JP5617803B2

JP5617803B2 - Hybrid inflator

Info

Publication number: JP5617803B2
Application number: JP2011209388A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 早川　慎一; 慎一早川; 栗山　雄治; 雄治栗山; 植村　隆志; 隆志植村
Original assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co Ltd
Current assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co Ltd
Priority date: 2011-09-26
Filing date: 2011-09-26
Publication date: 2014-11-05
Anticipated expiration: 2031-09-26
Also published as: JP2013067359A

Description

本発明は、作動時に、点火装置の着火により発生する燃焼ガスと、封入済みの加圧ガスと、の混合ガスを、ガス吐出口から吐出させる構成とされて、外形形状を略円板状としたディスクタイプのハイブリッドインフレーターに関する。 The present invention has a configuration in which a mixed gas of combustion gas generated by ignition of an ignition device and sealed pressurized gas is discharged from a gas discharge port during operation, and the outer shape is substantially disc-shaped. Disc type hybrid inflator.

従来、ハイブリッドインフレーターとしては、ガス発生剤を充填させたガス発生剤収納室を、中央に配置させ、ガス発生剤収納室の外周側に、加圧ガスを封入させたガス封入室を、配置させた構成のものがあった。この従来のハイブリッドインフレーターでは、ガス発生剤収納室とガス封入室とを連通する連通路は、作動前には第１の破裂板により閉塞されており、点火装置の作動時において、ガス発生剤が燃焼して発生する燃焼ガスによる内圧上昇時に、第１の破裂板が作動して、燃焼ガスが連通路を経て、ガス封入室内に流入し、加圧ガスと燃焼ガスとからなる混合ガスが、第２の破裂板を破裂させて、ガス吐出口から外部へ吐出される構成であった（例えば、特許文献１参照）。 Conventionally, as a hybrid inflator, a gas generating agent storage chamber filled with a gas generating agent is disposed in the center, and a gas sealed chamber in which pressurized gas is sealed is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the gas generating agent storing chamber. There was something of a configuration. In this conventional hybrid inflator, the communication path that connects the gas generating agent storage chamber and the gas sealing chamber is closed by the first rupturable plate before the operation, and the gas generating agent is not in operation during the operation of the ignition device. When the internal pressure rises due to the combustion gas generated by combustion, the first rupturable plate operates, the combustion gas flows into the gas sealed chamber through the communication path, and the mixed gas composed of the pressurized gas and the combustion gas is The second rupturable plate was ruptured and discharged from the gas discharge port to the outside (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

特表平６−５０８３２０号公報Japanese National Patent Publication No. 6-508320

しかし、従来のハイブリッドインフレーターでは、ガス発生剤収納室は、第１の破裂板により、ガス封入室と区画されて、内圧を大気圧と同一としていることから、点火装置の作動時におけるガス発生剤の着火性が良好でない場合があり、ガス発生剤の着火性を向上させる点に、改善の余地があった。 However, in the conventional hybrid inflator, the gas generating agent storage chamber is partitioned from the gas sealing chamber by the first rupturable plate and has the same internal pressure as the atmospheric pressure. There are cases where the ignitability of the gas generator is not good and there is room for improvement in terms of improving the ignitability of the gas generating agent.

また、従来のハイブリッドインフレーターでは、混合ガスは、ガス封入室から、断面略逆Ｔ字形状の流出路を経て、ガス吐出口から外部へ吐出される構成であることから、燃焼ガスと加圧ガスとを均等に混合できず、加圧ガスを充分に昇温させた状態で、ガス吐出口から外部へ吐出させる点に課題があった。 In the conventional hybrid inflator, the mixed gas is discharged from the gas discharge chamber to the outside through the outflow passage having a substantially inverted T-shaped cross section, so that the combustion gas and the pressurized gas are used. Cannot be evenly mixed, and there is a problem in that the pressurized gas is discharged from the gas discharge port to the outside in a sufficiently heated state.

本発明は、上述の課題を解決するものであり、作動時におけるガス発生剤の着火性が良好で、かつ、燃焼ガスと加圧ガスとを均等に混合させた状態で、外部に吐出可能なハイブリッドインフレーターを提供することを目的とする。 The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and the ignitability of the gas generating agent at the time of operation is good and the combustion gas and the pressurized gas can be discharged to the outside in an evenly mixed state. An object is to provide a hybrid inflator.

本発明に係るハイブリッドインフレーターは、作動時に、点火装置の着火により発生する燃焼ガスと、封入済みの加圧ガスと、の混合ガスを、ガス吐出口から吐出させる構成とされて、外形形状を略円板状としたディスクタイプのハイブリッドインフレーターであって、
略中央に、軸方向を中心軸に略沿わせた略円筒状の内側壁に周囲を囲まれて構成されて燃焼ガスと加圧ガスとを混合させるガス混合室と、ガス吐出口を有した吐出室と、を、中心軸に沿って直列的に配置させ、
ガス混合室の外周側を全周にわたって囲むように、内部に加圧ガスを封入させたガス封入室を、配置させる構成とし、
ガス封入室が、
内部に前記加圧ガスのみを封入させている単独ガス封入部と、
加圧ガス雰囲気下において、燃焼時に燃焼ガスを発生可能なガス発生剤を内部に充填させたガス発生剤収納部と、
を備える構成として、
単独ガス封入部とガス発生剤収納部とは、着火時の燃焼ガスを単独ガス封入部内に流入可能な流入部を有した区画壁によって、相互に区画され、
ガス発生剤収納部内に配置される点火装置が、作動時に破裂する第１破裂板によって、ガス発生剤収納部と区画して配置され、
ガス混合室と吐出室との間に、第２破裂板によって閉塞される流出孔が配設されるとともに、第２破裂板が、ガス混合室内で昇温された混合ガスの圧力により破裂する構成とされ、
単独ガス封入部とガス混合室とを連通する連通孔が、内側壁に形成されるとともに、ガス発生剤収納部から流入する燃焼ガスを、単独ガス封入部内を経て連通孔からガス混合室内へ流入可能に、内側壁の周方向に沿った方向側で、流入部から離れた位置に配置されていることを特徴とする。 The hybrid inflator according to the present invention is configured to discharge a mixed gas of combustion gas generated by ignition of an ignition device and sealed pressurized gas during operation from a gas discharge port, and has a substantially outer shape. It is a disc type hybrid inflator with a disk shape,
The gas mixing chamber for mixing the combustion gas and the pressurized gas, the gas mixing chamber being surrounded by a substantially cylindrical inner wall substantially in the axial direction along the central axis and having a periphery, and a gas discharge port Disposing the discharge chamber in series along the central axis,
The gas sealing chamber in which pressurized gas is sealed inside is arranged so as to surround the outer peripheral side of the gas mixing chamber over the entire circumference,
Gas enclosure is
A single gas enclosing part in which only the pressurized gas is encapsulated,
A gas generating agent storage section filled with a gas generating agent capable of generating combustion gas during combustion in a pressurized gas atmosphere;
As a configuration comprising
The single gas sealing part and the gas generating agent storage part are partitioned from each other by a partition wall having an inflow part capable of flowing the combustion gas at the time of ignition into the single gas sealing part,
The ignition device arranged in the gas generating agent storage unit is arranged to be separated from the gas generating agent storage unit by the first rupturable plate that bursts during operation,
A configuration in which an outflow hole closed by the second rupturable plate is disposed between the gas mixing chamber and the discharge chamber, and the second rupturable plate is ruptured by the pressure of the mixed gas heated in the gas mixing chamber And
A communication hole that connects the single gas sealing part and the gas mixing chamber is formed on the inner wall, and combustion gas flowing from the gas generating agent storage part flows into the gas mixing chamber through the single gas sealing part and through the communication hole. Possibly, it is arrange | positioned in the position away from the inflow part in the direction side along the circumferential direction of an inner wall.

本発明のハイブリッドインフレーターでは、ガス発生剤を充填させているガス発生剤収納部が、ガス封入室内に配置されており、加圧ガス雰囲気下に置かれている。そして、このガス発生剤収納部は、点火装置とは、第１破裂板によって区画される構成である。すなわち、本発明のハイブリッドインフレーターでは、ガス発生剤収納部の内圧が、ガス封入室の内圧と同一で、大気圧よりも高圧下にあることから、点火装置の作動時におけるガス発生剤の着火性が、従来のハイブリッドインフレーターよりも良好となる。そのため、点火装置の作動によって、第１破裂板が破裂し、ガス発生剤が一旦燃焼を開始すれば、ガス発生剤全体を迅速に燃焼させることができて、ガス封入室における単独ガス封入部内の加圧ガスを迅速に昇温させることができ、第２破裂板の破裂後に、ガス吐出口から、混合ガスを迅速に吐出させることができる。 In the hybrid inflator of the present invention, the gas generating agent storage section filled with the gas generating agent is disposed in the gas filled chamber and is placed in a pressurized gas atmosphere. And this gas generating agent accommodating part is the structure partitioned off with a 1st rupturable plate with an ignition device. That is, in the hybrid inflator of the present invention, since the internal pressure of the gas generating agent storage section is the same as the internal pressure of the gas sealing chamber and is higher than the atmospheric pressure, the ignitability of the gas generating agent during operation of the ignition device However, it is better than the conventional hybrid inflator. Therefore, once the first rupturable plate is ruptured by the operation of the ignition device and the gas generating agent starts to burn, the entire gas generating agent can be quickly burned, and the inside of the single gas sealing portion in the gas sealing chamber can be The temperature of the pressurized gas can be quickly raised, and the mixed gas can be quickly discharged from the gas discharge port after the second rupturable plate is ruptured.

また、本発明のハイブリッドインフレーターでは、ガス発生剤収納部と単独ガス封入部とを区画する区画壁に形成される流入部が、単独ガス封入部とガス混合室とを連通させるように内側壁に形成される連通孔と、内側壁の周方向に沿った方向側で、離れて配置されていることから、流入部を経て単独ガス封入部内に流入する燃焼ガスを、ダイレクトに連通孔側へ向かうことを抑制して、単独ガス封入部内に確実に流入させることができて、単独ガス封入部内に封入される加圧ガスを円滑に昇温させることができる。さらに、本発明のハイブリッドインフレーターでは、単独ガス封入部内に流入した燃焼ガスと、単独ガス封入部内に封入される加圧ガスと、を、連通孔を経てガス混合室内に流入させた後、吐出室のガス吐出口から外部に吐出させる構成である。そのため、燃焼ガスと加圧ガスとは、連通孔により一旦流れを狭められた状態で、ガス混合室内に流入し、その後、ガス混合室内で拡散されることから、ガス混合室内で、燃焼ガスと加圧ガスとを均等に混合させることができ、加圧ガスを十分に昇温させることができる。 Further, in the hybrid inflator of the present invention, the inflow portion formed on the partition wall that partitions the gas generating agent storage portion and the single gas sealing portion is formed on the inner wall so as to communicate the single gas sealing portion and the gas mixing chamber. Since the communication hole to be formed is spaced apart from the direction along the circumferential direction of the inner wall, the combustion gas flowing into the single gas sealing part via the inflow part is directed directly to the communication hole side. This can be suppressed, and the gas can be surely flowed into the single gas sealing part, and the pressurized gas sealed in the single gas sealing part can be heated smoothly. Furthermore, in the hybrid inflator of the present invention, the combustion gas that has flowed into the single gas sealing portion and the pressurized gas sealed in the single gas sealing portion are allowed to flow into the gas mixing chamber through the communication hole, and then the discharge chamber. The gas is discharged from the gas discharge port to the outside. Therefore, the combustion gas and the pressurized gas flow into the gas mixing chamber in a state where the flow is once narrowed by the communication hole, and then diffused in the gas mixing chamber. The pressurized gas can be mixed evenly, and the pressurized gas can be sufficiently heated.

したがって、本発明のハイブリッドインフレーターでは、作動時におけるガス発生剤の着火性が良好で、かつ、燃焼ガスと加圧ガスとを均等に混合させた状態で、外部に吐出させることができる。 Therefore, in the hybrid inflator of the present invention, the ignitability of the gas generating agent at the time of operation is good, and the combustion gas and the pressurized gas can be discharged to the outside in a state where they are evenly mixed.

また、本発明のハイブリッドインフレーターでは、連通孔が、ガス混合室とガス封入室（単独ガス封入部）とを区画する略円筒状の内側壁に、形成されていることから、ガス混合室内に流入する燃焼ガスと加圧ガスとは、連通孔に対向して配置されるガス混合室（内側壁）の内側面に当たって偏向された後、吐出室に向かうこととなり、ガス混合室（内側壁）の内側面により、燃焼ガスに含まれる残渣を捕捉することができる。そのため、本発明のハイブリッドインフレーターでは、残渣を極力除去した状態で、ガス吐出口から、燃焼ガスと加圧ガスとの混合ガスを吐出させることができる。 In the hybrid inflator of the present invention, the communication hole is formed on the substantially cylindrical inner wall that divides the gas mixing chamber and the gas sealing chamber (single gas sealing portion), so that the gas flows into the gas mixing chamber. The combustion gas and the pressurized gas are deflected by striking the inner surface of the gas mixing chamber (inner wall) disposed opposite to the communication hole and then heading toward the discharge chamber. The residue contained in the combustion gas can be captured by the inner surface. Therefore, in the hybrid inflator of the present invention, the mixed gas of the combustion gas and the pressurized gas can be discharged from the gas discharge port with the residue removed as much as possible.

さらに、本発明のハイブリッドインフレーターにおいて、ガス発生剤収納部を構成する区画壁の外形形状を、ガス混合室の外周側を囲むような略円弧状として、流入部を構成する流入孔を、内側壁の周方向に沿った方向の両端側に配設させるとともに、点火装置を、ガス発生剤収納部における内側壁の周方向に沿った方向の中央付近に、配設させて構成し、
連通孔を、内側壁の周方向に沿った方向側において、流入孔間の略中央となる位置に、配置させる構成とすることが好ましい。 Furthermore, in the hybrid inflator according to the present invention, the outer shape of the partition wall constituting the gas generating agent storage portion is substantially arcuate so as to surround the outer peripheral side of the gas mixing chamber, and the inflow hole constituting the inflow portion is defined as the inner wall. And arranged at both ends in the direction along the circumferential direction, and the ignition device is arranged near the center in the direction along the circumferential direction of the inner wall of the gas generating agent storage unit.
It is preferable that the communication hole is arranged at a position that is approximately the center between the inflow holes on the direction side along the circumferential direction of the inner wall.

上記構成のハイブリッドインフレーターでは、ガス発生剤収納部を構成する区画壁が、流入孔を、内側壁の周方向に沿った方向側の両端側に配設させ、点火装置を、内側壁の周方向に沿った方向側の中央付近に配設させていることから、作動時に、ガス発生剤を内側壁の周方向に沿った方向側の中央側から迅速に燃焼させることができて、ガス発生剤が燃焼して発生する燃焼ガスを、内側壁の周方向の両端側の流入孔から、バランスよく、単独ガス封入部内に流入させることができる。また、上記構成のハイブリッドインフレーターでは、連通孔が、内側壁の周方向に沿った方向側において、流入孔間の略中央となる位置に、配置されていることから、各流入孔から流入した燃焼ガスは、単独ガス封入部の内側面に沿って流れ、単独ガス封入部とガス混合室とを連通する連通孔付近で相互にぶつかり合うような態様となる。そして、相互にぶつかり合って混ざり合った状態の燃焼ガスが、連通孔を経て、ガス混合室内に流入することとなり、ガス混合室内において、加圧ガスと燃焼ガスとを、一層均等に混合させることが可能となる。 In the hybrid inflator having the above-described configuration, the partition walls constituting the gas generating agent storage portion have the inflow holes disposed at both ends on the direction side along the circumferential direction of the inner wall, and the ignition device is disposed in the circumferential direction of the inner wall. The gas generating agent can be quickly burned from the central side of the direction side along the circumferential direction of the inner wall during operation. Combustion gas generated by burning can be introduced into the single gas sealing portion in a well-balanced manner from the inflow holes on both ends in the circumferential direction of the inner wall. Further, in the hybrid inflator having the above-described configuration, the communication hole is disposed at a position which is substantially the center between the inflow holes on the direction side along the circumferential direction of the inner wall, so that the combustion flowing in from each inflow hole The gas flows along the inner side surface of the single gas sealing portion, and the gas collides with each other in the vicinity of the communication hole connecting the single gas sealing portion and the gas mixing chamber. Then, the combustion gas that collides with each other and flows through the communication hole flows into the gas mixing chamber, and the pressurized gas and the combustion gas are mixed evenly in the gas mixing chamber. Is possible.

本発明の一実施形態であるハイブリッドインフレーターの縦断面図である。It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the hybrid inflator which is one Embodiment of this invention. 実施形態のハイブリッドインフレーターの斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the hybrid inflator of an embodiment. 実施形態のハイブリッドインフレーターの概略横断面であり、図１のIII−III部位に対応する。It is a schematic cross section of the hybrid inflator of embodiment, and respond | corresponds to the III-III site | part of FIG. 実施形態のハイブリッドインフレーターの概略縦断面であり、図３のIV−IV部位に対応する。It is a schematic longitudinal cross-section of the hybrid inflator of embodiment, and respond | corresponds to the IV-IV site | part of FIG. 実施形態のハイブリッドインフレーターの作動時の状態を順に示す縦断面図である。It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the state at the time of the action | operation of the hybrid inflator of embodiment in order. 実施形態のハイブリッドインフレーターの作動時の状態を示す横断面図である。It is a transverse cross section showing the state at the time of operation of the hybrid inflator of an embodiment.

以下、本発明の一実施形態を図面に基づいて説明すると、実施形態のハイブリッドインフレーター（以下、単に「インフレーター」と省略する）１は、図１〜４に示すように、外形形状を略円板状としたディスクタイプとされるもので、円柱状のハウジング３の内部において、中心に、ガス混合室３７と吐出室４０とを配置させ、ガス混合室３７の周囲に、ガス混合室３７の周囲を全周にわたって囲むようにガス封入室２２を配置させて、構成されている。ガス封入室２２は、単独ガス封入部２３とガス発生剤収納部２７とを備えるもので、ガス発生剤収納部２７と単独ガス封入部２３とは流入部としての流入孔３５を介して相互に連通され、単独ガス封入部２３とガス混合室３７とは連通孔３８を介して相互に連通されている。 DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. A hybrid inflator (hereinafter simply referred to as “inflator”) 1 of the embodiment has an outer shape of a substantially circular plate as shown in FIGS. In the cylindrical housing 3, a gas mixing chamber 37 and a discharge chamber 40 are arranged in the center, and around the gas mixing chamber 37 and around the gas mixing chamber 37. The gas sealing chamber 22 is arranged so as to surround the entire circumference. The gas sealing chamber 22 includes a single gas sealing portion 23 and a gas generating agent storage portion 27. The gas generating agent storage portion 27 and the single gas sealing portion 23 are mutually connected via an inflow hole 35 as an inflow portion. The single gas sealing portion 23 and the gas mixing chamber 37 are communicated with each other through a communication hole 38.

なお、実施形態では、特に断らない限り、ハウジング３の中心軸Ｏ（図１参照）に沿った方向を上下方向とし、ハウジング３における後述する天板部５側を上方、底板部１２側を下方として、説明する。 In the embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the direction along the central axis O (see FIG. 1) of the housing 3 is the vertical direction, the top plate portion 5 side to be described later in the housing 3 is upward, and the bottom plate portion 12 side is downward. Will be described.

ハウジング３は、それぞれ、鋼等の金属素材からなるカップ状の天井側部４と底側部１１とを備えて構成されている。 Each of the housings 3 includes a cup-shaped ceiling side portion 4 and a bottom side portion 11 made of a metal material such as steel.

ハウジング３の上部側を構成する天井側部４は、円板状の天板部５と、天板部５の外周縁から下方へ円筒状に延びる周壁部８と、を備えて構成されている。天板部５の中央には、円柱状に上方へ突出する突出部６が、配設されている。突出部６は、吐出室４０の外壁を構成するものであり、突出部６における円筒状の周壁６ａには、ハウジング３の中心軸Ｏの直交方向に混合ガスＭＧを吐出する円形に開口した複数のガス吐出口４１が、形成されている。実施形態の場合、ガス吐出口４１は、図１，２に示すように、ハウジング３の中心軸Ｏを中心として放射状に４個形成されている。周壁部８の下端には、外方へ突出するフランジ部９が配設され、フランジ部９には、インフレーター１を所定箇所に取り付けるための取付孔９ａが、形成されている。ハウジング３の下部側を構成する底側部１１は、円板状の底板部１２と、底板部１２の外周縁から上方へ円筒状に延びる周壁部１３と、を備えて構成されている。底板部１２において、外周縁近傍となる位置（実施形態の場合、図１，３において後述する内側壁１５の左側となる位置）には、ガス発生剤収納部２７内に配置される点火装置としてのスクイブ２９を、周縁で保持させるための貫通孔１２ａが、形成されている。また、底側部１１において、底板部１２の外周縁から上方に延びる周壁部１３は、先端１３ａを、天井側部４のフランジ部９の下面９ｂに溶接されている。 The ceiling side portion 4 constituting the upper side of the housing 3 includes a disk-shaped top plate portion 5 and a peripheral wall portion 8 extending in a cylindrical shape downward from the outer peripheral edge of the top plate portion 5. . In the center of the top plate part 5, a projecting part 6 projecting upward in a columnar shape is arranged. The protrusion 6 constitutes an outer wall of the discharge chamber 40, and a plurality of circular openings that discharge the mixed gas MG in a direction orthogonal to the central axis O of the housing 3 are formed in the cylindrical peripheral wall 6 a of the protrusion 6. The gas discharge port 41 is formed. In the case of the embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, four gas discharge ports 41 are formed radially about the central axis O of the housing 3. A flange portion 9 that protrudes outward is disposed at the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 8, and an attachment hole 9 a for attaching the inflator 1 to a predetermined location is formed in the flange portion 9. The bottom side portion 11 constituting the lower side of the housing 3 includes a disc-shaped bottom plate portion 12 and a peripheral wall portion 13 extending in a cylindrical shape upward from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom plate portion 12. As an ignition device disposed in the gas generating agent storage unit 27 at the position near the outer peripheral edge of the bottom plate portion 12 (in the case of the embodiment, the position on the left side of the inner wall 15 described later in FIGS. 1 and 3). A through-hole 12a for holding the squib 29 at the periphery is formed. Further, in the bottom side portion 11, the peripheral wall portion 13 that extends upward from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom plate portion 12 is welded to the lower surface 9 b of the flange portion 9 of the ceiling side portion 4.

ハウジング３内における中央には、図１，３，４に示すように、軸心を中心軸Ｏと一致させるようにして、略円筒状の内側壁１５が、配置されている。この内側壁１５は、ガス混合室３７を構成するもので、鋼等の金属素材から形成されている。内側壁１５は、実施形態の場合、内径寸法を、突出部６の外径寸法より僅かに大きく設定されており、突出部６の直下において、上下両端側を、ハウジング３における天板部５と底板部１２とにそれぞれ溶接により連結されて、ハウジング３内に配置されている。この内側壁１５において、ガス発生剤収納部２７から、内側壁１５の周方向に沿った方向側で離れた領域（実施形態の場合、図１における右端側）には、略円形の開口１５ａが、貫通して形成されている。詳細には、この開口１５ａは、中心を、内側壁１５において、図３における前後の中央と略一致させるようにして、形成されている（図３参照）。すなわち、開口１５ａは、内側壁１５の軸直交方向に沿って、内側壁１５の軸心側に向かうように開口されている。また、この開口１５ａは、内径寸法を、内側壁１５の内径寸法より小さくするように、開口されている。この開口１５ａは、単独ガス封入部２３とガス混合室３７とを連通する連通孔３８を構成するもので、実施形態の場合、図１に示すように、内側壁１５の下端近傍となる領域を除いて、上下方向に沿って３個並設されている。そして、実施形態のインフレーター１では、ハウジング３内における内側壁１５の外周側の領域が、加圧ガスＰＧを封入させたガス封入室２２を構成することとなる。 As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, a substantially cylindrical inner wall 15 is disposed in the center of the housing 3 so that the axis is aligned with the central axis O. The inner wall 15 constitutes a gas mixing chamber 37 and is made of a metal material such as steel. In the embodiment, the inner wall 15 is set to have an inner diameter dimension slightly larger than an outer diameter dimension of the projecting portion 6. The bottom plate 12 is connected to the bottom plate 12 by welding and disposed in the housing 3. In the inner wall 15, a substantially circular opening 15 a is formed in a region (in the case of the embodiment, the right end side in FIG. 1) separated from the gas generating agent storage portion 27 on the direction side along the circumferential direction of the inner wall 15. , Is formed through. Specifically, the opening 15a is formed so that the center of the opening 15a substantially coincides with the front and rear centers in FIG. 3 (see FIG. 3). That is, the opening 15 a is opened toward the axial center side of the inner wall 15 along the direction orthogonal to the axis of the inner wall 15. The opening 15 a is opened so that the inner diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the inner wall 15. This opening 15a constitutes a communication hole 38 that communicates the single gas sealing part 23 and the gas mixing chamber 37. In the case of the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a region near the lower end of the inner wall 15 is formed. Except for this, three are arranged along the vertical direction. And in the inflator 1 of embodiment, the area | region of the outer peripheral side of the inner wall 15 in the housing 3 will comprise the gas enclosure chamber 22 which enclosed pressurized gas PG.

また、ハウジング３内において、連通孔３８から離れた領域（実施形態の場合、図１，３における左側の領域）には、外形形状を、ガス混合室３７を構成する内側壁１５の外周側における左側半分を囲むような略半円弧状としたカップ１７が、配置されている。このカップ１７は、ガス発生剤収納部２７を構成するもので、板金素材から形成されて、有底として上方を開口させて構成されるとともに、上下方向に略沿って配設される側壁１８を、内側壁１５と、ハウジング３の周壁部８，１２と、に近接させ、かつ、下端側を閉塞する底壁１９を、ハウジング３の底板部１２より上方に位置させ、底板部１２との間に隙間を有するように、構成されている。また、このカップ１７は、ガス発生剤収納部２７と単独ガス封入部２３とを区画する区画壁を構成している。このカップ１７の底壁１９と底板部１２との間の隙間は、スクイブ２９の後述するホルダ３１を挿入させるための隙間である。そして、ホルダ３１の配置位置を除いた領域には、底壁１９と底板部１２との間の隙間を埋めるような板金素材からなるスペーサ２１が、配置されている（図４参照）。カップ１７における底壁１９において、内側壁１５（ハウジング３）の周方向の略中央となる位置には、周囲を後述する第１破裂板３３に覆われた状態のスクイブ２９を挿通可能な挿通孔１９ａが、形成されている（図１参照）。また、カップ１７の上方側の開口は、図１，４に示すように、別体の金属製の蓋体２０により閉塞されている。この蓋体２０は、カップ１７内に充填されるガス発生剤２８を押えて、カップ１７内でのガス発生剤２８の移動を抑制するためのものである。 Further, in the housing 3, the outer shape of the region away from the communication hole 38 (the region on the left side in FIGS. 1 and 3 in the embodiment) is the outer peripheral side of the inner wall 15 constituting the gas mixing chamber 37. A cup 17 having a substantially semicircular arc shape surrounding the left half is disposed. The cup 17 constitutes a gas generating agent storage portion 27, which is made of a sheet metal material, is configured to have an open top as a bottom, and has a side wall 18 disposed substantially along the vertical direction. The bottom wall 19 that is close to the inner wall 15 and the peripheral wall portions 8 and 12 of the housing 3 and closes the lower end side is positioned above the bottom plate portion 12 of the housing 3, and between the bottom plate portion 12 and the bottom wall portion 12. It is comprised so that it may have a clearance gap. Further, the cup 17 constitutes a partition wall that partitions the gas generating agent storage portion 27 and the single gas sealing portion 23. The gap between the bottom wall 19 and the bottom plate portion 12 of the cup 17 is a gap for inserting a holder 31 described later of the squib 29. And the spacer 21 which consists of a sheet metal raw material which fills the clearance gap between the bottom wall 19 and the baseplate part 12 is arrange | positioned in the area | region except the arrangement position of the holder 31 (refer FIG. 4). In the bottom wall 19 of the cup 17, an insertion hole through which a squib 29 whose periphery is covered by a first rupturable plate 33 described later can be inserted at a position that is substantially the center in the circumferential direction of the inner wall 15 (housing 3). 19a is formed (see FIG. 1). The upper opening of the cup 17 is closed by a separate metal lid 20 as shown in FIGS. The lid 20 is for holding the gas generating agent 28 filled in the cup 17 and suppressing the movement of the gas generating agent 28 in the cup 17.

カップ１７の側壁１８において、内側壁１５の周方向に沿った方向側の両端１８ａ，１８ｂ側には、図３に示すごとく、側壁１８を貫通するように、開口１８ｃが形成されている。詳細には、カップ１７は、ハウジング３の中心軸Ｏを通る図３における左右方向に沿った線を中心として前後で対称形とされるもので（図３参照）、カップ１７の側壁１８（区画壁）において、内側壁１５の周方向の両端１８ａ，１８ｂは、水平方向側の断面形状を、図３における右側に突出させるような略半円弧状として構成されており、先端を、内側壁１５（ハウジング３）の中心軸Ｏより右方であって、かつ、内側壁１５の右縁よりも右方に突出せず、内側壁１５の右縁より僅かに左方となる位置に、配置されている（図３参照）。そして、この両端１８ａ，１８ｂに形成される開口１８ｃは、カップ１７内に充填されるガス発生剤２８を挿通不能な大きさとして、かつ、側壁１８の先端側に、それぞれ、上下方向に沿って複数個形成されている。実施形態の場合、各開口１８ｃは、図３における前後で対称となるように、形成されている。これらの開口１８ｃは、ガス発生剤２８が燃焼して発生する燃焼ガスＦＧを単独ガス封入部２３内に流入可能な流入部としての流入孔３５を、構成するものである。そして、連通孔３８（開口１５ａ）は、前述したごとく、中心を内側壁１５の前後の中央に一致させるようにして、ハウジング３（内側壁１５）の周方向に沿った方向側において、流入孔３５，３５間の略中央となる位置に、配置されている。すなわち、各流入孔３５と連通孔３８とは、内側壁１５の周方向に沿った方向側で相互に離隔するように、それぞれ、各中心と中心軸Ｏとを通る線の交差角度αを、７６°程度とされて（図３参照）、内側壁１５（ハウジング３）の中心軸Ｏ側から見て周方向にずれた位置に、配置されている。そのため、実施形態のインフレーター１では、各流入孔３５から流出した燃焼ガスＦＧは、ダイレクトに連通孔３８側に向かって流れず、ハウジング３における周壁部８，１３の内周面に沿って単独ガス封入部２３内を流れることとなる（図６参照）。 In the side wall 18 of the cup 17, openings 18 c are formed on the side ends 18 a and 18 b on the direction side along the circumferential direction of the inner wall 15 so as to penetrate the side wall 18 as shown in FIG. 3. Specifically, the cup 17 is symmetrical in the front-rear direction with respect to a line along the left-right direction in FIG. 3 passing through the central axis O of the housing 3 (see FIG. 3), and the side wall 18 (partition) of the cup 17 In the wall), both ends 18a and 18b in the circumferential direction of the inner wall 15 are formed in a substantially semicircular arc shape such that the cross-sectional shape in the horizontal direction protrudes to the right side in FIG. (Housing 3) is disposed at a position to the right of the center axis O of the (housing 3) and not to the right of the right edge of the inner wall 15 and slightly to the left of the right edge of the inner wall 15. (See FIG. 3). The openings 18c formed at both ends 18a and 18b are sized so as not to allow the gas generating agent 28 filled in the cup 17 to be inserted therethrough, and on the distal end side of the side wall 18, respectively along the vertical direction. A plurality are formed. In the case of the embodiment, each opening 18c is formed so as to be symmetrical before and after in FIG. These openings 18 c constitute an inflow hole 35 as an inflow part through which the combustion gas FG generated by the combustion of the gas generating agent 28 can flow into the single gas sealing part 23. As described above, the communication hole 38 (opening 15a) has an inflow hole on the direction side along the circumferential direction of the housing 3 (inner wall 15) so that the center coincides with the front and rear centers of the inner wall 15. It is arranged at a position which is substantially the center between 35 and 35. In other words, each inflow hole 35 and the communication hole 38 are separated from each other on the direction side along the circumferential direction of the inner wall 15, respectively, and an intersection angle α of a line passing through each center and the central axis O is set. It is about 76 ° (see FIG. 3), and is disposed at a position shifted in the circumferential direction when viewed from the central axis O side of the inner wall 15 (housing 3). Therefore, in the inflator 1 of the embodiment, the combustion gas FG flowing out from each inflow hole 35 does not flow directly toward the communication hole 38, but is a single gas along the inner peripheral surfaces of the peripheral wall portions 8 and 13 in the housing 3. It will flow in the enclosure part 23 (refer FIG. 6).

実施形態のインフレーター１では、上述したごとく、ハウジング３内において、内側壁１５の外周側の領域（天板部５、底板部１２、周壁部８，１３、及び、内側壁１５により囲まれる領域）が、内部に加圧ガスＰＧを封入させたガス封入室２２を構成しており、ガス封入室２２は、内側壁１５の内側の領域からなるガス混合室３７の外周側を全周にわたって囲んでいる。実施形態の場合、ガス封入室２２内に封入される加圧ガスＰＧとしては、アルゴン等の不活性ガスが使用されている。また、実施形態の場合、ガス封入室２２に封入される加圧ガスＰＧは、１０〜３５ＭＰａの内圧で封入されている。 In the inflator 1 of the embodiment, as described above, in the housing 3, a region on the outer peripheral side of the inner wall 15 (a region surrounded by the top plate portion 5, the bottom plate portion 12, the peripheral wall portions 8 and 13, and the inner wall 15). However, it constitutes a gas sealing chamber 22 in which pressurized gas PG is sealed, and the gas sealing chamber 22 surrounds the outer peripheral side of the gas mixing chamber 37 consisting of a region inside the inner wall 15 over the entire circumference. Yes. In the case of the embodiment, an inert gas such as argon is used as the pressurized gas PG sealed in the gas sealing chamber 22. In the case of the embodiment, the pressurized gas PG sealed in the gas sealing chamber 22 is sealed at an internal pressure of 10 to 35 MPa.

そして、実施形態のインフレーター１では、ハウジング３と内側壁１５とカップ１７とにより周囲を囲まれる領域が、ガス封入室２２において、加圧ガスＰＧのみを封入させた単独ガス封入部２３を構成することとなる（図１，３参照）。すなわち、単独ガス封入部２３は、内側壁１５（ガス混合室３７）の右側半分の外周側を囲むような略半円弧状の領域から、構成されている。さらに換言すれば、実施形態のインフレーター１では、図３に示すように、ガス混合室３７（内側壁１５）の外周側におけるガス封入室２２の領域を、カップ１７に囲まれた領域から構成されるガス発生剤収納部２７と、単独ガス封入部２３と、によって、二分して、ガス混合室３７の外周側を、ガス発生剤収納部２７と単独ガス封入部２３とにより囲んでいる構成である。なお、実施形態のインフレーター１では、単独ガス封入部２３（ガス封入室２２）とガス混合室３７とは連通孔３８により連通されていることから、加圧ガスＰＧは、ガス封入室２２内のみならず、ガス混合室３７内にも充満されている。また、ハウジング３の底板部１２において、単独ガス封入部２３を構成する領域には、加圧ガスＰＧをガス封入室２２に封入するために開口した封入口２４と、加圧ガスＰＧの封入後に封入口２４を塞ぐ封止ピン２５と、が、配設されている（図１参照）。 In the inflator 1 of the embodiment, the region surrounded by the housing 3, the inner wall 15, and the cup 17 constitutes a single gas sealing portion 23 in which only the pressurized gas PG is sealed in the gas sealing chamber 22. (See FIGS. 1 and 3). That is, the single gas sealing portion 23 is configured from a substantially semicircular arc-shaped region surrounding the outer peripheral side of the right half of the inner wall 15 (gas mixing chamber 37). In other words, in the inflator 1 of the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the region of the gas sealing chamber 22 on the outer peripheral side of the gas mixing chamber 37 (inner wall 15) is configured by a region surrounded by the cup 17. The gas generating agent storage unit 27 and the single gas sealing unit 23 bisect the outer periphery of the gas mixing chamber 37 with the gas generating agent storage unit 27 and the single gas sealing unit 23. is there. In the inflator 1 according to the embodiment, the single gas sealing portion 23 (gas sealing chamber 22) and the gas mixing chamber 37 are communicated with each other through the communication hole 38, so that the pressurized gas PG is only in the gas sealing chamber 22. In addition, the gas mixing chamber 37 is also filled. Further, in the bottom plate portion 12 of the housing 3, the region constituting the single gas sealing portion 23 includes a sealing port 24 opened for sealing the pressurized gas PG in the gas sealing chamber 22, and after the pressurized gas PG is sealed. A sealing pin 25 that closes the sealing port 24 is disposed (see FIG. 1).

カップ１７に囲まれる領域から構成されるガス発生剤収納部２７内には、加圧ガスＰＧ雰囲気下において、図１に示すように、燃焼時に燃焼ガスＦＧを発生可能なガス発生剤２８が、充填されるとともに、ガス発生剤２８に点火可能な点火装置としてのスクイブ２９が、配置されている。なお、図３，４では、ガス発生剤を省略しているが、ガス発生剤２８は、カップ１７内の全域にわたって、充填されている。 A gas generating agent 28 capable of generating combustion gas FG at the time of combustion in the pressurized gas PG atmosphere, as shown in FIG. A squib 29 serving as an ignition device that is filled and capable of igniting the gas generating agent 28 is disposed. 3 and 4, the gas generating agent is omitted, but the gas generating agent 28 is filled over the entire area in the cup 17.

ガス発生剤２８としては、燃焼時に燃焼ガスＦＧを発生可能な所定の薬剤を、所定形状に成形したものを使用可能である。詳細には、ガス発生剤２８としては、燃焼時に加圧ガスＰＧを昇温可能な火炎を発生させつつ、窒素ガス等の燃焼ガスＦＧを発生可能とされる通常のインフレーターにおいてガス発生剤として用いられる非アジ化系のガス発生剤を使用することができ、具体的には、グアニジン系、アミノテトラゾール系、トリアジン系、ヒドラジン系、トリアゾール系、アゾジカルボンアミド系、ビテトラゾール系等のものを使用することができる。なお、実施形態のインフレーター１では、ガス発生剤２８と加圧ガスＰＧとの充填比率は、ガス発生剤２８を燃焼させて発生する燃焼ガスＦＧと、加圧ガスＰＧと、のモル比を、燃焼ガスＦＧ／加圧ガスＰＧ＞１とするように、設定されている。 As the gas generating agent 28, it is possible to use a predetermined chemical that is capable of generating the combustion gas FG during combustion and molded into a predetermined shape. Specifically, the gas generating agent 28 is used as a gas generating agent in a normal inflator capable of generating a combustion gas FG such as nitrogen gas while generating a flame capable of raising the temperature of the pressurized gas PG during combustion. Non-azidized gas generating agents that can be used, specifically, guanidine-based, aminotetrazole-based, triazine-based, hydrazine-based, triazole-based, azodicarbonamide-based, bitetrazole-based, etc. can do. In the inflator 1 of the embodiment, the filling ratio of the gas generating agent 28 and the pressurized gas PG is the molar ratio of the combustion gas FG generated by burning the gas generating agent 28 and the pressurized gas PG. The combustion gas FG / pressurized gas PG> 1 is set.

スクイブ２９は、実施形態の場合、図３に示すように、カップ１７（ガス発生剤収納部２７）における内側壁１５（ハウジング３）の周方向に沿った方向側の略中央となる位置に配置されるもので、スクイブ本体３０と、スクイブ本体３０を保持するホルダ３１と、を備えている（図１参照）。スクイブ本体３０は、ガス発生剤収納部２７内に充填されるガス発生剤２８に点火可能にガス発生剤２８側に配置される点火部３０ａと、点火部３０ａからハウジング３の中心軸Ｏに沿って下方に延びる一対の導電性ピン３０ｂと、を備えている。このスクイブ本体３０は、点火部３０ａにおけるガス発生剤２８側となる上面側を露出させ、かつ、導電性ピン３０ｂをインフレーター１外となる下方に露出させるように、ホルダ３１に保持されている。ホルダ３１は、点火部３０ａ側に配置される大径部３１ａと、大径部３１ａから下方に伸びて導電性ピン３０ｂの外周側を覆う円筒状のカバー部３１ｂと、を備えている。カバー部３１ｂは、外径寸法を大径部３１ａより小径とされて、下方を開口させて構成されている。このホルダ３１は、カバー部３１ｂを貫通孔１２ａから突出させつつ、大径部３１ａを貫通孔１２ａ周縁に保持させるようにして、ハウジング３の底板部１２に保持される構成である。 In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the squib 29 is disposed at a position that is substantially at the center on the direction side along the circumferential direction of the inner wall 15 (housing 3) in the cup 17 (gas generating agent storage portion 27). The squib body 30 and a holder 31 for holding the squib body 30 are provided (see FIG. 1). The squib main body 30 includes an ignition unit 30 a disposed on the gas generating agent 28 side so that the gas generating agent 28 filled in the gas generating agent storage unit 27 can be ignited, and a central axis O of the housing 3 from the ignition unit 30 a. And a pair of conductive pins 30b extending downward. The squib main body 30 is held by a holder 31 so that the upper surface side that is the gas generating agent 28 side in the ignition part 30 a is exposed and the conductive pin 30 b is exposed to the lower side outside the inflator 1. The holder 31 includes a large diameter part 31a disposed on the ignition part 30a side, and a cylindrical cover part 31b extending downward from the large diameter part 31a and covering the outer peripheral side of the conductive pin 30b. The cover part 31b is configured such that the outer diameter is smaller than the large diameter part 31a and the lower part is opened. The holder 31 is configured to be held by the bottom plate portion 12 of the housing 3 so that the large-diameter portion 31a is held on the periphery of the through-hole 12a while the cover portion 31b protrudes from the through-hole 12a.

また、実施形態のインフレーター１では、スクイブ２９は、作動時に破裂する第１破裂板３３によって、周囲を覆われ、ガス発生剤収納部２７と区画して、配置されている。第１破裂板３３は、ガス発生剤収納部２７内の気密性を確保して、スクイブ２９とハウジング３との間の隙間から加圧ガスＰＧが漏れるのを防止するために配置されている。詳細には、第１破裂板３３は、点火部３０ａの作動時に破裂可能な薄肉の金属板から構成されるもので、図１に示すように、スクイブ本体３０における点火部３０ａからホルダ３１の大径部３１ａにかけての外周側を、略全面にわたって隙間なく覆うように、構成されている。 Further, in the inflator 1 of the embodiment, the squib 29 is covered with the first rupturable plate 33 that is ruptured during operation, and is arranged separately from the gas generating agent storage portion 27. The first rupturable plate 33 is disposed in order to ensure airtightness in the gas generating agent storage portion 27 and to prevent the pressurized gas PG from leaking from the gap between the squib 29 and the housing 3. Specifically, the first rupturable plate 33 is formed of a thin metal plate that can be ruptured when the ignition portion 30a is operated. As shown in FIG. 1, the first rupturable plate 33 is large from the ignition portion 30a to the holder 31 in the squib main body 30. The outer peripheral side over the diameter portion 31a is configured to cover almost the entire surface without a gap.

そして、ガス発生剤収納部２７は、上述したごとく、カップ１７の側壁１８（区画壁）に形成される開口１８ｃからなる流入孔３５により、単独ガス封入部２３と連通されている。 Further, as described above, the gas generating agent storage portion 27 is communicated with the single gas sealing portion 23 by the inflow hole 35 formed of the opening 18c formed in the side wall 18 (partition wall) of the cup 17.

ガス混合室３７は、上述したごとく、内側壁１５と、ハウジング３における天板部５及び底板部１２と、により囲まれる領域から、構成される。また、ガス混合室３７は、内側壁１５に形成される開口１５ａからなる連通孔３８により、単独ガス封入部２３と連通されており、作動前の状態では、内部に加圧ガスＰＧが充満されている。 As described above, the gas mixing chamber 37 is composed of a region surrounded by the inner wall 15 and the top plate portion 5 and the bottom plate portion 12 in the housing 3. Further, the gas mixing chamber 37 is communicated with the single gas sealing portion 23 through a communication hole 38 formed of an opening 15a formed in the inner wall 15, and the pressurized gas PG is filled inside before the operation. ing.

吐出室４０は、上述したごとく、天板部５の突出部６内の領域から構成されるもので、ガス混合室３７の直上に配置されて、複数（実施形態の場合４個）のガス吐出口４１を備えて構成されている。そして、吐出室４０は、ガス混合室３７との間に、金属製の第２破裂板４３によって閉塞される流出孔４２を配設させている。流出孔４２は、突出部６における下端側の領域から構成されるもので、ガス混合室３７内で昇温された混合ガスＭＧの圧力の作用時に、第２破裂板４３を破裂させることにより、開口することとなる。 As described above, the discharge chamber 40 is configured by the region in the protruding portion 6 of the top plate portion 5, and is disposed immediately above the gas mixing chamber 37 to provide a plurality (four in the case of the embodiment) of gas discharges. An outlet 41 is provided. The discharge chamber 40 is provided with an outflow hole 42 that is closed by a metal second rupturable plate 43 between the discharge chamber 40 and the gas mixing chamber 37. The outflow hole 42 is composed of the lower end side region of the protrusion 6, and by rupturing the second rupturable plate 43 during the action of the pressure of the mixed gas MG heated in the gas mixing chamber 37, It will open.

次に、実施形態のインフレーター１の製造について説明する。ハウジング３における天井側部４の突出部６の下端近傍には、予め、流出孔４２を塞ぐように、第２破裂板４３を溶接させておく。まず、ハウジング３における底側部１１の底板部１２に、内側壁１５の下端側を溶接により連結させる。次いで、予め第１破裂板３３により周囲を覆われた状態のスクイブ２９を、ホルダ３１のカバー部３１ｂを貫通孔１２ａに挿通させるようにして、底板部１２に載置させ、また、スペーサ２１も底板部１２に載置させる。そして、カップ１７を、底壁１９に形成される挿通孔１９ａにスクイブ２９を挿通させるようにして、スペーサ２１上に載置させる。その後、上側の開口から、カップ１７内にガス発生剤２８を充填させ、上方から蓋体２０を被せて、カップ１７の開口を閉塞させる。次いで、ハウジング３における天井側部４を上方から被せ、底側部１１における周壁部１３の先端１３ａをフランジ部９に溶接させると同時に、内側壁１５の上端を天板部５に溶接させる。なお、実施形態のインフレーター１の製造には、摩擦溶接が用いられている。 Next, manufacture of the inflator 1 of embodiment is demonstrated. A second rupturable plate 43 is welded in advance in the vicinity of the lower end of the protruding portion 6 of the ceiling side portion 4 in the housing 3 so as to close the outflow hole 42. First, the lower end side of the inner wall 15 is connected to the bottom plate portion 12 of the bottom side portion 11 of the housing 3 by welding. Next, the squib 29, the periphery of which is previously covered by the first rupturable plate 33, is placed on the bottom plate portion 12 so that the cover portion 31b of the holder 31 is inserted through the through hole 12a. Place on the bottom plate 12. Then, the cup 17 is placed on the spacer 21 so that the squib 29 is inserted into the insertion hole 19 a formed in the bottom wall 19. Thereafter, the gas generating agent 28 is filled into the cup 17 from the upper opening, and the lid 20 is covered from above to close the opening of the cup 17. Next, the ceiling side portion 4 of the housing 3 is covered from above, and the top end 13 a of the peripheral wall portion 13 in the bottom side portion 11 is welded to the flange portion 9, and at the same time, the upper end of the inner wall 15 is welded to the top plate portion 5. In addition, friction welding is used for manufacture of the inflator 1 of embodiment.

その後、底板部１２に形成される封入口２４から、ガス封入室２２内に加圧ガスＰＧを封入させた後、封入口２４を封止ピン２５により塞げば、インフレーター１を製造することができる。 Then, after the pressurized gas PG is sealed in the gas sealing chamber 22 from the sealing port 24 formed in the bottom plate portion 12, the inflator 1 can be manufactured by closing the sealing port 24 with the sealing pin 25. .

実施形態のインフレーター１では、スクイブ２９の作動時、まず、図５のＡに示すように、第１破裂板３３が破裂して、ガス発生剤収納部２７内のガス発生剤２８が着火されて燃焼し、燃焼ガスＦＧを発生させる。この燃焼ガスＦＧは、図６に示すように、流入孔３５を経て単独ガス封入部２３内に流入することとなり、単独ガス封入部２３内の加圧ガスＰＧが昇温されることとなる。そして、昇温された加圧ガスＰＧと燃焼ガスＦＧとが、連通孔３８を経てガス混合室３７内に流入し、ガス混合室３７内で混合されることとなり、ガス混合室３７内の混合ガスＭＧが昇温されて、内圧を高められると、第２破裂板４３を破裂させることとなり、図５のＢに示すように、混合ガスＭＧが、流出孔４２を経て、吐出室４０のガス吐出口４１から外部に吐出されることとなる。 In the inflator 1 of the embodiment, when the squib 29 is operated, first, as shown in FIG. 5A, the first rupturable plate 33 is ruptured, and the gas generating agent 28 in the gas generating agent storage portion 27 is ignited. It burns and generates combustion gas FG. As shown in FIG. 6, the combustion gas FG flows into the single gas sealing part 23 through the inflow hole 35, and the pressurized gas PG in the single gas sealing part 23 is heated. The heated pressurized gas PG and the combustion gas FG flow into the gas mixing chamber 37 through the communication hole 38 and are mixed in the gas mixing chamber 37, and mixing in the gas mixing chamber 37 is performed. When the temperature of the gas MG is raised and the internal pressure is increased, the second rupturable plate 43 is ruptured. As shown in FIG. 5B, the mixed gas MG passes through the outflow hole 42 and flows into the gas in the discharge chamber 40. The ink is discharged from the discharge port 41 to the outside.

そして、実施形態のインフレーター１では、ガス発生剤２８を充填させているガス発生剤収納部２７が、ガス封入室２２内に配置されており、加圧ガスＰＧ雰囲気下に置かれている。そして、このガス発生剤収納部２７は、点火装置としてのスクイブ２９とは、第１破裂板３３によって区画される構成である。すなわち、実施形態のインフレーター１では、ガス発生剤収納部２７の内圧が、ガス封入室２２の内圧と同一で、大気圧よりも高圧下にあることから、スクイブ２９の作動時におけるガス発生剤２８の着火性が、従来のハイブリッドインフレーターよりも良好となる。そのため、スクイブ２９の作動によって、第１破裂板３３が破裂し、ガス発生剤２８が一旦燃焼を開始すれば、ガス発生剤２８全体を迅速に燃焼させることができて、ガス封入室２２における単独ガス封入部２３内の加圧ガスＰＧを迅速に昇温させることができ、第２破裂板４３の破裂後に、ガス吐出口４１から、混合ガスＭＧを迅速に吐出させることができる。 And in the inflator 1 of embodiment, the gas generating agent accommodating part 27 filled with the gas generating agent 28 is arrange | positioned in the gas sealing chamber 22, and is placed in pressurized gas PG atmosphere. And this gas generating agent accommodating part 27 is the structure divided by the 1st rupturable plate 33 with the squib 29 as an ignition device. That is, in the inflator 1 according to the embodiment, the internal pressure of the gas generating agent storage unit 27 is the same as the internal pressure of the gas sealing chamber 22 and is higher than the atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the gas generating agent 28 when the squib 29 is operated. The ignitability of is better than that of a conventional hybrid inflator. Therefore, once the first rupturable plate 33 is ruptured by the operation of the squib 29 and the gas generating agent 28 starts to burn once, the entire gas generating agent 28 can be quickly burned, and the gas generating chamber 22 alone can be burned. The pressurized gas PG in the gas sealing part 23 can be quickly heated, and the mixed gas MG can be rapidly discharged from the gas discharge port 41 after the second rupturable plate 43 is ruptured.

また、実施形態のインフレーターで１は、ガス発生剤収納部２７と単独ガス封入部２３とを区画するカップ１７（区画壁）の側壁１８に形成される流入部としての流入孔３５が、単独ガス封入部２３とガス混合室３７とを連通させるように内側壁１５に形成される連通孔３８と、内側壁１５の周方向に沿った方向側で離れて配置されていることから、流入孔３５を経て単独ガス封入部２３内に流入する燃焼ガスＦＧを、ダイレクトに連通孔３８側へ向かうことを抑制して、単独ガス封入部２３内に確実に流入させることができて、単独ガス封入部２３内に封入される加圧ガスＰＧを円滑に昇温させることができる。詳細には、実施形態のインフレーター１では、流入孔３５から流出した燃焼ガスＦＧは、ダイレクトに連通孔３８側に流れず、ハウジング３における周壁部８，１３の内周面に沿って単独ガス封入部２３内を流れることとなる（図６参照）。さらに、実施形態のインフレーター１では、単独ガス封入部２３内に流入した燃焼ガスＦＧと、単独ガス封入部２３内に封入される加圧ガスＰＧと、を、連通孔３８を経てガス混合室３７内に流入させた後、吐出室４０のガス吐出口４１から外部に吐出させる構成である。そのため、燃焼ガスＦＧと加圧ガスＰＧとは、連通孔３８により一旦流れを狭められた状態で、ガス混合室３７内に流入し、その後、ガス混合室３７内で拡散されることから、ガス混合室３７内で、燃焼ガスＦＧと加圧ガスＰＧとを均等に混合させることができ、加圧ガスＰＧを十分に昇温させることができる。 Further, in the inflator 1 of the embodiment, the inflow hole 35 as an inflow part formed in the side wall 18 of the cup 17 (partition wall) that partitions the gas generating agent storage part 27 and the single gas sealing part 23 is a single gas. Since the communication hole 38 formed in the inner wall 15 so as to allow the sealing portion 23 and the gas mixing chamber 37 to communicate with each other is disposed away from the direction side along the circumferential direction of the inner wall 15, the inflow hole 35 is disposed. The combustion gas FG flowing into the single gas sealing part 23 via the gas can be prevented from going directly to the communication hole 38 side, and can be surely flowed into the single gas sealing part 23. Thus, the temperature of the pressurized gas PG sealed in 23 can be raised smoothly. In detail, in the inflator 1 of the embodiment, the combustion gas FG flowing out from the inflow hole 35 does not flow directly to the communication hole 38 side, and is enclosed with a single gas along the inner peripheral surfaces of the peripheral wall portions 8 and 13 in the housing 3. It will flow in the part 23 (refer FIG. 6). Furthermore, in the inflator 1 of the embodiment, the combustion gas FG that has flowed into the single gas sealing portion 23 and the pressurized gas PG sealed in the single gas sealing portion 23 are communicated with the gas mixing chamber 37 through the communication hole 38. After flowing in, the gas is discharged from the gas discharge port 41 of the discharge chamber 40 to the outside. Therefore, the combustion gas FG and the pressurized gas PG flow into the gas mixing chamber 37 in a state where the flow is once narrowed by the communication hole 38, and then diffuse in the gas mixing chamber 37. In the mixing chamber 37, the combustion gas FG and the pressurized gas PG can be mixed evenly, and the pressurized gas PG can be sufficiently heated.

したがって、実施形態のインフレーター１では、作動時におけるガス発生剤２８の着火性が良好で、かつ、燃焼ガスＦＧと加圧ガスＰＧとを均等に混合させた状態で、外部に吐出させることができる。 Therefore, in the inflator 1 of the embodiment, the ignitability of the gas generating agent 28 at the time of operation is good, and the combustion gas FG and the pressurized gas PG can be discharged to the outside in an evenly mixed state. .

また、実施形態のインフレーター１では、連通孔３８が、ガス混合室３７とガス封入室２２（単独ガス封入部２３）とを区画する略円筒状の内側壁１５に、形成されていることから、ガス混合室３７内に流入する燃焼ガスＦＧと加圧ガスＰＧとは、図５のＢに示すように、連通孔３８に対向して配置されるガス混合室３７（内側壁１５）の内側面１５ｂに当たって偏向された後、吐出室４０に向かうこととなり、ガス混合室３７（内側壁１５）の内側面１５ｂにより、燃焼ガスＦＧに含まれる残渣を捕捉することができる。そのため、実施形態のインフレーター１では、残渣を極力除去した状態で、ガス吐出口４１から、燃焼ガスＦＧと加圧ガスＰＧとの混合ガスＭＧを吐出させることができる。特に、実施形態のインフレーター１では、吐出室４０内に、上方に向かうように流入した混合ガスＭＧは、吐出室４０の上方を覆う壁部の下面に当たって偏向された状態で、ガス吐出口４１から水平方向に沿うようにして吐出されることとなり、この吐出室４０の上端側下面においても、残渣を捕捉することができる。 Further, in the inflator 1 of the embodiment, the communication hole 38 is formed in the substantially cylindrical inner wall 15 that partitions the gas mixing chamber 37 and the gas sealing chamber 22 (single gas sealing portion 23). The combustion gas FG and the pressurized gas PG flowing into the gas mixing chamber 37 are, as shown in FIG. 5B, the inner surface of the gas mixing chamber 37 (inner wall 15) disposed opposite the communication hole 38. After being deflected by hitting 15b, it goes to the discharge chamber 40, and the residue contained in the combustion gas FG can be captured by the inner surface 15b of the gas mixing chamber 37 (inner wall 15). Therefore, in the inflator 1 of the embodiment, the mixed gas MG of the combustion gas FG and the pressurized gas PG can be discharged from the gas discharge port 41 with the residue removed as much as possible. In particular, in the inflator 1 of the embodiment, the mixed gas MG that has flowed upward into the discharge chamber 40 is deflected from the gas discharge port 41 in a state where it is deflected against the lower surface of the wall portion that covers the upper portion of the discharge chamber 40. The discharge is performed along the horizontal direction, and the residue can be captured also on the lower surface on the upper end side of the discharge chamber 40.

さらに、実施形態のインフレーター１では、ガス発生剤収納部２７を構成する区画壁（カップ１７）の外形形状を、ガス混合室３７の外周側を囲むような略円弧状として、流入孔３５（開口１８ｃ）を、内側壁１５（ハウジング３）の周方向に沿った方向側の両端１８ａ，１８ｂ側に配設させて構成し、スクイブ２９を、ガス発生剤収納部２７における内側壁１５（ハウジング３）の周方向に沿った方向側の中央付近に配設させている。そのため、実施形態のインフレーター１では、作動時に、ガス発生剤２８を内側壁１５（ハウジング３）の周方向に沿った方向側の中央側から迅速に燃焼させることができて、ガス発生剤２８が燃焼して発生する燃焼ガスＦＧを、内側壁１５（ハウジング３）の周方向に沿った方向側の両端１８ａ，１８ｂ側に形成される流入孔３５から、バランスよく、単独ガス封入部２３内に流入させることができる。また、実施形態のインフレーター１では、単独ガス封入部２３とガス混合室３７とを連通する連通孔３８が、内側壁１５（ハウジング３）の周方向に沿った方向側において、流入孔３５，３５間の略中央となる位置に、配置されていることから、各流入孔３５，３５から流入した燃焼ガスＦＧ，ＦＧは、単独ガス封入部２３の内側面（周壁部８，１３の内側面）に沿って流れ、連通孔３８付近で相互にぶつかり合うような態様となる（図６のＢ参照）。そして、相互にぶつかり合って混ざり合った状態の燃焼ガスＦＧが、連通孔３８を経て、ガス混合室３７内に流入することとなり、ガス混合室３７内において、加圧ガスＰＧと燃焼ガスＦＧとを、一層均等に混合させることが可能となる。 Furthermore, in the inflator 1 of the embodiment, the outer shape of the partition wall (cup 17) constituting the gas generating agent storage unit 27 is substantially arcuate so as to surround the outer peripheral side of the gas mixing chamber 37, and the inflow hole 35 (opening) 18c) is disposed on both ends 18a, 18b of the inner wall 15 (housing 3) along the circumferential direction, and the squib 29 is formed on the inner wall 15 (housing 3) in the gas generating agent storage section 27. ) Around the center of the direction side along the circumferential direction. Therefore, in the inflator 1 of the embodiment, during operation, the gas generating agent 28 can be quickly burned from the central side on the direction side along the circumferential direction of the inner wall 15 (housing 3). Combustion gas FG generated by combustion is introduced into the single gas sealing portion 23 in a well-balanced manner from the inflow holes 35 formed on both ends 18a and 18b on the direction side along the circumferential direction of the inner wall 15 (housing 3). Can flow in. Further, in the inflator 1 of the embodiment, the communication hole 38 that communicates the single gas sealing portion 23 and the gas mixing chamber 37 has the inflow holes 35, 35 on the direction side along the circumferential direction of the inner wall 15 (housing 3). The combustion gases FG and FG flowing in from the respective inflow holes 35 and 35 are disposed at substantially central positions between them, so that the combustion gas FG and FG flow into the inner side surface of the single gas sealing portion 23 (inner side surfaces of the peripheral wall portions 8 and 13). Along the communication hole 38 and collide with each other in the vicinity of the communication hole 38 (see B in FIG. 6). Then, the combustion gas FG in a state of colliding with each other flows into the gas mixing chamber 37 through the communication hole 38, and in the gas mixing chamber 37, the pressurized gas PG and the combustion gas FG Can be mixed more evenly.

勿論、このような点を考慮しなければ、スクイブを、ガス発生剤収納部におけるハウジング（内側壁）の周方向に沿った方向側の中央に配置させなくともよく、ガス発生剤収納部を構成する区画壁において、ハウジング（内側壁）の周方向に沿った方向側の一方の端部のみに、流入孔を配置させる構成としてもよい。また、流入孔が、ガス発生剤収納部を構成する区画壁において、ハウジングの周方向に沿った方向側の両端側に配置される構成であっても、内側壁に形成される連通孔を、どちらか一方の流入孔に接近させるように、配置させてもよい。 Of course, if this point is not taken into consideration, the squib does not have to be arranged at the center of the gas generating agent storage portion in the direction along the circumferential direction of the housing (inner wall), and the gas generating agent storage portion is configured. It is good also as a structure which arrange | positions an inflow hole only in one edge part of the direction side along the circumferential direction of a housing (inner side wall). In addition, in the partition wall constituting the gas generating agent storage portion, the communication hole formed in the inner wall is provided in the partition wall constituting the gas generating agent storage portion, even if the inlet hole is arranged at both ends on the direction side along the circumferential direction of the housing. You may arrange | position so that either one inflow hole may be approached.

なお、実施形態のインフレーター１では、ガス発生剤収納部２７を構成するカップ１７（区画壁）の外形形状を、ガス混合室３７（内側壁１５）の外周側を囲むような略半円弧状としているが、このカップ１７（区画壁）の外形形状は、ガス発生剤２８と加圧ガスＰＧとの封入比率によって適宜変更可能であり、例えば、ガス発生剤２８の封入量が少ない場合には、カップ１７（区画壁）は、半円より小さな円弧状となり、ガス発生剤２８の封入量が多い場合には、カップ１７（区画壁）は、半円より大きな円弧状となる。 In addition, in the inflator 1 of embodiment, the external shape of the cup 17 (partition wall) which comprises the gas generating agent accommodating part 27 is made into the substantially semicircular arc shape surrounding the outer peripheral side of the gas mixing chamber 37 (inner wall 15). However, the outer shape of the cup 17 (partition wall) can be appropriately changed depending on the sealing ratio of the gas generating agent 28 and the pressurized gas PG. For example, when the amount of the gas generating agent 28 sealed is small, The cup 17 (partition wall) has an arc shape smaller than a semicircle, and when the amount of the gas generating agent 28 is large, the cup 17 (partition wall) has an arc shape larger than the semicircle.

また、実施形態のインフレーター１では、ガス発生剤収納部と単独ガス封入部とが、ガス封入室の領域を放射状に区画して、構成されているが、ガス発生剤収納部と単独ガス封入部との区画の仕方は、これに限られるものではなく、例えば、ガス封入室の領域を、ハウジングの軸方向に沿った上下で区画して、ガス発生剤収納部と単独ガス封入部とを区画してもよく、また、ガス封入室の領域を、ハウジングの軸直交方向に沿った内外で区画して、ガス発生剤収納部と単独ガス封入部とを区画してもよい。 Further, in the inflator 1 of the embodiment, the gas generating agent storage portion and the single gas sealing portion are configured by radially dividing the region of the gas sealing chamber, but the gas generating agent storage portion and the single gas sealing portion are configured. The method of partitioning is not limited to this. For example, the region of the gas sealing chamber is partitioned vertically along the axial direction of the housing, and the gas generating agent storage portion and the single gas sealing portion are partitioned. Alternatively, the gas sealing chamber region may be partitioned on the inside and outside of the housing along the direction orthogonal to the axis of the housing to partition the gas generating agent storage portion and the single gas sealing portion.

さらに、実施形態のインフレーター１では、ガス発生剤収納部を構成するカップ１７を、板金製として、側壁１８における内側壁１５（ハウジング３）の周方向に沿った方向側の両端１８ａ，１８ｂ側に、流入孔３５を構成する開口１８ｃを配置させているが、カップを構成する材料や、流入孔（流入部）の配置位置はこれに限られるものではなく、例えば、カップを連通孔と周方向に沿った方向側で離れた位置に配置させる構成であれば、カップを、パンチングメタルや燃焼ガスの発生時に消失しない金網等から形成し、カップの側壁（区画壁）の略全域から、燃焼ガスを単独ガス封入部内に流入させる構成としてもよい。 Further, in the inflator 1 according to the embodiment, the cup 17 constituting the gas generating agent storage unit is made of sheet metal, and the side walls 18 are disposed on both ends 18a and 18b on the direction side along the circumferential direction of the inner wall 15 (housing 3). The opening 18c constituting the inflow hole 35 is arranged, but the material constituting the cup and the arrangement position of the inflow hole (inflow part) are not limited to this, for example, the cup is connected to the communication hole and the circumferential direction. If the configuration is arranged at a position away from the direction along the direction, the cup is formed from punching metal or a wire mesh that does not disappear when combustion gas is generated, and the combustion gas is emitted from substantially the entire side wall (partition wall) of the cup. It is good also as a structure which flows in into a single gas enclosure part.

１…ハイブリッドインフレーター、
３…ハウジング、
１５…内側壁、
１７…カップ、
１８…側壁（区画壁）
２２…ガス封入室、
２３…単独ガス封入部、
２７…ガス発生剤収納部、
２８…ガス発生剤、
２９…スクイブ（点火装置）、
３３…第１破裂板、
３５…流入孔（流入部）、
３７…ガス混合室、
３８…連通孔、
４０…吐出室、
４１…ガス吐出口、
４２…流出孔、
４３…第２破裂板、
ＦＧ…燃焼ガス、
ＰＧ…加圧ガス、
ＭＧ…混合ガス。 1 ... Hybrid inflator,
3 ... Housing,
15 ... inner wall,
17 ... Cup,
18 ... side wall (partition wall)
22 ... Gas filled chamber,
23. Single gas enclosure,
27: Gas generating agent storage section,
28: Gas generating agent,
29 ... squib (ignition device),
33 ... the first rupturable plate,
35 ... inflow hole (inflow part),
37 ... Gas mixing chamber,
38 ... Communication hole,
40: Discharge chamber,
41 ... Gas outlet,
42 ... outflow hole,
43 ... the second rupturable plate,
FG ... Combustion gas,
PG ... pressurized gas,
MG: Mixed gas.

Claims

In operation, the mixed gas of combustion gas generated by ignition of the ignition device and sealed pressurized gas is discharged from the gas discharge port, and the outer shape of the disk type is a substantially disk shape. A hybrid inflator,
A gas mixing chamber configured to be mixed with the combustion gas and the pressurized gas at a substantially center of a columnar housing and surrounded by a substantially cylindrical inner wall whose axial direction is substantially along the central axis; And a discharge chamber having the gas discharge port, and arranged in series along the central axis,
The gas-filled chamber in which the pressurized gas is sealed is arranged so as to surround the outer peripheral side of the gas mixing chamber over the entire circumference.
The gas enclosure is
A single gas enclosing part in which only the pressurized gas is encapsulated,
A gas generating agent storage section filled with a gas generating agent capable of generating the combustion gas during combustion under the pressurized gas atmosphere; and
As a configuration comprising
The single gas sealing part and the gas generating agent storage part are partitioned from each other by a partition wall having an inflow part capable of flowing the combustion gas at the time of ignition into the single gas sealing part,
The ignition device arranged in the gas generating agent storage unit is arranged to be separated from the gas generating agent storage unit by a first rupturable plate that bursts during operation,
An outflow hole closed by a second rupturable plate is disposed between the gas mixing chamber and the discharge chamber, and the second rupturable plate is heated by the gas mixture chamber. It is configured to burst by pressure,
A communication hole that communicates the single gas sealing part and the gas mixing chamber is formed in the inner wall, and the communication gas flowing from the gas generating agent storage part passes through the single gas sealing part to communicate with the communication gas. It is arranged at a position away from the inflow portion on the direction side along the circumferential direction of the inner wall so as to be able to flow into the gas mixing chamber from a hole ,
The hybrid inflator , wherein the gas mixing chamber has a larger volume than the discharge chamber .

The housing includes a disk-shaped top plate and bottom plate portion, and a cylindrical peripheral wall portion,
In the center of the top plate portion, a protruding portion protruding in a columnar shape is formed,
The inner wall is set to have an inner diameter dimension larger than an outer diameter dimension of the projecting portion, and directly below the projecting portion, both ends are connected to the top plate portion and the bottom plate portion, respectively. Disposed within the housing;
The protrusion constitutes an outer wall of the discharge chamber,
The hybrid inflator according to claim 1, wherein the inner wall constitutes the gas mixing chamber.

In operation, the mixed gas of combustion gas generated by ignition of the ignition device and sealed pressurized gas is discharged from the gas discharge port, and the outer shape of the disk type is a substantially disk shape. A hybrid inflator,
  A gas mixing chamber configured to be mixed with the combustion gas and the pressurized gas at a substantially center of a columnar housing and surrounded by a substantially cylindrical inner wall whose axial direction is substantially along the central axis; And a discharge chamber having the gas discharge port, and arranged in series along the central axis,
  The gas-filled chamber in which the pressurized gas is sealed is arranged so as to surround the outer peripheral side of the gas mixing chamber over the entire circumference.
  The gas enclosure is
  A single gas enclosing part in which only the pressurized gas is encapsulated,
  A gas generating agent storage section filled with a gas generating agent capable of generating the combustion gas during combustion under the pressurized gas atmosphere; and
  As a configuration comprising
  The single gas sealing part and the gas generating agent storage part are partitioned from each other by a partition wall having an inflow part capable of flowing the combustion gas at the time of ignition into the single gas sealing part,
  The ignition device arranged in the gas generating agent storage unit is arranged to be separated from the gas generating agent storage unit by a first rupturable plate that bursts during operation,
  An outflow hole closed by a second rupturable plate is disposed between the gas mixing chamber and the discharge chamber, and the second rupturable plate is heated by the gas mixture chamber. It is configured to burst by pressure,
  A communication hole that communicates the single gas sealing part and the gas mixing chamber is formed in the inner wall, and the communication gas flowing from the gas generating agent storage part passes through the single gas sealing part to communicate with the communication gas. It is arranged at a position away from the inflow portion on the direction side along the circumferential direction of the inner wall so as to be able to flow into the gas mixing chamber from a hole,
  The partition wall constituting the gas generating agent storage portion has an outer shape of a substantially arc shape surrounding the outer peripheral side of the gas mixing chamber, and the inflow hole constituting the inflow portion is arranged in the circumferential direction of the inner wall. The ignition device is disposed near the center in the direction along the circumferential direction of the inner wall of the gas generating agent storage portion.
  The hybrid inflator is characterized in that the communication hole is disposed at a position which is substantially the center between the outflow holes on the direction side along the circumferential direction of the inner wall.