JPH11217055A - Gas generator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gas generator which can moderately inflate and develop an air-bag at an initial stage of the development, thereafter can rapidly inflate the same so as to allow the air-bag to exhibit its own function. SOLUTION: A closed space S in a housing 1 is defined by an inner cylindrical member 2 into an combustion space S1 and a gas passage space S2. Two upper and lower combustion chamber 3, 4 are defined by a partition member 5 incorporated in the inner cylindrical member 2. A gas generating agent 6, a filter member 7 and an igniter 8, 9 are incorporated in each of the chambers 3, 4. Further, the combustion chambers 3, 4 communicate with each other through the intermediary of the filter medium 7. Upon collision of an automobile, the igniters 8, 9 are energized at different times, and accordingly, the air bag is moderately inflated at an initial stage of development of the air bag, only by a small quantity of gas produced through combustion in the upper combustion chamber 3, and thereafter, the air bag is abruptly inflated and developed by a large quantity of gas added from the lower combustion chamber 4.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for inflating and deploying an airbag of a motor vehicle, and more particularly to a gas generator capable of controlling the form of deployment of the airbag.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A gas generator for rapidly deploying and inflating an airbag in order to protect an occupant of an automobile from an impact generated at the time of an automobile collision is an airbag module mounted in a steering wheel or an instrument panel. Built in. The gas generator instantaneously generates a large amount of high-temperature gas based on a collision detection signal from a collision sensor during a collision.

As an example of a gas generator for inflating and deploying an airbag, as shown in FIG. 16, inner and outer cylinders of upper and lower containers 101 and 102 each having a closed double cylindrical structure are brought into frictional pressure contact with each other. A housing 100 in which an annular closed space is formed, and a gas generating agent 10 is provided in the closed space of the housing 100 in a radially outward direction from the inner cylinder.
3 and a cylindrical filter member 104 are sequentially housed. Further, an igniter 105 ignited by a collision detection signal from a collision sensor is provided in the inner cylinder.
And a transfer agent 106 that is ignited by the ignition of.

[0004] Then, the gas generator generates a transfer agent 106 by igniting the igniter 105 according to a collision detection signal from a collision sensor.
And the flame of the transfer agent 106 is further ignited.
By causing the gas generating agent 103 to ignite and burn by being ejected into the closed space via the, a large amount of high-temperature gas is instantaneously generated. This large amount of high-temperature gas flows into the filter member 104, where it is discharged through a plurality of gas discharge holes 101 a of the upper container 101 through slag collection and cooling, thereby rapidly inflating and deploying the airbag. .

[0005]

In the conventional gas generator, regardless of the type of automobile collision (low-speed collision, high-speed collision, etc.) and the seating posture of the occupant (regular seating, irregular seating such as forward bending, etc.). The igniter is ignited by a collision detection signal from a collision sensor, and a large amount of gas is instantaneously generated to rapidly inflate and deploy the airbag. Therefore, when the occupant sits near the steering wheel or the instrument panel, or when the vehicle crashes at low speed,
The occupant receives an impact (punching phenomenon) due to the airbag which is rapidly inflated and deployed, and there is a problem that the original function of the airbag for protecting the occupant cannot be exhibited.

[0006] The present invention provides a gas generator capable of controlling the airbag to be slowly inflated and deployed at an early stage of deployment and then rapidly inflated and deployed, thereby exhibiting the original function of the airbag. Is to do.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in the gas generator according to the present invention, a closed space in a housing is defined by a plurality of combustion chambers, and a gas generating agent,
The filter member and the igniter are arranged, and each combustion chamber communicates with each other via the filter member. This makes it possible to operate each igniter with a time difference, and in the initial stage of deployment of the airbag, gently inflates and deploys the gas generated in only one combustion chamber, and then in the other combustion chambers. Multi-stage deployment control that allows rapid expansion and deployment by the addition of generated gas has been enabled. Further, by defining the two combustion chambers by the partition member, the ebag can be controlled to be deployed in two stages. Further, since the combustion chambers are communicated with each other, by operating a plurality of igniters with a time difference, it is possible to control a temporal pressure rise and a maximum pressure of gas discharged from the housing. In particular, when each combustion chamber is communicated via the filter member, the gas generated in each combustion chamber is cooled by the filter member, and does not flow to the other combustion chambers to immediately burn the gas generating agent. The gas generator in each combustion chamber can be forcibly ignited with a time lag by means of the heater.

The gas generator according to the present invention, which is applied to a gas generator for a driver's seat, has a specific configuration in which a long inner cylinder or a short inner cylinder protruding into each combustion chamber is provided with each ignition. The closed space is defined by the inner cylinder material as a combustion space inside and outside the inner cylinder material and a gas passage space, and the combustion space is inserted between the inner cylinder material and the long inner cylinder. The upper and lower combustion chambers are communicated with each other through a gas passage space by a partition member, and a gas generating agent and a filter member are arranged in each combustion chamber. Each igniter is arranged in a long inner cylinder or a short inner cylinder, respectively, and the enclosed space is divided into an inner and outer combustion space and a gas passage space by an inner cylinder material and a filter member inserted into the inner cylinder material. The combustion space is defined by a partition member inserted between the filter member and the long inner cylinder. The upper and lower combustion chambers communicate with each other through the gas passage space and the filter member, and are formed by disposing a gas generating agent in each combustion chamber, a long inner cylinder projecting into each combustion chamber, or Each igniter is arranged in a short inner cylinder, and a sealed space is defined by upper and lower combustion chambers by a partition member inserted between the outer cylinder and the long inner cylinder, and gas is generated in each combustion chamber. A system in which the agent and the filter member are arranged, and a gas through hole that connects the combustion chambers to each other through the filter members of the combustion chambers is formed by the partition member is adopted.

Further, the gas generator according to the present invention, which is applied to a gas generator for a passenger seat, has a specific configuration in which a sealed space of a long cylindrical outer cylinder is mounted on the outer cylinder. The partition member is divided into two combustion chambers on the left and right sides, and a gas generating agent, a filter member, and an inner cylinder material are arranged in each combustion chamber, and each combustion chamber is passed through the filter member of each combustion chamber to the partition member. A system in which gas communicating holes are formed so as to communicate with each other, a sealed space of a long cylindrical outer cylinder is defined as an inner and outer combustion space and a gas passage space by an inner cylinder material, and a combustion space is formed. Is divided into two left and right combustion chambers that are communicated with each other through a gas passage space by a partition member inserted into the inner cylinder, and a gas generating agent and a filter member are arranged in each combustion chamber. The closed space of the long cylindrical outer cylinder is The inner and outer combustion spaces and the gas passage space are defined by the filter member inserted into the material, and the combustion space is communicated with each other through the gas passage space and the filter member by the partition member inserted into the filter member. Left and right 2
And a system in which a gas generating agent is arranged in each of the gas generating chambers.

The long inner cylinder in which the igniter is arranged is arranged at the center of the housing in consideration of the strength of the housing, and penetrates the lower combustion chamber and the partition member to be joined to the upper lid. Is preferred. By positioning the partition member in contact with the step of the long inner cylinder, the upper and lower combustion chambers can be defined with a simple structure, and the volume of the upper and lower two combustion chambers can be easily adjusted by adjusting the step. The igniter can be easily arranged in the short inner cylinder by providing a projection protruding into the upper combustion chamber in the partition member.

Further, when the partition member is provided with a cushion member for suppressing the transmission of the combustion heat, the transmission of the combustion heat generated in one of the combustion chambers can be cut off, and the combustion of the gas generating agent in the two combustion chambers can be prevented. The igniter, which ignites with a time difference, can be reliably adjusted.

When the inner cylindrical member is formed of expanded metal, the expanded metal itself is
Since it has a large number of gas passage holes projecting from the inner and outer peripheral surfaces and communicating with each other, the expanded metal layer itself forms a gas passage space, and the inner cylinder material and the outer cylinder and the filter member are in close contact with each other. Since these members can be arranged in such a manner, these members can be easily positioned and arranged.

Further, when the filter member is formed of a knitted wire mesh or an aggregate of crimped wires, there is an advantage that it can be manufactured at low cost.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A gas generator according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the gas generator according to the present invention, the inside of the housing is defined as two combustion chambers, and the gas generating agent loaded in each combustion chamber can be independently ignited by an igniter arranged in each combustion chamber. Thus, the deployment mode of the airbag can be controlled. Further, the two combustion chambers are communicated with each other via a filter member, and the igniter is operated with a time difference so that the pressure rise and the maximum pressure of the gas discharged from the housing can be controlled.

Hereinafter, a gas generator used for a driver seat airbag and a gas generator used for a passenger seat airbag will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, the gas generators X1 to X3 of the airbag for the driver's seat shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 will be described.

The gas generator X1 for the driver's seat shown in FIGS. 1 and 3
Is a short cylindrical housing 1, an inner cylindrical member 2 inserted in the housing 1, and two upper and lower combustion chambers 3 in the inner cylindrical member 2.
4, a gas generating agent 6 and a filter member 7 disposed in each of the combustion chambers 3 and 4, and each of the combustion chambers 3 and 4.
And two igniters 8 and 9 for independently burning the four gas generating agents 6 respectively.

The housing 1 comprises an upper container 10 and a lower container 11
Thus, the closed space S is formed inside.
The upper container 10 includes an upper lid 13 and an upper end of a short cylindrical outer cylinder 12.
It is formed into a closed cylindrical shape by being closed with a, and is integrally formed of an aluminum alloy or the like. On the upper lid 13 side of the outer cylinder 12, a plurality of gas emission holes 12 a that are open to the closed space S are formed, and each of the gas emission holes 12 a is formed by a burst plate 15 attached to the inner circumference of the outer cylinder 12. It is closed. The burst plate 15 is formed of, for example, aluminum foil or the like, and plays a role in preventing moisture in the housing 1 and adjusting an internal pressure during combustion. At the center of the upper lid 13, an inner cylinder projection 14 is formed which is concentric with the outer cylinder 12 and protrudes inside.

The lower container 11 is a short cylindrical flange tube portion 1.
The lower end of 6 is closed with a lower lid 17 to form a bottomed cylindrical shape, and is integrally formed of an aluminum alloy or the like. A side flange 20 that bends horizontally in a radially outward direction is integrally formed at an upper end portion of the flange cylindrical portion 16, and the side flange 20 is attached to a retainer of an airbag module (not shown). Further, the lower lid 17 has a long inner cylinder 18 disposed concentrically with the flange cylinder 16 at the center thereof, and a short inner cylinder 18 disposed between the long inner cylinder 18 and the flange cylinder 16. The inner tube 19 and the inner tube 19 are integrally formed so as to protrude into the flange tube portion 16.

The housing 1 has a lower peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 12 of the upper container 10 butting against a bottom peripheral surface of the lower lid 17 and a lower peripheral surface of the inner cylinder projection 14 at the upper peripheral surface of the long inner cylinder 18. Butt welding (for example, friction welding)
The upper and lower ends of the outer cylinder 12 have a double cylindrical structure that is closed by the lids 13 and 17, and an annular closed space S is formed inside. The closed space S of the housing 1 is located between the outer cylinder 12 and the short inner cylinder 19, and the inner circumference of the inner cylinder 2 is concentrically inserted into the long inner cylinder 18. And an annular combustion space S1 between the outer circumference of the long inner cylinder 18 and an annular gas passage space S2 between the outer circumference and the inner circumference of the outer cylinder 12. The inner cylindrical member 2 has a plurality of gas passage holes 2 communicating the spaces S1 and S2 in the axial direction and the circumferential direction.
a is formed. The inner cylinder 2 extends from the lower lid 17 to the vicinity of the upper lid 13, and the upper end is closed by a lid 21 pressed into the outer periphery of the long inner cylinder 18.

As shown in FIG. 6A, as shown in FIG. 6A, a base material 22 having a large number of slits 22a formed at predetermined intervals is uniformly pulled to form the inner cylindrical member 2. As shown in FIG. It is manufactured using an expanded metal having a plurality of such gas passage holes 2a. Then, as shown in FIG. 6 (c), the inner cylindrical member 2 is manufactured by forming an expanded metal having a predetermined length and width into a cylindrical shape and fixing the ends to each other by a joining method such as spot welding. I do. The base material 22 is a stainless steel sheet or a thin steel sheet other than stainless steel.

As described above, when the inner cylindrical member 2 is manufactured from the expanded metal, the portions of the slits 22a are subjected to the tensile processing in the arrow direction shown in FIG. 6A as shown in FIG. From the flat portion B of the inner surface to the inner and outer peripheral sides by a height h. Therefore, the inner cylindrical member 2 has a plurality of gas passage holes 2a formed on the outer periphery thereof, each of the slits 22a protruding by the height h, being opened in the circumferential direction and extending in the axial direction, and each of the gas passage holes 2a is formed. It becomes a structure mutually connected in the circumferential direction.

When the inner cylindrical member 2 made of expanded metal is inserted into the housing 1, the combustion chambers 3, 4
Even if the gas generating agent 6 is expanded and deformed by the high-pressure high-temperature gas resulting from the combustion of the gas generating agent 6, the gas can pass through the plurality of gas passage holes 2a protruding toward the inner and outer peripheral sides by the height h toward the respective gas discharge holes 12a. It becomes possible. Therefore, when the inner cylinder 2 is formed of expanded metal, even if the inner cylinder 2 is arranged so as to be in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 12,
2, a continuous annular space can be formed on the inner peripheral side, and this annular space can be used as the gas passage space S2.

The inner cylindrical member 2 is not limited to the one made of expanded metal, but a porous thin steel plate (such as a punching plate) having a plurality of gas passage holes 2a formed at predetermined intervals is formed into a cylindrical shape. Then, the ends may be joined together by a joining method such as spot welding. In the inner cylinder member 2 made of a punching plate, it is necessary to provide an interval between the inner cylinder member 2 and the inner periphery of the outer cylinder 12 so as to define the gas passage space S2.

The combustion space S1 in the inner cylindrical member 2 is divided into upper and lower combustion chambers 3 and 4 by a partition member 5 disposed between the upper lid 13 and the lower lid 17 and substantially in parallel with them. .
The partitioning member 5 is formed in a disk shape that can be press-fitted into the inner cylindrical member 2, and has a through hole 23 at the center thereof, through which the long inner cylinder 18 passes. The partition member 5 has a through hole 23
A cup-shaped protruding portion 24 protruding so as to be eccentric with respect to and cover the short inner cylinder 19 is formed.

The partition member 5 is inserted into the inner periphery of the inner cylinder 2 from the opening end of the lower container 11, and the through hole 13 is fitted into the elongated inner cylinder 18, and the step 18 a of the elongated inner cylinder 18 is inserted. And positioned. Thus, the partition member 5 defines two upper and lower combustion chambers 3 and 4 in the axial direction of the housing 1 in a state where the opening side of the convex portion 24 faces the short inner cylinder 19. And
A gas generating agent 6 is loaded in each of the combustion chambers 3 and 4, and a filter member 7 is disposed so as to surround the gas generating agent.

The filter member 7 of each of the combustion chambers 3 and 4 has a cylindrical shape that can be inserted into the inner cylindrical member 2. The filter member 7 of the upper combustion chamber 3 is inserted into the inner cylinder member 2 and extends from the partition member 5 to abut against the lid member 21. The filter member 7 of the lower combustion chamber 4 is formed of the inner cylinder member. 2 and the lower lid 1
7 extends until it comes into contact with the partition member 5.

FIG. 8A shows the filter member 7.
It is preferable that the knitted wire mesh shown in FIG. 8 or the aggregate of the crimp-woven metal wires shown in FIG. 8B is press-formed into a cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. Thus, each of the combustion chambers 3 and 4 is provided with each of the filter members 7 and the inner cylindrical member 2.
Are connected to each other through each gas passage hole 2a and the gas passage space S2.

Further, between the gas generating material 6 and the partition member 5 in the lower combustion chamber 4, a cushion member 25 abutting on the partition member 5 is disposed. The cushion member 25 also has a function of preventing powdering due to the vibration of the gas generating agent 6 and a function as a heat insulating material for suppressing heat transfer between the combustion chambers 3 and 4. Therefore, as the cushion member 25, it is preferable to use an elastic material having a heat insulating function such as a ceramic fiber. Further, between the gas generating agent 6 in the upper combustion chamber 3 and the lid member 21, a cushion member 26 that is in contact with the lid member 21 is arranged. This cushion member 26
Also has a function of preventing powdering due to vibration of the gas generating agent 6, and it is preferable to use an elastic material such as silicone rubber or silicone foam, but a material having a heat insulating function by ceramic fibers or the like may be used. .

Each of the igniters 8 and 9 comprises a holding portion 27A and an ignition portion 27B disposed at the tip of the holding portion 27A, and has a storage space formed by the inner cylinder projection 14 and the long inner cylinder 18. And the storage space formed by the inside of the convex portion 24 of the partition member 5 and the short inner cylinder 19, respectively. Each of the igniters 8 and 9 is hermetically contacted with a tapered step portion 28 formed in the long inner cylinder 18 and the short inner cylinder 19 via a sealing member 29 (rubber sheet). Each inner cylinder 18,
The crimping portion 30 at the tip of 19 is crimped and fixed by bending inward.

In the igniter 8 of the long inner cylinder 18, the igniting portion 27B protrudes into the storage space, and the flame caused by the ignition of the igniting portion 27B is passed through the plurality of ignition holes 18b of the long inner cylinder 18. It is ejected into the upper combustion chamber 3. Further, in the igniter 9 of the short inner cylinder 19, the ignition portion 27 </ b> B penetrates through the cushion member 25 and protrudes into the convex portion 24, and the flame caused by the ignition of the ignition portion 27 </ b> B The gas is injected into the lower combustion chamber 4 through the gap. These igniters 8, 9
The ignition is performed based on a collision detection signal from a collision sensor (not shown).

Next, the operation of the driver seat gas generator X1 will be described.

When the collision sensor detects a vehicle collision,
First, the igniter 27B is ignited by operating only the igniter 8 on the upper combustion chamber 3 side. The igniting flame of the igniting portion 27B is ejected from each igniter hole 18b into the upper combustion chamber 3, and the gas generating agent 6 is forcibly ignited and burned by the flame to generate a high-temperature gas. At this time, the heat transfer of the combustion heat generated in the upper combustion chamber 3 is suppressed (dulled) by the heat insulating function of the cushion member 25, and the gas generating agent 6 of the lower combustion chamber 4 is prevented from being ignited at the same time. ing.

The high-temperature gas generated in the upper combustion chamber 3 flows into the filter member 7, and after collecting and cooling the slag by the filter member 7, the gas flows from the gas passage holes 2 a of the inner cylinder 2 to the gas passage space S 2. Spills into. When the gas pressure rises with the combustion in the upper combustion chamber 3 and reaches a predetermined pressure, the burst plate 15 is broken, and the clean gas uniformized in the gas passage space S2 flows from each gas discharge hole 12a into the air. Released into the bag.

At this time, a part of the high-temperature gas generated in the upper combustion chamber 3 flows out into the lower combustion chamber 4 through the filter member 7, the inner cylindrical member 2, the gas passage space S2 and the like. with this,
The combustion in the upper combustion chamber 3 is performed with the entire volume (closed space S) of the housing 1 including the lower combustion chamber 4 that is communicated with the gas passage space S2 and the like, and the increased volume (lower space). The pressure characteristic is such that the pressure rise is suppressed (dulled) by the volume of the combustion chamber 4). Further, the calorific value of the gas flowing out into the lower combustion chamber 4 is absorbed (cooled) when passing through the inner cylinder 2 and the filter member 7 on the lower combustion chamber 4 side, and the temperature is reduced to reduce the filter member 7. Is spouted into the lower combustion chamber 4 so that the gas generating agent 6 in the lower combustion chamber 4 does not immediately ignite spontaneously.

The airbag is gently controlled by a small amount of clean gas whose pressure rise has been suppressed (dulled).
It is expanded and deployed so that it is stretched slightly. In this sense, by adjusting the cross-sectional area for gas passage in the gas passage space S2 and controlling the gas flow rate flowing out to the lower combustion chamber 4, air can be supplied with a small amount of gas having an appropriate pressure increase characteristic. Inflate and deploy the bag.

Subsequently, when the igniter 9 of the lower combustion chamber 4 is actuated after a slight time difference after the start of combustion of the upper combustion chamber 3, the gas generating agent 6 in the lower combustion chamber 4 is forcibly ignited. Combustion begins, generating hot gas. The high temperature gas generated in the lower combustion chamber 4 is supplied to the inner cylinder 2 in the same manner as in the upper combustion chamber 3.
Is discharged from each gas passage hole 2a into the gas passage space S2 and is discharged from each gas discharge hole 12a into the airbag. To a rapid expansion and deployment.

At this time, the combustion in the lower combustion chamber 4 is performed in the same manner as the upper combustion chamber 3, with the entire volume of the housing 1 (sealed space S) communicated with the upper combustion chamber 3 through a gas passage space S 2 or the like.
It is performed with. Therefore, the clean gas released into the airbag is not only the gas pressure of the entire housing 1 at the time of operation of the igniter 9 (gas pressure by combustion of the upper combustion chamber 3), but also the gas by combustion in the lower combustion chamber 4. It has a pressure rise characteristic due to the pressure, and the airbag is inflated and deployed rapidly by setting the equilibrium pressure of these gas pressures to the maximum pressure Pmax.

In this sense, the gas burned in the upper combustion chamber 3 can spread to the entire volume of the housing 1 including the lower combustion chamber 4 as the minute time difference between the igniters 8 and 9 increases. The rise in pressure released to the airbag can be made gradual, and the maximum pressure Pmax can also be kept low. Thus, by appropriately changing the minute time difference for activating each of the igniters 8 and 9, the pressure increase characteristic and the maximum pressure Pmax of the gas discharged to the airbag can be controlled, and this is given to the occupant when the airbag is inflated and deployed. It is possible to reduce the impact.

When the combustion in the upper combustion chamber 3 is started, a part of the high-temperature gas flows into the lower combustion chamber 4 through the gas passage space S2 and the like. The inflowing high-temperature gas is cooled while passing through the inner cylinder member 2 and the filter member 7 on the lower combustion chamber 4 side from the gas passage space S2 at the initial stage when the combustion is started. Although the spontaneous ignition of the gas generating agent 6 in the chamber 4 does not occur, when the combustion of the upper combustion chamber 3 proceeds and the temperature of the filter member 7 in the lower combustion chamber 4 rises, The gas generating agent 6 will spontaneously ignite.

Accordingly, in order for the igniters 8 and 9 to forcibly ignite the gas generating agent 6 in the combustion chambers 3 and 4 with a small time difference, the amount of heat of the high-temperature gas flowing into the lower combustion chamber 4 is reduced. It is necessary to delay the timing until the gas generating agent 6 in the side combustion chamber 4 ignites spontaneously by a minute time difference.

In this sense, it is necessary to control the amount of combustion gas (the amount of heat) flowing from the upper combustion chamber 3 to the lower combustion chamber 4, but this control depends on the cross-sectional area for gas passage in the gas passage space S2. Can be adjusted.

The operation of each of the igniters 8 and 9 does not always need to be performed with a small time difference, but the operation of each of the igniters 8 and 9 is appropriately selected according to the collision mode of the automobile. .

For example, in an important collision such as a frontal collision at a high speed or a diagonal forward collision, the igniters 8 and 9 are simultaneously operated. Thus, the airbag is rapidly inflated and deployed by a large amount of gas having a characteristic of rapid pressure rise generated in each of the combustion chambers 3 and 4, and the maximum pressure Pmax of the gas pressure can be increased.

In a moderate collision, each of the igniters 8 and 9 is operated with a small time difference. Thus, in the initial stage of deployment, the airbag is gently inflated and deployed with a small amount of gas whose gas pressure rise is suppressed, and is rapidly inflated and deployed by a large amount of gas with increased pressure characteristics after a minute time lag. The maximum pressure Pmax of the gas pressure can be suppressed as compared with a high-speed head-on collision or the like.

Further, in a light collision, one igniter 8
By operating only the gas generating agent 6, the gas generating agent 6 in the upper combustion chamber 3 is forcibly ignited, and the gas generating agent 6 in the lower combustion chamber 4 is spontaneously ignited by the high-temperature gas flowing into the lower combustion chamber 4. Since the gas generated by the spontaneous ignition is released into the airbag at a time difference that does not contribute to the protection of the occupant, the airbag is inflated and deployed slowly.
Further, even when only one igniter 8 is operated by the spontaneous ignition, the gas generating agent 6 in the lower combustion chamber 4 is not completely burned and remains. Therefore, the gas generator X1 can adjust the extremely wide range of the maximum pressure depending on the forcible ignition of the igniters 8 and 9.

As described above, according to the driver-side gas generator X1, the igniters 8, 9 are operated with a small time difference to generate only the upper combustion chamber 3 at the initial stage of the deployment of the airbag, thereby increasing the pressure. The expansion control can be performed in such a manner that the expansion and expansion are performed gently by the small amount of gas suppressed, and then the expansion and expansion are rapidly performed by the large amount of gas generated from both the combustion chambers 3 and 4 and having an increased pressure rise (in two stages). The amount of gas released into the airbag and the gas pressure can be controlled).

Therefore, even if the occupant in the driver's seat is seated near the steering wheel, the original function of the airbag can be safely exhibited without being affected by the rapid inflation and deployment in the initial stage of the airbag deployment.

When the inner cylindrical member 2 is made of expanded metal, the inner metal 2 has a height from the reference plane B of the base material 22 as shown in FIG. h is formed. The expanded metal inner cylinder 2
Is disposed in contact with the inner periphery of the outer cylinder 12 and the outer periphery of the filter member 7, the gas passage space S2 can be formed integrally with the expanded metal itself.

The driver gas generator X2 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 will be described.

The gas generator X2 of FIGS. 2 and 3 is different from the gas generator X1 of FIG. 1 in that a filter member 7 is disposed over both combustion chambers 3, 4. The same members as those in FIG.

In FIG. 2, the filter member 7 is inserted in the inner cylindrical member 2 and extends from the lower lid 17 to the lid member 21 of the lower container 11. The partition member 5 includes the lower container 1
1 is inserted into the inner periphery of the filter member 7 from the open end, the through hole 23 is fitted into the long inner cylinder 18, and is positioned in contact with the step 18 a of the long inner cylinder 18. Thus, the partition member 5 defines two upper and lower combustion chambers 3 and 4 in the axial direction of the housing 1 in a state where the opening side of the convex portion 24 faces the short inner cylinder 19. A gas generating agent 6 is loaded in each of the combustion chambers 3 and 4. Each of the combustion chambers 3 and 4 has a structure in which the combustion chambers 3 and 4 communicate with each other through a filter member 7.

Next, the operation of the driver seat gas generator X2 will be described.

When the collision sensor detects an automobile collision and only the igniter 8 on the upper combustion chamber 3 side is operated, the high-temperature gas generated in the upper combustion chamber 3 is removed from the filter member 7 as in FIG. After the slag is captured and cooled, the gas is homogenized in the gas passage space S2, and then the release into the airbag is started.

At this time, part of the combustion gas generated in the upper combustion chamber 3 passes through the filter member 7 and the like.
The airbag flows into the upper combustion chamber 3
With only a small amount of clean gas generated only by suppressing the pressure rise (dulling), it is expanded and deployed so as to be gently and slightly weakened. In addition, similarly to the gas generator X1 of FIG. 1, by adjusting the cross-sectional area for gas passage of the filter member 7 and the gas passage space S2, an appropriate pressure increase characteristic is obtained.

A part of the high-temperature gas flowing into the filter member 7 flows into the lower combustion chamber 4, and the calorific value of the gas when passing through the filter member 7 on the lower combustion chamber 4 side The gas generating agent 6 in the lower combustion chamber 4 is not immediately ignited spontaneously because the gas is absorbed (cooled) and the temperature is lowered and is ejected to the lower combustion chamber 4.

Subsequently, when the igniter 9 of the lower combustion chamber 4 is actuated after a small time difference after the combustion of the upper combustion chamber 3 starts, the combustion of the gas generating agent 6 in the lower combustion chamber 4 starts. As in FIG. 1, the airbag is shifted to a rapid inflation deployment by a large amount of clean gas released from both combustion chambers 3,4.

At this time, the combustion in the lower combustion chamber 4 is performed by the filter member 7 or the like, similarly to the upper combustion chamber 3.
The cleaning gas discharged to the airbag is carried out with the entire volume of the housing 1 communicating with the igniter 9.
In addition to the gas pressure of the entire housing 1 during the operation of
The pressure rises due to the gas pressure due to combustion in the lower combustion chamber 4, and the equilibrium pressure of these gas pressures is increased to the maximum pressure Pma.
As x, the airbag will be rapidly inflated and deployed. It should be noted that, similarly to the gas generator X1 of FIG. 1, by appropriately adjusting the time difference between the activation of each of the igniters 8 and 9, a predetermined pressure rise characteristic and a maximum pressure
max.

As described above, according to the driver seat gas generator X2, similarly to FIG. 1, the deployment control of the airbag can be easily performed, and the original function of the airbag can be exhibited safely.

When collecting and cooling the slag of the combustion gas generated in each of the combustion chambers 3 and 4 is performed by an integral filter member 7, the filter members 7 in each of the combustion chambers 3 and 4 are provided.
As compared with the gas generator X1 of FIG. 1 in which the components are arranged, the number of parts can be reduced and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

The driver-side gas generator X3 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 will be described.

The gas generator X3 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is different from the gas generator X1 shown in FIG. 1 in that the partition member 5 is inserted into the inner periphery of the outer cylinder 12 without providing the inner cylinder member 2. The upper and lower combustion chambers 3 and 4 are defined by the partition member 5.
1 and 3, the same members as those in FIGS. 1 and 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

4 and 5, the partition member 5 is inserted into the inner periphery of the outer cylinder 12 from the open end of the lower container 11, and the through-hole 23 is fitted into the elongated inner cylinder 18 so that It is positioned in contact with the step 18a of the cylinder 18. Thus, the partition member 5 has two upper and lower combustion chambers 3 in the axial direction of the housing 1 in a state where the opening side of the projection 24 faces the short inner cylinder 19.
4 is defined. Further, a plurality of gas through holes 5 a are formed on the outer peripheral edge of the partition member 5. Each gas through hole 5a is
As shown in FIG. 5, four combustion chambers 3, 4 are formed at an angle of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction of the housing 1 and penetrate the partition member 5 in the axial direction of the housing 1. ing. A gas generating agent 6 is loaded in each of the combustion chambers 3 and 4, and a filter member 7 is disposed so as to surround the gas generating agent.

Each filter member 7 extends from the lower lid 17 to the partition member 5 or extends from the partition member 5 to the lid member 21 and is disposed in each of the combustion chambers 3 and 4. Further, each filter member 7 covers each gas through hole 5a at the end on the partition member 5 side, and defines a gas passage space S2 between itself and the inner periphery of the outer cylinder 12. Thus, each of the combustion chambers 3 and 4 is configured to be mutually connected through each of the filter members 7 and each of the gas through holes 5a. The outer cylinder 12 of the upper container 10 is formed with a plurality of gas discharge holes 12a for communicating the gas passage space S2 of each of the combustion chambers 3 and 4 with the outside.

Next, the operation of the driver seat gas generator X3 will be described.

When only the igniter 8 on the upper combustion chamber 3 side is operated by the collision sensor detecting the collision of the automobile, the combustion gas generated in the upper combustion chamber 3 is filtered by the filter member 7 as in FIG. After the slag is captured and cooled, the gas is homogenized in the gas passage space S2, and then the release into the airbag is started.

At this time, a part of the combustion gas generated in the upper combustion chamber 3 flows out into the lower combustion chamber 4 through the filter member 7 and the respective gas through holes 5a.
A small amount of clean gas which is generated only in the upper combustion chamber 3 and whose pressure rise is suppressed (dulled) is expanded and deployed so as to be gently and weakly stretched. In addition, similarly to the gas generator X1 of FIG. 1, by adjusting the opening area and the number of the gas through holes 5a, an appropriate pressure increase characteristic is obtained.

Subsequently, when the igniter 9 of the lower combustion chamber 4 is actuated after a small time difference after the combustion of the upper combustion chamber 3 starts, the combustion of the gas generating agent 6 in the lower combustion chamber 4 starts. As in FIG. 1, the airbag is shifted to a rapid inflation deployment by a large amount of clean gas released from both combustion chambers 3,4.

At this time, the combustion in the lower combustion chamber 4 is performed in the same manner as in the upper combustion chamber 3 through the gas communication holes 5a and the like.
The clean gas released into the airbag is added to the gas pressure of the entire housing 1 when the igniter 9 is operated, and the clean gas discharged into the lower combustion chamber 4 The pressure rises due to the gas pressure due to combustion, and the equilibrium pressure of these gas pressures is increased to the maximum pressure P.
As the maximum, the airbag is rapidly inflated and deployed. In addition, similarly to the gas generator X1 of FIG. 1, by appropriately adjusting the time difference for operating the igniters 8 and 9, a predetermined pressure increase characteristic and a maximum pressure Pmax are obtained according to the collision mode of the vehicle. Things.

As described above, according to the driver seat gas generator X3, similarly to FIG. 1, the deployment control of the airbag can be easily performed, and the original function of the airbag can be exhibited safely.

In the gas generators X1 to X3 for the driver's seat, after the gas generating agent 6 in the upper combustion chamber 3 is burned,
Although the mode in which the gas generating agent 6 in the lower combustion chamber 4 is burned has been described, the invention is not limited to this. The upper combustion chamber 3 may be burned after the combustion in the lower combustion chamber 4. Alternatively, the volume of each of the combustion chambers 3 and 4 may be changed so that one of them is large and the other is small, so that ignition is performed from the side of the large-capacity combustion chamber.

Next, the gas generators Y1 to Y3 of the airbag for the passenger seat shown in FIGS. 9 to 14 will be described.

The gas generator Y1 for the passenger seat shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 comprises an elongated cylindrical housing 31 and a housing 3
1, a partition member 35 defining two left and right combustion chambers 33, 34, a gas generating agent 36, a filter member 37, and an inner cylindrical member 32 disposed in each of the combustion chambers 33, 34; There are provided igniters 38 and 39 for burning the gas generating agents 36 and 33 independently of each other.

The housing 31 is composed of a long cylindrical outer cylinder 42 having both ends opened and two lid members 41 for closing both the openings of the outer cylinder 42, respectively. The housing 31 is formed by fitting each of the lid members 41 from both open ends of the outer cylinder 42 to form a caulking projection 42 b protruding from both sides of the outer cylinder 42.
Is bent radially inward to form a closed space S inside.

On the outer periphery of the outer cylinder 42, a plurality of gas discharge holes 42a are formed which communicate with an airbag (not shown) for a passenger seat. As shown also in FIG. 10A, each gas discharge hole 42a is formed on a straight line extending in the axial direction at an angle of 180 degrees in the circumferential direction of the housing 31, and two gas hole rows r1 and r2. Is composed. Each gas hole row r1,
The gas release holes 42a of r2 are sequentially formed at predetermined intervals in the axial direction of the outer cylinder 42, and are closed by band-shaped burst plates 47 attached to the inner periphery of the outer cylinder 42, respectively. The burst plate 47 is formed of, for example, aluminum foil or the like, and has a length and a width sufficient to close the gas discharge holes 42a for each of the gas hole rows r1 and r2.
It is not excluded that one burst plate 45 is stuck over the inner periphery of the outer cylinder 42.

The closed space S of the housing 31 is defined by a partition member 35 into two left and right combustion chambers 33 and 34 in the axial direction of the housing 31. The partition member 35 is inserted into the inner circumference of the outer cylinder 42 to define the combustion chambers 33 and 34, and is drawn on the outer circumference of the outer cylinder 42 (processing to reduce the diameter of the outer cylinder 42). ) Is fixed by caulking. Further, the partition member 35 has a plurality of gas through holes 35a formed on the outer peripheral edge side. As shown in FIG. 10 (b), each gas through hole 35a is
Four housings are formed at an angle of 0 degrees, and the housing 3
1 through the partition member 35 in the axial direction,
4 is connected. A gas generating agent 36 is loaded in each of the combustion chambers 33 and 34 defined by the partition member 35, and a filter member 37 and an inner cylindrical member 32 are arranged in this order so as to surround the gas generating agent 36.

Each filter member 37 is fitted into the convex portion 41 a of each lid member 41, and covers each gas through hole 35 a at an end extending to the partition member 35, and sandwiches the partition member 35. Thus, the combustion chambers 33 and 34 are configured to communicate with each other through the filter members 37 and the gas holes 35a. As this filter member 37, FIG.
As shown in (a) to (c), it is manufactured by forming a knitted wire mesh or an aggregate of crimp-woven metal wires into a cylindrical shape. The filter member 37 may be divided into a plurality of filter units that are sequentially stacked in the axial direction of the housing 31. By appropriately changing the number of stacked filter units, the length of the housing 31 can be reduced. The filter member 37 can be arranged correspondingly.

Each of the inner cylinder members 32 is fitted around the outer periphery of the filter member 37 of each of the combustion chambers 33 and 34 to form an annular gas passage space S 2 between the inner cylinder member 32 and the inner periphery of the outer cylinder 42. Each inner cylindrical member 32 is fitted together with the filter member 37 into the convex portion 41 a of each lid member 41, and extends from each lid member 41 to the partition member 35. Further, a plurality of gas passage holes 32a that communicate the inside of the filter member 37 and the gas passage space S2 are formed on the peripheral surface of each inner cylindrical member 32. Each gas passage hole 3
2a is a housing 31 as shown in FIG.
When viewed from the circumferential direction of the housing 31, the opening is formed at a displaced portion that does not face each of the gas discharge holes 42 a, and is formed along the axial direction of the housing 31. Thus, the gas flowing out of each gas passage hole 32a of the inner cylinder member 32 does not directly go to each gas discharge hole 42a of the outer cylinder 42, but once collides with the inner periphery of the outer cylinder 42, and After the slag is collected and cooled by the slag, the slag is discharged from each gas discharge hole 42a into the airbag.

The inner cylindrical member 32 is preferably formed in a cylindrical shape with expanded metal as in FIGS. 6 and 7, but may be manufactured by forming a punching plate into a cylindrical shape. When the inner cylinder member 32 is made of expanded metal, the inner cylinder member 32 can be disposed so as to be in contact with the inner periphery of the outer cylinder 42 and the outer periphery of the filter member 37. As in FIG. 1, the gas passage space S2 is made of expanded metal. Can be formed.

Each of the igniters 38 and 39 is composed of a transfer agent 44 and an igniter 45 for igniting the transfer agent 44. Room 3
The gas generating agent 36 in each of the fuel cells 3 and 34 is independently burned. Each igniter 45 is provided with a projection 41 of each lid member 41.
It is fixed by caulking in a. Each transfer agent 44 is accommodated in a flanged cap 46 fitted in the convex portion 41a of each lid member 41, and faces the igniter 45 with a gap between the convex portion 41a.

The projecting side 46a of the flanged cap 46 is inserted into the filter member 37, and has a through hole 46b through which the ignition flame of the transfer agent 44 is jetted into the filter member 37 of each of the combustion chambers 33 and 34. Have. The collar 4 of the cap 46
6c, the cover member 41 side of the filter member 37 is closed to extend to the inner circumference of the outer cylinder 42, and the cover member 41 and the filter member 3 are closed.
7. It is sandwiched between the inner cylindrical members 32. Also, the collar 46c is
The combustion chambers 33 and 34 are hermetically sealed from the outside by being in elastic contact with a seal member 47 interposed in the lid member 41.

Next, the operation of the passenger seat gas generator Y1 will be described.

When the collision sensor detects a vehicle collision,
First, the igniter 44 is ignited by operating only the igniter 38 on the left combustion chamber 33 side. The ignition flame of the transfer agent 44 is ejected from the through-hole 46b of the flanged cap 46 into the left combustion chamber 33, and the gas generating agent 36 is forcibly ignited by this flame and burned to generate a high-temperature gas.

At this time, a part of the high-temperature gas generated in the left combustion chamber 33 flows out into the right combustion chamber 34 through the filter member 37 and each gas passage 35a. As a result, the combustion in the left combustion chamber 33 is performed with the entire volume (sealed space S) of the housing 31 including the right combustion chamber 34 communicated with the respective gas through holes 35a, and the increased volume. The pressure characteristic is such that the pressure rise is suppressed (dulled) by (the volume of the right combustion chamber 34). Further, the heat quantity of the gas flowing into the right combustion chamber 34 is absorbed (cooled) when passing through the inner cylinder 32 and the filter member 37 on the right combustion chamber 34 side,
Since the temperature is lowered and is ejected from the filter member 37 into the right combustion chamber 34, the gas generating agent 36 in the right combustion chamber 34 does not immediately ignite spontaneously.

Then, the airbag is inflated and deployed by a small amount of clean gas whose pressure rise has been suppressed (dulled) so that it is gently and slightly stretched. In this sense,
By adjusting the opening area and the number of the gas passage holes 35a of the partition member 35 and controlling the gas flow rate flowing out to the right combustion chamber 34, the airbag is inflated and deployed with a small amount of gas having an appropriate pressure increasing characteristic. Can be done.

Subsequently, when the igniter 39 of the right combustion chamber 34 is actuated after a slight time lag after the start of combustion of the left combustion chamber 33, the gas generating agent 36 in the right combustion chamber 34 is forcibly ignited and combustion is started. Beginning to generate hot gas. The high-temperature gas generated in the right combustion chamber 34 is discharged into the gas passage space S2 from each gas passage hole 32a of the inner cylindrical member 32 and discharged into the airbag from each gas discharge hole 42a in the same manner as the left combustion chamber 33. As a result, the airbag is connected to both combustion chambers 33, 3
A large amount of clean gas released from 4 leads to a rapid expansion and deployment.

At this time, the combustion in the right combustion chamber 34 is performed using the entire volume (sealed space S) of the housing 31 which is communicated with the left combustion chamber 33 through the gas through holes 35a and the like, similarly to the left combustion chamber 33. Will be Therefore, the clean gas released into the airbag is not only the gas pressure of the entire housing 31 (the gas pressure due to the combustion in the left combustion chamber 33) but also the gas pressure due to the combustion in the right combustion chamber 34 during the operation of the igniter 39. , And the airbag is rapidly inflated and deployed with the equilibrium pressure of these gas pressures as the maximum pressure Pmax.

In this sense, as the minute time difference between the igniters 38 and 39 is increased, the gas burned in the left combustion chamber 33 can spread to the entire volume of the housing 31 including the right combustion chamber 34, so that the air The rise in pressure released to the bag can be made gradual, and the maximum pressure Pmax can be kept low.

Thus, by appropriately changing the minute time difference for operating each of the igniters 38 and 39, it is possible to control the pressure rise characteristic of the gas discharged to the airbag and the maximum pressure Pmax. It is possible to reduce the impact given to the occupant. As a result, the airbag is generated only in the left combustion chamber 33 in the initial stage of deployment, and starts gently inflating and deploying with a small amount of clean gas whose pressure rise has been suppressed, and a slight time lag occurs between the two combustion chambers 33, 34. The gas is generated and rapidly expanded and developed by a large amount of clean gas having a predetermined pressure characteristic and a maximum pressure Pmax.

As described above, according to the gas generator Y1 for the passenger seat, even if the passenger in the passenger seat is sitting near the instrument panel, the passenger is not affected by the rapid inflation in the early stage of the airbag deployment. The original function of the airbag is safely exhibited.

The passenger seat gas generator Y shown in FIGS. 11 and 12
2 will be described.

The gas generator Y2 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is different from the gas generator Y1 shown in FIG. 9 in that the structure of the housing 31 and the partition member 35 and the inner cylindrical member 32 extend over both the combustion chambers 33 and 34. The arrangement is different, and the same members as those in FIGS. 9 and 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

The gas generator Y2 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 has a bottomed and long cylindrical outer cylinder 62 having an open end,
The lid 31 that closes the opening end of the housing 2 forms a housing 31 that forms a closed space S inside.

The housing 31 forms a closed space S inside by joining an annular rib 41b formed on the outer peripheral end of the lid member 41 and the open end of the outer cylinder 62 by butt welding (for example, friction welding). It has a structure. As in FIG. 10A, a plurality of gas discharge holes 62a are formed in the outer cylinder 62 for each of the gas hole rows r1 and r2. Outer cylinder 6
At the bottom of 2, a projection 62b projecting into the closed space S is formed. Inside the housing 31, the inner cylindrical member 32 is arranged over the bottom of the outer cylinder 62 and the cover member 41.
The inner cylindrical member 32 defines a closed space S of the housing 31 into a combustion space S1 on the inner peripheral side of the inner cylindrical member 32 and a gas passage space S2 between the outer periphery thereof and the inner periphery of the outer cylinder 62. I have.

The inside of the combustion space S1 of the inner cylindrical member 32 is
The two left and right combustion chambers 33 and 34 are defined by a partition member 35 press-fitted into the inside 2. Each combustion chamber 33, 34
Inside, a gas generating agent 36 is loaded, and a filter member 37 is disposed in the inner cylindrical member 32 so as to surround the gas generating agent 36.

Each filter member 37 is fitted together with the inner cylindrical member 32 into the projection 62b and the projection 41a of the lid member 41, and sandwiches the partition member 35 at the end extending to the partition member 35. Thus, the combustion chambers 33 and 34 are configured to communicate with each other through the filter members 37, the gas passage holes 32a of the inner cylindrical member 32, and the gas passage space S2.

Further, the lid member 41 and the projection 62b are
Similarly to the above, the igniters 45 of the igniters 38 and 39 are fixed by caulking, and the transfer agent 44 is provided so as to face the igniter 45 by a cap 46 with a flange. The flanged cap 46 on the side of the lid member 41 has the distal end of the flange 46c abutting and fixed to a burr 62c formed when the outer cylinder 62 and the lid member 41 are welded. 64 is a cap 46 on the lid member 41 side.
Is a ring-shaped seal plate interposed between the flange 46c and the end of the filter member 37 of the combustion chamber 34.

Next, the operation of the passenger seat gas generator Y2 will be described.

When the collision sensor detects an automobile collision and only the igniter 38 on the left combustion chamber 33 side is operated, the combustion gas generated in the left combustion chamber 33 is filtered by the filter member 37, as in FIG. Through the slag capture and cooling in the gas passage space S
After homogenization at 2, the release into the airbag is started.

At this time, a part of the combustion gas generated in the left combustion chamber 33 flows out into the right combustion chamber 34 through the filter member 37 and the gas passage space S2. A small amount of the clean gas generated in the above (suppressed) suppresses (dulls) the pressure from being expanded and deployed so that it is gently and slightly stretched. In addition, similarly to the gas generator Y1 of FIG. 9, by adjusting the cross-sectional area for gas passage in the gas passage space S2, an appropriate pressure increase characteristic is obtained.

Subsequently, when the igniter 39 of the right combustion chamber 34 is actuated after a slight time difference after the combustion of the left combustion chamber 33 is started, the combustion of the gas generating agent 36 in the right combustion chamber 34 starts, and FIG. As in the case of the air bag, the two combustion chambers 33, 3
A large amount of clean gas released from 4 leads to a rapid expansion and deployment.

At this time, the combustion in the right combustion chamber 34 is performed by the entire volume of the housing 1 communicating with the left combustion chamber 33 in the gas passage space S2, similarly to the left combustion chamber 33. The released clean gas has a pressure increasing characteristic in addition to the gas pressure of the entire housing 1 when the igniter 39 is operated and the gas pressure due to the combustion in the right combustion chamber 34, and the equilibrium pressure of these gas pressures is reduced. As the maximum pressure Pmax, the airbag is rapidly inflated and deployed.

As described above, according to the passenger-side gas generator Y2, similarly to the passenger-side gas generator Y1 shown in FIG. Function can be demonstrated.

The passenger seat gas generator Y3 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 will be described.

The gas generator Y3 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 is different from the gas generator Y1 shown in FIG. 9 in that the structure of the housing 31 and the inner cylindrical member 32 and the filter member 37 are combined in the two combustion chambers 33,3.
4 are different, and the same members as those in FIGS. 9 and 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

In the gas generator Y3 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the annular ribs 41b of the lid member 41 are joined to both open ends of the long cylindrical outer cylinder 82 by butt welding (for example, friction welding). Thus, the housing 31 forming the closed space S inside is constituted. As in FIG. 10A, a plurality of gas discharge holes 82a are formed in the outer cylinder 82 for each of the gas hole rows r1 and r2. Inside the housing 31,
The inner cylindrical member 32 and the filter member 37 inserted in the inner cylindrical member 32 are arranged between the lid members 41.
The filter member 37 is fitted into the convex portion 41 a of each lid member 41 together with the inner cylindrical member 32, and forms a sealed space S of the housing 31 between the outer periphery of the inner cylindrical member 32 and the inner periphery of the outer cylinder 80. S2 and the combustion space S on the inner peripheral side of the filter member 37.
One is defined.

The combustion space S 1 in the filter member 37 is defined by a partition member 35 into two left and right combustion chambers 33 and 34 in the axial direction of the housing 31. The partition member 35 is
It has a cylindrical portion 35A inserted in the inner periphery of the filter member 37, and the opening of the cylindrical portion 35A on the combustion chamber 33 side is
By closing with B, each combustion chamber 33, 34 is defined. Thus, each of the combustion chambers 33 and 34 has a filter member 37,
Alternatively, the filter member 37, the inner cylindrical member 32, and the gas passage space S
It is structured to communicate with each other through 2. And
Each of the combustion chambers 33 and 34 is loaded with a gas generating agent 36.

As in FIG. 9, the igniters 45 of the igniters 38 and 39 are fixed to each lid member 41 by caulking, and the transfer agent 44 is opposed to the igniter 45 by a flanged cap 46. It is provided as follows. In addition, each flanged cap 46
Is fixed by abutting the tip of the flange 46c against a burr 82c formed at the time of welding the outer cylinder 82 and each lid member 41.

Next, the operation of the passenger seat gas generator Y3 will be described.

When the collision sensor detects the collision of the vehicle and only the igniter 38 on the left combustion chamber 33 side is operated, FIG.
Similarly to the above, the combustion gas generated in the left combustion chamber 33 is subjected to slag capture and cooling by the filter member 37, is uniformed in the gas passage space S2, and then is released to the airbag.

At this time, a part of the combustion gas generated in the left combustion chamber 33 flows out into the right combustion chamber 34 through the filter member 37, the gas passage space S2, and the like. With only a small amount of clean gas generated only by suppressing the pressure rise (dulling), the gas is expanded and deployed so that it is gently and slightly stretched. In addition, similarly to the gas generator Y1 of FIG.
By adjusting the cross-sectional area for gas passage in the gas passage space S2, an appropriate pressure increase characteristic is obtained.

Subsequently, when the igniter 39 of the right combustion chamber 34 is actuated after a slight time difference after the start of combustion of the left combustion chamber 33, the combustion of the gas generating agent 36 in the right combustion chamber 34 starts, and FIG. As in the case of the air bag, the two combustion chambers 33, 3
A large amount of clean gas released from 4 leads to a rapid expansion and deployment.

At this time, the combustion in the right combustion chamber 34 is performed by the entire volume of the housing 31 that is communicated with the left combustion chamber 33 by the filter member 37 or the like, similarly to the left combustion chamber 33. The released clean gas has a pressure increasing characteristic due to the gas pressure due to the combustion in the combustion chamber 34 in addition to the gas pressure of the entire housing 31 when the igniter 39 operates, and the equilibrium pressure of these gas pressures is reduced. As the maximum pressure Pmax, the airbag is rapidly inflated and deployed.

As described above, according to the passenger-side gas generator Y3, similarly to the passenger-side gas generator Y1 shown in FIG. Function can be demonstrated.

In the gas generators Y1 to Y3 for the passenger seat, the operation of each of the igniters 38 and 39 is controlled in accordance with the type of collision of the vehicle, similarly to the gas generators X1 to X3 for the driver's seat. . That is, in a frontal collision at a high speed, etc., the igniters 38 and 39 are simultaneously operated, and in a moderate collision, the igniters 38 and 39 are operated with a small time difference.
In the case of a lighter collision, by operating only one igniter 38, like the gas generators X1 to X3 for the driver's seat,
Select the deployment mode of the airbag.

In the gas generators Y1 to Y3 for the passenger seat, a mode has been described in which the gas generating agent 36 in the right combustion chamber 34 is burned after the gas generating agent 36 in the left combustion chamber 33 is burned. The present invention is not limited to this, and the left combustion chamber 33 may be burned after the right combustion chamber 34 is burned. Alternatively, the volume of each of the combustion chambers 33 and 34 may be changed so that one of the combustion chambers 33 and 34 is large and the other is small, so that the ignition is performed from the large-capacity combustion chamber.

Furthermore, in the passenger seat gas generators Y1 to Y3, the cushion member 25 shown in FIG. Now, FIGS. 1 to 5
As in the case of the driver-side gas generators X1 to X3, it is possible to prevent the gas generating agent 36 from being powdered and to suppress the heat transfer between the combustion chambers 33 and 34, and to properly control the airbag. Can control deployment.

Each of the above gas generators X1 to X3, Y1 to Y
3 comprises two combustion chambers 3, 4, 3 by partition members 5, 35.
3, 34 are shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. By changing the number of charging of the partition members 5, 35, three or more combustion chambers are defined. By arranging the igniter in the airbag, the deployment of the airbag can be controlled in multiple stages.

[0119]

EXAMPLE FIG. 15 shows a comparison between the pressure rise characteristics and the maximum pressure of a gas generator as an example of the present invention and a gas generator as a comparative example. In the gas generator of the embodiment, the two combustion chambers are defined by communicating with each other, and the gas generating agent in each combustion chamber can be independently ignited.
One igniter is provided (see FIGS. 1 to 14).
On the other hand, the gas generator of the comparative example has two combustion chambers that are hermetically defined and includes two igniters that can independently and forcibly ignite the gas generating agent in each combustion chamber.

Next, as the experimental conditions, a small time difference t for operating each of the igniters of the gas generator of the embodiment and the gas generator of the comparative example is t = 0 ms, 10 ms, and 20 ms.
It was provided in a 60 liter tank. Then, in the gas generator of the example and the gas generator of the comparative example, the pressure rise characteristics in the 60-liter tank and the maximum pressure Pmax were measured at each time difference t, and the results were shown in FIG. Fifteen
(B).

In FIG. 15A, it was confirmed that in the gas generator of the embodiment, the pressure rise tends to be suppressed as the minute time difference t for operating each igniter becomes longer. Also, the maximum pressure Pmax can be suppressed lower as the minute time difference t for operating the igniter becomes longer. This is considered to be due to the fact that the combustion chambers communicate with each combustion chamber and the combustion in each combustion chamber is performed in a large volume of the entire housing.

On the other hand, in FIG. 15B, in the gas generator of the comparative example, although not as much as in the embodiment, the pressure rise tends to be suppressed as the minute time difference t for operating each igniter becomes longer. However, the maximum pressure Pmax is maintained at the same relatively high pressure. This is considered to be due to the fact that the combustion chambers are sealed from each other and combustion in each combustion chamber is performed with a smaller volume (volume of each combustion chamber) than in the embodiment.

Accordingly, in order to perform the inflation and deployment of the airbag in two stages, not only in the initial stage of the inflation of the airbag, but also at a gas pressure that does not impact the occupant even if the airbag is rapidly inflated and deployed thereafter. It is optimal to use the gas generator of the embodiment (the gas generator of FIGS. 1 to 14) which can be controlled to the maximum pressure Pmax).

In the gas generator of the comparative example, the maximum pressure Pmax is controlled to be substantially the same regardless of the time difference t for operating each igniter. Therefore, even if each igniter is operated with a minute time difference t, the maximum pressure Pmax is reduced. The gas pressure cannot be reduced to a level that does not impact the occupants. Therefore, the inflation and deployment of the airbag is
Even if it is performed at a stage, the airbag will eventually be deployed and inflated at a relatively high pressure (maximum pressure Pmax),
There is a risk of shock to the occupants. In particular, it is considered that there is a danger in a moderate or light collision of an automobile.

[0125]

According to the gas generator of the present invention, the interior of the housing is divided into a plurality of combustion chambers by the partition member, and the gas generating agent, the filter member, and the igniter are arranged in each combustion chamber, and each combustion chamber is provided with the same. Since the chambers are communicated with each other via the filter member, the combustion of the gas generating agent in each combustion chamber is performed with the volume (sealed space) of the entire housing, and each igniter is provided with a time difference. It is possible to operate. Therefore, there is a time difference in the combustion of the gas generating agent in each combustion chamber, and in the initial stage of airbag deployment, the gas is generated only in one combustion chamber and is gradually developed by a small amount of gas whose pressure rise characteristics are suppressed. It is possible to perform a multistage deployment control for rapidly deploying the airbag by adding a gas generated in the combustion chamber having a predetermined pressure increase characteristic and a maximum pressure. In addition, the two-stage deployment control of the airbag can be performed by defining two combustion chambers by the partition member and making the gas generating agent in each combustion chamber combustible by each igniter. As a result, the occupant can safely exhibit the original function of the airbag without receiving an impact due to rapid deployment in the early stage of deployment of the airbag.

The gas generator according to the present invention, which is applied to a gas generator for a driver's seat, has a specific configuration in which a combustion space of a housing is inserted between an inner cylinder and an elongated inner cylinder. The upper and lower combustion chambers are defined by
A system in which the combustion chambers communicate with each other through a filter member and a gas passage space on the outer periphery of the inner cylinder, and a partition member in which the combustion space of the housing is inserted between the filter member and the long inner cylinder in the inner cylinder. The upper and lower combustion chambers are divided into two chambers, and each combustion chamber is communicated with each other via a gas passage space and a filter member. A partition in which the closed space of the housing is inserted between the outer cylinder and the long inner cylinder. The upper and lower combustion chambers are defined by members.
There is a system in which the combustion chambers communicate with each other via a gas through hole of a partition member and a filter member. In either system, the ignition is performed by the igniters arranged in the upper and lower combustion chambers, thereby stabilizing the combustion chamber. It is possible to realize a two-stage deployment mode of the airbag.

The specific configuration of the gas generator according to the present invention, which is applied to a gas generator for a passenger seat, is as follows. Two combustion chambers are defined and two combustion chambers are communicated with each other through a gas through hole of a partition member and a filter member. A method of defining a combustion chamber, communicating each combustion chamber with each other through a filter member and a gas passage space on the outer periphery of the inner cylinder, and a partition member for charging a combustion space of the housing into the filter member in the inner cylinder. There is a system in which the two combustion chambers are divided into two left and right combustion chambers, and each combustion chamber is communicated with each other through the filter member. In either system, forcible ignition is performed by igniters arranged in the two left and right combustion chambers. Stable by And it is possible to realize the two-stage deployment form of the airbag.

In the gas generator for the driver's seat, the igniter has a long inner cylinder penetrating through the lower combustion chamber disposed at the center of the housing and projecting into the upper combustion chamber. If it is arranged on the projecting short inner cylinder, respectively, especially when the long inner cylinder is joined to the upper lid, the structural strength of the housing can be increased, and a large gas generator that generates a large amount of gas and Application is also possible in the case of a non-azide gas generating agent that generates a high-pressure gas.

Further, if the partition member is provided with a cushion member for suppressing the transmission of the combustion heat, the transmission of the combustion heat generated in one of the combustion chambers can be cut off. Combustion can be easily forcedly ignited with a time lag, and the deployment form control of the airbag becomes more reliable and stable.

When the inner cylinder is formed of expanded metal, the expanded metal has a plurality of gas passage holes projecting from the inner and outer peripheral surfaces and communicating with each other. Since the layer itself forms a gas passage space, the inner cylinder member and the outer cylinder and the filter member can be arranged in close contact with each other, and positioning and arrangement of these members becomes easy.

Further, in the gas generator for the driver's seat, the partition member is provided with a projection projecting into the upper combustion chamber.
Even in the case of making the lower combustion chamber smaller, the igniter can be securely arranged in the lower combustion chamber by the short inner cylinder, and the partitioning member can be easily positioned by contacting the step of the long inner cylinder. The upper and lower combustion chambers can be defined by a simple structure, and the volumes of the upper and lower combustion chambers can be easily adjusted only by adjusting the steps.

When the filter member is formed from a knitted wire mesh or an aggregate of crimped wires, there is an effect that the filter member can be manufactured at low cost.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a gas generator for a driver's seat.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing another driver-side gas generator.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing another driver's seat gas generator.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line CC of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a view showing a member for forming the inner cylindrical member,
(A) is a diagram showing an expanded metal base material,
(B) is a figure which shows the state which pulled the base material, (c) is a perspective view which shows the inner cylinder material shape | molded by the expanded metal.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a tension state of the expanded metal shown in FIG. 6;

8A and 8B are diagrams showing members for forming a filter member, wherein FIG. 8A is an enlarged view showing a knitted wire mesh, FIG. 8B is an enlarged view showing a crimped wire, and FIG. 8C is a formed filter member FIG.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a passenger seat gas generator.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of FIG. 9, wherein FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view taken along a line DD and FIG.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing another passenger seat gas generator.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line FF of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing another passenger seat gas generator.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along line GG of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a graph comparing the pressure rise characteristics and the maximum pressure of the gas generator of the present invention and the gas generator of the comparative example, wherein (a) is a graph showing the experimental results of the gas generator of the present invention. (B) is a graph showing experimental results of the gas generator of the comparative example.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional driver-side gas generator.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 31 Housing 3, 4, 33, 34 Combustion chamber 5, 35 Partition member 6, 36 Gas generating agent 7, 37 Filter member 8, 9, 38, 39 Ignition device

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Kenji Sako 3903-39, Tomicho, Himeji-shi, Hyogo Prefecture Inside the Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd. Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd. Himeji Plant

Claims (16)

[Claims] A plurality of gas discharge holes (12a, 42a, 6);
2a, 82a) and a housing (1, 31) having a sealed space (S) formed therein. In the gas generator, a plurality of combustion chambers (3, 4) , 3
3, 34), and in each of the combustion chambers (3, 4, 33, 34), a gas generating agent (6, 36) for generating a high-temperature gas by combustion, respectively.
And the filter members (7, 37) are arranged so as to surround the gas generating agent (6, 36). In the housing (1, 31), the combustion chambers (3,
4, 33, 34), and a plurality of igniters (8, 9, 38, 39) for independently burning the gas generating agents (6, 36), respectively. 33, 34) are gas generators characterized by being communicated with each other via the respective filter members (7, 37). 2. The interior of the closed space (S) is divided into two combustion chambers (3, 4, 33, 3) by partition members (5, 35).
And a gas generating agent (6, 36) for generating a high-temperature gas by combustion in each of the combustion chambers (3, 4, 33, 34).
And the filter members (7, 37) are arranged so as to surround the gas generating agent (6, 36). In the housing (1, 31), the combustion chambers (3,
4, 33, 34) and two igniters (8, 9, 38, 39) for independently burning the gas generating agents (6, 36), respectively. The gas generator according to claim 1, characterized in that the gas generators (33, 34) communicate with each other via the respective filter members (7, 37). 3. The housing (1) comprises a short cylindrical outer cylinder (12), an upper lid (13) and a lower lid (17) for closing upper and lower ends of the outer cylinder (12). And a partition member (5) disposed between the upper lid (13) and the lower lid (17).
The upper and lower combustion chambers (3, 4) are defined to communicate with each other via the filter member (7), and the lower lid (17) includes the partition A long inner cylinder (18) penetrating the member (5) and protruding into the upper combustion chamber (3) and a short inner cylinder (19) protruding into the lower combustion chamber (4).
An igniter (8, 9) for burning the gas generating agent (6) in each of the combustion chambers (3, 4) is disposed in each of the inner cylinders (18, 19). The gas generator according to claim 2, characterized in that: 4. The long inner cylinder (18) is connected to the lower lid (1).
The gas generator according to claim 3, wherein the gas generator is arranged at the center of (7), extends to the upper lid (13), and is butt-joined to the upper lid (13). 5. The closed space (S) of the housing (1).
Is formed by an inner cylindrical member (2) having a plurality of gas passage holes (2a) and a combustion space (S1) inside the inner cylindrical member (2);
The combustion space (S1) is defined between the inner periphery of the inner cylinder member (2) and the outer periphery of the long inner cylinder (18). The upper and lower combustion chambers (3, 4) communicating with each other through the gas passage space (S2) are defined by the partitioning member (5) to be inserted into the combustion chambers (3, 4). , Respectively, wherein the gas generating agent (6) is loaded, and the filter member (7) inserted into the inner cylindrical member (2) is arranged so as to surround the gas generating agent (6). The gas generator according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: 6. The closed space (S) of the housing (1).
The combustion space inside the filter member (7) is defined by an inner cylinder member (2) having a plurality of gas passage holes (2a) and the filter member (7) inserted into the inner cylinder member (2). (S1) and a gas passage space (S2) outside the inner cylindrical member (2), and the inside of the combustion space (S1) and the inner periphery of the filter member (7) and the long inside By the partition member (5) inserted between the outer periphery of the cylinder (18) and the gas passage space (S),
2) and two upper and lower combustion chambers (3, 4) communicating with each other through the filter member (7). In each of the combustion chambers (3, 4), the gas generating agent (6) is formed. The gas generator according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the gas generator is charged. 7. The closed space (S) of the housing (1).
The partition member (5) inserted between the inner periphery of the outer cylinder (12) and the outer periphery of the long inner cylinder (18)
Upper and lower combustion chambers (3, 4) are defined, and each of the combustion chambers (3, 4) is charged with the gas generating agent (6), and surrounds the gas generating agent (6). The filter members (7) are arranged such that the filter members (5) of the respective combustion chambers (3, 4) pass through the filter members (7) of the respective combustion chambers (3, 4).
The gas generator according to claim 3 or 4, wherein a gas communication hole (5a) communicating with the gas generator is formed. 8. A projection (24) for accommodating the igniter (9) arranged in the lower combustion chamber (4) by the short inner cylinder (19) on the partition member (5). The gas generator according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein 9. The positioning member according to claim 3, wherein the partition member is positioned in contact with a stepped portion formed on the long inner cylinder. A gas generator according to any of the claims. 10. The housing (31) closes both open ends of a long cylindrical outer cylinder (42, 62, 82),
It has a structure in which a closed space (S) is formed inside. At both ends of the outer cylinder (42, 62, 82), an ignition for burning the gas generating agent (36) in each of the combustion chambers (33, 34) is provided. Gas generator according to claim 2, characterized in that the generators (38, 39) are arranged respectively. 11. The closed space (S) of the housing (31) is divided into two left and right combustion chambers (33, 3) by the partition member (35) inserted into the inner periphery of the outer cylinder (42).
4), each of the combustion chambers (33, 34) is charged with the gas generating agent (36), and a gas passage space (32) is formed between the combustion chamber (33, 34) and the inner periphery of the outer cylinder (42). S2) forming an inner cylindrical member (32);
The filter member (37) inserted into the inner cylindrical member (32) is arranged so as to surround the gas generating agent (36), and the partition member (35) includes the combustion chambers. (33, 3
The gas generator according to claim 10, characterized in that a gas passage (35a) for communicating the combustion chambers (33, 34) with each other is formed through the filter member (37) of (4). 12. A closed space (S) of the housing (31) is defined by an inner cylinder (32) having a plurality of gas passage holes (32a) and a combustion space (S1) inside the inner cylinder (32). ) And a gas passing space (S2) outside thereof, and the inside of the combustion space (S1) is partitioned by the partition member (35) inserted into the inner periphery of the inner cylindrical member (32). The two combustion chambers (33, 34) are communicated with each other through the gas passage space (S2), and the combustion chambers (33, 34) are each provided with the gas generating agent (36). The filter member (37) to be charged and placed in the inner cylinder (32) so as to surround the gas generating agent (36).
The gas generator according to 0. 13. The closed space (S) of the housing (31) has an inner cylinder (32) having a plurality of gas passage holes (32a) and the filter member inserted into the inner cylinder (32). By (37), a combustion space (S1) inside the filter member (37) and a gas passage space (S2) outside the inner cylindrical member (32) are defined. The filter member (37)
The gas passage space (S2) and the filter member (37) by the partition member (35) inserted in the inner periphery of the filter member (35).
Left and right combustion chambers (33, 3
11. The gas generator according to claim 10, wherein each of the combustion chambers (33, 34) is loaded with the gas generating agent (36). 14. The transfer of combustion heat by the combustion of the gas generating agent (6, 36) between the partition member (35) and each of the combustion chambers (3, 4, 33, 34). The gas generator according to any one of claims 2 to 13, wherein a cushion member (25) is provided. 15. The inner cylindrical member (2, 32) is formed by molding an expanded metal having a plurality of gas passage holes (2a, 32a) into a cylindrical shape.
Has an outer peripheral surface close to the outer cylinder (12, 42, 62, 82), and an inner peripheral surface has the filter member (7, 37).
14. The gas according to claim 5, wherein the cylindrical portion of the expanded metal also serves as the gas passage space (S2). Generator. 16. The filter member (7, 37) is formed in a cylindrical shape from a knitted wire mesh or an aggregate of crimped wires.
The gas generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, claims 5 to 7, and claims 11 to 13.