JP7240943B2 - gas generator - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gas generator incorporated in an occupant protection device for protecting an occupant in the event of a vehicle collision, and more particularly to a gas generator incorporated in an airbag device installed in an automobile or the like.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, from the viewpoint of protecting occupants of automobiles and the like, airbag devices, which are occupant protection devices, have been widely used. Airbag systems are installed to protect passengers from the impact that occurs in the event of a vehicle collision. By inflating and deploying the airbag instantaneously in the event of a vehicle collision, the airbag acts as a cushion for the passenger. It accepts the body.

The gas generator is incorporated in this airbag system, and when a vehicle or other vehicle collides, the igniter is ignited by the energization of the control unit, and the flame generated in the igniter burns the gas generating agent to instantly generate a large amount of gas. , the device that inflates and deploys the airbag.

There are various types of gas generators, but as a gas generator that can be used particularly suitably for a driver side airbag device, a passenger side airbag device, etc., a short abbreviation with a relatively large outer diameter is used. There is a cylindrical disk-shaped gas generator.

The disk-type gas generator has a short, substantially cylindrical housing with both ends in the axial direction closed. A transfer charge is accommodated inside the housing so as to allow the transfer charge to flow, a gas generating agent is filled inside the housing so as to surround the transfer charge, and a filter is accommodated inside the housing so as to further surround the gas generating agent. It is what is done.

As a document disclosing a specific configuration of this disk-type gas generator, there is, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-217059 (Patent Document 1).

Patent Literature 1 discloses a gas generator in which a cup body filled with transfer charge and an igniter collar holding an igniter body are crimped and fixed at a bent portion on the lower end side of a crimp case. The cup body is made of metal such as aluminum, and has a fragile portion on at least one of the closed end face and the peripheral wall portion. As a result, the crimp case is prevented from coming off or being damaged. However, since the cup body is made of a thin plate of aluminum, the mechanical strength is low, and there is a problem that the bursting strength of the cup body cannot be increased when the transfer charge is burned.

In order to burn the transfer charge sufficiently, it is necessary to increase the internal pressure of the cup body to increase the combustion speed of the transfer charge. As a result, the gas generating agent inside the gas generator can be burned in a short period of time, and the gas can be ejected to the airbag. However, since the mechanical strength of the cup body is low, the bursting strength cannot be increased. Therefore, in order to sufficiently increase the internal pressure inside the cup body, it is necessary to increase the amount of transfer charge and improve the burning speed. there were. However, even if the transfer charge is increased, there is a limit to improving the burning speed.

JP-A-2004-217059

In the disk-shaped gas generator, it is preferable that the time from the time when the igniter is activated to the time when the gas starts to be jetted outside through the gas jetting port is shorter. This is because if the time from when the igniter is activated to when the gas begins to be ejected to the outside through the gas ejection port is long, this will lead to a delay in the deployment of the airbag. It is an important issue whether the gas can be ejected at home.

In particular, in the disk-type gas generator in which the amount of gas generated during operation is set to be relatively large, compared to the disk-type gas generator in which the amount of gas generated during operation is set to be relatively small, it takes longer to eject the gas. time tends to be longer. This is partially due to the relatively large amount of gas generating agent filled in the disk-shaped gas generator, which is set to generate a relatively large amount of gas during operation.

More specifically, as the filling amount of the gas generating agent increases, the housing inevitably increases in size, and as a result, the distance from the igniter to the gas ejection port increases, so the gas generated immediately after the start of operation is A longer path has to be taken to reach the gas outlet, which leads to a delay in gas ejection. In addition, as the amount of gas generating agent charged increases, the amount of unburned gas generating agent immediately after the start of operation inevitably increases. , which also leads to a delay in gas ejection.

Therefore, in the conventional disk-type gas generator, from the viewpoint of ejecting gas in a short period of time, the charging amount of transfer charge is reduced so that the gas generating agent starts burning earlier and more often. Measures are being taken to increase

However, even if the charging amount of the transfer charge is increased, there is a limit to shortening the time from when the igniter is activated to when the gas starts to be ejected to the outside through the gas ejection port. can't be quick enough. This is very different from simply increasing the amount of transfer charge, as the transfer charge placed at a distance from the igniter cannot ignite quickly, and as a result, the amount of transfer charge is reduced. This is because there will be no

In addition, when the transfer charge is increased, the problem of increased manufacturing costs naturally arises, and there is a need to solve this problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a gas generator with improved gas output characteristics.

A gas generator according to the present invention includes a cylindrical peripheral wall portion provided with a gas ejection port, a top plate portion closing one end of the peripheral wall portion in the axial direction, and a top plate portion closing the other axial end of the peripheral wall portion. It is composed of a bottom plate part that and an igniter including a short cylindrical housing having a combustion chamber inside which contains a gas generating agent, and an igniter assembled to the bottom plate portion and containing an ignition portion containing an ignition charge that ignites during operation. there is Further, a bottomed cylindrical single member that includes a transfer chamber containing a transfer charge therein and is arranged so as to protrude toward the combustion chamber so that the internal space faces the ignition part. A configuration including a cup-shaped member made of Further, the top wall of the cup-shaped member is at least partially provided with a thin weakened portion, and the cup-shaped member has a mechanical strength higher than that of the weakened portion that separates the transfer chamber and the combustion chamber. It has side walls. Moreover, the fragile portion is arranged to face the ignition portion, and configures a fragile portion that bursts, deforms, or melts the cup-shaped member before the side wall portion when the igniter is actuated. The top wall portion of the cup-shaped member includes a weakened portion existence region in which bursting, deformation, or melting occurs initially starting from the weakened portion due to combustion of the transfer charge accompanying operation of the igniter, and the weakened portion existence region. and a fragile portion non-existing region in which rupture, deformation, or melting occurs after a predetermined period of time has passed since the deformation.

With this configuration, the heat particles can be made to flow into the combustion chamber in a concentrated manner between the flame transfer chamber and the top plate while the internal pressure of the flame transfer chamber is sufficiently increased. gas output characteristics can be realized. Moreover, by configuring in this way, it is possible to impart directivity to the thermal particles flowing from the transfer chamber toward the combustion chamber.

In the gas generator according to the present invention, it is preferable that the weakened portion disposed on the top wall portion of the cup-shaped member is thinner than the side wall portion of the cup-shaped member.

By configuring in this way, the cup-shaped member can be easily processed and created, resulting in a simple configuration.

In the gas generator according to the present invention, the peripheral wall portion provided with the gas ejection port, the top plate portion closing one axial end of the peripheral wall portion, and the other axial end of the peripheral wall portion are A housing including a closed bottom plate portion, a cylindrical filter housed inside the housing so that the outer peripheral surface faces the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion, and a closed end on the top plate portion side. It has a cup-like shape and is assembled to the bottom plate so that the space inside the filter is divided into a first combustion chamber containing a first gas generating agent and a second combustion chamber containing a second gas generating agent. A partition that partitions into a combustion chamber, a first igniter that is assembled to the bottom plate so as to face the first combustion chamber that is a space outside the partition, and a space inside the partition. A second igniter assembled to the bottom plate portion so as to face the second combustion chamber may also be provided. Here, a bottomed cylindrical single unit including a transfer chamber containing a transfer charge therein and protruding toward the combustion chamber so that the internal space faces the first ignition part is provided with a cup-shaped member made of a member of A thin weakened portion is disposed at least partially on the top wall portion of the cup-shaped member, and the cup-shaped member has higher mechanical strength than the weakened portion that separates the transfer chamber and the combustion chamber. It also has side walls. Further, the fragile portion is arranged to face the first ignition portion, and is a fragile portion that bursts, deforms, or melts the cup-shaped member before the side wall portion along with the operation of the first igniter. there is The top wall portion of the cup-shaped member includes a fragile portion existence region in which bursting, deformation, or melting occurs initially starting from the fragile portion due to combustion of the transfer charge accompanying the operation of the first igniter, and the fragile portion. and a weak portion non-existing region in which rupture, deformation, or melting occurs after a predetermined time has elapsed since the existing region was deformed. In this way, a dual-type gas generator can be configured.

With this configuration, the heat particles can be made to flow into the combustion chamber in a concentrated manner between the flame transfer chamber and the top plate while the internal pressure of the flame transfer chamber is sufficiently increased. gas output characteristics can be realized. Moreover, by configuring in this way, it is possible to impart directivity to the thermal particles flowing from the transfer chamber toward the combustion chamber.

In the dual-type gas generator according to the present invention, the top wall portion of the cup-shaped member initially ruptures starting from the weakened portion due to combustion of the transfer charge accompanying the operation of the igniter, It is composed of a fragile part existence region where deformation or melting occurs and a fragile part non-existing region where rupture, deformation or melting occurs after a predetermined time has elapsed after the fragile part existence region is deformed, and the fragile part existence region is It is preferable that the top wall portion is arranged on the second igniter-side semi-peripheral surface, and the fragile portion non-existing region is arranged on the filter-side semi-peripheral surface.

By configuring in this way, it is possible to effectively suppress the blowing of the flame generated by the combustion of the transfer charge accompanying the operation of the first igniter to the filter, thereby suppressing damage to the filter.

In the gas generator based on the said invention, the said weak part may be radially provided in the said top wall part at the slit shape.

By configuring in this way, it becomes possible to simply create the cup-shaped member.

In the gas generator according to the present invention, it is preferable that the cup-shaped member is made of a metallic material such as stainless steel, iron steel, aluminum alloy, or stainless alloy.

By configuring in this way, it becomes easy to increase the internal pressure in the transfer chamber, improve the output characteristics, and easily reduce the amount of transfer charge inside.

According to the present invention, a gas generator having excellent gas output characteristics such as ignitability can be provided.

1 is a schematic diagram of a disk-shaped gas generator A according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the disk-shaped gas generator shown in FIG. 1; 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the top wall portion of the cup-shaped member; FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a disk-shaped gas generator B according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a disk-shaped gas generator C according to a third embodiment of the present invention; 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the top wall portion of the cup-shaped member; FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the disk-shaped gas generator shown in the disk-shaped gas generator C according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the disk-shaped gas generator shown in the disk-shaped gas generator C according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the disk-shaped gas generator shown in the disk-shaped gas generator C according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of disk-shaped gas generators D according to Comparative Examples 2 and 3; It is a figure which shows the test conditions and test result of a verification test. 4 is a table showing test conditions and test results of a verification test;

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

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a disk-shaped gas generator A according to a first embodiment of the present invention. First, referring to FIG. 1, the configuration of a disk-type gas generator A according to this embodiment will be described.

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

The housing includes a lower shell 10 and an upper shell 20. As shown in FIG. Each of the lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20 is a press-formed product formed by pressing a rolled metal plate member, for example. As the metal plate-shaped members forming the lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20, for example, metal plates made of stainless steel, iron steel, aluminum alloy, stainless alloy, etc. are used. A so-called high-strength steel sheet that does not cause damage such as breakage even when a tensile stress of [MPa] or less is applied is used.

The lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20 are each formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a bottom, and a housing is constructed by combining and joining these opening surfaces facing each other. The lower shell 10 has a bottom plate portion 11 and a peripheral wall portion 12 , and the upper shell 20 has a top plate portion 21 and a peripheral wall portion 22 .

The upper end of the peripheral wall portion 12 of the lower shell 10 is press-fitted by being inserted into the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 22 of the upper shell 20 . Further, the peripheral wall portion 12 of the lower shell 10 and the peripheral wall portion 22 of the upper shell 20 are joined at or near their abutting portions, thereby fixing the lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20. ing. Electron beam welding, laser welding, friction welding, or the like can be suitably used for joining the lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20 .

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

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

The protruding cylindrical portion 13 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a bottom, and has an asymmetrical shape (for example, a D shape, a barrel An opening 15 having a mold shape, oval shape, etc.) is provided. The opening 15 is a portion through which the pair of terminal pins 42 of the igniter 40 are inserted.

The igniter 40 is for generating flame, and includes an igniter 41 and the pair of terminal pins 42 described above. The ignition part 41 contains therein an ignition charge that generates flame by being ignited and burned during operation, and a resistor for igniting the ignition charge. A pair of terminal pins 42 are connected to the ignition portion 41 to ignite the ignition charge.

More specifically, the ignition part 41 includes a cup-shaped squib cup, and a plug that closes the open end of the squib cup and holds a pair of terminal pins 42 inserted therethrough. A resistor (bridge wire) is attached so as to connect the ends of a pair of terminal pins 42 inserted into the squib cup, and points are placed in the squib cup so as to surround or be adjacent to the resistor. It has a configuration loaded with gunpowder.

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 igniter. Note that the squib cups and emboli described above are generally made of metal or plastic.

A predetermined amount of current flows through the resistor via the terminal pin 42 when a collision is detected. When a predetermined amount of current flows through the resistor, Joule heat is generated in the resistor, and the ignition charge starts burning. The high temperature flame produced by the combustion ruptures the squib cup containing the ignition charge. The time from when the current flows through the resistor until the igniter 40 is activated is generally 2 [ms] or less when the nichrome wire is used as the resistor.

The igniter 40 is attached to the bottom plate portion 11 while being inserted from the inside of the lower shell 10 so that the terminal pin 42 is inserted through the opening 15 provided in the projecting cylindrical portion 13 . Specifically, a holding portion 30 made of a resin molded portion is provided around the protruding cylindrical portion 13 provided on the bottom plate portion 11, and the igniter 40 is held by the holding portion 30. is fixed to the bottom plate portion 11 by

The holding portion 30 is formed by injection molding (more specifically, insert molding) using a mold. It is formed by applying an insulating fluid resin material to the bottom plate portion 11 so as to reach from a part of the inner surface to a part of the outer surface of the bottom plate portion 11 and solidifying it.

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

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

The holding portion 30 is fixed to the bottom plate portion 11 on the surfaces of the inner covering portion 31 , the outer covering portion 32 , and the connecting portion 33 on the side of the bottom plate portion 11 . Further, the holding portion 30 is fixed to the side surface and the lower surface of the portion of the ignition portion 41 of the igniter 40 near the lower end and the surface of the portion of the terminal pin 42 of the igniter 40 near the upper end.

As a result, the opening 15 is completely embedded by the terminal pin 42 and the holding portion 30, and the airtightness of the space inside the housing is ensured by ensuring the sealing performance in this portion. In addition, since the opening 15 is formed in an asymmetrical shape in plan view as described above, by embedding the opening 15 with the connecting portion 33 , the opening 15 and the connecting portion 33 are connected to the holding portion 30 . It also functions as a detent mechanism for preventing rotation of the bottom plate portion 11 .

A female connector portion 34 is formed at a portion of the holding portion 30 facing the outside of the outer covering portion 32 . The female connector portion 34 is a portion for receiving a male connector (not shown) of a harness for connecting the igniter 40 and a control unit (not shown). is located in a recess 14 provided in the .

A terminal pin 42 of the igniter 40 is disposed in the female connector portion 34 so that a portion near the lower end thereof is exposed. A male connector is inserted into the female connector portion 34 to achieve electrical continuity between the core wires of the harness and the terminal pins 42 .

Alternatively, the above-described injection molding may be performed using the lower shell 10 having an adhesive layer provided in advance at predetermined positions on the surface of the bottom plate portion 11 that will be covered by the holding portion 30 . The adhesive layer can be formed by applying an adhesive to a predetermined position of the bottom plate portion 11 in advance and curing the adhesive.

In this way, since the hardened adhesive layer is positioned between the bottom plate portion 11 and the holding portion 30, the holding portion 30 made of the resin molded portion can be more firmly fixed to the bottom plate portion 11. be possible. Therefore, if the adhesive layer is annularly provided along the circumferential direction so as to surround the opening 15 provided in the bottom plate portion 11, it is possible to secure a higher sealing performance in that portion.

Here, as the adhesive to be applied to the bottom plate portion 11 in advance, an adhesive containing a resin material having excellent heat resistance, durability, corrosion resistance, etc. after curing as a raw material is preferably used. Materials containing resins or silicone-based resins as raw materials are particularly preferably used. In addition to the above resin materials, phenolic resins, epoxy resins, melamine resins, urea resins, polyester resins, alkyd resins, polyurethane resins, polyimide resins, polyethylene resins, polypropylene resins, Polyvinyl chloride resin, polystyrene resin, polyvinyl acetate resin, polytetrafluoroethylene resin, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin, acrylonitrile styrene resin, acrylic resin, polyamide resin, polyacetal resin, polycarbonate resin, Polyphenylene ether resin, polybutylene terephthalate resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, polyolefin resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, polysulfone resin, polyether sulfone resin, polyarylate resin, polyether ether ketone resin , polyamideimide-based resin, liquid crystal polymer, styrene-based rubber, olefin-based rubber, etc. as raw materials can be used as the above-mentioned adhesive.

Here, a configuration example in which the igniter 40 can be fixed to the lower shell 10 by injection molding the holding part 30 made of a resin molded part is illustrated, but the igniter 40 to the lower shell 10 It is also possible to use other alternatives for the fixation of the .

A cup-shaped member 50 is assembled to the bottom plate portion 11 so as to cover the projecting cylindrical portion 13 , the holding portion 30 and the igniter 40 . The cup-shaped member 50 has a substantially cylindrical shape with an open end on the bottom plate portion 11 side, and includes a space in which a partition member 55 and transfer charge 59 are accommodated. The cup-shaped member 50 is positioned so as to protrude into the combustion chamber 60 containing the gas generating agent 61 so that the space provided therein faces the ignition portion 41 of the igniter 40 . are placed in

The cup-shaped member 50 includes a top wall portion 51, a cylindrical side wall portion 52 extending from the peripheral edge of the top wall portion 51 toward the bottom plate portion 11 side, and an end of the side wall portion 52 on the bottom plate portion 11 side. and an extending portion 53 extending radially outward from the open end, which is the portion. Extending portion 53 is formed to extend along the inner surface of bottom plate portion 11 of lower shell 10 . Specifically, the extension portion 53 has a shape that is bent along the shape of the inner bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 11 in the portion where the projecting tubular portion 13 is provided and in the vicinity thereof. The directionally outward portion includes a flange-like extending tip 54 .

The distal end portion 54 of the extension portion 53 is arranged between the bottom plate portion 11 and the lower support member 70 along the axial direction of the housing, thereby allowing the bottom plate portion 11 and the lower side to extend along the axial direction of the housing. It is sandwiched between the support member 70 and the support member 70 . Here, since the lower support member 70 is in a state of being pressed toward the bottom plate portion 11 side by the gas generating agent 61, the cushion material 85, the upper support member 80, and the top plate portion 21 arranged thereabove, The cup-shaped member 50 is fixed to the bottom plate portion 11 when the tip portion 54 of the extension portion 53 is pressed toward the bottom plate portion 11 by the lower support member 70 . As a result, the cup-shaped member 50 can be prevented from falling off from the bottom plate portion 11 without using caulking or press-fitting to fix the cup-shaped member 50 .

The cup-shaped member 50 has no openings in either the side wall portion 52 or the top wall portion 51, and surrounds the space provided therein. When the transfer charge 59 inside the transfer chamber is ignited by the operation of the igniter 40, the cup-shaped member 50 bursts, deforms, or ruptures due to the increase in pressure in the internal space and the conduction of the generated heat. It melts.

Materials for the cup-shaped member 50 include metal members such as stainless steel, steel, aluminum, aluminum alloys, stainless steel and stainless alloys, thermosetting resins such as epoxy resin, polybutylene terephthalate resin, and polyethylene terephthalate. A member made of a resin such as thermoplastic resin such as resin, polyamide resin (for example, nylon 6 or nylon 66), polypropylene sulfide resin, polypropylene oxide resin, or the like is preferably used. In particular, iron-based metal materials such as stainless steel and iron steel, which have relatively higher mechanical strength than aluminum, are preferable.

The fixing method of the cup-shaped member 50 is not limited to the fixing method using the lower support member 70 described above, and other fixing methods may be used.

At least a portion of the top wall portion 51 of the cup-shaped member 50 is provided with a fragile portion 55 that is thinner than the side wall portion 52 . The weakened portion 55 is formed by radially extending slits and is configured to have a mechanical strength lower than that of the side wall portion 52 of the cup-shaped member 50 . Here, the fragile portion 55 is arranged so as to face the ignition portion 41 of the igniter 40 . In addition, portions of the top wall portion 51 other than the radially extending weakened portion 55 are provided with a non-weakened portion 56 that is thicker than the weakened portion and approximately the same thickness as the side wall portion 52 .

As a result, the space inside the cup-shaped member 50 bursts, deforms, or melts the fragile portion 55 due to the thrust generated by the combustion of the transfer charge 59, and the fragile portion 55 has a relatively low mechanical strength. It's becoming On the other hand, the non-weakened portion 56 is formed to be thicker than the weakened portion 55 , so that the non-weakened portion 56 remains even when the transfer charge 59 burns when the igniter 40 is activated.

The thickness t1 of the weakened portion 55 and the thickness t2 of the non-weakened portion described above are appropriately adjusted based on the type and filling amount of the transfer charge 59 to be used. For example, when the cup-shaped member is made of iron or stainless steel, the thickness t1 of the fragile portion 55 is 0.6 mm or less, preferably 0.3 mm or less. On the other hand, when the cup-shaped member 50 is made of iron or stainless steel, the thickness t2 of the non-weakened portion 56 is preferably 0.3 mm or more and 0.9 mm or less, provided that it is larger than the thickness t1 of the fragile portion 55. is 0.4 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less. The thickness t3 of the side wall portion 52 of the cup-shaped member 50 is not particularly limited. It is preferable that the thickness is approximately equal to the thickness t2 of the non-weakened portion 56 . Here, the degree of equality means that the difference in thickness from the thickness t2 of the non-weakened portion 56 is preferably 0.6 mm or less, more preferably 0.3 mm or less.

The transfer charge 59 filled in the transfer chamber is ignited by the flame generated by the operation of the igniter 40, and burns to generate thermal particles. The transfer charge 59 must be capable of reliably starting combustion of the gas generating agent 61. Generally, B/KNO ₃ , B/NaNO ₃ , Sr(NO ₃ ) ₂ and the like are used. A composition consisting of metal powder/oxidizing agent represented by , a composition consisting of titanium hydride/potassium perchlorate, a composition consisting of B/5-aminotetrazole/potassium nitrate/molybdenum trioxide, and the like are used.

As the transfer charge 59, a powdery one, a binder molded into a predetermined shape, or the like is used. The shape of transfer charge 59 formed by the binder includes various shapes such as granular, cylindrical, sheet, spherical, single-hole cylindrical, multi-hole cylindrical, and tablet-like.

A combustion chamber 60 containing a gas generating agent 61 is located in a space surrounding a portion of the interior of the housing where the cup-shaped member 50 is arranged. Specifically, as described above, the cup-shaped member 50 is arranged to protrude into the combustion chamber 60 formed inside the housing, and the outer surface of the top wall portion 51 of the cup-shaped member 50 is facing. A combustion chamber 60 is formed of the space provided in the portion facing the outer surface of the side wall portion 52 and the space provided in the portion facing the outer surface of the side wall portion 52 . This results in the outer surface of the cup-shaped member 50 having the gas generant 61 disposed adjacent thereto.

A filter 90 is arranged along the inner circumference of the housing in a space radially surrounding the combustion chamber 60 containing the gas generating agent 61 . The filter 90 has a cylindrical shape and is arranged such that its central axis substantially coincides with the axial direction of the housing.

The gas generating agent 61 is a chemical that is ignited by thermal particles generated by the operation of the igniter 40 and burns to generate gas. As the gas generating agent 61, it is preferable to use a non-azide gas generating agent, and generally the gas generating agent 61 is formed as a compact 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, nitroguanidine, guanidine nitrate, cyanoguanidine, 5-aminotetrazole and the like are preferably used.

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

Additives include binders, slag forming agents, and combustion modifiers. As the binder, for example, organic binders such as polyvinyl alcohol, metal salts of carboxymethyl cellulose and stearates, and inorganic binders such as synthetic hydrotalcite and acid clay can be preferably used. In addition, binders include polysaccharide derivatives such as hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate, nitrocellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, guar gum, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylamide, and starch. Alternatively, inorganic binders such as molybdenum disulfide, talc, bentonite, diatomaceous earth, kaolin, and alumina can be suitably used. As the slag forming agent, silicon nitride, silica, acid clay, etc. can be suitably used. Metal oxides, ferrosilicon, activated carbon, graphite and the like can be suitably used as combustion modifiers.

The shape of the molded body of the gas generating agent 61 includes various shapes such as granular shapes such as granules, pellets, and cylindrical shapes, and disk shapes. In addition, in the case of a columnar shape, a perforated shaped body having through holes inside the shaped body (for example, a single-hole cylindrical shape, a porous cylindrical shape, etc.) is also used. These shapes are preferably selected appropriately according to the specifications of the airbag device in which the disk-shaped gas generator A is incorporated. It is preferable to select the optimum shape according to the specifications, such as selecting . In addition to the shape of the gas generating agent 61, it is preferable to appropriately select the size and filling amount of the compact in consideration of the linear burning velocity, pressure index, etc. of the gas generating agent 61.

For the filter 90, for example, a metal wire such as stainless steel or steel is wound and sintered, or a net material in which a metal wire is woven is pressed and compacted. As the mesh material, specifically, a knitted wire mesh, a plain-woven wire mesh, an aggregate of crimp-woven metal wires, or the like can be used.

As the filter 90, a wound perforated metal plate or the like can also be used. In this case, the perforated metal plate may be, for example, an expanded metal obtained by cutting a metal plate in a zigzag pattern and expanding the cuts to form holes to form a mesh, or a metal plate with holes and A hook metal or the like is used in which burrs formed on the periphery of the hole are flattened by crushing them. In this case, the size and shape of the holes to be formed can be changed as needed, and holes of different sizes and shapes may be included on the same metal plate. As the metal plate, for example, a steel plate (mild steel) or a stainless steel plate can be suitably used, and a non-ferrous metal plate such as aluminum, copper, titanium, nickel or alloys thereof can also be used.

When the gas generated in the combustion chamber 60 passes through the filter 90, the filter 90 functions as a cooling means for cooling the gas by removing high-temperature heat from the gas, and removes residue contained in the gas. It also functions as a removing means for removing (slag) and the like. Therefore, in order to sufficiently cool the gas and prevent the residue from being released to the outside, it is necessary to ensure that the gas generated within the combustion chamber 60 passes through the filter 90 . The filter 90 is arranged such that a gap 28 of a predetermined size is formed between the peripheral wall portion 12 of the lower shell 10 and the peripheral wall portion 22 of the upper shell 20, which constitute the peripheral wall portion of the housing. , are spaced apart from the peripheral walls 12 and 22 .

A plurality of gas ejection ports 23 are provided in the peripheral wall portion 22 of the upper shell 20 facing the filter 90 . The plurality of gas ejection ports 23 are for leading out the gas that has passed through the filter 90 to the outside of the housing.

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

A lower support member 70 is arranged in the vicinity of the end portion of the combustion chamber 60 located on the bottom plate portion 11 side. The lower support member 70 has an annular shape, and is arranged substantially on the filter 90 and the bottom plate portion 11 so as to cover the boundary portion between the filter 90 and the bottom plate portion 11. there is Thereby, the lower support member 70 is positioned between the bottom plate portion 11 and the gas generating agent 61 in the vicinity of the end portion of the combustion chamber 60 .

The lower support member 70 includes an annular plate-shaped base portion 71 that is attached to the bottom plate portion 11 along the inner bottom surface of the bottom plate portion 11 and abutment that contacts the inner peripheral surface of the filter 90 near the bottom plate portion 11 . It has a portion 72 and a cylindrical standing portion 73 standing from the base portion 71 toward the top plate portion 21 side. The contact portion 72 extends from the outer edge of the base portion 71 , and the standing portion 73 extends from the inner edge of the base portion 71 . The standing portion 73 covers the outer peripheral surface of the projecting cylindrical portion 13 of the lower shell 10 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner covering portion 31 of the holding portion 30 via the extending portion 53 of the cup-shaped member 50 . .

The lower support member 70 is a member for fixing the filter 90 to the housing, and during operation, the gas generated in the combustion chamber 60 does not pass through the inside of the filter 90, and the lower end of the filter 90 and the bottom plate portion are connected to each other. It also functions as an outflow preventing means for preventing the liquid from flowing out from the gap between the 11 and 11 . Therefore, the lower support member 70 is formed, for example, by pressing a metal plate-like member, and is preferably made of a steel plate such as ordinary steel or special steel (for example, a cold-rolled steel plate, a stainless steel plate, or the like). ).

Here, the distal end portion 54 of the extension portion 53 of the cup-shaped member 50 described above is arranged between the bottom plate portion 11 and the base portion 71 of the lower support member 70 along the axial direction of the housing. As a result, the distal end portion 54 is sandwiched and held between the bottom plate portion 11 and the base portion 71 along the axial direction of the housing. With this configuration, the tip portion 54 of the extension portion 53 of the cup-shaped member 50 is pressed toward the bottom plate portion 11 by the base portion 71 of the lower support member 70 . It will be fixed against

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

The upper support member 80 has a base portion 81 that abuts on the top plate portion 21 and a contact portion 82 that stands upright from the peripheral edge of the base portion 81 . The contact portion 82 contacts the inner peripheral surface of the axial end portion of the filter 90 located on the top plate portion 21 side.

The upper support member 80 is a member for fixing the filter 90 to the housing, and during operation, the gas generated in the combustion chamber 60 does not pass through the inside of the filter 90 and the upper end of the filter 90 and the top plate portion. It also functions as an outflow preventing means for preventing the liquid from flowing out from the gap between the 21 . Therefore, the upper support member 80 is formed, for example, by pressing a plate-like member made of metal, and is preferably a steel plate such as ordinary steel or special steel (for example, cold-rolled steel plate, stainless steel plate, etc.). It is composed of a member consisting of

A disk-shaped cushion member 85 is arranged inside the upper support member 80 so as to come into contact with the gas generating agent 61 contained in the combustion chamber 60 . As a result, the cushion material 85 is positioned between the top plate portion 21 and the gas generating agent 61 in the portion of the combustion chamber 60 on the top plate portion 21 side, so that the gas generating agent 61 is directed toward the bottom plate portion 11 side. is pressing.

The cushion material 85 is provided for the purpose of preventing the gas generating agent 61, which is a molded body, from being pulverized by vibration or the like. It is composed of a member made of rubber typified by silicone, foamed polypropylene, foamed polyethylene, foamed urethane, etc.), chloroprene, and EPDM.

Next, with reference to FIG. 1, the procedure for assembling the gas generator A according to the present embodiment will be described.

First, in the lower shell 10, the igniter 40 is fixed by being injection-molded as the holding portion 30 made of a resin molded portion. Then, the side wall portion 52 of the cup-shaped member 50 containing the transfer charge 59 is press-fitted into the holding portion 30 of the lower shell 10 and fixed. Next, the lower support member 70 is placed on the distal end portion 54 of the extended portion 53 of the cup-shaped member 50 , and the filter 90 is inserted toward the inner bottom surface of the lower shell 10 .

Then, the inside of the filter 90 is filled with the gas generating agent 61 , and the upper support member 80 with the cushion material 85 interposed is inserted into the upper end portion of the filter 90 . After that, the upper shell 20 with the gas ejection port 23 closed by the seal tape 24 is placed over the lower shell 10, and the lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20 are welded. As described above, the assembly of the gas generator 1 having the structure shown in FIG. 1 is completed.

Here, in the gas generator A according to the present embodiment, since the cup-shaped member 50 is not provided with an opening, the step of filling the transfer charge 59 into the transfer chamber 57 provided inside the cup-shaped member 50 is performed. can be done very easily. This is because the cup-shaped member 50 itself is made of a fragile member with low mechanical strength so that a portion of the cup-shaped member ruptures, deforms, or melts when the gas generator A operates. be. That is, the operation of closing the opening provided in the cup-shaped member for filling the transfer charge 59, which is necessary when using a cup-shaped member having an opening, such as aluminum tape or a closing plate, becomes unnecessary. Therefore, the manufacturing process can be greatly simplified.

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

Referring to FIG. 1, when the vehicle equipped with the disk-type gas generator A collides, the collision is detected by collision detection means separately provided in the vehicle. The igniter 40 is activated by energization from the control unit. The transfer charge 59 stored in the first space S1, which is a transfer chamber, is ignited by the flame generated by the operation of the igniter 40 and starts burning.

At that time, as shown in FIG. 2A, immediately after the igniter 40 is activated, the ignition charge loaded in the igniter 41 is rapidly burned, and the squib cup of the igniter 41 bursts. , the thrust generated by the rapid combustion of the ignition charge propagates to the transfer charge 59 filled in the transfer charge chamber 57 .

As shown in FIG. 2B, the thrust reaches the top wall portion 52 of the cup-shaped member 50, causing the fragile portion 55 of the cup-shaped member 50 to burst, deform, or melt. The rupture, deformation, or melting of the fragile portion 55 of the cup-shaped member 50 occurs later than the ignition of the transfer charge 59 by the hot particles generated by the combustion of the ignition charge. Since the side wall portion 52 does not have the fragile portion 55 and the top wall portion 51 has the fragile portion 55, the fragile portion 55 of the top wall portion 51 bursts, deforms, or melts, and the top wall portion The internal pressure will rise until 51 ruptures, deforms or melts. Here, the transfer charge 59 of the cup-shaped member 50 is scattered inside the cup-shaped member 50 by receiving thrust generated by combustion of the ignition charge, and is in a dispersed state. The fragile portion 55 is provided as a slit as shown in FIG. 3 or FIG.

Therefore, the transfer charge 59 located farther from the igniter 40 is also ignited by the hot particles within a shorter period of time and starts burning, resulting in an increase in pressure in the space inside the cup-shaped member 50 and The temperature rise in the space is greatly accelerated. As a result, the fragile portion 55 of the cup-shaped member 50 bursts, deforms or melts in a shorter period of time, and a large amount of heat particles generated by the combustion of the transfer charge 59 is released into the combustion chamber 60 early. will flow into
In particular, in FIG. 1, the cup-shaped member 50 is made of iron or stainless steel and has a higher strength than aluminum. do not have. At this time, the internal pressure of the cup-shaped member 50 increases until a predetermined period of time at which the fragile portion 55 of the cup-shaped member is ruptured, deformed, or melted. After the internal pressure reaches a certain level or more, the fragile portion 55 of the cup-shaped member 50 bursts, deforms, or melts. Therefore, by increasing the mechanical strength of the cup-shaped member 50 by using a ferrous metal material having high mechanical strength such as iron or stainless steel, the transfer charge 59 can be sufficiently burned when the cup-shaped member 50 is split. The cup-shaped member 50 can be cleaved in a state in which the combustion of the gas generating agent 61 is promoted. Such an improvement in the mechanical strength of the cup-shaped member 50 can be realized by increasing the thickness even when using a metal with low strength such as aluminum. In that case, the thickness is preferably 0.4 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, more preferably 0.4 mm or more and 0.7 mm or less.

As shown in FIG. 1, when a large amount of hot particles flow into the combustion chamber 60, the gas generating agent 61 contained in the combustion chamber 60 is ignited and burned, generating a large amount of gas. The gas generated in the combustion chamber 60 passes through the inside of the filter 90. At that time, the filter 90 removes heat and cools the gas. flow into.

In the following, with reference to FIG. 1, a description will be given of the mechanism by which the transfer of flame energy by the transfer charge 59 can be suitably controlled in the case of the disk-shaped gas generator A according to the first embodiment of the present invention. .

As shown in FIG. 1B, in the gas generator A of the first embodiment of the present invention, the top wall portion 51 of the cup-shaped member 50 has a radial thickness t1 of the other portion of the top wall portion 51. The fragile portion 55 is configured by making it thinner than , and the thickness t2 of the remaining portion of the top wall portion 52 of the cup-shaped member 50 is made thicker than the thickness t1 of the fragile portion 55 to form a non-weakened portion. 56. The side wall portion 52 of the cup-shaped member 50 is thicker than the fragile portion 55 and is approximately the same thickness as the non-fragile portion 56 .

By configuring in this way, as shown in FIG. 2(A), the fragile portion 55 is first ruptured, deformed, or melted. Here, since the cup-shaped member 50 bursts, deforms, or melts from the starting point, there is no risk of bursting, deformation, or melting from the side wall portion 52 where the weak portion 55 does not exist, and the transfer charge 59 burns sufficiently. As a result, the top wall portion 51 bursts, deforms, or melts. After that, the top wall portion 51 splits along the weakened portion 55 starting from the fractured, deformed, or melted weakened portion 55 . After the top wall portion 51 is cleaved, the cleavage reaches the side wall portion 52 and continues to cleave the side wall portion 52 . In this way, since the fragile portion 55 is cleaved along the longitudinal direction, it is cleaved in a petal shape as shown in FIG. 2(B). Therefore, as the cup-shaped member 50 is cleaved, the opening becomes wider toward the top plate portion 21 side with the passage of time. It flows into the part side 21 with directivity.

Specifically, the fragile portion 55 ruptures, deforms, or melts, and the top wall of the cup-shaped member 50 is cleaved in the first stage in which the non-weakened portion of the top wall portion 51 cleaves from the fragile portion 55 as a starting point. Since the portion 51 is ruptured, deformed, or melted and the side wall portion 52 remains, the thermal particles generated by the combustion of the transfer charge 59 flow toward the top plate portion 21 and flow into the combustion chamber 60. The resulting flame is squeezed between the cup-shaped member 50 and the top plate portion 21 . As a result, all of the gas generating agents 61 adjacent to the cup-shaped member 50 are not ignited at the same time, and the flame spread of the gas generating agents 61 proceeds mainly between the transfer chamber 57 and the top plate portion 21. will do.

As the bursting, deformation, or melting of the top wall portion 51 of the cup-shaped member 50 progresses, the splitting of the side wall portion 52 progresses in the second stage. Here, the cleavage of the side wall portion 52 progresses along the longitudinal direction in which the weakened portions 55 radially provided on the top wall portion 51 are provided. Cleavage progresses downward in the direction. Therefore, the thermal particles generated by the combustion of the transfer charge 59 also flow into the combustion chamber 60 through such a split portion. As a result, the flame spreads to the gas generating agent 61 between the cup-shaped member 50 and the filter 90 as well.

Therefore, by providing the weak portion 55 and the non-weak portion 56 in the cup-shaped member 50 and appropriately adjusting the position and size of the weak portion 55 and the non-weak portion 56, the gas generating agent 61 can be rapidly released. Combustion can be prevented and the progress of the combustion can be intentionally delayed, and it is very easy to optimize gas output adjustment according to specifications, such as maintaining gas output for a predetermined period of time. It will be.

In addition, when the side wall portion 52 of the cup-shaped member 50 is configured to be thin, the filter 90 is damaged when the cup-shaped member 50 explodes, deforms, or melts due to combustion of the transfer charge 59 . However, as in the disk-shaped gas generator A according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the side wall portion 52 of the cup-shaped member 50 is made thick and the top wall portion 51 is provided with the fragile portion 55. As a result, at the initial stage of bursting, deformation, or melting of the cup-shaped member 50, the thermal particles are directed toward the top plate portion 21, so that the impact applied to the filter 90 is alleviated, thereby preventing the filter from being damaged. is also obtained.

Further, by adopting the above configuration, the top wall portion 51 bursts, deforms, or melts instantaneously when ignited, so that the combustion of the gas generating agent 61 between the top wall portion 51 and the top plate portion 21 immediately proceeds. As a result, the gas output is not delayed, the internal pressure inside the gas generator is quickly increased, and variations in the output characteristics can be prevented.

As the pressure in the space inside the housing rises due to the combustion of the gas generating agent 61, the seal tape 24 closing the gas ejection port 23 provided in the upper shell 20 is torn, and the gas ejection port 23 is opened. The gas is ejected to the outside of the housing through the . The ejected gas is introduced into an airbag provided adjacent to the disk-shaped gas generator A to inflate and deploy the airbag.

Here, whether the fragile portion 55 of the cup-shaped member 50 ruptures, deforms, or melts due to the propagation of the thrust generated by the operation of the igniter 40 depends on the mechanical strength (thickness, material, shape) of the cup-shaped member. etc.), the output of the igniter 40, the distance between the ignition portion 41, the cup-shaped member and the fragile portion 55, the density of the transfer charge 59 filled in the transfer chamber, and the like.

In this way, in order to rupture, deform or melt the fragile portion 55 of the cup-shaped member 50 by utilizing the increase in pressure and temperature in the transfer chamber due to the combustion of the transfer charge 59, the above-described cup-shaped member 50 The mechanical strength (thickness, material, shape, etc.), the output of the igniter 40, the distance between the ignition part 41 and the fragile part 55 of the cup-shaped member 50, the density of the transfer charge 59 filled in the transfer chamber, etc. Various adjustments may be made, but as described above, the cup-shaped member 50 can be relatively easily realized by forming the cup-shaped member 50 from a member made of iron, stainless steel, or other iron-based metal material.

In any case, the weak portion 55 of the cup-shaped member 50 preferably has lower mechanical strength than the side wall portion 52 of the cup-shaped member 50 . Methods for making the fragile portion 55 of the cup-shaped member 40 more fragile than the side wall portion 52 of the cup-shaped member 50 include adjusting the thickness of these components, using different materials for these components, and devising their shapes. etc. is assumed.

With this configuration, it is relatively easy to rupture, deform, or melt the fragile portion 55 before the cup-shaped member 50 ruptures, deforms, or melts. However, if the fragile portion 55 can be ruptured, deformed, or melted prior to the rupture, deformation, or melting of the cup-shaped member 50, the fragile portion 55 and the side wall portion 52 of the cup-shaped member 50 will be at the same degree. It may have mechanical strength.

As described above, the disk-type gas generator A according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above accelerates the combustion of the transfer charge 59, thereby accelerating the combustion of the gas generating agent 61. As a result, the time from the time when the igniter is activated to the time when the gas starts to be jetted to the outside through the gas jet port 23 can be shortened compared to the conventional art. Further, by adding the fragile portion 55 of the cup-shaped member 50, the amount of transfer charge 59 to be charged can be greatly reduced, although the number of parts to be processed is increased. It is possible to shorten the time until the gas starts to be ejected to the outside through the outlet 23 at a low cost.

As described above, by using the disc-shaped gas generator A according to the first embodiment of the present invention, while keeping the filling amount of the transfer charge 59 small, the gas is supplied through the gas ejection port 23 from the time the igniter 40 is activated. The disk-type gas generator can shorten the time until the gas starts to be ejected to the outside.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the weakened portion 55 of the cup-shaped member 50 according to the modified example of the full-circumference slit based on the above-described first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the top wall portion. This modification will be described below with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the fragile portion 55 of the cup-shaped member 50 is provided with a score 56a as the fragile portion 55 in the circumferential slit, so that the fragile portion 55 has a concave portion with a wave-like cross section. It is configured. In FIG. 3A, scores 56a are provided as fragile portions 55 at intervals of approximately 30 degrees. By providing the fragile portion 55 finely in this manner, the cup-shaped member 50 can be easily split open. Therefore, the cup-shaped member 50 splits in a short time after ignition, and the flame easily flows into the combustion chamber 60 . In FIG. 3B, a score 56a is provided as a weak portion 55 in a cross shape in plan view. By providing the fragile portion 55 in this manner, the cup-shaped member 50 is less likely to split open. Therefore, after the internal pressure of the transfer chamber 57 is considerably increased by the combustion of the transfer charge 59, the top wall portion 52 bursts, deforms, or melts. Therefore, when the cup-shaped member 50 is split, the combustion of the transfer charge 59 is sufficiently accelerated, and the cup-shaped member 50 can be split while the ignitability of the gas generating agent 61 is high. In the present invention, it is preferable that they are provided in a cross shape or an asterisk shape in plan view.

When constructed as described above, not only is the fragile portion 55 of the cup-shaped member 50 evenly broken from the entire circumference, but also the effects described in the above-described first embodiment can be obtained.

It should be noted that the uneven shape of the fragile portion 55 is not limited to those described above, and may be of any shape. For example, a part of the non-weakened portion 56 may bulge toward the top wall portion 51 to provide an annular convex portion, or the entire fragile portion 55 may be curved to form a concave portion. . Also, the fragile portion 55 may be provided with a plurality of protrusions or recesses in a dotted pattern or a matrix pattern. Furthermore, the top wall portion 51 may be provided with a circular or annular weakened portion 55 .

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the fragile portion 55 of the cup-shaped member 50 according to the modified example of the semicircular slit, viewed from the top wall portion. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 6, a modified example of a half-circumference slit according to this modified example will be described.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the modified example of the half-circumference slit according to the present modified example, the score 56b is provided on the half-circumference as the weakened portion 55. and their configurations are different. As shown in FIG. 6, the fragile portions are unevenly arranged by being provided between specific angles when viewed from the circumferential direction. Here, when viewed from the upper side in the axial direction, the region where the weakened portion is provided at an angle of less than half the circumference (180° in angle) is the weak portion existence region, and when viewed from the upper side in the axial direction, the half circumference (180° in angle) ) in which no weakened portion is provided is referred to as a weakened portion non-existing region. In FIG. 6, due to the presence of the fragile portion existing region and the fragile portion non-existing region, the rupture, deformation, or melting of the cup-shaped member occurs in the fragile portion existing region prior to the fragile portion non-existing region. Thermal particles generated by the combustion of the transfer charge flow into the combustion chamber with directivity.

Specifically, in the modified example of the half-circumference slit, a score 56 b is provided on the top wall portion 51 as the weakened portion 55 . In FIG. 6(A), scores 56a are provided as fragile portions 55 on the semiperipheral surface at approximately 30° intervals. By providing the fragile portion 55 finely in this manner, the cup-shaped member 50 can be easily split open. Therefore, the cup-shaped member 50 splits in a short time after ignition, and the flame tends to flow into the combustion chamber 60 with directivity. In FIG. 6(B), scores 56a are provided as fragile portions 55 on the semiperipheral surface at approximately 60° intervals. By providing the fragile portion 55 in this way, when the cup-shaped member 50 is split open, the top wall portion 52 bursts, deforms, or melts toward the top plate portion 121 , thereby directing the flame to the combustion chamber 60 . easier to flow in. In FIG. 6(C), a score 56a is provided as a weakened portion 55 in a cross shape in a plan view on the semiperipheral surface. By providing the fragile portion 55 in this manner, the cup-shaped member 50 is less likely to split open. Therefore, after the internal pressure of the transfer chamber 57 is considerably increased by the combustion of the transfer charge 59, the top wall portion 52 bursts, deforms, or melts. Therefore, when the cup-shaped member 50 is split, the transfer charge 59 is sufficiently burned, and the cup-shaped member 50 is split while the gas generating agent 61 is highly ignitable. easier to flow in. It is preferable that the score 56b is provided in a cross shape or an asterisk shape in a plan view around the substantially central portion of the fragile portion 55 along a half circumference.

When configured in this way, not only can the effects described in the first embodiment be obtained, but the fragile portion 55 is more reliably ruptured, deformed, or melted when the igniter 40 is actuated. It is possible to obtain the effect of ensuring the acceleration of the combustion of the transfer charge 59 . Furthermore, since the weak portions 55 unevenly distributed in the top wall portion 52 are burst, deformed, or melted, the direction in which the combustion gas of the transfer charge 59 flows into the combustion chamber 60 can be given directivity.

(Second embodiment)
4A and 4B are schematic diagrams of a disk-shaped gas generator B according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the disk-shaped gas generator B according to the second embodiment is similar to the disk-shaped gas generator A (see FIG. 1) according to the first embodiment. In comparison, the configuration is different only in that the extended portion 53 of the cup-shaped member 50 is not provided.

In the embodiments shown below, the same or common parts are given the same reference numerals in the drawings, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

In the cup-shaped member 50 of the second embodiment, a top wall portion 51, a cylindrical side wall portion 52 extending from the peripheral edge of the top wall portion 51 toward the bottom plate portion 11 side, and the side wall portion 52 and a flange portion 62 extending radially outward from an open end, which is an end portion on the bottom plate portion 11 side of the bottom plate portion 11 side. Specifically, the flange portion 62 has a shape bent radially outward in parallel with the annular portion of the projecting tubular portion 13 . Therefore, the cup-shaped member 50 is not partially sandwiched between the lower support member 70 and the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10 .

Even in the case of the disk-type gas generator B according to the second embodiment configured in this way, the same effects as those described above can be obtained, and the desired gas output can be obtained stably. A disk-type gas generator having a simple configuration can be used.

(Third embodiment)
5A and 5B are schematic diagrams of a disk-shaped gas generator C according to a third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the disk-shaped gas generator C according to the third embodiment is similar to the disk-shaped gas generator A (see FIG. 1) according to the first embodiment. In comparison, the configuration is different in that a second igniter and a second combustion chamber are provided.

In the embodiments shown below, the same or common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

At predetermined positions of the bottom plate portion 111 of the lower shell 110, a first opening portion 111a and a second opening portion 111b are provided. A first igniter assembly 130 is assembled to the bottom plate portion 111 of the lower shell 110 so as to close the first opening portion 111a, and a second igniter assembly 130 is assembled to close the second opening portion 111b. Assembly 140 is assembled. Here, the first opening 111a is a portion for exposing a first female connector portion (to be described later) provided at the lower end of the first igniter assembly 130 to the outside, and the second opening 111b is , a portion for exposing a second female connector portion (to be described later) provided at the lower end of the second igniter assembly 140 to the outside.

First igniter assembly 130 mainly includes first holder 131 , first igniter 132 , first seal member 133 , cup body 134 , and transfer charge 136 . The first holder 131 constitutes the base of the first igniter assembly 130, and by assembling the first igniter 132, the cup body 134, etc. to the first holder 131, the first igniter assembly A solid 130 is constructed as an integral part.

The first holder 131 is made of a member having a substantially cylindrical outer shape, and is made of metal such as stainless steel, iron steel, aluminum alloy, or the like. An upper concave portion 131a is provided on the upper surface of the first holder 131 positioned on the top plate portion 121 side, and a lower concave portion 131b is provided on the lower surface of the first holder 131 positioned on the bottom plate portion 111 side. there is Further, through holes 131c are provided in portions of the first holder 131 forming the bottom of the upper recess 131a and the bottom of the lower recess 131b so as to reach the upper recess 131a and the lower recess 131b.

Crimped portions 131d and 131e are provided on the upper surface of the first holder 131 so as to surround the upper concave portion 131a. The crimped portion 131d arranged on the inner side of these is a portion for crimping and fixing the first igniter 132 to the first holder 131, and the crimped portion 131e arranged on the outside of these is a portion for fixing the cup body 134. This is a portion for caulking and fixing to the first holder 131 .

The first igniter 132 is for generating a flame, and generally consists of a pyrotechnic product called a squib. Since the first igniter 132 has the same configuration as the igniter 40 described above, detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

In the first igniter 132, the pair of terminal pins 132c are inserted into the through holes 131c of the first holder 131 from above, and the base portion 132a is accommodated in the upper recessed portion 131a of the first holder 131 and fixed. It is fixed to the first holder 131 by bending the crimped portion 131d described above.

Here, a first seal member 133 made of an O-ring or the like is interposed between the first holder 131 and the first igniter 132 , and thereby a seal between the first holder 131 and the first igniter 132 is provided. By closing the gap between them, the airtightness of the part is ensured. In addition, the fixing method of the 1st igniter 132 is not restricted to the fixing method using the crimping|crimped part 131d mentioned above, You may utilize another fixing method.

The cup-shaped member 150 has a cup-like shape with an open end on the bottom plate portion 111 side, and includes a transfer chamber 135 in which a transfer charge 136 is accommodated. The cup-shaped member 150 has a top wall portion 151 and a side wall portion 152 that define the transfer chamber 135, and a flange portion 153 extending radially outward from the opening end side portion of the side wall portion 152. ing.

The cup-shaped member 150 is assembled to the first holder 131 so that the transfer chamber 135 formed therein faces the first ignition portion 132b of the first igniter 132. More specifically, the flange It is fixed to the first holder 131 by bending the crimped portion 131 e described above while the portion 153 is in contact with the upper surface of the first holder 131 .

The cup-shaped member 150 has no openings in either the top wall portion 154 or the side wall portion 158, and surrounds the transfer chamber 135 provided therein. When the transfer charge 136 is ignited by the operation of the first igniter 132, the cup-shaped member 150 bursts, deforms, or melts as the pressure in the transfer chamber 135 rises and the generated heat is transferred.

At least a portion of the top wall portion 151 of the cup-shaped member 150 is provided with a fragile portion 155 that is thinner than the side wall portion 152 . The weakened portion 155 is provided by radially extending slits in a substantially half-peripheral portion of the top wall portion 151 (a 120° portion that occupies one-third of the entire circumference of the top wall portion 151 ), It is configured to have a lower mechanical strength than the portion 152 . Here, the fragile portion 155 is arranged so as to face the first ignition portion 132 b of the first igniter 132 . In addition, a portion of the top wall portion 151 outside the weakened portion 155 radially extending is provided with a non-weakened portion 156 that is thicker than the weakened portion and approximately the same thickness as the side wall portion 152 . Further, the fragile portion 155 provided in the top wall portion 151 is unevenly distributed on the side where the second igniter 142 is installed.

As such a cup-shaped member 155, a cup-shaped member having a form as shown in FIG. 6 can be preferably applied.
In FIG. 6, due to the presence of the fragile portion existing region and the fragile portion non-existing region, the rupture, deformation, or melting of the cup-shaped member occurs in the fragile portion existing region prior to the fragile portion non-existing region. Thermal particles generated by the combustion of the transfer charge flow into the combustion chamber with directivity.
When configured in this way, not only can the effects described in the first embodiment be obtained, but the fragile portion 155 can be more reliably burst-deformed or melted when the first igniter 132 is activated. As a result, the effect of ensuring the promotion of combustion of the transfer charge 136 can be obtained. Further, since the weak portions 155 unevenly distributed in the top wall portion 151 are ruptured, deformed, or melted, the combustion gas of the transfer charge 136 can be directed in the direction of flowing into the combustion chamber S1.

As a result, the space inside the cup-shaped member 150 ruptures, deforms, or melts the fragile portion 155 due to the thrust generated by the combustion of the ignition charge, and its mechanical strength is relatively low. . On the other hand, the non-weakened portion 156 is formed to be thicker than the weakened portion 155, so that it remains even when the transfer charge 136 burns when the first igniter 132 operates. .

The thickness t1 of the weakened portion 155 and the thickness t2 of the non-weakened portion 156 are appropriately adjusted based on the type and filling amount of the transfer charge 136 to be used. For example, when the cup-shaped member is made of iron or stainless steel, the thickness t1 of the fragile portion 155 is 0.6 mm or less, preferably 0.4 mm or less, and more preferably 0.3 mm or less. . On the other hand, when the cup-shaped member 150 is made of iron or stainless steel, the thickness t2 of the non-weakened portion 156 is preferably 0.3 mm or more and 0.9 mm or less, provided that it is larger than the thickness t1 of the fragile portion 155. is 0.4 mm or more and 0.6 mm or less.
The thickness t3 of the side wall portion 152 of the cup-shaped member 150 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of the formability during press molding and the directivity of the flame generated by the combustion of the transfer charge 136, It is preferable that the thickness is approximately equal to the thickness t2 of the non-weakened portion 156 . Here, the degree of equality means that the difference in thickness from the thickness t2 of the non-weakened portion 156 is preferably 0.6 mm or less, more preferably 0.3 mm or less.

Materials for the cup-shaped member 150 include metal members such as stainless steel, steel, aluminum, and aluminum alloys, thermosetting resins such as epoxy resins, polybutylene terephthalate resins, polyethylene terephthalate resins, and polyamide resins ( For example, nylon 6, nylon 66, and the like), polypropylene sulfide resin, polypropylene oxide resin, and other thermoplastic resin members are preferably used. In particular, iron-based metal materials such as iron and stainless steel, which have relatively higher mechanical strength than aluminum, are preferable.

Since the transfer charge 136 filled in the transfer charge chamber 135 has the same structure as the transfer charge 59 described above, detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

The lower end of the first holder 131 is inserted from above into the first opening 111a provided in the bottom plate portion 111 of the lower shell 110, and is fixed by joining the outer peripheral edge thereof to the bottom plate portion 111. ing. As a result, the first igniter assembly 130 integrated by assembling the first igniter 132 and the cup body 134 to the first holder 131 is fixed to the lower shell 110. Become.

Therefore, the first holder 131 is configured to project from the bottom plate portion 111 toward the space inside the housing. 135 will be located in the space inside the housing. Electron beam welding, laser welding, friction welding, or the like can be suitably used to join the bottom plate portion 111 and the first holder 131 together.

A pair of terminal pins 132c of the first igniter 132 are exposed and located in the lower concave portion 131b of the first holder 131. As shown in FIG. As a result, the lower concave portion 131b and the pair of terminal pins 132c form the above-described first female connector portion.

The first female connector portion is a portion for receiving a male connector (not shown) of a harness for connecting the first igniter 132 and a control unit (not shown). The first female connector portion is exposed to the outside of the housing, and the above-described male connector is inserted into the first female connector portion to electrically connect the core wire of the harness and the terminal pin 132c. Continuity will be realized.

The second igniter assembly 140 mainly includes a second holder 141 , a second igniter 142 , a second seal member 143 , a partition portion 144 and a second gas generating agent 182 . The second holder 141 constitutes the base of the second igniter assembly 140. By assembling the second igniter 142, the partition part 144, etc. to the second holder 141, the second igniter Assembly 140 is constructed as an integral part.

The second holder 141 is made of a member having a substantially cylindrical outer shape, and is made of metal such as stainless steel, steel, aluminum alloy, or stainless alloy. An upper concave portion 141a is provided on the upper surface of the second holder 141 positioned on the top plate portion 121 side, and a lower concave portion 141b is provided on the lower surface of the second holder 141 positioned on the bottom plate portion 111 side. there is Further, through holes 141c are provided in the second holder 141 in portions forming the bottom of the upper recess 141a and the bottom of the lower recess 141b so as to reach the upper recess 141a and the lower recess 141b.

A crimped portion 141d is provided on the upper surface of the second holder 141 so as to surround the upper concave portion 141a. The crimped portion 141 d is a portion for crimping and fixing the second igniter 142 to the second holder 141 .

The second igniter 142 is for generating flame, and has a base portion 142a, a second ignition portion 142b, and a pair of terminal pins 142c. The base portion 142 a is a portion that holds the second ignition portion 142 b and the pair of terminal pins 142 c and is also a portion that is fixed to the second holder 141 . Since the second igniter 142 basically has the same configuration as the first igniter 132 described above, detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

In the second igniter 142, the pair of terminal pins 142c are inserted into the through holes 141c of the second holder 141 from above, and the base portion 142a is accommodated in the upper concave portion 141a of the second holder 141 and fixed. It is fixed to the second holder 141 by bending the crimped portion 141d described above.

Here, a second seal member 143 made of an O-ring or the like is interposed between the second holder 141 and the second igniter 142 , thereby separating the second holder 141 and the second igniter 142 . By closing the gap between them, the airtightness of the part is ensured. In addition, the fixing method of the 2nd igniter 142 is not restricted to the fixing method using the crimping|crimped part 141d mentioned above, You may utilize another fixing method.

The partition part 144 has a partition member 145, a cover member 146, and a cap member 147. The partition member 145, the cover member 146, and the cap member 147 are combined to form a cup-like shape as a whole. are doing. The partition part 144 functions as a pressure partition that divides the space inside the housing and inside the filter 170 into two chambers.

As shown in FIG. 5, the space inside the housing and inside the filter 170 is partitioned by a partition 144 into a space outside the partition 144 and a space inside the partition 144. The former space is defined as the first combustion chamber S1, and the latter space is defined as the second combustion chamber S2.

As shown in FIG. 5, the partition part 144 is assembled to the second holder 141 so that the second combustion chamber S2 formed therein faces the second ignition part 142b of the second igniter 142. . More specifically, as will be described later, the fixing portion 145a provided at the lower end of the partition member 145 of the partition portion 144 is press-fitted into the second holder 141, whereby the partition portion 144 is moved through the second holder 141. It is fixed to the bottom plate portion 111 at the bottom.

A second gas generating agent 182 is accommodated in the second combustion chamber S2 positioned inside the partition portion 144 . The second gas generating agent 182 is a chemical that is ignited by hot particles generated by the operation of the second igniter 142 and burns to generate gas. Details of the second gas generating agent 182 will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 5, the partition member 145 has a tubular shape with openings at both ends in the axial direction. The partition member 145 is arranged so that its axial direction is parallel to the axial direction of the housing. It functions as a fixed portion 145a.

More specifically, the fixing portion 145a is press-fitted into the second holder 141 as described above, and thereby the partition member 145 is fixed to the second holder 141, thereby forming the partition portion 144 including the partition member 145. is attached to the bottom plate portion 111 . In addition, the partition member 145 is configured by a metal member such as stainless steel, iron steel, aluminum alloy, or stainless alloy.

The cover member 146 has a cup shape with an open end on the bottom plate portion 111 side, and is attached to the open end of the partition member 145 on the top plate portion 121 side. Like the partition member 145, the cover member 146 is made of a metal member such as stainless steel, iron steel, aluminum alloy, or stainless alloy.

The cover member 146 includes a disc-shaped first cover portion 146a that covers a top plate portion 147a of a cap member 147, which will be described later, and a partition wall member that extends from the peripheral edge of the first cover portion 146a toward the bottom plate portion 111 side. A cylindrical second cover portion 146b that covers the outer peripheral surface of the portion of the top plate portion 121 side of the portion 145 is included. Among them, the first covering portion 146a covers the opening of the partition member 145 located on the top plate portion 121 side, and constitutes the closed end of the partition portion 144 together with the top plate portion 147a of the cap member 147, which will be described later.

The cover member 146 is attached to the partition member 145 by being fitted over the above-described open end of the partition member 145, and is preferably fixed to the partition member 145 by press fitting. Thereby, the second cover portion 146b of the cover member 146 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the partition member 145 described above. Here, the axial length of the second cover portion 146b provided on the cover member 146 can be configured to be relatively short, and is equal to the minimum required length for sealing the above-described open end of the partition member 145. can do.

The cap member 147 has a cup-like shape with an open end on the bottom plate portion 111 side, and is inserted into a portion of the partition member 145 near the top plate portion 121 . Thereby, the cap member 147 is accommodated in the space defined by the partition member 145 and the cover member 146 . Like the partition member 145, the cap member 147 is made of a metal member such as stainless steel, steel, aluminum alloy, or stainless alloy, but its thickness is sufficiently thinner than that of the partition member 145. be done.

The cap member 147 includes a disk-shaped top plate portion 147a that constitutes the closed end of the partition portion 144 by covering the opening of the partition member 145 located on the top plate portion 121 side, and the bottom plate portion 111 side from the peripheral edge of the top plate portion 147a. and a cylindrical peripheral plate portion 147b extending toward. Of these, the top plate portion 147a is arranged between the second gas generating agent 182 and the first cover portion 146a of the cover member 146, and closes the partition portion 144 together with the first cover portion 146a of the cover member 146 described above. make up the ends.

The cap member 147 is accommodated in the partition member 145 by being inserted into the above-described open end of the partition member 145. In the present embodiment, the cap member 147 is loosely fitted to the partition member 145. . Here, loose fit means that the cap member 147 fitted in the partition member 145 has a predetermined clearance with the partition member 145. The diameter is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of partition member 145 .

That is, in the present embodiment, the cap member 147 is not press-fitted into the partition member 145, and the peripheral plate portion 147b of the cap member 147 is held by the partition member 145 when the disk-type gas generator A is not in operation. is not in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the As a result, in the present embodiment, the cap member 147 is assembled so as to be relatively movable and deformable with respect to the partition member 145, and during the combustion of the second gas generating agent 182, it will be described later. Movement and deformation of the cap member 147 will occur.

Here, when the cap member 147 is loosely fitted to the partition member 145 as described above, an effect of facilitating the press-fitting work when the partition member 145 is press-fitted into the second holder 141 is obtained. That is, the assembling work of assembling the above-described partition portion 144 to the bottom plate portion 111 of the lower shell 110 via the second holder 141 is performed, for example, by loosely fitting the cap member 147 to the partition member 145 to generate the second gas. This is done by filling agent 182 , press-fitting it into second holder 141 , and then press-fitting cover member 146 into partition member 145 . In this case, when the partition member 145 is press-fitted into the second holder 141, air is discharged to the outside through the clearance formed between the cap member 147 and the partition member 145. This facilitates the press-fitting work. In addition, in order to facilitate the press-fitting operation of the cover member 146 into the partition member 145, a hole is formed at a predetermined position of the cover member 146, for example, so that the air can pass through the hole to the outside. should be discharged to However, in that case, the formation position of the hole described above should be a position where the hole is closed by the partition member 145 or the cap member 147 when the press-fitting of the cover member 146 into the partition member 145 is completed. is.

A peripheral plate portion 147b of the cap member 147 is provided with a plurality of first gas passage holes 147c and a plurality of second gas passage holes 147d. The plurality of first gas passage holes 147c and the plurality of second gas passage holes 147d are both provided to pass through the peripheral plate portion 147b along the thickness direction of the peripheral plate portion 147b. The opening surface located outside faces the partition member 145 and is covered with the partition member 145 .

Here, the plurality of first gas passage holes 147c are provided in a dotted pattern along the circumferential direction of the peripheral plate portion 147b. It is provided in a dotted line along the direction. The plurality of first gas passage holes 147c are arranged closer to the top plate portion 121 (that is, the top plate portion 147a side) than the plurality of second gas passage holes 147d. is provided with two stages of gas passage hole groups.

The plurality of first gas passage holes 147c are for passing the gas generated in the second combustion chamber S2 toward the space outside the partition 144 when the second gas generating agent 182 is burned. . More specifically, these plurality of first gas passage holes 147c substantially increase the pressure in the second combustion chamber S2 particularly in the initial stage of combustion of the second gas generating agent 182, while the second gas generating agent 182 During combustion, the gas generated in the second combustion chamber S2 is passed toward the space outside the partition 144, the details of which will be described later.

The plurality of second gas passage holes 147d are used to allow the gas generated in the second combustion chamber S2 to pass toward the space outside the partition 144 as necessary during the combustion of the second gas generating agent 182. belongs to. More specifically, when the second gas generating agent 182 burns, the plurality of second gas passage holes 147d are closed when the pressure in the second combustion chamber S2 becomes higher than necessary. This is for passing the gas generated in S2 toward the space outside the partition part 144, the details of which will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 5, the lower end of the second holder 141 is inserted from above into the second opening 111b provided in the bottom plate portion 111 of the lower shell 110, and the outer peripheral edge thereof It is fixed by joining. As a result, the second igniter assembly 140, which is integrated by previously assembling the second igniter 142 and the partition portion 144 to the second holder 141, is fixed to the lower shell 110. In particular, the second combustion chamber S2 provided inside the second igniter assembly 140 is arranged so as to protrude toward the space inside the housing. Electron beam welding, laser welding, friction welding, or the like can be suitably used to join the bottom plate portion 111 and the second holder 141 together.

A pair of terminal pins 142c of the second igniter 142 are exposed and located in the lower concave portion 141b of the second holder 141. As shown in FIG. As a result, the lower recessed portion 141b and the pair of terminal pins 142c form the second female connector portion described above.

The second female connector portion is a portion for receiving a male connector (not shown) of a harness for connecting the second igniter 142 and a control unit (not shown). The second female connector portion is exposed to the outside of the housing, and by inserting the above-described male connector into the second female connector portion, an electrical connection between the core wire of the harness and the terminal pin 142c is established. Continuity will be realized.

As shown in FIG. 5, the space inside the housing accommodates a filter 170 in addition to the first igniter assembly 130 and the second igniter assembly 140 described above. The filter 170 has a cylindrical shape and is arranged coaxially with the housing such that its central axis coincides with the central axis of the peripheral wall portion of the housing. As a result, the outer peripheral surface of the filter 170 faces the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion of the housing.

The filter 170 surrounds the first igniter assembly 130 and the second igniter assembly 140 so that the first igniter assembly 130 and the second igniter assembly 140 are arranged in its inner space. are placed in As a result, the first combustion chamber S<b>1 containing the first gas generating agent 181 is formed in the space inside the filter 170 and outside the partition portion 144 . The filter 170 is arranged at a predetermined distance from the peripheral wall portion of the housing, thereby forming a gas discharge chamber S3 between the peripheral wall portion of the housing and the filter 170. As shown in FIG.

Since the filter 170 has the same configuration as the filter 90 described above, detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

The filter 170 functions as a cooling means for cooling the gas generated in the first combustion chamber S1 and the second combustion chamber S2 by removing high-temperature heat from the gas when the gas passes through the filter 170. At the same time, it also functions as a removing means for removing residues (slag) and the like contained in the gas. Therefore, in order to sufficiently cool the gas and prevent the residue from being released to the outside, the gas generated in the first combustion chamber S1 and the second combustion chamber S2 is configured to pass through the filter 170 without fail. it becomes necessary to

Here, the first igniter assembly 130 is eccentrically arranged so that its central axis does not overlap the central axis of the peripheral wall of the housing, and the second igniter assembly 140 also has its central axis aligned with the peripheral wall of the housing. It is eccentrically arranged so as not to overlap the central axis of the housing (that is, the central axis of the partition 144 (more precisely, the central axis of the partition member 145) does not overlap the central axis of the peripheral wall of the housing). With this configuration, it is possible to prevent dead space from occurring inside the housing (in particular, the space inside the filter 170), and the disk-type gas generator C as a whole can be made compact.

A first gas generating agent 181 is accommodated in the first combustion chamber S1. More specifically, the first gas generating agent 181 is a space inside the filter 170 and adjacent to the top wall portion 154 and the side wall portion 157 of the cup-shaped member 150 of the first igniter assembly 130, Also, it is arranged in a space inside the filter 170 and adjacent to the side wall portion of the partition portion 144 of the second igniter assembly 140 . The first gas generating agent 151 is a chemical that is ignited by hot particles generated by the operation of the first igniter 132 and burns to generate gas.

Since the first gas generating agent 181 and the second gas generating agent 182 described above have the same configuration as the gas generating agent 61 described above, detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

Here, the first gas generating agent 181 and the second gas generating agent 182 may have the same composition, or may have different compositions. The first gas generating agent 181 and the second gas generating agent 182 may have the same shape and size, or may have different shapes and sizes.

A peripheral wall portion 122 of the upper shell 120 facing the filter 170 is provided with a plurality of gas ejection ports 124 facing the gas discharge chamber S3. The plurality of gas ejection ports 124 are for discharging the gas that has passed through the filter 170 to the outside of the housing via the gas discharge chamber S3.

A metal sealing tape 125 is attached as a sealing member to the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 122 of the upper shell 120 so as to close the plurality of gas ejection ports 124 . As the seal tape 125, an aluminum foil or the like coated with an adhesive member on one side can be suitably used, and the seal tape 125 ensures the airtightness of the space inside the housing.

As shown in FIG. 5, a lower support member 161 is arranged at the end portion of the first combustion chamber S1 located on the bottom plate portion 111 side. The lower support member 161 has an annular shape, and is placed between the filter 170 and the bottom plate portion 111 so as to cover the boundary portion between the filter 170 and the bottom plate portion 111 . Thereby, the lower support member 161 is positioned between the bottom plate portion 111 and the first gas generating agent 151 in the vicinity of the end portion of the first combustion chamber S1.

The lower support member 161 is a member for fixing the filter 170 to the housing, and also allows gas generated in the first combustion chamber S1 and the second combustion chamber S2 to pass through the inside of the filter 170 during operation. It also functions as an outflow prevention means for preventing the water from flowing out from the gap between the lower end of the filter 170 and the bottom plate portion 111 . The lower support member 161 is formed, for example, by pressing a metal plate-shaped member, and is preferably made of a steel plate such as ordinary steel or special steel (for example, cold-rolled steel plate, stainless steel plate, etc.). It is composed of the following members.

An upper support member 162 is arranged at an end portion of the first combustion chamber S1 that is located on the top plate portion 121 side. The upper support member 162 has a cup-like shape, and is placed between the filter 170 and the top plate portion 121 so as to cover the boundary portion between the filter 170 and the top plate portion 121 . . Thereby, the upper support member 162 is positioned between the top plate portion 121 and the first gas generating agent 151 in the vicinity of the end portion of the first combustion chamber S1.

The upper support member 162 is a member for fixing the filter 170 to the housing, and prevents gas generated in the first combustion chamber S1 and the second combustion chamber S2 from passing through the inside of the filter 170 during operation. It also functions as an outflow preventing means for preventing outflow from the gap between the upper end of the filter 170 and the top plate portion 121 . The upper support member 162 is formed, for example, by pressing a plate-like member made of metal, similarly to the lower support member 161 described above, and is preferably made of a steel plate such as ordinary steel or special steel (for example, cold-rolled steel plate, stainless steel plate, etc.).

Inside the upper support member 162, a substantially C-shaped cushion member 163 in plan view is arranged so as to come into contact with the first gas generating agent 181 accommodated in the first combustion chamber S1. As a result, the cushion material 163 is positioned between the top plate portion 121 and the first gas generating agent 181 in the portion of the first combustion chamber S1 on the side of the top plate portion 121, thereby removing the first gas generating agent 181. It is pressed toward the bottom plate portion 111 side.

Since the cushion material 163 has the same structure as the cushion material 85 described above, detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

If it is necessary to prevent the second gas generating agent 182 from being crushed by vibration, it can be realized by using a cushioning material, as in the case of the first gas generating agent 181 . In that case, a disc-shaped cushioning material is arranged between the top wall portion 145a of the partition member 145 and the second gas generating agent 182, or an annular disc-shaped cushioning material is placed between the second igniter 142 and the second igniter 142. It can either be located between the top surface of the surrounding second holder 141 and the second gas generant 182 .

When the former configuration is adopted, the second gas generating agent 182 is pressed toward the bottom plate portion 111 by the cushioning material. The generating agent 182 is pressed toward the top plate portion 121 side. Both the former configuration and the latter configuration may be adopted. Here, as the cushion material for pressing the second gas generating agent 182 described above, the same material as the cushion material 163 for pressing the first gas generating agent 181 can be used.

7 to 9 are schematic cross-sectional views respectively showing the first to third steps during the operation of the disk-shaped gas generator according to this embodiment. Next, the operation of the disk-shaped gas generator C according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9. FIG.

When a vehicle equipped with the disk-type gas generator C collides, the collision is detected by a collision detection means separately provided in the vehicle, and based on this, power is received from a control unit separately provided in the vehicle. , the first igniter 132 is activated first.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the first stage when the first igniter 132 is activated, the ignition charge filled in the first ignition portion 132b of the first igniter 132 is heated by the resistor and ignited, The first ignition portion 132b bursts when the ignition charge burns. As a result, the transfer charge 136 housed inside the cup-shaped member 150 is ignited and burned.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the top wall portion 151 of the cup-shaped member 150, the top wall portion 152 has a thickness t1 radially thinner than the other portion to form a weak portion 155, and the cup-shaped member A non-weakened portion 156 is formed by making the thickness t2 of the remaining portion of the top wall portion 151 of 150 thicker than the thickness t1 of the fragile portion 155 . The side wall portion 152 of the cup-shaped member 150 is thicker than the fragile portion 155 and is approximately the same thickness as the non-fragile portion 156 . Since the side wall portion 152 does not have the fragile portion 155 and the top wall portion 151 has the fragile portion 155, the fragile portion 155 of the top wall portion 151 bursts, deforms, or melts, and the top wall portion The internal pressure will rise until 51 ruptures, deforms or melts. Here, the transfer charge 136 of the cup-shaped member 150 receives thrust generated by combustion of the ignition charge and scatters inside the cup-shaped member 150 to be in a dispersed state. The fragile portion 155 is provided as a slit as shown in FIG. 6, and bursts, deforms, or melts first from the top wall portion 151 of the cup-shaped member 150, and splits toward the side wall portion 152 (see arrow AR1).

Therefore, the transfer charge 136 located farther from the first igniter 132 is also ignited by the hot particles within a shorter period of time and starts to burn, resulting in the pressure in the space inside the cup-shaped member 150. A rise and a temperature rise of the said space will be accelerate|stimulated significantly. As a result, the fragile portion 155 of the cup-shaped member 150 ruptures, deforms, or melts in a shorter period of time, and a large amount of thermal particles generated by the combustion of the transfer charge 136 are released into the first combustion chamber S1. and will flow in early. In particular, in FIG. 5, since the cup-shaped member 150 is made of iron or stainless steel and has a higher strength than aluminum, bursting, deformation, or melting of the cup-shaped member 150 occurs in the initial stage of combustion of the transfer charge 136. do not have. Then, the internal pressure of the cup-shaped member 150 increases until a predetermined period of time at which the fragile portion 155 of the cup-shaped member bursts, deforms, or melts. After the internal pressure exceeds a certain level, the fragile portion 155 of the cup-shaped member 150 bursts, deforms, or melts. Therefore, by increasing the strength of the cup-shaped member 150 by using a high-strength iron-based material such as iron or stainless steel, the transfer charge 136 is sufficiently burned when the cup-shaped member 150 is split, and the first The cup-shaped member 150 can be cleaved while the gas generating material 181 is highly ignitable. Such improvement in the strength of the cup-shaped member 150 can be realized by increasing the thickness even when using a metal with low strength such as aluminum. In that case, the thickness is preferably 0.4 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, more preferably 0.4 mm or more and 0.7 mm or less.

Then, as shown in FIG. 7, first, the fragile portion 155 unevenly distributed on the second igniter 142 side bursts, deforms, or melts. Here, as described above, since the internal pressure inside the cup-shaped member 150 is increased, the thermal particles flow into the space between the top wall portion 151 and the top plate portion 121 with momentum and with excellent ignitability. It will continue. After that, as shown in FIG. 7, starting from the burst, deformed or melted fragile portion 155, the top wall portion 151 of the top wall portion 151 in the second igniter 142 side direction is cleaved along the fragile portion 155. . After cleaving the top wall portion 151 in the direction of the second igniter 142 side, the cleaving progresses to the side wall portion 152 of the top wall portion 151 on the second igniter 142 side. Since the side wall portion 152 on the side of the second igniter 142 is cleaved along the fragile portion 155, the surface of the cup-shaped member 50 on the side of the second igniter 142 is cleaved like a petal. After that, the remaining portion of the top wall portion 151 on the side of the filter 170 and the side wall portion 152 on the side of the filter remain without being cleaved. Therefore, as the cup-shaped member 150 is cleaved, the top plate portion 121 side of the second igniter 142 side and the second igniter 142 side are opened widely as time goes by. , the thermal particles generated by the combustion of the transfer charge 136 enter the space between the top wall portion 151 on the side of the second igniter 142 and the top plate portion 121 in the initial stage, and in the next stage, the second ignition It will flow into the device 142 side with directivity.

Specifically, the fragile portion 155 ruptures, deforms, or melts, and the portion of the non-weakened portion 156 of the top wall portion 154 on the second igniter 142 side is cleaved starting from the fragile portion 155. First stage of cleavage 3, the top wall portion 151 of the cup-shaped member 150 on the side of the second igniter 142 is ruptured, deformed, or melted, and the filter-side and side wall portions 157 of the top wall portion 151 of the cup-shaped member 150 remain. Therefore, the thermal particles generated by the combustion of the transfer charge 136 flow into the second igniter 142 side with directivity toward the top plate portion 121, and the flame flowing into the first combustion chamber S1 becomes the cup. The second igniter 142 side between the shaped member 150 and the top plate portion 121 is narrowed. As a result, all the first gas generating agents 181 adjacent to the cup-shaped member 150 are not ignited at the same time, and the flame spread of the first gas generating agent 181 spreads between the fire transfer chamber and the top plate portion 121. When viewed from the first igniter 132, it advances with directivity centering on the second igniter 142 side.

As the bursting, deformation, or melting of the top wall portion 151 of the cup-shaped member 150 progresses, as a second step, as shown in FIG. explodes, deforms or melts. Here, the cleavage of the side wall portion 157 progresses along the direction in which the radially provided fragile portions 155 were provided, and the side wall portion 157 is cleaved downward in the axial direction of the side wall portion 157. progresses. Therefore, the thermal particles generated by the combustion of the transfer charge 136 also flow into the first combustion chamber S1 from the cleaved portion and the filter 170 side portion between the top wall portion 154 and the top plate portion 121. Become. Here, since the filter 170 side of the top wall portion 151 and the filter 170 side of the side wall portion 152 of the cup-shaped member 150 remain, the thermal particles generated by the combustion of the transfer charge 136 are transferred to the second igniter 142 side. As a result, the flame flowing into the first combustion chamber S1 is narrowed to the second igniter 142 side. As a result, all the first gas generating agents 181 adjacent to the cup-shaped member 150 are not ignited at the same time, and the flame spread of the first gas generating agents 181 spreads between the fire transfer chamber 57 and the top plate portion 121. When viewed from the first igniter 132, the second igniter 142 side is the center and advances with directivity. For this reason, all of the energetic hot particles from the initial stage to the second stage flow into the second igniter 142 side. As a result, the thermal particles flowing from the transfer chamber are introduced into the first combustion chamber S1. At this time, the traveling direction of the thermal particles is controlled by the filter-side non-weak portion 156 of the top wall portion 151 that is not burst, deformed, or melted, and the side wall portion 152 on the filter 170 side. 2, the fuel is jetted toward the igniter 142 side. Therefore, in the disk-shaped gas generator C according to the present embodiment, when the thermal particles generated by the combustion of the transfer charge are introduced into the first combustion chamber S1, they are directly directed toward the inner peripheral surface of the filter 170. You will no longer be sprayed. Therefore, damage to the filter 170 can be prevented.

Furthermore, even if the cup-shaped member 150 ruptures, deforms, or melts, the remaining portion of the top wall portion 151 on the filter 170 side and the side wall portion 157 on the filter 170 side do not split. As a result, the heat particles flowing from the cup-shaped member 150 are not blown toward the filter 170, so damage to the filter 170 is suppressed.

By providing the weak portion 155 and the non-weak portion 156 in the cup-shaped member 150 and appropriately adjusting the position and size of the weak portion 155 and the non-weak portion 156, the first gas generating agent 181 can be rapidly released. Combustion can be prevented and the progress of the combustion can be intentionally delayed, and it is very easy to optimize gas output adjustment according to specifications, such as maintaining gas output for a predetermined period of time. It will be.

When a large amount of hot particles flow into the second igniter 142 side portion of the first combustion chamber S1, the first gas generating agent 181 accommodated in the first combustion chamber S1 is ignited and combusted. A large amount of gas is generated in the combustion chamber S1. The gas generated in the first combustion chamber S1 passes through the inside of the filter 170. At that time, the filter 170 removes heat and cools the gas. It flows into the discharge chamber S3.

At this time, the seal tape 125 closing the plurality of gas ejection ports 124 is torn due to the pressure increase inside the housing caused by the combustion of the first gas generating agent 181 . As a result, the gas generated in the first combustion chamber S1 starts to be ejected toward the outside of the housing through the plurality of gas ejection ports 124 (see arrow AR2).

In the first stage described above, the gas ejected from the plurality of gas ejection ports 124 to the outside of the disk-shaped gas generator C is discharged from the airbag provided adjacent to the disk-shaped gas generator C. It is introduced inside to inflate and deploy the airbag.

At this time, due to the pressure increase inside the housing caused by the combustion of the first gas generating agent 181, the bottom plate portion 111 of the lower shell 110 and the top plate portion 121 of the upper shell 120 move outward. It transforms so that it swells toward you. As a result, the distances between the first cover portion 146a of the cover member 146 and the top plate portion 147a of the cap member 147 (that is, the closed end of the partition portion 44) and the top plate portion 121 are increased.

On the other hand, in the first stage, the cover member 146 is pressed against the partition member 145 due to the pressure increase in the first combustion chamber S1 caused by the combustion of the first gas generating agent 181. . Therefore, the opening of the partition member 145 on the side of the top plate portion 121 is closed by the first cover portion 146 a of the cover member 146 , and the outer peripheral surface of the portion of the partition member 145 near the top plate portion 121 is covered with the first opening of the cover member 146 . Since the two cover portions 146b are in close contact with each other, the state in which the portion is covered is maintained.

As a result, in the first stage, the first combustion chamber S1 and the second combustion chamber S2 are not communicated with each other, and the second gas generating agent 182, which has not yet started to burn, is supplied with the first gas generating agent. 181 will no longer be affected.

Next, the second igniter 142 is energized by the above-described control unit at a timing delayed by a predetermined time from the operation of the first igniter 132 described above.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the second stage when the second igniter 142 is activated, the ignition charge filled in the second ignition portion 142b of the second igniter 142 is heated by the resistor and ignited, The combustion of the ignition charge causes the second ignition portion 142b to explode. As a result, the second gas generating agents 182 housed in the second combustion chamber S2 are sequentially ignited and start burning.

Here, prior to the start of combustion of the second gas generating agent 182, the first gas generating agent 181 was previously ignited and burned, so that the disk-shaped gas generator C as a whole was already heated to a high temperature. Since it is in the state of Combustion of the gas generating agent 182 is less likely to be interrupted.

At this time, pressure is applied to the cap member 147 accommodated in the second combustion chamber S2 due to the pressure increase in the second combustion chamber S2 caused by the combustion of the second gas generating agent 182. The top plate portion 147a of the cap member 147 receives the pressure mainly along the axial direction of the housing, and the peripheral plate portion 147b of the cap member 147 receives the pressure mainly along the radial direction of the housing. The pressure acts on

As a result, the entire cap member 147 moves toward the top plate portion 121 of the upper shell 120, and the peripheral plate portion 147b deforms so as to spread radially outward. Become. Therefore, the cap member 147 moves toward the top plate portion 121 side while the portion near the lower end of the peripheral plate portion 147b is kept in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the partition member 45 along the circumferential direction.

Therefore, the portion of the peripheral plate portion 147b closer to the lower end is maintained in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the partition member 145 along the circumferential direction, so that gas can be prevented from leaking out from this portion. Therefore, the partition member 145 and the cap member 147 reliably form a pressure partition, and the internal pressure of the second combustion chamber S2 can be appropriately increased, and as a result, the combustion of the second gas generating agent 182 is interrupted. will continue without

Further, with the movement of the cap member 147, the cover member 146 is pushed up by the cap member 147 and moves toward the top plate portion 121 side. As a result, the cap member 147 is separated from the open end of the partition member 145 on the top plate portion 121 side. Therefore, when the cover member 146 is separated from the partition member 145, the first gas passage hole 147c provided in the peripheral plate portion 147b of the cap member 147 is positioned on the top plate portion 121 side of the partition member 145 for the first combustion. It is exposed so as to face the chamber S1.

Here, in the present embodiment, when the cover member 146 and the cap member 147 move by a predetermined amount in the second stage, the movement of the cover member 146 and the cap member 147 is caused by the top plate portion 121. configured to be restricted. That is, the cover member 146 contacts the top plate portion 121 via the upper support member 162, and the cap member 147 contacts the top plate portion 121 via the cover member 146 and the upper support member 162. The cover member 146 and the cap member 147 will stop.

As a result, of the plurality of first gas passage holes 147c and the plurality of second gas passage holes 147d provided in the cap member 147, the plurality of first gas passage holes 147c located closer to the top plate portion 121 side. are exposed to face both the first combustion chamber S1 and the second combustion chamber S2. Although it faces S2, it is covered with the partition member 145 so that it does not face the first combustion chamber S1.

Therefore, in the second stage, the first combustion chamber S1 and the second combustion chamber S2 are communicated with each other with a channel cross-sectional area corresponding to the total opening area of the plurality of first gas passage holes 147c. Therefore, by appropriately narrowing the total opening area of the plurality of first gas passage holes 147c, it is possible to determine whether the surrounding environment of the disk-shaped gas generator A is in a low temperature environment, a normal temperature environment, or a high temperature environment. Also, the internal pressure of the second combustion chamber S2 rises appropriately, and as a result, the second gas generating agent 182 burns continuously.

As described above, as indicated by an arrow AR3 in the drawing, the gas generated in the second combustion chamber S2 passes through the plurality of first gas passage holes 147c provided in the peripheral plate portion 147b, thereby causing the first It will be introduced into the combustion chamber S1. At this time, the traveling direction of the gas is changed by the cover member 146 detached from the partition member 145 , and the gas is mainly blown out toward the bottom plate portion 111 side of the lower shell 110 .

Therefore, in the disk-type gas generator C according to the present embodiment, when the gas generated in the second combustion chamber S2 is introduced into the first combustion chamber S1, it is directed directly toward the inner peripheral surface of the filter 170. will no longer be sprayed. Therefore, damage to the filter 170 can be prevented.

The gas generated in the second combustion chamber S2 and then introduced into the first combustion chamber S1 passes through the inside of the filter 170, and is cooled by the filter 170. The contained slag is removed by the filter 170 and flows into the gas discharge chamber S3, and is then jetted out of the housing via the plurality of gas jet ports 124 (see arrow AR2).

In the above-described second stage, the gas ejected from the plurality of gas ejection ports 124 to the outside of the disk-shaped gas generator C is discharged from the disk-shaped gas generator as in the case of the above-described first stage. It is introduced into the inside of the airbag provided adjacent to C, and inflates and deploys the airbag.

Here, when the surrounding environment of the disk-shaped gas generator A is under a low temperature environment or a normal temperature environment, the first gas generating agent 181 and the second gas are maintained while maintaining the state of the second stage described above. Combustion of the generating agent 182 is completed, and the operation of the disk-shaped gas generator C is thereby completed.

On the other hand, if the surrounding environment of the disk-type gas generator C is in a high-temperature environment, the pressure rise in the second combustion chamber S2 may be excessively accelerated. There is a risk that the pressure in the combustion chamber S2 will rise more than necessary. In this regard, in the disk-shaped gas generator C according to the present embodiment, when the pressure in the second combustion chamber S2 is excessively increased, additional pressure is generated before the operation of the disk-shaped gas generator C is completed. After that, the operation of the disk-shaped gas generator C is completed.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the internal pressure of the second combustion chamber S2 rises excessively in the above-described second stage, the cap member 147 moves further toward the top plate portion 21 accordingly. As a result, the cap member 147 presses the top plate portion 121 through the cover member 146 and the upper support member 162, thereby further deforming the top plate portion 121 outward.

Along with this, not only the plurality of first gas passage holes 147c provided in the cap member 147 but also the plurality of second gas passage holes 147d face both the first combustion chamber S1 and the second combustion chamber S2. exposed. Therefore, in the third stage, the first combustion chamber S1 and the second combustion chamber S2 have the total opening area of the plurality of first gas passage holes 147c and the total opening area of the plurality of second gas passage holes 147d. are communicated with a channel cross-sectional area corresponding to the total sum of

Therefore, in the third stage, the first combustion chamber S1 and the second combustion chamber S2 communicate with each other with a passage cross-sectional area larger than that in the second stage, and the pressure in the second combustion chamber S2 increases. Excessive rise can be prevented. Therefore, even when the surrounding environment of the disk-shaped gas generator C is in a high-temperature environment, the pressure in the second combustion chamber S2 increases more than necessary while continuously burning the second gas generating agent 52. It is possible to prevent this from happening.

As described above, as indicated by arrows AR3 and AR4 in the figure, the gas generated in the second combustion chamber S2 passes through the plurality of first gas passage holes 147c and the plurality of second gas passage holes 147c provided in the peripheral plate portion 147b. By passing through the second gas passage hole 147d, it is introduced into the first combustion chamber S1.

The gas generated in the second combustion chamber S2 and then introduced into the first combustion chamber S1 passes through the inside of the filter 170, and is cooled by the filter 170. The contained slag is removed by the filter 170 and flows into the gas discharge chamber S3, and is then jetted out of the housing through the plurality of gas jet ports 124 (see arrow AR1).

In the above-described third stage, the gas ejected from the plurality of gas ejection ports 124 to the outside of the disk-shaped gas generator C is injected into the disk in the same manner as in the above-described first and second stages. It is introduced into the airbag provided adjacent to the type gas generator C to inflate and deploy the airbag.

In the first stage described above, the gas ejected from the plurality of gas ejection ports 124 to the outside of the disk-shaped gas generator C is discharged from the airbag provided adjacent to the disk-shaped gas generator C. It is introduced inside to inflate and deploy the airbag.

At this time, due to the pressure increase inside the housing caused by the combustion of the first gas generating agent 181, the bottom plate portion 111 of the lower shell 110 and the top plate portion 21 of the upper shell 120 are pushed outward. It transforms so that it swells toward you. As a result, the distances between the first cover portion 146a of the cover member 146 and the top plate portion 147a of the cap member 147 (that is, the closed end of the partition portion 144) and the top plate portion 121 are increased.

On the other hand, in the first stage, the cover member 146 is pressed against the partition member 145 due to the pressure increase in the first combustion chamber S1 caused by the combustion of the first gas generating agent 181. . Therefore, the opening of the partition member 145 on the side of the top plate portion 121 is closed by the first cover portion 146 a of the cover member 146 , and the outer peripheral surface of the portion of the partition member 145 near the top plate portion 121 is covered with the first opening of the cover member 146 . Since the two cover portions 146b are in close contact with each other, the state in which the portion is covered is maintained.

As a result, in the first stage, the first combustion chamber S1 and the second combustion chamber S2 are not communicated with each other, and the second gas generating agent 152, which has not yet started to burn, is supplied with the first gas generating agent. 151 will no longer be affected.

Next, the second igniter 142 is energized by the above-described control unit at a timing delayed by a predetermined time from the operation of the first igniter 132 described above.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the second stage when the second igniter 142 is activated, the ignition charge filled in the second ignition portion 142b of the second igniter 142 is heated by the resistor and ignited, The combustion of the ignition charge causes the second ignition portion 142b to explode. As a result, the second gas generating agents 182 housed in the second combustion chamber S2 are sequentially ignited and start burning.

Here, prior to the start of combustion of the second gas generating agent 182, the first gas generating agent 181 was previously ignited and burned, so that the disk-shaped gas generator A as a whole was already heated to a high temperature. Since it is in the state of Combustion of the gas generating agent 182 is less likely to be interrupted.

At this time, pressure is applied to the cap member 147 accommodated in the second combustion chamber S2 due to the pressure increase in the second combustion chamber S2 caused by the combustion of the second gas generating agent 182. The top plate portion 147a of the cap member 147 receives the pressure mainly along the axial direction of the housing, and the peripheral plate portion 147b of the cap member 147 receives the pressure mainly along the radial direction of the housing. The pressure acts on

As a result, the entire cap member 147 moves toward the top plate portion 121 of the upper shell 120, and the peripheral plate portion 147b deforms so as to spread radially outward. Become. Therefore, the cap member 147 moves toward the top plate portion 121 side while the portion near the lower end of the peripheral plate portion 147b is kept in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the partition member 145 along the circumferential direction.

Therefore, the portion of the peripheral plate portion 147b closer to the lower end is maintained in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the partition member 145 along the circumferential direction, so that gas can be prevented from leaking out from this portion. Therefore, the partition member 145 and the cap member 147 reliably form a pressure partition, and the internal pressure of the second combustion chamber S2 can be appropriately increased, and as a result, the combustion of the second gas generating agent 182 is interrupted. will continue without

Further, with the above-described movement of the cap member 147, the cover member 146 is pushed up by the cap member 47 and moves toward the top plate portion 121 side. As a result, the cap member 147 is separated from the open end of the partition member 145 on the top plate portion 121 side. Therefore, when the cover member 146 is separated from the partition member 145, the first gas passage hole 147c provided in the peripheral plate portion 147b of the cap member 147 is positioned on the top plate portion 121 side of the partition member 145 for the first combustion. It is exposed so as to face the chamber S1.

Here, in the present embodiment, when the cover member 146 and the cap member 147 move by a predetermined amount in the second stage, the movement of the cover member 146 and the cap member 147 is caused by the top plate portion 121. configured to be restricted. That is, the cover member 146 abuts on the top plate portion 21 via the upper support member 162, and the cap member 147 abuts on the top plate portion 121 via the cover member 146 and the upper support member 162. The cover member 146 and the cap member 147 will stop.

As a result, of the plurality of first gas passage holes 147c and the plurality of second gas passage holes 147d provided in the cap member 147, the plurality of first gas passage holes 147c located closer to the top plate portion 121 side. are exposed to face both the first combustion chamber S1 and the second combustion chamber S2. Although it faces S2, it is covered with the partition member 145 so that it does not face the first combustion chamber S1.

Therefore, in the second stage, the first combustion chamber S1 and the second combustion chamber S2 are communicated with each other with a channel cross-sectional area corresponding to the total opening area of the plurality of first gas passage holes 147c. Therefore, by appropriately narrowing the total opening area of the plurality of first gas passage holes 147c, it is possible to determine whether the surrounding environment of the disk-shaped gas generator A is in a low temperature environment, a normal temperature environment, or a high temperature environment. Also, the internal pressure of the second combustion chamber S2 rises appropriately, and as a result, the second gas generating agent 52 burns continuously.

As described above, as indicated by an arrow AR2 in the figure, the gas generated in the second combustion chamber S2 passes through the plurality of first gas passage holes 147c provided in the peripheral plate portion 147b, thereby causing the first It will be introduced into the combustion chamber S1. At this time, the traveling direction of the gas is changed by the cover member 146 detached from the partition member 145 , and the gas is mainly blown out toward the bottom plate portion 111 side of the lower shell 110 .

Therefore, in the disk-type gas generator C according to the present embodiment, when the gas generated in the second combustion chamber S2 is introduced into the first combustion chamber S1, it is directed directly toward the inner peripheral surface of the filter 170. will no longer be sprayed. Therefore, damage to the filter 170 can be prevented.

The gas generated in the second combustion chamber S2 and then introduced into the first combustion chamber S1 passes through the inside of the filter 170, and is cooled by the filter 170. The contained slag is removed by the filter 170 and flows into the gas discharge chamber S3, and is then jetted out of the housing through the plurality of gas jet ports 124 (see arrow AR1).

In the above-described second stage, the gas ejected from the plurality of gas ejection ports 124 to the outside of the disk-shaped gas generator A is discharged from the disk-shaped gas generator as in the case of the above-described first stage. It is introduced into the inside of the airbag provided adjacent to C, and inflates and deploys the airbag.

Here, when the surrounding environment of the disk-shaped gas generator C is under a low temperature environment or a normal temperature environment, the first gas generating agent 181 and the second gas are maintained while maintaining the state of the second stage described above. Combustion of the generating agent 182 is completed, and the operation of the disk-shaped gas generator C is thereby completed.

On the other hand, if the surrounding environment of the disk-type gas generator C is in a high-temperature environment, the pressure rise in the second combustion chamber S2 may be excessively accelerated. There is a risk that the pressure in the combustion chamber S2 will rise more than necessary. In this regard, in the disk-type gas generator A according to the present embodiment, when the pressure in the second combustion chamber S2 is excessively increased, additional pressure is generated before the operation of the disk-type gas generator A is completed. After that, the operation of the disk-shaped gas generator C is completed.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the internal pressure of the second combustion chamber S2 rises excessively in the above-described second stage, the cap member 147 moves further toward the top plate portion 121 accordingly. As a result, the cap member 147 presses the top plate portion 121 through the cover member 146 and the upper support member 162, thereby further deforming the top plate portion 121 outward.

Along with this, not only the plurality of first gas passage holes 147c provided in the cap member 147 but also the plurality of second gas passage holes 147d face both the first combustion chamber S1 and the second combustion chamber S2. exposed. Therefore, in the third stage, the first combustion chamber S1 and the second combustion chamber S2 have the total opening area of the plurality of first gas passage holes 147c and the total opening area of the plurality of second gas passage holes 147d. are communicated with a channel cross-sectional area corresponding to the total sum of

Therefore, in the third stage, the first combustion chamber S1 and the second combustion chamber S2 communicate with each other with a passage cross-sectional area larger than that in the second stage, and the pressure in the second combustion chamber S2 increases. Excessive rise can be prevented. Therefore, even when the surrounding environment of the disk-shaped gas generator C is in a high-temperature environment, the pressure in the second combustion chamber S2 increases more than necessary while continuously burning the second gas generating agent 182. It is possible to prevent this from happening.

As described above, as indicated by arrows AR3 and AR4 in the figure, the gas generated in the second combustion chamber S2 passes through the plurality of first gas passage holes 147c and the plurality of second gas passage holes 147c provided in the peripheral plate portion 147b. By passing through the second gas passage hole 147d, it is introduced into the first combustion chamber S1.

The gas generated in the second combustion chamber S2 and then introduced into the first combustion chamber S1 passes through the inside of the filter 170, and is cooled by the filter 170. The contained slag is removed by the filter 170 and flows into the gas discharge chamber S3, and is then jetted out of the housing through the plurality of gas jet ports 124 (see arrow AR1).

In the above-described third stage, the gas ejected from the plurality of gas ejection ports 124 to the outside of the disk-shaped gas generator C is injected into the disk in the same manner as in the above-described first and second stages. It is introduced into the airbag provided adjacent to the type gas generator C to inflate and deploy the airbag.

As described above, with the disk-shaped gas generator C according to the present embodiment, when it is operated in a low-temperature environment and a normal temperature environment, the above-described first stage and second stage are performed exclusively, and the When the operation of the disk-shaped gas generator C is completed and it is operated in a high temperature environment, the operation of the disk-shaped gas generator C is completed exclusively through the above-described first stage, second stage and third stage. become.

Therefore, in the initial stage of combustion of the second gas generating agent 182, the pressure in the second combustion chamber S2 is considerably increased and The second gas generating agent 182 can be burned continuously, and even when the surrounding environment is a high-temperature environment, the pressure of the second combustion chamber S2 does not become higher than necessary, and the second gas generating agent 182 can be continuously burned. It follows that the gas generant 182 can be combusted.

Therefore, the disk-shaped gas generator C according to the present embodiment has a dual structure that can reliably obtain a desired gas output during operation while eliminating the influence of the difference in environmental temperature as much as possible. It can be a disk type gas generator C.

In general, in gas generators, due to unavoidable variations in the manufacturing conditions during the production of the gas generating agent and the unavoidable difference in filling conditions when filling the housing with the gas generating agent, There may be slight variations in gas output during operation between products. In this regard, with the disk-type gas generator C according to the present embodiment, it is possible to effectively suppress variations in gas output due to such causes. It is possible to reliably obtain the desired gas output at
As described above, with the disk-shaped gas generator C according to the present embodiment, when it is operated in a low-temperature environment and a normal temperature environment, the above-described first stage and second stage are performed exclusively, and the When the operation of the disk-shaped gas generator C is completed and it is operated in a high temperature environment, the operation of the disk-shaped gas generator C is completed exclusively through the above-described first stage, second stage and third stage. become.

Therefore, in the initial stage of combustion of the second gas generating agent 182, the pressure in the second combustion chamber S2 is considerably increased and The second gas generating agent 182 can be burned continuously, and even when the surrounding environment is a high-temperature environment, the pressure of the second combustion chamber S2 does not become higher than necessary, and the second gas generating agent 182 can be continuously burned. It follows that the gas generant 182 can be combusted.

Therefore, the disk-shaped gas generator C according to the present embodiment has a dual structure that can reliably obtain a desired gas output during operation while eliminating the influence of the difference in environmental temperature as much as possible. It can be a disk type gas generator C.

In general, in gas generators, due to unavoidable variations in the manufacturing conditions during the production of the gas generating agent and the unavoidable difference in filling conditions when filling the housing with the gas generating agent, There may be slight variations in gas output during operation between products. In this regard, with the disk-type gas generator C according to the present embodiment, it is possible to effectively suppress variations in gas output due to such causes. It is possible to reliably obtain the desired gas output at

(Example 1)
As Example 1, the disk-shaped gas generator B described as the second embodiment was used. Here, the cup-shaped member 50 filled with the transfer charge 59 is made of iron and has a plate thickness of 0.5 mm. The weakened portion 55 of the top wall portion 51 had a slit depth of 0.3 mm (remaining thickness of 0.2 mm) and a width of 0.4 mm. In addition, slits were provided every 60°. That is, the disc-shaped gas generator B according to the second embodiment has a filling amount of the transfer charge 59 and an internal capacity of the cup-shaped member 50 when compared with the disc-shaped gas generator A according to the first embodiment. The volume of the space is almost the same, and the only difference is that the cup-shaped member 50 filled with transfer charge 59 does not have the extended portion 53 .

(Comparative example 1)
As Comparative Example 1, in the disk-shaped gas generator B described as the second embodiment, the top wall portion 51 of the cup-shaped member 50 is not provided with a weakened portion, but the side wall portion 52 is provided with a slit-shaped weakened portion. A disk-type gas generator was used. Here, the cup-shaped member 50 filled with the transfer charge 59 is made of iron and has a plate thickness of 0.5 mm. A weakened portion 55 was provided on the side wall portion 52, and the slit had a depth of 0.3 mm (remaining thickness of 0.2 mm) and a width of 0.4 mm. The slit was provided with a length of 8.0 mm extending axially downward from the end face of the side wall portion 52 on the side of the top wall portion 51 . In addition, slits were provided in the top wall portion 51 from the end face on the side of the top wall portion 51 every 60°.

(Comparative Example 2, Comparative Example 3)
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of disk-shaped gas generators D according to Comparative Examples 2 and 3. FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the disk-shaped gas generator D according to Comparative Examples 2 and 3 has a cup-shaped member as compared with the disk-shaped gas generator A (see FIG. 1) according to the first embodiment. The configuration is different only in that the top wall portion 51 of 50 is not provided with the weakened portion 55 . Since the weak portion 55 is not provided, the portion of the cup-shaped member 50 that bursts, deforms, or melts is not determined, and the portion into which the combustion gas of the transfer charge 59 in the transfer chamber flows into the combustion chamber 60 is also not determined. Become. Therefore, the output of the gas generator is unstable. Here, the material of the cup-shaped member 50 filled with the transfer charge 59 is made of aluminum.

In the verification test, each of the four disk-shaped gas generators according to Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 was individually installed in a sealed tank with a volume of 60 L and operated to increase the tank internal pressure. is measured over time, and as a result, the time Tout from the time when the igniter is activated to the time when gas starts to be ejected to the outside through the gas ejection port, 20 [ms] after the time when the igniter is activated and the tank internal pressure P2 40 [ms] after the igniter was activated were measured.

Of these, P1 and P2 indicate how much gas output was obtained in a relatively early stage from the time when the igniter was activated. Gas is being discharged from the disk-shaped gas generator. Here, in the airbag device, it is important to inflate and deploy the airbag as early as possible, and for this purpose, it is necessary to obtain a high gas output at a relatively early stage from the time when the igniter is activated. is. Therefore, it is preferable that the values of P1 and P2 are larger for the disk-type gas generator.

Among the four disk-shaped gas generators according to Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3, in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1, the material of the cup-shaped member 50 was iron, and the transfer charge was 1.1 g, the position of the fragile portion 55 is provided on the top wall portion (Example 1) and the side wall portion (Comparative Example 1), and the remaining Comparative Examples 2 and 3 are operated with the cup The material of the shaped member 50 is made of aluminum, and the fragile portion 55 is not provided. In Comparative Example 2, the dose was 1.1 g, and in Comparative Example 3, the dose was 1.7 g.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, in the disk-shaped gas generator according to Example 1, Tout was 5.0 [ms], and in Comparative Example 1, it was 9.1 [ms]. On the other hand, in the disk-shaped gas generators according to Comparative Examples 2 and 3, Tout of Comparative Example 2 was 8.1 [ms], and Tout of Comparative Example 3 was 5.0 [ms].

Further, in the disk-type gas generator according to the example, P1 of Example 1 was 153 [kPa] and that of Comparative Example 1 was 112 [kPa]. On the other hand, in the disk-type gas generators according to Comparative Examples 2 and 3, P1 of Comparative Example 2 was 124 [kPa] and P1 of Comparative Example 3 was 149 [kPa].

Furthermore, in the disk type gas generator according to the example, P2 of Example 1 was 269 [kPa], and P2 of Comparative Example 1 was 245 [kPa]. On the other hand, in the disk-type gas generators according to Comparative Examples 2 and 3, P1 of Comparative Example 2 was 250 [kPa] and P1 of Comparative Example 3 was 264 [kPa].

From the above results, in the disk-shaped gas generator according to the example, gas is ejected to the outside through the gas ejection port from the time the igniter is actuated, regardless of the fragile portion and the amount of transfer charge. It can be seen that the time Tout until the start is shorter in Example 1 than in both the disk-shaped gas generators according to Comparative Examples 1 and 2. However, in the disk-type gas generator according to Comparative Example 3, Tout is the same as that of the disk-type gas generator according to Example 1.

Further, from the above results, in the disk-type gas generator according to Example 1, basically regardless of the fragile portion and the transfer charge amount, 20 [ms] after the igniter was activated. It can be seen that the tank internal pressure P1 is higher than that of any of the disk-shaped gas generators according to Comparative Examples 1 and 2. However, in the disk-shaped gas generator according to Example 1, P1 is substantially the same as that of the disk-shaped gas generator according to Comparative Example 3.

Furthermore, from the above results, in the disk-type gas generator according to Example 1, basically regardless of the fragile portion and the transfer charge amount, 40 [ms] after the igniter was activated. It can be seen that the tank internal pressure P2 of is greater than that of any of the disk-type gas generators according to Comparative Examples 1 and 2. However, in the disk-shaped gas generator according to the example, P2 is substantially the same as that of the disk-shaped gas generator according to the third comparative example.

Here, the disk-type gas generator is often installed in an inclined posture with the axial direction of the housing at a predetermined angle with respect to the floor of the vehicle. In addition, the angle of the disk-shaped gas generator with respect to the horizontal plane constantly changes within a certain angle range as the inclination of the road surface on which the vehicle travels changes. Therefore, in the disk-shaped gas generator, the time Tout from when the igniter is activated to when the gas starts to be ejected to the outside through the gas ejection port is a predetermined time within the above-described certain angle range. In addition, the tank internal pressure P2 20 [ms] after the igniter is activated and the tank internal pressure P2 40 [ms] after the igniter is activated are both large values. is required to take

In this regard, in the disc-type gas generator according to Comparative Example 1, the weak portion 55 of the cup-shaped member is provided on the side wall portion 52, so that the transfer charge in the transfer chamber is not sufficiently burned, and the side wall portion bursts, deforms or melts, and the combustion gas flows into the gas generating agent in the combustion chamber 60, resulting in large changes in Tout, P1 and P2.

On the other hand, in the disk-shaped gas generator according to Comparative Example 2, the material of the cup-shaped member 50 is aluminum, and the material of the cup-shaped member 50 of Example 1 is relatively low in mechanical strength compared to iron. Accordingly, the cup-shaped member 50 bursts, deforms, or melts in a state in which the transfer charge in the transfer chamber is not sufficiently burned, resulting in large changes in Tout, P1, and P2.

On the other hand, in the disk-shaped gas generator according to Comparative Example 3, the amount of the transfer charge loaded in the cup-shaped member 50 is large, so that the cup-shaped member 50 is released when the transfer charge in the transfer chamber is sufficiently burned. As a result of bursting, deformation, or melting, Tout, P1, and P2 do not change significantly between the horizontal state and the vertical state, but the charge amount of transfer charge increases more than that of the disk-shaped gas generator according to Example 1. By doing so, the body difference of the cup-shaped member 50 is increased.

As described above, by using the disk-type gas generator in the above-described second embodiment, the filling amount of the transfer charge 59 is kept small, and the gas is discharged to the outside through the gas ejection port 23 from the time the igniter 40 is actuated. It can be said that it has been experimentally confirmed that the disk-type gas generator can shorten the time until the start of jetting out.

(Other forms, etc.)
In the above-described first and second embodiments of the present invention and their modifications, the case where the upper shell and the lower shell are configured by press-formed products formed by press-working metal members is exemplified. However, it is not necessarily limited to this, and an upper shell and a lower shell formed by a combination of press working and other working (forging, drawing, cutting, etc.) may be used. However, an upper shell and a lower shell formed only by the above-mentioned other processing may be used.

Further, in the above-described first and second embodiments of the present invention and their modifications, the case where the projecting tubular portion is provided in the lower shell has been exemplified. Of course, it is also possible to apply the present invention to a vessel.

Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments of the present invention and their modifications described above, when the transfer charge is ignited by the actuation of the igniter, the pressure in the space inside the cup-shaped member rises and Although the case of using a member that explodes, deforms, or melts along with the conduction of generated heat has been described as an example, it is also possible to use a cup-shaped member having another configuration. Specifically, as the cup-shaped member, an opening is provided in advance in a member having high mechanical strength such as a stainless alloy, and the opening is closed with a sealing tape, so that the closing of the sealing tape is broken during operation. It is also possible to use one configured as follows.

In addition, the characteristic configurations shown in Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention and their modifications described above can naturally be combined with each other within the scope permitted in light of the gist of the present invention.

Thus, the above-described embodiments and their modifications disclosed this time are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The technical scope of the present invention is defined by the scope of claims, and includes all changes within the meaning and scope of equivalents to the description of the scope of claims.

A to D disk type gas generator, 10 lower shell, 11 bottom plate, 12 peripheral wall, 13 protruding cylinder, 14 depression, 15 opening, 20 upper shell, 21 top plate, 22 peripheral wall, 23 gas ejection port 24 sealing tape 28 gap 30 holding part 31 inner coating part 32 outer coating part 33 connecting part 34 female connector part 40 igniter 41 ignition part 42 terminal pin 50 cup-shaped member 51 top wall portion 52 side wall portion 53 extension portion 54 tip portion 55 weak portion 56 non-weak portion 57 transfer chamber 59 transfer charge 60 combustion chamber 61 gas generating agent 62 Flange portion 70 Lower support member 71 Base portion 72 Contact portion 73 Standing portion 74 Partition wall portion 80 Upper support member 81 Base portion 82 Contact portion 85 Cushion material 90 Filter S1 First space , S2 second space 110 lower shell 111 bottom plate 111a first opening 111b second opening 112 peripheral wall 120 upper shell 121 top plate 122 peripheral wall 123 flange 124 Gas ejection port 125 Seal tape 130 First igniter assembly 131 First holder 131a Upper concave portion 131b Lower concave portion 131c Through hole 131d, 131e Crimped portion 132 First igniter 132a Base portion 132b First ignition part 132c Terminal pin 133 First sealing member 134 Cup body 134a Top wall part 134b Side wall part 134c Flange part 135 Transfer chamber 136 Transfer charge 140 Second igniter assembly 141 second holder, 141a upper concave portion, 141b lower concave portion, 141c through hole, 141d caulking portion, 142 second igniter, 142a base portion, 142b second ignition portion, 142c terminal pin, 143 second sealing member, 144 partition portion, 145 partition member 145a fixing portion 145c first gas passage hole 145d second gas passage hole 146 cover member 146a first cover portion 146b second cover portion 146c third cover portion 147 cap member 147a top plate 147b peripheral plate portion 147b1 swash plate portion 147c first gas passage hole 147d second gas passage hole 147e third gas passage hole 150 cup-shaped member 151 top wall portion 152 side wall portion 155 fragile portion , 156 non-weakened portion, 161 lower support member, 162 upper support member, 163 cushion 170 filter 181 first gas generating agent 182 second gas generating agent S1 first combustion chamber S2 second combustion chamber S3 gas discharge chamber.

Claims (6)

a cylindrical peripheral wall portion provided with a gas ejection port, a top plate portion closing one axial end of the peripheral wall portion, and a bottom plate portion closing the other axial end of the peripheral wall portion; a short cylindrical housing having a combustion chamber containing a generating agent therein; an igniter assembled to the bottom plate portion and including an igniter containing an ignition charge that ignites during operation;
Consists of a single cylindrical member with a bottom that includes a transfer chamber in which a transfer charge is accommodated, and that protrudes toward the combustion chamber so that the internal space faces the ignition part. a cup-shaped member;
A thin weakened portion is disposed at least partially on the top wall portion of the cup-shaped member, and the side wall portion of the cup-shaped member has higher mechanical strength than the weakened portion that separates the transfer chamber and the combustion chamber. with
The fragile portion is arranged to face the ignition portion, and is a fragile portion that ruptures, deforms, or melts the cup-shaped member prior to the side wall portion as the igniter operates,
a weakened portion existing region in which the top wall portion of the cup-shaped member is initially ruptured, deformed, or melted starting from the weakened portion due to combustion of the transfer charge accompanying operation of the igniter; and a weakened portion existing region. and a weak portion non-existence region in which rupture, deformation, or melting occurs after a predetermined time has elapsed after deformation,
gas generator. 2. The gas generator according to claim 1, wherein said weakened portion disposed on the top wall portion of said cup-shaped member is thinner than the side wall portion of said cup-shaped member. a housing including a peripheral wall portion provided with a gas ejection port, a top plate portion closing one axial end of the peripheral wall portion, and a bottom plate portion closing the other axial end of the peripheral wall portion;
a cylindrical filter housed inside the housing such that the outer peripheral surface faces the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall;
It has a cup-like shape as a whole having a closed end on the top plate portion side, and is assembled to the bottom plate portion so that the space inside the filter is a first combustion chamber in which a first gas generating agent is accommodated. and a partition section for partitioning into a second combustion chamber containing the second gas generating agent;
a first igniter assembled to the bottom plate so as to face the first combustion chamber, which is a space outside the partition;
a second igniter assembled to the bottom plate so as to face the second combustion chamber, which is a space inside the partition;
A single bottomed cylindrical unit including a transfer chamber containing a transfer charge therein and protruding toward the first combustion chamber so that the internal space faces the first ignition part A cup-shaped member made of a member,
A thin weakened portion is disposed at least partially on the top wall portion of the cup-shaped member, and the side wall portion of the cup-shaped member has higher mechanical strength than the weakened portion that separates the transfer chamber and the combustion chamber. with
The fragile portion is arranged to face the first ignition portion, and is a fragile portion that ruptures, deforms, or melts the cup-shaped member before the side wall portion along with the operation of the first igniter. ,
a weakened portion existence region in which the top wall portion of the cup-shaped member is initially ruptured, deformed, or melted starting from the weakened portion due to combustion of the transfer charge accompanying the operation of the first igniter; and the weakened portion. and a fragile portion non-existing region in which rupture, deformation, or melting occurs after a predetermined time has elapsed since the existing region is deformed,
gas generator. The gas generator according to claim 3,
The fragile portion existing region is arranged on the second igniter side half peripheral surface of the top wall portion, and the fragile portion non-existing region is arranged on the filter side half peripheral surface.
gas generator. The gas generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the weakened portion is slit-shaped and radially provided on the top wall portion. The gas generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cup-shaped member is made of a metal material such as stainless steel, iron steel, aluminum alloy, or stainless alloy.

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