Gas generator with a filling spring resting on a support element

Abstract

Gas generator (10) for a personal protection system with at least one combustion chamber (20) containing a pyrotechnic solid propellant bed (21) and with a filler body which, when the gas generator (10) is at rest, presses onto the solid propellant bed (21) and fixes the solid propellant bed (21), wherein the filler body has a filler body spring (30) and a support element (40) is arranged in the combustion chamber (20), wherein the support element (40) and the filler body spring (30) are arranged relative to one another in such a way that, after activation of the gas generator (10), the filler body spring (30) bears at least partially against the support element (40) and forms a flow filter (25), characterized in that the support element (40) has a plurality of web elements (41), wherein each web element (41) has a trailing edge (42) pointing away from the solid propellant bed (21) and at least one,comprising a side edge (43) extending from a front section (44) facing the solid propellant bed (21) to the rear edge (42), wherein the side edge (43) forms at least part of a support element contour (45) which, when the gas generator (10) is activated, defines a distance (a, a1, a2) between spring coils (35) of the packing spring (30) that rest at least partially against the support element (40).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a gas generator for a personal protection system, having at least one combustion chamber containing a pyrotechnic solid propellant bed and having a filler body which, when the gas generator is at rest, presses against the solid propellant bed and fixes the solid propellant bed. The filler body has a filler body spring and a support element is arranged in the combustion chamber. The support element and the filler body spring are arranged relative to one another in such a way that, after activation of the gas generator, the filler body spring rests at least partially against the support element and forms a flow filter. In addition, the invention relates to an airbag module and a personal protection system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a gas generator according to the invention.

[0002] A gas generator with such a filling body is known, for example, from DE 10 2007 037 325 A1. The gas generator disclosed therein has at least one combustion chamber containing a pyrotechnic solid propellant bed and a filling body which, when the gas generator is at rest, presses against the solid propellant bed and fixes the solid propellant bed. The filling body has a filling body spring and a support element is arranged in the combustion chamber. The support element and the filling body spring are arranged in such a way that, after activation of the gas generator, the filling body spring rests at least partially against the support element and forms a flow filter.

[0003] The disclosure DE 197 09 597 A1 discloses a gas generator with at least one combustion chamber containing a pyrotechnic solid propellant bed and a filler body which, when the gas generator is at rest, presses onto the solid propellant bed and fixes the solid propellant bed, wherein the filler body has an elastic filler and a support element is arranged in the combustion chamber, wherein the support element and the filler body spring are arranged relative to one another in such a way that, after activation of the gas generator, the elastic filler rests at least partially against the support element and forms a flow filter.

[0004] US 2003 / 0 025 313 ​​A1 discloses a gas generator with at least one combustion chamber containing a pyrotechnic solid propellant bed. The gas generator also has a valve assembly including a support element.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to further develop a gas generator of the type mentioned above, particularly with regard to the support element. Furthermore, an advanced gas bag module is to be provided. Furthermore, the object is to provide an advanced personal protection system. In addition, the object of the present invention is to provide an advanced method for operating a gas generator.

[0006] According to the invention, this object is achieved with regard to the gas generator which is designed for a personal protection system by the characterizing features of claim 1, with regard to the gas bag module by the subject matter of claim 12, with regard to the personal protection system by the subject matter of claim 13 and with regard to the method for operating a gas generator by the subject matter of claim 14.

[0007] Advantageous and expedient embodiments of the gas generator according to the invention or of the method according to the invention for operating a gas generator are specified in the subclaims.

[0008] The gas generator according to the invention relates to a gas generator for a personal protection system. The gas generator comprises at least one combustion chamber containing a pyrotechnic solid propellant bed. Furthermore, the gas generator comprises a filler body that presses against the solid propellant bed when the gas generator is at rest and secures the solid propellant bed. The filler body has a filler body spring and a support element is arranged in the combustion chamber. The support element and the filler body spring are arranged relative to one another in such a way that, after activation of the gas generator, the filler body spring rests at least partially against the support element and forms a flow filter.

[0009] According to the invention, the support element has a plurality of web elements, wherein each web element comprises a rear edge pointing away from the solid propellant bed and at least one side edge extending from a front section pointing towards the solid propellant bed to the rear edge, wherein the side edge forms at least part of a support element contour which, when the gas generator is activated, defines a distance between spring coils of the packing spring that are at least partially in contact with the support element.

[0010] The support element can, for example, be arranged concentrically within the packing spring. Due to the positioning of the support element, the packing spring holds the fuel in the combustion chamber during combustion.

[0011] At the end facing the solid propellant bed, the packing spring may have a spiral section, which is particularly designed as a conical spring. At the end facing away from the solid propellant bed, the packing spring may have a cylindrical section, which is particularly designed as a helical spring. Such a configuration of the packing spring enables the coils of the spiral section to rest on a front section of the support element facing the solid propellant bed during operation, i.e., during or after activation of the gas generator. In contrast, the spring coils of the cylindrical section of the packing spring may rest on a rear section of the support element facing away from the solid propellant bed during operation.

[0012] After or upon activation of the gas generator, the flow filter further regulates the flow of a gas flowing out of the combustion chamber, which is generated in particular by the combustion of the solid propellant bed. The resulting flow filter thus makes it possible to regulate the flow of the gas flowing out of the combustion chamber. The gas flowing out of the combustion chamber can, for example, flow into another chamber of the gas generator, such as a filter chamber.

[0013] During the combustion of the solid propellant bed, the gas flows through gaps formed between the coils of the packing spring and along the support element. The solid propellant is retained in the combustion chamber by the coils resting against the support element, allowing it to burn as intended.

[0014] The distance between the spring coils resting on the support element, in particular on at least one side edge of the support element, is defined or definable in particular by the course and shape of the side edge. In particular, the distance between the resting spring coils can be defined by an angle formed between the longitudinal axis of the support element and at least a portion of the side edge or is definable on the basis of the angle. The longitudinal axis of the support element is understood to be the axis that runs from a frontmost point and / or a frontmost edge of the support element, which points or is aligned with the solid propellant bed, to the rear edge of the at least one web element. The longitudinal axis is in particular perpendicular to the rear axis. The longitudinal axis of the support element is preferably parallel to the gas flow direction of a gas flowing out of the combustion chamber.

[0015] The steeper the angle formed, the greater the distance between the coils of the packing spring. At shallower angles, the distance between the coils of the packing spring decreases.

[0016] It is possible for the front sections of the side edges of the web elements to form a front side contour, and the rear sections of the side edges of the web elements to form a rear side contour of the support element. The support element contour is formed from the front side contour and the rear side contour. After activation of the gas generator, the spiral section of the packing spring rests against the front side contour of the support element. The cylindrical section of the packing spring, on the other hand, rests largely against the rear side contour of the support element. The formation of the front side contour is therefore crucial for the function of the flow filter formed or to be formed.

[0017] The support element contour can be conical, pyramidal, truncated cone, truncated pyramidal, or cylindrical. The contour shapes listed refer to the shapes formed by the side edges of the web elements, whereby the areas between the side edges are not actually present or filled with respect to the pyramid, cylinder, or conical shape.

[0018] It is possible that the longitudinal axis of the support element is the axis of symmetry of the support element.

[0019] The support element can also be constructed in multiple parts, with at least two support element parts being designed to fit together. For this purpose, the support element parts can have recesses and / or grooves and / or bulges that serve to fit the support element parts together. A locking mechanism for at least two support element parts is also conceivable.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that, in a multi-part design of the support element, the web elements are each connected to one another at inner, preferably straight, side edges in such a way, in particular welded, glued, or clamped, that the web elements are rib-like, projecting radially from a central hub. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the support element runs through the central hub. The distances between the rib-like, radially projecting web elements are preferably of equal size. In other words, the rib-like web elements are designed to project radially evenly from the hub.

[0021] Between the rib-like web elements, spaces are formed through which the gas can flow out of the combustion chamber after the gas generator is activated. In other words, the gas flows along the central hub around the rib-like web elements from the combustion chamber into another chamber of the gas generator and / or into a gas bag.

[0022] The cross-section of the support element formed by the web elements, in particular web elements arranged in a rib-like manner, increases from a foremost point or a foremost edge directed towards the solid propellant bed towards the trailing edge of the web element.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable for the support element to be formed in one piece, in particular by extrusion or forging, with the web elements being rib-like, projecting radially from a central hub. With regard to the rib-like web elements, the same explanations apply as already given for the multi-part support element in connection with the rib-like web elements.

[0024] The design of the support element according to the invention is considerably more stable in operation compared to hollow filter screens or filter screens.

[0025] The support element can also be connected to a nozzle plate or formed integrally with a nozzle plate. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the support element to rest on a nozzle plate. The nozzle plate is formed or arranged at the outflow end of the combustion chamber.

[0026] Within the scope of a subordinate aspect, the invention is based on the idea of ​​providing a gas bag module with a gas generator as described above. The gas bag module according to the invention further comprises an inflatable gas bag.

[0027] Within the scope of the present invention, a personal protection system, in particular a driver, passenger, side or window airbag system, with a previously described gas generator or with a previously described gas bag module is also disclosed.

[0028] The invention also proposes a method for operating a previously described gas generator, wherein the spring coils of the filler spring are pressed at least in sections against a support element contour of the support element by the gas flow generated upon activation of the gas generator in such a way that the flow of the gas flowing out of the combustion chamber is regulated.

[0029] The flow rate of the gas flowing out of the combustion chamber is preferably adjusted by adapting the support element contour. The support element contour can be adapted, for example, by differently forming an angle that is formed between the longitudinal axis of the support element and at least a portion of a side edge of a web element of the support element. If the angle is reduced, i.e. if the angle is relatively acute, the distance between the spring coils of the packing spring is increased, so that the flow rate of the gas flowing out of the combustion chamber is increased. If a larger, i.e. flatter angle is formed, the distance between the spring coils of the packing spring is reduced, so that the flow rate of the gas flowing out of the combustion chamber is reduced.

[0030] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached schematic figures.

[0031] Showing: Fig. 1 a longitudinal sectional view through a gas generator according to a preferred embodiment; Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b various representations of a filling spring resting on a support element; Fig. 3a to 3c show various embodiments and / or representations with regard to a web element of a support element; Fig. 4a to 4c show various embodiments of a one-piece support element with a plurality of rib-like web elements; Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b further embodiments with regard to a support element; Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b embodiments with regard to multi-part support elements; and Fig. 7 a possible embodiment with regard to a filling spring.

[0032] In the following, the same reference symbols are used for identical and equivalent parts.

[0033] In Fig. 1 shows a gas generator 10 in the form of an elongated tubular gas generator. The outer housing 11 has a total length that is more than four times, in particular more than eight times, the diameter. An igniter 12 is arranged at the left end of the gas generator 10. The igniter 12 can be a prefabricated, self-contained unit. Adjacent to the igniter 12 is an igniter chamber 13, which can be filled with solid propellant. The igniter chamber 13 is separated from an adjacent, elongated combustion chamber 20 by a disc-like partition 14. The combustion chamber 20 is filled with a pyrotechnic solid propellant bed 21. The solid propellant bed 21 consists of a bed of individual propellant tablets, although these can also be formed from other propellant moldings, such as granules, disc-shaped and / or extruded bodies.

[0034] In Fig. 1, the gas generator 10 according to the invention is shown in a resting state, i.e., in a non-activated state. The igniter 12 is therefore not ignited. Furthermore, a packing spring 30 is arranged in the combustion chamber 20. In the resting state of the gas generator 10 shown, the packing spring 30 presses against the solid propellant bed 21 and fixes it in place. The packing spring 30 compensates for filling fluctuations or different fuel filling quantities of the propellant load.

[0035] The packing spring 30 has a spiral section 33, which is particularly designed as a conical spring, at the end 31 facing the solid propellant bed 21. At the end 32 facing away from the solid propellant bed 21, the packing spring 30 has a cylindrical section 34, which is particularly designed as a helical spring.

[0036] Furthermore, a support element 40 is arranged in the combustion chamber 20, wherein the support element 40 and the filler spring 30 are arranged relative to one another in such a way that, after activation of the gas generator, the filler spring 30 rests at least partially against the support element 40, in particular completely, against the support element 40 and forms a flow filter 25.

[0037] A nozzle plate 16 is arranged between a filter chamber 15 of the gas generator 10 and the support element 40. The support element 40 can be connected to the nozzle plate 16 or formed integrally with the nozzle plate 16.

[0038] In the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b shows the arrangement of a filler spring 30 and a support element 40 arranged therein in more detail. After activation of the gas generator 10, the two components 30 and 40 form a flow filter 25. The Fig. 2a corresponds to the rest state of the gas generator 10, ie the state in which the packing spring 30 presses on the solid propellant bed 21.

[0039] The support element 40 comprises at least one web element 41 with a trailing edge 42 pointing away from the solid propellant bed 21 and at least one side edge 43. The side edge 43 extends from a front section 44 pointing towards the solid propellant bed 21 to the trailing edge 42. The side edge 43 forms at least part of a support element contour 45 which, when the gas generator 10 is activated, defines the distance between spring coils 35 of the packing spring 30 that bear against the support element 40 at least in sections.

[0040] In Fig. 2b shows the filler spring 30 after activation of the gas generator 10. This means that the spring coils 35 rest against the support element 40, in particular against the support element contour 45, and form the flow filter 25. In Fig. 2b also shows a flange 46. The flange 46 has a larger cross-section than the packing spring 30. The flange 46 therefore serves as an end stop element for the packing spring 30, which rests against the support element 40.

[0041] In Fig. Figure 3a shows a support element 40 according to a first embodiment. This is a simple stamped part. The support element 40, designed as a web element 41, has a rear edge 42 and a side edge 43. The side edge 43 extends from the front section 44 of the support element 40 to the rear edge 42. The side edge 43 forms the support element contour 45, which has several edge sections with different angles. In the example shown, the front section 44 is designed as a flattened edge region. It is also conceivable for the front section 44 to be pointed or tapered.

[0042] The distance between the spring coils 35 resting on the support element 40 is defined or definable by an angle α formed between the longitudinal axis L of the support element 40 and at least a portion of the side edge 43.

[0043] In the Fig. 3b and Fig. 3c illustrates this relationship using two different examples. Fig. 3b, an angle α' is formed between the longitudinal axis L and the side edge 43. The angle α' is approximately 30 degrees, so that this angle is a relatively acute angle. The distance a1 between the spring coils 35 can be described as relatively large. In contrast, the angle α'' according to Fig. 3c between the longitudinal axis L and the side edge 43 is greater than the angle α'. The angle α'' is approximately 70 degrees. The distance a2 between the spring coils 35 is smaller than the distance a1 between the spring coils 35 according to the embodiment of the Fig. 3b. This means that the distance a between the spring coils 35 increases with decreasing angle α.

[0044] A flow filter 25 is formed by the filler spring 30 resting against the support element 40, in particular against the support element contour 45. This means that the individual propellant pellets of the solid propellant bed 21 cannot flow out of the combustion chamber 20 toward the filter chamber 15.

[0045] The propellant tablets or larger propellant particles are prevented from passing through the support element 40 by means of the sieve-like packing spring 30.

[0046] In addition, the flow filter 25 regulates the flow of the gas flowing out of the combustion chamber 20 after or upon activation of the gas generator. The gas flows in the gas flow direction F (see Fig. 1). Depending on the distance a between the spring coils 35, the gas can flow through the packing spring 30 resting against the support element 40. The longitudinal axis L of the support element 40 runs essentially parallel to the gas flow direction F.

[0047] In addition, the embodiments of the support elements 40 of the Fig. 2a, Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b and Fig. 3c each have a recess 62, which, on the one hand, reduces the weight of the support elements 40 and, on the other hand, contributes to optimizing the gas flow when the gas generator is activated. The recess 62 is located on the side of the support element 40 opposite the front section 44, which, when installed in the gas generator, faces the nozzle plate 16 of the gas generator.

[0048] This creates additional space for the gas flow, such that the effective flow cross-section of the nozzle plate 16 is not restricted. In other words, in the support element 40 with the recess 62, the flow cross-section of the nozzle plate 16 in the region of the recess 62 is not covered by the trailing edge 42, as is the case, for example, with the Fig. 2b is the case. The recess 62 of the Fig. 3a can be manufactured, for example, by punching a pentagon-like shape out of the support element 40, with the corners along the rear edge 42 being rounded. Various other, preferably polygonal, geometric shapes are also conceivable for the recess 62.

[0049] In the Fig. 4a to 4c show embodiments of possible support elements 40, which have several web elements 41. In Fig. 4a are four web elements 41, in Fig. 4b are three web elements 41 and in Fig. 4c, five web elements 41 are formed. The front sections 44 of the side edges 43 form a front side contour 47. The rear sections 49 of the side edges 43 form a rear side contour 48. The front side contour 47 and the rear side contour 48 form the support element contour 45 in all three embodiments.

[0050] After activation of the gas generator 10, the spiral section 33 of the packing spring 30 rests against the front side contour 47 of the support element 40. The cylindrical section 34 of the packing spring 30, in contrast, rests largely against the rear side contour 48 of the support element 40. The function of the flow filter 25 formed or to be formed is therefore primarily determined by the design of the front side contour 47.

[0051] In the examples shown, the front side contours 47 are each formed in the shape of a truncated pyramid. If the front sections 44 of the web elements 41 were tapered, the front side contour 47 could also be formed in the shape of a pyramid. Since the side edges 43 in the rear section 49 of the web elements 41 are formed parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the support elements 40, the rear side contours 48 of the embodiments according to Fig. 4a to 4c are cylindrical in shape. The cylindrical shape would become visible upon rotation of the support element about the longitudinal axis L. The longitudinal axis L can simultaneously be the axis of symmetry of the support element 40.

[0052] The support elements 40 according to the embodiments of the Fig. 4a to 4c are formed as a single piece. The single-piece construction of the support elements 40 can be achieved, in particular, by extrusion or forging. The web elements 41 are formed so as to project radially around a central hub 50. The web elements 41 are each connected to one another at inner, straight side edges 36. Free spaces 51 are formed between the rib-like web elements 41. Gas can flow out of the combustion chamber 20 through these free spaces 51 after activation of the gas generator 10. The spacings between the rib-like web elements 41 are preferably uniform or of the same type.

[0053] In Fig. 4a, the angle β' between the web elements 41 is 90 degrees. In the embodiment according to Fig. 4b, the angle β'' between the web elements 41 is 120 degrees. In the embodiment according to Fig. 4c the angle β''' is 72 degrees.

[0054] In the Fig. 5a shows a support element 40 comprising four web elements 41 projecting radially from a central hub 50. The angle β' between the adjacent web elements 41 is 90 degrees in each case. In this embodiment of the support element 40, the front section 44 is chamfered in the direction of the central hub 50 or in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the support element 40. The four chamfers 52 form a recess 53 in the direction of the central hub 50. Rounded portions 54 are formed in the direction of the side edges 43, which run parallel to the central hub 50.

[0055] When installed in the gas generator 10, the rounded portions 54 are the sections of the support element 40 closest to the solid propellant bed 21. In this embodiment, the inner side edges 36 are shorter than the side edges 43.

[0056] Also with the support element 40 of the Fig. 5b is a one-piece support element comprising four web elements 41, which are rib-like and project radially from the central hub 50. The angle β' between the web elements 41 is also 90 degrees in this embodiment. The web elements 41 are essentially rectangular in shape. A flange 46 is formed adjacent to the rear section 49 of the side edge 43. The front section 44 of the side edge 43 is formed at a right angle to the central hub 50. The length of the inner side edges 36 corresponds to the length of the sections of the side edges 43 that are parallel to the side edges 36.

[0057] In Fig. 6a shows a multi-part support element 40. The support element part 55 is inserted into the support element part 55'. For this purpose, the support element part 55 has a recess 56, and the support element part 55' also has a recess 56'. To plug the two support element parts 55 and 55' together, for example, the upper support element part 55 is rotated at a 90-degree angle about the longitudinal axis L. The upper support element part 55 is plugged onto the lower support element part 55' such that the stop surface 57 of the recess 56 rests on the stop surface 57' of the recess 56'.

[0058] In Fig. 6b also shows a multi-part support element 40 in the nested state. The two support element parts 60 and 60' are each designed as an angular web element. The angular web elements 41 and the support element parts 60 and 60' are assembled similarly to Fig. 6a shown inserted into each other with the help of recesses and stop surfaces.

[0059] In Fig. Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of a packing spring 30. The packing spring 30 comprises a spring plate 37 made of perforated sheet metal. After activation of the gas generator 10, the perforated sheet metal disc rests against the support element 40 and also forms a flow filter 25. The spring plate 37 thus essentially rests against the support element contour 45 of the support element 40. List of reference symbols 10 Gas generator 11 Outer casing 12 lighters 13 Ignition chamber 14 Partition wall 15 Filter chamber 16 Nozzle plate 20 combustion chamber 21 Solid propellant bed 25 flow filters 30 filling springs 31 End of filling spring 32 End of filling spring 33 Spiral section 34 Cylindrical section 35 spring coil 36 Inner side edge 37 spring plates 40 support element 41 web element 42 trailing edge 43 side edge 44 Front section 45 Support element contour 46 flange 47 Front side contour 48 Rear side contour 49 Rear section 50 Central Hub 51 open space 52 Bevel 53 Deepening 54 Rounding 55, 55' support element part 56, 56' recess 57, 57' stop surface 60, 60' support element part 62 recess α, α', α'' Angle between the longitudinal axis of the support element and the side edge β', β'', β''' Angle between web elements a, a1, a2 Distance between spring coils F Gas flow direction L Longitudinal axis support element

Claims

[1] Gas generator (10) for a personal protection system with at least one combustion chamber (20) containing a pyrotechnic solid propellant bed (21) and with a filler body which, when the gas generator (10) is in the rest state, presses on the solid propellant bed (21) and fixes the solid propellant bed (21), wherein the filler body has a filler body spring (30) and a support element (40) is arranged in the combustion chamber (20), wherein the support element (40) and the filler body spring (30) are arranged relative to one another in such a way that, after activation of the gas generator (10), the filler body spring (30) rests at least partially against the support element (40) and forms a flow filter (25), characterized byin that the support element (40) has a plurality of web elements (41), each web element (41) comprising a rear edge (42) pointing away from the solid propellant bed (21) and at least one side edge (43) extending from a front section (44) pointing towards the solid propellant bed (21) to the rear edge (42), the side edge (43) forming at least part of a support element contour (45) which, when the gas generator (10) is activated, defines a distance (a, a1, a2) between spring coils (35) of the packing spring (30) which bear against the support element (40) at least in sections. [2] Gas generator (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the packing spring (30) has a spiral section (33) at the end (31) facing the solid propellant bed (21) and a cylindrical section (34) at the end (32) facing away from the solid propellant bed (21). [3] Gas generator (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the flow filter (25) after activation of the gas generator (10) effects a flow regulation of a gas which can flow out of the combustion chamber (20). [4] Gas generator (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the distance (a, a1, a2) between the spring coils (35) resting on the support element (40) is defined or definable by an angle (α) formed between the longitudinal axis (L) of the support element (40) and at least a portion of the side edge (43). [5] Gas generator (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that front sections (44) of the side edges (43) of the web elements (41) form a front side contour (47) and rear sections (49) of the side edges (43) of the web elements (41) form a rear side contour (48) of the support element (40), wherein the front side contour (47) and the rear side contour (48) form the support element contour (45). [6] Gas generator (10) according to claim 5, characterized by that the support element contour (45) is conical or pyramidal or truncated cone-shaped or truncated pyramid-shaped or cylindrical. [7] Gas generator (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the longitudinal axis (L) of the support element (40) is the axis of symmetry of the support element (40). [8] Gas generator (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the support element (40) is designed in several parts, wherein at least two support element parts (55, 55'; 60, 60') are inserted into one another. [9] Gas generator (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the support element (40) is designed in several parts, wherein the web elements (41) are each connected to one another at inner, straight side edges (36) in such a way that the web elements (41) are designed in a rib-like manner, projecting radially from a central hub (50). [10] Gas generator (10) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the support element (40) is formed in one piece, wherein the web elements (41) are rib-like, projecting radially from a central hub (50). [11] Gas generator (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the support element (40) is connected to a nozzle plate (16) or is formed in one piece with a nozzle plate (16). [12] Gas bag module with a gas generator (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11. [13] Personal protection system with a gas generator (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11 or a gas bag module according to claim 12. [14] Method for operating a gas generator (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the spring coils (35) of the filler spring (30) are pressed at least in sections against a support element contour (45) of the support element (40) by the gas flow generated upon activation of the gas generator (10) in such a way that the flow rate (F) of the gas flowing out of the combustion chamber (10) is regulated. [15] Method according to claim 14, characterized by that the flow rate (F) of the gas flowing out of the combustion chamber (20) is adjusted by adjusting the support element contour (45). [16] Method according to claim 15, characterized by that the adaptation of the support element contour (45) takes place by variably forming an angle (α) which is formed between the longitudinal axis (L) of the support element (40) and at least a portion of a side edge (43) of a web element (41) of the support element (40).

Images