Gas generator

Abstract

A gas generator with an igniter is positioned at a position offset from a center of an accumulation of a gas generating agent filled in a combustion chamber, includes an insulation part forming a gas flow space serving as a space in which the gas generating agent is not filled, and a plurality of communication parts connecting the combustion chamber and the gas flow space.A portion of the plurality of communication parts is configured to allow a combustion product generated by burning the gas generating means positioned close to the igniter to flow into the gas flow space, and another portion of the plurality of communication parts is configured to allow the combustion product flowing through the gas flow space to flow out to the gas generating means positioned remote from the igniter. Thus, uniform combustion of the gas generating means is realized regardless of the arrangement of the igniter in the gas generator.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas generator configured to burn a gas-generating agent by activating an igniter, thereby producing combustion gas.

[0002] The publication EP 0 787 630 A1 shows a gas generator with an igniter. A housing containing the igniter is provided with a gas discharge port and includes a combustion chamber configured to burn a gas-generating agent filled in a position where it is combustible upon activation by the igniter. The igniter is positioned relative to the gas-generating agent in the combustion chamber, offset from the center of a concentration of the gas-generating agent. An insulating element surrounds at least part of the concentration of the gas-generating agent. Between the insulating element and a predetermined area where the gas discharge port is not formed, a gas flow space is formed, which serves as a space within the housing where the gas-generating agent is not filled.Communication components are provided in the insulation section and connect the combustion chamber and the gas flow chamber.

[0003] German patent application DE 197 16 652 A1 discloses a centrifugal separator, particularly for use in gas generators of airbag safety devices. The annular space is formed with concentric inner and outer walls and two end walls. The inner wall has radially internal inlet openings that direct a gas or gas-dust mixture into the annular space and create swirl. Another wall has outlet openings. A partition wall, forming an annular cavity with the outer wall, is arranged concentrically within the annular space. This partition wall has several inlet openings along its circumference that tangentially direct at least part of the radially outer portion of the gas flow into the annular cavity.

[0004] In a gas generator configured to combust a gas-generating agent placed in a combustion chamber by activating an igniter to produce combustion gas, if the gas-generating agent does not combust as desired, it is difficult to produce combustion gas as intended. Essentially, to combust the gas-generating agent without unevenness and produce combustion gas as intended, the gas-generating agent must be uniformly positioned around the igniter. However, the gas generator's configuration makes it difficult to position the gas-generating agent uniformly around the igniter. For example, in the gas generator described in US 2007 / 0001437A1, as in Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, an igniter is provided in a position that is offset from the gas generator with respect to a central axis, and the gas-generating medium is filled into the gas generator on one side opposite the side where the igniter is located. In such a configuration, the combustion of the gas-generating medium tends to align the orientation of a flame transfer hole provided in the housing with that of the igniter on the side where the gas-generating medium is filled.

[0005] Additionally, JP H09-183359 A discloses a gas generator in which a combustion chamber is formed in a region comprising the center of a round half-shell container, and a plurality of receiving containers, each containing an igniter, a fuel unit including an igniter, and a gas-generating agent positioned within the combustion chamber. In this gas generator, each gas-generating agent contained in the plurality of receiving containers is independently combusted by an associated igniter. In such a gas generator, while each igniter is positioned offset with respect to the central axis of the outer half-shell container, the gas-generating agent in each receiving container is positioned substantially uniformly around the circumference of the igniter.It can be stated that in the gas generator, as described above, a filter chamber, which has a ring shape, is formed around the combustion chamber, an outlet opening is formed in an outer wall which defines the filter chamber, and the gas in the filter chamber is released from the outlet opening to the outside of the gas generator.

[0006] In a case where a gasifying agent filling a combustion chamber is combusted by activation of an igniter in a gas generator, the gasifying agent is preferably positioned uniformly around the igniter to achieve non-uniform combustion. However, depending on the structure of the gas generator, it can be difficult to position the igniter in such a way as to ensure uniform combustion relative to the gasifying agent. For example, it may be necessary to position the igniter offset from the gasifying agent due to limitations in the shape or dimensions of the gas generator.

[0007] The configuration, used with the gas generator as described above, is a configuration in which the orientation of the flame transfer hole, provided in the housing of the igniter, is aligned with the gas-generating means, leaving room for improvements in achieving uniform combustion of the gas-generating means in a case where the arrangement of the igniter is offset from a position suitable for uniform combustion of the gas-generating means.

[0008] In light of the problems described above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a gas generator that makes it possible to achieve uniform combustion of the gas-generating agent, regardless of whether an igniter is arranged in the gas generator. According to the present invention, this object is achieved by a gas generator having the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0009] According to the present invention, a combustion chamber filled with a gas-generating agent and a gas flow chamber, not filled with a gas-generating agent, are formed within a housing of a gas generator. The gas generator is configured such that a combustion product, generated by burning the gas-generating agent positioned near the igniter, flows into the gas flow chamber through a section of a plurality of communication elements connecting the combustion chamber and the gas flow chamber. The combustion product flowing through the gas flow chamber then flows out to the gas-generating agent, which is positioned further away from the igniter, through another section of the plurality of communication elements. This configuration makes it possible to achieve uniform combustion of the gas-generating agent, regardless of the position of the igniter within the gas generator.

[0010] In particular, according to the present invention, a gas generator comprises an igniter, and a housing that receives the igniter, provided with a gas delivery port, and comprising a combustion chamber configured to burn a gas-generating agent which is filled in a position in which it is combustible by activation by the igniter, the igniter being positioned in a position which is offset relative to the gas-generating agent which is filled in the combustion chamber from a center of an accumulation of the gas-generating agent.The gas generator further includes an insulating part that surrounds at least part of the accumulation of the gas-generating agent, and forms a gas flow space between the insulating part and a predetermined area in which the gas discharge connection is not formed, which serves as a space in the housing in which the gas-generating agent is not filled, and a plurality of communication parts that are provided in the insulating part and connect the combustion chamber and the gas flow space.Furthermore, a portion of the majority of communication parts is configured to allow a combustion product generated by combustion of the gas-generating means positioned near the igniter to flow into the gas flow space, and another portion of the majority of communication parts is configured to allow a combustion product flowing through the gas flow space to flow out to the gas-generating means positioned away from the igniter.

[0011] In such a gas generator, when the igniter is activated, the gas-generating medium located near the igniter combusts first. This produces a combustion product close to the igniter within the combustion chamber. Furthermore, the combustion product generated near the igniter is not only distributed throughout the combustion chamber but also through the gas flow space, passing through the section containing the majority of the communication components. As described above, the gas flow space is not filled with the gas-generating medium. Therefore, the gas flow space is considered to be in a state where the combustion product is more readily dispersed compared to the combustion chamber, which is filled with the gas-generating medium. Consequently, the combustion product generated near the igniter can be dispersed more quickly by the igniter as it flows through the gas flow space than as it flows through the combustion chamber.This means that the combustion product, generated near the igniter, flows into the gas flow chamber from the section containing the majority of communication parts, flows through the gas flow chamber, and subsequently flows out of the other sections containing the majority of communication parts and into the combustion chamber, thus reaching the gas generating element located furthest from the igniter as quickly as possible. As a result, not only the gas generating element located near the igniter, but also the gas generating element located furthest from the igniter, is combusted in a relatively short period of time.

[0012] It should be noted that the insulating element provided in the gas generator, as described above, forms the gas flow space between the insulating element and a predetermined area in the housing where the gas discharge port is not located. That is, the gas flow space is a space connected to the combustion chamber, with the majority of communication components positioned between them, and is not directly connected to the gas discharge port in the housing. Accordingly, the combustion product flowing through the gas flow space continues through the combustion chamber and is ultimately discharged from the gas discharge port. Thus, the combustion product flowing through the gas flow space is effectively directed to the gas-generating element, which is located some distance from the igniter.

[0013] With this configuration, as described above, even if the relative position of the igniter is offset from the center of the gas-generating agent's accumulation, the gas-generating agent located farther from the igniter can be combusted in a relatively short period of time. That is, uniform combustion of the gas-generating agent can be achieved, regardless of the igniter's position within the housing. As a result, advantageous combustion gas generation capability can be demonstrated.

[0014] In the gas generator described above, the other part of the communication elements can be configured with openings that increase in size as the distance from the igniter increases. In this case, the other section of the communication elements is configured to allow the combustion product to enter the combustion chamber more easily as the distance from the igniter increases. As a result, the combustion product, flowing from the gas flow chamber to the gas generator through this other section of the communication elements, allows the gas generator to combust efficiently, even if it is located far from the igniter. Thus, more uniform combustion of the gas generator in the gas generator can be achieved.

[0015] Furthermore, in the gas generator as described above, the housing can be formed by a connection of at least two elements. Two of these at least two elements are integrated by welding onto a predetermined welded section, and this predetermined welded section is separated from the combustion chamber by the gas flow space. According to this configuration, the heat from the welding process, exerted on the predetermined welded section, is mitigated by the gas flow space when the housing is integrated. That is, the heat transfer from the welding process to the combustion chamber within the housing is suppressed by the gas flow space. This prevents the gas-generating medium, which is filled into the combustion chamber, from being unintentionally combusted by the welding heat.Furthermore, in such a gas generator not only can the uniform combustion of the gas-generating medium be improved, as described above, but safety is also advantageously ensured when the gas generator is assembled.

[0016] The gas generator, as described above, can be configured to further include a partition wall that vertically divides the combustion chamber, forming a first combustion chamber positioned at its upper side and a combustion chamber positioned at its lower side within the housing, and a first igniter that combusts a first gas-generating agent filled into the first combustion chamber, and a second igniter that combusts a second gas-generating agent filled into the combustion chamber, positioned at the bottom of the housing. In such a configuration, the gas discharge port in the housing can be located on the side of the first combustion chamber, and the partition wall can include a receiving wall that surrounds the first igniter positioned at the bottom and receives the first igniter within the first combustion chamber.The insulating part can be positioned in the combustion chamber and surrounds at least part of an accumulation of the gas-generating medium, forming the gas flow space between the insulating part and an inner wall surface of the housing on the combustion chamber side. Part of the plurality of communication parts can be configured to allow a combustion product, resulting from the combustion of the gas-generating medium located near the igniter, to flow into the gas flow space, and the other part of the plurality of communication parts can be configured to allow a combustion product flowing through the gas flow space to flow out to the gas-generating medium located farther from the igniter.

[0017] With such a gas generator, the discharge mode of the combustion gas to the outside can be adjusted in various ways: by the combustion of the first gas-generating agent upon activation of the first igniter, and by the combustion of the gas-generating agent upon activation of the igniter. Furthermore, such a gas generator can also generate and discharge a relatively large quantity of combustion gas to the outside. In this gas generator, the first combustion chamber is located in the space on one side of the top surface of the housing, and the two igniters and the combustion chamber are located in the space on one side of the bottom surface of the housing. Furthermore, the receiving wall surrounds the first igniter, positioned on the bottom surface of the housing, and thus the first combustion chamber extends into a space on the side of the bottom surface of the housing (the combustion chamber is formed within this space).With the gas generator configured in this way, the gas-generating medium cannot be positioned uniformly around the igniter. As a result, inconsistencies arise in the combustion of the gas-generating medium. In this case, by surrounding at least one section of the gas-generating medium, the insulating element included in the gas generator, as described above, forms the gas flow space between the insulating element and the inner wall surface of the housing on the combustion chamber side. Consequently, the combustion product generated near the igniter flows into the gas flow space of the section containing the majority of the communication elements, flows through the gas flow space, and subsequently flows out of the other section containing the majority of the communication elements and to the gas-generating medium located further away from the igniter.Thus, the gas-generating agent, positioned far from the igniter, is also combusted within a relatively short time period. In other words, even in a gas generator equipped with a partition wall that vertically divides the combustion chamber within the casing, and with two igniters positioned on the bottom surface of the casing, uniform combustion of the gas-generating agent can be achieved. As a result, a favorable combustion gas generation capacity can be demonstrated.

[0018] In this gas generator, as described above, the gas-generating agent can have a faster combustion rate than the first gas-generating agent. In this gas generator, as described above, because the gas discharge port is located in the housing on the side of the first combustion chamber, the combustion product generated by the gas-generating agent is ultimately discharged from the gas discharge port into the first combustion chamber. Furthermore, the combustion product generated by the gas-generating agent flows into the first combustion chamber, thus facilitating combustion by the first gas-generating agent. Moreover, according to the configuration described above, the gas-generating agent produces the combustion product relatively quickly once combustion has started.Accordingly, in the gas generator as described above, the combustion product generated by the combustion of the gas-producing agent is effectively used to combust the first gas-producing agent. Thus, an advantageous combustion gas production capability can be demonstrated.

[0019] Furthermore, in the gas generator, as described above, the other part can be configured with multiple communication components featuring openings that increase in size as the distance from the igniter increases. According to this configuration, the further the gas generator is from the igniter, the more easily it is combusted by the combustion product flowing through the gas flow chamber. Thus, a more uniform combustion of the gas generator can be achieved. [Advantageous effects of the invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve a uniform combustion of a gas-generating means, regardless of the arrangement of an igniter in the gas generator. [Description of the drawings] Fig. Figure 1 is a first schematic representation of a configuration of a gas generator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a configuration of an O-shaped insulating element mounted on the gas generator, as shown in Figure 2. Fig. 1, to be applied. Fig. 3A is a first diagram representing a state in which a combustion product, generated by combustion of a second gas-generating agent, is located between a second combustion chamber and a gas flow space in the gas generator, shown in Fig. 1, moving. Fig. 3B is a second diagram depicting a state in which a combustion product, generated by combustion of the second gas-generating medium, exists between the second combustion chamber and the gas flow space in the gas generator, as shown in Fig. 1, moving. Fig. Figure 4 is a diagram representing a state in which a combustion product, generated by combustion of the second gas-generating means, moves between the second combustion chamber and the gas flow space in a first modified example of Example 1 of the present invention. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a configuration of a C-shaped insulating element according to a second modified example of Example 1 of the present invention. Fig. Figure 6 is a diagram representing a state in which a combustion product, generated by combustion of the second gas-generating medium, is located between the second combustion chamber and the gas flow space in the gas generator, on which the C-shaped insulating element, shown in Figure 6, is located. Fig. 5 is applied, moves. Fig. Figure 7 is a second schematic representation of a configuration of a gas generator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 8 is a diagram representing a state in which a combustion product, generated by the combustion of a gas-generating agent, is located between a combustion chamber and a gas flow space in the gas generator, as shown in Figure 8. Fig. 7, moving. Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic representation of a configuration of the gas generator to which a cup-shaped insulating element is applied according to a modified example of Example 2 of the present invention. Fig. Figure 10 is a schematic representation of a configuration of the cup-shaped insulating element according to the modified example of Example 2 of the present invention. Fig. Figure 11 is a diagram representing a state in which a combustion product, generated by the combustion of the gas-generating medium, exists between the combustion chamber and the gas flow space in the gas generator, as shown in Figure 11. Fig. 9, moving. [Description of exemplary implementations]

[0021] A gas generator according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the configurations of the following embodiment are provided as examples and the present invention is not limited to the configurations of this embodiment. Example 1

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view in a vertical direction of a gas generator 1. It can be seen that Z0 in Fig. Figure 1 represents a central axis in the vertical direction (axial direction) of the gas generator 1. The gas generator 1 is configured to combust a gas-generating agent with which a housing 4, formed from an upper half-shell 2 and a lower half-shell 3, is filled, and to release a combustion gas. Furthermore, the gas generator 1 is a so-called dual-type gas generator, comprising two combustion chambers, each positioned on an upper and a lower side, and each of the two combustion chambers includes an igniter and a gas-generating agent corresponding to each of the combustion chambers, as described below. Here, the upper half-shell 2 includes a circumferential wall 2c and a top surface 2d, which form an enclosed interior. The interior is a first combustion chamber 21, filled with a first gas-generating agent 22.Furthermore, the top surface 2d and a bottom surface 3b of the lower half-shell 3, as described below, are substantially circular when viewed from above. The perimeter wall 2c and the perimeter wall 3a of the lower half-shell 3, as described below, each surround the top surface 2d and the bottom surface 3b, respectively, and extend substantially perpendicularly from the corresponding surfaces to form ring-wall surfaces. The top surface 2d is connected to one end of the perimeter wall 2c, and the other end of the perimeter wall 2c serves as an opening for the upper half-shell 2. Furthermore, at the other end of the perimeter wall 2c, a fitting wall 2a and a connecting section 2b are provided in that order to form the opening.The radius of the interior formed by the pass wall 2a is larger than the radius of the interior formed by the perimeter wall 2c, on one side closer to the top surface 2d, and the pass wall 2a connects to the perimeter wall 2c, with the attachment section 2b placed in between.

[0023] Furthermore, the lower hemisphere 3 includes the circumferential wall 3a and the base surface 3b, which form an enclosed interior space. The interior space is a second combustion chamber 25, filled with a second gas-generating agent 26. The base surface 2b is connected to the circumferential wall 3a at one end, and the other end of the circumferential wall 3a serves as an opening in the lower hemisphere 3. The radius of the interior space formed by the circumferential wall 3a is essentially the same as the radius of the interior space formed by the circumferential wall 2c of the upper hemisphere 2. The base surface 3b of the lower hemisphere 3 is provided with a hole in which a first igniter 23 is fixed and a hole in which a second igniter 27 is fixed.

[0024] Furthermore, in the housing 4, a partition wall 10 is positioned between the upper half-shell 2 and the lower half-shell 3. The partition wall 10 comprises a closing end 15, a partition wall section 14 connected to the closing end 15 and essentially dividing the interior of the housing 4 into upper and lower spaces, a perimeter wall 13 connected to the partition wall section 14 and extending along a receiving wall element (receiving wall) 16 as described below, and an end 12 positioned so that it partially covers the opening of the receiving wall 16. It should be noted that the end 12 forms a through-hole 11. Furthermore, the receiving wall element 16, which has a tube shape, is provided on the bottom surface 3b to surround the circumference of the first fuze 23, attached to the bottom surface 3b, by the lower half-shell 3 in the vertical direction of the same.An opening above the receiving wall element 16 is covered by the end 12 of the partition wall 10. Additionally, a through-hole 17 is provided in the receiving wall element 16, and the through-hole 17 allows communication between two chambers (the first combustion chamber 21 and a second combustion chamber 25) resulting from the partition by the partition wall 10.

[0025] In a state where the partition wall 10 is attached to the lower half-shell 3 as described above, the upper half-shell 2 is also attached from above. As described above, since the radius of the interior formed by the fitting wall 2a of the upper half-shell 2 is larger than the radius of the interior formed by the circumferential wall 2c, the upper half-shell 2 is fitted together with the lower half-shell 3, and thus the connecting section 2b is in contact with the end 15 of the partition wall 10. It should be noted that in the housing 4, at one side of the fitting or contact between the upper half-shell 3 and the lower half-shell 3, the upper half-shell 2 and the lower half-shell 3 are joined by a joining method (for example, welding) suitable for preventing moisture, etc., from entering the housing 4 with regard to the gas generating medium.

[0026] As described above, the interior of the housing 4 is essentially divided into two compartments by the partition wall 10, positioned at the top and bottom, respectively. Within the interior of the housing 4, in the first combustion chamber 21, defined by the upper hemisphere 2 and the partition wall 10, are the first igniter 23 and the first gas-generating device 22; and in the second combustion chamber 25, defined by the lower hemisphere 3 and the partition wall 10, are the second igniter 27 and the second gas-generating device 26. Thus, the gas generator 1 is configured as a dual-type gas generator, incorporating two igniters, namely the first igniter 23 and the second igniter 27.It can be observed that both, the first detonator 23 and the second detonator 27, are fixed to the bottom surface 3b of the lower half-shell 3, and thus the first detonator 23 is received in a state in which the side of the first detonator 23 is surrounded by the receiving wall element 16.

[0027] In the first combustion chamber 21, while the first igniter 23 is received in the interior space of the receiving wall element 16 (the space defined by the receiving wall element 16 and the bottom surface 3b of the lower hemisphere 3, and open upwards), and the upper space is filled with the first gas-generating agent 22, a filter 23, which has an annular shape, is positioned to surround the first gas-generating agent. At this point, the first gas-generating agent 22 is filled in such a way that it is pressed against the filter 32, the partition wall 14, and the like by a compressive force applied by a damping cushion 31, and thus undesirable vibrations from the first gas-generating agent 22 do not occur in the first combustion chamber 21. The first gas-generating agent 22 used is a gas-generating agent that has a relatively low combustion temperature.It is preferred that the first gas-generating agent 22 has a combustion temperature in the range of 1,000 to 1,700 °C. For example, a single-hole cylindrical gas-generating agent comprising guanidine nitrate (41 wt%), base copper nitrate (49 wt%), and a binder or additive can be used as the first gas-generating agent 22. It should be noted that, in order to improve the ignition capability of the first gas-generating agent 22, the gas generator 1 can incorporate a predetermined gas-generating agent with a relatively high combustion temperature (for example, a gas-generating agent having a composition including nitroguanidine and strontium nitrate) within the interior of the receiving wall element 16.

[0028] Filter 32 is configured by stacking flat woven fabrics made of stainless steel in the radial direction and compressing the fabrics in the radial and axial directions. Filter 32 is configured to cool the combustion gas from the first gas-generating device 22 and to collect combustion residues contained in the combustion gas. Alternatively, a filter having a wire-wound type structure, in which a wire is wound to form multiple layers on a core rod, can be used as filter 32. It should be noted that filter 32 also collects the combustion residues from the second gas-generating device 26, which is filled in the second combustion chamber 25. Additionally, a gap 33, formed between the circumferential wall 2c of the upper half-shell 2 and the filter 32, provides a gas passage surrounding the filter 32 and has a ring shape in the radial direction, in the cross-sectional view.The gap 33 allows the combustion gas to pass through the entire area of ​​the filter 32, thus enabling effective use of the filter 32 and effective cooling and purification of the combustion gas. The combustion gas flowing through the gap 33 reaches the gas outlet 5, which is provided in the perimeter wall 2c. Additionally, to prevent moisture from entering the housing 4 from the outside, the gas outlet 5 is sealed from the inside of the housing 4 by an aluminum band 34 until the gas generator 1 is activated.

[0029] Furthermore, the second combustion chamber 25 is filled with the second gas-generating agent 26, corresponding to the second igniter 27, which is fixed to the bottom surface 3b of the lower hemisphere 3. The second gas-generating agent 26 is also filled in such a way that it is pressed through a damping element (not shown), thus preventing undesirable vibrations from the second gas-generating agent 26 in the second combustion chamber 25. Furthermore, similar to the first gas-generating agent 22, a single-hole cylindrical gas-generating agent is used for the second gas-generating agent 26, which contains, for example, guanidine nitrate (41 wt%), base copper nitrate (49 wt%), a binder, and an additive.

[0030] With such a configuration, in the gas generator 1, the mode of venting the combustion gas to the outside can be varied, resulting from the combustion of the first gas-generating medium 22 due to the activation of the first igniter 23, and the combustion of the second gas-generating medium 26 due to the activation of the second igniter 27. Furthermore, a relatively large quantity of combustion gas can be generated and vented to the outside. However, in the dual-type gas generator 1, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the first igniter 23 and the second igniter 27 are positioned in the recessed interior formed by the lower hemisphere 3, and the first combustion chamber 21 extends into the interior, surrounded by the first igniter 23. Therefore, the second gas-generating element 26 cannot be positioned uniformly around the second igniter 27. As a result, there is a possibility that non-uniformity will occur in the combustion of the gas-generating element, and the output characteristics of the gas generator 1 will deviate from expectations.

[0031] In the gas generator 1, an O-shaped insulating element 41 is positioned within the second combustion chamber 25. This O-shaped insulating element 41 surrounds an accumulation of the second gas-generating medium 26, thereby forming a gas flow space 42 between the O-shaped insulating element 41 and the inner wall surface 3c of the lower hemisphere 3, which is not filled with the gas-generating medium. Specifically, the O-shaped insulating element 41 is an annular element, as shown in Fig. Figure 2 shows the O-shaped insulating element 41, which includes a collar 41a, a lower end 41b, and a circumferential wall 41c. Furthermore, the O-shaped insulating element 41 is positioned in a recessed interior formed by the lower half-shell 3, with the collar 41a and the lower end 41b abutting the inner wall surface 3c of the lower half-shell 3, thereby forming the gas flow space 42 between the O-shaped insulating element 41 and the inner wall surface 3c of the lower half-shell 3. This gas flow space 42 is a space isolated from the second combustion chamber 25 by the O-shaped insulating element 41, and the gas flow space 42 communicates with the second combustion chamber 25 only through a communication hole, which is described below.

[0032] The O-shaped insulating element 41 has a communication hole that connects the second combustion chamber 25 and the gas flow chamber 42, with the O-shaped insulating element 41 being positioned inside the second combustion chamber 25. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a plurality of communication holes are formed around the entire circumference in the circumferential direction of the O-shaped insulating element 41, and these communication holes are collectively referred to as "a plurality of communication holes 43". It should be noted that, while in the present example the second combustion chamber 25 and the gas flow chamber 42 are connected by holes, the present invention is not intended to be limited thereto and can, for example, allow the second combustion chamber 25 and the gas flow chamber 42 to communicate with each other through slots.

[0033] In the gas generator 1, configured as follows, a portion of the combustion product, such as combustion gas, generated by the combustion of the second gas-generating device 26, positioned near the second igniter 27, flows into the gas flow chamber 42 through some of the multiple communication holes 43. The combustion product then flows outwards to the second gas-generating device 26, which is positioned further away from the second igniter 27, through the remaining communication holes of the multiple communication holes 43. Thus, uniform combustion of the gas-generating device can be achieved. This is described in detail below.

[0034] Fig. 3A and Fig. Figure 3B represents a state in which a portion of the combustion product, such as the combustion gas generated by the combustion of the second gas-generating agent 26, moves between the second combustion chamber 25 and the gas flow chamber 42, and indicates the flow from the combustion by arrows C1, C2, C3. It should be noted that Fig. 3A is a cross-sectional view in a vertical direction of the gas generator 1, and Fig. 3B a cross-sectional view (transverse cross-sectional view) of the gas generator 1 along line AA of Fig. 3A is. Furthermore, the combustion process of the second gas-generating agent 26 in the gas generator 1 is carried out according to the present example, based on the Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B described.

[0035] When the second igniter 27 is activated, a second gas-generating medium 26a, positioned close to the second igniter 27, first combusts. This combustion produces a combustion product within the second combustion chamber 25. This combustion product is subsequently distributed not only throughout the second combustion chamber 25, but also throughout the gas flow space 42 and over a portion of the communication components 43. In this process, Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B, the flow of the combustion product flowing into the gas flow chamber 42 from the second combustion chamber 25 is indicated by arrow C1. Furthermore, as indicated by arrow C1 in Fig. As shown in Figure 3B, the inflow of the combustion product from the second combustion chamber 25 into the gas flow chamber 42 is carried out via the communication holes, which are located relatively close to the second igniter 27. The communication holes, which allow the combustion product to flow from the second combustion chamber 25 into the gas flow chamber 42, are referred to below as "inflow holes 43a". It should be noted that the mode of movement of the combustion product, represented by the Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B is more of an example of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Then, as indicated by arrow C3 in Fig. As shown in Figure 3B, the combustion product entering the gas flow chamber 42 flows through the gas flow chamber 42. Here, the gas flow chamber 42 is not filled with the gas-generating medium. Therefore, compared to the second combustion chamber 25, in which the second gas-generating medium 26 is densely filled and the flow of the combustion product through the second gas-generating medium 26 is thus prevented, the gas flow chamber 42 is in a state where the combustion product is easily dispersed. Thus, the combustion product generated near the second igniter 27 can be dispersed more quickly by the second igniter 27 if a portion of it flows through the gas flow chamber 42 (represented by arrows C1, C2, C3 in Figure 3B). Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B), as if a product of the same were passed through the second combustion chamber 25 (represented by an arrow C4 in Fig. 3A) flows. Furthermore, as indicated by arrow C2 in Fig. As shown in Figure 3B, the combustion product flowing through the gas flow chamber 42 exits the communication holes 43, which are located relatively far from the second igniter 27 (hereinafter referred to as "outflow holes 43b"), into the second combustion chamber 25. In other words, the combustion product entering and flowing through the gas flow chamber 42 via the inlet holes 43a flows to the second gas generator 26, which is positioned far from the second igniter 27, via the outflow holes 43b. As a result, some of the combustion product generated near the second igniter 27 can reach the second gas generator 26, which is located far from the second igniter 27, as quickly as possible.As a result, not only the second gas-generating means 26, positioned close to the second igniter 27, but also the second gas-generating means 26, positioned farther away from the second igniter 27, are burned in a relatively short period of time.

[0037] Furthermore, as described above, the gas discharge port 5 of the gas generator 1 is provided in the circumferential wall 2c of the upper half-shell 2, and an opening through which the combustion gas is discharged to the outside is not provided in the inner wall surface 3c of the lower half-shell 3, which together with the O-shaped insulating element 41 forms the gas flow chamber 42. Thus, the combustion product flowing through the gas flow chamber 42 continues through the combustion chamber 25, the first combustion chamber 21, and the gap 33, and is subsequently discharged from the gas discharge port 5. Accordingly, the combustion product flowing through the gas flow chamber 42 is efficiently directed to the second gas generating unit 26, which is positioned remotely from the igniter 27.

[0038] In the gas generator 1, as described above, the upper half-shell 2 and the lower half-shell 3 of the housing 4 can be integrated together by welding. In this case, the welding of the upper half-shell 2 and the lower half-shell 3 to a predefined welded part 4a, shown in Fig. 1. The specified welded part 4a is an area in which the fitting wall 2a of the upper half-shell 2 is inserted with the circumferential wall 3 of the lower half-shell 3, and the gas flow chamber 42 is formed on the side opposite the fitting wall 2a side, by the circumferential wall 3 of the lower half-shell 3. According to this configuration, the heat transfer from the welding heat to the second combustion chamber 25 through the gas flow chamber 42 is suppressed. Thus, the second gas generating medium 26, which is filled in the second combustion chamber 25, is prevented from being unintentionally burned by the welding heat.

[0039] Furthermore, in the gas generator 1, as described above, the second gas-generating medium 26 can be configured to have a faster combustion rate than that of the first gas-generating medium 22. In this case, for example, in a single-hole cylindrical gas-generating medium, the particle size of the second gas-generating medium 26 is smaller than the particle size of the first gas-generating medium 22. Alternatively, for example, a known combustion accelerator can be added to the second gas-generating medium 26. According to such a configuration, the second gas-generating medium 26 produces the combustion product relatively quickly after combustion has started. Thus, in such a gas generator 1, the combustion product produced by the combustion of the second gas-generating medium 26 is effectively used for combustion by the first gas-generating medium 22.

[0040] According to the gas generator 1, as described above, the second gas-generating medium 26, which is positioned remotely from the second igniter 27, can also be combusted in a relatively short period of time. Thus, uniform combustion of the gas-generating medium can be achieved. As a result, the gas generator 1 can exhibit advantageous combustion gas generation capability. First modified example of Example 1

[0041] Next, a first modified example of Example 1, described above, will be presented, based on Fig. 4 described. It should be noted that in the present modified example, detailed descriptions of components, which are essentially the same as those of Example 1 described above, have been omitted. Fig. Figure 4 is a diagram (transverse cross-sectional view of gas generator 1) corresponding to Fig. 3B, described above, represents a state in which a portion of the combustion product, such as the combustion gas produced by combustion of the second gas-generating medium 26, moves between the second combustion chamber 25 and the gas flow chamber 42. It should be noted that arrows C1, C2, and C3, shown in Fig. 4, as explained above by Fig. 3B described.

[0042] In the gas generator 1 according to this modified example, an O-shaped insulating element 410 is positioned inside the second combustion chamber 25. This O-shaped insulating element 410 is configured in the same way as the O-shaped insulating element 41 described above and includes a plurality of communication holes connecting the second combustion chamber 25 and the gas flow chamber 42 to the O-shaped insulating element 41, positioned inside the second combustion chamber 25.Assuming that the communication holes located relatively close to the second igniter 27, through which the combustion product flows from the second combustion chamber 25 into the gas flow chamber 42, are designated as inlet holes 430a, and that the communication holes located relatively far from the second igniter 27, through which the combustion product flowing through the gas flow chamber 42 exits to the second combustion chamber 25, are designated as outlet holes 430b, the outlet holes 430b increase in size as their distance from the second igniter 27 increases. In other words, the outlet holes 430b are designed with opening areas that increase in size as their distance from the second igniter 27 increases.

[0043] Specifically, the outlet holes 430b are designed such that the combustion product, which comes from the second gas generator 26, represented by an arrow C22, is discharged into Fig. 4) flows out through the outflow holes (shown as outflow holes 432b in Fig. 4), from the exhaust holes 430b, which are located relative to the second igniter 27, has a faster flow rate than the combustion product which flows to the second gas-generating agent 26 (designated by an arrow C21 in Fig. 4), through the outflow holes (referred to as outflow holes 431b in Fig. 4) from the outlet holes 430b, which are relatively close to the second igniter 27. Alternatively, considering that the flow rate of the combustion product flowing through the gas flow chamber 42 decreases as the distance between the outlet hole 430b and the second igniter 27 increases, the outlet holes 430b are designed to ensure that the amount of combustion product flowing through outlet hole 431b and outlet hole 432b is substantially uniform. As a result, the second gas-generating agent 26, even when positioned far from the second igniter 27, can be readily combusted advantageously by the combustion product flowing from the gas flow chamber 42 to the second gas-generating agent 26 via the outlet holes 430b. Thus, a uniform combustion of the gas-generating medium can be achieved. Second modified example of example 1

[0044] Next, a second modified example of Example 1, described above, will be presented, based on Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 described. It should be noted that, in the present modified example, detailed descriptions of components that are essentially the same as those in Example 1, as described above, have been omitted. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a configuration of a C-shaped insulating element 4100 according to this modified example. This C-shaped insulating element 4100 has a C-shape formed by cutting the O-shaped insulating element 41, which has a ring shape, as shown in Figure 5. Fig. 2, as described above.

[0045] Furthermore, the C-shaped insulating element 4100 is positioned within the second combustion chamber 25. This C-shaped insulating element 4100 surrounds a section of the accumulation of the second gas-generating medium 26, thereby forming the gas flow space 42 between the C-shaped insulating element 4100 and the inner wall surface 3c of the lower hemisphere 3. In particular, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the C-shaped insulation element 4100 includes a collar 4100a, a lower end 4100b, a circumferential wall 4100c, and a side end 4100d. Furthermore, the C-shaped insulating element 4100 is positioned in a recessed interior formed by the lower half-shell 3, with its collar 4100a and lower end 4100b abutting the inner wall surface 3c of the lower half-shell 3, thereby forming the gas flow space 42 between the C-shaped insulating element 4100 and the inner wall surface 3c of the lower half-shell 3. It can be noted that a plurality of communication holes 4300 are formed in the C-shaped insulating element 4100, connecting the second combustion chamber 25 and the gas flow space 42, with the C-shaped insulating element 4100 positioned within the second combustion chamber 25.

[0046] Furthermore, Fig. 6 a diagram (transverse cross-sectional view of gas generator 1), corresponding to Fig. 3B, as described above, represents a state in which a portion of the combustion product, such as the combustion gas generated by burning the second gas-generating agent 26, moves between the second combustion chamber 25 and the gas flow space 42. A portion of the combustion product generated near the second igniter 27 flows into the gas flow space 42 through the communication holes, which, of a plurality of communication holes 430, are relatively close to the second igniter 27 (hereinafter referred to as "inlet holes 430a"), as indicated by arrow C1 in Fig. 6 is displayed. Furthermore, as indicated by arrow C2 in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the combustion product flows through the gas flow chamber 42 (represented by arrow C3 in Figure 6). Fig. 6), from the communication holes, which are relatively far from the second igniter 27 (hereinafter referred to as "exhaust holes 4300b"), into the second combustion chamber 25. Furthermore, as indicated by arrow C20 in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the combustion product flows from the second combustion chamber 25 out of an opening 4300c, defined by the side end 4100d, provided in the C-shaped insulating element 4100 and the inner wall surface 3c of the lower half-shell 3.

[0047] The combustion product then flows through the gas flow chamber 42 via the inlet hole 4300a and out through the outlet hole 4300b and the opening 4300c to the second gas-generating device 26, which is positioned remotely from the second igniter 27. This allows a portion of the combustion product generated near the second igniter 27 to reach the second gas-generating device 26, which is positioned remotely from the second igniter 27, as quickly as possible. As a result, the second gas-generating device 26, which is positioned remotely from the second igniter 27, is also combusted in a relatively short period of time.In this way, the C-shaped insulating element 4100 can also form the flow of the combustion product, as described above, by surrounding a section, unlike an entirety of the accumulation of the second gas-generating means 26, and thus exhibit the effect of the present invention. Example 2

[0048] Next, a second example of the present invention will be presented based on Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 described. It should be noted that, in the present example, detailed descriptions of components that are essentially the same as those of the first embodiment, as described above, have been omitted. Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view in a vertical direction of a gas generator 100. It can be seen that Z0 in Fig. 7 represents a central axis in the vertical direction (axial direction) of the gas generator 100.

[0049] The gas generator 100 is configured to combust a gasifying agent with which a casing 104, formed from an upper half-shell 102 and a lower half-shell 103, is filled, and to release a combustion gas. It should be noted that the upper half-shell 102 includes a pass wall 102a, a plant section 102b, a circumferential wall 102c, and a top surface 102d, which are configured in the same way as the gas generator 1, shown in Fig. 1, as described above. Furthermore, the lower half-shell 103 includes a circumferential wall 103a and a base surface 103b, which form an interior space with a concave shape. The base surface 103b is connected to a first end face of the circumferential wall 103a, and a second end face of the same serves as an opening of the lower half-shell 103. The radius of the interior space formed by the circumferential wall 103a is essentially the same as the radius of the interior space formed by the circumferential wall 102c of the upper half-shell 102. The base surface 103b of the lower half-shell 103 is provided with a hole in which a first detonator 123 is fixed.

[0050] Here, the upper half-shell 102 is assembled with the lower half-shell 103 to form a closed space within the housing 104. This closed space serves as a combustion chamber 121. It should be noted that the upper half-shell 102 is assembled with the lower half-shell 103 until the connecting section 102b of the latter abuts a collar 141a of an O-shaped insulating element 114, as described above. Furthermore, in the housing 104, at one side of the fitting or contact between the upper half-shell 102 and the lower half-shell 103, the upper half-shell 102 and the lower half-shell 103 are connected by some joining method (for example, welding) suitable with regard to preventing moisture, etc., from entering the housing 4, and thus preventing the gas-generating agent that is filled into the housing 4. This is comparable to the gas generator 1 shown in Fig. 1. As described above, the upper half-shell 2 and the lower half-shell 3 can be integrated from the housing 104 by welding to a predetermined welded part 104a, as described above.

[0051] Furthermore, a gas generating device 122 and the igniter 123 are positioned in the combustion chamber 121. Additionally, a ring-shaped filter 132 is positioned to surround the gas generating device 122. It can be noted that the filter 132 is configured similarly to the gas generator 1 shown in Fig. 1, as described above. At this point, the gas-generating agent 122 is filled in such a way that it is forced through the filter 132, the bottom surface 103b of the lower half-shell 103, and the like by a pressure force from a damper cushion 131 to ensure that vibrations from the gas-generating agent 122 do not occur unnecessarily within the combustion chamber 121. It is preferred that the gas-generating agent 122 has a combustion temperature in the range of 1000 °C to 1700 °C. A single-hole cylindrical gas-generating agent containing, for example, guanidine nitrate (41 wt%), basic copper nitrate (49 wt%), a binder, and an additive can be used as the gas-generating agent 122. Furthermore, comparable to the gas generator 1 shown in Fig. As described above, a gap 133 is formed between the circumferential wall 102c of the upper half-shell 102 and the filter 132. The combustion gas flowing through the gap 133 reaches a gas outlet 105 provided in the circumferential wall 102c. The gas outlet 105 is sealed by an aluminum strip 134 from the inside of the housing 104.

[0052] According to such a configuration, in the gas generator 100, combustion gas can be discharged from the gas discharge port 105, provided in the circumferential wall 102c, to the outside by combustion of the gas-generating medium 122 due to activation of the igniter 123. However, in a case where the center of the accumulation of the gas-generating medium 122 substantially coincides with the central axis Z0 of the gas generator 100, with the igniter 123 offset from the central axis Z0 of the gas generator 100 (the condition shown in Fig. 7, for example), non-uniformity in the combustion of the gas-generating agent 122 may occur, resulting in delivery characteristics from the gas generator that deviate from expectations.

[0053] In the gas generator 100, the O-shaped insulation element 141 is positioned within the combustion chamber 121. The O-shaped insulation element 141 is configured similarly to the O-shaped insulation element 141 shown in Fig. 2, as described above, and includes the collar 141a, a lower end 141b and a circumferential wall 141c. Furthermore, comparable to the gas generator 1, shown in Fig. As described above, the O-shaped insulating element 141 forms a gas flow chamber 142, which has an annular shape, between the O-shaped insulating element 141 and an inner wall surface 103c of the lower half-shell 103. This gas flow chamber 142 communicates with the combustion chamber 121 only through a plurality of communication holes 143. Furthermore, the gas flow chamber 142 and the gap 133 are separated from each other by the collar 141a. It should be noted that the gas discharge port 105 is not formed in the inner wall surface 103c of the lower half-shell 103 facing the O-shaped insulating element 141, and thus the combustion product flowing through the gas flow chamber 142 flows through the combustion chamber 121 and the gap 133 and is subsequently discharged by the gas discharge port 105.

[0054] Furthermore, comparable to the O-shaped insulating element 141, shown in Fig. 2, as described above, the majority of communication holes 143 are formed in the O-shaped insulating element 141. Here, as indicated by arrow C11 in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the combustion product, generated by the combustion of a gas-generating agent 122a, positioned near the igniter 123, is distributed not only through the combustion chamber 121, but also flows into the gas flow space 142 through a portion (hereinafter referred to as "inlet holes 143a") of the plurality of communication holes 143. Then, as indicated by an arrow C12 in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the combustion product flowing through the gas flow chamber 142 is delivered to a gas generating means 122b, which is positioned away from the igniter 123, through the other communication holes (hereinafter referred to as "outflow holes 143b") of the plurality of communication holes 143. At this point, the combustion product generated near the igniter 123 can be distributed more rapidly away from the igniter 123 if a portion of it is discharged through the gas flow chamber 142 (indicated by arrows C11, C12 in Figure 8). Fig. 8) flows as if a portion of it flows through combustion chamber 121 (represented by an arrow C13 in Fig. 8) This occurs because the gas-generating agent is not filled into the gas flow chamber 142, while the gas-generating agent 122 is densely packed into the combustion chamber 121. Consequently, the flow of the combustion product in the combustion chamber 121 is obstructed by the gas-generating agent 122 contained therein. As a result, a portion of the combustion product generated near the igniter 123 flows through the gas flow chamber 142, causing the combustion product to reach the gas-generating agent 122b, positioned farther from the igniter 123, as quickly as possible. Consequently, not only the gas-generating agent 122a, positioned near the igniter 123, but also the gas-generating agent 122b, positioned farther from the igniter 123, are combusted within a relatively short period of time.It can be noted that the exhaust holes 143b may be designed with openings that increase in size as the distance from the second fuze 123 increases. Modified example of Example 2

[0055] Next, a modified example of Example 2, as described above, will be presented, based on Fig. 9 to Fig. 11 described. It should be noted that in the present modified example, detailed descriptions of components, which are essentially the same as those of Example 1 and Example 2 as described above, have been omitted. Fig. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view in a vertical direction of the gas generator 100, onto which a cup-shaped insulating element 241, as described below, has been applied instead of the O-shaped insulating element 141, shown in Figure 1. Fig. 7, as described above.

[0056] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, this cup-shaped insulating element 241 surrounds the accumulation of the second gas-generating medium 122, thereby forming a gas flow space 242 between the cup-shaped insulating element 241 and the inner wall surface 103c of the lower hemisphere 103. In particular, the cup-shaped insulating element 241 includes a collar 241a, a detonator insertion part 241b, a bottom end 241c, a projection 241d, a circumferential wall 241e, and a bottom surface 241f, as shown in Figure 9. Fig. Figure 10 illustrates this. Furthermore, the cup-shaped insulating element 241 is positioned in the recessed interior, which is formed by the lower half-shell 103, abutting the collar 241a and the lower end 241c against the inner wall surface 103c of the lower half-shell 103, thereby forming the gas flow space 242. In this case, the cup-shaped insulating element 241 is positioned in the combustion chamber 121, and the igniter 123 is inserted into the igniter insertion part 241b, which is an area containing an opening provided in the bottom surface 241f of the cup-shaped insulating element 241. Thus, the gas flow space 242 is formed from the circumferential wall 103a to the bottom surface 103b of the lower half-shell 103.Furthermore, the projection 241d is provided on the bottom surface 241f to advantageously form the gas flow space 242 (in particular the space between the bottom surface 241f of the cup-shaped insulating element 241 and the bottom surface 103b of the lower half-shell 103) with the lower end 241c of the cup-shaped insulating element 241.

[0057] Furthermore, comparable to the O-shaped insulating element 141, shown in Fig. As described above, a plurality of communication holes 243 are formed in the cup-shaped insulating element 241. The plurality of communication holes 243 are formed in the circumferential wall 241e and the bottom surface 241f of the cup-shaped insulating element 241. Then, as indicated by arrows C21 and C22 in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, a portion of the combustion product, generated by combustion of the gas-generating device 122a, positioned near the igniter 123, flows into the gas flow chamber 242 through a portion (hereinafter referred to as "inlet holes 243a") of the plurality of communication holes 243, and the combustion product flows through the gas flow chamber 242 and out of the plurality of communication holes 243 towards the gas-generating device 122b, positioned away from the igniter 123. In the cup-shaped insulating element 241, shown in Figure 11, a portion of the combustion product, generated by combustion of the gas-generating device 122a, positioned near the igniter 123, flows into the gas flow chamber 242 through a portion (hereinafter referred to as "inlet holes 243a") of the plurality of communication holes 243. Fig.11. The communication holes provided in the base surface 241f, near the igniter insertion section 241b, are the inlet holes 243a, and the other communication holes are the outlet holes 243b. Furthermore, with the gas generator 100, to which a cup-shaped insulating element has also been applied, a portion of the combustion product generated near the igniter 123 can reach the gas generator 122b, positioned away from the igniter 123, as quickly as possible. As a result, the gas-generating medium 122b, positioned away from the second igniter 123, is also combusted in a relatively short period of time. It should be noted that the outlet holes 234b can be designed with openings that increase in size as the distance from the second igniter 123 increases. Reference symbol list 1 gas generator 2, 102 Upper half-shell 3, 102 Lower half-shell 4,104 cases 4a, 104a welded part 5, 105 Gas supply connection 10 Dividing wall 14 Partition wall section 16 Mounting wall element 21 First combustion chamber 22 First gas production device 23 First detonator 25 Second combustion chamber 26 Second gas production means 27 Second detonator 41, 141, 410 O-shaped insulating element 42, 142, 242 Gas flow chamber 43, 430, 4300 Multiple communication gaps 43a, 143a, 243a, 430a, 4300a Inlet hole 43b, 143b, 243b, 430b, 4300b Outflow hole 121 Combustion chamber 122 Gas production equipment 123 detonators 241 cup-shaped insulating element 4100 C-shaped insulation element

Claims

[1] A gas generator comprising: a detonator (27, 123); a housing (4, 104) accommodating the igniter (27, 123), provided with a gas delivery port (5, 105) and comprising a combustion chamber (25, 121) configured to combust a gas-generating agent (26, 26a, 26b, 122, 122a, 122b) which is filled in a position in which it is combustible by activation by the igniter (27, 123), the igniter (27, 123) being positioned relative to the gas-generating agent (26, 26a, 26b, 122, 122a, 122b) filled in the combustion chamber (25, 121) from a center of an accumulation of the gas-generating agent (26, 26a, 26b, 122, 122a, 122b) is displaced; an insulating part (41, 410, 4100, 141, 241) which surrounds at least part of the accumulation of the gas-generating medium (26, 26a, 26b, 122, 122a, 122b), and which forms a gas flow space (42, 142, 242) between the insulating part (41, 410, 4100, 141, 241) and a predetermined area in which the gas discharge connection is not formed, which serves as a space in the housing (4, 104) in which the gas-generating medium is not filled; and a plurality of communication parts (43, 43a, 43b, 430a, 430b, 4300, 4300a, 4300b, 143a, 143b, 243a, 234b) which are provided in the insulation part (41, 410, 4100, 141, 241) and connect the combustion chamber (25, 121) and the gas flow space (42, 142, 242), One part (43a, 430a, 4300a, 143a, 243a) of the plurality of communication parts (43, 43a, 43b, 430a, 430b, 4300, 4300a, 4300b, 143a, 143b, 243a, 234b) is configured to allow a combustion product generated by combustion of the gas-generating means (26, 26a, 122, 122a) positioned near the igniter (27, 123) to flow from the combustion chamber (25, 121) into the gas flow space (42, 142, 242), and another part (43b, 430b, 4300b, 143b, 234b) of the majority of communication parts (43, 43a, 43b, 430a, 430b, 4300, 4300a, 4300b, 143a, 143b, 243a, 234b) is configured to direct a combustion product flowing through the gas flow space (42, 142, 242) from the gas flow space (42, 142, 242) into the combustion chamber (25, 121) to the gas generating means (26, 26b, 122, 122b) which is positioned remotely from the igniter (27, 123), the gas flow space (42, 142, 242) is only connected to the combustion chamber (25, 121),so that the combustion product flows from the combustion chamber (25, 121) into the gas flow space (42, 142, 242), and from the gas flow space (42, 142, 242) flows only into the combustion chamber (25, 121). [2] The gas generator according to claim 1, wherein the other part (43b, 430b, 143b, 234b) is formed by the plurality of communication parts with opening areas that increase in size when a distance position from the igniter (27, 123) increases. [3] The gas generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing (4, 104) is formed by a connection of at least two elements (2, 3, 102, 103), two of the at least two elements (2, 3, 102, 103) are integrated by welding on a predetermined welded part (4a, 104a), and the predetermined welded part (4a, 104a) is separated from the combustion chamber (25, 121) by the gas flow space (42, 142, 242). [4] The gas generator according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a partition wall (10) which divides the combustion chamber vertically, and a first combustion chamber (21) which is positioned on an upper side of the same, and the combustion chamber (25), which is positioned on a lower side of the same, within an interior of the housing (4, 104); and a first igniter (23) that burns a first gas-generating agent (26, 26a, 26b) that is filled into the first combustion chamber (21), and the igniter (27) that burns the gas-generating agent (26, 26a, 26b) that is filled into the combustion chamber (25), positioned on a bottom surface (3b) of the casing (4, 104); The gas outlet connection (5) is formed in the housing (4, 104) on the first side of the combustion chamber, the partition wall (10) includes a receiving wall which holds the first detonator (23), which is positioned on the bottom surface (3b), surrounds, and accommodates the first igniter (23) within the first combustion chamber (21), The insulation part (41, 410, 4100) is positioned in the combustion chamber (25), and surrounds at least part of an accumulation of the gas-generating medium (26, 26a, 26b), forms the gas flow space (42) between the insulating part (41, 410, 4100) and an inner wall surface (3c) of the housing (4) on the combustion chamber side, and The part (43a, 430a, 4300a) of the plurality of communication parts (43, 43a, 43b, 430a, 430b, 4300, 4300a, 4300b) is configured to a combustion product, which, by combustion, allows gas to flow into the gas flow space (42) from the gas-generating means (26, 26a) which is positioned close to the igniter (27), and the other part (43b, 430b, 4300b) of the plurality of communication parts (43, 43a, 43b, 430a, 430b, 4300, 4300a, 4300b) is configured to allow a combustion product flowing through the gas flow space (42) to escape to the gas generating means (26, 26b) which is positioned away from the igniter (27). [5] The gas generator according to claim 4, wherein the gas generating means (26, 26a, 26b) has a faster combustion rate than that of the first gas generating means (22). [6] The gas generator according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the other part (43b, 430b, 4300b) is formed by the plurality of communication parts (43, 43a, 43b, 430a, 430b, 4300) with opening areas which increase in size as the distance position from the igniter (27) increases.

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