JP7102671B2 - Gas generator - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gas generator that generates combustion gas by burning a gas generator by operating an igniter.

In a gas generator that burns a gas generator filled in a combustion chamber to generate and release combustion gas, the characteristics (hereinafter referred to as "emission characteristics") in which the emission amount and emission time of the combustion gas are used as parameters are defined. Two igniters are used to obtain the desired characteristics, and a technique for controlling the combustion timing of the gas generator corresponding to each igniter has been developed. For example, in the gas generator shown in Patent Document 1, two igniters (first igniter and second igniter) are arranged in the housing. A gas generator to be burned is arranged in a separate combustion chamber in each of the first igniter and the second igniter, and the respective combustion gases generated there are discharged in common with the housing. It is configured to be discharged to the outside from the outlet. Here, the first igniter is arranged so as to first burn the first igniter filled in the cap. In the state before combustion of the first igniter, the peripheral wall of the cap blocks the communication hole connected to the space containing the first gas generating agent that is finally burned by the first igniter. It has become. Then, when the first igniter operates and the first igniter is burned, the cap slides upward due to the combustion pressure, and the closing communication hole opens. As a result, the combustion product of the first igniter comes into contact with the first gas generating agent through the communication hole, and the combustion of the first gas generating agent is started. The second igniter, which operates later than the first igniter, burns the second gas generating agent corresponding to the second igniter, and the second gas generating agent is the first igniter. It is housed in a space isolated from the first igniter and the first gas generating agent to be burned.

Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a gas generator having one igniter. In the gas generator, when the combustion product generated by the igniter that is first burned by the igniter is guided to the gas generator side of the separate chamber, the combustion product is transferred to the gas generator located at the bottom of the separate chamber. A guide member is used that directs the flow of combustion products so that they come into contact with each other preferentially. This guide member makes the entire gas generating agent more flammable and improves its ignitability.

US Pat. No. 6,543,805 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-226889

In a gas generator having two igniters, if the combustion timing of the gas generator corresponding to each igniter is deviated, the combustion gas emission characteristics by the gas generator deviate from the desired characteristics, which is not preferable. .. In particular, if the combustion gas generated by the combustion of the gas generator flows in the housing of the gas generator in a flow path different from the assumption, the emission characteristics of the combustion gas by the gas generator may fluctuate greatly. .. For example, if the combustion gas generated by the operation of one igniter flows back against the expected flow and burns the gas generator corresponding to the other igniter, the combustion gas produced by the gas generator will be burned. Release characteristics are significantly degraded.

As in the prior art, a configuration in which the cap is slid in the housing by utilizing the pressure increase due to the combustion product of the igniter to control the flow of the combustion product (that is, a configuration in which the opening and closing of the communication hole is controlled). When using, it is necessary to properly arrange the cap in the housing so that the cap can slide under a predetermined pressure or load, and it is not easy to assemble the gas generator. Further, if the cap is not properly arranged in the housing, such as the cap tilting in the housing, the cap does not slide properly despite the operation of the igniter, and in some cases, in the housing. There is a risk that the pressure will rise excessively, which is not preferable for safety.

In view of the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a technique for suitably controlling the flow of combustion products such as combustion gas in the housing of a gas generator.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention controls the closing and opening of the communication hole through which the combustion product flows in the housing of the gas generator having two igniters through the deformation of the closing member. Is adopted. That is, by forming a closing member that is not easily deformed by pressure from one direction and easily deformed by pressure from the other direction, the combustion product is produced through the communication hole. The flow can be suitably controlled. As a result, in each igniter, the corresponding gas generator can be burned at the expected timing, and the combustion product can be appropriately released from the gas generator, and the emission characteristics thereof can be suitably exhibited. be able to.

Specifically, the present invention comprises a housing, a first igniter arranged in the housing, and is arranged in the housing and operates at the same time as the first igniter or later than the first igniter. The second igniter, the first space in which the first igniter is housed, and the first space filled with the first gas generating agent burned by the first igniter, and the second igniter are housed. A partition member that defines a second space filled with a second gas generating agent burned by the second igniter in the housing and a partition member provided in the housing, and the first space and the outside of the housing are provided. It is a gas generator including a discharge hole for communicating with the above and a communication hole provided in the partition wall member for communicating the first space and the second space. Then, it is a closing member that closes the communication hole from the first space side, and its deformation is hindered by the partition member against the pressurization from the first space side, and the deformation from the second space side is inhibited. Further provided with a closing member configured to allow deformation with respect to pressurization and to eliminate the closed state of the communication hole, combustion generation of the second gas generating agent generated by the operation of the second igniter. The flow of the combustion product of the second gas generating agent in the communication hole so that the object hits the closing member at a predetermined angle to allow the allowed deformation as it flows through the communication hole. Is stipulated.

The gas generator of the present invention includes a first igniter and a second igniter, the first igniter burns the first gas generator, and the second igniter burns the second gas generator. To. The first gas generating agent and the second gas generating agent may be gas generating agents of the same type, the same shape, and the same dimensions, or may be gas generating agents of different types, different shapes, and different dimensions. What kind of gas generator to use for each may be appropriately selected according to the emission characteristics of the combustion product as a gas generator. Here, a partition member is arranged in the housing, in which a first space for accommodating the first gas generating agent and a second space for accommodating the second gas generating agent are formed as isolated spaces in principle. The partition member prevents each gas generating agent from being burned by the action of an uncorresponding igniter, thus facilitating control of combustion of the corresponding gas generating agent by each igniter as desired.

On the other hand, the partition wall member is provided with a communication hole, and in this respect, the first space and the second space are not separated from each other. This is because the communication holes are used to transfer the combustion products generated by combustion from the second space to the first space. In the above gas generator, the first space is connected to the outside through the discharge hole, but the second space is not directly connected to the outside through the discharge hole. That is, in the above gas generator, the combustion product generated by the combustion of the first gas generator in the first space is discharged to the outside through the discharge hole, but in the second space, the second gas generator The combustion product generated by combustion is once moved to the first space through the communication hole and then discharged to the outside from the discharge hole. By generating the expected flow of combustion products in this way, it is possible to exhibit the emission characteristics designed as a gas generator.

In other words, when the first gas generating agent burns in the first space, if the combustion product flows into the communication hole, the emission characteristics of the combustion product from the discharge hole will be different from the assumption, and at the same time, When the second gas generating agent burns in the second space, if the combustion product does not flow into the communication hole, the discharge characteristic of the combustion product from the discharge hole will be different from the assumption. That is, from the viewpoint of the emission characteristics of the combustion product, the flow of the combustion product in the communication hole needs to be a flow corresponding to the combustion of the gas generating agent in each space.

Therefore, the gas generator of the present invention is provided with a closing member in order to suitably control the flow of combustion products in the communication holes. The closing member is a member that closes the communication hole from the first space side. In a communication hole that is closed by a closing member, the flow of combustion products in the communication hole is obstructed. Here, the closing member is configured so that its deformation is hindered by the partition wall member against pressure from the first space side. That is, even if the first gas generating agent is burned in the first space and the pressure there rises, the closed state of the communication hole by the closing member is maintained. At this time, the combustion products generated by the combustion of the first gas generating agent do not flow into the communication holes. On the other hand, the closing member is configured so that its deformation is allowed with respect to the pressurization from the second space side, and the closed state of the communication hole by the closing member is eliminated. Since the communication hole is closed by the closing member from the first space side, the combustion product generated by burning the second gas generating agent in the second space can enter the communication hole. Then, when the pressure in the second space rises due to the combustion, the closing member is deformed and the combustion product becomes movable from the second space to the first space through the communication hole. The closing member configured in this way controls the flow of combustion products in the communication holes so that the flow corresponds to the combustion of the gas generating agent in each space.

Then, in the gas generator of the present invention, when the second gas generator is burned and the combustion product flows into the communication hole, the closing member that closes the communication hole on the first space side is easily deformed. In addition, the flow is defined so that the combustion product of the second gas generator in the communication hole hits the closing member at a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle may be appropriately set according to the structure of the closing member that is expected to be deformed. By defining the flow of the combustion product of the second gas generating agent in the communication hole in this way, it is possible to appropriately apply pressure to the closing member from the second space side, and its deformation is realized. become.

According to the gas generator configured in this way, when the first gas generator is burned by the operation of the first igniter, the communication hole is maintained in a closed state by the closing member, so that the first gas is generated. The combustion product of the agent is discharged to the outside through the discharge hole without flowing into the communication hole. Further, when the second gas generating agent is burned by the second igniter that is operated after the operation of the first igniter, the closing member is deformed to eliminate the closed state of the communication hole. Therefore, the combustion product of the second gas generating agent flows into the first space through the communication hole and is discharged to the outside through the discharge hole. As described above, in the gas generator, the flow of combustion products in the housing is controlled as desired, and the expected emission characteristics are realized.

Here, in the gas generator, the second gas generator is configured so that the central axis of the communication hole formed in the partition wall member intersects the closing member at the predetermined angle. The flow of combustion products may be specified. That is, the relative positional relationship between the communication hole and the closing member is determined so that the predetermined angle is formed, thereby defining the flow of the combustion product of the second gas generating agent with respect to the closing member. As a result, the pressure for deformation can be effectively applied to the closing member from the second space side, and thus the closed state of the communication hole can be surely eliminated.

Alternatively, the gas generator described above is provided in the vicinity of the opening on the second space side of the communication hole, and protrudes from the partition wall member toward the second space side to the closing member. A cover member having a guide portion extending in a direction of intersecting at a predetermined angle may be further provided. By providing the cover member in this way, it is possible to direct the flow of the combustion product of the second gas generating agent that flows into the communication hole. Further, by providing the cover member, the guide portion thereof projects toward the second space side. As a result, it becomes difficult for the second gas generating agent to be located in the vicinity of the opening on the second space side of the communication hole, and it is possible to prevent the opening and the communication hole from being blocked by the second gas generating agent. This ensures that the combustion product of the second gas generating agent is guided to the communication hole, and is a useful configuration for controlling the flow of the combustion product in the housing as desired without obstructing the flow. I can say.

Here, in the gas generator described above, the partition wall member may have a tubular portion in which the communication hole is formed. In that case, the closing member may be arranged so as to be press-fitted into the inner wall surface of the tubular portion on the first space side to close the opening of the communication hole on the first space side. .. Since the communication hole can be closed from the first space side by press-fitting the closing member in this way, the assembly of the gas generator is easy. In particular, the above-mentioned elimination of the closed state of the communication hole is due to the deformation of the closed member after press fitting, and it is not necessary to cause the closed member to slide as in the prior art. Therefore, it is not necessary to strictly control the insertion force at the time of press-fitting, and the assembly procedure of the gas generator can be simplified.

Further, in the gas generator, the closing member extends along the tubular portion of the partition wall member, and the peripheral wall surface of the communication hole that closes the opening on the first space side and the said. It may have an extending portion extending inward in the radial direction of the first space from the vicinity of one end in the extending direction of the peripheral wall surface. In that case, the closed portion where the peripheral wall surface closes the opening of the communication hole is located closer to the other end portion of the peripheral wall surface than the one end portion of the peripheral wall surface. According to such a configuration, the closed portion on the peripheral wall surface, which is the action site on which the pressure acts on the closed member from the second space side by the combustion product of the second gas generating agent, is the peripheral wall surface. It will be located near the other end. The other end is provided with an extension, and as a result, the end is opposite to the one end, which is relatively rigid. Therefore, it is easy to apply a bending moment to the peripheral wall surface. Become. This allows the combustion products of the second gas generating agent to move from the second space to the first space by rapidly deforming the peripheral wall surface when pressure is applied.

Further, in the above gas generator, the peripheral wall surface has a weaker strength than other parts of the peripheral wall surface, and the combustion product of the second gas generator corresponds to the opening of the communication hole. A fragile portion that allows the permissible deformation of the site may be included. By including the fragile part, when pressure is applied by the combustion product of the second gas generating agent, the peripheral wall surface can be quickly deformed, and thus the combustion product from the second space to the first space can be changed. Can be moved quickly.

Here, the specific configuration of the gas generator described above will be exemplarily referred to. For example, the partition wall member is a tubular inner cylinder member accommodating the first igniter, and the inner space of the inner cylinder member is an inner cylinder member which is a part or all of the first space. It may be included. In that case, the communication hole is formed in the inner cylinder member so as to communicate the inner space of the inner cylinder member and the outer side thereof, and the inner cylinder member accommodates the first igniter and said. The second igniter may be arranged at a position closer to the center of the housing and may be arranged in the second space located around the inner cylinder member in the housing. Further, the inner cylinder member may be connected to the bottom surface portion of the housing at one end portion thereof. The partition wall member may further include an upper and lower partition wall member that is connected to the other end of the inner cylinder member and divides the internal space of the housing into an upper space and a lower space. In such a case, the first space is formed by connecting the internal space of the inner cylinder member with the upper space, and the space around the inner cylinder member in the lower space is regarded as the second space. You may. The specific configurations up to the above are exemplary, and application of other configurations to the gas generator of the present invention is not hindered.

According to the present invention, it is possible to suitably control the flow of combustion products such as combustion gas in the housing of the gas generator.

It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the gas generator of 1st Example. It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the cover member incorporated in the gas generator shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of the cover member applicable to the gas generator shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the flow | circulation of the combustion gas of the 2nd gas generator to the communication hole at the time of burning of the 2nd gas generator in the 2nd combustion chamber in the gas generator shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the block member incorporated in the gas generator shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of the closing member applicable to the gas generator shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the vicinity of the communication hole in the gas generator of the 2nd Example. It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the gas generator of the 3rd Example.

The gas generator according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The configurations of the following embodiments are examples, and the present invention is not limited to the configurations of these embodiments.

<Example 1>
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the gas generator 1 in the height direction. The gas generator 1 is configured to burn a gas generator filled in a housing 4 formed of an upper shell 2 and a lower shell 3 and release a combustion gas which is a combustion product thereof. The upper shell 2 has a peripheral wall portion 2c and a top surface portion 2d, which form a concave internal space. The top surface portion 2d has a substantially circular shape in top view together with the bottom surface portion 3b of the lower shell 3 described later, and the peripheral wall portion 2c and the peripheral wall portion 3a of the lower shell 3 described later are the top surface portion 2d and the bottom surface portion, respectively. Surrounding the circumference of 3b, an annular wall surface extending substantially vertically from each surface is formed. The internal space of the upper shell 2 is a space filled with the first gas generating agent 22 as described later. The top surface portion 2d is connected to one end side of the peripheral wall portion 2c, and the other end side is an opening of the upper shell 2. Then, on the other end side of the peripheral wall portion 2c, a fitting wall portion 2a and an abutting portion 2b are provided in order from the opening. The radius of the internal space created by the fitting wall portion 2a is formed to be larger than the radius of the internal space created by the peripheral wall portion 2c closer to the top surface portion 2d, and the fitting wall portion 2a is connected to the peripheral wall portion 2c via the abutting portion 2b. ing.

Further, the lower shell 3 has a peripheral wall portion 3a and a bottom surface portion 3b, which form a concave internal space. The internal space is a space filled with the second gas generating agent 26 as described later. The bottom surface portion 3b is connected to one end side of the peripheral wall portion 3a, and the other end side is an opening of the lower shell 3. The radius of the internal space created by the peripheral wall portion 3a is substantially the same as the radius of the internal space created by the peripheral wall portion 2c of the upper shell 2. Further, the bottom surface portion 3b of the lower shell 3 is provided with a fitting hole 3c and a fitting hole 3d to which the first igniter 23 and the second igniter 27 are fixed, respectively.

Further, in the housing 4, the upper and lower partition wall members 10 and the inner cylinder member 40 are arranged between the upper shell 2 and the lower shell 3. The upper and lower partition wall members 10 and the inner cylinder member 40 cooperate to fill the space inside the housing 4 with the first space 21 (upper space) filled with the first gas generating agent 22 and the second gas generating agent 26. It will be divided into the second space 25 (lower space) to be created. and,
The inner cylinder member 40 is a tubular member having a space inside, and has a terminal portion 45 joined to the bottom surface portion 3b of the lower shell 3, a peripheral wall portion 44 extending upward from the terminal portion 45, and a peripheral wall portion 44. A connecting portion 43 connected to the peripheral wall portion 44, a fitting wall portion 42 connected to the connecting portion 43 and extending further upward, and a diameter of the inner space smaller than the peripheral wall portion 44, and a fitting wall portion 42 connected to the fitting wall portion 42 to the internal space side. It has a terminal portion 41 that bends and terminates and forms an opening by its edge. As shown in FIG. 1, the terminal portion 45 is housed in the vicinity of the fitting hole 3c of the lower shell 3, and the first igniter 23 fixed to the fitting hole 3c is housed inside the inner cylinder member 40. When the inner cylinder member 40 is joined to the bottom surface portion 3b as described above, the peripheral wall portion 44 and the fitting wall portion 42 are in a state of being substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface portion 3b and extending toward the top surface portion 2d.

Further, the upper and lower partition wall members 10 are connected to the end portion 15, the fitting wall portion 14 extending from the end portion 15 along the peripheral wall portion 3a of the lower shell 3, and the fitting wall portion 14, and generally inside the housing 4. It has a divided wall portion 13 that divides into upper and lower spaces, and a peripheral wall portion 12 that is connected to the divided wall portion 13 and extends toward the top surface portion 2d of the upper shell 2. An opening is formed in the upper and lower partition wall members 10 by the open end portion 11 of the peripheral wall portion 12. Then, as shown in FIG. 1, when the terminal portion 15 is placed on the terminal surface of the peripheral wall portion 3a of the lower shell 3 and the upper and lower partition member 10 is attached to the housing 4, the upper and lower portions formed by the open end portion 11 are formed. The fitting wall portion 42 of the inner cylinder member 40 is fitted into the opening of the partition wall member 10. As a result, the upper and lower partition wall members 10 are arranged in the housing 4 in a state of being supported by the peripheral wall portion 3a of the lower shell 3 and the inner cylinder member 40. A wall surface that is substantially parallel to the top surface portion 2d of the upper shell 2 and the bottom surface portion 3b of the lower shell 3 is formed.

Further, a communication hole 46 is provided in the peripheral wall portion 44 of the inner cylinder member 40, and the communication hole 46 is a first space 21 and a second space formed by being divided by the upper and lower partition wall members 10 and the inner cylinder member 40. Communicate with 25. Further, a cover member 47 and a closing member 48 are provided in the vicinity of the communication hole 46. The cover member 47 is arranged near the opening of the communication hole 46 on the second space 25 side, and has a function of defining the flow of the combustion gas flowing into the communication hole 46 (that is, the direction in which the combustion gas flows toward the communication hole 46). Has. Further, the closing member 48 is arranged so as to close the opening of the communication hole 46 on the first space 21 side. Details of the cover member 47 and the closing member 48 will be described later.

Regarding the assembly of the gas generator 1, the first igniter 23 and the second igniter 27 are fixed to the fitting holes 3c and 3d of the lower shell 3, respectively, and the inner cylinder member 40 accommodates the first igniter 23. The inner cylinder member 40 is brought into contact with the lower shell 3. At this time, the cover member 47 and the closing member 48 are also attached (the closing member 48 is inserted from the end portion 45 side before attaching the inner cylinder member 40 to the lower shell 3). By arranging the inner cylinder member 40 in this way, the second space 25 is formed, and the second gas generating agent 26 is filled therein. Then, when the second gas generating agent 26 is filled, the upper and lower partition members 10 are attached to the lower shell 3 and the inner cylinder member 40. At this time, a cushion 29 for suppressing the vibration of the second gas generating agent 26 is arranged between the upper and lower partition wall members 10 and the filled second gas generating agent 26. Further, a resin sheet member 28 for suppressing powdering of the second gas generating agent 26 by contact between the second gas generating agent 26 and the lower shell 3 is arranged on the inner wall surface of the peripheral wall portion 3a of the lower shell 3. Has been done.

Then, when the upper and lower partition members 10 are attached, the filter 32 is arranged, the first gas generating agent 22 is filled inside the filter 32, and the upper shell 2 is attached. As described above, since the radius of the internal space of the fitting wall portion 2a of the upper shell 2 is formed to be larger than the radius of the internal space of the peripheral wall portion 2c, the abutting portion 2b of the upper shell 2 is the upper and lower partition member. It is fitted into the lower shell 3 until it hits the end portion 15 of 10. In a state where the abutting portion 2b of the upper shell 2 abuts on the terminal portion 15, the fitting wall portion 14 is in a state of being fitted to the peripheral wall portion 3a of the lower shell 3. In the housing 4, the contact portions of the upper shell 2 and the lower shell 3 are joined by a joining method (for example, welding or the like) suitable for moisture-proofing or the like of the gas generating agent filled inside.

As described above, in the housing 4, the upper and lower partition wall members 10 and the inner cylinder member 40 divide the internal space into two spaces, that is, the first space 21 and the second space 25. The internal space of the inner cylinder member 40 is connected to the internal space on the upper shell 2 side via the opening by the terminal portion 41, so that the first space 21 is formed. The first igniter 23 and the first gas generator 22 are arranged in the first space 21 of the internal space of the housing 4, and the second igniter 27 and the second gas generator 26 are arranged in the second space 25. By being arranged, the gas generator 1 is configured as a dual type gas generator including two first igniters 23 and a second igniter 27. Both the first igniter 23 and the second igniter 27 are fixed on the bottom surface portion 3b of the lower shell 3. Therefore, in the first igniter 23, the side of the first igniter 23 is an inner cylinder member. It is surrounded by 40 and is housed in the inner cylinder member 40 so that the top portion thereof does not protrude from the terminal portion 41 of the inner cylinder member 40 toward the upper shell 2.

Here, in the first space 21, since the first igniter 23 is accommodated in the accommodation space formed by the inner cylinder member 40, the first gas is generated in the space above the first igniter 23 (generally, the space above the upper and lower partition wall members 10). The agent 22 will be filled, and an annular filter 32 is arranged so as to surround the first gas generating agent 22. Further, a cushion 31 for urging the first gas generating agent 22 so as not to vibrate unnecessarily in the first space 21 is arranged inside the top surface portion 2d of the upper shell 2. The first gas generating agent 22 uses a gas generating agent having a relatively low combustion temperature. The combustion temperature of the first gas generating agent 22 is preferably in the range of 1000 to 1700 ° C., for example, consisting of guanidine nitrate (41% by weight), basic copper nitrate (49% by weight), a binder and additives. A single-hole columnar one can be used.

The filter 32 is formed by stacking stainless steel flat knitted wire meshes in the radial direction and compressing them in the radial and axial directions to cool the combustion gas produced by the first gas generating agent 22 and remove the combustion residue. Collect. As the filter 32, a winding type structure formed by winding a wire around a mandrel in multiple layers may be adopted. The filter 32 also collects the combustion residue of the second gas generating agent 26 filled in the second space 25. Further, the gap 33 formed between the peripheral wall portion 2c of the upper shell 2 and the filter 32 forms an annular gas passage in a radial cross section around the filter 32. Then, through this gap 33, the combustion gas passes through the entire region of the filter 32, and effective utilization of the filter 32 and effective cooling / purification of the combustion gas are achieved. The combustion gas flowing through the gap 33 reaches the gas discharge hole 5 provided in the peripheral wall portion 2c. Further, in order to prevent moisture from entering the housing 4 from the outside, the gas discharge hole 5 is closed from the inside of the housing 4 by the aluminum tape 34 before the operation of the gas generator 1.

Further, in the second space 25, the second gas generating agent 26 is filled corresponding to the second igniter 27 fixed to the fitting hole 3d of the lower shell 3. Similar to the first gas generating agent 22, the second gas generating agent 26 is also a single-hole columnar one composed of guanidine nitrate (41% by weight), basic copper nitrate (49% by weight), a binder and additives. Can be used.

With such a configuration, in the gas generator 1, the combustion of the first gas generator 22 by the operation of the first igniter 23 and the combustion of the second gas generator 26 by the operation of the second igniter 27 are relatively effective. A large amount of combustion gas can be generated and released to the outside. Further, in this embodiment, the second igniter 27 is operated at a predetermined timing after the operation timing of the first igniter 23. The operation timing of each igniter correlates with the release timing of the combustion gas generated there. Therefore, the operation timing of each igniter is determined according to the emission characteristics of the combustion gas required for the gas generator 1, thereby determining the output performance of the entire gas generator 1. Here, in the gas generator 1, when the first igniter 23 operates, the first gas generator 22 burns, and the combustion gas generated in the first space 21 passes through the gas discharge hole 5 through the filter 32. It is expected that it will be released to the outside via. On the other hand, when the second gas generating agent 26 is burned by the second igniter 27 that operates after the first igniter 23, the combustion gas generated in the second space 25 passes through the communication hole 46 and is in the first space 21. It is assumed that the gas moves to the outside and is discharged to the outside through the filter 32 and the gas discharge hole 5. Therefore, in the gas generator 1, if the flow of the combustion gas in the communication hole 46 is not properly controlled at the time of the operation of the first igniter 23 and the operation of the second igniter 27, the gas generator 1 is used as the gas generator 1. It will not be possible to exhibit the expected combustion gas release characteristics.

<About cover member 47>
Therefore, in the gas generator 1, the cover member 47 and the closing member 48 are arranged in the vicinity of the communication hole 46 so that the flow of the combustion gas in the communication hole 46 can be suitably controlled as described above. The cover member 47 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. 2 and 3 show a schematic configuration of the cover member 47. Further, FIG. 4 shows a cross section of the inner cylinder member 40 along the axial direction with respect to a state in which the cover member 47 is fixed to the inner cylinder member 40.

Here, the cover member 47 has a cylindrical body portion 47a and an umbrella portion (guide portion) 47b whose diameter increases outward in the radial direction from the body portion 47a. The body portion 47a is press-fitted into the peripheral wall portion 44 of the inner cylinder member 40, and the body portion 47a is positioned at a position in the vicinity of the opening that does not block the opening on the second space 25 side of the communication hole 46. .. As a result, the inner peripheral surface of the body portion 47a is in a state of being pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 44, and the cover member 47 is fixed to the inner cylinder member 40. In the fixed state, the umbrella portion 47b is in a state of being inclined at a constant acute angle θ with respect to the outer surface and the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion 44. As shown in FIG. 4, the inclination angle θ is defined as an angle formed by the axis L1 parallel to the outer surface and the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion 44 and the inner surface L0 of the umbrella portion 47b.

In the cover member 47 fixed to the inner cylinder member 40 in this way, when the second igniter 27 operates in the second space 25 and the second gas generating agent 26 burns, the combustion gas generated there is used as the umbrella portion. It can lead to the communication hole 46 along the inner surface of 47b. That is, the umbrella portion 47b functions as a guide member, and the combustion gas is easily collected in the communication hole 46. Further, the umbrella portion 47b defines the flow of combustion gas in the communication hole 46 by its orientation. Further, as shown in FIG. 4A, the umbrella portion 47b does not block the opening of the communication hole 46 on the second space 25 side and opens with respect to the outer surface of the peripheral wall portion 44. Since it is inclined, it is possible to secure a space SP0 in which the second gas generating agent 26 does not exist near the opening of the communication hole 46. The presence of this space SP0 can prevent the opening of the communication hole 46 from being blocked by the second gas generating agent 26. This configuration promotes the aggregation of combustion gas into the communication hole 46, similar to the guide function by the umbrella portion 47b.

<Modification example 1 of cover member 47>
Further, the lower part (b) of FIG. 2 shows a modified example of the cover member 47. In the form shown in FIG. 2A, the umbrella portion 47b is formed so as to have an inclined surface continuous in the circumferential direction, but in the form shown in FIG. 2B, the umbrella portion 47b is an inner cylinder member. An inclined surface is intermittently arranged in the circumferential direction of the cover member 47 only in the portion corresponding to the communication hole 46 provided in the peripheral wall portion 44 of the 40. In this modification, four communication holes 46 are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall portion 44. Therefore, the cover member 47 shown in FIG. 2B has a fragmented umbrella portion 47b. I have four. Further, for the purpose of further enhancing the effect of making it difficult for the second gas generating agent 26 to enter the space SP0, covers may be formed at both end portions of one umbrella portion 47b.

<Modification example 2 of cover member>
A further modification of the cover member will be described with reference to FIG. In this modification,
In the cover member, a part of the peripheral wall portion 44 of the inner cylinder member 40 is processed to form a component portion that guides the combustion gas like the umbrella portion 47b of the cover member 47. Specifically, a notch 51 is provided in a part of the peripheral wall portion 44. The cut portion 51 extends along the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall portion 44 and penetrates the outer surface and the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion 44. Then, the cut portion 51 is pushed out from the inside of the inner cylinder member 40 to form an opening on the outer surface of the peripheral wall portion 44. The through hole extending from the opening to the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion 44 serves as a communication hole 46, and the inclined portion 53 formed below the opening serves as a component for guiding the combustion gas. That is, in this modification, the inclined portion 53 has a configuration corresponding to the umbrella portion 47b of the cover member 47, so that the inclined portion 53 concentrates the combustion gas in the communication hole 46 and the combustion gas in the communication hole 46. The direction of the flow is promoted.

<About the blocking member 48>
Next, the closing member 48 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. As shown in FIG. 4, the closing member 48 has a cylindrical peripheral wall surface 48a and an extending portion 48b extending inward in the radial direction from the peripheral wall surface 48a. Since the extending portion 48b is bent and connected to the peripheral wall surface 48a, the vicinity of the connecting portion is formed with relatively high rigidity in the entire closing member 48. Then, the peripheral wall surface 48a is press-fitted into the peripheral wall portion 44 of the inner cylinder member 40, and is positioned at a position where the peripheral wall surface 48a closes the opening on the first space 21 side of the communication hole 46. Further, the closed position at which the peripheral wall surface 48a closes the opening is located near the end portion of the peripheral wall surface 48a on the opposite side of the end portion on the connecting portion side with the extending portion 48b. As a result, the outer surface of the peripheral wall surface 48a is pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 44, and the closing member 48 closes the opening of the communication hole 46 from the first space 21 side to the inner cylinder member 40. On the other hand, it is fixed.

In the closing member 48 fixed to the inner cylinder member 40 in this way, when the first igniter 23 operates in the first space 21 and the first gas generating agent 22 burns, the combustion gas generated there is the peripheral wall surface. Pressurize 48a so as to press it against the peripheral wall portion 44 of the inner cylinder member 40. However, since the substantially entire surface of the pressurized peripheral wall surface 48a is supported by the peripheral wall portion 44 of the inner cylinder member 40, its deformation is hindered, and thus the communication hole 46 is closed by the closing member 48. The state of being done will be maintained.

On the other hand, when the second igniter 27 operates in the second space 25 and the second gas generating agent 26 burns, the combustion gas generated there is efficiently transferred to the communication hole 46 by the cover member 47 as described above. Be guided. At this time, the combustion gas of the second gas generating agent 26 is oriented according to the inclined state of the umbrella portion 47b, and the flow in the communication hole 46 is defined so as to hit the peripheral wall surface 48a of the closing member 48 at a predetermined angle. To. The predetermined angle is an action angle that causes a moment to bend the peripheral wall surface 48a toward the first space 21 side by the pressure acting on the peripheral wall surface 48a from the second space 25 side when the combustion gas of the second gas generating agent 26 hits. Is. That is, as shown in the lower part (b) of FIG. 4, the combustion gas of the second gas generating agent 26 passes through the communication hole 46 and hits the peripheral wall surface 48a at a predetermined angle, so that the peripheral wall surface 48a is connected to the extending portion 48b. It is folded at a site 48c near the connection site. In particular, the portion where the pressure from the combustion gas of the second gas generating agent 26 acts, that is, the closed portion where the peripheral wall surface 48a closes the communication hole 46 is near the upper end of the peripheral wall surface 48a, so that the pressure is concerned. Effectively acts as a moment to bend the peripheral wall surface 48a. When the peripheral wall surface 48a is deformed in this way, the state in which the communication hole 46 is blocked by the closing member 48 is eliminated.

The closing member 48 is summarized in the upper part of FIG. 5 in the period from the operation of the first igniter 23 to the operation of the first igniter 23 and the period from the operation of the first igniter 23 to the operation of the second igniter 27. As described above, the peripheral wall surface 48a is maintained in a state of being press-fitted into the inner cylinder member 40 without being deformed. Therefore, the combustion gas of the first gas generating agent 22 is discharged to the outside from the gas discharge hole 5 without flowing into the communication hole 46. Then, when the second igniter 27 is activated after that,
As shown in the lower part of FIG. 5, the peripheral wall surface 48a is deformed around the closed portion that closes the communication hole 46, and the deformed portion 48a1 and the non-deformed portion that is generally maintained in the state before deformation on the peripheral wall surface 48a. 48a2 is formed. Since the deformed portion 48a1 is a portion corresponding to the communication hole 46, a gap is formed between the inner cylinder member 40 and the closing member 48 due to the formation of the deformed portion 48a1, and the combustion gas of the second gas generating agent 26 is released. It becomes possible to flow from the second space 25 to the first space 21. The combustion gas that has flowed into the first space 21 is discharged to the outside through the gas discharge hole 5.

In this way, the gas generator 1 includes the cover member 47 and the closing member 48, so that the combustion gas of the first gas generator 22 generated by the operation of the first igniter 23 can be accurately discharged to the outside, and the gas generator 1 can be accurately discharged to the outside. The combustion gas of the second gas generator 26 generated by the operation of the second igniter 27 can also be accurately released to the outside. That is, in the gas generator 1 having two igniters, the flow of the combustion gas in the communication hole 46 is suitably controlled, and it is possible to realize the expected emission characteristics of the combustion gas.

<Modification example of blocking member 48>
Here, a modified example of the closing member 48 will be described with reference to FIG. Similar to the form shown in FIG. 5, the closing member 48 of the present modification also has a cylindrical peripheral wall surface 48a and an extending portion 48b (not shown in FIG. 6) extending inward in the radial direction from the cylindrical peripheral wall surface 48a. However, a fragile portion 49 is further formed on the peripheral wall surface 48a. The fragile portion 49 is a portion whose strength is weaker than that of the other portions of the peripheral wall surface 48a, and specifically, from the upper end portion of the peripheral wall surface 48a (the end portion to which the extension portion 48b is not connected). It is a breaking line that starts and reaches near the lower end portion (the end portion connected to the extension portion 48b). Four regions 49a sandwiched by a pair of fragile portions 49 are formed on the peripheral wall surface 48a, and each region 49a corresponds to each of the four communication holes 46 provided in the peripheral wall portion 44 of the inner cylinder member 40. The closing member 48 is press-fitted into the inner cylinder member 40 and fixed there so as to close the opening on the first space 21 side of each communication hole 46 in the region 49a as in the state shown in FIG. Ru.

Even when such a closing member 48 is used, the period from the operation of the first igniter 23 to the operation of the first igniter 23 to the operation of the second igniter 27 is shown in FIG. As shown in the upper part of No. 6, the peripheral wall surface 48a is maintained in a state of being press-fitted into the inner cylinder member 40 without being deformed. Therefore, the combustion gas of the first gas generating agent 22 is discharged to the outside from the gas discharge hole 5 without flowing into the communication hole 46. Then, when the second igniter 27 is activated thereafter, the fragile portion 49 is broken by the pressure of the combustion gas of the second gas generating agent 26. As a result, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 6, the region 49a is bent and deformed near the lower end portion of the peripheral wall surface 48a so as to collapse inward, and the peripheral wall surface 48a is generally in a state before deformation with the deformed portion 48a1. The maintained non-deformed site 48a2 is formed. Since the deformed portion 48a1 is a portion corresponding to the communication hole 46, the combustion gas of the second gas generating agent 26 can flow from the second space 25 to the first space 21 by forming the deformed portion 48a1. The combustion gas that has flowed into the first space 21 is discharged to the outside through the gas discharge hole 5. Therefore, even in the gas generator 1 using the closing member shown in FIG. 6, the flow of the combustion gas in the communication hole 46 is suitably controlled, and the expected emission characteristics of the combustion gas can be realized.

<Example 2>
The gas generator 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the configuration in the vicinity of the inner cylinder member 40 in the gas generator 1 as in FIG. In the gas generator 1 of the second embodiment, the communication hole 46 provided in the peripheral wall portion 44 of the inner cylinder member 40 has an axis L1 whose central axis L2 is parallel to the outer surface and the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion 44. It is formed so as to intersect with respect to a predetermined angle θ at an acute angle. The opening of the communication hole 46 on the first space 21 side is closed by the closing member 48 as in the first embodiment described above. Since the configuration of the blocking member 48 is the same as that of the first embodiment, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Further, in the gas generator 1 of the second embodiment, the inner cylinder member 40 is not provided with a configuration corresponding to the cover member 47 of the first embodiment. However, as described above, since the communication hole 46 itself is formed in the peripheral wall portion 44 so as to be inclined with respect to the shaft L1, the second igniter 27 operates in the second space 25 and the second gas generating agent 26 When the combustion gas burns, the combustion gas generated there is directed to flow along the communication hole 46. As a result, the flow of the combustion gas hits the peripheral wall surface 48a of the closing member 48 at the predetermined angle, that is, at a preferable working angle for bending and deforming the peripheral wall surface 48a toward the first space 21. Is regulated.

As described above, even in the gas generator 1, as shown in FIG. 7, the combustion gas of the first gas generator 22 generated by the operation of the first igniter 23 is generated by the communication hole 46 inclined with respect to the shaft L1 and the closing member 48. It is possible to accurately release the combustion gas of the second gas generator 26 generated by the operation of the second igniter 27 to the outside of the second igniter 27. That is, in the gas generator 1 having two igniters, the flow of the combustion gas in the communication hole 46 is suitably controlled, and it is possible to realize the expected emission characteristics of the combustion gas.

<Example 3>
The gas generator 1 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the gas generator 101 of the third embodiment in the height direction. The gas generator 101 burns the gas generator filled in the housing 104 formed by the upper shell 102 and the lower shell 103, and discharges the combustion gas to the outside through the gas discharge hole 105 provided in the upper shell 102. It is configured as follows. The upper shell 102 has a peripheral wall portion 102c and a top surface portion 102d, which form a concave internal space. A gas discharge hole 105 is provided in the top surface portion 102d. The gas discharge hole 105 may be closed from the inside of the housing 104 with an aluminum tape (not shown) in order to suppress the intrusion of moisture into the housing 104 before the igniter described later operates. Further, the lower shell 103 has a peripheral wall portion 103a and a bottom surface portion 103b, which form a concave internal space. The top surface portion 102d has a substantially circular shape in top view together with the bottom surface portion 103b of the lower shell 103 described later, and the peripheral wall portion 102c and the peripheral wall portion 103a of the lower shell 103 described later are the top surface portion 102d and the bottom surface portion, respectively. Surrounding the circumference of 103b, an annular wall surface extending substantially vertically from each surface is formed. The top surface portion 102d is connected to one end side of the peripheral wall portion 102c, and the other end side is an opening of the upper shell 102. The bottom surface portion 103b is connected to one end side of the peripheral wall portion 103a, and the other end side serves as an opening of the lower shell 103.

A cylindrical inner cylinder member 140 is arranged inside the housing 104. The lower end of the inner cylinder member 140 is joined to the bottom surface 103b of the lower shell 103, and the upper end of the inner cylinder member 140 is joined to the top surface 102d of the upper shell 102. Therefore, the space inside the housing 104 is divided into a first space 121 inside the inner cylinder member 140 and a second space 125 outside the inner cylinder member 140. The joint portion between the inner cylinder member 140 and the upper shell 102 does not interfere with the gas discharge hole 105, and all the gas discharge holes 105 correspond to the first space 121 inside the inner cylinder member 140. It is located in a part of the area of 102d. Further, the inner cylinder member 140 is provided with a communication hole 146 that communicates the first space 121 and the second space 125. The central axis of the communication hole 146 is approximately orthogonal to the outer and inner surfaces of the inner cylinder member 140.

The first space 121 is filled with the first gas generating agent 122, and the first igniter 123 for combustion thereof is arranged on the bottom surface portion 103b. Further, in the first space 121, a layered filter 132 is arranged so as to cover the gas discharge hole 105. Filter 1
Reference numeral 32 denotes a flat braided wire mesh made of stainless steel, which cools the combustion gas produced by the first gas generating agent 122 and collects the combustion residue thereof. Further, since the filter 132 is formed of a wire mesh, it has a certain degree of cushioning property. Therefore, in order to prevent the first gas generating agent 122 from vibrating unnecessarily in the first space 121, the first gas generating agent 122 may be subjected to an urging force by the filter 132 to be pressed against the bottom surface portion 103b. Alternatively, a cushion for applying such urging force may be arranged, for example, on the bottom surface portion 103b around the first igniter 123. Further, the second space 125 is filled with the second gas generating agent 126, and the second igniter 127 for combustion thereof is arranged on the bottom surface portion 103b. Then, in order to suppress unnecessary vibration of the second gas generating agent 126 in the second space 125, the cushion 129 is arranged on the top surface portion 102d side. Examples of the first gas generating agent 122 and the second gas generating agent 126 include guanidine nitrate (41% by weight), basic copper nitrate (49% by weight), and a single-hole columnar one composed of a binder and additives. Can be used.

Then, the first igniter 123 is also operated in the gas generator 101 configured in this way, and the second igniter 127 is operated thereafter, so that the gas generator 101 has the desired combustion gas emission characteristics. It is expected to be demonstrated. In this case, the combustion gas of the first gas generating agent 122 is required to be discharged from the gas discharge hole 105 without flowing from the first space 121 to the second space 125 through the communication hole 146, and the first gas is generated. 2 The combustion gas of the gas generating agent 126 is required to flow from the second space 125 to the first space 121 through the communication hole 146 and further to be discharged from the gas discharge hole 105. In order to control the flow of combustion gas in the communication hole 146 in this way, the gas generator 101 is also provided with a cover member 147 and a closing member 148 for the inner cylinder member 140.

The structure of the cover member 147 is basically the same as that of the cover member 47 shown in the first embodiment. The cover member 147 is at a position where the body portion does not block the opening on the second space 125 side of the communication hole 146, and the combustion gas of the second gas generating agent 126 is directed toward the communication hole 146 by the umbrella portion. It is fixed to the inner cylinder member 140 so as to come to a position where it is guided. Further, the closing member 148 has only a configuration corresponding to the peripheral wall surface 48a of the closing member 48 shown in the first embodiment. The closing member 148 is press-fitted into the inner surface of the inner cylinder member 140 and arranged so as to close the opening of the communication hole 146 on the first space 121 side. At this time, the blockage portion on the block member 148 is located closer to the upper end side than the lower end side thereof.

By providing the cover member 147 and the closing member 148 in this way, when the first igniter 123 is operated, the closing member 148 is pressurized from the first space 121 side by the combustion gas of the first gas generating agent 122. Since it is also supported by the inner cylinder member 140, the deformation of the closing member 148 is hindered, and the closed state of the communication hole 146 is maintained. Therefore, the combustion gas of the first gas generating agent 122 is discharged to the outside through the gas discharge hole 105. After that, when the second igniter 127 is activated, the combustion gas of the second gas generating agent 126 is smoothly collected in the communication hole 146, and the flow of the combustion gas flowing through the communication hole 146 causes the closing member 148 to be contacted. Pressure is applied to the first space 121 from the second space 125 side, and the closing member 148 is deformed so as to bend toward the first space 121 side as shown in the first embodiment. As a result, the combustion gas of the second gas generating agent 126 moves to the first space 121 through the communication hole 146 and is discharged to the outside from the gas discharge hole 105. As described above, also in the gas generator 101 of the third embodiment, the flow of the combustion gas in the communication hole 146 is suitably controlled, so that the expected combustion gas release characteristics can be exhibited. ..

1, 101: Gas generator 4, 104: Housing 5, 105: Gas discharge hole 10: Upper and lower partition members 21, 121: First space 22, 122: First gas generator 23, 123: First igniter 25, 125: Second space 26, 126: Second gas generator 27, 127: Second igniter 40, 140: Inner cylinder member 46, 146: Communication hole 47, 147: Cover member 47a: Body 47b: Umbrella 48 148: Closing member 48a: Peripheral wall surface 48b: Extension part 49: Fragile part 51: Notch part 53: Inclined part

Claims (8)

With the housing
The first igniter arranged in the housing and
A second igniter located in the housing and operated at the same time as or later than the first igniter.
A first space in which the first igniter is housed and filled with a first gas generating agent burned by the first igniter, and a first space in which the second igniter is housed and burned by the second igniter. A partition wall member that defines a second space filled with the second gas generating agent to be formed in the housing, and a partition member.
A discharge hole provided in the housing and communicating the first space with the outside of the housing,
A communication hole provided in the partition wall member and communicating the first space and the second space,
Is a gas generator equipped with
A closing member that closes the communication hole from the first space side, and the partition member inhibits the deformation of the communication hole from the first space side, and pressurizes the communication hole from the second space side. Further, a closing member configured to allow the deformation of the communication hole and to eliminate the closed state of the communication hole is provided.
In order to allow the permissible deformation of the combustion product of the second gas generating agent generated by the operation of the second igniter as it flows through the communication hole from the second space side . The flow of the combustion product of the second gas generating agent in the communication hole is defined so as to incline and hit the closing member at a predetermined angle, and the closing member is bent by the flow of the combustion product. To eliminate the blocked state of the communication hole.
Gas generator. The flow of the combustion product of the second gas generating agent is defined by the central axis of the communication hole formed in the partition wall member being configured to intersect the closing member at the predetermined angle. ,
The gas generator according to claim 1. A guide portion that is provided in the vicinity of the opening on the second space side of the communication hole and that protrudes from the partition wall member toward the second space side and extends in a direction that intersects the closing member at the predetermined angle. Further provided with a cover member to have
The gas generator according to claim 1 or 2. The partition wall member has a tubular portion in which the communication hole is formed, and has a tubular portion.
The closing member is press-fitted into the inner wall surface of the tubular portion on the first space side, and is arranged so as to close the opening of the communication hole on the first space side.
The gas generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The blocking member is
A peripheral wall surface extending along the tubular portion of the partition wall member and closing the opening on the first space side of the communication hole.
An extending portion extending inward in the radial direction of the first space from the vicinity of one end in the extending direction of the peripheral wall surface, and an extending portion.
Have,
The closed portion where the peripheral wall surface closes the opening of the communication hole is located closer to the other end portion of the peripheral wall surface than the one end portion of the peripheral wall surface.
The gas generator according to claim 4. The peripheral wall surface is weaker in strength than other parts of the peripheral wall surface, and the combustion product of the second gas generating agent enables the allowable deformation of the portion corresponding to the opening of the communication hole. Including vulnerable parts,
The gas generator according to claim 5. The partition member is
It is a cylindrical inner cylinder member accommodating the first igniter, and the inner space of the inner cylinder member is an inner cylinder member which is a part or the whole of the first space.
Including
The communication hole is formed in the inner cylinder member so as to communicate the inner space of the inner cylinder member and the outer side thereof.
The inner cylinder member accommodates the first igniter and is arranged at a position closer to the center of the housing, and the second igniter is located around the inner cylinder member in the housing. Placed in space,
The gas generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The inner cylinder member is connected to the bottom surface portion of the housing at one end thereof.
The partition member is
An upper and lower partition member that is connected to the other end of the inner cylinder member and divides the internal space of the housing into an upper space and a lower space.
Including more
The first space is formed by connecting the internal space of the inner cylinder member with the upper space.
Of the lower space, the space around the inner cylinder member is referred to as the second space.
The gas generator according to claim 7.

Images