chamber on the partition member side, the flow of gas flowing from the combustion chamber to the hollow opening of the filter chamber during operation is along the direction in which the hollow opening extends. A perforated plate provided with a plurality of second communication holes for rectifying is arranged in a state sandwiched between the partition member and the gas generating agent along the axial direction of the housing so as to cover the partition member. Yes. Each of the plurality of second communication holes is formed smaller than the outer shape of the gas generating agent and is formed smaller than the first communication hole. The peripheral wall portion defining the filter chamber of the housing has a gas jet formation region in which a plurality of gas jets for jetting gas are provided at positions displaced in the axial direction of the housing, and jets the gas. And a gas ejection port non-formation region where no gas ejection port is provided. The gas ejection port non-formation region is a portion facing the outer peripheral surface of the filter and a position corresponding to a portion near the one end portion of the filter including the one end surface contacting the main surface of the blocking portion. Provided in the peripheral wall portion, and the gas outlet formation region is a portion facing the outer peripheral surface of the filter, and the peripheral wall portion located on the combustion chamber side of the gas outlet non-formation region. Is provided. The center position of the gas outlet formation region in the axial direction of the housing is located closer to the combustion chamber than the center position in the axial direction of the filter, and the axial length L of the filter and the gas outlet The axial length D of the non-forming region satisfies the condition of D / L> 1/3.

  By comprising in this way, the several gas jet nozzle provided in the surrounding wall part of a housing will be unevenly arranged by the combustion chamber side in a relative positional relationship with a filter. In this way, by arranging the gas outlet formation region in which the gas outlet is provided in the combustion chamber side in a relative positional relationship with the filter, a plurality of gas outlets can be filtered as in the prior art. Compared with a gas generator that employs a configuration in which the center position in the axial direction of the filter is evenly arranged without being unevenly distributed in a relative positional relationship with the gas generator, the gas cooling efficiency is improved during operation of the gas generator. At the same time, it has been found that the effect of reducing the amount of slag discharged from the gas outlet can be obtained. Further, in the above configuration, since the plurality of gas ejection ports are provided in the peripheral wall portion at a position shifted in the axial direction of the housing, a sufficient opening area of the gas ejection port can be secured, and the interior of the housing can be secured. It is also possible to efficiently eject the gas generated in step 1 to the outside of the housing. Therefore, by adopting the configuration as described above, the gas generated inside the gas generator can be effectively cooled with high cooling efficiency, and the amount of slag discharged from the gas outlet can be reduced. The gas generator can be reduced.

  Moreover, in the gas generator based on the said invention, it is preferable that the axial direction length D of the said gas jet nozzle non-formation area | region satisfies the condition of D> 13mm.

  In the gas generator according to the present invention, the gas jet formation region is displaced in the axial direction from the gas jet row in which a plurality of gas jets are provided along the circumferential direction of the housing. It is preferable to have a plurality at different positions.

  According to the present invention, in the cylinder type gas generator and the T-shaped gas generator, the gas generated inside the gas generator can be effectively cooled with high cooling efficiency, and from the gas outlet. The amount of slag released can be reduced.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment described below, a so-called cylinder type gas generator and a T-shaped gas generator incorporated in a side airbag device or the like will be described by specifically illustrating them.

(Embodiment 1)
1A and 1B are diagrams showing an external structure of a cylinder type gas generator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a front view and FIG. 1B is a right side view. Moreover, FIG. 2 is a figure which shows the internal structure of the cylinder type gas generator in this Embodiment, and is sectional drawing along the II-II line shown to FIG. 1 (A) and FIG. 1 (B). First, with reference to these FIG. 1 (A), FIG. 1 (B), and FIG. 2, the external appearance structure and internal structure of the cylinder type gas generator in this Embodiment are demonstrated.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 (A), 1 (B), and 2, the cylinder type gas generator 1A in the present embodiment has a long and substantially cylindrical outer shape, and is cylindrical as a housing. The member 10 and the closing member 20 and the base member 30 are included. The cylindrical member 10 is composed of a long member having openings at both ends in the axial direction. The closing member 20 is made of a disk-shaped member having a predetermined thickness, and has a groove 21 for caulking and fixing described later on the peripheral surface thereof. The caulking and fixing groove 21 is formed on the peripheral surface of the closing member 20 so as to extend in the circumferential direction. The base member 30 is formed of a cylindrical member having a hollow portion 32 extending in the same direction as the axial direction of the cylindrical member 10, and has a groove 31 for caulking and fixing described later at a predetermined position on the outer peripheral surface thereof. . The caulking fixing groove 31 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the base member 30 so as to extend in the circumferential direction.

  The closing member 20 is attached to the cylindrical member 10 so as to close one open end of the cylindrical member 10 and constitutes a closing portion of the housing after being fixed to the cylindrical member 10. On the other hand, the base member 30 is attached to the other open end of the cylindrical member 10. A disc-shaped partition plate 15 as a partition member is disposed at a predetermined position in the axial direction of the cylindrical member 10. The partition plate 15 partitions the space inside the cylindrical member 10 in the axial direction.

  The cylindrical member 10, the partition plate 15, the closing member 20, and the base member 30 are all made of metal members such as stainless steel, steel, aluminum alloy, and stainless alloy, and are connected and fixed by caulking. Yes. Specifically, a part of the cylindrical member 10 corresponding to the groove 21 provided on the peripheral surface of the closing member 20 in a state where a part of the closing member 20 is inserted into one opening end of the cylindrical member 10. The closure member 20 is caulked and fixed to the cylindrical member 10 by reducing the diameter of the peripheral wall inward in the radial direction and engaging with the groove 21, and the base member 30 is fixed to the other opening end of the cylindrical member 10. In a state where a part thereof is inserted, the peripheral wall of the cylindrical member 10 corresponding to the groove 31 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the base member 30 is radially reduced in diameter and engaged with the groove 31. Thus, the base member 30 is caulked and fixed to the cylindrical member 10. Further, the partition plate 15 inserted at a predetermined position of the cylindrical member 10 is reduced in diameter with the peripheral walls of both side portions of the cylindrical member 10 corresponding to the portion where the partition plate 15 is located facing radially inward. The peripheral edge is sandwiched in the axial direction of the cylindrical member 10 by the pair of caulking portions formed by the fixing, so that the caulking is fixed to the cylindrical member 10. These caulking fixings are caulking fixings called eight-side caulking that uniformly reduce the diameter of the peripheral wall of the cylindrical member 10 inward in the radial direction. By using the above-mentioned eight-way caulking, airtightness can be sufficiently ensured without interposing a seal member between two members to be caulked and fixed.

  As shown in FIGS. 1A and 2, a gas outlet 11 is provided in the peripheral wall portion in the vicinity of the end portion of the cylindrical member 10 on the side where the closing member 20 is attached. The gas outlet 11 is a hole for ejecting the gas generated inside the cylinder type gas generator 1 </ b> A to the outside, and a plurality of gas outlets 11 are provided at positions shifted in the axial direction of the cylindrical member 10. The details of the gas outlet 11 will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 2, an ignition chamber 16, a combustion chamber 17, and a filter chamber 18 are provided in a space inside the cylinder type gas generator 1 </ b> A defined by the cylindrical member 10, the closing member 20 and the base member 30. ing. The partition plate 15 described above partitions the combustion chamber 17 and the filter chamber 18 among them. On the other hand, the ignition chamber 16 and the combustion chamber 17 are partitioned by a cushion material 51 described later.

  The ignition chamber 16 is mainly defined by the cylindrical member 10, the base member 30, and the cushion material 51, and is provided in a portion near the other end of the cylindrical member 10 (right side portion in the drawing). An igniter (squib) 40 is disposed in the hollow portion 32 of the base member 30, and the resin molding portion 34 is located between the base member 30 and the igniter 40. A bottomed cylindrical cup-shaped member 35 is attached to the end of the base member 30 on the combustion chamber 17 side, and a heat transfer chamber 36 that is a space inside the bottomed cylindrical cup-shaped member 35 is provided. Contains an explosive charge (enhancer) 37.

  A concave portion 33 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the base member 30 (that is, the surface facing the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical member 10) so as to extend in the circumferential direction, and a seal member 38 is accommodated in the concave portion 33. ing. The seal member 38 is for hermetically sealing a gap generated between the cylindrical member 10 and the base member 30, and thereby the airtightness between the outside of the cylinder type gas generator 1 </ b> A and the ignition chamber 16. Will be secured. Further, the space between the inner peripheral surface of the base member 30 and the igniter 40 is sealed by the resin molding portion 34 as described above, whereby the space between the outside of the cylinder type gas generator 1A and the ignition chamber 16 is sealed. Airtightness is ensured.

  Note that a member having sufficient heat resistance and durability is preferably used as the sealing member 38 described above. For example, an O-ring made of EPDM resin, which is a kind of ethylene propylene rubber, can be suitably used. The seal member 38 is inserted and attached between these members when the cylindrical member 10 and the base member 30 are fixed by caulking. If a liquid sealant is separately applied to the portion where the seal member 38 is interposed and cured, higher airtightness can be obtained.

  The above-mentioned resin molding portion 34 is formed by, for example, insert molding, and the raw material thereof is a thermosetting resin typified by an epoxy resin or the like, polybutylene terephthalate resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, polyamide resin (for example, nylon 6). And thermoplastic resins represented by polypropylene sulfide resin, polypropylene oxide resin, and the like.

  The igniter 40 is an ignition device for generating a flame, and includes an ignition unit 41 and a terminal pin 42. The ignition unit 41 includes an igniting agent that ignites during operation and a resistor for burning the igniting agent. The terminal pin 42 is connected to the ignition unit 41 in order to ignite the igniting agent. More specifically, the igniter 40 includes a base portion through which the pair of terminal pins 42 are inserted and held, and a squib cup attached to the base portion, and the tip of the terminal pin 42 inserted into the squib cup. A resistor (bridge wire) is attached so as to connect the squib cups, and an igniting agent is filled in the squib cup so as to surround the resistor or in contact with the resistor. Nichrome wire or the like is generally used as the resistor, and ZPP (zirconium / potassium perchlorate), ZWPP (zirconium / tungsten / potassium perchlorate), lead tricinate, or the like is generally used as the igniting agent. The squib cup is generally made of metal or plastic.

  When a collision is detected, a predetermined amount of current flows through the resistor via the terminal pin 42. When a predetermined amount of current flows through the resistor, Joule heat is generated in the resistor, and the ignition powder starts to burn upon receiving this heat. The high temperature flame generated by the combustion ruptures the squib cup containing the igniting agent. The time from when the current flows through the resistor until the igniter 40 is activated is 2 milliseconds or less when a nichrome wire is used as the resistor.

The explosive charge 37 is ignited by a flame generated by the operation of the igniter 40 and burns to generate hot particles. It is necessary for the charge transfer agent 37 to be able to reliably start the gas generating agent 52 described later. Generally, from the metal powder / oxidant represented by B / KNO ₃ or the like. The composition etc. which become are used. As the explosive charge 37, a powdery one, a one molded into a predetermined shape by a binder, or the like is used. Examples of the shape of the transfer charge molded by the binder include various shapes such as a granular shape, a columnar shape, a sheet shape, a spherical shape, a single-hole cylindrical shape, a porous cylindrical shape, and a tablet shape.

  The combustion chamber 17 is defined by the cylindrical member 10, the partition plate 15, and the cushion material 51, and is provided at a substantially central portion of the cylindrical member 10. A gas generating agent 52 is mainly accommodated in the combustion chamber 17.

  The gas generating agent 52 is ignited by the heat particles generated by burning the charge transfer agent 37 ignited by the igniter 40, and generates gas by burning. The gas generating agent 52 is generally formed as a molded body containing a fuel, an oxidant, and an additive. As the fuel, for example, a triazole derivative, a tetrazole derivative, a guanidine derivative, an azodicarbonamide derivative, a hydrazine derivative, or a combination thereof is used. Specifically, for example, nitroguanidine, guanidine nitrate, cyanoguanidine, 5-aminotetrazole and the like are preferably used. In addition, as the oxidizing agent, for example, nitrate containing a cation selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, and ammonia is used. As the nitrate, for example, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate and the like are preferably used. In addition, examples of the additive include a binder, a slag forming agent, and a combustion adjusting agent. As the binder, for example, an organic binder such as a metal salt of carboxymethyl cellulose or a stearate, or an inorganic binder such as synthetic hydroxytalcite or acidic clay can be suitably used. As the slag forming agent, silicon nitride, silica, acid clay, etc. can be suitably used. Moreover, as a combustion regulator, a metal oxide, ferrosilicon, activated carbon, graphite, etc. can be used suitably.

  The shape of the molded body of the gas generating agent 52 includes various shapes such as a granular shape, a pellet shape, a cylindrical shape, and a disk shape. In addition, a porous (for example, a single-hole cylindrical shape or a porous cylindrical shape) having a hole inside the molded body is also used. These shapes are preferably appropriately selected according to the specifications of the airbag apparatus in which the cylinder type gas generator 1A is incorporated. For example, the shape in which the gas generation rate changes with time when the gas generating agent 52 is burned. It is preferable to select an optimal shape according to the specification, such as selecting. In addition to the shape of the gas generating agent 52, it is preferable to appropriately select the size and filling amount of the molded body in consideration of the linear combustion rate, the pressure index, etc. of the gas generating agent 52.

  The cushion material 51 that partitions the ignition chamber 16 and the combustion chamber 17 is disposed so as to contact the gas generating agent 52 accommodated in the combustion chamber 17. The cushion material 51 is provided for the purpose of preventing the gas generating agent 52 made of a molded body from being pulverized by vibration or the like, and a ceramic fiber molded body, foamed silicon, or the like is preferably used. The cushion material 51 is opened or divided by the combustion of the charge transfer agent 37 during operation, and in some cases burns down.

  A communication hole 15 a that communicates the combustion chamber 17 and the filter chamber 18 during operation is provided at the center of the partition plate 15 that partitions the combustion chamber 17 and the filter chamber 18. A seal member 15b is affixed to the main surface of the partition plate 15 located on the combustion chamber 17 side so as to close the communication hole 15a. As the seal member 15b, an aluminum foil or the like having an adhesive member applied on one side is used. As a result, airtightness between the combustion chamber 17 and the filter chamber 18 during non-operation is ensured, and mixing of moisture and the like into the combustion chamber 17 is prevented.

  A perforated plate 19 provided with a plurality of communication holes 19 a is disposed at an end portion of the combustion chamber 17 located on the partition plate 15 side. The porous plate 19 rectifies the flow of gas ejected from the combustion chamber 17 during operation, and prevents the gas generating agent 52 accommodated in the combustion chamber 17 from moving to the filter chamber 18 in an unburned state. Is for. Therefore, all the communication holes 19 a provided in the porous plate 19 are formed smaller than the outer shape of the gas generating agent 52 and are formed smaller than the communication holes 15 a provided in the partition plate 15.

  The filter chamber 18 is defined by the cylindrical member 10, the closing member 20, and the partition plate 15, and is provided in a portion near the one end of the cylindrical member 10 (the left portion in the drawing). A filter 53 is accommodated in the filter chamber 18. The filter chamber 18 communicates with the outside via the gas outlet 11 provided in the peripheral wall portion of the cylindrical member 10 described above.

  The filter 53 is made of a cylindrical member having a hollow opening 53 a extending in the same direction as the axial direction of the cylindrical member 10. By using the filter 53 made of a cylindrical member in this way, the flow resistance of the working gas flowing through the filter chamber 18 during operation can be kept low, and an efficient gas flow can be realized. One end surface of the filter 53 is in contact with the closing member 20, and the other end surface of the filter 53 is in contact with the partition plate 15.

  As the filter 53, for example, a wire made of a metal such as stainless steel or steel, a wire wound around a net, or a material compressed by pressing is used. Specifically, a knitted wire mesh, a plain weave wire mesh, an assembly of crimped metal wires, or the like is used. When the gas generated in the combustion chamber 17 passes through the filter 53, the filter 53 functions as a cooling unit that cools the gas by taking away the high-temperature heat of the gas, and a residue contained in the gas. It also functions as a removing means for removing (slag) and the like.

  A female connector (not shown) is attached to the end of the cylinder type gas generator 1A on the side where the base member 30 is disposed. This female connector is a part to which a male connector of a harness that transmits a signal from a collision detection sensor provided separately from the cylinder type gas generator 1A is connected. A shorting clip (not shown) is attached to the female connector as necessary. The shorting clip is attached to prevent the cylinder type gas generator 1A from malfunctioning due to electrostatic discharge or the like during the transportation of the cylinder type gas generator 1A. In the stage, the male connector of the harness is inserted into the female connector, so that the contact with the terminal pin 42 is released.

  Next, the operation | movement at the time of the action | operation of the cylinder type gas generator 1A demonstrated above is demonstrated. When a vehicle equipped with an airbag device incorporating the cylinder-type gas generator 1A according to the present embodiment collides, the collision is detected by a collision detection means provided separately in the vehicle, and ignition is performed based on this. The device 40 is activated. When the igniter 40 is actuated, the pressure in the ignition unit 41 is increased by combustion of the igniting agent, whereby the ignition unit 41 is ruptured and the flame flows out of the ignition unit 41. The explosive charge 37 accommodated in the ignition chamber 16 is ignited and burned by the flame generated by the operation of the igniter 40, and generates a large amount of heat particles. Due to the combustion of the transfer agent 37, the pressure in the transfer chamber 36 rises, whereby the cup-shaped member 35 is ruptured, and the above-described heat particles reach the cushion material 51. The thermal particles that have reached the cushion material 51 burn the cushion material 51 to open or divide it, whereby the thermal particles flow into the combustion chamber 17 and reach the gas generating agent 52.

  The gas generating agent 52 is ignited and burned by the flowing heat particles, and a large amount of gas is generated. Due to the combustion of the gas generating agent 52, the pressure in the combustion chamber 17 increases, whereby the sealing of the seal member 15 b is broken, and the generated gas flows into the filter chamber 18. The gas that has flowed in flows through the hollow opening 53a of the filter 53, is then cooled to a predetermined temperature via the filter 53, and is ejected from the gas outlet 11 to the outside of the cylinder type gas generator 1A. The The gas ejected from the gas ejection port 11 is guided into the airbag to inflate and deploy the airbag.

  FIG. 3 is a view showing the shape of the vicinity of the gas outlet of the cylinder type gas generator in the present embodiment, FIG. 3 (A) is an enlarged front view, and FIG. 3 (B) is an enlarged sectional view. is there. Next, with reference to these FIG. 3 (A) and FIG. 3 (B), it demonstrates in full detail about the structure of the gas outlet of the cylinder type gas generator in this Embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, in the cylinder type gas generator 1A in the present embodiment, a cylindrical member at a position facing the outer peripheral surface of the filter 53 accommodated in the filter chamber 18. A plurality of gas outlets 11 are provided in ten peripheral walls (that is, the peripheral wall of the cylindrical member 10 that defines the filter chamber 18). In the peripheral wall portion of the cylindrical member 10 that defines the filter chamber 18, the gas jet port non-forming region S 1 where the gas jet port 11 is not provided and the gas jet forming region S 2 where the gas jet port 11 is provided. And are included. The gas jet formation region S2 has four rows at equal intervals at positions shifted in the axial direction from the gas jet rows including the plurality of gas jets 11 provided every 90 ° along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical member 10. Have.

  Here, the gas outlet formation region S <b> 2 is the most in the axial direction of the cylindrical member 10 and the end of the gas outlet located on the closing member 20 side in the axial direction of the cylindrical member 10. This refers to the region of the peripheral wall portion of the cylindrical member 10 located between the gas jet outlet located on the combustion chamber 17 side and the end on the combustion chamber 17 side, and the gas jet non-forming region S1 is the filter chamber. Of the peripheral wall portion of the cylindrical member 10 that defines 18, the portion located on the closing member 20 side in the region not corresponding to the gas ejection port formation region S <b> 2 is indicated. Therefore, the gas ejection port non-forming region S1 is located on the peripheral wall portion of the cylindrical member 10 at a position corresponding to a portion near one end portion of the filter 53 including the axial end surface that abuts on the closing member 20. The gas outlet formation region S2 is located on the peripheral wall portion of the cylindrical member 10 at a portion located on the combustion chamber 17 side than the gas outlet non-formation region S1.

  In the cylinder type gas generator 1A in the present embodiment, the center position of the gas outlet formation region S2 in the axial direction of the cylindrical member 10 (the position indicated by the straight line 102 in FIG. It is configured to be positioned on the combustion chamber 17 side in a state offset by a predetermined distance A from a center position in the axial direction (position indicated by a straight line 100 in FIG. 3B). That is, the center position of the gas ejection port formation region S2 in the axial direction of the cylindrical member 10 is shifted to the combustion chamber 17 side without matching the center position of the filter 53 in the axial direction. As a result, the plurality of gas ejection ports 11 provided in the cylindrical member 10 are unevenly distributed on the combustion chamber 17 side in a relative positional relationship with the filter 53.

  With this configuration, the configuration employed in the conventional cylinder type gas generator (that is, the center position of the gas ejection port formation region S2 in the axial direction of the cylindrical member 10 is the center position in the axial direction of the filter 53). The gas generated inside the gas generator during the operation of the cylinder type gas generator 1A can be effectively cooled with high cooling efficiency, and from the gas outlet 11 The amount of slag released can be reduced. The mechanism will be described in detail below.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the gas flow state at the initial stage when the cylinder type gas generator according to the present embodiment is operated. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a gas flow state after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of operation of the cylinder type gas generator in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, at the initial stage of operation of the cylinder type gas generator 1 </ b> A, as shown by arrows in the drawing, the high-pressure and high-temperature gas generated in the combustion chamber 17 is connected to the communication holes 19 a of the perforated plate 19 and It flows into the hollow opening 53 a of the filter 53 through the communication hole 15 a of the partition plate 15, and most of it flows from the end on the combustion chamber 17 side of the hollow opening 53 a of the filter 53 toward the end on the closing member 20 side. And proceed in a straight line. Then, the gas that has reached the end of the hollow opening 53a of the filter 53 on the closing member 20 side is blown toward the main surface of the closing member 20, and its traveling direction is changed to change the end of the filter 53 on the closing member 20 side. It flows into the partial area B.

  Here, the gas generated at the initial stage of the operation of the cylinder type gas generator 1 </ b> A tends to include particularly a large amount of slag. Therefore, most of the slag generated at the beginning of the operation is blown onto the main surface of the closing member 20 by riding on the gas flow in the initial stage of the operation, and rebounds on the main surface of the closing member 20 while being filtered. 53 is collected in the end region B on the closing member 20 side. Therefore, particularly a large amount of slag accumulates in the end region B of the filter 53 on the closing member 20 side in the initial stage when the cylinder type gas generator 1A is operated.

  Thereafter, when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the operation of the cylinder type gas generator 1A and the pressure balance in the filter chamber 18 is stabilized, the gas flowing into the filter chamber 18 from the combustion chamber 17 is, as shown in FIG. Most of the air flows into the filter 53 before reaching the end of the hollow opening 53a of the filter 53 on the closing member 20 side. The amount of slag contained in the gas generated after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the operation of the cylinder type gas generator 1A is significantly larger than the amount of slag contained in the gas generated at the initial stage of the operation described above. Few. Therefore, in a state where the predetermined time has elapsed from the start of operation and the pressure balance in the filter chamber 18 is stable, slag is effectively collected over the entire area of the filter 53.

  Here, it was set as the structure employ | adopted in the conventional cylinder type gas generator (namely, the structure which made the center position of the gas jet formation area in the axial direction of a cylindrical member correspond with the center position in the axial direction of a filter). In this case, since the gas outlets are evenly arranged in the axial direction of the cylindrical member with reference to the axial center position of the filter, the state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the operation of the cylinder type gas generator In this case, the amount of gas passing through the end region on the closing member side of the filter increases. Therefore, there is a high risk that the slag that has already been collected in the end region of the filter at the beginning of the operation of the cylinder-type gas generator will be pushed out of the filter by the gas flow. Thus, it becomes easy to be discharged to the outside of the housing.

  On the other hand, in the cylinder type gas generator 1 </ b> A according to the present embodiment, the plurality of gas ejection ports 11 provided in the cylindrical member 10 as described above have the combustion chamber 17 in a relative positional relationship with the filter 53. Therefore, the amount of gas passing through the end region B on the closing member 20 side of the filter 53 is reduced in a state after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the operation of the cylinder type gas generator 1A. Thus, the outflow of the slag as described above to the outside of the filter 53 can be suppressed. Therefore, the amount of slag discharged from the gas outlet 11 when the cylinder type gas generator 1A is operated can be reduced as compared with the configuration adopted in the conventional cylinder type gas generator.

  In addition, after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the operation of the cylinder-type gas generator 1A, as described above, most of the gas flowing into the filter chamber 18 from the combustion chamber 17 is the hollow opening 53a of the filter 53. Before reaching the end of the closing member 20 side. As a result, the gas passes through the filter 53 more evenly in the axial direction of the filter 53, and the effective volume of the filter 53 is increased as compared with the conventional cylinder type gas generator. Therefore, efficient gas cooling by the filter 53 can be realized.

  Therefore, by using the cylinder-type gas generator 1A as in the present embodiment, the gas generated in the gas generator 1A can be effectively cooled with high cooling efficiency, and the gas outlet The amount of slag discharged from 11 can be reduced.

  In cylinder type gas generator 1A in this embodiment, since a plurality of gas jets 11 are provided in the position shifted in the axial direction of cylindrical member 10, the opening area of gas jets 11 is insufficient. There is nothing to do. Therefore, the gas generated inside the housing can be efficiently ejected to the outside of the housing.

  Next, test contents and test results of a verification test performed to confirm the above effect will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the test sample verified in this verification test, and FIG. 7 is a table summarizing the structural differences of the test sample shown in FIG. 8 and 9 are graphs showing the results of the verification test using the test sample shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 8 shows the test result of the tank test, and FIG. 9 shows the amount of slag discharged. Each measurement result is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 6, four test structures were prepared as test samples for this verification test. The gas generator according to Examples 1 and 2 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B is a test sample to which the structure described in the above-described embodiment is applied, and FIG. The gas generators according to Comparative Examples 1 and 2 shown in FIG. 6D are test samples prepared for comparison with the gas generators according to Examples 1 and 2 described above. In these four test samples, the arrangement positions of the gas ejection port non-forming region S1 and the gas ejection port forming region S2 provided on the peripheral wall portion of the cylindrical member 10 are variously changed along the axial direction of the cylindrical member 10. It is a common thing in other structures. The detailed arrangement positions of the gas ejection port non-forming region S1 and the gas ejection port forming region S2 in these test samples are as shown in the dimensions shown in FIG. 6 and the table shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 6A and 7, in the gas generator in the first embodiment, the axial length D of the gas ejection port non-formation region S1 is set to 20 mm, and the gas ejection port formation region S2 Is offset by +7 mm toward the combustion chamber from the center position of the filter. In this case, D / L is 20/39 (≈0.51).

  As shown in FIGS. 6B and 7, in the gas generator in the second embodiment, the axial length D of the gas ejection port non-formation region S1 is set to 15 mm, and the gas ejection port formation region S2 Is offset by +2 mm closer to the combustion chamber than the center position of the filter. In this case, D / L is 15/39 (≈0.38).

  As shown in FIGS. 6C and 7, in the gas generator in Comparative Example 1, the axial length D of the gas ejection port non-formation region S1 is set to 13 mm, and the gas ejection port formation region S2 The center position of this corresponds to the center position of the filter, and the offset amount toward the combustion chamber side is ± 0 mm. In this case, D / L is 1/3 (≈0.33).

  As shown in FIG. 6D and FIG. 7, in the gas generator in Comparative Example 2, the axial length D of the gas ejection port non-formation region S1 is set to 5 mm, and the gas ejection port formation region S2 Is offset by −8 mm toward the combustion chamber from the center position of the filter. In this case, D / L is 5/39 (≈0.13).

  These test samples were used to perform tank tests and measure the amount of slag released. The tank test is a test in which after the gas generator is attached to a tank having a predetermined internal volume, the gas generator is operated to release the gas into the tank, and the time change of the pressure in the tank is measured. The amount of slag released was measured by collecting the slag discharged into the tank after the tank test and measuring the amount.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, it was confirmed that when these four test samples were operated, there was a difference in the pressure fluctuation in the tank and the amount of slag discharged. Specifically, it was confirmed that the rise of the pressure in the tank was the steepest in Comparative Example 2, and gradually decreased in the order of Comparative Example 2, Comparative Example 1, Example 2, and Example 1. In addition, it was confirmed that the maximum pressure in the tank was the highest in Comparative Example 2 and decreased in the order of Comparative Example 2, Comparative Example 1, Example 2, and Example 1. On the other hand, it was confirmed that the amount of slag released was the largest in Comparative Example 2, and decreased in the order of Comparative Example 2, Comparative Example 1, Example 2, and Example 1. In the graph shown in FIG. 8, the pressure (kPa) in the tank is plotted on the vertical axis, and the time (ms) is plotted on the horizontal axis. Further, in the graph shown in FIG. 9, the vertical axis represents the percentage (%) of the slag discharged, and the horizontal axis represents D / L. Here, the conversion of the percentage of the amount of slag released is the respective percentage when the amount of slag released in Comparative Example 2 is used as a reference.

  From the above test results, it is possible to adjust the output characteristics of the gas ejected from the gas generator by variously changing the arrangement positions of the gas ejection port non-forming region S1 and the gas ejection port forming region S2. At the same time, it can be seen that the amount of slag discharged changes. In particular, by making the center position of the gas ejection port formation region S2 unevenly distributed on the combustion chamber side with respect to the center position of the filter, the output characteristics of the gas at the initial stage of operation are controlled, and the temperature of the rising or the released gas is lowered. It can be seen that the amount of slag discharged can be reduced. Note that the rise of the gas output at the initial stage of operation and the temperature of the released gas can be kept low because the effective volume of the filter described above has increased and the amount of slag released has decreased, and the amount of heat carried by the slag It seems to mean that the overall decrease. Therefore, by using the gas generator to which the present invention is applied, the gas generated in the gas generator can be effectively cooled with high cooling efficiency, and the slag discharged from the gas outlet can be reduced. It can be said that it was confirmed that the amount was reduced.

  From the above test results, if the cylinder type gas generator is configured so that the axial length D of the above-described gas ejection port non-formation region S1 satisfies the condition of D ≧ 13 mm, it is within the range of the actual specification. It can be seen that the amount of slag discharged from the gas outlet can be reliably reduced. Further, from the above test results, the cylinder type gas is generated so that the axial length L of the filter and the axial length D of the gas outlet non-forming region S1 satisfy the condition of D / L> 1/3. It can be seen that if the container is configured, the amount of slag discharged from the gas outlet can be reliably reduced within the range of the actual specification.

  10 to 11 are enlarged front views showing first to third modifications of the cylinder type gas generator in the present embodiment. Below, with reference to these figures, the modification of the cylinder type gas generator in this Embodiment is demonstrated.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the cylinder type gas generator 1 </ b> B according to the first modification, a plurality of gas outlet formation regions S <b> 2 are provided every 90 ° along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical member 10. The gas outlet rows including the gas outlet rows are arranged so as to have three rows at equal intervals at positions shifted in the axial direction, and the gas outlet rows located in the center in the axial direction are located on both sides. The gas outlets 11 are arranged in a zigzag shape by being shifted by 45 ° in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical member 10 from the row. Even in such a configuration, the center position of the gas ejection port formation region S2 in the axial direction of the cylindrical member 10 is shifted from the center position in the axial direction of the filter 53 to the combustion chamber 17 side. The same effect as the case of the cylinder gas generator 1A in the first embodiment described above can be obtained.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the cylinder type gas generator 1 </ b> C according to the second modification, the gas outlet formation region S <b> 2 includes a plurality of gas outlets 11 along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical member 10. The gas jet trains are configured to have two rows at positions shifted in the axial direction, and the number of gas jets included in the two gas jet rows is different. Even in such a configuration, the center position of the gas ejection port formation region S2 in the axial direction of the cylindrical member 10 is shifted from the center position in the axial direction of the filter 53 toward the combustion chamber. The same effect as in the case of the cylinder type gas generator 1A in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the cylinder type gas generator 1 </ b> D according to the third modified example, a plurality of gas outlet formation regions S <b> 2 are provided every 90 ° along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical member 10. The gas outlet rows including the gas outlets 11 are arranged at non-identical intervals in the axial direction of the cylindrical member 10. More specifically, the intervals between the gas jet arrays are gradually increased toward the combustion chamber 17 side. Even in such a configuration, the center position of the gas outlet formation region S2 in the axial direction of the cylindrical member 10 is shifted from the center position in the axial direction of the filter 53 toward the combustion chamber 17 side. The same effect as in the case of the cylinder type gas generator 1A in the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Embodiment 2)
FIGS. 13A and 13B are views showing an external structure of a T-shaped gas generator according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 13A is a front view, and FIG. 13B is a top view. Moreover, FIG. 14 is a figure which shows the internal structure of the T-shaped gas generator in this Embodiment, and is sectional drawing along the XIV-XIV line | wire shown in FIG.13 (B). In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected in the figure about the part similar to the cylinder type gas generator 1A in the above-mentioned Embodiment 1, and the description is not repeated here.

  As shown in FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 14, the T-shaped gas generator 1E in the present embodiment has a long, substantially cylindrical outer shape, and a pair as a housing. The cylindrical member 10 and the pair of closing members 20, the connecting member 60, and the base member 30 are included. Each of the pair of cylindrical members 10 is formed of a long member having an opening at one end in the axial direction and a bottom plate portion 10a at the other end. The bottom plate portion 10a is formed, for example, by joining a disk-shaped plate member to the other end of the cylindrical member 10 by welding or the like. Each of the pair of closing members 20 is made of a disk-shaped member having a predetermined thickness, and has a groove 21 for caulking and fixing on the peripheral surface thereof. The connecting member 60 is composed of a T-shaped hollow tube and has open ends on three sides thereof. The base member 30 is made of a cylindrical member having a hollow portion, and has a groove 31 for caulking and fixing at a predetermined position on the outer peripheral surface thereof. In addition, the said connection member 60 consists of metal members, such as stainless steel, steel, an aluminum alloy, a stainless alloy, like another member.

  The end portions on the bottom side of the pair of cylindrical members 10 are respectively inserted into the pair of open ends at the positions where the connecting members 60 face each other, and the connecting members 60 and the pair of cylindrical members are inserted. 10 is fixed by welding. On the other hand, the base member 30 is fixed by caulking to the remaining open end of the connecting member 60. Further, a closing member 20 is attached and fixed to each of the opening ends of the pair of cylindrical members 10 so as to close the opening ends, and each of the pair of cylindrical members 10 has an axis thereof. A disk-shaped partition plate 15 is caulked and fixed at a predetermined position in the direction.

  A gas outlet 11 is provided in the peripheral wall portion near the end portion of the pair of cylindrical members 10 on the side where the closing member 20 is attached. The gas ejection ports 11 are holes for ejecting the gas generated inside the T-shaped gas generator 1 </ b> E to the outside, and a plurality of gas ejection ports 11 are provided at positions shifted in the axial direction of the cylindrical member 10. Here, in the peripheral wall portion of the pair of cylindrical members 10 that respectively define the pair of filter chambers 18, the gas jet port non-forming region S <b> 1 in which the gas jet port 11 is not provided and the gas jet port 11 are provided. The gas ejection port forming region S2 is included. Each of the gas jet formation regions S2 has a plurality of gas jets provided every 90 ° along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical member 10 as in the case of the cylinder type gas generator 1A in the first embodiment. Four rows of gas jets including the outlets 11 are provided at equal intervals at positions shifted in the axial direction.

  A space inside the T-shaped gas generator 1E defined by the pair of cylindrical members 10, the pair of closing members 20, the connecting member 60, and the base member 30 includes an ignition chamber 16, a pair of combustion chambers 17, and a pair of A filter chamber 18 is provided. The partition plate 15 described above divides the combustion chamber 17 and the filter chamber 18 inside each cylindrical member 10. On the other hand, the ignition chamber 16 and each of the pair of combustion chambers 17 are partitioned by respective bottom plate portions 10 a of the pair of cylindrical members 10.

  The ignition chamber 16 is mainly defined by the connecting member 60, the respective bottom plate portions 10a of the pair of cylindrical members 10, and the base member 30, and is provided at the center of the T-shaped gas generator 1E. In the cylinder type gas generator 1A in the first embodiment described above, the cup-shaped member 35 is attached to the base member 30 so as to cover the ignition part 41 of the igniter 40, but in the T-shaped in the present embodiment. Such a cup-shaped member is not attached to the base member 30 in the gas generator 1E. An igniter 40 is attached to the hollow portion of the base member 30. Further, a transfer charge 37 is accommodated in the ignition chamber 16.

  Each bottom plate portion 10a of the pair of cylindrical members 10 is provided with a communication hole 10b for communicating the ignition chamber 16 and the combustion chamber 17 during operation. A seal member 10c is affixed to the main surface of the pair of bottom plate portions 10a located on the ignition chamber 16 side so as to close the communication hole 10b. As the sealing member 10c, an aluminum foil or the like having an adhesive member applied on one side is used. As a result, airtightness between the ignition chamber 16 and the combustion chamber 17 during non-operation is ensured, and mixing of moisture and the like into the ignition chamber 16 and the combustion chamber 17 is prevented.

  The pair of combustion chambers 17 are respectively defined by the peripheral wall of the cylindrical member 10, the bottom plate portion 10 a and the partition plate 15, and are provided at positions where the above-described ignition chamber 16 is sandwiched in the axial direction. A gas generating agent 52 is mainly accommodated in each of the pair of combustion chambers 17. A cushion material 51 is disposed on the main surface of the bottom plate portion 10a of the cylindrical member 10 on the combustion chamber 17 side.

  The pair of filter chambers 18 are respectively defined by the cylindrical member 10, the closing member 20, and the partition plate 15. The pair of filter chambers 18 are provided at positions where the ignition chamber 16 and the pair of combustion chambers 17 located between the above-described ignition chambers 16 are further interposed in the axial direction. It has been. A filter 53 having a hollow opening 53 a extending in the same direction as the axial direction of the cylindrical member 10 is accommodated in each of the pair of filter chambers 18. Each of the pair of filter chambers 18 communicates with the outside through the gas ejection ports 11 provided on the peripheral wall portions of the pair of cylindrical members 10 described above.

  Next, the operation | movement at the time of the action | operation of the T-shaped gas generator 1E demonstrated above is demonstrated. When a vehicle equipped with an airbag device incorporating the T-shaped gas generator 1E in the present embodiment collides, the collision is detected by a collision detection means provided separately in the vehicle, and based on this The igniter 40 is activated. When the igniter 40 is actuated, the pressure in the ignition unit 41 is increased by combustion of the igniting agent, whereby the ignition unit 41 is ruptured and the flame flows out of the ignition unit 41. The explosive charge 37 accommodated in the ignition chamber 16 is ignited and burned by the flame generated by the operation of the igniter 40, and generates a large amount of heat particles. Due to the combustion of the charge transfer agent 37, the pressure in the ignition chamber 16 increases, whereby the seal of the seal member 10c is broken, and the above-described hot particles are located on both sides of the ignition chamber 16 through the communication hole 10b. Flows into each of the combustion chambers 17. The flowing heat particles reach the cushion material 51, burn the cushion material 51, open or divide it, and reach the gas generating agent 52, respectively.

  The flowing heat particles ignite and burn the gas generating agent 52 in each of the pair of combustion chambers 17 located on both sides of the ignition chamber 16 to generate a large amount of gas. Due to the combustion of the gas generating agent 52, the pressure in the pair of combustion chambers 17 increases, whereby the seal of the seal member 15b is broken, and the generated gas flows into the pair of filter chambers 18, respectively. And the gas which flowed in flows through the hollow opening part 53a of the filter 53, and is cooled to predetermined temperature via the filter 53 after that, and it goes out of the T-shaped gas generator 1E from the gas ejection port 11, respectively. Erupted. The gas ejected from the gas ejection port 11 is guided into the airbag to inflate and deploy the airbag. Thus, in the T-shaped gas generator 1E in the present embodiment, different gas outputs can be obtained from both ends in the axial direction of the housing by using a single igniter.

  Also in the T-shaped gas generator 1E in the present embodiment described above, the gas jet in the axial direction of the pair of cylindrical members 10 is the same as the structure adopted in the cylinder-type gas generator 1A in the first embodiment described above. The center positions of the outlet formation regions S2 are shifted from the center positions of the corresponding filters 53 in the axial direction to the combustion chamber 17 side. Therefore, the gas generated inside the gas generator can be effectively cooled with high cooling efficiency, and the amount of slag discharged from the gas outlet 11 can be reduced.

  In the above-described first and second embodiments, the gas outlet formation region S2 is an axial direction of a gas outlet row in which a plurality of gas outlets 11 are provided along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical member 10. However, the gas outlets 11 do not necessarily have to be arranged in this manner and are irregularly arranged without being arranged. It may be arranged. Further, the number, shape, size, and the like of the gas ejection ports can be appropriately changed according to the specifications.

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

It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of the cylinder type gas generator in Embodiment 1 of this invention, (A) is a front view, (B) is a right view. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the cylinder type gas generator in Embodiment 1 of this invention, and is sectional drawing along the II-II line shown to FIG. 1 (A) and FIG. 1 (B). It is a figure which shows the shape of the gas jet nozzle vicinity of the cylinder type gas generator in Embodiment 1 of this invention, (A) is an enlarged front view, (B) is an expanded sectional view. It is the figure which showed typically the gas flow state in the initial stage at the time of the action | operation of the cylinder type gas generator in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is the figure which showed typically the flow state of the gas after predetermined time passed since the operation | movement start of the cylinder type gas generator in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a schematic cross section which shows the structure of the test sample used in the verification test which verifies the effect of this invention. It is the table | surface which put together the difference on the structure of the test sample shown in FIG. It is a graph which shows the test result which performed the tank test using the test sample shown in FIG. It is a graph which shows the test result which measured the amount of slag discharged | emitted using the test sample shown in FIG. It is an enlarged front view which shows the shape of the gas outlet vicinity of the cylinder type gas generator which concerns on the 1st modification of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is an enlarged front view which shows the shape of the gas outlet vicinity of the cylinder type gas generator which concerns on the 2nd modification of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is an enlarged front view which shows the shape of the gas outlet vicinity of the cylinder type gas generator which concerns on the 3rd modification of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of the T-shaped gas generator in Embodiment 2 of this invention, (A) is a front view, (B) is a top view. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the T-shaped gas generator in Embodiment 2 of this invention, and is sectional drawing along the XIV-XIV line | wire shown in FIG.13 (B).

Explanation of symbols

  1A to 1D Cylinder type gas generator, 1E T-shaped gas generator, 10 cylindrical member, 10a bottom plate portion, 10b communication hole, 10c sealing member, 11 gas outlet, 15 partition plate, 15a communication hole, 15b sealing member , 16 Ignition chamber, 17 Combustion chamber, 18 Filter chamber, 19 Perforated plate, 19a Communication hole, 20 Closing member, 21 Groove, 30 Base member, 31 Groove, 32 Hollow portion, 33 Recessed portion, 34 Resin molded portion, 35 Cup shape Member, 36 Transfer chamber, 37 Transfer agent, 38 Seal member, 40 Igniter, 41 Ignition part, 42 Terminal pin, 51 Cushion material, 52 Gas generating agent, 53 Filter, 60 Connecting member, S1 Gas jet outlet non-formation region , S2 Gas ejection port formation region.

Claims (3)

A long cylindrical housing including a combustion chamber containing a gas generating agent and a filter chamber containing a filter therein, the axial end located on the filter chamber side being closed by a closing portion;
A first communication hole that is located inside the housing and divides a space inside the housing into the combustion chamber and the filter chamber in the axial direction and communicates the combustion chamber and the filter chamber is a central portion thereof. A disc-shaped partition member formed on
An igniter positioned on the combustion chamber side when viewed from the partition member,
The main surface that defines the filter chamber of the blocking portion is configured in a planar shape,
The filter comprises a cylindrical member having a hollow opening extending in the same direction as the axial direction of the housing,
One end surface of the filter in the axial direction is in contact with the main surface of the blocking portion,
The other end surface of the filter in the axial direction is in contact with the partition member,
Of the main surface of the blocking portion, the portion of the filter that faces the hollow opening is disposed to face the first communication hole via the hollow opening, whereby the hollow opening is Constituting a flow path for the gas generated by the combustion of the gas generating agent to flow along the direction in which the hollow opening extends,
At the end of the combustion chamber on the side of the partition member, the flow of gas flowing from the combustion chamber into the hollow opening of the filter chamber during operation is along the direction in which the hollow opening extends. A perforated plate provided with a plurality of second communication holes for rectifying is arranged in a state sandwiched between the partition member and the gas generating agent along the axial direction of the housing so as to cover the partition member,
Each of the plurality of second communication holes is formed smaller than the outer shape of the gas generating agent and smaller than the first communication hole,
The peripheral wall portion defining the filter chamber of the housing has a gas jet formation region in which a plurality of gas jets for jetting gas are provided at positions shifted in the axial direction of the housing, and jets gas A gas nozzle non-formation area where no gas jet is provided,
The gas ejection port non-formation region is a portion corresponding to a portion near the one end portion of the filter including the one end surface that is a portion facing the outer peripheral surface of the filter and abuts on the main surface of the blocking portion Provided in the peripheral wall,
The gas outlet formation region is a portion facing the outer peripheral surface of the filter, and is provided on the peripheral wall portion located on the combustion chamber side with respect to the gas outlet non-formation region.
The center position of the gas outlet formation region in the axial direction of the housing is located closer to the combustion chamber than the center position in the axial direction of the filter,
The gas generator, wherein an axial length L of the filter and an axial length D of the gas ejection port non-forming region satisfy a condition of D / L> 1/3.   The gas generator according to claim 1, wherein an axial length D of the gas ejection port non-forming region satisfies a condition of D> 13 mm. The gas ejection port forming region has a plurality of gas ejection port array comprising a plurality of gas ejection port is provided along the circumferential direction of the housing at a position offset in the axial direction, to claim 1 or 2 The gas generator described.

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