JP7199296B2 - gas generator - Google Patents

Description

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

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

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

Gas generators have a variety of configurations, but as a gas generator that is particularly preferably incorporated in a driver-side airbag system, a passenger-side airbag system, etc., a short, roughly circular shape with a relatively large outer diameter is used. There is a columnar disk-shaped gas generator. This disc-type gas generator also has various structures, one of which is a dual-structure disc-type gas generator.

A dual-structure disk-type gas generator divides a combustion chamber formed inside a cylindrical filter installed inside a housing into two chambers, and fills each of the two chambers with a gas generating agent. Two igniters are provided in association with these two chambers, and normally one igniter operates later than the other igniter. This dual-structure disk-type gas generator can maintain a desired gas output for a long time compared to a single-structure disk-type gas generator having only a single combustion chamber and a single igniter. A more suitable gas output characteristic can be obtained by deploying the bag.

In the dual structure disk type gas generator, a pressure partition is provided inside the housing to divide the combustion chamber into two chambers. This pressure bulkhead is generally composed of a cup-shaped member in many cases. Defined as a combustion chamber, the space inside the pressure bulkhead is defined as a second combustion chamber containing a second gas generant having a delayed combustion start.

Here, the cylindrical side wall portion of the cup-shaped pressure partition is provided with a gas passage hole for allowing the gas generated in the second combustion chamber to be ejected to the outside through the first combustion chamber. However, when the first gas generating agent burns in the first combustion chamber, the gas passage hole affects the second gas generating agent accommodated in the second combustion chamber, which has not yet started burning. It is necessary to be sealed so that there is no accident.

For this reason, for example, in a dual-structure disk-type gas generator, the pressure partition wall is divided into two members, a cup member including the closed end and a tubular member to which the cup member is assembled so as to be relatively movable. By providing the gas passage hole in the peripheral wall of the cup member, the gas passage hole is closed by the cylindrical member when the first gas generating agent is burned, and when the second gas generating agent is burned, the second gas passage hole is closed. When the cup member moves relative to the cylindrical member due to the pressure generated by the combustion of the gas generating agent, the gas passage hole is exposed and the second combustion chamber and the first combustion chamber communicate with each other. may be configured.

Documents disclosing such a dual-structure disk-shaped gas generator include, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2009-517263 (Patent Document 1).

Japanese translation of PCT publication No. 2009-517263

However, in the case of a dual-structure disk-type gas generator as disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to ensure that the gas passage hole is closed by the cylindrical member during combustion of the first gas generating agent. In this case, the press-fitting margin of the cup member into the tubular member is increased by the gas passage holes provided in the peripheral wall of the cup member. end up

If this press-fitting margin becomes longer, the strength of assembly between the cup member and the tubular member will increase accordingly, and the force required to move the cup member will inevitably increase. Therefore, a large force acts on the portion for fixing the tubular member to the housing when the second gas generating agent is burned, and as a result, the portion is likely to be damaged. In addition, as the force required to move the cup member increases, the force tends to vary between products, and as a result, it becomes difficult to stably obtain the desired gas output. Problems also arise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a dual-structure gas generator capable of ensuring high reliability and stably obtaining a desired gas output. .

A gas generator according to the present invention comprises a housing, a filter, a partition, a first igniter and a second igniter. The housing includes a peripheral wall portion provided with a gas ejection port, a top plate portion closing one axial end of the peripheral wall portion, and a bottom plate portion closing the other axial end of the peripheral wall portion. . The filter is a cylindrical member housed inside the housing so that its outer peripheral surface faces the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion. The partition part has a cup-like shape as a whole with a closed end on the side of the top plate part, and is assembled to the bottom plate part so that the space inside the filter is filled with the first gas generating agent. and a second combustion chamber containing a second gas generating agent. The first igniter is attached to the bottom plate portion so as to face the first combustion chamber, which is a space outside the partition portion. The second igniter is attached to the bottom plate portion so as to face the second combustion chamber, which is a space inside the partition portion. The partition portion includes a cylindrical partition member having openings at both ends in the axial direction and fixed to the bottom plate portion, a cover member assembled to the partition member to constitute the closed end, and the partition. and a cap member inserted into the member. The cover member includes a first cover portion that constitutes the closed end by covering an opening of the partition wall member located on the top plate portion side, and a peripheral edge of the first cover portion that extends toward the bottom plate portion side. It forms a cup-like shape including a second cover portion which is provided so as to be in close contact with a portion of the partition member closer to the top plate portion. The cap member includes a top plate portion disposed between the second gas generating agent and the first cover portion, and a peripheral plate portion extending from the peripheral edge of the top plate portion toward the bottom plate portion. It has a cup-shaped shape that contains The peripheral plate portion is provided with a gas passage hole for allowing the gas generated in the second combustion chamber to pass toward the first combustion chamber. In the gas generator according to the present invention, when the second igniter is activated, the pressure rise in the second combustion chamber caused by the combustion of the second gas generating agent causes the peripheral The cap member moves toward the top plate portion while at least a portion of the plate portion is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the partition member along the circumferential direction, thereby moving the cover member to the cap member. and moves toward the top plate portion side to separate from the partition member, and the gas passage hole faces the first combustion chamber at a position on the top plate portion side of the partition member. exposed to. Along with this, the gas generated in the second combustion chamber passes through the gas passage hole and is introduced into the first combustion chamber.

In the gas generator according to the present invention, the cap member may be loosely fitted to the partition member before the second igniter is activated. At the time of operation of the device, due to the increase in pressure in the second combustion chamber, the cap member is deformed so that the peripheral plate portion expands, so that at least a part of the peripheral plate portion moves from the partition wall member. It is preferable to be configured so as to be in close contact with the inner peripheral surface along the circumferential direction.

In the gas generator according to the present invention, at least a part of the peripheral plate part is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the partition member in the circumferential direction before the second igniter is activated. , the cap member may be lightly press-fitted into the partition member.

In the gas generator according to the present invention, it is preferable that movement of the cover member and the cap member during operation of the second igniter is restricted by the top plate portion. .

In the gas generator based on the present invention, when the first igniter is activated prior to the activation of the second igniter, the first combustion chamber is generated by burning the first gas generating agent. It may be configured such that the distance between the top plate portion and the first cover portion is increased by deforming the top plate portion so as to swell outward due to an increase in pressure. . In that case, it is preferable that the increased distance is included in the movement allowance of the cover member and the cap member when the second igniter is activated.

In the gas generator according to the present invention, the gas passage hole is positioned facing the cover member in a state after movement of the cover member and the cap member is restricted by the top plate portion. It is preferably configured to

In the gas generator according to the present invention, the filter may be arranged coaxially with the housing so that the central axis of the filter coincides with the central axis of the peripheral wall portion. Alternatively, the partition may be eccentrically arranged with respect to the housing so that the central axis of the partition member does not overlap the central axis of the peripheral wall.

The gas generator according to the present invention may further include a holder fixed to the bottom plate portion and holding the second igniter. In this case, the partition member is press-fitted into the holder. preferably.

In the gas generator according to the present invention, the second cover may be provided with a through-hole-shaped first opening. It is preferable to be closed by being covered with the partition member in a state before the igniter is actuated.

In the gas generator according to the present invention, the peripheral plate portion may be provided with a through-hole-shaped second opening. It is preferable that the gas passage hole is located closer to the bottom plate portion than the gas passage hole in the axial direction.

In the gas generator according to the present invention, the cover member is fitted over the partition member so that the second cover portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the portion of the partition member near the top plate portion. may be in close contact with

In the gas generator according to the present invention, the cover member is inserted into the partition member so that the second cover portion is covered with a portion of the partition member closer to the top plate portion. may be

In the gas generator according to the present invention, the peripheral plate portion may have a truncated conical swash plate portion whose diameter increases toward the bottom plate portion. In that case, it is preferable that the gas passage hole is provided in the swash plate portion.

Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a dual-structured gas generator capable of ensuring high reliability and stably obtaining a desired gas output.

1 is a schematic diagram of a disk-shaped gas generator according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an assembly structure of the partition shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the first stage of operation of the disk-shaped gas generator shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a second stage of operation of the disk-type gas generator shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a disk-shaped gas generator according to a first modified example; FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a disk-shaped gas generator according to a second modified example; 4 is a schematic diagram of a disk-shaped gas generator according to Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a second stage of operation of the disk-type gas generator shown in FIG. 8; 3 is a schematic diagram of a disk-shaped gas generator according to Embodiment 3. FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a disk-shaped gas generator according to Embodiment 4; FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing an assembly structure of the partition shown in FIG. 11; FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the first stage of operation of the disk-shaped gas generator shown in FIG. 11; FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a second stage of operation of the disk-type gas generator shown in FIG. 11; FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the second stage during operation of the disk-shaped gas generator shown in FIG. 11; FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing still another example of the second stage during operation of the disk-shaped gas generator shown in FIG. 11;

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

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a disk-type gas generator according to Embodiment 1, and FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram taken along line II-II shown in FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing an assembly structure of the partition shown in FIG. 1. FIG. First, the configuration of a disk-shaped gas generator 1A according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the disk-shaped gas generator 1A has a short, substantially cylindrical housing with one axial end and the other end closed, and a housing provided inside the housing. In the space, a first igniter assembly 30, a second igniter assembly 40, a first gas generating agent 51, a second gas generating agent 52, a lower support member 61, an upper support member 62, and a filter are provided as internal components. 70 and the like are accommodated.

As shown in FIG. 1, the housing includes a lower shell 10 and an upper shell 20. As shown in FIG. Each of the lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20 is a press-formed product formed by pressing a rolled metal plate member, for example. As the metal plate-shaped members forming the lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20, for example, metal plates made of stainless steel, iron steel, aluminum alloy, stainless alloy, etc. are used. A so-called high-strength steel sheet that does not cause damage such as breakage even when a tensile stress of [MPa] or less is applied is used.

The lower shell 10 and the upper shell 20 are each formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a bottom, and a housing is constructed by combining and joining these opening surfaces facing each other. The lower shell 10 has a bottom plate portion 11 and a peripheral wall portion 12 , and the upper shell 20 has a top plate portion 21 , a peripheral wall portion 22 and a flange portion 23 .

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

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

A flange portion 23 provided on the upper shell 20 is a portion for fixing the disk-shaped gas generator 1A to an external member (for example, a retainer provided in an airbag device, etc.). A through-hole (the through-hole is not shown in the figure) is provided at a predetermined position of the flange portion 23 so as to pass through the peripheral wall portion 22 along a direction parallel to the axial direction. A fastening member such as a bolt is inserted into the through hole, thereby fixing the disk-shaped gas generator 1A to an external member.

At predetermined positions of the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10, a first opening portion 11a and a second opening portion 11b are provided. A first igniter assembly 30 is assembled to the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10 so as to close the first opening portion 11a, and a second igniter assembly 30 is assembled to close the second opening portion 11b. An assembly 40 is assembled. Here, the first opening portion 11a is a portion for exposing a first female connector portion (to be described later) provided at the lower end of the first igniter assembly 30 to the outside, and the second opening portion 11b is , a portion for exposing a second female connector portion, which will be described later, provided at the lower end of the second igniter assembly 40 to the outside.

The first igniter assembly 30 mainly includes a first holder 31 , a first igniter 32 , a first seal member 33 , a cup body 34 and a transfer charge 36 . The first holder 31 constitutes the base of the first igniter assembly 30. By assembling the first igniter 32, the cup body 34, etc. to the first holder 31, the first igniter Assembly 30 is constructed as an integral part.

The first holder 31 is made of a member having a substantially cylindrical outer shape, and is made of metal such as stainless steel, steel, aluminum alloy, or stainless alloy. An upper concave portion 31a is provided on the upper surface of the first holder 31 positioned on the top plate portion 21 side, and a lower concave portion 31b is provided on the lower surface of the first holder 31 positioned on the bottom plate portion 11 side. there is Further, through holes 31c are provided in portions of the first holder 31 forming the bottom of the upper recess 31a and the bottom of the lower recess 31b so as to reach the upper recess 31a and the lower recess 31b.

Crimped portions 31d and 31e are provided on the upper surface of the first holder 31 so as to surround the upper concave portion 31a. Of these, the crimped portion 31d arranged on the inner side is a portion for crimping and fixing the first igniter 32 to the first holder 31, and the crimped portion 31e arranged on the outer side of these crimps the cup body 34. This is a portion for caulking and fixing to the first holder 31 .

The first igniter 32 is for generating flame, and has a base portion 32a, an ignition portion 32b, and a pair of terminal pins 32c. The base portion 32 a is a portion that holds the ignition portion 32 b and the pair of terminal pins 32 c and is also a portion that is fixed to the first holder 31 . The ignition part 32b contains therein an ignition charge that generates flame by igniting and burning during operation, and a resistor (bridge wire) for igniting the ignition charge. A pair of terminal pins 32c are connected to the ignition portion 32b to ignite the ignition charge.

More specifically, the ignition portion 32b includes a cup-shaped squib cup, and an embolus that closes the open end of the squib cup and holds a pair of terminal pins 32c inserted therethrough. The above-described resistor is attached so as to connect the tips of a pair of terminal pins 32c inserted into the squib cup, and an ignition charge is placed in the squib cup so as to surround or be close to the resistor. It has a loaded configuration.

Nichrome wire or the like is generally used as the resistor, and ZPP (zirconium/potassium perchlorate), ZWPP (zirconium/tungsten/potassium perchlorate), lead tricinate, or the like is generally used as the igniter. Note that the squib cups and emboli described above are generally made of metal or plastic.

When a collision is detected, a predetermined amount of current flows through the resistor through the terminal pin 32c. When a predetermined amount of current flows through the resistor, Joule heat is generated in the resistor, and the ignition charge starts burning. The high temperature flame produced by the combustion ruptures the squib cup containing the ignition charge. The time from when the current flows through the resistor until the first igniter 32 is activated is generally 2 [ms] or less when the nichrome wire is used for the resistor.

In the first igniter 32, the pair of terminal pins 32c are inserted into the through holes 31c of the first holder 31 from above, and the base portion 32a is accommodated in the upper recessed portion 31a of the first holder 31 and fixed. It is fixed to the first holder 31 by bending the crimped portion 31d described above.

Here, a first seal member 33 made of an O-ring or the like is interposed between the first holder 31 and the first igniter 32 , and thereby a seal between the first holder 31 and the first igniter 32 is provided. By closing the gap between them, the airtightness of the part is ensured. In addition, the fixing method of the 1st igniter 32 is not restricted to the fixing method using the crimping|crimped part 31d mentioned above, You may utilize another fixing method.

The cup body 34 has a cup-like shape with an open end on the bottom plate portion 11 side, and includes a transfer chamber 35 in which a transfer charge 36 is accommodated. The cup body 34 has a top wall portion 34a and a side wall portion 34b that define the transfer chamber 35, and a flange portion 34c that extends radially outward from the opening end side portion of the side wall portion 34b. there is

The cup body 34 is assembled to the first holder 31 so that a transfer chamber 35 formed therein faces the ignition portion 32b of the first igniter 32. More specifically, the flange portion 34c is It is fixed to the first holder 31 by bending the crimped portion 31 e described above while it is held against the upper surface of the first holder 31 .

The cup body 34 has an opening in neither the top wall portion 34a nor the side wall portion 34b, and surrounds a transfer chamber 35 provided therein. When the transfer charge 36 is ignited by the operation of the first igniter 32, the cup body 34 bursts or melts as the pressure rises in the transfer chamber 35 and the conduction of the generated heat. Those having relatively low mechanical strength are used.

Therefore, as the cup body 34, metal members such as aluminum and aluminum alloys, thermosetting resins such as epoxy resins, polybutylene terephthalate resins, polyethylene terephthalate resins, polyamide resins (for example, nylon 6 and nylon 66 etc.), a member made of a thermoplastic resin such as a polypropylene sulfide resin, a polypropylene oxide resin, or the like is preferably used.

In addition to the above, the cup body 34 is made of a metal member having high mechanical strength such as iron or copper, and has an opening in the side wall portion 34b. It is also possible to use a device to which a sealing tape is attached so as to close the . Moreover, the fixing method of the cup body 34 is not limited to the fixing method using the caulked portion 31e described above, and other fixing methods may be used.

The transfer charge 36 filled in the transfer chamber 35 is ignited by the flame generated by the operation of the first igniter 32, and burns to generate thermal particles. The transfer charge 36 must be capable of reliably starting combustion of the first gas generating agent 51, and is generally B/KNO ₃ , B/NaNO ₃ , Sr(NO ₃ ). ₂ , etc., a composition consisting of metal powder/oxidizing agent, a composition consisting of titanium hydride/potassium perchlorate, a composition consisting of B/5-aminotetrazole/potassium nitrate/molybdenum trioxide, etc. are used. .

As the transfer charge 36, a powdery one, a binder molded into a predetermined shape, or the like is used. The shape of transfer charge 36 formed by the binder includes various shapes such as granular, cylindrical, sheet, spherical, single-hole cylindrical, multi-hole cylindrical, and tablet-like.

The lower end of the first holder 31 is inserted from above into the first opening 11a provided in the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10, and is fixed by joining the outer peripheral edge thereof to the bottom plate portion 11. ing. As a result, the first igniter assembly 30 integrated by previously assembling the first igniter 32 and the cup body 34 to the first holder 31 is fixed to the lower shell 10. In particular, the transfer chamber 35 provided inside the first igniter assembly 30 is arranged so as to protrude toward the space inside the housing. Electron beam welding, laser welding, friction welding, or the like can be suitably used to join the bottom plate portion 11 and the first holder 31 together.

A pair of terminal pins 32c of the first igniter 32 are exposed and located in the lower recessed portion 31b of the first holder 31 . As a result, the lower concave portion 31b and the pair of terminal pins 32c form the above-described first female connector portion.

The first female connector portion is a portion for receiving a male connector (not shown) of a harness for connecting the first igniter 32 and a control unit (not shown). The first female connector portion is exposed to the outside of the housing, and the male connector described above is inserted into the first female connector portion to electrically connect the core wire of the harness and the terminal pin 32c. Continuity will be realized.

The second igniter assembly 40 mainly includes a second holder 41 , a second igniter 42 , a second seal member 43 , a partition portion 44 and a second gas generating agent 52 . The second holder 41 constitutes the base of the second igniter assembly 40. By assembling the second igniter 42 and the partition part 44 and the like to the second holder 41, the second igniter Assembly 40 is constructed as an integral part.

The second holder 41 is made of a member having a substantially cylindrical outer shape, and is made of metal such as stainless steel, steel, aluminum alloy, or stainless alloy. An upper concave portion 41a is provided on the upper surface of the second holder 41 positioned on the top plate portion 21 side, and a lower concave portion 41b is provided on the lower surface of the second holder 41 positioned on the bottom plate portion 11 side. there is Further, through holes 41c are provided in the second holder 41 in portions forming the bottom of the upper recess 41a and the bottom of the lower recess 41b so as to reach the upper recess 41a and the lower recess 41b.

A crimped portion 41d is provided on the upper surface of the second holder 41 so as to surround the upper concave portion 41a. The crimped portion 41 d is a portion for crimping and fixing the second igniter 42 to the second holder 41 .

The second igniter 42 is for generating flame, and has a base portion 42a, an ignition portion 42b, and a pair of terminal pins 42c. The base portion 42 a is a portion that holds the ignition portion 42 b and the pair of terminal pins 42 c and is also a portion that is fixed to the second holder 41 . Since the second igniter 42 basically has the same configuration as the first igniter 32 described above, detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

In the second igniter 42, the pair of terminal pins 42c are inserted from above into the through holes 41c of the second holder 41, and the base portion 42a is housed in the upper recessed portion 41a of the second holder 41 and fixed. It is fixed to the second holder 41 by bending the caulked portion 41d described above.

Here, a second seal member 43 made of an O-ring or the like is interposed between the second holder 41 and the second igniter 42 , thereby separating the second holder 41 and the second igniter 42 . By closing the gap between them, the airtightness of the part is ensured. In addition, the fixing method of the 2nd igniter 42 is not restricted to the fixing method using the crimping|crimped part 41d mentioned above, You may utilize another fixing method.

The partition part 44 has a partition member 45, a cover member 46, and a cap member 47. The partition member 45, the cover member 46, and the cap member 47 are combined to form a cup-like shape as a whole. doing. The partition part 44 functions as a pressure partition that divides the space inside the housing and inside the filter 70 into two chambers.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the space inside the housing and inside the filter 70 is divided by the partition 44 into a space outside the partition 44 and a space inside the partition 44. The former space is defined as the first combustion chamber S1, and the latter space is defined as the second combustion chamber S2.

As shown in FIG. 1, the partition part 44 is assembled to the second holder 41 so that the second combustion chamber S2 formed therein faces the ignition part 42b of the second igniter 42. As shown in FIG. More specifically, as will be described later, the fixing portion 45 a provided at the lower end of the partition member 45 of the partition portion 44 is press-fitted into the second holder 41 , so that the partition portion 44 is moved through the second holder 41 . is fixed to the bottom plate portion 11.

A second gas generating agent 52 is accommodated in the second combustion chamber S2 located inside the partition portion 44 . The second gas generating agent 52 is a chemical that is ignited by hot particles generated by the operation of the second igniter 42 and burns to generate gas. Details of the second gas generating agent 52 will be described later.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the partition member 45 has a tubular shape with openings at both ends in the axial direction. The partition member 45 is arranged so that its axial direction is parallel to the axial direction of the housing. It functions as a fixed portion 45a.

More specifically, the fixing portion 45a is press-fitted into the second holder 41 as described above, and thereby the partition member 45 is fixed to the second holder 41, thereby forming the partition portion 44 including the partition member 45. is attached to the bottom plate portion 11 . The partition member 45 is made of a metal member such as stainless steel, iron steel, aluminum alloy, or stainless alloy.

The cover member 46 has a cup-like shape with an open end on the bottom plate portion 11 side, and is attached to the open end of the partition member 45 on the top plate portion 21 side. Like the partition member 45, the cover member 46 is made of a metal member such as stainless steel, iron steel, aluminum alloy, or stainless alloy.

The cover member 46 includes a disk-shaped first cover portion 46a that constitutes the closed end of the partition portion 44 by covering the opening of the partition member 45 located on the top plate portion 21 side, and the peripheral edge of the first cover portion 46a. It includes a cylindrical second cover portion 46 b that extends toward the bottom plate portion 11 side to cover the outer peripheral surface of the portion of the partition member 45 near the top plate portion 21 .

The cover member 46 is attached to the partition member 45 by being fitted over the above-described open end of the partition member 45, and preferably fixed to the partition member 45 by press fitting. Thereby, the second cover portion 46b of the cover member 46 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the partition member 45 described above. Here, the axial length of the second cover portion 46b provided on the cover member 46 can be configured to be relatively short, and is equal to the minimum required length for sealing the above-described open end of the partition member 45. can do.

The cap member 47 has a cup-like shape with an open end on the bottom plate portion 11 side, and is inserted into a portion of the partition member 45 near the top plate portion 21 . Thereby, the cap member 47 is housed in a space defined by the partition member 45 and the cover member 46 (that is, corresponding to the second combustion chamber S2). Like the partition member 45, the cap member 47 is made of a metal member such as stainless steel, iron steel, aluminum alloy, or stainless alloy.

The cap member 47 includes a disk-shaped top plate portion 47a disposed between the second gas generating agent 52 and the first cover portion 46a of the cover member 46, and a top plate portion 47a extending from the peripheral edge of the top plate portion 47a toward the bottom plate portion 11 side. and an extended cylindrical peripheral plate portion 47b.

The cap member 47 is accommodated in the partition member 45 by being inserted into the above-described open end of the partition member 45. In the present embodiment, the cap member 47 is loosely fitted to the partition member 45. . Here, loose fitting means that the cap member 47 fitted into the partition member 45 has a predetermined clearance with the partition member 45. The diameter is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the partition member 45 .

That is, in the present embodiment, the cap member 47 is not press-fitted into the partition member 45, and the peripheral plate portion 47b of the cap member 47 is in contact with the partition member 45 when the disk-type gas generator 1A is not in operation. is not in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the As a result, in the present embodiment, the cap member 47 is assembled so as to be relatively movable and deformable with respect to the partition member 45, and during the combustion of the second gas generating agent 52, it will be described later. Movement and deformation of the cap member 47 will occur.

A peripheral plate portion 47b of the cap member 47 is provided with a plurality of gas passage holes 47c arranged in a dotted line along the circumferential direction. The plurality of gas passage holes 47c are for passing the gas generated in the second combustion chamber S2 toward the space outside the partition 44 when the second gas generating agent 52 is burned. It is provided so as to penetrate the peripheral plate portion 47b along the thickness direction of the peripheral plate portion 47b.

As shown in FIG. 1, the lower end of the second holder 41 is inserted from above into the second opening 11b provided in the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10, and the outer peripheral edge thereof It is fixed by joining. As a result, the second igniter assembly 40, which is integrated by assembling the second igniter 42 and the partition portion 44 in advance to the second holder 41, is fixed to the lower shell 10. In particular, the second combustion chamber S2 provided inside the second igniter assembly 40 is arranged so as to protrude toward the space inside the housing. Electron beam welding, laser welding, friction welding, or the like can be suitably used to join the bottom plate portion 11 and the second holder 41 together.

A pair of terminal pins 42c of the second igniter 42 are exposed and located in the lower concave portion 41b of the second holder 41 . As a result, the lower recessed portion 41b and the pair of terminal pins 42c form the second female connector section described above.

The second female connector portion is a portion for receiving a male connector (not shown) of a harness for connecting the second igniter 42 and a control unit (not shown). The second female connector portion is exposed to the outside of the housing, and the above-described male connector is inserted into the second female connector portion to electrically connect the core wire of the harness and the terminal pin 42c. Continuity will be realized.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the space inside the housing accommodates a filter 70 in addition to the first igniter assembly 30 and the second igniter assembly 40 described above. The filter 70 has a cylindrical shape and is arranged coaxially with the housing such that its central axis coincides with the central axis of the peripheral wall of the housing. As a result, the outer peripheral surface of the filter 70 faces the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion of the housing.

The filter 70 surrounds the first igniter assembly 30 and the second igniter assembly 40 so that the first igniter assembly 30 and the second igniter assembly 40 are arranged in the inner space. are placed in As a result, the first combustion chamber S<b>1 accommodating the first gas generating agent 51 is formed in the space inside the filter 70 and outside the partition portion 44 . The filter 70 is arranged at a predetermined distance from the peripheral wall of the housing, thereby forming a gas discharge chamber S3 between the peripheral wall of the housing and the filter 70. As shown in FIG.

As the filter 70, for example, a metal wire rod such as stainless steel or iron steel wound and sintered, or a mesh material woven with a metal wire rod pressed by pressing can be used. As the mesh material, specifically, a knitted wire mesh, a plain-woven wire mesh, an aggregate of crimp-woven metal wires, or the like can be used.

As the filter 70, a wound perforated metal plate or the like can also be used. In this case, the perforated metal plate may be, for example, an expanded metal obtained by cutting a metal plate in a zigzag pattern and then expanding the cuts to form holes to form a mesh, or a metal plate with holes punched therein. A hook metal or the like is used in which burrs formed on the periphery of the hole are flattened by crushing them. In this case, the size and shape of the holes to be formed can be changed as needed, and holes of different sizes and shapes may be included on the same metal plate. As the metal plate, for example, a steel plate (mild steel) or a stainless steel plate can be suitably used, and a non-ferrous metal plate such as aluminum, copper, titanium, nickel or alloys thereof can also be used.

The filter 70 functions as a cooling means for cooling the gas by removing high-temperature heat from the gas when the gas generated in the first combustion chamber S1 and the second combustion chamber S2 passes through the filter 70. At the same time, it also functions as a removing means for removing residues (slag) and the like contained in the gas. Therefore, in order to sufficiently cool the gas and prevent the residue from being released to the outside, the gas generated in the first combustion chamber S1 and the second combustion chamber S2 is configured to pass through the filter 70 without fail. it becomes necessary to

Here, the first igniter assembly 30 is eccentrically arranged so that its central axis does not overlap the central axis of the peripheral wall of the housing, and the second igniter assembly 40 also has its central axis aligned with the peripheral wall of the housing. It is eccentrically arranged so as not to overlap the central axis of the housing (that is, the central axis of the partition 44 (more precisely, the central axis of the partition member 45) does not overlap the central axis of the peripheral wall of the housing). By constructing in this way, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of dead space inside the housing, and to construct the disk-type gas generator 1A in a small size as a whole.

A first gas generating agent 51 is accommodated in the first combustion chamber S1. More specifically, the first gas generating agent 51 is contained in the space inside the filter 70 and adjacent to the top wall portion 34a and the side wall portion 34b of the cup body 34 of the first igniter assembly 30, and , the space inside the filter 70 and adjacent to the side wall portion of the partition portion 44 of the second igniter assembly 40 . The first gas generating agent 51 is a chemical that is ignited by hot particles generated by the operation of the first igniter 32 and burns to generate gas.

As the first gas generating agent 51 and the second gas generating agent 52 described above, it is preferable to use a non-azide gas generating agent. 51 and a second gas generant 52 are formed.

As the fuel, for example, a triazole derivative, a tetrazole derivative, a guanidine derivative, an azodicarbonamide derivative, a hydrazine derivative, or a combination thereof is used. Specifically, nitroguanidine, guanidine nitrate, cyanoguanidine, 5-aminotetrazole and the like are preferably used.

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

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

The shape of the molded body of the gas generating agent includes various shapes such as granules, pellets, granules such as cylinders, and discs. In addition, in the case of a columnar shape, a perforated shaped body having through holes inside the shaped body (for example, a single-hole cylindrical shape, a porous cylindrical shape, etc.) is also used. These shapes are preferably selected appropriately according to the specifications of the airbag device in which the disk-type gas generator 1A is incorporated. It is preferable to select the optimum shape according to the specifications. In addition to the shape of the gas generating agent, it is preferable to appropriately select the size and filling amount of the molded body in consideration of the linear burning velocity, pressure index, etc. of the gas generating agent.

Here, the first gas generating agent 51 and the second gas generating agent 52 may have the same composition or may have different compositions. The first gas generating agent 51 and the second gas generating agent 52 may have the same shape and size, or may have different shapes and sizes.

The peripheral wall portion 22 of the upper shell 20 facing the filter 70 is provided with a plurality of gas ejection ports 24 facing the gas discharge chamber S3. The plurality of gas ejection ports 24 are for discharging the gas that has passed through the filter 70 to the outside of the housing via the gas discharge chamber S3.

A metal sealing tape 25 is attached as a sealing member to the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 22 of the upper shell 20 so as to close the plurality of gas ejection ports 24 . As the seal tape 25, an aluminum foil or the like coated with an adhesive member on one side can be suitably used, and the seal tape 25 ensures the airtightness of the space inside the housing.

As shown in FIG. 1, a lower support member 61 is arranged at the end portion of the first combustion chamber S1 that is located on the bottom plate portion 11 side. The lower support member 61 has an annular shape, and is placed between the filter 70 and the bottom plate portion 11 so as to cover the boundary portion between the filter 70 and the bottom plate portion 11 . Thereby, the lower support member 61 is positioned between the bottom plate portion 11 and the first gas generating agent 51 in the vicinity of the end portion of the first combustion chamber S1.

The lower support member 61 is a member for fixing the filter 70 to the housing, and also allows gas generated in the first combustion chamber S1 and the second combustion chamber S2 to pass through the inside of the filter 70 during operation. It also functions as an outflow prevention means for preventing the water from flowing out from the gap between the lower end of the filter 70 and the bottom plate portion 11 . The lower support member 61 is formed, for example, by pressing a metal plate member, and is preferably made of a steel plate such as ordinary steel or special steel (for example, cold-rolled steel plate, stainless steel plate, etc.). It is composed of the following members.

An upper support member 62 is arranged at an end portion of the first combustion chamber S1 that is located on the top plate portion 21 side. The upper support member 62 has a substantially disk-like shape, and is placed between the filter 70 and the top plate portion 21 so as to cover the boundary portion between the filter 70 and the top plate portion 21 . Thereby, the upper support member 62 is positioned between the top plate portion 21 and the first gas generating agent 51 in the vicinity of the end portion of the first combustion chamber S1.

The upper support member 62 is a member for fixing the filter 70 to the housing, and prevents gas generated in the first combustion chamber S1 and the second combustion chamber S2 from passing through the inside of the filter 70 during operation. It also functions as an outflow preventing means for preventing outflow from the gap between the upper end of the filter 70 and the top plate portion 21 . Like the lower support member 61 described above, the upper support member 62 is formed, for example, by pressing a plate-like member made of metal, and is preferably made of a steel plate such as ordinary steel or special steel (for example, cold-rolled steel plate, stainless steel plate, etc.).

Inside the upper support member 62, a substantially C-shaped cushion member 63 in plan view is arranged so as to come into contact with the first gas generating agent 51 accommodated in the first combustion chamber S1. As a result, the cushion material 63 is positioned between the top plate portion 21 and the first gas generating agent 51 in the portion of the first combustion chamber S1 on the top plate portion 21 side. It is pressed toward the bottom plate portion 11 side.

The cushion material 63 is provided for the purpose of preventing the first gas generating agent 51 made of a molded body from being pulverized by vibration or the like, and is preferably made of ceramic fiber molded body, rock wool, foamed resin ( For example, foamed silicone, foamed polypropylene, foamed polyethylene, etc.), rubber typified by chloroprene and EPDM. Note that the cushion material 63 is burnt out by combustion of the first gas generating agent 51 .

4 and 5 are schematic diagrams showing the first and second stages of operation of the disk-shaped gas generator according to this embodiment, respectively. Next, operation of the disk-shaped gas generator 1A according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG.

When the vehicle equipped with the disk-type gas generator 1A collides, the collision is detected by collision detection means separately provided in the vehicle, and based on this, power is received from a control unit separately provided in the vehicle. , the first igniter 32 is activated first.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the first stage in which the first igniter 32 operates, the ignition charge filled in the ignition portion 32b of the first igniter 32 is ignited by being heated by the resistor, and the ignition The ignition part 32b bursts due to the combustion of the gunpowder. As a result, the transfer charge 36 housed inside the cup body 34 is ignited and burned.

When the transfer charge 36 burns, a large amount of thermal particles are generated inside the transfer chamber 35, and the temperature and pressure of the transfer chamber 35 rise, causing the cup body 34 made of a fragile member to burst or melt. . When the cup body 34 explodes or melts, a large amount of heat particles described above flow into the portion of the first combustion chamber S1 in which the first gas generating agent 51 is accommodated.

When a large amount of hot particles flow into the relevant portion of the first combustion chamber S1, the first gas generating agent 51 accommodated in the first combustion chamber S1 is sequentially ignited and burned. A lot of gas is generated. The gas generated in the first combustion chamber S1 passes through the inside of the filter 70. At that time, the filter 70 removes heat and cools the gas. It flows into the discharge chamber S3.

At this time, the seal tape 25 closing the plurality of gas ejection ports 24 is torn due to an increase in pressure inside the housing caused by combustion of the first gas generating agent 51 . As a result, the gas generated in the first combustion chamber S1 starts to be ejected toward the outside of the housing through the plurality of gas ejection ports 24 (see arrow AR1).

At this time, due to the pressure increase inside the housing caused by the combustion of the first gas generating agent 51, the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10 and the top plate portion 21 of the upper shell 20 are pushed outward. It transforms so that it swells toward you. As a result, the distance between the top plate portion 21 and the first cover portion 46a of the cover member 46 assembled to the opening end of the partition member 45 on the top plate portion 21 side (that is, the closed end of the partition portion 44) is will increase.

On the other hand, in the first stage, the cover member 46 is pressed against the partition member 45 due to the pressure increase in the first combustion chamber S1 caused by the combustion of the first gas generating agent 51. . Therefore, the opening of the partition member 45 on the top plate portion 21 side is closed by the first cover portion 46 a of the cover member 46 , and the outer peripheral surface of the portion of the partition member 45 near the top plate portion 21 is covered with the first cover member 46 . Since the second cover portion 46b is in close contact, the state in which the portion is covered is maintained.

As a result, in the first stage, the first combustion chamber S1 and the second combustion chamber S2 are not communicated with each other, and the second gas generating agent 52, which has not yet started to burn, is supplied with the first gas generating agent. 51 will no longer be affected.

Next, the second igniter 42 is energized by the above-described control unit at a timing delayed by a predetermined time from the operation of the first igniter 32 described above.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the second stage in which the second igniter 42 operates, the ignition charge filled in the ignition portion 42b of the second igniter 42 is heated by the resistor and ignited. The ignition part 42b bursts due to the combustion of the gunpowder. As a result, the second gas generating agents 52 accommodated in the second combustion chamber S2 are sequentially ignited and start burning.

Here, prior to the start of combustion of the second gas generating agent 52, the first gas generating agent 51 was previously ignited and burned, so that the disk-type gas generator 1A as a whole was already heated to a high temperature. Therefore, even if no transfer charge is provided between the ignition part 42b and the second gas generating agent 52, the combustion of the second gas generating agent 52 is started smoothly, and the second gas is generated. Combustion of the agent 52 becomes difficult to be interrupted.

At this time, pressure is applied to the cap member 47 accommodated in the second combustion chamber S2 due to the pressure increase in the second combustion chamber S2 caused by the combustion of the second gas generating agent 52. The pressure acts on the top plate portion 47a of the cap member 47 mainly in the direction along the axial direction of the housing, and the pressure acts on the peripheral plate portion 47b of the cap member 47 in the direction mainly along the radial direction of the housing. The pressure acts on

As a result, the entire cap member 47 moves toward the top plate portion 21 of the upper shell 20, and the peripheral plate portion 47b deforms so as to expand radially outward. Become. Therefore, the cap member 47 moves toward the top plate portion 21 while the portion of the peripheral plate portion 47b near the lower end is kept in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the partition member 45 along the circumferential direction.

Therefore, the portion of the peripheral plate portion 47b closer to the lower end is maintained in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the partition member 45 along the circumferential direction, thereby preventing gas from leaking out from this portion. Therefore, the partition member 45 and the cap member 47 reliably form a pressure partition, and the internal pressure of the second combustion chamber S2 can be appropriately increased, and as a result, the combustion of the second gas generating agent 52 is interrupted. will continue without

Further, with the above-described movement of the cap member 47, the cover member 46 is pushed up by the cap member 47 and moves toward the top plate portion 21 side. As a result, the cap member 47 is separated from the open end of the partition member 45 on the top plate portion 21 side. Therefore, when the cover member 46 is separated from the partition member 45, the gas passage hole 47c provided in the peripheral plate portion 47b of the cap member 47 is located at the position on the top plate portion 21 side of the partition member 45 and is located in the first combustion chamber S1. exposed to face

Here, in the present embodiment, when the movement of the cover member 46 and the cap member 47 in the second stage occurs by a predetermined amount, the movement of the cover member 46 and the cap member 47 is caused by the top plate portion 21. configured to be restricted. That is, the cover member 46 contacts the top plate portion 21 via the upper support member 62, and the cap member 47 contacts the top plate portion 21 via the cover member 46 and the upper support member 62, thereby The cover member 46 and the cap member 47 will stop.

As described above, as indicated by an arrow AR2 in the drawing, the gas generated in the second combustion chamber S2 passes through the plurality of gas passage holes 47c provided in the peripheral plate portion 47b, thereby It will be introduced into S1. At this time, the traveling direction of the gas is changed by the cover member 46 detached from the partition member 45, and the gas is mainly blown out toward the bottom plate portion 11 side of the lower shell 10. As shown in FIG.

Therefore, in the disk-shaped gas generator 1A according to the present embodiment, when the gas generated in the second combustion chamber S2 is introduced into the first combustion chamber S1, it is directed directly toward the inner peripheral surface of the filter 70. will no longer be sprayed. Therefore, breakage of the filter 70 can be prevented.

The gas generated in the second combustion chamber S2 and then introduced into the first combustion chamber S1 passes through the inside of the filter 70. At this time, the filter 70 removes heat and cools the gas. The contained slag is removed by the filter 70 and flows into the gas discharge chamber S3, and is then jetted out of the housing through the plurality of gas jet ports 24 (see arrow AR1).

In the above-described first and second steps, the gas ejected from the plurality of gas ejection ports 24 to the outside of the disk-shaped gas generator 1A is provided adjacent to the disk-shaped gas generator 1A. It is introduced inside the airbag to inflate and deploy the airbag.

Here, as described above, the gas generated in the second combustion chamber S2 passes through the plurality of gas passage holes 47c provided in the peripheral plate portion 47b of the cap member 47 to flow into the first combustion chamber S1. In order to introduce , it is necessary that the cover member 46 is separated from the partition member 45 as the second gas generating agent 52 is burned, while the cap member 47 is not separated from the partition member 45 . Further, as described above, in order for the gas generated in the second combustion chamber S2 and then introduced into the first combustion chamber S1 to blow out toward the bottom plate portion 11 side, the cover member 46 and the After the movement of the cap member 47 is restricted by the top plate portion 21, the plurality of gas passage holes 47c must be positioned to face the cover member 46. As shown in FIG.

In order to satisfy these conditions, it is necessary to appropriately adjust the degree of movement and deformation of the cover member 46 and the cap member 47 described above. Here, the degree of movement and deformation of the cover member 46 and the cap member 47 described above is determined by the second igniter assembly 40 and the top plate portion 21 (more strictly speaking, the state before operation of the disk-type gas generator 1A). , the distance between the top plate portion 21 and the upper support member 62), the axial length of the second cover portion 46b of the cover member 46, the axial length of the peripheral plate portion 47b of the cap member 47 , the position of the gas passage hole 47c provided in the peripheral plate portion 47b of the cap member 47, the thickness, shape, and material of the housing (especially the top plate portion 21 and the bottom plate portion 11, etc.), the thickness and shape of the cover member 46 and the cap member 47, It is mainly determined by the material, etc., and in order to satisfy the above conditions, these should be specifically designed appropriately.

As described above, in the movement margin of the cover member 46 and the cap member 47, there is a gap between the top plate portion 21 and the cover member 46 due to the deformation of the bottom plate portion 11 and the top plate portion 21 during operation of the disk-type gas generator 1A. Since the increase in the distance to the first cover portion 46a is included, the first cover portion 46a is placed on the top plate portion 21 to support the upper side in the state before operation of the disk-type gas generator 1A. It may be positioned apart from the member 62 or may be in contact with the upper support member 62 .

As described above, the disk-type gas generator 1A according to the present embodiment does not have a configuration in which the second cover portion 46b of the cover member 46 is provided with the gas passage holes, and the first combustion chamber S1 is provided with a gas passage hole. During the combustion of the first gas generating agent 51, the second gas generating agent 52 contained in the second combustion chamber S2, which has not yet started to burn, is not affected, and the second gas generating agent 51 in the second combustion chamber S2 is not affected. During combustion of the gas generating agent 52, the second combustion chamber S2 and the first combustion chamber S1 can be configured to communicate with each other through the gas passage holes 47c provided in the cap member 47. FIG.

Therefore, since the second cover portion 46b of the cover member 46 is not provided with gas passage holes, the length of the second cover portion 46b in the axial direction can be shortened. The press-fitting margin can be shortened as compared with the conventional one. As a result, it is possible to prevent a large force from acting on the fixing portion 45a of the partition member 45 during combustion of the second gas generating agent 52, and consequently prevent the fixing portion 45a from being damaged. In addition, as the force required to move the cover member 46 is sufficiently reduced compared to the conventional one, the force is less likely to vary between products, and as a result, the desired gas output is stabilized. can be obtained by

Therefore, by adopting the above configuration, the disk-type gas generator 1A having a dual structure can be obtained, in which a desired gas output can be stably obtained while ensuring higher reliability than the conventional one.

By adopting the configuration described above, when the gas generated in the second combustion chamber S2 is ejected into the first combustion chamber S1 through the gas passage hole 47c, it collides with the cover member 46, Since the traveling direction is changed, it is possible to obtain a secondary effect that the slag contained in the gas is effectively captured by the inner wall surface of the cover member 46 at the time of this collision.

Further, as described above, in the disk-shaped gas generator 1A according to the present embodiment, the second igniter assembly 40 is eccentrically arranged so that its central axis does not overlap the central axis of the peripheral wall portion of the housing. ing. In such a configuration, compared to the case where the second igniter assembly 40 is arranged coaxially with the peripheral wall portion of the housing, the portion where the second igniter assembly 40 and the filter 70 are arranged close to each other is naturally However, by adopting the configuration as described above, it is possible to effectively prevent damage to the filter 70 while arranging the second igniter assembly 40 and the filter 70 close to each other.

(First modification)
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a disk-shaped gas generator according to a first modification based on the first embodiment described above. Hereinafter, a disk-shaped gas generator 1A1 according to this modification will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the disk-shaped gas generator 1A1 according to this modified example, the cap member 47 is more sensitive to the partition member 45 than the disk-shaped gas generator 1A according to the first embodiment described above. The only difference is that it is lightly press-fitted. Here, light press-fitting means that the cap member 47 fitted into the partition member 45 is not in pressure contact with the partition member 45 in a substantial sense. In other words, the outer diameter of the cap member 47 is approximately equal to (including the same or slightly larger than) the inner diameter of the partition member 45 .

That is, in this modified example, the cap member 47 is lightly press-fitted into the partition member 45, so that the peripheral plate portion 47b of the cap member 47 is a partition member when the disk-type gas generator 1A1 is not in operation. Although it is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of 45, it does not press against it with a large pressure. As a result, in this modification, the cap member 47 is assembled so as to be relatively movable with respect to the partition member 45, and the cap member 47 is moved when the second gas generating agent 52 is burned. It will be.

Even when configured in this manner, in the second stage when the second igniter 42 is activated, the second combustion chamber is generated by burning the second gas generating agent 52, as in the case of the first embodiment described above. Due to the pressure increase in S2, pressure is applied to the cap member 47 accommodated in the second combustion chamber S2, and the peripheral plate portion 47b is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the partition member 45 along the peripheral direction. While being in this state, the cap member 47 moves toward the top plate portion 21 side.

Therefore, since the second cover portion 46b of the cover member 46 is not provided with a gas passage hole, the press-fitting margin of the cover member 46 into the partition member 45 can be shortened as compared with the conventional case. It is possible to prevent the fixed portion 45a of 45 from being damaged, and to suppress the occurrence of variations in gas output between products.

Therefore, by adopting the above configuration, as in the case of the above-described first embodiment, a dual-structure disk that can ensure higher reliability than the conventional one and stably obtain a desired gas output. type gas generator 1A1.

(Second modification)
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a disk-shaped gas generator according to a second modification based on the first embodiment described above. Hereinafter, a disk-shaped gas generator 1A2 according to this modification will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the disk-shaped gas generator 1A2 according to this modification, when compared with the disk-shaped gas generator 1A according to the first embodiment described above, the peripheral plate portion 47b of the cap member 47 is The only difference is that it is formed of a truncated conical swash plate portion whose diameter increases toward the bottom plate portion 11 side.

In the case of such a configuration, in the second stage when the second igniter 42 is activated, due to the pressure increase in the second combustion chamber S2 caused by the combustion of the second gas generating agent 52, the second combustion When pressure is applied to the cap member 47 accommodated in the chamber S2, the peripheral plate portion 47b of the cap member 47 is more likely to be deformed in a radially outward direction. Therefore, the portion near the lower end of the peripheral plate portion 47b is more reliably maintained in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the partition member 45 along the circumferential direction, and gas leakage from this portion is more reliably maintained. can be prevented.

Therefore, by adopting the above configuration, not only can the same effect as in the first embodiment described above be obtained, but also higher reliability can be ensured, and a desired gas output can be obtained more stably. It can be a disk-type gas generator 1A2 with a structure.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the disk-type gas generator according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the second stage of operation of the disk-type gas generator according to the present embodiment. A disk-shaped gas generator 1B according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the disk-shaped gas generator 1B according to the present embodiment, when compared with the disk-shaped gas generator 1A according to the first embodiment described above, the peripheral plate portion 47b of the cap member 47 is The only difference is that a truncated conical swash plate portion 47b1 whose diameter increases toward the bottom plate portion 11 side is provided at the upper end portion of the peripheral plate portion 47b. Here, the plurality of gas passage holes 47c formed in the circumferential plate portion 47b of the cap member 47 are provided in a dotted line along the circumferential direction of the swash plate portion 47b1.

With this configuration, as shown in FIG. 9, in the second stage in which the second igniter 42 is activated, the gas passage hole 47c provided in the swash plate portion 47b1 of the cap member 47 is the above-described embodiment. As compared with the case of Embodiment 1, the top plate portion 21 side is directed more, and the gas jetted from the gas passage hole 47c can be jetted directly toward the inner peripheral surface of the filter 70. You can definitely avoid it. Therefore, damage to the filter 70 can be more reliably prevented, and slag can be trapped by the inner wall surface of the cover member 46 more effectively.

Therefore, by adopting the above configuration, not only can the same effect as in the first embodiment described above be obtained, but also higher reliability can be ensured, and a desired gas output can be obtained more stably. It can be a disk-type gas generator 1B with a structure.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a disk-shaped gas generator according to Embodiment 3. FIG. A disk-shaped gas generator 1C according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 10, the disk-shaped gas generator 1C according to the present embodiment has a shape of the cover member 46 and a partition wall member 45 when compared with the disk-shaped gas generator 1A according to the first embodiment described above. Only the assembly structure for the is different.

Specifically, the cover member 46 includes a disk-shaped first cover portion 46a that forms the closed end of the partition portion 44 by covering the opening of the partition member 45 located on the top plate portion 21 side, and the first cover portion 46a. A cylindrical second cover portion 46b that covers the inner peripheral surface of the portion of the partition member 45 near the top plate portion 21 by extending from the peripheral edge of the portion 46a toward the top plate portion 21; 2, an annular plate-shaped third cover portion 46c that covers the end portion of the partition member 45 on the top plate portion 21 side by extending radially outward from the tip portion in the axial direction of the cover portion 46b. I'm in.

The cover member 46 is assembled to the partition member 45 by being inserted into the open end of the partition member 45 located on the top plate portion 21 side, and is preferably fixed to the partition member 45 by press fitting. Thereby, the second cover portion 46b of the cover member 46 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the partition member 45 described above. Here, the axial length of the second cover portion 46b provided on the cover member 46 can be configured to be relatively short, and is equal to the minimum required length for sealing the above-described open end of the partition member 45. can do.

The cap member 47 has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment described above, and is accommodated in the partition member 45 by being inserted into the above-described open end of the partition member 45 . Thereby, the cap member 47 is housed in a space defined by the partition member 45 and the cover member 46 (that is, corresponding to the second combustion chamber S2). It is arranged between the generating agent 52 and the first cover portion 46 a of the cover member 46 . Also in this embodiment, the cap member 47 is loosely fitted to the partition member 45 .

Even when configured in this way, in the second stage when the second igniter 42 is activated, the pressure rise in the second combustion chamber S2 caused by the combustion of the second gas generating agent 52 causes the second combustion. Pressure is applied to the cap member 47 accommodated in the chamber S2, and the cap member 47 is lifted upward while the peripheral plate portion 47b is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the partition member 45 along the peripheral direction. It moves toward the plate portion 21 side.

Accordingly, the cover member 46 is pushed up by the cap member 47 to move toward the top plate portion 21 side, and is separated from the open end of the partition member 45 on the top plate portion 21 side. As a result, the gas passage hole 47c provided in the peripheral plate portion 47b of the cap member 47 is exposed at a position on the top plate portion 21 side of the partition member 45 so as to face the first combustion chamber S1. Gas generated in the second combustion chamber S2 is jetted into the first combustion chamber S1 through the gas passage hole 47c.

Therefore, since the second cover portion 46b of the cover member 46 is not provided with a gas passage hole, the press-fitting margin of the cover member 46 into the partition member 45 can be shortened as compared with the conventional case. It is possible to prevent the fixed portion 45a of 45 from being damaged, and to suppress the occurrence of variations in gas output between products.

Therefore, by adopting the above configuration, as in the case of the above-described first embodiment, a dual-structure disk that can ensure higher reliability than the conventional one and stably obtain a desired gas output. type gas generator 1C.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a disk-type gas generator according to Embodiment 4, and FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the assembly structure of the partition shown in FIG. First, with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the configuration of a disk-shaped gas generator 1D according to this embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIG. 11, the disc-type gas generator 1D according to the present embodiment differs mainly in the configuration of the partition section 44 when compared with the disc-type gas generator 1A according to the first embodiment described above. ing. The partition part 44 has a partition member 45, a cover member 46, and a cap member 47. The partition member 45, the cover member 46, and the cap member 47 are combined to form a cup-like shape as a whole. doing.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the partition member 45 has a tubular shape with openings at both ends in the axial direction. The partition member 45 is arranged so that its axial direction is parallel to the axial direction of the housing. It functions as a fixed fixing portion 45a.

More specifically, the fixing portion 45 a is press-fitted into the second holder 41 , thereby fixing the partition member 45 to the second holder 41 , so that the partition portion 44 including the partition member 45 is attached to the bottom plate portion 11 . is assembled to. The partition member 45 is made of a metal member such as stainless steel, iron steel, aluminum alloy, or stainless alloy.

The cover member 46 has a cup-like shape with an open end on the bottom plate portion 11 side, and is attached to the open end of the partition member 45 on the top plate portion 21 side. Like the partition member 45, the cover member 46 is made of a metal member such as stainless steel, iron steel, aluminum alloy, or stainless alloy, and is preferably a press-formed product obtained by pressing a metal plate member. consists of

The cover member 46 includes a disk-shaped first cover portion 46a that constitutes the closed end of the partition portion 44 by covering the opening of the partition member 45 located on the top plate portion 21 side, and the peripheral edge of the first cover portion 46a. It includes a cylindrical second cover portion 46 b that extends toward the bottom plate portion 11 side to cover the inner peripheral surface of the portion of the partition member 45 near the top plate portion 21 . Here, more strictly, the first cover portion 46a of the cover member 46 has a third annular plate-shaped cover portion 46c that covers the edge of the partition member 45 on the top plate portion 21 side. The above-described second cover portion 46b extends from the inner peripheral edge of the third cover portion 46c toward the bottom plate portion 11 side.

The cover member 46 is assembled to the partition member 45 by being inserted into the above-described open end of the partition member 45, and preferably fixed to the partition member 45 by press fitting. As a result, the second cover portion 46b of the cover member 46 is covered by the portion of the partition member 45 near the top plate portion 21, and preferably in close contact with the above-described inner peripheral surface of the partition member 45. there is Here, the axial length of the second cover portion 46b provided on the cover member 46 can be configured to be relatively short, and is equal to the minimum required length for sealing the above-described open end of the partition member 45. can do.

The second cover portion 46b of the cover member 46 is provided with a plurality of through-hole-shaped first open portions 46d arranged in a dotted line along the circumferential direction. The plurality of first openings 46d are closed by being covered with the partition member 45 before the second igniter 42 is activated. When the cover member 46 does not behave as expected for some reason during operation of the disk-type gas generator 1D, the plurality of first openings 46d are arranged to open the first combustion chamber S1 and the second combustion chamber S1. The first combustion chamber S1 and the second combustion chamber S2 are communicated with each other in order to prevent the chamber S2 from remaining in a non-communication state, the details of which will be described later. do.

The cap member 47 has a cup-like shape with an open end on the bottom plate portion 11 side, and is inserted into a portion of the partition member 45 near the top plate portion 21 . Thereby, the cap member 47 is housed in a space defined by the partition member 45 and the cover member 46 (that is, corresponding to the second combustion chamber S2). Like the partition member 45, the cap member 47 is made of a metal member such as stainless steel, iron steel, aluminum alloy, or stainless alloy.

The cap member 47 includes a disk-shaped top plate portion 47a disposed between the second gas generating agent 52 and the first cover portion 46a of the cover member 46, and a top plate portion 47a extending from the peripheral edge of the top plate portion 47a toward the bottom plate portion 11 side. and an extended cylindrical peripheral plate portion 47b. The peripheral plate portion 47b has a truncated cone-shaped swash plate portion 47b1 whose diameter increases toward the bottom plate portion 11 side at the upper end portion of the peripheral plate portion 47b.

The cap member 47 is accommodated in the partition member 45 by being inserted into the above-described open end of the partition member 45 . In this embodiment, the cap member 47 is not press-fitted into the partition member 45 but loosely fitted into the partition member 45 . As a result, the peripheral plate portion 47b of the cap member 47 is not in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the partition member 45 when the disk-shaped gas generator 1D is not in operation. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the cap member 47 is assembled so as to be relatively movable and deformable with respect to the partition member 45, and when the second gas generating agent 52 is burned, the cap member 47, which will be described later, Movement and deformation of member 47 will occur.

Note that the cap member 47 may be lightly press-fitted into the partition member 45 as in the first modified example described above. Also in this case, the cap member 47 is assembled so as to be relatively movable with respect to the partition member 45, and the cap member 47 is moved when the second gas generating agent 52 is burned.

Here, as described above, by providing the truncated conical swash plate portion 47b1 at the upper end portion of the peripheral plate portion 47b of the cap member 47, the swash plate portion 47b1 of the cap member 47 and the top plate portion of the partition member 45 An annular gap is formed between the end on the 21 side. This gap serves as an insertion margin for inserting the second cover portion 46b of the cover member 46 described above into the end portion of the partition member 45 on the top plate portion 21 side.

That is, if the gap is not provided, the cover member 46 and the cap member 47 interfere with each other, making it impossible to arrange them both inside the end portion of the partition member 45 on the top plate portion 21 side. However, by adopting the above configuration, both the cover member 46 and the cap member 47 can be arranged inside the end portion of the partition member 45 on the top plate portion 21 side.

Here, when the cover member is press-fitted onto the partition member and the cap member is inserted loosely or lightly into the partition member (for example, the configuration of the first embodiment), Also, when the cover member and the cap member are assembled to the partition member, they can be prevented from interfering with each other in the first place. However, when this configuration is adopted, it is necessary to control the outer diameter and inner diameter of the end of the partition member on the top plate side with very high accuracy, which greatly increases the manufacturing cost. lead to an increase.

In this regard, in the disk-shaped gas generator 1D according to the present embodiment, as described above, the cover member 46 is inserted into the partition member 45 by press fitting, and the cap member 47 is loosely fitted or lightly fitted to the partition member 45. Since it is inserted by press-fitting, only the inner diameter of the end portion of the partition member 45 on the top plate portion 21 side needs to be managed with high accuracy, and the manufacturing cost can be greatly reduced.

The swash plate portion 47b1 of the cap member 47 is provided with a plurality of gas passage holes 47c arranged in a dotted line along the circumferential direction. The plurality of gas passage holes 47c are for passing the gas generated in the second combustion chamber S2 toward the space outside the partition 44 when the second gas generating agent 52 is burned.

On the other hand, the peripheral plate portion 47b of the cap member 47 except for the swash plate portion 47b1 is provided with a plurality of through-hole-shaped second open portions 47d arranged in a dotted line along the circumferential direction. All of the plurality of second open portions 47d are positioned closer to the bottom plate portion 11 than the plurality of gas passage holes 47c described above. When the pressure in the second combustion chamber S2 becomes higher than necessary during combustion of the second gas generating agent 52, the plurality of second openings 47d are arranged to open the first combustion chamber S1 and the second combustion chamber S1. By increasing the flow passage cross-sectional area communicating with S2, more of the gas generated in the second combustion chamber S2 is allowed to pass toward the space outside the partition portion 44. will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the disk-shaped gas generator 1D, a substantially disk-shaped cushion member 64 is arranged inside the cap member 47. As shown in FIG. The cushion material 64 is provided so as to be positioned between the top plate portion 47a of the cap member 47 and the second gas generating agent 52, so that the cushion material 64 moves the second gas generating agent 52 toward the bottom plate portion 11 side. pressing towards. The cushion material 64 is provided for the purpose of preventing the second gas generating agent 52 made of a molded body from being crushed by vibration or the like, and is similar to the cushion material 63 that presses the first gas generating agent 51 described above. It is composed of a material of

13 and 14 are schematic diagrams respectively showing the first and second steps during the operation of the disk-shaped gas generator according to this embodiment. Next, operation of the disk-shaped gas generator 1D according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG.

When a vehicle equipped with the disk-type gas generator 1D collides, the collision is detected by collision detection means separately provided in the vehicle, and based on this, power is received from a control unit separately provided in the vehicle. , the first igniter 32 is activated first.

As shown in FIG. 13, in the first stage in which the first igniter 32 operates, the ignition charge filled in the ignition portion 32b of the first igniter 32 is heated by the resistor and ignited. The ignition part 32b bursts due to the combustion of the gunpowder. As a result, the transfer charge 36 housed inside the cup body 34 is ignited and burned.

When the transfer charge 36 burns, a large amount of thermal particles are generated inside the transfer chamber 35, and the temperature and pressure of the transfer chamber 35 rise, causing the cup body 34 made of a fragile member to burst or melt. . When the cup body 34 explodes or melts, a large amount of heat particles described above flow into the portion of the first combustion chamber S1 in which the first gas generating agent 51 is accommodated.

When a large amount of hot particles flow into the relevant portion of the first combustion chamber S1, the first gas generating agent 51 accommodated in the first combustion chamber S1 is sequentially ignited and burned. A lot of gas is generated. The gas generated in the first combustion chamber S1 passes through the inside of the filter 70. At that time, the filter 70 removes heat and cools the gas. It flows into the discharge chamber S3.

At this time, the seal tape 25 closing the plurality of gas ejection ports 24 is torn due to an increase in pressure inside the housing caused by combustion of the first gas generating agent 51 . As a result, the gas generated in the first combustion chamber S1 starts to be ejected toward the outside of the housing through the plurality of gas ejection ports 24 (see arrow AR1).

At this time, due to the pressure increase inside the housing caused by the combustion of the first gas generating agent 51, the bottom plate portion 11 of the lower shell 10 and the top plate portion 21 of the upper shell 20 are pushed outward. It transforms so that it swells toward you. As a result, the distance between the top plate portion 21 and the first cover portion 46a of the cover member 46 assembled to the opening end of the partition member 45 on the top plate portion 21 side (that is, the closed end of the partition portion 44) is will increase.

On the other hand, in the first stage, the cover member 46 is pressed against the partition member 45 due to the pressure increase in the first combustion chamber S1 caused by the combustion of the first gas generating agent 51. . Therefore, the opening of the partition member 45 on the top plate portion 21 side is closed by the first cover portion 46 a of the cover member 46 , and the end portion of the partition member 45 on the top plate portion 21 side is closed by the third cover portion of the cover member 46 . Since the portion 46c is in close contact, the state in which the portion is covered is maintained. At this time, the plurality of through-hole-shaped first open portions 46 d provided in the second cover portion 46 b of the cover member 46 are all kept closed by the partition member 45 .

As a result, in the first stage, the first combustion chamber S1 and the second combustion chamber S2 are not communicated with each other, and the second gas generating agent 52, which has not yet started to burn, is supplied with the first gas generating agent. 51 will no longer be affected.

Next, the second igniter 42 is energized by the above-described control unit at a timing delayed by a predetermined time from the operation of the first igniter 32 described above.

As shown in FIG. 14, in the second stage in which the second igniter 42 is activated, the ignition charge filled in the ignition portion 42b of the second igniter 42 is heated by the resistor and ignited. The ignition part 42b bursts due to the combustion of the gunpowder. As a result, the second gas generating agents 52 accommodated in the second combustion chamber S2 are sequentially ignited and start burning.

Here, prior to the start of combustion of the second gas generating agent 52, the first gas generating agent 51 was previously ignited and burned, so that the disk-type gas generator 1D as a whole was already heated to a high temperature. Therefore, even if no transfer charge is provided between the ignition part 42b and the second gas generating agent 52, the combustion of the second gas generating agent 52 is started smoothly, and the second gas is generated. Combustion of the agent 52 becomes difficult to be interrupted.

At this time, pressure is applied to the cap member 47 accommodated in the second combustion chamber S2 due to the pressure increase in the second combustion chamber S2 caused by the combustion of the second gas generating agent 52. The pressure acts on the top plate portion 47a of the cap member 47 mainly in the direction along the axial direction of the housing, and the pressure acts on the peripheral plate portion 47b of the cap member 47 in the direction mainly along the radial direction of the housing. The pressure acts on

As a result, the entire cap member 47 moves toward the top plate portion 21 of the upper shell 20, and the peripheral plate portion 47b deforms so as to expand radially outward. Become. Therefore, the cap member 47 moves toward the top plate portion 21 while the portion of the peripheral plate portion 47b near the lower end is kept in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the partition member 45 along the circumferential direction.

Therefore, the portion of the peripheral plate portion 47b closer to the lower end is maintained in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the partition member 45 along the circumferential direction, thereby preventing gas from leaking out from this portion. Therefore, the partition member 45 and the cap member 47 reliably form a pressure partition, and the internal pressure of the second combustion chamber S2 can be appropriately increased, and as a result, the combustion of the second gas generating agent 52 is interrupted. will continue without

Further, with the above-described movement of the cap member 47, the cover member 46 is pushed up by the cap member 47 and moves toward the top plate portion 21 side. As a result, the cap member 47 is separated from the open end of the partition member 45 on the top plate portion 21 side. Therefore, when the cover member 46 is separated from the partition member 45, the gas passage hole 47c provided in the peripheral plate portion 47b of the cap member 47 is located at the position on the top plate portion 21 side of the partition member 45 and is located in the first combustion chamber S1. exposed to face

Here, in the present embodiment, when the movement of the cover member 46 and the cap member 47 in the second stage occurs by a predetermined amount, the movement of the cover member 46 and the cap member 47 is caused by the top plate portion 21. configured to be restricted. That is, the cover member 46 contacts the top plate portion 21 via the upper support member 62, and the cap member 47 contacts the top plate portion 21 via the cover member 46 and the upper support member 62, thereby The cover member 46 and the cap member 47 will stop.

As described above, as indicated by an arrow AR2 in the drawing, the gas generated in the second combustion chamber S2 passes through the plurality of gas passage holes 47c provided in the peripheral plate portion 47b, thereby It will be introduced into S1. At this time, the traveling direction of the gas is changed by the cover member 46 detached from the partition member 45, and the gas is mainly blown out toward the bottom plate portion 11 side of the lower shell 10. As shown in FIG.

Therefore, in the disk-type gas generator 1D according to the present embodiment, when the gas generated in the second combustion chamber S2 is introduced into the first combustion chamber S1, it is directed directly toward the inner peripheral surface of the filter 70. will no longer be sprayed. Therefore, breakage of the filter 70 can be prevented.

The gas generated in the second combustion chamber S2 and then introduced into the first combustion chamber S1 passes through the inside of the filter 70. At this time, the filter 70 removes heat and cools the gas. The contained slag is removed by the filter 70 and flows into the gas discharge chamber S3, and is then jetted out of the housing through the plurality of gas jet ports 24 (see arrow AR1).

In the above-described first and second steps, the gas ejected from the plurality of gas ejection ports 24 to the outside of the disk-shaped gas generator 1D is provided adjacent to the disk-shaped gas generator 1D. It is introduced inside the airbag to inflate and deploy the airbag.

As described above, even in the case of the disk-type gas generator 1D according to the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment described above, in the second stage when the second igniter 42 is activated, the second gas Due to the pressure increase in the second combustion chamber S2 caused by the combustion of the generating agent 52, pressure is applied to the cap member 47 accommodated in the second combustion chamber S2, and the peripheral plate portion 47b acts as a partition wall. The cap member 47 moves toward the top plate portion 21 side while being in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the member 45 along the circumferential direction.

Therefore, the axial length of the second cover portion 46b of the cover member 46 can be shortened, and the press-fit margin of the cover member 46 into the partition member 45 can be shortened as compared with the conventional art. As a result, it is possible to prevent a large force from acting on the fixing portion 45a of the partition member 45 during combustion of the second gas generating agent 52, and consequently prevent the fixing portion 45a from being damaged. In addition, as the force required to move the cover member 46 is sufficiently reduced compared to the conventional one, the force is less likely to vary between products, and as a result, the desired gas output is stabilized. can be obtained by

Therefore, by adopting the above configuration, as in the case of the above-described first embodiment, a dual-structure disk that can ensure higher reliability than the conventional one and stably obtain a desired gas output. type gas generator 1D.

Here, in the disk-type gas generator 1D according to the present embodiment, the cover member 46 is separated from the partition member 45 at the time when the movement of the cover member 46 and the cap member 47 in the second stage is stopped. Accordingly, the plurality of through-hole-shaped first open portions 46d provided in the second cover portion 46b of the cover member 46 will eventually be positioned in the first combustion chamber S1 in an exposed state. become. On the other hand, at the above time point, as the peripheral plate portion 47b of the cap member 47 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the partition member 45, the plurality of through-hole-shaped holes provided in the peripheral plate portion 47b of the cap member 47 are closed. are closed by the partition member 45 .

Therefore, as long as the disk-shaped gas generator 1D performs the above-described operation, the plurality of first openings 46d and the plurality of second openings 47d are particularly large in the flow of gas flowing inside the housing. It has no effect.

However, in general, the output characteristics of a gas generator are affected by the surrounding environment in which the gas generator is placed, particularly depending on the environmental temperature. tends to weaken. That is, in a hot environment, the gas will come out faster and stronger, and in a cold environment, the gas will come out slower and weaker. Along with this, the amount of deformation of the top plate may increase or decrease depending on the environmental temperature.

Here, in the disk-shaped gas generator 1D according to the present embodiment, as described above, the movement of the cover member 46 and the cap member 47 in the second step is restricted by the top plate portion 21. Therefore, the behavior of the cover member 46 and the cap member 47 in the second stage is mainly determined according to the degree of deformation of the top plate portion 21 that occurred in the first stage.

Therefore, for example, if the ambient temperature during operation of the disk-shaped gas generator 1D is extremely low, the amount of deformation of the top plate portion 21 becomes small, and there is a risk that the operation described above will not be reproduced.

In this respect, the disk-shaped gas generator 1D according to the present embodiment has a plurality of penetrating portions in the second cover portion 46b of the cover member 46 so that its operation is compensated even under such circumstances. A hole-shaped first opening 46d is provided. The operation under this situation will be described below. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the second stage during operation of the disk-type gas generator according to the present embodiment, and the schematic diagram shows the second stage operation state under the above conditions. ing.

As shown in FIG. 15, when the amount of deformation of the top plate portion 21 in the first stage is small, the amount of movement of the cover member 46 and the cap member 47 toward the top plate portion 21 side is correspondingly reduced. . In that case, the cover member 46 may not be sufficiently separated from the partition member 45 and a gap may not be formed between the cover member 46 and the partition member 45 .

Here, if the cover member 46 is not provided with any holes or the like, the second combustion chamber S2 is kept sealed by the cover member 46 and the partition member 45. The second combustion chamber S2 does not communicate with the second combustion chamber S2 through the plurality of gas passage holes 47c provided in the cap member 47, and the internal pressure of the second combustion chamber S2 rises more than necessary. .

However, in the disk-shaped gas generator 1D according to the present embodiment, as described above, the second cover portion 46b of the cover member 46 is provided with a plurality of through-hole-shaped first openings 46d. Even in this case, the first combustion chamber S1 and the second combustion chamber S2 communicate with each other through the plurality of first openings 46d and the plurality of gas passage holes 47c, and the internal pressure in the second combustion chamber S2 is reduced. It is possible to smoothly guide the gas generated in the second combustion chamber S2 to the first combustion chamber S1 while increasing it to a considerable degree.

It should be noted that the plurality of first openings 46d does not necessarily perform its function only when the cover member 46 is not detached from the partition member 45. For example, even though the cover member 46 is detached from the partition member 45, Even when the swash plate portion 47b1 of the cap member 47 is covered with the cover member 46, the function is exhibited.

On the other hand, for example, when the ambient temperature during operation of the disk-shaped gas generator 1D is extremely high, the total opening area of the plurality of gas passage holes 47c provided in the cap member 47 is reduced. As a result, the internal pressure of the second combustion chamber S2 may increase more than necessary.

In this regard, the disk-type gas generator 1D according to the present embodiment has a plurality of through holes in the circumferential plate portion 47b of the cap member 47 so that the operation can be compensated even under such circumstances. A shaped second opening 47d is provided. The operation under this situation will be described below. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing still another example of the second stage during operation of the disk-type gas generator according to the present embodiment, and the schematic diagram shows the second stage operation state under the above conditions. showing.

As shown in FIG. 16, when the amount of deformation of the top plate portion 21 in the first stage is large, the amount of movement of the cover member 46 and the cap member 47 toward the top plate portion 21 side also increases accordingly. . Along with this, not only the plurality of gas passage holes 47c provided in the cap member 47 but also the plurality of second openings 47d are exposed so as to face both the first combustion chamber S1 and the second combustion chamber S2. will do.

Therefore, the first combustion chamber S1 and the second combustion chamber S2 each have a channel cross-sectional area equal to the total sum of the total opening area of the plurality of gas passage holes 47c and the total opening area of the plurality of second openings 47d. As a result, it is possible to prevent the internal pressure of the second combustion chamber S2 from increasing more than necessary.

Therefore, in the disk-shaped gas generator 1D according to the present embodiment, as described above, the circumferential plate portion 47b of the cap member 47 is provided with a plurality of through-hole-shaped second opening portions 47d. Also, the first combustion chamber S1 and the second combustion chamber S2 are in communication with each other through the plurality of gas passage holes 47c and the plurality of second openings 47d, and the internal pressure in the second combustion chamber S2 is equivalent to It is possible to smoothly guide the gas generated in the second combustion chamber S2 to the first combustion chamber S1 while increasing to a certain extent.

As described above, in the disk-shaped gas generator 1D according to the present embodiment, the desired gas output can be reliably obtained during operation while eliminating as much as possible the influence of differences in environmental temperature. A disk-type gas generator 1D having a dual structure can be used.

In general, in gas generators, due to unavoidable variations in the manufacturing conditions during the production of the gas generating agent and the unavoidable difference in filling conditions when filling the housing with the gas generating agent, There may be slight variations in gas output during operation between products. In this respect, with the disk-type gas generator 1D according to the present embodiment, it is possible to effectively suppress variations in gas output due to such causes. It is possible to reliably obtain the desired gas output at

(Other forms, etc.)
In the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention and their modifications described above, in the second stage in which the second igniter is activated, after the movement of the cover member and the cap member is restricted by the top plate portion, Although the case where the plurality of gas passage holes are configured to face the cover member has been described as an example, this configuration is not necessarily required, and in the state after the restriction, the plurality of gas passage holes are arranged to face each other. The gas passage hole may be constructed so as not to face the cover member.

Further, in the above-described first to fourth embodiments of the present invention and their modifications, the first igniter and the second igniter are energized at different timings, thereby causing the second igniter to operate the first igniter. Although the explanation has been given by exemplifying the case where it is configured to operate at a timing delayed from the timing of , even if it is configured to operate at the same timing by energizing them at the same timing good. Further, even when the first igniter and the second igniter are energized at the same timing, by providing a delay charge for delaying the ignition of the ignition charge in the ignition part of the second igniter, the second igniter The time required from the energization of the igniter to the ignition of the ignition charge is extended, thereby energizing the first igniter and the second igniter at the same timing, while setting the timing of the start of combustion of the second gas generating agent to the first It may be configured to delay the timing of starting combustion of the gas generating agent.

Further, in the above-described first to fourth embodiments of the present invention and their modifications, the case where both the first combustion chamber and the second combustion chamber are filled with the gas generating agent has been described as an example. The second combustion chamber may be used as a transfer chamber, and the transfer charge may be filled in the transfer chamber. In this configuration, the second igniter is actuated to burn the transfer charge, and the combustion of the transfer charge generates a large amount of heat particles inside the transfer chamber and the transfer charge. Firebox pressure rises. As a result, the cap member and the cup member move toward the top plate portion, and the gas passage holes provided in the cap member are exposed so as to face the first combustion chamber. 1 into the combustion chamber. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, the combustion of the first gas generating agent can be accelerated by the transfer charge filled inside the partition portion composed of the partition member, the cup member, and the cap member.

Further, in the above-described first to fourth embodiments of the present invention and their modifications, the first igniter and the second igniter are assembled to the bottom plate portion of the housing through metal first and second holders, respectively. Although the description has been given by exemplifying the case where the first igniter and the second igniter are attached, both the first igniter and the second igniter may be configured to be assembled to the bottom plate portion of the housing by so-called insert molding. In that case, the disk-shaped gas generator will have a first holding part and a second holding part made of resin molded parts instead of the above-described first holder and second holder, and the first igniter and The second igniter is assembled to the bottom plate portion of the housing through the first holding portion and the second holding portion, respectively.

Specifically, the first holding part can be formed by injection molding using a mold, and the fluid resin material is poured so as to fill the space between the lower shell and the first igniter. can be provided by solidifying the More specifically, the fluid resin material described above is passed through the first opening provided in the bottom plate portion of the lower shell so as to reach from a portion of the inner surface of the bottom plate portion to a portion of the outer surface of the bottom plate portion. The first igniter is attached to the bottom plate portion of the housing through the first holding portion by attaching it to the bottom plate portion and also to the base portion of the first igniter and solidifying the fluid resin material in this state. can be assembled into

As a result, the first opening is buried by the first holding portion, and the first holding portion ensures the sealing performance of the portion, thereby ensuring the airtightness of the space inside the housing. In addition, the terminal pin of the first igniter may be configured such that a portion of the terminal pin penetrates the first holding portion and is pulled out to the outside. Further, in this case, for example, if the open end of the cup body is fitted to the first holding part and the cup body is fixed to the first holding part by press-fitting or the like, the transfer charge can be used to ignite the first igniter. It can also be placed facing the part.

Further, the second holding part can also be formed by injection molding using a mold in the same manner as the first holding part, and the fluid resin is injected so as to fill the space between the lower shell and the second igniter. It can be provided by pouring the material and allowing it to solidify. More specifically, the fluid resin material described above is passed through the second opening provided in the bottom plate portion of the lower shell so as to reach from a portion of the inner surface of the bottom plate portion to a portion of the outer surface of the bottom plate portion. The second igniter is attached to the bottom plate portion of the housing through the second holding portion by attaching it to the bottom plate portion and also to the base portion of the second igniter and solidifying the fluid resin material in this state. can be assembled into

As a result, the second opening is buried by the second holding portion, and the second holding portion ensures the sealing performance of the portion, thereby ensuring the airtightness of the space inside the housing. In addition, the terminal pin of the second igniter may be configured such that a portion of the terminal pin penetrates the second holding portion and is pulled out to the outside. Further, in this case, for example, if the open end of the substantially cylindrical partition member with a bottom is fitted to the second holding portion and the partition member is fixed to the second holding portion by press-fitting or the like, the second gas It is also possible to arrange the generant so as to face the ignition part of the second igniter.

Here, if the portion of the lower shell provided with the first opening and the second opening is projected toward the inside of the housing in a cylindrical shape, the first holding portion, the second holding portion, and the bottom plate portion By increasing the bonding area between them, it is possible to increase the bonding strength between them and secure a space for forming the female connector section inside the cylindrically bent portion of the housing.

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

In addition, the above-described injection molding is performed using the lower shell having an adhesive layer provided in advance at predetermined positions on the surface of the bottom plate portion to be covered by the first holding portion and the second holding portion. good too. The adhesive layer can be formed by applying an adhesive to a predetermined position of the bottom plate in advance and curing the adhesive.

With this arrangement, the cured adhesive layer is positioned between the bottom plate portion and the first and second holding portions, so that the first and second holding portions formed of resin molded portions are separated. It becomes possible to make it adhere to a bottom-plate part more firmly. Therefore, if the adhesive layer is annularly provided along the circumferential direction so as to surround the first opening and the second opening provided in the bottom plate portion, it is possible to ensure a higher sealing performance in this portion. can also

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

One of the first igniter and the second igniter is fixed to the housing via a metal holder, and the other of the first igniter and the second igniter is fixed to the housing via a holding portion made of a resin molded portion. may be fixed to

In addition, the bases of the first igniter assembly and the second igniter assembly are attached to the first holder and the second holder, respectively, as in the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention and their modifications. On the other hand, the first igniter assembly is configured by joining the first holder and the first igniter with the resin molded portion, and the resin molded portion is formed between the second holder and the second igniter. The second igniter assembly may be configured by joining the first holder and the second holder to the bottom plate portion by welding or the like.

Furthermore, the characteristic configurations shown in the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention and their modifications described above can be combined with each other without departing from the gist of the present invention.

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

1A, 1A1, 1A2, 1B to 1D disk-type gas generator, 10 lower shell, 11 bottom plate, 11a first opening, 11b second opening, 12 peripheral wall, 20 upper shell, 21 top plate, 22 Peripheral wall portion 23 Flange portion 24 Gas ejection port 25 Seal tape 30 First igniter assembly 31 First holder 31a Upper concave portion 31b Lower concave portion 31c Through hole 31d, 31e Crimped portion 32 First igniter 32a base portion 32b ignition portion 32c terminal pin 33 first seal member 34 cup body 34a top wall portion 34b side wall portion 34c flange portion 35 transfer chamber 36 transfer charge 40 second 2 igniter assembly 41 second holder 41a upper concave portion 41b lower concave portion 41c through hole 41d caulking portion 42 second igniter 42a base portion 42b ignition portion 42c terminal pin 43 second sealing member , 44 partition part, 45 partition member, 45a fixing part, 46 cover member, 46a first cover part, 46b second cover part, 46c third cover part, 46d first opening part, 47 cap member, 47a top plate part, 47b Peripheral plate portion 47b1 Slant plate portion 47c Gas passage hole 47d Second opening portion 51 First gas generating agent 52 Second gas generating agent 61 Lower supporting member 62 Upper supporting member 63, 64 Cushion material , 70 filter, S1 first combustion chamber, S2 second combustion chamber, S3 gas discharge chamber.

Claims (9)

a housing including a peripheral wall portion provided with a gas ejection port, a top plate portion closing one axial end of the peripheral wall portion, and a bottom plate portion closing the other axial end of the peripheral wall portion;
a cylindrical filter housed inside the housing such that the outer peripheral surface faces the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall;
It has a cup-like shape as a whole having a closed end on the top plate portion side, and is assembled to the bottom plate portion so that the space inside the filter is a first combustion chamber in which a first gas generating agent is accommodated. and a partition section for partitioning into a second combustion chamber containing the second gas generating agent;
a first igniter assembled to the bottom plate so as to face the first combustion chamber, which is a space outside the partition;
a second igniter assembled to the bottom plate so as to face the second combustion chamber, which is a space inside the partition;
The partition portion includes a cylindrical partition member having openings at both ends in the axial direction and fixed to the bottom plate portion, a cover member assembled to the partition member to constitute the closed end, and the partition. a cap member inserted into the member;
The cover member includes a first cover portion that constitutes the closed end by covering an opening of the partition member located on the top plate portion side, and a peripheral edge of the first cover portion that extends toward the bottom plate portion side. By being provided, it forms a cup-shaped shape including a second cover portion that is in close contact with a portion of the partition member near the top plate portion,
The cap member includes a top plate portion disposed between the second gas generating agent and the first cover portion, and a peripheral plate portion extending from the peripheral edge of the top plate portion toward the bottom plate portion. forming a cup-shaped shape containing
The peripheral plate portion is provided with a gas passage hole for passing the gas generated in the second combustion chamber toward the first combustion chamber,
At the time of actuation of the second igniter, at least a part of the peripheral plate portion is displaced from the inner periphery of the partition member due to the pressure increase in the second combustion chamber caused by the combustion of the second gas generating agent. When the cap member moves toward the top plate portion while being in close contact with the surface along the circumferential direction, the cover member is pushed up by the cap member and moves toward the top plate portion. As a result, the gas passage hole is exposed so as to face the first combustion chamber at a position on the top plate portion side of the partition member, and along with this, the second combustion chamber gas generated in is introduced into the first combustion chamber through the gas passage hole. The cap member is loosely fitted to the partition member in a state before the second igniter is activated,
At the time of operation of the second igniter, due to the pressure increase in the second combustion chamber, the cap member is deformed so that the peripheral plate portion expands, so that at least a part of the peripheral plate portion 2. The gas generator according to claim 1, which is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of said partition member along the circumferential direction. The cap member is lightly press-fitted into the partition member so that at least a portion of the peripheral plate portion is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the partition member in the circumferential direction before the second igniter is activated. 2. The gas generator of claim 1, wherein: 4. The gas generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein movement of said cover member and said cap member during operation of said second igniter is restricted by said top plate portion. During the actuation of the first igniter prior to the actuation of the second igniter, due to the pressure increase in the first combustion chamber caused by the combustion of the first gas generating agent, the top plate portion is positioned outside. By deforming so as to swell toward, the distance between the top plate portion and the first cover portion increases, and the increase in this distance is the cover member and the 5. The gas generator according to claim 4, configured to be included in the movement margin of the cap member. 6. The gas passage hole is configured to face the cover member in a state after movement of the cover member and the cap member is restricted by the top plate portion. The gas generator according to . The second cover portion is provided with a through-hole-shaped first open portion,
The gas generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said first opening is closed by being covered with said partition member in a state before actuation of said second igniter. The peripheral plate portion is provided with a through hole-shaped second open portion,
8. The gas generator according to claim 7, wherein said second open portion is located closer to said bottom plate portion than said gas passage hole in the axial direction of said partition member. The peripheral plate portion has a truncated conical swash plate portion whose diameter increases toward the bottom plate portion,
The gas generator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the gas passage hole is provided in the swash plate portion.

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