JP7478796B2 - Gas generator processing method and gas generator processing device - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a gas generator processing method and a gas generator processing device.

Vehicles such as automobiles are equipped with passenger protection devices to protect passengers in the event of a collision. Examples of passenger protection devices include airbag devices and seatbelt pretensioners.

An airbag device inflates an airbag using gas emitted from a gas generator. A seatbelt pretensioner takes up slack in the seatbelt using gas emitted from a gas generator.

Gas generators use a gas generating agent (pyrotechnics containing gunpowder) and are explosive. From the perspective of ensuring safety in the recycling process, when discarding a car, it is necessary to generate gas from an unused gas generator used in an airbag device or seatbelt pretensioner before disposing of the gas generator.

Patent Document 1 describes a disposal method for disposing of a gas generator. Patent Document 1 describes a method other than the same current application method as when the gas generator is mounted on a vehicle, in which the igniter is irradiated with an ignition energy ray, which may be a laser, plasma, electric beam, or arc discharge, to ignite the igniter.

Patent Document 2 describes a method for disposing of an airbag device. It describes connecting a forced activation power supply circuit to a pair of lead wires of an inflator that is configured by connecting a pair of lead wires.

JP 2000-142306 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 09-076855

When disposing of unused gas generators, there is a need to efficiently process the gas generated from the gas generator.

This disclosure provides a method for disposing of a gas generator that efficiently generates gas from an unused gas generator when the gas generator is disposed of.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for treating a gas generator, the method including a step of irradiating radio waves to a single lead wire of an unused gas generator that has a single lead wire that supplies power to an ignition part used when burning a gas generating agent, the single lead wire being supplied with power from a power source when burning the gas generating agent, the ignition part being ignited by power generated in the single lead wire by the radio waves, the gas generating agent being burned, and gas being released from the gas generator.

The gas generator processing method disclosed herein allows for efficient processing to generate gas from unused gas generators when disposing of the gas generators.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a gas generator processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view of an example of a gas generator treated by the gas generator treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of one example of a gas generator treated by the gas generator treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the configuration of a gas pressure relaxation section of the gas generator processing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a view for explaining the operation of the gas pressure relaxation section of the gas generator processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a view for explaining the operation of the gas pressure relaxation section of the gas generator processing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the processing in the gas generator processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a view for explaining irradiation of radio waves to the lead wires of the gas generator in the gas generator treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a gas generator processing device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a view for explaining the configuration of a gas pressure relaxation section of a gas generator processing device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a view for explaining the operation of the gas pressure relaxation section of the gas generator processing device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a view for explaining the operation of the gas pressure relaxation part of the gas generator processing device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a gas generator processing device according to the third embodiment.

The gas generator processing method and gas generator processing device according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment
<Gas generator treatment device 1>
1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a gas generator processing device 1 according to a first embodiment. The gas generator processing device 1 is a processing device for a gas generator that generates gas to inflate an airbag used in an automobile, for example. The gas generator processed by the gas generator processing device 1 is an unused gas generator.

[Gas generator 100]
First, a gas generator 100 to be treated by the gas generator treatment device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 2 is a side view of the gas generator 100 which is an example of a gas generator to be treated by the gas generator treatment device 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the gas generator 100 which is an example of a gas generator to be treated by the gas generator treatment device 1 according to the first embodiment.

The gas generator 100 is a gas generator used, for example, to deploy an airbag installed in the passenger seat of an automobile. The gas generator 100 has a cylindrical housing 102. The housing 102 has a plurality of through holes 102h. Gas is ejected from each of the plurality of through holes 102h. The airbag is inflated by the gas ejected from each of the plurality of through holes 102h. The gas generator 100 is also called an inflator.

The gas generator 100 is equipped with lead wires 101p and 101n to input a command to generate gas from a higher-level device. The lead wires 101p and 101n are connected to an ignition unit 110, which will be described later. Specifically, the gas generator 100 generates gas when a predetermined amount of power is input between the lead wires 101p and 101n. The lead wires 101p and 101n are each covered with an insulator during normal use.

For example, when an automobile's ECU (Electronic Control Unit) detects a collision, it supplies a predetermined amount of power to the gas generator 100. Specifically, when the ECU detects a collision, it supplies a predetermined amount of power between lead wire 101p and lead wire 101n of the gas generator 100. To supply the predetermined amount of power to the gas generator 100, for example, a 12-volt DC power supply is used. When the ECU supplies a predetermined amount of power between lead wire 101p and lead wire 101n, the gas generator 100 generates gas.

When a vehicle is to be disposed of, the gas generator 100 may be removed from the vehicle to be disposed of and the removed gas generator 100 may be disposed of separately. In the case of the gas generator 100 being an electric gas generator, the lead wires 101p and 101n of the removed gas generator 100 are short-circuited to prevent unexpected gas generation during handling. The coating is stripped from the end 101pe of the lead wire 101p of the gas generator 100 and the end 101ne of the lead wire 101n. Then, the end 101pe and the end 101ne are twisted together and short-circuited.

The gas generator 100 includes an ignition unit 110, an ignition agent 120, and a gas generating agent 130 inside the housing 102. Each element that constitutes the gas generator 100 will be described below.

(Ignition unit 110)
The ignition unit 110 ignites based on an electric signal supplied via the lead wire 101p and the lead wire 101n. The ignition unit 110 ignites, for example, when a predetermined electric power is supplied between the lead wire 101p and the lead wire 101n. The ignition unit 110 is also called, for example, a squib or an initiator. When the ignition unit 110 ignites, the ignition agent 120 ignites. The lead wire 101p and the lead wire 101n may be directly connected to the ignition unit 110 by soldering or the like, or may be connected using a connector or the like.

(Ignition agent 120)
The ignition agent 120 ignites when the ignition unit 110 ignites, and increases energy to combust the gas generating agent 130. The ignition agent 120 is also referred to as, for example, an enhancer.

(Gas Generating Agent 130)
The gas generating agent 130 is a pyrotechnic material containing gunpowder. It is ignited by the ignition agent 120 and burns to generate gas. The gas generated by the combustion of the gas generating agent 130 is discharged to the outside of the housing 102 through the through-hole 102h of the housing 102. The gas discharged to the outside of the housing 102 inflates the airbag.

In this disclosure, the gas generator 100 used in a passenger airbag will be described, but the gas generator processing method and the gas generator processed by the gas generator processing device according to this embodiment are not limited to gas generators used in passenger airbags. The gas generator processing method and the gas generator processed by the gas generator processing device according to this embodiment may be a gas generator used in various airbags, such as a driver's airbag, a rear seat airbag, and a pedestrian airbag.

In addition, the gas generator to be treated by the gas generator treatment method and gas generator treatment device according to this embodiment is not limited to that for airbags, and may be, for example, a gas generator for a seatbelt pretensioner. Furthermore, the gas generator to be treated by the gas generator treatment method and gas generator treatment device according to this embodiment is not limited to that for automobiles. For example, a gas generator used for generating smoke for crime prevention or deploying a parachute, etc. may be treated by the gas generator treatment method and gas generator treatment device according to this embodiment.

[Details of gas generator treatment device 1]
The gas generator processing apparatus 1 irradiates the unused gas generator 100 described above with radio waves, more specifically microwaves, to generate and process gas from the gas generator 100 in a non-contact manner.

Specifically, the gas generator treatment device 1 irradiates radio waves to the lead wires 101p and 101n connected to the ignition unit 110 of the gas generator 100. The ignition unit 110 of the gas generator 100 is ignited by the electric power generated between the lead wires 101p and 101n by the irradiated radio waves. The gas generator treatment device 1 treats the gas generator 100 by igniting the ignition unit 110 of the gas generator 100 and causing the gas generator 100 to generate gas. Note that, hereinafter, the gas generated by the gas generator 100 may be referred to as the treated gas.

The gas generator processing device 1 comprises an expansion processing section 10, an electric wave irradiation section 20, a storage section 30, and a gas pressure relief section 40. Each element constituting the gas generator processing device 1 will be described below.

(Expansion Processing Unit 10)
The expansion processing section 10 accommodates the gas generator 100 in an internal space 10s inside so as to be isolated from the outside of the gas generator processing apparatus 1. In the following, an unused gas generator 100 may be referred to as a gas generator 100a. Also, a processed gas generator 100 that has generated gas may be referred to as a gas generator 100n.

Gas generator 100a housed inside expansion processing unit 10 is irradiated with radio waves from radio wave irradiation unit 20 attached to expansion processing unit 10. When irradiated with radio waves, gas generator 100a generates gas due to the power generated between lead wire 101p and lead wire 101n by the irradiated radio waves. When unused gas generator 100a generates gas, it becomes processed gas generator 100n.

The unpacking processing unit 10 includes a housing 11, a door 12, and a shutter 13. The unpacking processing unit 10 is generally rectangular in shape. That is, the combination of the housing 11, the door 12, and the shutter 13 forms the unpacking processing unit 10 in a generally rectangular shape. The unpacking processing unit 10 has an internal space 10s surrounded by the housing 11, the door 12, and the shutter 13.

The expansion processing section 10 is provided with a door 12 for carrying an unused gas generator 100a into the internal space 10s. When processing an unused gas generator 100a in the gas generator processing device 1, the door 12 is opened and the gas generator 100a is carried into the internal space 10s of the expansion processing section 10. Then, before irradiating radio waves from the radio wave irradiation section 20 in the gas generator processing device 1, the door 12 is closed.

The expansion processing section 10 is provided with a shutter 13 between it and the storage section 30. The shutter 13 can be opened and closed. When the shutter 13 is opened, the gas generator 100 placed on the shutter 13 moves while dropping into the storage section 30. Then, the shutter 13 is closed, and the next gas generator 100 to be processed is placed on the shutter 13.

The unfolding processing unit 10 has an intake port 14 for taking in air from the outside. The intake port 14 may have a check valve to prevent air and gas from flowing out of the inside of the unfolding processing unit 10 through the intake port 14. A waveguide 20a through which radio waves from the radio wave irradiation unit 20 propagate is inserted into the intake port 14. That is, the intake port 14 is provided around the waveguide 20a for introducing radio waves from the radio wave irradiation unit 20 into the internal space 10s. By providing the intake port 14 around the waveguide 20a, contamination of the radio wave irradiation unit 20 and the waveguide 20a by the processing gas can be suppressed.

In addition, in the deployment processing unit 10, the waveguide 20a of the radio wave irradiation unit 20 is inserted into the intake port 14, and air from the outside flows between the intake port 14 and the waveguide 20a, but air from the outside may be taken in by passing the air from the outside into the inside of the waveguide 20a. For example, multiple holes may be provided in the waveguide 20a, and air from the outside may pass through the multiple holes into the inside of the waveguide 20a. Also, the intake port 14 may be used as a waveguide through which radio waves from the radio wave irradiation unit 20 propagate.

The unfolding processing section 10 also includes an exhaust port 15 for exhausting the air in the internal space 10s, and an exhaust pipe 16. The exhaust port 15 may have a lattice formed therein to allow air and processing gas to pass through while blocking radio waves. The spacing of the lattice is determined based on the wavelength of the radio waves so as to block the radio waves. The exhaust pipe 16 directs the air and processing gas flowing out of the exhaust port 15 to the storage section 30.

The air and processing gas inside the gas generator processing device 1 are exhausted from the gas exhaust port 31 of the storage section 30 through the exhaust piping 16 from the deployment processing section 10. Therefore, in the deployment processing section 10, the air taken in through the intake port 14 mixes with the processing gas generated from the gas generator 100a, flows through the exhaust port 15 and exhaust piping 16 to the storage section 30, and is exhausted from the gas exhaust port 31.

In the above description, the unfolding processing unit 10 is provided with a shutter 13, but the shutter 13 may be provided in the storage unit 30 described below, or may be provided separately from the unfolding processing unit 10 and the storage unit 30.

(Radio wave irradiation unit 20)
The radio wave irradiation unit 20 irradiates radio waves to the gas generator 100. The radio wave irradiation unit 20 includes, for example, a magnetron. The radio waves generated by the radio wave irradiation unit 20 pass through a waveguide 20a and are irradiated into the internal space 10s. The radio wave irradiation unit 20 irradiates, for example, microwaves with a frequency of 2.45 gigahertz. The output of the radio waves irradiated by the radio wave irradiation unit 20 is, for example, 100 to 1000 watts. The radio wave irradiation unit 20 irradiates radio waves in a range that irradiates the lead wires 101p and 101n of the gas generator 100.

The frequency range of the radio waves irradiated by the radio wave irradiation unit 20 is not limited to the frequency range of microwaves, and may be, for example, a frequency lower than the frequency range of microwaves, as long as the power generated between the lead wires 101p and 101n is sufficiently large.

(Storage section 30)
The storage unit 30 stores the gas generators 100n processed in the development processing unit 10. The storage unit 30 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The storage unit 30 has a storage space 30s therein. The storage unit 30 is equipped with a gas exhaust port 31. A gas processing device may be connected to the gas exhaust port 31, for example. Also, a blower may be connected to the gas exhaust port 31. By connecting the blower to the gas exhaust port 31, the internal space 10s and the storage space 30s may be put under negative pressure.

When the shutter 13 is opened, the gas generator 100n that has been processed in the expansion processing section 10 drops and moves into the storage section 30. The processed gas generator 100n becomes hot when it generates gas. Therefore, the processed gas generator 100n is stored in the storage section 30 to cool the gas generator 100n. For example, when storing in the storage section 30, a cooling device that blows cooled gas may be provided to shorten the storage period.

In addition, by having a storage space 30s, the storage unit 30 can relieve the pressure when processing gas is generated in the development processing unit 10. When gas is suddenly generated from the gas generator 100a, the pressure in the internal space 10s of the development processing unit 10 increases. Since the internal space 10s of the development processing unit 10 and the storage space 30s of the storage unit 30 are connected via the exhaust port 15 and exhaust piping 16, the pressure generated by the gas generator 100a in the development processing unit 10 can be relieved by the internal space 10s and the storage space 30s. Furthermore, as described below, the pressure generated by the gas generator 100a in the development processing unit 10 is relieved by the gas pressure relief unit 40.

(Gas pressure relief portion 40)
The gas pressure relief section 40 relieves the pressure rise in the internal space 10s and the storage space 30s caused by the gas generated by the gas generator 100a in the deployment processing section 10. That is, the gas pressure relief section 40 relieves the pressure caused by the processing gas generated from the gas generator 100a. The configuration of the gas pressure relief section 40 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the gas pressure relief section 40 of the gas generator processing device 1 according to the first embodiment. The gas pressure relief section 40 includes a housing 41, a gas pressure relief bag 42, a hanging string 43, and a hanging metal fitting 44.

The housing 41 has a ceiling portion 41t, a bottom portion 41b, and a side portion 41f. The housing 41 has a gas inlet 41h at the bottom portion 41b. That is, the housing 41 has a cylindrical shape with an opening at the bottom portion 41b. The gas inlet 41h is connected to the storage space 30s of the storage section 30. The housing 41 has a tube portion 41d at the bottom portion 41b that forms the gas inlet 41h. A gas pressure relief bag 42 is attached to the tube portion 41d. After the gas pressure relief bag 42 is attached to the tube portion 41d, it is fixed by a tightening band or the like.

The gas pressure relief unit 40 includes a gas pressure relief bag 42 inside the housing 41. The gas pressure relief bag 42 is a bag with an opening at the mouth 42m. The gas pressure relief bag 42 is formed so that air and processing gas cannot pass through it or it is almost impossible for them to pass through it. The bottom part (bottom 42b) of the gas pressure relief bag 42 is suspended by a hoisting string 43 from a hoisting fitting 44 provided on the ceiling 41t. The mouth 42m of the gas pressure relief bag 42 is attached to the tube portion 41d of the housing 41. The gas pressure relief bag 42 is formed from, for example, polyamide or the like.

Next, the operation of the gas pressure relief unit 40 will be described. Figures 5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the gas pressure relief unit 40 of the gas generator processing device 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 shows a state in which gas is generated from the gas generator 100, and the pressure inside the internal space 10s and the storage space 30s increases via the exhaust pipe 16. Figure 6 shows a state in which the pressure inside the internal space 10s and the storage space 30s has decreased after time has passed since gas was generated from the gas generator 100.

Under normal conditions, the gas pressure relaxation bag 42 is in a deflated state as shown in FIG. 4. When radio waves are irradiated from the radio wave irradiation unit 20 and gas is generated from the gas generator 100, the pressure inside the internal space 10s of the deployment processing unit 10 and the storage space 30s of the storage unit 30 increases. When the pressure inside the internal space 10s and the storage space 30s increases, pressurized air and processing gas flow into the gas pressure relaxation bag 42 from the storage space 30s as shown by arrow A1 in FIG. 5. The inflowing pressurized air and processing gas inflate the gas pressure relaxation bag 42 as shown by arrow A2.

When gas is discharged from the gas exhaust port 31 of the storage section 30, the pressure in the internal space 10s and the storage space 30s gradually decreases. When the pressure in the internal space 10s and the storage space 30s decreases, the gas pressure relief bag 42 gradually deflates as shown by the arrow A3 in FIG. 6.

In this way, the gas pressure relief bag 42 expands and contracts, thereby mitigating the increase in pressure in the internal space 10s and storage space 30s when gas is generated from the gas generator 100.

In addition, if the internal volume of the internal space 10s and the storage space 30s is sufficiently large and the increase in the internal pressure of the internal space 10s and the storage space 30s is within an acceptable range even when gas is generated from the gas generator 100, the gas pressure relief section 40 does not need to be provided.

[Processing details of gas generator processing device 1]
Next, a description will be given of the processing in the gas generator processing apparatus 1, i.e., a method for processing a gas generator. Fig. 7 is a flow chart for explaining the processing (steps) in the gas generator processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

The following explanation will be given for the case where multiple gas generators 100a are processed. Note that in each processing, one gas generator 100a is brought into the expansion processing section 10 and processed.

First, the worker opens the door 12 of the deployment processing unit 10 (step S10). Then, the worker carries an unused gas generator 100a into the deployment processing unit 10 (step S20). The unused gas generator 100a is placed on the shutter 13 of the deployment processing unit 10. Then, the worker closes the door 12 of the deployment processing unit 10 (step S30). Note that one gas generator 100a is carried into the deployment processing unit 10.

By closing the door 12, the gas generator 100a is placed inside the gas generator processing device 1. Therefore, by shielding the gas generator 100a from the outside of the gas generator processing device 1, the safety of workers and others is ensured even if gas is generated from the gas generator 100a.

In the above description, steps S10, S20, and S30 are performed by an operator, but for example, steps S10, S20, and S30 may be performed automatically by a robot or the like.

Next, the operator operates the radio wave irradiation unit 20 to irradiate radio waves to the gas generator 100a. When the operator operates the radio wave irradiation unit 20 to irradiate radio waves, the radio wave irradiation unit 20 irradiates radio waves toward the gas generator 100a for a certain period of time, for example, 3 seconds (step S40).

For example, when a magnetron is used as the radio wave irradiation unit 20, power is supplied from a power source to the magnetron for a certain period of time. When power is supplied to the magnetron, microwaves are irradiated from the magnetron toward the gas generator 100a while power is being supplied.

When radio waves are emitted from the radio wave emission unit 20, power is generated between the lead wires 101p and 101n, igniting the ignition unit 110 and generating gas from the gas generator 100a. When gas is generated from the gas generator 100a, sound (the sound of gas being generated) is generated by the ignition of the ignition agent 120 and the combustion of the gas generating agent 130. The worker confirms that gas has been generated from the gas generator 100a by checking the sound of gas generation (step S50). In other words, the worker confirms that the processing of the gas generator 100a has been completed.

If the operator cannot confirm the sound of gas generation (No in step S50), he or she determines that gas has not been generated from the gas generator 100a and proceeds to step S90. If the operator confirms the sound of gas generation (Yes in step S50), he or she determines that gas has been generated from the gas generator 100a and that processing of the gas generator 100a has ended.

Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the irradiation of radio waves to the lead wires 101p and 101n of the gas generator 100 in the gas generator processing device 1 according to the first embodiment. When radio waves W are irradiated from the radio wave irradiation unit 20 toward the gas generator 100, an induced current Iw is generated in the lead wires 101p and 101n of the gas generator 100. The generation of the induced current Iw generates power between the lead wires 101p and 101n. The power generated between the lead wires 101p and 101n ignites the ignition unit 110, generating gas G. The generated gas G is ejected from the through hole 102h of the housing 102.

When the gas generator 100 is removed from the vehicle for disposal, the lead wires 101p and 101n are shorted to prevent accidental gas generation. By shorting the lead wires 101p and 101n, the lead wires 101p and 101n form a loop antenna LPA. By forming the loop antenna LPA with the lead wires 101p and 101n, the radio waves W from the radio wave irradiation unit 20 can be efficiently converted into power for ignition.

The length of each of lead wire 101p and lead wire 101n is preferably at least one-quarter of the wavelength of the irradiated radio waves. For example, if the radio waves are microwaves with a wavelength of 12 centimeters, the length of each of lead wire 101p and lead wire 101n is preferably at least 3 centimeters. Furthermore, lead wire 101p and lead wire 101n do not need to be short-circuited. Furthermore, only one of lead wire 101p and lead wire 101n may be used.

When the operator confirms the sound of gas generation in step S50 (Yes in step S50), he or she opens and closes the shutter 13 (step S60). When the shutter 13 is opened, the treated gas generator 100n placed on the shutter 13 moves while dropping into the storage section 30. After the gas generator 100n has dropped, the shutter 13 is closed.

The worker then determines whether processing of all gas generators 100a has been completed (step S70). For example, if multiple gas generators 100a are to be processed for each lot, the worker determines whether processing of all gas generators 100a to be processed has been completed. If processing of all gas generators 100a has not been completed (No in step S70), the worker returns to step S10 and repeats the process.

When processing of all gas generators 100a has been completed (Yes in step S70), the worker removes the processed gas generator 100n from an unillustrated removal port of the storage unit 30 (step S80). When removing the gas generator 100n stored in the storage unit 30, it is desirable to remove the gas generator 100n after it has been sufficiently cooled. In addition, the gas generator 100n may be removed from the storage unit 30 when a predetermined number of gas generators 100n have been accumulated.

On the other hand, if the sound of gas generation cannot be confirmed in step S50 (No in step S50), the worker opens the door 12 of the deployment processing unit 10 (step S90). The worker then removes the gas generator 100a that did not generate gas from the deployment processing unit 10 (step S100). The worker then closes the door 12 of the deployment processing unit 10 (step S110). The process then ends. If there are still gas generators 100a remaining to be processed, the process may be restarted and the process may proceed to step S10, or if there are only a few gas generators 100a remaining to be processed, the work may be terminated and the cause of the non-generation of gas may be investigated.

Possible reasons why gas may not be emitted from the gas generator 100a despite the emission of radio waves from the radio wave emission unit 20 include, for example, faulty wiring, poor contact of the connector, faulty ignition unit, faulty ignition agent or gas generating agent, or the gas generator having already generated gas (used). Therefore, if the sound of gas generation is not confirmed in step S50, the target gas generator 100a is removed and the cause of the failure to generate gas is investigated.

When the reason why gas was not generated from the gas generator 100a is identified, for example, due to faulty wiring or poor contact in the connector, the wiring may be corrected and the process may be repeated by returning to step S10, or a different method may be used.

In the above description, each step was performed by an operator, but a control unit may be provided in the gas generator processing device 1 to perform the processing automatically. Also, in the above description, one gas generator 100a was brought into the expansion processing unit 10 for processing in one processing run, but multiple gas generators 100a may be brought into the expansion processing unit 10 for processing.

<Action and Effects>
According to the processing method for a gas generator 100 and the gas generator processing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, the gas generator 100 can be processed without contacting it, i.e., non-contact, so that the processing for generating gas from the gas generator 100 can be performed efficiently.

For example, when electricity is applied to the gas generator 100 to generate gas, wiring and removal of the wiring are required. In addition, when removing the wiring, the processing must be performed after exhausting the processing gas and cooling the gas generator 100.

According to the processing method for the gas generator 100 and the gas generator processing device 1 of the first embodiment, processing can be performed without wiring. Furthermore, according to the processing method for the gas generator 100 and the gas generator processing device 1 of the first embodiment, exhausting of the processing gas and cooling of the gas generator 100 can be performed in parallel with the gas generation processing. Therefore, according to the processing method for the gas generator 100 and the gas generator processing device 1 of the first embodiment, when disposing of an unused gas generator, processing to generate gas from the gas generator can be performed efficiently.

In addition, according to the gas generator 100 processing method and gas generator processing device 1 of the first embodiment, the process of generating gas from the gas generator 100 can be performed with less energy.

For example, if the gas generator 100 is heated to generate gas, a large furnace is required, and the entire gas generator 100 must be heated to, for example, 400°C or higher. According to the gas generator 100 processing method and gas generator processing device 1 of the first embodiment, gas can be generated by irradiating the lead wires 101p and 101n with radio waves, thereby reducing energy consumption.

Furthermore, according to the gas generator 100 processing method and gas generator processing device 1 of the first embodiment, the processing equipment for generating gas from the gas generator 100 can be simplified.

For example, when attempting to irradiate the ignition unit 110 or the ignition agent 120 of the gas generator 100 with a laser or the like as described in Patent Document 1, the laser or the like must be pinpoint-irradiated to the ignition unit 110 or the ignition agent 120 of the gas generator. Therefore, the gas generator 100 must be positioned with high precision relative to the irradiation device for the laser or the like. According to the processing method for the gas generator 100 and the gas generator processing device 1 of the first embodiment, the gas generator 100 can be processed without precise positioning by irradiating radio waves from the radio wave irradiation unit 20 over a relatively wide range. Therefore, according to the processing method for the gas generator 100 and the gas generator processing device 1 of the first embodiment, the radio waves can be irradiated over a wide range from the radio wave irradiation unit 20, which simplifies the installation and the work of fixing the gas generator 100.

Furthermore, according to the method for processing the gas generator 100 and the gas generator processing device 1 of the first embodiment, the entire process of disposing of the gas generator 100 can be simplified. When the gas generator 100 is removed from the vehicle and disposed of, the lead wires 101p and 101n are short-circuited to prevent accidental gas generation. Therefore, according to the method for processing the gas generator 100 and the gas generator processing device 1 of the first embodiment, the gas generator 100 that has been brought in can be processed to generate gas in the form in which it was brought in, so that the entire process of disposal, such as the wiring and opening work, can be simplified.

Note that either lead wire 101p or lead wire 101n is an example of a first lead wire, and the other of lead wire 101p and lead wire 101n is an example of a second lead wire.

Second Embodiment
<Gas generator treatment device 2>
In the gas generator processing device 1 according to the first embodiment, the gas pressure relief section 40 relieves pressure, but the gas pressure relief section 40 may also perform a process of removing impurities and the like contained in the processing gas. The gas generator processing device 2 according to the second embodiment is provided with a gas pressure relief section 140 that also removes impurities and the like contained in the processing gas, instead of the gas pressure relief section 40 of the gas generator processing device 1. Moreover, the gas generator processing device 2 according to the second embodiment is provided with a storage section 35, instead of the storage section 30 of the gas generator processing device 1. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the gas generator processing device 2 according to the second embodiment.

The storage section 35 differs from the storage section 30 in that it does not have a gas exhaust port 31. In the gas generator processing device 2, the processing gas, etc. are exhausted from the gas exhaust port 141h1 of the gas pressure relief section 140.

The configuration of the gas pressure relief unit 140 will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the gas pressure relief unit 140 of the gas generator processing device 2 according to the second embodiment. The gas pressure relief unit 140 includes a housing 141, a filter 142, a hanging string 143, and a hanging bracket 144.

The housing 141 has a ceiling portion 141t, a bottom portion 141b, and a side portion 141f. The housing 141 has a gas exhaust port 141h1 on the side portion 141f. The housing 141 also has a gas intake port 141h2 on the bottom portion 141b. That is, the housing 141 has a cylindrical shape with an opening on the bottom portion 141b. The gas intake port 141h2 is connected to the storage space 30s of the storage portion 30. Therefore, the processing gas generated in the development processing portion 10 passes through the internal space 10s and the exhaust piping 16, passes through the storage space 35s, enters the gas pressure relaxation portion 140 from the gas intake port 141h2 of the gas pressure relaxation portion 140, and is exhausted from the gas exhaust port 141h1.

The gas pressure relief unit 140 includes a filter 142 inside a housing 141. The filter 142 captures impurities contained in the processing gas and filters the gas. The filter 142 is formed, for example, from polyamide. The filter 142 is made, for example, from woven or nonwoven fabric in order to capture impurities and filter the gas. The filter 142 has a bag-like shape with a mouth portion 142m that is open at one end.

The bottom part of the bag of the filter 142 (bottom part 142b) is hung by a hanging string 143 from a hanging bracket 144 attached to the ceiling part 141t. The mouth part 142m of the filter 142 is fixed to the bottom part 141b of the housing 141. The housing 141 has a cylindrical part 141d at the bottom part 141b, which forms the gas intake port 141h2. The filter 142 is attached to the cylindrical part 141d. After being attached to the cylindrical part 141d, the filter 142 is fixed by a tightening band or the like.

Next, the operation of the gas pressure relief unit 140 will be described. Figures 11 and 12 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the gas pressure relief unit 140 of the gas generator processing device 2 according to the second embodiment. Figure 11 shows a state in which gas is generated from the gas generator 100, and the pressure inside the internal space 10s and the storage space 35s increases via the exhaust pipe 16. Figure 12 shows a state in which the pressure inside the internal space 10s and the storage space 35s has decreased after time has passed since gas was generated from the gas generator 100.

When the gas generator 100 generates gas by irradiating radio waves from the radio wave irradiation unit 20, the pressure inside the internal space 10s of the expansion processing unit 10 and the storage space 35s of the storage unit 35 increases. When the pressure inside the internal space 10s and the storage space 35s increases, the filter 142 expands as pressurized air and processing gas flow in from the storage space 35s, as shown by arrow A11, as shown in FIG. 11. The filter 142 then captures impurities P contained in the pressurized air and processing gas from the storage space 35s. Meanwhile, the gas passes through the filter 142 as shown by arrow A12. That is, the filter 142 filters the gas. The gas filtered and purified by the filter 142 is discharged from the gas exhaust port 141h1, as shown by arrow A13.

When gas is exhausted from the gas exhaust port 141h1, the pressure in the internal space 10s and the storage space 35s gradually decreases. When the pressure in the internal space 10s and the storage space 35s decreases, the filter 142 gradually shrinks as shown by the arrow A14 in FIG. 12. When the filter 142 shrinks, the impurities P that have been attached to the inside of the filter 142 peel off from the filter 142 and fall off as shown by the arrow A15. This prevents the filter 142 from becoming clogged.

<Action and Effects>
The processing method for the gas generator 100 and the gas generator processing device 2 according to the second embodiment have the same actions and effects as the processing method for the gas generator 100 and the gas generator processing device 1 according to the first embodiment. Moreover, the processing method for the gas generator 100 and the gas generator processing device 2 according to the second embodiment can remove impurities and the like contained in the processing gas by the gas pressure relaxation portion 140.

Third Embodiment
<Gas generator treatment device 3>
13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a gas generator processing device 3 according to the third embodiment. The gas generator processing device 3 is a processing device for a gas generator that generates gas to inflate an airbag used in an automobile, for example. The gas generator processed by the gas generator processing device 3 is an unused gas generator.

The gas generator processing device 3 irradiates radio waves, more specifically microwaves, to the unused gas generator 100a described above, generating gas from the gas generator 100a and processing it.

The gas generator processing device 3 includes an expansion processing section 210, an electric wave irradiation section 220, a storage section 230, and a gas pressure relief section 240. Note that the electric wave irradiation section 220 and the gas pressure relief section 240 are configured similarly to the electric wave irradiation section 20 and the gas pressure relief section 40 of the gas generator processing device 1 according to the first embodiment, respectively, and therefore will not be described here.

(Expansion Processing Unit 210)
The development processing unit 210 receives an unprocessed gas generator 100a, processes the gas to generate gas, and carries out a processed gas generator 100n. The development processing unit 210 is cylindrical and has a plurality of processing chambers 211 separated in the circumferential direction. The plurality of processing chambers 211 are arranged on the circumference. The gas generator processing device 3 includes eight processing chambers 211. The development processing unit 210 rotates in the direction of arrow R about the central axis of the cylinder. The development processing unit 210 accommodates the gas generator 100a by the processing chambers 211.

The processing chamber 211 has a side wall 211S1 and a side wall 211S2 that separate adjacent processing chambers 211 in the circumferential direction. Each of the side wall 211S1 and the side wall 211S2 is formed of a plate that does not allow processing gas to pass through. The bottom wall 211S3 is provided on the center side of the processing chamber 211. The bottom wall 211S3 is formed, for example, of a plate having a plurality of through holes, and is formed so that the processing gas can pass through. The outside of the processing chamber 211 is an opening 211H. The processing chamber 211 houses the gas generator 100a.

The expansion processing section 210 has a flow path 212 at its center. The flow path 212 is formed so that gas flows in from the bottom wall 211S3 of each of the processing chambers 211 and flows out to the gas pressure relief section 240.

The unfolding processing unit 210 also has an outer wall 213 on the outside. The outer wall 213 is fixed and does not rotate. The outer wall 213 is formed of a plate that is permeable to radio waves but not to gas. The radio wave irradiation unit 220 irradiates radio waves from outside the outer wall 213 to a specific processing chamber 211 (third processing chamber 211c).

The function of the processing chamber 211 differs depending on its position in the rotational direction. Here, the first processing chamber 211a, second processing chamber 211b, third processing chamber 211c, fourth processing chamber 211d, and fifth processing chamber 211e related to the processing of the gas generator 100 will be described. Note that the names are determined by the position in the development processing section 210.

(First Processing Chamber 211a)
The gas generator 100a to be treated is carried into the first treatment chamber 211a from an opening 211H. The first treatment chamber 211a is located at the top of the development processing section 210. In other words, the first treatment chamber 211a is a treatment chamber located at the upper side within the treatment chamber 211. The gas generator 100a to be treated is carried into the first treatment chamber 211a from above the first treatment chamber 211a.

(Second Processing Chamber 211b)
The second treatment chamber 211b transports the carried-in gas generator 100a to a position where the radio waves are irradiated (third treatment chamber 211c).

(Third Processing Chamber 211c)
In the third processing chamber 211c, the gas generator 100a to be processed is irradiated with radio waves. A radio wave irradiator 220 is provided outside the third processing chamber 211c. The radio wave irradiator 220 irradiates radio waves W to the gas generator 100a held inside the third processing chamber 211c. When the gas generator 100a is irradiated with radio waves W, gas G is generated from the gas generator 100a. The generated gas G flows out to the flow path 212 side.

(Fourth Processing Chamber 211d)
The fourth processing chamber 211d transports the gas generator 100n while recovering the treated gas from the gas generator 100n. The gas G generated from the gas generator 100n flows out to the flow path 212 side.

(Fifth Processing Chamber 211e)
In the fifth processing chamber 211e, the processed gas generator 100n is dropped and moved from an opening 211H to a storage section 230. The fifth processing chamber 211e is located at the bottom of the development processing section 210. In other words, the fifth processing chamber 211e is a processing chamber located at the bottom among the processing chambers 211. The gas G generated from the gas generator 100n flows out to the flow path 212 side.

(Storage section 230)
The storage unit 230 stores the gas generator 100n that has been processed in the deployment processing unit 210. The storage unit 230 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open top. The storage unit 230 has a storage space 230s therein.

The treated gas generator 100n becomes hot when generating gas. Therefore, the treated gas generator 100n is stored in the storage section 230 to cool the gas generator 100n.

<Action and Effects>
The method for treating a gas generator 100 and the gas generator treating apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment have the same actions and effects as the method for treating a gas generator 100 and the gas generator treating apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Moreover, the method for treating a gas generator 100 and the gas generator treating apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment can treat the gas generators 100 continuously.

The first processing chamber 211a is an example of an input processing chamber, and the fifth processing chamber 211e is an example of an output processing chamber.

The gas generator processing method and gas generator processing device have been described above using embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications and improvements, such as combinations or substitutions with part or all of other embodiments, are possible within the scope of the present invention.

1, 2 Gas generator treatment device 10, 210 Expansion treatment device 10s Internal space 20, 220 Radio wave irradiation device 30, 35, 230 Storage device 30s, 35s, 230s Storage space 40, 140, 240 Gas pressure relaxation device 100, 100a, 100n Gas generator 101n, 101p Lead wire 110 Ignition device 120 Ignition agent 130 Gas generating agent 211 Treatment chamber 211a First treatment chamber 211e Fifth treatment chamber

Claims (11)

The method includes a step of irradiating an electric wave to a single lead wire of an unused gas generator, the single lead wire being provided to supply power to an ignition unit used for burning a gas generating agent,
The one lead wire is supplied with power from a power source when the gas generating agent is combusted,
the ignition unit is ignited by the electric power generated in the one lead wire by the radio wave, and the gas generating agent is burned to release the gas from the gas generator.
How to dispose of a gas generator. The gas generator includes a step of irradiating radio waves to two lead wires of an unused gas generator, the two lead wires being provided with the two lead wires for supplying power to an ignition unit used for burning a gas generating agent,
Each of the two lead wires is supplied with power from a power source when the gas generating agent is burned;
the ignition unit is ignited by electric power generated in at least one of the two lead wires by the radio waves, and the gas generating agent is burned to release gas from the gas generator.
How to dispose of a gas generator. The two leads are shorted together.
A method for treating a gas generator according to claim 2 . The radio waves are microwaves.
A method for treating a gas generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . an electric wave irradiation unit that irradiates electric waves to one lead wire of an unused gas generator that has the one lead wire and supplies power to an ignition unit used when burning a gas generating agent;
The one lead wire is supplied with power from a power source when the gas generating agent is combusted,
the ignition unit is ignited by the electric power generated in the one lead wire by the radio wave, and the gas generating agent is burned to release the gas from the gas generator.
Gas generator treatment equipment. an electric wave irradiation unit that irradiates electric waves to two lead wires of an unused gas generator that has two lead wires for supplying electric power to an ignition unit used when burning a gas generating agent;
Each of the two lead wires is supplied with power from a power source when the gas generating agent is burned;
the ignition unit is ignited by electric power generated in at least one of the two lead wires by the radio waves, and the gas generating agent is burned to release gas from the gas generator.
Gas generator treatment equipment. The two leads are shorted together.
The gas generator treatment device according to claim 6 . The radio waves are microwaves.
The gas generator treatment device according to any one of claims 5 to 7 . a deployment processing section that houses the gas generator;
A storage unit for storing the treated gas generator;
Equipped with
The radio wave irradiation unit irradiates the radio waves at the expansion processing unit.
The gas generator treatment device according to any one of claims 5 to 8 . The development processing unit includes a plurality of processing chambers arranged on a circumference,
the plurality of processing chambers are rotated, an unused gas generator is carried into an upper loading processing chamber of the plurality of processing chambers, and a processed gas generator is carried out from a lower unloading processing chamber of the plurality of processing chambers.
The gas generator treatment device according to claim 9 . Further comprising a gas pressure relief section that relieves pressure caused by the gas generated from the gas generator.
A gas generator treatment device according to any one of claims 5 to 10 .

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