WO2022044910A1

WO2022044910A1 - Gas generator

Info

Publication number: WO2022044910A1
Application number: PCT/JP2021/030159
Authority: WO
Inventors: 一重高柳
Original assignee: 日本化薬株式会社
Priority date: 2020-08-28
Filing date: 2021-08-18
Publication date: 2022-03-03
Also published as: JP7462518B2; JP2022039146A

Abstract

This gas generator (1A) comprises an igniter (32), and a housing including a holder (31) that defines an ignition chamber (S1) and a tank chamber (S2), a first casing (10), and a second casing (20). The first casing (10) has a first case body (11) including a first peripheral wall part (11a) and a bottom wall part (11b), and the second casing (20) has a second case body (21) including a second peripheral wall part (21a). A first open end (11a1) of the first peripheral wall part (11a) is occluded by the holder (31), and a second open end (21a1) of the second peripheral wall part (21a) is occluded by the bottom wall part (11b). The bottom wall part (11b) is provided with a through hole (11b1) and a rupturable member (50) that closes the same. The rupturable member (50) is configured from a single member including a cylindrical fixed part (51) that is inserted into the through hole (11b1) and welded to a wall surface thereof, and a plate-shaped rupturable part (52) that occludes one end in the axial direction of the fixed part (51).

Description

Gas generator

The present invention relates to a gas generator configured so that compressed gas sealed in a tank chamber provided inside a housing is ejected to the outside when an igniter is operated.

The gas generator built into the airbag device, which is an occupant protection device for automobiles, ignites the igniter by energization from a control unit separately provided in the vehicle when the vehicle collides, and as a result, a large amount of gas is instantly ignited. It is a device that is configured to expel gas outwards, thereby inflating and deploying the airbag. The gas generator is roughly classified into a pyro type gas generator, a stored type gas generator, and a hybrid type gas generator based on the gas release mechanism.

In the pyro-type gas generator, the gas generator is housed inside the housing, and the gas generator is ignited and burned by the operation of the igniter, which generates a large amount of gas to the outside. It is what is released.

A stored gas generator is one in which compressed gas is sealed inside the housing, and the rupture plate that seals the compressed gas is ruptured by the operation of the igniter, which releases the compressed gas to the outside. Is.

In the hybrid gas generator, the compressed gas is sealed inside the housing, and the heating agent is further housed inside the housing. The burst plate that seals the compressed gas is ruptured by the operation of the igniter. At the same time, the heating agent is ignited and burned by the operation of the igniter, and the energy loss that may occur due to the adiabatic expansion of the compressed gas is compensated by the heat generated by the combustion of the heating agent, while the compressed gas is generated. It is configured to be released to the outside.

Here, among the various gas generators described above, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-182506 (Patent Document 1) is a document in which the specific structure of the stored type gas generator is disclosed, and is a hybrid type. Documents in which the specific structure of the gas generator is disclosed include, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-68658 (Patent Document 2) and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-51236 (Patent Document 3).

Of these, the stored gas generator disclosed in Patent Document 1 and the hybrid gas generator disclosed in Patent Document 2 have a structure generally called a reverse flow structure, and are filled with compressed gas. A communication hole is provided in the partition portion that separates the tank chamber and the ignition chamber in which the igniter is housed, and a gas outlet is provided in the housing of the portion that defines the ignition chamber. In the stored type gas generator and the hybrid type gas generator having the reverse flow structure, since only the communication hole of the communication hole and the gas outlet is provided so as to face the tank chamber, the above-mentioned rupture disc is used. The gas outlet is provided so as to close the communication hole, and the gas outlet is only closed by a sealing member that airtightly seals the ignition chamber from the outside.

On the other hand, the hybrid type gas generator disclosed in Patent Document 3 has a structure generally called a blowdown structure, and partitions a tank chamber in which compressed gas is sealed and an ignition chamber in which an igniter is housed. A communication hole is provided in the partition portion, and a gas outlet is provided in the housing of the portion defining the tank chamber. In the hybrid type gas generator having the blow-down structure, both the communication hole and the gas outlet are provided so as to face the tank chamber. Therefore, the above-mentioned rupture disc has these communication holes and the gas outlet, respectively. A pair is provided so as to be individually closed.

Here, in the stored type gas generator and the hybrid type gas generator disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, the rupture plate that closes the communication hole provided in the partition portion is formed in the partition portion by resistance welding. It is fixed. In this resistance welding, Joule heat is generated by electrical resistance by applying an electric current to the partition part while the ruptured plate is in contact with the partition part in a pressurized state, and these are locally melted and joined. Is.

In the above-mentioned stored type gas generator and hybrid type gas generator, it is necessary to fill the tank chamber provided in the housing with compressed gas. As a method for encapsulating the compressed gas, for example, a method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-227199 (Patent Document 4) is known.

In the method of filling the compressed gas disclosed in Patent Document 4, a gas injection port is provided in advance in a portion of the peripheral wall of the cylindrical member constituting the housing that defines the tank chamber, and the gas is provided through the gas injection port. Is sent into the tank chamber, and then the sealing pin is welded to the cylindrical member so that the gas injection port is closed by the sealing pin.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-182506 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-68658 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-51236 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-227199

As mentioned above, in order to join the ruptured plates to the partition by resistance welding, it is important to make sure that they are in contact with each other but not to make the contact area larger than necessary. Therefore, in Patent Documents 1 to 3, the uneven shape is provided around the portion provided with the communication hole of the partition portion so that the contact area between the partition portion and the rupture disc becomes a predetermined size. It is devised to.

However, in order to give such an uneven shape to the partition portion, it is necessary to perform additional processing such as cutting when manufacturing the partition portion, which leads to an increase in manufacturing cost. Therefore, from the viewpoint of manufacturing the stored gas generator and the hybrid gas generator at a lower cost, it is necessary to improve the structure for assembling the rupture plate to the partition portion.

On the other hand, when it is decided to manufacture a stored type gas generator and a hybrid type gas generator by adopting the method of filling the compressed gas as disclosed in Patent Document 4, the compressed gas is formed in a predetermined portion of the housing. It is necessary to provide a structural part used only for encapsulation (that is, a gas injection port provided on the peripheral wall of the above-mentioned cylindrical member, a sealing pin for closing the gas injection part, a welded part thereof, etc.), and a gas generator. There is a problem that the configuration of the gas itself is complicated, the number of parts is increased, the assembly work is complicated, and the manufacturing cost is increased as a result.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to make it possible to manufacture a stored type gas generator and a hybrid type gas generator more easily and inexpensively.

The gas generator based on the present invention includes an igniter and a housing. The housing has an ignition chamber facing the igniter and a tank chamber filled with compressed gas, and is provided with a gas ejection port that opens during operation. The housing has a holder to which the igniter is assembled, a first casing that defines the ignition chamber together with the holder, and a second casing that defines the tank chamber together with the first casing. The first casing has a bottom including a cylindrical first peripheral wall portion in which one end in the axial direction is configured as a first open end, and a bottom wall portion that closes the other end in the axial direction of the first peripheral wall portion. It has a first case body made of a single tubular member. The second casing has a second case body including at least a cylindrical second peripheral wall portion having one end in the axial direction as a second open end. The first open end is closed by the holder, and the second open end is closed by the bottom wall portion. The bottom wall portion is provided with a through hole leading to the ignition chamber and the tank chamber, so that a rupture member capable of opening due to the operation of the igniter closes the through hole. It is provided on the bottom wall portion. The ruptured member has a cylindrical fixing portion that is inserted into the through hole and fixed by welding an outer peripheral surface to the wall surface of the bottom wall portion of a portion that defines the through hole, and a fixing portion. It is composed of a single bottomed cylindrical member including a plate-shaped rupture portion that closes one end in the axial direction of the above.

In the gas generator based on the present invention, it is preferable that the rupture member has a shape that can be inserted into the through hole from the ignition chamber side.

In the gas generator based on the present invention, the through hole may have a tapered shape in which the inner diameter decreases from the ignition chamber side to the tank chamber side. In that case, the gas generator may have a tapered shape. The fixing portion may have a tapered shape in which the outer diameter decreases from the ignition chamber side to the tank chamber side corresponding to the tapered shape of the through hole.

In the gas generator based on the present invention, there is a stopper portion that regulates the movement of the ruptured member toward the tank chamber side by abutting on the main surface of the bottom wall portion on the ignition chamber side. , May be provided on the rupture member.

In the gas generator based on the present invention, it is preferable that the ruptured portion is located at the end of the fixed portion on the tank chamber side.

In the gas generator based on the present invention, the outer surface of the annular corner portion connecting the fixed portion and the ruptured portion may be formed of a curved surface.

In the gas generator based on the present invention, the ignition chamber may be filled with an exothermic agent that generates high-temperature heat by burning.

In the gas generator based on the present invention, the second case body is composed of a tubular member having the other end in the axial direction of the second peripheral wall portion as the third open end. In that case, the second casing may further have a nozzle body provided with the gas ejection port while closing the third open end.

In the gas generator based on the present invention, the second case body is composed of a single bottomed cylindrical member including a closed portion that closes the other end of the second peripheral wall portion in the axial direction. In that case, the gas outlet may be provided on the first peripheral wall portion.

According to the present invention, it becomes possible to manufacture a stored type gas generator and a hybrid type gas generator more easily and inexpensively.

It is a schematic sectional drawing of the hybrid type gas generator which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the igniter assembly and the ignition chamber shown in FIG. It is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the nozzle assembly shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the assembly structure with respect to the 1st casing of the burst member in the hybrid type gas generator shown in FIG. It is a flow chart which shows the manufacturing method of the hybrid type gas generator which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a process of assembling the second casing and assembling the second casing to the first casing in the manufacturing flow shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a step of positioning the first casing with respect to the head portion of the compressed gas filling device in the manufacturing flow shown in FIG. It is a schematic cross-sectional view which shows the evacuation process in the manufacturing flow shown in FIG. It is a schematic cross-sectional view which shows the gas filling process in the manufacturing flow shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a process of assembling the ruptured member to the first casing in the manufacturing flow shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a process of assembling the igniter assembly to the first casing in the manufacturing flow shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the assembly structure with respect to the 1st casing of the burst member in the hybrid type gas generator which concerns on 1st modification based on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the assembly structure with respect to the 1st casing of the burst member in the hybrid type gas generator which concerns on the 2nd modification based on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the assembly structure with respect to the 1st casing of the burst member in the hybrid type gas generator which concerns on 3rd modification based on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the assembly structure with respect to the 1st casing of the burst member in the hybrid type gas generator which concerns on 4th modification based on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the assembly structure with respect to the 1st casing of the burst member in the hybrid type gas generator which concerns on 5th modification based on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the assembly structure with respect to the 1st casing of the burst member in the hybrid type gas generator which concerns on the 6th modification based on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the stored type gas generator which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the igniter assembly and the ignition chamber shown in FIG. 18 and the vicinity of the closed portion of the second casing. It is a schematic sectional view of the hybrid type gas generator which concerns on related form 1. FIG. FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the igniter assembly and the ignition chamber shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the assembly structure with respect to the 1st casing of the sealing part assembly in the hybrid type gas generator shown in FIG. It is a flow chart which shows the manufacturing method of the hybrid type gas generator which concerns on related form 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a step of positioning the first casing with respect to the head portion of the compressed gas filling device in the manufacturing flow shown in FIG. 23. It is a schematic cross-sectional view which shows the assembly process of the sealing part assembly with respect to the 1st casing in the manufacturing flow shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the assembly structure with respect to the 1st casing of the sealing part assembly in the hybrid type gas generator which concerns on the 7th modification based on the related form 1. It is a schematic diagram which shows the assembly structure with respect to the 1st casing of the sealing part assembly in the hybrid type gas generator which concerns on 8th modification based on the related form 1. It is a schematic sectional view of the stored type gas generator which concerns on related form 2. FIG. FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the igniter assembly and the ignition chamber shown in FIG. 28 and the vicinity of the closed portion of the second casing.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments shown below exemplify a case where the present invention is applied to a hybrid type gas generator or a stored type gas generator as a cylinder type gas generator incorporated in a side airbag device. In the embodiments shown below, the same or common parts are designated by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the hybrid gas generator according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the igniter assembly and the ignition chamber of the hybrid gas generator shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the nozzle assembly. First, the configuration of the hybrid gas generator 1A according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. The hybrid gas generator 1A according to the present embodiment has a so-called blow-down structure.

As shown in FIG. 1, the hybrid gas generator 1A has a long substantially columnar outer shape as a whole. The hybrid gas generator 1A includes a first casing 10, a second casing 20, an igniter assembly 30, a nozzle assembly 40, a burst member 50, an exothermic agent 60, and a compressed gas not shown in the figure. Mainly equipped with.

The housing of the hybrid gas generator 1A is composed of a holder 31 included in the igniter assembly 30, a first casing 10, and a second casing 20. Of these, the first casing 10 is composed of the first case body 11, and the second casing 20 is composed of the second case body 21 and the nozzle body 41 included in the nozzle assembly 40. ..

The space inside the housing is divided into an ignition chamber S1 mainly defined by the holder 31 and the first case body 11 and a tank chamber S2 mainly defined by the first case body 11, the second case body 21 and the nozzle body 41. It is partitioned. The ignition chamber S1 is filled with the exothermic agent 60, and the tank chamber S2 is filled with the compressed gas.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first case body 11 is composed of a single bottomed cylindrical member including the first peripheral wall portion 11a and the bottom wall portion 11b. The first peripheral wall portion 11a has a cylindrical shape, and one end in the axial direction thereof is configured as the first open end 11a1. The bottom wall portion 11b has a disk-like shape with a through hole 11b1 provided in the center, and closes the other end of the first peripheral wall portion 11a in the axial direction.

The through hole 11b1 is provided in the bottom wall portion 11b so as to communicate with both the ignition chamber S1 and the tank chamber S2. The through hole 11b1 is used as a gas injection port when the compressed gas is filled in the tank chamber S2, and is closed by the rupture member 50 after the compression gas is injected. The through hole 11b1 is also a portion where a communication hole for communicating the ignition chamber S1 and the tank chamber S2 is formed during the operation of the hybrid gas generator 1A.

The first case body 11 functions as a pressure bulkhead and is composed of a metal member such as stainless steel or steel. Here, since a part of the first case body 11 is exposed to the compressed gas for a long period of time, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, niobium, nickel, etc. are added so as to have excellent corrosion resistance. It is preferably made of raw steel.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the second case body 21 is composed of a single cylindrical member including the second peripheral wall portion 21a. The second peripheral wall portion 21a has a cylindrical shape, one end in the axial direction thereof is configured as the second open end 21a1, and the other end in the axial direction thereof is configured as the third open end 21a2. There is.

The second case body 21 is fixed to the first case body 11. More specifically, in the second case body 21, the second open end 21a1 of the second peripheral wall portion 21a is closed by the closed end (that is, the bottom wall portion 11b) of the first peripheral wall portion 11a of the first case body 11. It is press-fitted by being externally inserted into the axial end portion of the first peripheral wall portion 11a), and is fixed by being joined by being joined at or near the contact portion between the first case body 11 and the second case body 21. ing. Here, electron beam welding, laser welding, resistance welding, friction welding and the like can be suitably used for joining the first case body 11 and the second case body 21.

As a result, the second open end 21a1 of the second case body 21 is blocked by the bottom wall portion 11b of the first case body 11. Further, as a result, the first case body 11 and the second case body 21 are positioned coaxially, and the housing of the hybrid gas generator 1A as a whole is formed by the first peripheral wall portion 11a and the second peripheral wall portion 21a. The peripheral wall of is constructed.

The second case body 21 functions as a pressure bulkhead and is composed of a metal member such as stainless steel or steel. Here, since the second case body 21 is exposed to the compressed gas for a long period of time, a steel material to which chromium, manganese, molybdenum, niobium, nickel, etc. are added so as to have excellent corrosion resistance. It is preferable that it is composed of.

The method of fixing the second case body 21 to the first case body 11 is not limited to the above-mentioned fixing method using press fitting and welding, and other fixing methods may be used.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the igniter assembly 30 has a holder 31, an igniter 32, and a resin molding portion 33. The igniter assembly 30 is formed by fixing the holder 31 and the igniter 32 by using the resin molding portion 33, and is configured as a pre-integrated part.

The holder 31 is made of a member having a substantially cylindrical outer shape, and has a penetrating portion 31a extending along the axial direction. The penetrating portion 31a is a portion where the igniter 32 is housed and the resin molding portion 33 is provided.

The holder 31 functions as a pressure bulkhead and is composed of a metal member such as stainless steel or steel.

The igniter 32 is for generating a flame, and is made of a pyrotechnic product generally called a squib. The igniter 32 has an ignition unit 32a and a pair of terminal pins 32b. The ignition unit 32a includes an igniting agent that ignites and burns during operation to generate a flame, and a resistor (bridge wire) for igniting the igniting agent. The pair of terminal pins 32b are connected to the ignition unit 32a in order to ignite the ignition charge.

More specifically, the ignition portion 32a includes a cup-shaped squib cup and an embolus that closes the open end of the squib cup and through which a pair of terminal pins 32b is inserted and held. The above-mentioned resistor is attached so as to connect the tips of the pair of terminal pins 32b inserted in the squib cup, and the igniter is placed in the squib cup so as to surround or approach the resistor. It has a loaded configuration.

Here, nichrome wire or the like is generally used as the resistor, and ZPP (zirconium / potassium perchlorate), ZWPP (zirconium / tungsten / potassium perchlorate), lead styphnate or the like is generally used as the igniter. The above-mentioned squib cup and embolus are generally made of metal or plastic.

When a collision is detected, a predetermined amount of current flows through the resistor via the terminal pin 32b. When a predetermined amount of current flows through the resistor, Joule heat is generated in the resistor and the igniter starts combustion. The hot flame generated by the combustion explodes the squib cup containing the igniter. The time from when a current flows through the resistor until the igniter 32 operates is generally 2 [ms] or less when a nichrome wire is used for the resistor.

The resin molding portion 33 is composed of a resin portion formed by injection molding (more specifically, so-called insert molding), and is fixed to both the holder 31 and the igniter 32. The resin molding portion 33 is formed by using a mold during injection molding to pour a fluid resin material between them so as to fill the space between the holder 31 and the igniter 32 and solidify the resin molding portion 33. can do. As a result, the penetrating portion 31a of the holder 31 is in a state of being embedded by the igniter 32 and the resin molding portion 33, and the sealing property in the portion can be ensured by the resin molding portion 33.

As the raw material of the resin molding portion 33 formed by injection molding, a resin material having excellent heat resistance, durability, corrosion resistance, etc. after curing is preferably selected and used. In that case, it is not limited to the thermocurable resin typified by epoxy resin or the like, but is typified by polybutylene terephthalate resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, polyamide resin (for example, nylon 6 or nylon 66), polypropylene sulfide resin, polypropylene oxide resin or the like. It is also possible to use a thermoplastic resin.

The resin molding portion 33 is provided with a recess 33a that is exposed to the outside. A pair of terminal pins 32b of the igniter 32 are arranged inside the recess 33a. As a result, a female connector portion including the recess 33a and the pair of terminal pins 32b is provided on the end surface on one end side in the axial direction of the peripheral wall of the housing in which the igniter assembly 30 is located.

The female connector portion is a part for receiving a male connector (not shown) of a harness for connecting the igniter 32 and the control unit (not shown). The female connector portion is exposed toward the outside of the housing, and by inserting the male connector described above into the female connector portion, electrical conduction between the core wire of the harness and the terminal pin 32b is realized. Will be.

The method of fixing the igniter 32 to the holder 31 is not limited to the fixing method using the resin molding portion 33 described above, and other fixing methods may be used.

The igniter assembly 30 is fixed to the first case body 11. More specifically, the igniter assembly 30 is press-fitted by inserting and removing the holder 31 of the igniter assembly 30 into the first open end 11a1 of the first case body 11, and the first case body 11 is inserted. They are fixed by being joined at or near the contact portion between the holder 31 and the holder 31. Here, electron beam welding, laser welding, resistance welding, friction welding and the like can be suitably used for joining the first case body 11 and the holder 31.

As a result, the first open end 11a1 of the first case body 11 is closed by the holder 31 (more strictly, the igniter assembly 30), and the ignition of the igniter 32 assembled to the holder 31 is ignited. The portion 32a faces the ignition chamber S1. Further, as a result, the first case body 11 and the holder 31 are positioned coaxially, and the holder 31 constitutes one end of the peripheral wall of the housing of the hybrid gas generator 1A in the axial direction. ..

The method of fixing the igniter assembly 30 to the first case body 11 is not limited to the above-mentioned fixing method using press fitting and welding, and other fixing methods may be used.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the nozzle assembly 40 has a nozzle body 41 and a rupture plate 42. The nozzle assembly 40 is configured as a pre-integrated component by joining the burst plate 42 to the nozzle body 41.

The nozzle body 41 has a disk-shaped base portion 41a having a through hole in the center and a cylindrical nozzle portion 41b having one end closed. The nozzle portion 41b projects from the center of the base portion 41a along the axial direction, and is positioned so as to extend toward the outside of the housing.

The nozzle body 41 functions as a pressure bulkhead and is composed of a metal member such as stainless steel or steel. Here, since a part of the nozzle body 41 is exposed to the compressed gas for a long period of time, a steel material to which chromium, manganese, molybdenum, niobium, nickel, etc. are added so as to have excellent corrosion resistance. It is preferable that it is composed of.

The nozzle body 41 has a hollow flow path portion 41c inside. The flow path portion 41c is composed of a through hole provided in the base portion 41a and a hollow portion provided in the nozzle portion 41b, whereby the flow path portion 41c opens toward the tank chamber S2. It has an opening at one end. The opening provided on the tank chamber S2 side of the flow path portion 41c is closed by the rupture plate 42.

A plurality of gas outlets 41d are provided on the peripheral wall of the nozzle portion 41b, and the plurality of gas outlets 41d all communicate with the flow path portion 41c. The plurality of gas outlets 41d are portions for ejecting gas to the outside by opening during operation of the hybrid gas generator 1A, and are closed by the rupture plate 42 via the flow path portion 41c. ing.

The rupture plate 42 has a circular thin plate-like outer shape, and is fixed to the base portion 41a of the nozzle body 41 so as to close the opening provided on the tank chamber S2 side of the flow path portion 41c as described above. ing. The rupture plate 42 can be ruptured due to the operation of the igniter 32 and the rupture portion 52 of the rupture member 50 described later, and is preferably made of a metal member.

Here, since a part of the rupture plate 42 is exposed to the compressed gas for a long period of time, the rupture plate 42 is made of a thin wall such as SUS316 (JIS standard symbol) or Inconel (registered trademark) from the viewpoint of corrosion resistance. It is desirable that it is composed of a member made of a nickel alloy formed from a metal plate. For example, as the rupture plate 42, a thin metal plate having heat resistance and corrosion resistance (for example, a thickness of about 200 [μm]) is preferably used, and Ni: 10 [% by weight] and Cr: 23 [weight%]. ], Mn: 6 [% by weight], Mo: 2 [% by weight], C: 0.01 [% by weight], N: 0.5 [% by weight], stainless steel or Inconel alloy consisting of other component ratios ( A thin plate made of Inconel 625) is particularly preferably used.

The rupture plate 42 is fixed by being joined to the nozzle body 41 by, for example, electron beam welding, laser welding, resistance welding, or the like.

The nozzle assembly 40 is fixed to the second case body 21. More specifically, the nozzle assembly 40 is press-fitted by inserting the nozzle body 41 of the nozzle assembly 40 into the third open end 21a2 of the second case body 21, and also with the second case body 21. These are fixed by being joined at or near the contact portion of the nozzle body 41. Here, electron beam welding, laser welding, resistance welding, friction welding and the like can be suitably used for joining the second case body 21 and the nozzle body 41.

As a result, the third open end 21a2 of the second case body 21 is closed by the nozzle body 41 (more strictly, the nozzle assembly 40), and the rupture plate 42 assembled to the nozzle body 41 is formed. , Facing the tank chamber S2. Further, as a result, the second case body 21 and the nozzle body 41 are positioned coaxially, and the nozzle body 41 constitutes the other end of the peripheral wall of the housing of the hybrid gas generator 1A in the axial direction. It will be.

The method of fixing the nozzle assembly 40 to the second case body 21 is not limited to the above-mentioned fixing method using press fitting and welding, and other fixing methods may be used.

By having the above-mentioned configuration, in the hybrid type gas generator 1A according to the present embodiment, the space inside the housing is divided into two spaces in the axial direction by the bottom wall portion 11b of the first case body 11. Will be. Therefore, the ignition chamber S1, which is one of the spaces, is defined by the first peripheral wall portion 11a and the bottom wall portion 11b of the first case body 11 and the holder 31 (more strictly, the igniter assembly 30). The tank chamber S2, which is the other space, is the bottom wall portion 11b of the first case body 11, the second peripheral wall portion 21a of the second case body 21, and the nozzle body 41 (more strictly, the nozzle assembly 40). ) And will be stipulated by.

Here, since the first case body 11 functions as a pressure bulkhead as described above, the bottom wall portion 11b of the first case body 11 also functions as a pressure bulkhead, and the ignition chamber S1 and the tank It will function as a partition that separates the room S2. The bottom wall portion 11b of the first case body 11 that functions as the partition portion is provided with a through hole 11b1 as described above, and a rupture member 50 is provided so as to close the through hole 11b1. , The details will be described later.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the exothermic agent 60 is housed in the ignition chamber S1 defined by the first case body 11 and the igniter assembly 30.

The exothermic agent 60 is composed of an agent that generates high-temperature heat by burning. The heating agent 60 heats the compressed gas to compensate for the energy loss that may occur due to the adiabatic expansion of the compressed gas due to the rupture of the rupture member 50 and the rupture plate 42 during the operation of the hybrid gas generator 1A. A composition composed of a metal powder / oxidizing agent typified by, for example, B / KNO ₃ , B / NaNO ₃ , Sr (NO ₃ ) ₂ , etc., or a composition obtained by adding guanidine nitrate or nitroguanidine to the composition. , Titanium hydride / potassium perchlorate composition, B / 5-aminotetrazole / potassium nitrate composition, ammonium perchlorate / potassium perchlorate / nitroguanidine composition, Sr (NO ₃ ) ₂ / A composition composed of nitroguanidine or the like is used.

As the exothermic agent 60, a powdery one, one molded into a predetermined shape by a binder, or the like can be used. Examples of the shape of the exothermic agent 60 formed by the binder include various shapes such as a granular shape, a columnar shape, a sheet shape, a spherical shape, a single-hole cylindrical shape, a porous cylindrical shape, and a tablet shape.

On the other hand, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, as described above, the compressed gas is housed in the tank chamber S2 defined by the first case body 11, the second case body 21, and the nozzle assembly 40. ..

When the hybrid gas generator 1A is in operation, the compressed gas is released to the outside when the burst plate 42 is cleaved, so that the airbag provided adjacent to the hybrid gas generator 1A is provided. It expands and expands. As the compressed gas, various inert gases and the like can be used, and for example, helium gas, argon gas, neon gas, nitrogen gas, carbon dioxide gas, oxygen gas and the like can be used.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an assembly structure of a ruptured member with respect to the first casing in the hybrid gas generator shown in FIG. 1. Here, (A) shows the state before assembling, and (B) shows the state after assembling. Next, with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 2 described above, an assembly structure of the rupture member 50 with respect to the first casing 10 in the hybrid gas generator 1A according to the present embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the rupture member 50 is composed of a single member having a bottomed substantially cylindrical shape including a fixing portion 51 and a rupture portion 52. The fixed portion 51 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and a hollow portion 51a is provided inside the fixed portion 51. The ruptured portion 52 has a circular thin plate shape. One end of the fixed portion 51 in the axial direction is open, and the other end is closed by the ruptured portion 52. The rupture member 50 is capable of rupturing the rupture portion 52 due to the operation of the igniter 32, and is preferably made of a metal member.

Here, since a part of the rupture member 50 is exposed to the compressed gas for a long period of time, the rupture member 50 is made of a thin wall such as SUS316 (JIS standard symbol) or Inconel (registered trademark) from the viewpoint of corrosion resistance. It is desirable that it is composed of a member made of a nickel alloy formed from a metal plate. For example, as the rupture member 50, a press-molded product formed by pressing a thin metal plate having heat resistance and corrosion resistance (for example, a thickness of about 200 [μm]) is preferably used, and Ni : 10 [% by weight], Cr: 23 [% by weight], Mn: 6 [% by weight], Mo: 2 [% by weight], C: 0.01 [% by weight], N: 0.5 [% by weight] , Stainless steel made of other component ratios and press-molded products made of Inconel alloy (Inconel 625) are particularly preferably used.

The rupture member 50 is fixed to the first case body 11 in a state of being inserted into the through hole 11b1 provided in the bottom wall portion 11b of the first case body 11. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the rupture member 50 is inserted so that the outer peripheral surface of the fixing portion 51 abuts on the wall surface of the bottom wall portion 11b of the portion defining the through hole 11b1 in this state. By performing resistance welding, it is fixed to the first case body 11. As a result, the outer peripheral surface of the fixing portion 51 is joined to the wall surface of the bottom wall portion 11b.

Here, since the rupture member 50 is assembled by being inserted into the through hole 11b1 from the first open end 11a1 side of the first peripheral wall portion 11a as described later, the rupture member 50 is assembled by the first open end 11a1. It has a shape that can be inserted into the through hole 11b1 from the side (that is, from the ignition chamber S1 side).

Specifically, in the present embodiment, the through hole 11b1 provided in the bottom wall portion 11b has a tapered shape in which the inner diameter decreases from the ignition chamber S1 side toward the tank chamber S2 side, and bursts. The fixing portion 51 of the member 50 has a tapered shape in which the outer diameter decreases from the ignition chamber S1 side toward the tank chamber S2 side corresponding to the tapered shape of the through hole 11b1 described above.

By forming the through hole 11b1 and the fixing portion 51 in a tapered shape in this way, the rupture member 50 is positioned and arranged with high accuracy with respect to the bottom wall portion 11b when the rupture member 50 is assembled to the bottom wall portion 11b. In addition, the outer peripheral surface of the fixed portion 51 and the above-mentioned wall surface of the bottom wall portion 11b can be brought into close contact with each other, and as a result, the contact area thereof can be made a predetermined size. Therefore, by performing resistance welding in this state, the ruptured member 50 can be reliably and stably fixed to the bottom wall portion 11b.

Here, in the present embodiment, the ruptured portion 52 is located at the end of the fixed portion 51 on the tank chamber S2 side. As a result, the rupture member 50 is arranged so that the outer surface of the rupture portion 52 faces the tank chamber S2. Therefore, from the viewpoint of improving the pressure resistance performance of the rupture member 50, it is preferable that the outer surface of the annular corner portion 53 connecting the fixing portion 51 and the rupture portion 52 is formed of a curved surface.

Next, the operation of the hybrid gas generator 1A according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 described above.

First, the igniter 32 operates by receiving the energization from the above-mentioned control unit. When the igniter 32 operates, the igniter filled in the igniter 32a is ignited by being heated by the resistor, and the igniter burns to explode the igniter 32a. As a result, the exothermic agent 60 housed in the ignition chamber S1 is ignited by the igniter 32 and burned.

Combustion of the igniter and the exothermic agent 60 causes the pressure and temperature of the ignition chamber S1 to rise, which causes the rupture portion 52 of the rupture member 50 to rupture. With the opening of the ruptured portion 52, the ignition chamber S1 and the tank chamber S2 are in a state of communicating with each other through the through hole 11b1 provided in the bottom wall portion 11b of the first case body 11. At this time, since the fixing portion 51 of the rupture member 50 remains without burning, more strictly speaking, the ignition chamber S1 and the tank chamber S2 pass through the hollow portion 51a located inside the fixing portion 51. Will communicate.

Next, as the ignition chamber S1 and the tank chamber S2 communicate with each other, the pressure and temperature of the tank chamber S2 also rise, and the portion of the rupture disc 42 facing the flow path portion 41c is accompanied by this. Cleavage occurs in. With the opening of the rupture plate 42, the tank chamber S2 and the plurality of gas outlets 41d are in a state of communicating with each other via the flow path portion 41c.

As a result, the compressed gas contained in the tank chamber S2 reaches the plurality of gas outlets 41d via the flow path portion 41c, and then is ejected from the plurality of gas outlets 41d to the outside. Become.

The gas ejected from the plurality of gas outlets 41d to the outside of the hybrid gas generator 1A is introduced into an airbag provided adjacent to the hybrid gas generator 1A, and the airbag is introduced. Inflate and unfold.

By using the hybrid gas generator 1A according to the present embodiment described above, the bottom wall portion 11b of the first case body 11 as a partition portion for partitioning the ignition chamber S1 and the tank chamber S2 is formed with the bottom wall. By resistance welding while maintaining the contact area between the bottom wall portion 11b and the rupture member 50 at a predetermined size, even if the uneven shape for making the contact area of the rupture member 50 with respect to the portion 11b a predetermined size is not provided. It becomes possible to join these. As described above, the rupture member 50 is composed of a bottomed substantially cylindrical member, and the rupture member 50 is resistance welded while being inserted into the through hole 11b1 provided in the bottom wall portion 11b. This is because it was decided to join.

Therefore, it becomes unnecessary to perform additional processing such as cutting to impart the above-mentioned uneven shape, which was conventionally required, and the manufacturing process can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Therefore, by using the hybrid gas generator 1A having the above configuration, it becomes possible to easily and inexpensively manufacture the gas generator 1A.

Further, by using the hybrid type gas generator 1A according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the weight while ensuring the withstand voltage performance of the housing. This point will be described in detail below.

In the hybrid type gas generator, the ignition chamber formed inside the housing is arranged so that the igniter faces and is filled with an exothermic agent. Therefore, since the internal pressure of the ignition chamber rises significantly during operation, high withstand voltage performance is required for the housing of the portion that defines the ignition chamber. Further, the tank chamber formed inside the housing is filled with compressed gas. Therefore, the housing of the part that defines the tank chamber is also required to have a considerable pressure resistance.

Therefore, in order to ensure high withstand voltage performance, the housing of the part that defines the ignition chamber and the tank chamber is made of a material having high mechanical strength, and the thickness thereof is sufficiently thick. It is necessary and, as a result, causes an increase in the weight of the hybrid gas generator.

Here, in general, the withstand voltage performance required for the housing of the portion defining the ignition chamber is higher than the withstand voltage performance required for the housing of the portion defining the tank chamber. Therefore, if the thickness of the housing of the portion defining the tank chamber can be made thinner than the thickness of the housing of the portion defining the ignition chamber, the weight can be reduced accordingly.

In this regard, in the hybrid type gas generator 1A according to the present embodiment, among the portion constituting the peripheral wall of the housing and the portion constituting the partition portion, the peripheral wall of the portion defining the ignition chamber S1 and the partition portion are used. Is configured by the first case body 11 made of a single member having a bottomed cylinder, and the peripheral wall of the portion defining the remaining tank chamber S2 is formed by the second case body 21.

Therefore, by adopting this configuration, the thickness of the second peripheral wall portion 21a of the second case body 21 is increased while the thickness of the first peripheral wall portion 11a and the bottom wall portion 11b of the first case body 11 is relatively increased. It becomes possible to easily make the housing relatively thin, and it is possible to reduce the weight of the housing while suppressing an increase in the number of parts.

Further, in the hybrid type gas generator 1A according to the present embodiment, among the wall portions of the housing of the portion defining the tank chamber S2 in which the compressed gas is sealed, the second peripheral wall portion of the second case body 21 The 21a is not provided with an opening, and the bottom wall portion 11b of the first case body 11 is not provided with an opening other than the through hole 11b1 closed by the rupture member 50.

Such a characteristic configuration is caused by the fact that the hybrid gas generator 1A according to the present embodiment is manufactured according to the method for manufacturing the hybrid gas generator according to the present embodiment described below. In summary, when the compressed gas is sealed in the tank chamber S2, the through hole 11b1 provided in the bottom wall portion 11b of the first case body 11 is used as a gas injection port, and the compressed gas is used. This is because the through hole 11b1 is closed by the rupture member 50 after the injection.

Hereinafter, the above points will be described in more detail while specifically explaining the method for manufacturing the hybrid gas generator according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a manufacturing method of the hybrid gas generator according to the present embodiment, and FIGS. 6 to 11 are schematic cross-sectional views in a part of the steps shown in FIG. ..

As shown in FIG. 5, when manufacturing the hybrid gas generator 1A according to the present embodiment, first, in step ST11, the igniter assembly 30 and the nozzle assembly 40 are manufactured, respectively.

Specifically, by fixing the igniter 32 to the holder 31 using the resin molding portion 33, the igniter assembly 30 as an integral part is manufactured, and the rupture plate 42 is attached to the nozzle body 41 by, for example, resistance welding. By welding with, the nozzle assembly 40 as an integral part is manufactured.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in step ST12, the second casing 20 is assembled and the second casing 20 is assembled to the first casing 10.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the base portion 41a of the nozzle body 41 of the nozzle assembly 40 is inserted into the third open end 21a2 of the second peripheral wall portion 21a of the second case body 21. After that, the nozzle body 41 is welded to the second case body 21 by, for example, laser welding, so that the nozzle assembly 40 is assembled to the second case body 21. As a result, the second casing 20 is assembled.

Subsequently, the second case body 21 is the second with respect to the closed end of the first peripheral wall portion 11a of the first case body 11 (that is, the axial end portion of the first peripheral wall portion 11a closed by the bottom wall portion 11b). The second open end 21a1 of the two peripheral wall portions 21a is press-fitted by being externally inserted, and then the second case body 21 is welded to the first case body 11 by, for example, laser welding, so that the second case body 21 is formed. It is assembled to the first case body 11. As a result, the second casing 20 is assembled to the first casing 10.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, in step ST13, the first casing 10 is positioned with respect to the head portion 110 of the compressed gas filling device 100.

As shown in FIG. 7, the compressed gas filling device 100 is configured by combining a gas filling device and a welding device, and has a block-shaped head portion 110. The head portion 110 includes a gas filling head 111 and a welding head 112, and the welding head 112 is slidably incorporated in the gas filling head 111.

Inside the gas filling head 111, a ventilation passage 111a that is selectively switched to a gas supply source and a negative pressure source (not shown) is provided, and one end of the ventilation passage 111a is a gas filling head 111. It is open on the main surface 111b.

On the other hand, the welding head 112 has a substantially columnar outer shape, and is slidably held by the gas filling head 111 as described above. Inside the welding head 112, a suction path 112a connected to a negative pressure source (not shown) is provided, and one end of the suction path 112a is open at the main surface 112b of the welding head 112.

Here, the main surface 111b of the gas filling head 111 and the main surface 112b of the welding head 112 are arranged so as to be parallel to each other, and the main surface 112b of the welding head 112 is driven by driving the welding head 112. , Can be moved so as to protrude from the main surface 111b of the gas filling head 111. One end of the ventilation path 111a opened on the main surface 111b of the gas filling head 111 is arranged so as to surround the welding head 112.

The welding head 112 holds the rupture member 50 in advance. More specifically, the rupture member 50 is in a state in which the open end of the fixing portion 51 on the side where the rupture portion 52 is not located is previously addressed to the main surface 112b of the welding head 112, and in this state, the above-mentioned negative pressure is applied. A negative pressure is generated in the suction path 112a by driving the source, and the welding is held by the welding head 112 (in the figure, the suction direction by the negative pressure source is schematically indicated by an arrow A. ing).

In this state, in step ST12, the first open end 11a1 of the first peripheral wall portion 11a of the first case body 11 to which the second casing 20 is assembled is pressed against the main surface 111b of the gas filling head 111. By doing so, the first casing 10 is positioned with respect to the head portion 110 of the compressed gas filling device 100.

At this time, the end surface of the first peripheral wall portion 11a of the first case body 11 on the first open end 11a1 side is brought into contact with the main surface 111b of the gas filling head 111, so that the through hole 11b1 as a gas injection port is provided. A closed space is formed by the bottom wall portion 11b of the first case body 11, the first peripheral wall portion 11a of the first case body 11, and the main surface 111b of the gas filling head 111 (see FIG. 8). ).

Further, at this time, the rupture member 50 is described above by covering the end portion of the welding head 112 holding the rupture member 50 with the first open end 11a1 of the first peripheral wall portion 11a of the first case body 11. It is held by the welding head 112 inside the closed space (see FIG. 8).

If a sealing member made of packing or the like is provided on the main surface 111b of the gas filling head 111 at the portion where the end surface on the first open end 11a1 side of the first peripheral wall portion 11a of the first case body 11 is pressed, the above-mentioned description will be made. It is also possible to improve the airtightness between the closed space and the external space.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, evacuation is performed in step ST14. This evacuation is performed by using the above-mentioned gas filling device equipped with the gas filling head 111.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the air passage 111a provided in the gas filling head 111 is connected to the above-mentioned negative pressure source and the negative pressure source is driven to drive the above-mentioned closed space and the above-mentioned closed space. The air in the tank chamber S2 communicating with the closed space through the through hole 11b1 is sucked, and the sucked air is exhausted to the outside through the ventilation passage 111a (in the figure, the negative pressure source is used). The suction direction is schematically indicated by arrow B). The evacuation is carried out until the pressure in the tank chamber S2 reaches a predetermined degree of vacuum.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, gas filling is performed in step ST15. This gas filling is performed by continuing to use the above-mentioned gas filling device equipped with the gas filling head 111.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the ventilation path 111a provided in the gas filling head 111 is switched and connected from the above-mentioned negative pressure source to the above-mentioned gas supply source, and the gas supply source is driven. As a result, gas is sent into the closed space described above and the tank chamber S2 communicating with the closed space through the through hole 11b1, and the sent gas is compressed, so that the tank chamber S2 is filled with the compressed gas. (In the figure, the supply direction of the gas sent by the gas supply source is schematically indicated by an arrow C). The gas filling is carried out until the pressure in the tank chamber S2 reaches a predetermined high pressure state (for example, about 30 [MPa] to 90 [MPa]).

At this time, the one end of the ventilation path 111a opened in the main surface 111b of the gas filling head 111 functions as a gas outlet 111a1 for delivering gas, and the gas delivered from the gas outlet 111a1 is described above. By passing through the closed space, the gas is sent to the tank chamber S2 from the through hole 11b1 as the gas injection port.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 10, in step ST16, the rupture member 50 is assembled to the first casing 10. The assembly of the rupture member 50 is performed by using the above-mentioned welding device provided with the welding head 112.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, in the state after the tank chamber S2 is filled with the compressed gas in step ST15, the rupture member 50 held by the welding head 112 in the closed space described above in advance. Is moved by driving the welding head 112, whereby the rupture member 50 is inserted into the through hole 11b1 as a gas injection port. At that time, the rupture member 50 is positioned so that the outer peripheral surface of the fixing portion 51 of the rupture member 50 is in close contact with the wall surface of the bottom wall portion 11b of the portion defining the through hole 11b1.

In this state, when the welding head 112 is operated (that is, a current for resistance welding is applied to the welding head 112), the fixing portion 51 of the rupture member 50 in a state of being in close contact with the bottom wall portion 11b. Is welded to the bottom wall portion 11b. As a result, the outer peripheral surface of the fixing portion 51 is joined to the wall surface of the bottom wall portion 11b, and the rupture member 50 is fixed to the first casing 10.

Therefore, the through hole 11b1 as the gas injection port provided in the bottom wall portion 11b is closed by the rupture member 50, and accordingly, the tank chamber S2 filled with the compressed gas becomes the rupture member 50. Will be sealed by. As a result, the compressed gas is sealed in the tank chamber S2. After the above-mentioned welding is completed, the gas supply by the gas supply source of the gas filling device and the holding of the ruptured member 50 by the negative pressure source of the welding device are both released.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 11, the exothermic agent 60 is filled in step ST17, and then the igniter assembly 30 is assembled to the first casing 10 in step ST18.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the first peripheral wall portion 11a is placed in the space inside the first peripheral wall portion 11a of the first case body 11 separated from the head portion 110 of the compressed gas filling device 100. A predetermined amount of the heating agent 60 is charged from the first open end 11a1 side, and then the holder 31 of the igniter assembly 30 is inserted into the first open end 11a1 to be press-fitted, and then the holder. The igniter assembly 30 is assembled to the first case body 11 by welding the 31 to the first case body 11 by, for example, laser welding. As a result, the exothermic agent 60 is filled and the igniter assembly 30 is assembled to the first casing 10.

By going through the above steps ST11 to ST18, the production of the hybrid gas generator 1A according to the above-described embodiment is completed.

In the method for manufacturing the hybrid gas generator according to the present embodiment described above, when the compressed gas is sealed in the tank chamber S2, the through hole 11b1 provided in the bottom wall portion 11b of the first case body 11 is provided. Is used as a gas injection port, and the through hole 11b1 is closed by the rupture member 50 after the injection of the compressed gas. Therefore, by adopting the manufacturing method, it is not necessary to provide a structural portion used only for filling the compressed gas in the housing, and it is possible to realize simplification of the configuration of the gas generator itself and simplification of the assembly work.

Further, in the present embodiment, at the time of manufacturing the hybrid gas generator 1A, the end surface of the first peripheral wall portion 11a of the first case body 11 on the first open end 11a1 side is the head portion 110 of the compressed gas filling device 100. Since the structure is pressed against the above-mentioned closed space, the volume of the closed space can be significantly reduced. Therefore, the vacuum degree of the tank chamber S2 can be lowered to a predetermined vacuum degree in a short time at the time of evacuation, and also to a predetermined high pressure state in a short time at the time of gas filling. The pressure in the tank chamber S2 can be increased. Therefore, the time required for manufacturing can be shortened, which leads to a reduction in manufacturing cost.

Further, in relation to this point, in the present embodiment, since the compressed gas filling device 100 provided with the small head portion 110 having the configuration as described above can be used, the compressed gas can be filled in the housing. There is also an advantage that the manufacturing equipment can be significantly downsized as compared with the conventional compressed gas filling device.

Further, when filling the gas, heat is generated as the gas is compressed. However, as described above, in the present embodiment, the volume of the closed space described above is significantly narrowed. , This variation in calorific value can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the variation in the filling amount of the compressed gas among the manufactured products, and it is possible to manufacture a hybrid type gas generator capable of obtaining a desired gas output with a higher yield.

Further, in the present embodiment, at the time of manufacturing the hybrid gas generator 1A, the housing of the portion pressed against the head portion 110 of the compressed gas filling device 100 (that is, the first peripheral wall portion 11a of the first case body 11). Since the shape of the first open end 11a1 side end surface of the housing is planar, the curved peripheral wall of the housing (that is, the first peripheral wall portion 11a of the first case body 11 or the second peripheral wall portion 21a of the second case body 21) is formed. ), It becomes easier to secure the airtightness of the closed space described above as compared with the case where the gas injection port is provided, and the high-pressure gas can be more easily filled.

In addition, in the present embodiment, at the time of manufacturing the hybrid type gas generator 1A, the through hole 11b1 provided in the bottom wall portion 11b of the first casing 10 after the second casing 20 is assembled is a gas. Since it is used as an inlet, the compressed gas filling section that defines the tank chamber and the detonation section that defines the ignition chamber in which the combustion agent is housed and the igniter assembly is assembled are separate. After manufacturing as a unit, it is not necessary to combine these, and it becomes possible to manufacture a hybrid gas generator extremely easily.

(First modification)
FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing an assembly structure of a ruptured member with respect to the first casing in the hybrid type gas generator according to the first modification based on the above-described first embodiment. Here, (A) shows the state before assembling, and (B) shows the state after assembling. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 12, a structure for assembling the ruptured member 50 to the first casing 10 in the hybrid gas generator 1A1 according to the first modification will be described.

As shown in FIG. 12, the hybrid gas generator 1A1 according to the first modification differs only in the shape of the burst member 50 when compared with the hybrid gas generator 1A according to the first embodiment described above. ing.

Specifically, the rupture member 50 has a substantially cylindrical fixing portion 51 having a tapered shape whose outer diameter decreases toward the tank chamber S2 side from the ignition chamber S1 side, and an end of the fixing portion 51 on the tank chamber S2 side. It has a circular thin plate-shaped ruptured portion 52 that closes the portion, and the fixed portion 51 is further provided with a flange-shaped stopper portion 51b that extends outward in the radial direction. Here, the stopper portion 51b is located at an open end (that is, an end portion on the ignition chamber S1 side) located on the side opposite to the axial end portion on the side where the burst portion 52 of the fixed portion 51 is provided. It has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the through hole 11b1 provided in the bottom wall portion 11b of the first case body 11.

Also in the first modification, the rupture member 50 is fixed to the first case body 11 in a state of being inserted into the through hole 11b1 provided in the bottom wall portion 11b of the first case body 11. More specifically, the rupture member 50 is inserted so that the outer peripheral surface of the fixing portion 51 abuts on the wall surface of the bottom wall portion 11b of the portion defining the through hole 11b1, and resistance welding is performed in this state. , Is fixed to the first case body 11. As a result, the outer peripheral surface of the fixing portion 51 is joined to the wall surface of the bottom wall portion 11b.

Even with such a configuration, the outer peripheral surface of the fixed portion 51 and the above-mentioned wall surface of the bottom wall portion 11b can be brought into close contact with each other, and the contact area thereof can be made a predetermined size. Therefore, by adopting this configuration, the ruptured member 50 can be reliably and stably fixed to the bottom wall portion 11b.

Here, as described above, by providing the flange-shaped stopper portion 51b at the portion on the open end side of the fixing portion 51 of the rupture member 50, the rupture member 50 is inserted into the through hole 11b1 described above. The stopper portion 51b comes into contact with the main surface of the bottom wall portion 11b on the ignition chamber S1 side. The contact of the stopper portion 51b with the bottom wall portion 11b restricts the movement of the ruptured member 50 toward the tank chamber S2 side.

Therefore, when the ruptured member 50 having the above configuration is used, the ruptured member 50 can be positioned more reliably by using the stopper portion 51b. Therefore, by adopting the configuration as in the first modification, when assembling the ruptured member 50 to the first casing 10, the outer peripheral surface of the fixing portion 51 and the bottom wall portion 11b of the portion defining the through hole 11b1 are used. The contact area with the wall surface can be more reliably maintained at a predetermined size, and the ruptured member 50 can be more reliably and more stably fixed to the bottom wall portion 11b.

(2nd to 4th modification)
13 to 15 are schematic views showing an assembly structure of a ruptured member with respect to the first casing in the hybrid type gas generator according to the second to fourth modifications based on the above-described first embodiment, respectively. Here, in each figure, (A) shows the state before assembling, and (B) shows the state after assembling. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15, a structure for assembling the ruptured member 50 to the first casing 10 in the hybrid type gas generators 1A2 to 1A4 according to the second to fourth modifications will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the hybrid gas generators 1A2 to 1A4 according to the second to fourth modifications are any of the hybrid gas generators 1A according to the first embodiment described above. However, only the shape of the rupture member 50 is different.

As shown in FIG. 13, in the hybrid type gas generator 1A2 according to the second modification, the burst member 50 has a substantially cylindrical shape having a tapered shape whose outer diameter decreases from the ignition chamber S1 side toward the tank chamber S2 side. 51, and a circular thin plate-shaped ruptured portion 52 that closes the end of the fixed portion 51 on the tank chamber S2 side, of which the circular thin plate-shaped ruptured portion 52 is the tank chamber S2. It has a curved shape that bulges toward the side.

As shown in FIG. 14, in the hybrid type gas generator 1A3 according to the third modification, the burst member 50 has a substantially cylindrical shape having a tapered shape whose outer diameter decreases from the ignition chamber S1 side toward the tank chamber S2 side. 51, and a circular thin plate-shaped ruptured portion 52 that closes the end of the fixed portion 51 on the tank chamber S2 side, of which the circular thin plate-shaped ruptured portion 52 is the tank chamber S2. It has a curved shape that bulges toward the side opposite to the side (that is, the ignition chamber S1 side).

As shown in FIG. 15, in the hybrid type gas generator 1A4 according to the fourth modification, the burst member 50 has a substantially cylindrical shape having a tapered shape whose outer diameter decreases from the ignition chamber S1 side toward the tank chamber S2 side. 51, and a circular thin plate-shaped ruptured portion 52 that closes the end portion of the fixed portion 51 on the tank chamber S2 side, and has an annular shape connecting the fixed portion 51 and the ruptured portion 52. The outer surface of the corner portion 53 is composed of a bent surface.

Even when the configuration as in these second to fourth modifications is adopted, the outer peripheral surface of the fixing portion 51 and the above-mentioned wall surface of the bottom wall portion 11b can be brought into close contact with each other, and the contact area thereof is predetermined. Can be as large as. Therefore, by adopting this configuration, the ruptured member 50 can be reliably and stably fixed to the bottom wall portion 11b.

(5th and 6th modified examples)
16 and 17 are schematic views showing an assembly structure of a ruptured member with respect to the first casing in the hybrid type gas generator according to the fifth and sixth modifications based on the above-described first embodiment, respectively. Here, in each figure, (A) shows the state before assembling, and (B) shows the state after assembling. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, a structure for assembling the ruptured member 50 to the first casing 10 in the hybrid gas generators 1A5 and 1A6 according to the fifth and sixth modifications will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the hybrid gas generators 1A5 and 1A6 according to the fifth and sixth modifications are compared with the hybrid gas generator 1A according to the first embodiment described above. However, only the shape of the through hole 11b1 provided in the bottom wall portion 11b of the first case body 11 and the shape of the rupture member 50 are different.

As shown in FIG. 16, in the hybrid type gas generator 1A5 according to the fifth modification, the through hole 11b1 provided in the bottom wall portion 11b of the first case body 11 is from the ignition chamber S1 side to the tank chamber S2 side. It has a columnar shape with a constant inner diameter. On the other hand, the ruptured member 50 has a cylindrical fixing portion 51 whose outer diameter is constant from the ignition chamber S1 side to the tank chamber S2 side corresponding to the inner diameter of the through hole 11b1, and the tank chamber S2 of the fixing portion 51. It has a circular thin plate-shaped rupture portion 52 that closes the side end portion.

As shown in FIG. 17, in the hybrid type gas generator 1A6 according to the sixth modification, the through hole 11b1 provided in the bottom wall portion 11b of the first case body 11 is from the ignition chamber S1 side to the tank chamber S2 side. It has a columnar shape with a constant inner diameter. On the other hand, the rupture member 50 has a cylindrical fixing portion 51 whose outer diameter is constant from the ignition chamber S1 side to the tank chamber S2 side corresponding to the inner diameter of the through hole 11b1, and the ignition chamber S1 of the fixing portion 51. It has a circular thin plate-shaped rupture portion 52 that closes the side end portion.

That is, in the hybrid type gas generator 1A5 according to the fifth modification and the hybrid type gas generator 1A6 according to the sixth modification, the directions of the rupture members 50 inserted into the through holes 11b1 are opposite to each other. It has a common configuration except that it has a common structure.

Even when the configurations as in the fifth and sixth modifications are adopted, the outer peripheral surface of the fixing portion 51 and the above-mentioned wall surface of the bottom wall portion 11b can be brought into close contact with each other, and the contact area thereof is predetermined. Can be as large as. Therefore, by adopting this configuration, the ruptured member 50 can be reliably and stably fixed to the bottom wall portion 11b.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the stored gas generator according to the second embodiment. FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the igniter assembly and the ignition chamber of the stored gas generator shown in FIG. 18 and the vicinity of the closed portion of the second casing. First, the configuration of the stored gas generator 1B according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19. The stored type gas generator 1B according to the present embodiment has a so-called reverse flow structure.

As shown in FIG. 18, the stored type gas generator 1B according to the present embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the hybrid type gas generator 1A according to the above-described first embodiment, and the hybrid type gas generator is generated. When compared with the vessel 1A, the configuration of the housing of the portion mainly defining the tank chamber S2 is different, and in addition to this, the nozzle assembly 40 and the heating agent 60 (both refer to FIG. 1 etc.) are provided. The configurations are different in that they are not, the positions where the plurality of gas outlets are formed, and the configurations in the vicinity of the plurality of gas outlets are different.

Specifically, the stored type gas generator 1B has a long substantially columnar outer shape as a whole, and has a first casing 10, a second casing 20, an igniter assembly 30, and a burst member 50. And a compressed gas that does not appear in the figure.

The housing of the stored type gas generator 1B is composed of a holder 31 included in the igniter assembly 30, a first casing 10, and a second casing 20. Of these, the first casing 10 is composed of the first case body 11, and the second casing 20 is composed of the second case body 21.

The space inside the housing is divided into an ignition chamber S1 mainly defined by the holder 31 and the first case body 11 and a tank chamber S2 mainly defined by the first case body 11 and the second case body 21. .. Of these, the tank chamber S2 is filled with compressed gas in the same manner as the hybrid gas generator 1A according to the first embodiment described above, while the ignition chamber S1 is the hybrid gas generator 1A. Unlike, the exothermic agent 60 is not filled.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the first case body 11 and the igniter assembly 30 have the same configurations as those in the hybrid gas generator 1A according to the first embodiment described above. On the other hand, the second case body 21 is composed of a single bottomed cylindrical member including the second peripheral wall portion 21a and the closing portion 21b. The second peripheral wall portion 21a has a cylindrical shape, and one end in the axial direction thereof is configured as the second open end 21a1. The closed portion 21b has a curved plate-like shape, and closes the other end of the second peripheral wall portion 21a in the axial direction.

The first open end 11a1 of the first case body 11 is closed by the holder 31 (more strictly, the igniter assembly 30), and the second open end 21a1 of the second case body 21 is the first case body. It is closed by the bottom wall portion 11b of 11. The bottom wall portion 11b of the first case body 11 is provided with a through hole 11b1 so as to communicate with both the ignition chamber S1 and the tank chamber S2.

A rupture member 50 made of a single bottomed substantially cylindrical member including a substantially cylindrical fixing portion 51 and a circular thin plate-shaped rupture portion 52 is inserted into the through hole 11b1 and ruptures in this state. The member 50 is fixed to the first case body 11. The configuration of the rupture member 50 and the structure of the rupture member 50 attached to the first case body 11 are the same as those in the hybrid gas generator 1A according to the first embodiment described above.

A plurality of gas outlets 11c are provided on the first peripheral wall portion 11a of the first case body 11 so as to face the ignition chamber S1. The plurality of gas outlets 11c are portions for ejecting gas to the outside when the stored type gas generator 1B is in operation.

Further, a metal sealing tape 12 is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the first peripheral wall portion 11a of the first case body 11 so as to close the plurality of gas outlets 11c. As the sealing tape 12, an aluminum foil or the like having an adhesive member coated on one side thereof can be preferably used, and the airtightness of the ignition chamber S1 is ensured by the sealing tape 12.

Next, the operation of the stored gas generator 1B according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19 described above.

First, the igniter 32 operates by receiving electricity from the control unit. When the igniter 32 operates, the igniter filled in the igniter 32a is ignited by being heated by the resistor, and the igniter burns to explode the igniter 32a.

Combustion of this igniter causes the pressure and temperature of the ignition chamber S1 to rise, which causes the rupture portion 52 of the rupture member 50 to rupture. With the opening of the ruptured portion 52, the ignition chamber S1 and the tank chamber S2 are in a state of communicating with each other through the through hole 11b1 provided in the bottom wall portion 11b of the first case body 11. At this time, since the fixing portion 51 of the rupture member 50 remains without burning, more strictly speaking, the ignition chamber S1 and the tank chamber S2 pass through the hollow portion 51a located inside the fixing portion 51. Will communicate.

Next, as the ignition chamber S1 and the tank chamber S2 communicate with each other through the through hole 11b1, the compressed gas flows into the ignition chamber S1 through the through hole 11b1 and then flows out from the plurality of gas outlets 11c to the outside. It will spurt out toward you.

The gas ejected from the plurality of gas outlets 11c to the outside of the stored gas generator 1B is introduced into an airbag provided adjacent to the stored gas generator 1B, and the airbag is introduced. Inflate and unfold.

By using the stored type gas generator 1B according to the present embodiment described above, the same effect as the case of using the hybrid type gas generator 1A according to the above-described first embodiment can be obtained.

(Related form 1)
FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the hybrid gas generator according to the related embodiment 1. FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the ignition assembly and the ignition chamber of the hybrid gas generator shown in FIG. 20. 22 is a schematic view showing an assembly structure of the sealing portion assembly to the first casing in the hybrid gas generator shown in FIG. 20, and FIGS. 22A and 22B are before assembly, respectively. It shows the state and the state after assembly. First, with reference to FIGS. 20 to 22, the configuration of the hybrid gas generator 1C according to the present related embodiment and the assembly structure of the sealing portion assembly 70 with respect to the first casing 10 will be described. The hybrid gas generator 1C according to this related embodiment has a so-called blow-down structure.

As shown in FIG. 20, the hybrid type gas generator 1C according to the present related embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the hybrid type gas generator 1A according to the above-described first embodiment, and the hybrid type gas generator is concerned. When compared with 1A, only the configuration of the member for closing the through hole 11b1 provided in the bottom wall portion 11b of the first case body 11 is different.

That is, in the hybrid type gas generator 1A according to the first embodiment described above, the through hole 11b1 provided in the bottom wall portion 11b of the first case body 11 is a bottomed substantially cylinder inserted into the through hole 11b1. Although it was closed by the ruptured member 50 (see FIG. 1 and the like), in the hybrid type gas generator 1C according to the present related embodiment, it is closed by the sealing portion assembly 70.

As shown in FIGS. 20 to 22, the sealing portion assembly 70 has a plug 71 and a rupture plate 72 as a rupture member. The sealing portion assembly 70 is configured as a pre-integrated part by joining the rupture plate 72 to the plug 71.

The plug 71 has a hollow substantially columnar shape. The plug 71 is provided with a communication hole 71a extending along the axial direction, and the communication hole 71a reaches each of the pair of axial end faces of the plug 71. On the other hand, the rupture plate 72 has a circular thin plate shape.

An annular protrusion 71b is provided on the axial end surface of the plug 71 on the tank chamber S2 side so as to surround the communication hole 71a. The annular protrusion 71b is a portion for assembling the rupture plate 72 to the plug 71 by resistance welding, and by providing the annular protrusion 71b, the contact area between the stopper 71 and the rupture plate 72 is predetermined. Therefore, the rupture plate 72 can be securely and stably fixed to the plug 71 during resistance welding.

By joining the rupture plate 72 to the plug 71 in this way, the communication hole 71a provided in the plug 71 is closed by the rupture plate 72 at the axial end surface of the plug 71 on the tank chamber S2 side. become.

The method of fixing the rupture plate 72 to the plug 71 is not limited to the above-mentioned fixing method using resistance welding, and other fixing methods may be used.

The rupture plate 72 can be ruptured due to the operation of the igniter 32, and is preferably made of a metal member.

Here, since a part of the rupture plate 72 is exposed to the compressed gas for a long period of time, the rupture plate 72 is made of a thin wall such as SUS316 (JIS standard symbol) or Inconel (registered trademark) from the viewpoint of corrosion resistance. It is desirable that it is composed of a member made of a nickel alloy formed from a metal plate. For example, as the rupture plate 72, a thin metal plate having heat resistance and corrosion resistance (for example, a thickness of about 200 [μm]) is preferably used, and Ni: 10 [% by weight] and Cr: 23 [weight%]. ], Mn: 6 [% by weight], Mo: 2 [% by weight], C: 0.01 [% by weight], N: 0.5 [% by weight], stainless steel or Inconel alloy consisting of other component ratios ( A thin plate made of Inconel 625) is particularly preferably used.

The stopper 71 functions as a pressure bulkhead together with the bottom wall portion 11b of the first case body 11, and is composed of a metal member such as stainless steel or steel. Here, since a part of the plug 71 is exposed to the compressed gas for a long period of time, a steel material to which chromium, manganese, molybdenum, niobium, nickel, etc. are added so as to have excellent corrosion resistance. It is preferable that it is composed of.

The plug body 71 is fixed to the first case body 11 in a state of being inserted into the through hole 11b1 provided in the bottom wall portion 11b of the first case body 11. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 22, the plug 71 is inserted so that its outer peripheral surface abuts on the wall surface of the bottom wall portion 11b of the portion defining the through hole 11b1, and resistance welding is performed in this state. By doing so, it is fixed to the first case body 11. As a result, the outer peripheral surface of the plug 71 is joined to the wall surface of the bottom wall portion 11b.

Here, since the plug 71 is assembled by being inserted into the through hole 11b1 from the first open end 11a1 side of the first peripheral wall portion 11a as described later, the plug 71 is assembled by inserting the plug 71 into the first open end 11a1. It has a shape that can be inserted into the through hole 11b1 from the side (that is, from the ignition chamber S1 side).

Specifically, in the present related embodiment, the through hole 11b1 provided in the bottom wall portion 11b has a tapered shape in which the inner diameter decreases from the ignition chamber S1 side toward the tank chamber S2 side, and the plug body. The 71 has a tapered shape in which the outer diameter becomes smaller from the ignition chamber S1 side toward the tank chamber S2 side corresponding to the tapered shape of the through hole 11b1 described above. Further, the rupture plate 72 has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 11b1.

By forming the through hole 11b1 and the plug 71 in a tapered shape in this way, the plug 71 is positioned with high accuracy with respect to the bottom wall portion 11b when assembling the sealing portion assembly 70 to the bottom wall portion 11b. The outer peripheral surface of the plug 71 and the above-mentioned wall surface of the bottom wall portion 11b can be brought into close contact with each other, and as a result, the contact area can be made a predetermined size. can. Therefore, by performing resistance welding in this state, the sealing portion assembly 70 can be reliably and stably fixed to the bottom wall portion 11b.

Next, the operation of the hybrid gas generator 1C according to the present related embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21 described above.

Combustion of the igniter and the exothermic agent 60 causes the pressure and temperature of the ignition chamber S1 to rise, which causes the rupture plate 72 to crack. With the opening of the rupture plate 72, the ignition chamber S1 and the tank chamber S2 are in a state of communicating with each other through the communication hole 71a provided in the plug 71.

Next, as the ignition chamber S1 and the tank chamber S2 communicate with each other, the pressure and temperature of the tank chamber S2 also rise, and the portion of the rupture disc 42 facing the flow path portion 41c is accompanied by this. Cleavage occurs in. With the opening of the rupture plate 42, the tank chamber S2 and the plurality of gas outlets 41d are in a state of communicating with each other via the flow path portion 41c (see FIG. 3).

The gas ejected from the plurality of gas outlets 41d to the outside of the hybrid gas generator 1C is introduced into an airbag provided adjacent to the hybrid gas generator 1C, and the airbag is introduced. Inflate and unfold.

By using the hybrid type gas generator 1C according to the present related form described above, it is possible to reduce the weight while ensuring the withstand voltage performance of the housing. That is, as described in the first embodiment described above, also in the hybrid type gas generator 1C according to the present related embodiment, the ignition chamber S1 is provided among the portion constituting the peripheral wall of the housing and the portion constituting the partition portion. The peripheral wall of the specified portion and the partition portion are configured by the first case body 11 composed of a single bottomed cylindrical member, and the peripheral wall of the portion defining the remaining tank chamber S2 is the second case. It is composed of the body 21.

Further, in the hybrid type gas generator 1C according to the present related embodiment, among the wall portions of the housing of the portion defining the tank chamber S2 in which the compressed gas is sealed, the second peripheral wall portion 21a of the second case body 21 Is not provided with an opening, and the bottom wall portion 11b of the first case body 11 is not provided with an opening other than the through hole 11b1 closed by the sealing portion assembly 70.

Such a characteristic configuration is due to the fact that the hybrid type gas generator 1C according to the present related embodiment is manufactured according to the manufacturing method of the hybrid type gas generator according to the present related embodiment described below. In summary, when the compressed gas is sealed in the tank chamber S2, the through hole 11b1 provided in the bottom wall portion 11b of the first case body 11 is used as a gas injection port, and after the compressed gas is injected. This is because the through hole 11b1 is closed by the sealing portion assembly 70.

Hereinafter, the above points will be described in more detail while specifically explaining the manufacturing method of the hybrid type gas generator according to this related embodiment. FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing a method of manufacturing a hybrid gas generator according to the present related embodiment, and FIGS. 24 and 25 are schematic cross-sectional views of some of the steps shown in FIG. 23.

As shown in FIG. 23, when manufacturing the hybrid type gas generator 1C according to the present related embodiment, first, in step ST21, the igniter assembly 30, the nozzle assembly 40, and the sealing portion assembly 70 are manufactured, respectively. Will be done. Of these, the production of the igniter assembly 30 and the nozzle assembly 40 is the same as step ST11 described in the above-described first embodiment. On the other hand, the sealing portion assembly 70 is manufactured by joining the rupture plate 72 to the plug 71 by resistance welding, whereby the sealing portion assembly 70 is manufactured as an integral part.

Next, in step ST22, the second casing 20 is assembled and the second casing 20 is assembled to the first casing 10. The step ST22 is the same as the step ST12 described in the first embodiment described above.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, in step ST23, the first casing 10 is positioned with respect to the head portion 110 of the compressed gas filling device 100. The step ST23 is basically the same as the step ST13 described in the above-described first embodiment, but as shown in FIG. 24, the welding head 112 of the compressed gas filling device 100 has a pre-sealed portion assembly 70. Holds.

Therefore, the end surface of the first peripheral wall portion 11a of the first case body 11 on the first open end 11a1 side is brought into contact with the main surface 111b of the gas filling head 111, so that the first peripheral wall portion 11a of the compressed gas filling device 100 is brought into contact with the head portion 110. 1 In the state where the casing 10 is positioned, the sealing portion assembly 70 is held by the welding head 112 inside the closed space formed by the first case body 11 and the gas filling head 111. It becomes a state.

Next, as shown in FIG. 23, evacuation and gas filling are sequentially performed in step ST24 and step ST25. These steps ST24 and ST25 are the same as those of step ST14 and step ST15 described in the above-described first embodiment.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 25, in step ST26, the sealing portion assembly 70 is assembled to the first casing 10.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 25, in the state after the tank chamber S2 is filled with the compressed gas in step ST25, the sealing portion held by the welding head 112 in the closed space described above in advance. The assembly 70 is moved by driving the weld head 112, whereby the sealing assembly 70 is inserted into the through hole 11b1 as the gas injection port. At that time, the sealing portion assembly 70 is positioned so that the outer peripheral surface of the plug 71 is in close contact with the wall surface of the bottom wall portion 11b of the portion defining the through hole 11b1.

In this state, when the welding head 112 is operated (that is, a current for resistance welding is applied to the welding head 112), the plug 71 in a state of being in close contact with the bottom wall portion 11b is attached to the bottom. It is welded to the wall portion 11b. As a result, the outer peripheral surface of the plug 71 is joined to the wall surface of the bottom wall portion 11b, and the sealing portion assembly 70 is fixed to the first casing 10.

Therefore, the through hole 11b1 as the gas injection port provided in the bottom wall portion 11b is closed by the sealing portion assembly 70, and accordingly, the tank chamber S2 filled with the compressed gas is said to be concerned. It will be sealed by the sealing part assembly 70. As a result, the compressed gas is sealed in the tank chamber S2. As described above, when the hybrid gas generator 1C is in operation, the burst plate 72 is cleaved, so that the ignition chamber S1 and the tank chamber S2 communicate with each other through the communication hole 71a provided in the plug 71. Therefore, in the above-mentioned step ST26, it can be said that the tank chamber S2 filled with the compressed gas is sealed by the rupture plate 72 in the sealing portion assembly 70.

Next, as shown in FIG. 23, the exothermic agent 60 is filled in step ST27, and then the igniter assembly 30 is assembled to the first casing 10 in step ST28. These steps ST27 and ST28 are the same as those of step ST17 and step ST18 described in the above-described first embodiment.

By going through the above steps ST21 to ST28, the production of the hybrid type gas generator 1C according to the above-mentioned related embodiment is completed.

By adopting the method for manufacturing the hybrid gas generator according to the present related embodiment described above, the same effect as when the method for manufacturing the hybrid gas generator according to the first embodiment described above is adopted can be obtained. Can be done.

(7th modification)
FIG. 26 is a schematic view showing an assembly structure of a sealing portion assembly with respect to the first casing in the hybrid type gas generator according to the seventh modification based on the above-mentioned related form 1. Here, (A) shows the state before assembling, and (B) shows the state after assembling. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 26, the assembly structure of the sealing portion assembly 70 with respect to the first casing 10 in the hybrid type gas generator 1C1 according to the seventh modification will be described.

As shown in FIG. 26, the hybrid gas generator 1C1 according to the seventh modification is the plug 71 of the sealing portion assembly 70 when compared with the hybrid gas generator 1C according to the related form 1 described above. Only the shape of is different.

Specifically, the sealing portion assembly 70 has a tapered plug 71 whose outer diameter decreases toward the tank chamber S2 side from the ignition chamber S1 side, and the plug 71 has a radial direction. A flange-shaped stopper portion 71c extending outward is further provided. Here, the stopper portion 71c is located at the axial end portion (that is, the end portion on the ignition chamber S1 side) located on the side opposite to the axial end portion on the side where the burst plate 72 of the plug body 71 is provided. It has an outer diameter larger than that of the through hole 11b1 provided in the bottom wall portion 11b of the first case body 11.

As described above, by providing the flange-shaped stopper portion 71c in the portion of the plug 71 on the ignition chamber S1 side, when the sealing portion assembly 70 is inserted into the through hole 11b1, the stopper portion 71c is bottomed. It comes into contact with the main surface of the wall portion 11b on the ignition chamber S1 side. The contact of the stopper portion 71c with the bottom wall portion 11b restricts the movement of the sealing portion assembly 70 toward the tank chamber S2 side.

Therefore, when the sealing portion assembly 70 having the above configuration is used, the positioning of the sealing portion assembly 70 can be performed more reliably by using the stopper portion 71c. Therefore, by adopting the configuration as in the seventh modification, when assembling the sealing portion assembly 70 to the first casing 10, the outer peripheral surface of the plug 71 and the bottom of the portion defining the through hole 11b1 are used. The contact area of the wall portion 11b with the wall surface can be more reliably maintained at a predetermined size, and the sealing portion assembly 70 can be more reliably and more stably fixed to the bottom wall portion 11b. ..

(8th modification)
FIG. 27 is a schematic view showing an assembly structure of a sealing portion assembly with respect to the first casing in the hybrid type gas generator according to the eighth modification based on the above-mentioned related form 1. Here, (A) shows the state before assembling, and (B) shows the state after assembling. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 27, the assembly structure of the sealing portion assembly 70 with respect to the first casing 10 in the hybrid type gas generator 1C2 according to the eighth modification will be described.

As shown in FIG. 28, the hybrid gas generator 1C2 according to the eighth modification is the bottom wall portion 11b of the first case body 11 when compared with the hybrid gas generator 1C according to the related form 1 described above. Only the shape of the through hole 11b1 provided in the above and the shape of the plug 71 of the sealing portion assembly 70 are different.

Specifically, the through hole 11b1 provided in the bottom wall portion 11b of the first case body 11 has a columnar shape having a constant inner diameter from the ignition chamber S1 side to the tank chamber S2 side. On the other hand, the outer diameter of the plug 71 of the sealing portion assembly 70 is constant from the ignition chamber S1 side to the tank chamber S2 side corresponding to the inner diameter of the through hole 11b1.

Even with such a configuration, the outer peripheral surface of the plug 71 and the above-mentioned wall surface of the bottom wall portion 11b can be brought into close contact with each other, and the contact area thereof can be made a predetermined size. Therefore, by adopting this configuration, the sealing portion assembly 70 can be reliably and stably fixed to the bottom wall portion 11b.

(Related form 2)
FIG. 28 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the stored type gas generator according to the related form 2. FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the igniter assembly and the ignition chamber of the stored gas generator shown in FIG. 28 and the vicinity of the closed portion of the second casing. First, the configuration of the stored gas generator 1D according to the present related embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 28 and 29. The stored type gas generator 1D according to this related embodiment has a so-called reverse flow structure.

As shown in FIG. 28, the stored gas generator 1D according to the related embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the hybrid gas generator 1C according to the related embodiment 1 described above, and the hybrid gas generator 1C has a configuration similar to that of the hybrid gas generator 1C. Compared with, the configuration of the housing of the portion mainly defining the tank chamber S2 is different, and in addition to this, the nozzle assembly 40 and the heating agent 60 (both refer to FIG. 20 and the like) are provided. The configurations are different in that there are no points, the positions where the plurality of gas outlets are formed, and the configurations in the vicinity of the plurality of gas outlets are different.

Specifically, the stored type gas generator 1D has a long substantially columnar outer shape as a whole, and has a first casing 10, a second casing 20, an igniter assembly 30, and a sealing portion. It mainly comprises an assembly 70 and a compressed gas that does not appear in the figure.

The housing of the stored type gas generator 1D is composed of a holder 31 included in the igniter assembly 30, a first casing 10, and a second casing 20. Of these, the first casing 10 is composed of the first case body 11, and the second casing 20 is composed of the second case body 21.

The space inside the housing is divided into an ignition chamber S1 mainly defined by the holder 31 and the first case body 11 and a tank chamber S2 mainly defined by the first case body 11 and the second case body 21. .. Of these, the tank chamber S2 is filled with compressed gas in the same manner as the hybrid gas generator 1C according to the related embodiment 1 described above, whereas the ignition chamber S1 is different from the hybrid gas generator 1C. , The exothermic agent 60 is not filled.

As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the first case body 11 and the igniter assembly 30 have the same configurations as those in the hybrid gas generator 1C according to the above-mentioned related form 1. On the other hand, the second case body 21 is composed of a single bottomed cylindrical member including the second peripheral wall portion 21a and the closing portion 21b. The second peripheral wall portion 21a has a cylindrical shape, and one end in the axial direction thereof is configured as the second open end 21a1. The closed portion 21b has a curved plate-like shape, and closes the other end of the second peripheral wall portion 21a in the axial direction.

A sealing portion assembly 70 having a hollow substantially cylindrical plug 71 and a circular thin plate-shaped rupture plate 72 is inserted into the through hole 11b1, and in this state, the sealing portion assembly 70 is the first. It is fixed to the case body 11. The configuration of the sealing portion assembly 70 and the structure for assembling the sealing portion assembly 70 to the first case body 11 are the same as those in the hybrid type gas generator 1C according to the above-mentioned related form 1. ..

A plurality of gas outlets 11c are provided on the first peripheral wall portion 11a of the first case body 11 so as to face the ignition chamber S1. The plurality of gas outlets 11c are portions for ejecting gas to the outside when the stored type gas generator 1D is in operation.

Next, the operation of the stored gas generator 1D according to the present related embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 28 and 29 described above.

Combustion of this igniter causes the pressure and temperature of the ignition chamber S1 to rise, which causes the rupture plate 72 to rupture. With the opening of the rupture plate 72, the ignition chamber S1 and the tank chamber S2 are in a state of communicating with each other through the communication hole 71a provided in the plug 71.

The gas ejected from the plurality of gas outlets 11c to the outside of the stored gas generator 1D is introduced into an airbag provided adjacent to the stored gas generator 1D, and the airbag is introduced. Inflate and unfold.

By using the stored type gas generator 1D according to the present related form described above, the same effect as the case of using the hybrid type gas generator 1C according to the above-mentioned related form 1 can be obtained.

(Summary of related forms 1 and 2)
The characteristic configurations of the hybrid type gas generator and the stored type gas generator according to the above-mentioned

related forms

1 and 2 and their modifications are summarized as follows.

The gas generator according to the related form includes an igniter and a housing. The housing has an ignition chamber facing the igniter and a tank chamber filled with compressed gas, and is provided with a gas ejection port that opens during operation. The housing has a holder to which the igniter is assembled, a first casing that defines the ignition chamber together with the holder, and a second casing that defines the tank chamber together with the first casing. The first casing has a bottom including a cylindrical first peripheral wall portion in which one end in the axial direction is configured as a first open end, and a bottom wall portion that closes the other end in the axial direction of the first peripheral wall portion. It has a first case body made of a single tubular member. The second casing has a second case body including at least a cylindrical second peripheral wall portion having one end in the axial direction as a second open end. The first open end is closed by the holder, and the second open end is closed by the bottom wall portion. The bottom wall portion is provided with a through hole leading to the ignition chamber and the tank chamber, and a plug for closing the through hole. The plug body is provided with a communication hole for communicating the ignition chamber and the tank chamber, and a rupture member capable of opening due to the operation of the igniter closes the communication hole. It is provided in the plug body as described above. The plug is inserted into the through hole and fixed by welding the outer peripheral surface to the wall surface of the bottom wall portion of the portion defining the through hole.

In the gas generator according to the related form, it is preferable that the plug body provided with the rupture member has a shape that can be inserted into the through hole from the ignition chamber side.

In the gas generator according to the related form, the through hole may have a tapered shape in which the inner diameter becomes smaller from the ignition chamber side to the tank chamber side. In that case, the gas generator may have a tapered shape. The plug may have a tapered shape in which the outer diameter decreases from the ignition chamber side to the tank chamber side corresponding to the tapered shape of the through hole.

In the gas generator according to the related form, there is a stopper portion that regulates the movement of the plug body toward the tank chamber side by abutting on the main surface of the bottom wall portion on the ignition chamber side. , May be provided on the stopper.

In the gas generator according to the related form, it is preferable that the rupture member is fixed by being welded to the portion of the plug body facing the tank chamber.

In the gas generator according to the above-mentioned related form, the ignition chamber may be filled with an exothermic agent that generates high-temperature heat by burning.

In the gas generator according to the related embodiment, the second case body is composed of a tubular member having the other end in the axial direction of the second peripheral wall portion as the third open end. In that case, the second casing may further have a nozzle body provided with the gas ejection port while closing the third open end.

In the gas generator according to the related embodiment, the second case body is composed of a single bottomed cylindrical member including a closed portion that closes the other end of the second peripheral wall portion in the axial direction. In that case, the gas outlet may be provided on the first peripheral wall portion.

(Other forms, etc.)
In the above-described first and second embodiments of the present invention, the first and second embodiments, and modifications thereof, the ruptured member and the sealing portion assembly to be assembled to the bottom wall portion of the first case body as the partition portion are used. In each case, a case where a part of the case is provided so as to protrude toward the tank chamber side has been described as an example, but these are inserted and arranged in the through holes so as to be flush with the bottom wall portion of the first case body. Or they may be retracted from the opening surface of the through hole so that they are located inside the through hole.

Further, in the above-described first and second embodiments of the present invention, the first and second embodiments, and variations thereof, the ventilation passage provided in the gas filling head of the compressed gas filling device serves as a gas supply source and a negative pressure source. Although the case where the gas is configured to be selectively and switchably connected has been described as an example, a ventilation path independently connected to the gas supply source and the negative pressure source is provided in the gas filling head to provide gas. The supply source and the negative pressure source may be configured to be driven at different timings.

Further, the characteristic configurations in the above-described

embodiments

1 and 2 and

related embodiments

1 and 2 of the present invention and their variations can be combined with each other as long as the gist of the present invention is not deviated.

Further, in the above-described first and second embodiments of the present invention, the first and second embodiments, and modifications thereof, the case where the present invention is applied to a cylinder type gas generator incorporated in a side airbag device is exemplified. However, the subject of the present invention is not limited to this, and a cylinder type gas generator incorporated in a curtain airbag device, a knee airbag device, a seat cushion airbag device, etc., and a cylinder type gas It can be applied to a so-called T-shaped gas generator or the like having a long outer shape as well as a generator.

As described above, the above-described embodiments and related embodiments disclosed this time and variations thereof are examples in all respects and are not limiting. The technical scope of the present invention is defined by the scope of claims and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the description of the claims and the equivalent.

1A, 1A1-1A6, 1C, 1C1,1C2 hybrid type gas generator, 1B, 1D stored type gas generator, 10 first casing, 11 first case body, 11a first peripheral wall part, 11a1 first open end, 11b Bottom wall part, 11b1 through hole, 11c gas outlet, 12 seal tape, 20 second casing, 21 second case body, 21a second peripheral wall part, 21a1 second open end, 21a2 third open end, 21b closed part, 30 igniter assembly, 31 holder, 31a penetration part, 32 igniter, 32a ignition part, 32b terminal pin, 33 resin molding part, 33a recess, 40 nozzle assembly, 41 nozzle body, 41a base part, 41b nozzle part, 41c flow path, 41d gas outlet, 42 rupture plate, 50 rupture member, 51 fixing part, 51a hollow part, 51b stopper part, 52 rupture part, 53 corner part, 60 heat generating agent, 70 sealing part assembly, 71. Plug body, 71a communication hole, 71b annular protrusion, 71c stopper part, 72 rupture plate, 100 compressed gas filling device, 110 head part, 111 gas filling head, 111a ventilation path, 111a1 gas outlet, 111b main surface, 112 welding Head, 112a suction path, 112b main surface, S1 ignition chamber, S2 tank chamber.

Claims

With an igniter,
It has an ignition chamber facing the igniter and a tank chamber filled with compressed gas, and also has a housing provided with a gas outlet that opens during operation.
The housing has a holder to which the igniter is assembled, a first casing that defines the ignition chamber together with the holder, and a second casing that defines the tank chamber together with the first casing.
The first casing has a bottom including a cylindrical first peripheral wall portion in which one end in the axial direction is configured as a first open end, and a bottom wall portion that closes the other end in the axial direction of the first peripheral wall portion. It has a first case body consisting of a single tubular member,
The second casing has a second case body including at least a cylindrical second peripheral wall portion having one end in the axial direction as a second open end.
The first open end is closed by the holder and
The second open end is closed by the bottom wall portion and is closed.
The bottom wall portion is provided with a through hole leading to the ignition chamber and the tank chamber.
A rupture member that can be cleaved due to the operation of the igniter is provided on the bottom wall portion so as to close the through hole.
The ruptured member is inserted into the through hole, and the outer peripheral surface is welded to the wall surface of the bottom wall portion of the portion defining the through hole to fix the tubular fixing portion and the fixing portion. A gas generator composed of a single bottomed cylinder-shaped member including a plate-shaped rupture portion that closes one end in the axial direction of the gas generator.
The gas generator according to claim 1, wherein the ruptured member has a shape that can be inserted into the through hole from the ignition chamber side.
The through hole has a tapered shape in which the inner diameter decreases from the ignition chamber side toward the tank chamber side.
The gas generator according to claim 2, wherein the fixing portion has a tapered shape in which the outer diameter decreases from the ignition chamber side to the tank chamber side corresponding to the tapered shape of the through hole.
2. Or the gas generator according to 3.
The gas generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ruptured portion is located at the end of the fixed portion on the tank chamber side.
The gas generator according to claim 5, wherein the outer surface of the annular corner portion connecting the fixed portion and the ruptured portion is formed of a curved surface.