JPH10329635A - Gas generator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily and inexpensively reduce the size and weight of a lengthy cylindrical gas generator used for an air bag device for side collision. SOLUTION: This gas generator comprises a lengthy cylindrical housing 1 partitioned into a cooling filter chamber F and a combustion chamber G by a partitioning member 8, a filter member 3 arranged in the cooling filter chamber F, a gas generating agent 2 arranged in the combustion chamber G, and an ignition device 5 installed to the end part so as to be applied to gas generation. The filter member 3 is formed of one filter molded body or a plurality of laminated filter molded bodies, and a plurality of gas discharge holes 6a are provided on the whole circumference of the housing 1 situated in the axial center of the filter member 3. A mesh member 4 for forming an annular gas passing space S between the filter member 3 and the housing 1 is arranged on the circumference of the filter member 3.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gas generator used in an airbag device of an automobile, and more particularly to a small-capacity gas generator used in an airbag device for side collision.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A typical example of a long cylindrical gas generator used in a conventional air bag device for side collision will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 9, the gas generator has a plurality of gas discharge holes 106 a on the outer periphery, an outer cylinder 106 having a bottomed cylindrical body with one end opened, and a lid member 107 for closing the open end of the outer cylinder 106. And a long cylindrical housing 101 in which a closed space is formed. The interior of the housing 101 defines a combustion chamber G loaded with a gas generating agent 102 that generates gas in the axial direction, and the gas generated by the combustion of the gas generating agent 102 continuously in the combustion chamber G. A cooling / filtering chamber F for cooling and filtering is defined by an annular partition member 108. In the cooling filtration chamber F, an inner cylinder 109 having a plurality of gas passage holes 109a and a filter member 103 are arranged from the axial center thereof. An ignition device 105 that is ignited by a collision detection signal of a collision sensor is mounted on the lid member 107.

[0003]

In recent years, the application range of an airbag device for side collision has been expanded to various types of vehicles, and especially in a narrow space such as a seat back side or a vehicle body pillar. Due to the necessity of installation, reduction in size and weight is required.

[0004] However, in the conventional gas generator, the housing 101 (the outer cylinder 10) is required to cope with miniaturization and weight reduction.
When 6) is reduced in diameter, the inner cylinder 109 also needs to be reduced in diameter. However, the reduction in the diameter of the inner cylinder 109 is accompanied by difficulties in molding, which increases the molding cost and increases the cost of the gas generator. There is a risk that manufacturing costs will increase.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and makes it possible to reduce the size and weight of a long cylindrical gas generator used in an airbag device for side collision at low cost and easily. It is made to be able to do.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a gas generator according to the present invention has a long cylindrical housing defined by a partition member in a cooling filtration chamber and a combustion chamber. A gas generator in which a filter member is disposed in a cooling filtration chamber and a gas generating agent is disposed in the combustion chamber, and an ignition device is attached to an end of the gas generator. And a plurality of gas discharge holes are provided around the entire periphery of the housing located at the axial center of the filter member, and are formed in an annular shape between the housing and the outer periphery of the filter member. Or a mesh member that defines a gas passage space or an inner cylinder having a plurality of gas passage holes.

Thus, the mesh member or the inner cylinder that defines the gas passage space is arranged closest to the inside of the housing. Therefore, even if the size of the housing is reduced, the mesh member or the inner cylinder can be connected to the inner diameter of the housing. Since the diameter can be increased to a size close to the size, the formation of the mesh member and the inner cylinder becomes easy. or,
Since the gas pressure is made uniform by the gas passage space between the housing and the mesh member or the inner cylinder, the gas can be uniformly discharged from each gas discharge hole. Furthermore, by opening the gas discharge hole over the entire circumference of the housing located at the center in the axial direction of the filter member, the gas ejected into the gas passage space can pass through the inner peripheral surface of the housing after passing through the filter member. The slag adheres and is removed by the collision with the mesh member, it can be cooled by contact with the housing and the mesh member, and the bypass outflow of the gas containing the slag from the end of the filter member can be prevented.

It is preferable that an inner cylinder is provided in the filter member, and the gas outlet holes of the inner cylinder are arranged orthogonally so as not to face the gas discharge holes of the housing in the circumferential direction. Thereby, an assembly assembled by inserting the filter member into the mesh member or the inner cylinder and further inserting the inner inner cylinder into the filter member can be configured before assembling to the gas generator. By simply press-fitting into the housing, the housing arrangement of the mesh member or the inner cylinder, the filter member and the inner cylinder with respect to the housing can be completed, and the workability can be improved.
Further, the gas ejected from the vicinity of the gas outlet hole is removed by the slag attached to the inner surface due to the collision with the mesh member or the housing, and further, the gas ejected from the vicinity of the gas outlet hole is
Slag is sufficiently removed by passing the filter member in the circumferential direction, and slag remaining due to collision with the housing can also be removed. Further, it is possible to prevent the gas flow from going straight through the filter member and prevent the filter member from being melted and damaged by the high-temperature gas.

Further, if the partition member has a structure in which the partition member is pressed into the stepped portion of the housing or a structure in which the partition member is fixed by caulking formed by drawing on the peripheral surface of the housing, the combustion of the gas generating agent causes The generated high-temperature and high-pressure gas can prevent the partition member from swinging. In particular, when the partition member is fixed by caulking, it is preferable to interpose a seal material, and the seal material interrupts the flow of gas in the combustion chamber and the gas passage space, so that the gas is surely transferred from the cooling filtration chamber to the filter member. It becomes possible to make it flow.

Further, it is preferable that the gas generating agent to be charged into the combustion chamber is sealed in a thin metal plate container. This allows
There is no need for a complicated operation of attaching a sealing material for closing the gas discharge hole to the inner peripheral surface of the small-diameter housing to prevent moisture of the gas generating agent. Also, by enclosing the gas generating agent in the container, the housing can be configured using an inexpensive steel pipe without using stainless steel having excellent corrosion resistance.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A gas generator according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

In FIG. 1, a gas generator X1 comprises a long cylindrical housing 1 and a partition member 8 which defines an interior of the housing 1 in a cooling filtration chamber F and a combustion chamber G in the axial direction.
And a filter member 3 (filter formed body) and a mesh member 4 disposed in the cooling and filtering chamber F, a gas generating agent 2 disposed in the combustion chamber G, and an ignition device 5 at an end. It is configured as a part. The housing 1 is composed of a bottomed cylindrical outer cylinder 6 having one end opened and a lid member 7 for closing the opening of the outer cylinder 6, and an annular shape formed on the outer peripheral edge of the lid member 7. The rib 7a and the opening end of the outer cylinder 6 are abutted against each other and frictionally pressed to seal the end. The inside of the housing 1 is formed with a stepped hole formed in the bottom portion 6b of the outer cylinder 6 by a stepped portion 1a formed at the center in the axial direction. The lid member 7 is formed by the annular partition member 8 press-fitted into the portion 1a.
The cooling filtration chamber F is defined in the axial direction from the side, and the combustion chamber G is reduced in diameter from the cooling filtration chamber F.

In the cooling and filtering chamber F of the housing 1, a cylindrical filter member 3 extends radially outward from the center of the shaft.
A cylindrical mesh member 4 is sequentially arranged, and the mesh member 4 forms an annular gas passage space S between the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 6 and the outer peripheral surface of the filter member 3. Further, the inside of the cooling and filtering chamber F is communicated with an airbag (not shown) through a plurality of gas discharge holes 6 a formed on the peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 6. As shown in FIG. 2, each gas discharge hole 6 a is formed at an angle of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction of the housing 1, and is positioned at the axial center of the filter member 3 (at the axial center of the cooling and filtering chamber F). Position).

The filter member 3 is arranged in the axial direction of the cooling and filtering chamber F, and one end of the filter member 3 is in contact with the partition member 8. The filter member 3 is pressed against the partition member 8 via a cap member 9 disposed between the filter member 3 and the cover member 7. In other words, when the lid member 7 and the outer cylinder 6 are butt-welded to each other, the partition member 8 is inserted into the outer cylinder 6 to be pressed into contact with the stepped portion 1a, and then the filter member 3 is inserted into the outer cylinder 6. Thereafter, the cap member 9 is arranged in advance with respect to the open end of the outer cylinder 6 such that the outer peripheral flange 9a faces the filter member 3 and the tip end surface is located inside the butt press contact surface. To perform friction welding. Then, the outer peripheral flange portion 9a of the cap member 9 receives a force pushed inward by the press-contact burr 6c of the outer cylinder 6 generated at the time of friction pressing. As a result, the filter member 3 is pressed by the outer peripheral flange 9 a by the cap member 9,
a and is securely fixed in the housing 1 while being sandwiched by the partition member 8. Further, as the filter member 3, an aggregate of a knitted wire netting (FIG. 3A) or a crimped wire rod (FIG. 3B) is formed into a cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. It is preferable to manufacture it.

As described above, the partition member 8 is fixed by abutment and press-fitting to the stepped portion 1a, and the cap member 9 and the filter member 3 which are pushed in when the outer cylinder 6 and the lid member 7 are friction-welded to each other. Since the swinging of the partition member 8 by the high-temperature and high-pressure gas generated by the combustion of the gas generating agent 2 is prevented, the combustion pressure in the combustion chamber G is stabilized, and a stable combustion state is easily obtained.

The mesh member 4 is formed in a cylindrical shape using an inexpensive wire mesh (for example, a plain woven wire mesh) having a coarse mesh.
A plurality of zigzag-shaped peaks 4A (or valleys 4B) having a predetermined width h as viewed in the axial direction are continuously formed on the entire circumference of the mesh member 4, and each zigzag-shaped peak is formed. The portion 4A (or the valley 4B) is also formed over the circumferential direction.
Also, the width h of each zigzag wave-shaped peak 4A (or valley 4B).
Is set such that a predetermined gas passage space G is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 6 and the outer peripheral surface of the filter member 3. The mesh member 4 is inserted into the housing 1 such that the outwardly projecting ridges 4A are in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 6, and the inwardly projecting valleys 4B are filtered by the filter member. The filter member 3 is held while forming an annular gas passage space S between the outer cylinder 6 and the filter member 3 by being brought into close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the filter member 3. Note that the mesh member 4 is not limited to the above-described one, and is sufficient to define the gas passage space S by repeatedly folding the end of the cylindrical wire net on the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder many times. A cylindrical multi-folded metal net having a large thickness may be used.

As a result, in the gas passage space S, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 2, a plurality of gas passages 10 that are vertically and horizontally communicated through the mesh are formed, and the gas flowing out of the filter member 3 into the gas passage space S flows into each peak 4A of the mesh member 13 (or The gas flows vertically and horizontally while colliding with the valleys 4B) and is distributed at a uniform pressure in the gas passage space S.

On the other hand, a gas generating agent 2 is disposed in the combustion chamber G. Each gas generating agent 2 is loaded in a gas generating agent container 15 (hereinafter, referred to as “container 15”) disposed in the combustion chamber G. The container 15 is made of a thin metal plate such as aluminum, and includes a cup 16 with a bottom that opens to face the partition member 8 and a seal lid 17 that covers the opening of the cup 16. The container 15 is filled with the gas generating agent 2 by loading the gas generating agent 2 into the cup 16 and fixing the seal lid 17 to the opening of the cup 16. Reference numeral 18 denotes a cushion material for the gas generating agent 2 provided on the side of the seal lid 17 of the container 15, and is preferably a molded product such as a silicon foam or a ceramic fiber. The ignition device 5 faces the combustion chamber G so as to be adjacent to the gas generating agent 2 (container 15). The ignition device 5
Is hermetically fitted via a seal ring 20 (O-ring) into a mounting hole 19 formed in the bottom 6 b of the outer cylinder 6, and a gap H is formed in the bottom (gas generating agent 2) of the cup 16 of the container 15. And are caulked and fixed so as to face each other.

Next, the operation of the gas generator X1 will be described. When a collision sensor (not shown) detects a collision of the vehicle, the ignition device 5 is ignited by the collision detection signal, and the flame from the ignition device 5 is ejected into the combustion chamber G through the mounting hole 19, and The gas generator 2 is ignited by dissolving the bottom, and a high-temperature and high-pressure gas is generated by the combustion of the gas generator 2. The high-temperature and high-pressure gas generated in the combustion chamber G ruptures and opens the container 15 at the inner peripheral hole 8a of the partition member 8 and squirts into the cooling and filtering chamber F, and passes through the entire surface of the filter member 3 in the radial direction. In the process, the slag is collected and cooled, and then flows out to the passage space S where the mesh member 4 is disposed.

At this time, the gas flowing out of the filter member 3 into the gas passage space S passes through the meshes of the mesh member 4 and collides with the wires constituting the meshes of the zigzag wave-shaped peaks 4A (or valleys 4B). After colliding with the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 6 while flowing again in the gas passage space G while colliding with the peaks 4A (or valleys 4B), the gas remains in the gas in this process. The slag that is present in each peak 4 of the mesh member 13
A (or the valley 4B) mesh wire and the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 6 are attached and removed, and the clean gas is removed from the outer cylinder 6 and the ridges 4A (or the valley 4B) of the mesh member 4. It is also cooled by contact. Further, the gas flowing out of the filter member 3 into the gas passage space S is made uniform in the axial direction or the circumferential direction of the housing 1 by the gas passage space S. Subsequently, the clean gas that has flowed into the gas passage space S is made uniform in pressure in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction, is uniformly discharged from each gas discharge hole 6a into the airbag, and rapidly inflates the airbag. Let it unfold.

As described above, according to the gas generator X1 of the present embodiment, the filter member 3 is held and the gas passage space S
Since the mesh member 4 having the function of forming the mesh member is arranged closest to the inside of the outer cylinder 6, the mesh member 4 can have a size close to the inner diameter of the housing 1 even if the housing 1 has a small diameter. 4 becomes easy. Further, when the mesh member 4 is formed into a cylindrical body by a wire mesh, the filter member 3 can be easily inserted into the mesh member 4 in close contact with the mesh member 4, and can be easily held by the valleys 4B protruding inside the mesh member 4. Further, when the mesh member 4 is formed of a mesh net having a coarse mesh, the same function can be achieved easily and inexpensively and easily without forming a plurality of gas passage holes as in a conventional inner cylinder. It can also have the function of forming S. Therefore, the size and weight of the gas generator X1 can be easily reduced, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Further, since the mesh member 4 has a passage communicating the filter member 3 with the gas passage space S over the entire surface in the circumferential direction and the axial direction, the high-temperature and high-pressure gas is uniformly applied to the filter member 3. As a result, a dead space where gas does not flow into the filter member 3 is less likely to be formed, and the slag capturing and cooling efficiency of the filter member 3 is improved.

Further, each gas discharge hole 6a is formed in the circumferential direction of the outer cylinder 6, and is opened at the axial center position of the filter member 3 (axial center position of the cooling and filtering chamber F). Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the amount of gas that passes through each gas discharge hole 6a and is released to the airbag directly from the gap of the filter member 3, and the peak portion 4A (or the valley portion 4B) of the mesh member 4 and the outside can be reduced. By causing the gas to collide with the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder 6 and sufficiently collecting and cooling the slag, the gas can be discharged from each gas discharge hole 5a into the airbag. Therefore, damage of the airbag due to the high-temperature and high-pressure gas can be prevented.

Further, since the partition member 8 is pressed against the stepped portion 1a via the cap member 9 and the filter member 3 which are pressed when the outer cylinder 6 and the lid member 7 are pressed by friction, the gas generating agent 2 is provided. The partition member 8 does not oscillate due to the high-temperature and high-pressure gas generated by the combustion of. Therefore, the pressure in the combustion chamber G is correspondingly stabilized, and a stable combustion state is easily obtained, and the performance of the gas generator X1 is stabilized.

Further, the gas generating agent 2 is sealed in the container 15 with a simple structure in which the gas generating agent 2 is sealed. Each gas release hole 6a is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 6 and
There is no need to perform a complicated operation of closing the device.
Further, since the gas generating agent 2 is sealed by enclosing it in the container 15 without sealing the gas discharge holes 6a of the housing 1 (the outer cylinder 6) with a sealing material, the outer cylinder 6 has excellent corrosion resistance. Since it is possible to use an inexpensive steel pipe without using stainless steel, the manufacturing cost of the gas generator X1 can be reduced.

Further, assembling of the gas generator X1 is as follows.
Container 15 in which gas generating agent 2 is sealed from the bottom 6a side of the outer cylinder
After the partition member 8 is press-fitted and held in the stepped portion 1a to define the cooling filtration chamber F and the combustion chamber G, the mesh member 4, the filter member 3, and the cap member 9 are placed in the cooling filtration chamber F. The lid member 7 is housed, and the lid member 7 is abutted against the end surface of the outer cylinder 6 in which these are inserted and arranged, and joined by friction welding. Since the gas generator can be assembled with such a simple structure and operation, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

Next, gas generators X2 to X4 according to another embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, the gas generator X2 shown in FIGS.
A gas passage space S is formed by disposing an inner cylinder 25 on the outer peripheral surface of the filter member 3 instead of the mesh member 4 as compared with the gas generator X1 shown in FIG. Members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

4 and 5, an inner cylinder 25 is inserted into the filter member 3 of the gas generator X2 in close contact with the outer peripheral surface thereof. To form an annular gas passage space S. A plurality of gas passage holes 25a communicating the filter member 3 and the gas passage space S are formed in the peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 25. Each gas passage hole 25a is formed on a plurality of shaft rows extending in the axial direction at a predetermined angle as viewed in the circumferential direction of the housing 1 as shown in FIG. To the gas passage space S. Thereby, the inner cylinder 25 has the gas passage holes 25a in the circumferential direction and the axial direction.
Is open. The inner cylinder 25 is provided with a cap member 9 which is pushed in when the lid member 7 and the outer cylinder 5 are pressed against each other by friction.
To the partition member 8.

When a collision sensor (not shown) detects a collision of the vehicle, the ignition device 5 is ignited by the collision detection signal, and a flame is blown out of the mounting hole 19 into the combustion chamber G, and the bottom of the container 15 To ignite the gas generating agent 2,
Generate high temperature and high pressure gas. The high-temperature and high-pressure gas generated in the combustion chamber G breaks and opens the wall surface of the container 15 closing the inner peripheral hole 8a of the partition member 8, and jets into the cooling and filtering chamber F.
The slag is collected and cooled by passing through the entire surface of the filter member 3 in the radial direction, and flows out into the gas passage space S from each gas passage hole 25 a on the entire circumference of the inner cylinder 25.

At this time, the gas flowing out from each gas passage hole 25a once collides with the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 6 and flows through the gas passage space S without directly going to each gas discharge hole 6a. Accordingly, there is an effect that slag remaining in the gas adheres to the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 6 and is removed. At the same time, gas is locally prevented from flowing through the filter member 3 to prevent the filter member from being melted and damaged. The gas flowing out of the filter member 3 is equalized by the gas passage space S in the axial direction or the circumferential direction of the housing 1.

Subsequently, the clean gas which has flowed into the gas passage space S is equalized in pressure and discharged from each gas discharge hole 6a of the outer cylinder 6 to the airbag, so that the gas discharge from each gas discharge hole 6a is performed. The volume is also substantially uniform, and the airbag is also ideally inflated and deployed.

As described above, according to the gas generator X2 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, since the inner cylinder 25 is arranged closest to the outer cylinder 6, even if the outer cylinder 1 has a small diameter, The size of the inner cylinder 25 can be made close to the inner diameter of the outer cylinder 1, and the inner cylinder 25 can be easily formed. Therefore, the size and weight of the gas generator X2 can be easily reduced, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Further, by forming the gas passage holes 25a over the entire surface in the circumferential direction and the axial direction of the inner cylinder 25, the high-temperature and high-pressure gas flows uniformly into the filter member 3, so that the filter A dead space where gas does not flow into the member 3 is hardly formed, and the slag capturing efficiency of the filter member 3 is improved.

Next, the gas generator X3 shown in FIG.
The housing 31 is formed by fitting the closing member 32 and the lid member 33 at both ends of the outer cylinder 36 and caulking them, respectively, as compared with the gas generator X2 shown in FIG. The filter member 3 is configured by a plurality of filter units 3A (filter molded bodies). The same members as those in FIGS. 4 and 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted.

In FIG. 6, the housing 1 of the gas generator X3 is composed of an outer cylinder 36 having both ends opened, and a closing member 32 and a lid member 33 which cover both openings of the outer cylinder 36. And the lid member 33 is fitted into both openings of the outer cylinder 36 via seal rings 39 (such as O-rings).
A plurality of caulking projections 35 projecting in the axial direction of the housing 31 from both ends of the housing 6 are bent inward to form a closed space. The partition member 38 disposed inside the housing 1 is located at the center in the axial direction of the outer cylinder 36 and is defined by the cooling filtration chamber F and the combustion chamber G. By drawing (processing to reduce the inner diameter of the outer cylinder 36), the outer cylinder 36 is fixed by caulking by a caulking portion 36e projecting inward.

The inner cylinder 25 is press-fitted and fixed together with the filter member 3 into stepped holes 32a and 38b formed in the closing member 32 and the partitioning member 38, respectively, and an annular gas passage is formed between the inner cylinder 25 and the outer cylinder 36. A space S is formed. Each gas discharge hole 36a of the outer cylinder 36 is formed on a plurality of axial rows extending in the axial direction at an angle of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction of the housing 1, and is separated from the axial center of the cooling and filtering chamber F as a boundary. One opening is provided on each side.

The filter member 3 includes a plurality (two) of filter units 3A sequentially laminated in the axial direction of the housing 1.
It is composed of Each filter unit 3A is inserted in close contact with the inner cylinder 25 and has a length L
Is a stacking boundary surface Z of each of the stacked filter units 3A.
Is not opposed to the gas discharge hole 36a of the outer cylinder 36,
That is, the position of the gas discharge holes 36a is set so as not to overlap the position of the lamination boundary surface Z. Each filter unit 3A is also made of a knitted wire mesh [FIG.
(A)] or a crimp-woven wire rod (FIG. 3 (b)) is preferably formed inexpensively by pressing it into a cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 3 (c).

The ignition device 5 is airtightly fitted into a mounting hole 40 formed in the lid member 33 via a seal ring 37 (O-ring), and is provided at the bottom of the cup 16 of the container 15 (the gas generating agent 2). ) Are fixed by caulking so as to face each other with a gap H.

As described above, according to the gas generator X3 shown in FIG. 6, in addition to the effects of the gas generator X2 shown in FIGS. 33
Since the housing 1 is formed by caulking and fixing, the assembly can be performed by a simpler operation without the need for friction welding, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

The caulking portion 36e formed on the outer cylinder 36 by external drawing can caulk and fix the partitioning member 38 with a simple structure, so that the partitioning member 38 is formed by the high-temperature and high-pressure gas generated by the combustion of the gas generating agent 2. Swinging is further suppressed. Therefore, the pressure in the combustion chamber G is correspondingly stabilized, and a stable combustion state is easily obtained, and the performance of the gas generator X3 is stabilized.

Further, when the filter member 3 is constituted by a plurality of filter units 3A stacked in the axial direction,
By simply changing the number of layers according to the length of the housing 1, it is possible to easily and inexpensively cope.

Next, the gas generator X4 shown in FIGS.
Shows a modification of the gas generator shown in FIG. 6, and the same members as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

7 and 8, an inner cylinder 45 is disposed in the filter member 3 (filter unit 3A) of the gas generator X4. The inner inner cylinder 45 is inserted in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of each filter unit 3A, and a plurality of gas outlet holes 45a communicating with each filter unit 3A are formed on the peripheral surface. As shown in FIG. 8, each gas outlet hole 45a is formed on a shaft row extending in the axial direction at an angle of 180 degrees in the circumferential direction of the housing 1, and preferably, in each filter unit 3A in the axial direction. The openings are sequentially opened so as not to face the lamination boundary surface Z. As shown in FIG. 8, each gas discharge hole 36a of the outer cylinder 36 is formed on an axial row extending in the axial direction at an angle of 180 degrees in the circumferential direction of the housing 1, and has a center line a of the gas discharge hole 36a. And the center line b of the gas outlet holes 45a are arranged in a positional relationship such that they are orthogonal to each other. In other words, the gas discharge holes 36a and the gas outflow holes 45a are arranged in the outer tube 36 and the inner tube 45 so as to be shifted from each other so as not to face each other while having a phase of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction of the housing 1. I have. The gas discharge holes 36a of the outer cylinder 36 are opened one by one on both sides of the center of the cooling and filtering chamber F in the axial direction.

The seal ring 4 is provided between the partition member 38 and a caulking portion 36e formed by drawing of the outer cylinder 36.
6 (O-ring or the like) is interposed and fixed to the outer cylinder 36 by caulking. As a result, the high-temperature gas generated in the combustion chamber G is blocked by the seal ring 46 between the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 5 and the outer peripheral surface of the partition member 38. The short circuit is completely prevented, and the gas always passes through the filter member 3 (filter unit 3A) of the cooling filtration chamber F and receives slag collection and cooling. Further, each gas generating agent 2 is directly enclosed without being enclosed in the container 15.
The inner peripheral hole 38 of the partition member 38 is loaded in the combustion chamber G.
a is sealed in the combustion chamber G by a sealing material 47 such as an aluminum foil for closing a.

When a collision sensor (not shown) detects a collision of the vehicle, when the ignition device 5 is ignited by the collision detection signal, a flame is blown out of the mounting hole 40 into the combustion chamber G and a gas generating agent is formed. 2 is ignited to generate a high temperature and high pressure gas. The high-temperature and high-pressure gas generated in the combustion chamber G melts and breaks the sealing material 47 and squirts into the cooling and filtering chamber F through the inner peripheral hole 38a of the partition member 38, and from the gas outlet hole 45a of the inner inner cylinder 45. The gas flows into each filter unit 3A, passes through each filter unit 3A in the axial direction and the radial direction, receives slag collection and cooling, and passes through each gas passage hole 25a in the entire circumference of the inner cylinder 25 through the gas passage space G. Leaked to

At this time, each gas outlet hole 45 of the inner inner cylinder 45 is
a and the gas passage holes 25a of the inner cylinder 25 in the circumferential direction at an angle of 9 °.
If it is shifted and arranged so as to have a phase of 0 degrees, the gas flowing into the filter member 3 from the gas outflow hole 45a of the inner cylinder 45 is short-circuited toward the gas passage hole 25a of the inner cylinder 25. Instead, the gas also flows in the filter member 3 in the circumferential direction and the axial direction, and is discharged into the gas passage space S from the gas passage hole 25a. Therefore, it can be expected that the gas passage efficiency of the filter member 3 is increased, and the gas cooling efficiency and the slag collection efficiency are improved. Subsequently, the clean gas that has flowed into the gas passage space S is equalized in pressure and the gas is discharged into each gas discharge hole 6.
a is released into the airbag, and the airbag is ideally inflated and deployed.

As described above, according to the gas generator X4, the filter members are inserted in a stacked manner in the inner tube 25 and the inner inner tube 45 is further inserted in each filter unit 3A, so that the filter member is previously inserted. Since the filter member assembly can be prefabricated, the filter member assembly is connected to the stepped hole 3
By simply press-fitting the inner tube 8b, the housing arrangement of the inner tube 8, each filter unit 3A and the inner tube 45 with respect to the housing 1 is completed, and the assembling workability of the gas generator can be improved. Therefore, the size and weight of the gas generator can be easily reduced, and the production cost can be reduced.

Further, each gas discharge hole 45a of the inner inner cylinder 45 is
By arranging the gas discharge holes 36a at right angles to the center line a, the high-temperature and high-pressure gas flows substantially uniformly in each filter unit 3A in the circumferential direction and the axial direction. The efficiency of slag collection and cooling is further improved.

[0050]

As described above, according to the gas generator of the present invention, as compared with the conventional system in which the filter member is disposed between the housing and the inner cylinder, the filter member is formed by the mesh member or the inner member. Because it is configured to be placed inside the cylinder, the mesh member or inner cylinder can be made close to the inner diameter of the housing even if the diameter of the housing is reduced due to the demand for smaller and lighter gas generators. The formation of the mesh member and the inner cylinder becomes easier than before. Therefore, the size and weight of the gas generator can be easily reduced, and the production cost can be reduced. In addition, since a space is defined between the housing and the filter member, and this space is used as a gas passage space, the gas is equalized in the gas passage space immediately before the gas is released from the gas discharge hole of the housing. The gas release from each gas release hole becomes uniform, and the airbag can be deployed normally as designed. Further, since the gas discharge hole is opened over the entire periphery of the housing at the position in the axial center of the filter member, the gas ejected into the gas passage space passes through the inside of the housing after passing through the filter member. The slag adheres and is removed by collision with the peripheral surface and the mesh member, and a cooling effect is expected by contact with the housing and the mesh member, and further, slag is prevented from flowing out of the filter member by bypass.

Further, an inner cylinder is provided in the filter member, the filter member is inserted into the mesh member or the inner cylinder, and the assembly formed in advance by inserting the inner cylinder into the filter member is connected to the housing. By simply press-fitting, the housing arrangement of the mesh member or the inner cylinder, the filter member and the inner cylinder with respect to the housing can be completed, thereby improving the workability. Therefore, the production cost of the gas generator can be reduced. Further, the gas ejected from the vicinity of the gas outlet hole is removed after the slag adheres to the inner surface by the collision with the mesh member and the inner peripheral surface of the housing after passing through the filter member, and is further ejected from the vicinity of the gas discharge hole. The gas can improve the efficiency of slag collection and cooling by the filter member by passing in the circumferential direction of the filter member. Further, it is possible to prevent the gas flow from going straight through the filter member and prevent the filter member from being melted and damaged by the high-temperature gas.

If the partition member is configured to be abutted and pressed into the stepped portion of the housing, or is configured to be fixed by caulking by drawing on the peripheral surface of the housing, the combustion of the gas generating agent will result. The generated high-temperature and high-pressure gas can prevent the partition member from swinging. Especially,
When the partition member is fixed by caulking, it is preferable to interpose a seal material, and the seal material can block the flow of gas in the combustion chamber and the gas passage space and reliably flow into the filter member of the cooling filtration chamber. Becomes

Further, it is preferable that the gas generating agent to be charged into the combustion chamber is sealed in a metal sheet container. This allows
There is no need for a complicated operation such as attaching a sealant or the like that closes the gas discharge hole to the inner peripheral surface of the small-diameter housing to prevent the gas generating agent from moisture. Further, by enclosing the gas generating agent in the container, the housing can be formed using an inexpensive steel pipe without using stainless steel having excellent corrosion resistance, so that the manufacturing cost of the gas generator can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a gas generator according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.

3A and 3B are diagrams showing an example of a filter member used in the gas generator of the present invention, wherein FIG. 3A shows a knitted wire mesh, FIG. 3B shows a crimped wire, and FIG. It is a perspective view which shows a press-shaped article of a shape.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a modification of the gas generator according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a modification of the gas generator according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a modification of the gas generator according to the present invention.

8 is a sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a conventional gas generator.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Housing 1a Stepped part 2 Gas generating agent 3 Filter member (filter molded body) 3A Filter unit (filter molded body) 4 Mesh member 5 Ignition device 6 Outer cylinder 6a Gas discharge hole 7 Lid member 8, 38 Partition member 25 Inner cylinder 25a Gas passage hole 32 Lid member 33 Closure member 36e Caulking part 45 Inner cylinder 45a Gas outlet hole F Cooling filtration chamber G Combustion chamber S Gas passage space

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Seigo Taguchi 3903-39, Tomimachi, Himeji-shi, Hyogo Prefecture Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd. Himeji Factory Sensor Technology Co., Ltd. Himeji Technical Center (72) Inventor Takeshi Ishida Hyogo 3903-39, Tomicho, Himeji-shi, Japan Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd.Himeji Technical Center, Sensor Technology Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Dai Kikuchi 3903-39, Tomi-cho, Tomicho, Himeji-shi, Hyogo Nippon Kayaku Himeji Himeji Technical Center Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yoshiyuki Kishino 3903-39, Tomimachi, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd. Himeji Technical Center Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Tsuyoshi Kanda Princess of Hyogo Prefecture City Toyotomichotoyotomi 3903-39 Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd. Himeji plant in sensor technology Co., Ltd. Himeji Technical Center in

Claims (9)

[Claims] An ignition device (5) is disposed at one end of a long cylindrical housing (1), and is located in the housing (1) in the axial direction thereof adjacent to the ignition device (5). A combustion chamber (G) loaded with the gas generating agent (2), and the combustion chamber (G)
And a cooling filter chamber (F) in which a filter member (3) for cooling and filtering the gas through an annular partitioning member (8, 38) is provided, and the cooling filter chamber (F) of the housing (1) is provided. In a gas generator in which a plurality of gas discharge holes (6a) are formed in a part (F), the filter member (3) is a single filter molded body or a plurality of filter molded bodies stacked in an axial direction. (3A)
And each of the gas discharge holes (6a) is provided with the filter member (3).
An annular gas passage space (S) is formed on the outer periphery of the filter member (3) between the housing (1) and the outer periphery of the filter member (3). So that the mesh member (4) or the plurality of gas passage holes (25
A gas generator characterized in that a cylinder (25) having a) is arranged. 2. An ignition device (5) is arranged at one end of a long cylindrical housing (1), and is located in the housing (1) in the axial direction adjacent to the ignition device (5). A combustion chamber (G) loaded with the gas generating agent (2) and a filter member (3) for cooling and filtering the gas through the annular partition members (8, 38) continuously to the combustion chamber (G) are arranged. And a plurality of gas discharge holes (36a) formed in a portion of the housing (1) where the cooling filtration chamber (F) is provided. 3) One filter molded body or a plurality of filter molded bodies (3A) stacked in the axial direction
And each of the gas discharge holes (36a) is connected to the housing (1).
The filter member (3) is provided on a plurality of axial rows extending in the axial direction at a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction, and the filter member (3) has an annular gas passage space (S) between its outer periphery and the housing (1). To form a mesh member (4) or a plurality of gas passage holes (25).
a) having a plurality of gas outlet holes (45a) provided on an inner periphery thereof, wherein each of the gas outlet holes (45a) is provided with a corresponding one of the gas discharge holes. Hole (3
6a) A gas generator provided on a plurality of shaft rows extending in the axial direction orthogonal to each shaft row. 3. The filter member (3) is a knitted wire mesh or a compact formed by press-forming an aggregate of crimp-formed wires.
Or the gas generator according to claim 2. 4. A stepped portion (1a) for reducing the diameter of the combustion chamber (G) from the cooling and filtering chamber (F) is formed inside the housing (1). The gas generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the step (38) is press-fitted into the stepped portion (1a). 5. A caulking fixation of the partition member (8, 38) at a caulking portion (36e) projecting inwardly of a diameter of the housing (1) by drawing work performed on a peripheral surface of the housing (1). The gas generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein 6. A gas flow between said combustion chamber (G) and said gas passage space (S) is abutted on an outer peripheral portion of said partition member (8, 38) with said caulking portion (36e). A gas generator according to claim 5, characterized in that a sealing material (46) is provided. 7. The housing (1) comprises a bottomed cylindrical outer cylinder (6) having one end closed by a lid member (7) and the other end opened, and an ignition device ( The gas generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the gas generator is configured to be mounted. 8. The housing (1) has an outer cylinder (36) of a cylindrical body having both ends opened, and a lid member fixed to one end of the opening of the outer cylinder (36) and mounted with an ignition device (5). (33)
The gas generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a closing member (32) for closing the other end of the opening of the outer cylinder (36). 9. The gas generating agent (2) according to claim 1, wherein the gas generating agent (2) is sealed in a metal sheet container and loaded in the combustion chamber (G). Gas generator described in Crab