Gas-Generator

Abstract

The present invention is capable of suppressing a phenomenon in which a gas-generating device is ignited at an unintended time in a dual-type gas generator. The gas generator comprises a first igniter, an initial combustion chamber housing configured to receive the first igniter (the initial combustion chamber housing forms an initial combustion chamber in which, upon actuation by the first igniter, a predetermined combustion substance filling the initial combustion chamber housing is caused to combust), and an outer shell housing configured to receive the initial combustion chamber housing (the outer shell housing has a gas discharge port formed therein).The outer shell housing contains an internal secondary combustion chamber, defined by a predetermined partition wall. A gas-generating agent, which fills the secondary combustion chamber, combusts in this chamber following the combustion of a predetermined combustion substance in the initial combustion chamber. A predetermined gap is formed between at least a portion of the predetermined partition wall and the housing of the initial combustion chamber.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas generator according to the preamble of independent claim 1. This gas generator is configured to cause a gas-generating agent to combust by explosive combustion at an igniter, thereby producing combustion gas. Such a gas generator is known from publication JP 2017-24 429 A.

[0002] A gas generator, which causes a gas-generating agent to combust explosively at an igniter, has been widely used as a device to achieve a desired action with the generated combustion gas. Such a gas generator can, for example, be used as a power source to deploy an airbag from an airbag system mounted on a car or similar vehicle. In such a gas generator, it is essential that the gas-generating agent combusts properly, thus generating the intended combustion gas.

[0003] For example, in a gas generator disclosed in patent document 1, in two combustion chambers defined by a dividing element, a gas generating agent loaded in each of the combustion chambers is caused to burn independently by an igniter positioned in each of the combustion chambers. Furthermore, in the gas generator, a cushioning element is also provided on the dividing element.

[0004] Furthermore, in a gas generator disclosed in patent document 2, two chambers are formed, comprising an upper combustion chamber and a lower combustion chamber, which are separated from each other by a partition element, and a gas generating agent is loaded in each of the combustion chambers. An igniter is positioned in the gas generator, which causes only one gas generating agent in one combustion chamber to burn, and a gas generating agent in the other combustion chamber is ignited by heat transfer from combustion heat generated by the gas generating agent in one combustion chamber. In this case, a cushioning element, which regulates the heat transfer from combustion heat, is provided on the partition element.This allows the heat transfer of combustion heat generated in one combustion chamber to be slowed down, and a difference between the start times of combustion in the upper and lower combustion chambers can be controlled. Citation list patent document [Patent Document 1] JP H11-217 055 A [Patent Document 2] JP H11- 91 495 A [Patent Document 3] US 6032979 A

[0005] In a dual-type gas generator, where a gas generating agent fills each of the combustion chambers, which are insulated from one another, it is required that the gas generating agent filling each chamber combusts at a desired time. In this case, in a typical dual-type gas generator, the two combustion chambers are defined by a common partition, and therefore heat is more easily transferred between the two combustion chambers via the partition. Accordingly, a cushioning element is provided on the partition, as is standard practice. However, with the cushioning element, which serves to prevent the gas generating agent from being pulverized due to vibration and also acts as a thermal insulation material, heat transfer between the two combustion chambers via the partition cannot be adequately regulated.Thus, due to the transfer of combustion heat generated in one combustion chamber, there is a risk that the gas-generating agent in the other combustion chamber will ignite at an unintended time. As described above, with the state of the art, there is a risk that a freely selectable operating mode cannot be achieved; for example, the gas-generating agent filling each of the combustion chambers cannot be caused to burn at a desired time.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to create a gas generator in which a phenomenon in which the gas generating means ignites at an unintended time in a dual-type gas generator is suppressed as far as possible.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by a gas generator having the features of independent claim 1. A preferred embodiment is set out in the dependent claim.

[0008] A gas generator according to an embodiment of the present invention is a dual-type gas generator and comprises an initial combustion chamber filled with a predetermined combustion substance, which is caused to combust upon actuation by a first igniter, and a subsequent combustion chamber filled with a gas-generating agent. Furthermore, to solve the aforementioned problem, in the gas generator according to the embodiment of the present invention, the initial combustion chamber is formed within an initial combustion chamber housing, the subsequent combustion chamber is defined by a predetermined partition wall, and a predetermined gap is formed between at least a portion of the predetermined partition wall and the initial combustion chamber housing.With this configuration, a phenomenon in which the gas generating agent filling the subsequent combustion chamber ignites at an unintended time can be suppressed as much as possible.

[0009] In particular, the gas generator according to the exemplary embodiment includes a first igniter, the initial combustion chamber housing configured to receive the first igniter, the initial combustion chamber housing forming an initial combustion chamber in which, upon actuation by the first igniter, a predetermined combustion substance filling the initial combustion chamber housing is caused to burn, and an outer shell housing configured to receive the initial combustion chamber housing, the outer shell housing having a gas discharge port formed therein.Furthermore, the outer shell housing includes an inner secondary combustion chamber defined by a predetermined partition wall, in which a gas generating agent filling the secondary combustion chamber burns after combustion of the predetermined combustion substance in the initial combustion chamber, and the predetermined gap is formed between at least a part of the predetermined partition wall and the initial combustion chamber housing.

[0010] In the gas generator, as described above, when gas generation is required, the first igniter is activated. Activation of the first igniter causes the predetermined combustion material, which fills the initial combustion chamber, to combust. A combustion product (combustion gas), generated by the combustion of the predetermined combustion substance, is then discharged through the gas outlet. In this case, the heat of combustion, generated by the combustion of the predetermined combustion substance, can act on the gas generation medium that fills the subsequent combustion chamber. With this in mind, in the present invention, a predetermined gap is formed between at least a portion of the predetermined partition wall, which defines the subsequent combustion chamber, and the housing of the initial combustion chamber.Thus, even when the combustion heat is applied to the initial combustion chamber housing, a thermal insulation effect from the air present in the predetermined gap prevents heat transfer from the initial combustion chamber housing to the portion of the predetermined partition wall. In other words, even if the predetermined combustion substance burns in the initial combustion chamber, the portion of the predetermined partition wall is less likely to rise in temperature. Consequently, the gas-generating agent filling the subsequent combustion chamber is less affected by the combustion of the predetermined combustion substance in the initial combustion chamber. This configuration effectively suppresses the phenomenon of the gas-generating agent filling the subsequent combustion chamber igniting unintentionally.It can be stated that the initial combustion chamber described above can be a space in which a transfer charge, a gas-generating agent, or a transfer charge and a gas-generating agent, as well as the combustion substance that burns, are loaded.

[0011] Furthermore, in the gas generator, according to a first aspect, the initial combustion chamber is a space in which the transfer charge stored therein is combusted. In particular, the initial combustion chamber housing can be an igniter housing in which actuation of the first igniter causes the transfer charge filling the initial combustion chamber housing to combust.Furthermore, the gas generator according to the first aspect can further include a main combustion chamber, which communicates with the initial combustion chamber and the gas delivery port, and which is separated from the subsequent combustion chamber by the predetermined partition wall, in the main combustion chamber, a combustion product, which is generated by combustion of the transfer charge, causes a gas generating agent, which is filled in the main combustion chamber, to burn, and the predetermined gap can be formed between a part of the predetermined partition wall and the igniter housing.

[0012] In the gas generator, as described above, when gas generation is required, the first igniter is activated, and activation of the first igniter causes the transfer charge filling the igniter housing to combust. A combustion product generated by the combustion of the transfer charge then flows into the main combustion chamber, and this combustion product causes the gas-generating medium filling the main combustion chamber (hereinafter referred to as the first gas-generating medium) to combust. The combustion product generated by the combustion of the transfer charge and the combustion gas generated by the combustion of the first gas-generating medium are then discharged through the gas outlet.

[0013] As described above, in the gas generator, where the combustion product generated by the combustion of the transfer charge causes the first gas-generating means to combust, the interior of the igniter housing in which the transfer charge is combusted (the initial combustion chamber) is at a relatively high temperature. The igniter housing itself is also at a relatively high temperature. In light of this, the present invention provides a predetermined gap between at least a portion of the predetermined partition wall, which defines the subsequent combustion chamber, and the initial combustion chamber housing. Consequently, a thermal insulation effect from the air present in the predetermined gap prevents heat from being transferred from the relatively high-temperature igniter housing to that portion of the predetermined partition wall. This is described in detail below.

[0014] In the gas generator, if only the first igniter described above is provided, that is, if an igniter that burns a gas generating agent filling the subsequent combustion chamber (hereinafter referred to as a second gas generating agent) is not provided, the combustion properties of the second gas generating agent are strongly influenced by heat transfer of combustion heat from the main combustion chamber.

[0015] For example, if the amount of heat transferred from the main combustion chamber to the secondary combustion chamber is relatively small, the second gas generator tends not to ignite. That is, in this case, gas produced by combustion in the first gas generator is discharged through the gas outlet. Assume that the gas generator is configured to discharge combustion gas in a mode where only the first gas generator burns, without ignition and combustion of the second gas generator. In such a case, if heat is transferred from the igniter housing at a relatively high temperature to the portion of the predetermined partition wall, there may be a risk that the second gas generator, which fills the secondary combustion chamber, will ignite unintentionally. With this in mind, the specified gap is formed in the gas generator according to the embodiment described above.This can suppress as much as possible a phenomenon in which the second gas-generating agent, which fills the subsequent combustion chamber, is unintentionally ignited.

[0016] However, once a heat transfer quantity has been transferred from the main combustion chamber to the secondary combustion chamber, the second gas generator tends to ignite after a predetermined delay time, which elapses from the time the first gas generator is combusting. That is, in this case, the gas produced by combustion from the first gas generator is discharged through the gas outlet first, and then the gas produced by combustion from the second gas generator is discharged through the gas outlet. Assume that the gas generator is configured to discharge combustion gas in a mode in which the gas generators are caused to combust through multi-stage combustion, as described above.In such a case, when heat is transferred from the igniter housing at a relatively high temperature to the portion of the predetermined partition wall, there is a risk that the second gas generator, which fills the subsequent combustion chamber, will ignite earlier than intended. With this in mind, the predetermined gap is formed in the gas generator according to the embodiment of the present invention, as described above. This configuration suppresses, as far as possible, the phenomenon of the second gas generator, which fills the subsequent combustion chamber, igniting at an unintended time. Thus, the ignition time of the second gas generator is easily controlled.

[0017] Furthermore, in the gas generator as described above, the igniter housing can be surrounded by the main combustion chamber and thus face it. The predetermined gap can be a narrow gap formed between the portion of the predetermined partition wall and the igniter housing within the main combustion chamber, and can be of a size that prevents gas-generating material from entering the space. With this configuration, the gas-generating material does not combust within the predetermined narrow space (the predetermined gap) in the main combustion chamber. Thus, a thermal insulation effect from the air present in the space prevents heat from being transferred to the portion of the predetermined partition wall.

[0018] In this case, the predetermined partition wall can have a first communication section configured to allow gas to flow from the secondary combustion chamber to the predetermined narrow gap. For example, if the igniter that directly causes the second gas-generating device to burn is not provided, and the second gas-generating device is caused to burn by the transfer of combustion heat from the main combustion chamber, the second gas-generating device is first caused to burn in the vicinity of a second wall section by heat transferred from another part (the second wall section) of the predetermined partition wall, which is different from the part of the predetermined partition wall (the first wall section) that forms the predetermined narrow space (the predetermined gap).Consequently, gas produced by combustion in the second gas generator flows from the secondary combustion chamber to the main combustion chamber through the first communication section. In this case, the first communication section is configured to allow gas to flow from the secondary combustion chamber to the designated confined space, and therefore the first communication section can be located in the first wall section. Combustion gas from the second gas generator, located in the vicinity of the second wall section, flows to the first communication section, which is located in the first wall section of the secondary combustion chamber. The combustion gas then flows into the secondary combustion chamber as described above, thus supporting combustion by the second gas generator in the vicinity of the first wall section.As a result, it is more likely that the second gas-generating agent will burn more evenly in the subsequent combustion chamber. Furthermore, the predetermined narrow space (the predetermined gap) is not filled with the first gas-generating agent. Thus, it is more likely that combustion gas from the second gas-generating agent will be released into the predetermined narrow space (the predetermined gap).

[0019] Furthermore, according to the first aspect, the gas generator can include a main combustion chamber wall configured to divide an inner space of the outer shell housing into an upper and a lower side; the main combustion chamber wall defining the main combustion chamber in an upper space of the divided spaces; a secondary combustion chamber housing incorporating the specified dividing wall; the secondary combustion chamber defined in part of a lower space of the inner space in the outer shell housing divided by the main combustion chamber wall; and a secondary igniter configured to cause a gas generating agent filling the secondary combustion chamber to burn.Furthermore, a predetermined gap can be formed between a portion of the predetermined partition wall, which is contained within the secondary combustion chamber housing, and the igniter housing, and another gap can be formed further between the secondary combustion chamber housing and the main combustion chamber wall. In the gas generator, as described above, the actuation timing of the first igniter and the actuation timing of the second igniter each independently control a combustion timing of the gas generating medium (the first gas generating medium) that fills the main combustion chamber, and a combustion timing of the gas generating medium (the second gas generating medium) that fills the secondary combustion chamber.

[0020] Furthermore, with this configuration, a thermal insulation effect from the air present in the designated gap prevents heat from being transferred from the igniter housing to the portion of the designated partition wall contained within the secondary combustion chamber housing. Additionally, when the first gas-generating agent burns in the main combustion chamber, the main combustion chamber wall is heated. In the configuration described above, the other gap is formed between the secondary combustion chamber housing and the main combustion chamber wall. Thus, a thermal insulation effect from the air present in this other gap prevents heat from being transferred from the main combustion chamber wall to the secondary combustion chamber housing. With this configuration, the phenomenon of the second gas-generating agent being ignited unintentionally can be suppressed as much as possible.As a result, the combustion time of the second gas-generating device is easier to control by the second igniter (an actuation time of the second igniter).

[0021] In this case, another gap can be formed between a floor surface of the secondary combustion chamber housing and a floor surface of the outer shell housing. With this configuration, a thermal insulation effect from the air present in this additional gap further prevents heat from being transferred from the floor surface of the outer shell housing to the floor surface of the secondary combustion chamber housing.

[0022] Furthermore, the subsequent combustion chamber housing can be positioned such that a bottom surface of the same abuts a bottom surface of the outer shell housing, and a side surface on the bottom surface abuts a side surface of the outer shell housing on the bottom surface, and the side surface of the subsequent combustion chamber housing can include an attachment part, which is a part that abuts a bottom surface on the side of the outer shell housing, and a ring part, which is a part close to the top surface with respect to the attachment part, the ring part being formed away from the side surface of the outer shell housing. With this configuration, the bottom surface of the secondary combustion chamber housing rests against the bottom surface of the outer shell housing, and thus the secondary combustion chamber housing is positioned in the vertical direction.Furthermore, the side surface of the secondary combustion chamber housing rests against the side surface of the outer shell housing, thus positioning the secondary combustion chamber housing horizontally. Additionally, the annular portion of the secondary combustion chamber housing is designed to be separated from the side surface of the outer shell housing, creating an air gap between the annular portion and the side surface. This air gap provides thermal insulation, preventing heat transfer from the side surface to the annular portion.

[0023] In this case, the ring part can be inclined from the bottom surface side to the top surface side of the subsequent combustion chamber housing, thus increasing the separation amount from the side surface of the outer shell housing from the bottom surface side to the top surface side.Furthermore, in the gas generator according to the first aspect, the specified partition wall can include a first partition wall configured to divide a space within a perimeter of the igniter housing in the outer shell housing into two spaces by extending from the igniter housing to the outer shell housing. The first partition wall is configured to divide the space within the perimeter of the igniter housing to have one space of the divided spaces containing the main combustion chamber, and the other space of the divided spaces containing the secondary combustion chamber; and a second partition wall positioned in the other space. The second partition wall is configured to further divide the other space.Furthermore, the second partition wall can be part of the specified subdivision wall, and the specified gap can be formed between the second partition wall and the detonator housing.

[0024] In the gas generator, as described above, in the second chamber formed by the first partition wall, the secondary combustion chamber is located transversely to the predetermined gap formed by the second partition wall and the igniter housing. This minimizes the possibility of the gas generating medium filling the secondary combustion chamber igniting unintentionally. Furthermore, in the gas generator, as described above, when a combustion product generated by the transfer charge ignites the first gas generating medium in the main combustion chamber, heat from the combustion is transferred to the secondary gas generating medium in the secondary combustion chamber via the first partition wall.Furthermore, when combustion heat transferred in this way is used to ignite the second gas-generating device, the predetermined gap prevents heat from being transferred from the igniter housing to the second partition wall. Thus, the ignition timing of the second gas-generating device can be easily controlled.

[0025] Furthermore, in the gas generator according to a second aspect, the initial combustion chamber is a space in which a gas generating agent loaded therein is combusted. Specifically, the initial combustion chamber can include a main combustion chamber, in which the actuation of the first igniter causes a gas generating agent filling the initial combustion chamber to combust. The initial combustion chamber housing can include a third partition wall configured to divide the inner space within the outer shell housing into two spaces. This third partition wall is configured to divide the inner space of the outer shell housing, creating one space containing the initial combustion chamber and the other space containing the subsequent combustion chamber.Furthermore, in the gas generator according to a second aspect, the gas generator may include a fourth partition wall as the predefined partition wall, configured to form the predefined gap between the third and fourth partition walls, and a second igniter configured to cause a gas generating agent filling the subsequent combustion chamber to burn. It should be noted that, in this aspect as described above, the main combustion chamber may contain a transfer charge. In this case, the initial combustion chamber is a space in which the gas generating agent and the transfer charge combust.

[0026] In the gas generator, as described above, in the second chamber obtained by partitioning with the third partition wall, the subsequent combustion chamber is located transversely to the predetermined gap formed by the fourth partition wall with respect to the third partition wall. Therefore, even if the gas generating agent (and the transfer charge) filling the initial combustion chamber combusts in the chamber obtained by partitioning with the third partition wall to heat the third partition wall, a thermal insulation effect from the air present in the predetermined gap prevents heat transfer from the third partition wall to the fourth partition wall. This effectively suppresses, as far as possible, the phenomenon of the gas generating agent filling the subsequent combustion chamber being ignited at an unintended time.As a result, the combustion timing of the gas-generating agent filling the subsequent combustion chamber is simply controlled by the second igniter (an actuation time of the second igniter). Advantageous effect of the invention

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a phenomenon in which the gas generating means is ignited at an unintended time can be suppressed as far as possible in a dual-type gas generator. Description of drawings [ Fig. 1] Fig. Figure 1 is a view that represents a schematic configuration of a gas generator, according to a first example of a gas generator. [ Fig. 2] Fig. Figure 2 is a view that shows a schematic configuration of an igniter applied to the gas generator. [ Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a view that represents a function of a first column. [ Fig. 4A] Fig. 4A is a first view that represents a delivery mode of combustion gas carried out by the gas generator, according to the first example of a gas generator. [ Fig. 4B] Fig. 4B is a second view that represents a delivery mode of combustion gas carried out by the gas generator, according to the first example of a gas generator. [ Fig. 4C] Fig. 4C is a third view that represents a delivery mode of combustion gas carried out by the gas generator, according to the first example of a gas generator. [ Fig. 5] Fig. Figure 5 is a view showing a schematic configuration of a gas generator, according to a second example showing a gas generator according to the invention. [ Fig. 6] Fig. Figure 6 is a view that shows a schematic configuration of a gas generator, according to a modification example of the second example. [ Fig. 7] Fig. Figure 7 is a view that shows a schematic configuration of a gas generator, according to a third example of a gas generator. [ Fig. 8] Fig. Figure 8 is a view that shows a schematic configuration of a gas generator, according to a modification example of the third example of a gas generator. [ Fig. 9] Fig. Figure 9 is a view that represents a schematic configuration of a gas generator, according to a fourth example of a gas generator. Description of exemplary implementations

[0028] Gas generators according to various embodiments are 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. First example

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view in a vertical direction of a gas generator 1. The gas generator 1 is configured to cause combustion and to release combustion gases. It can be noted that the gas generator 1 is a so-called dual-type gas generator, in which two combustion chambers are positioned on the upper and lower sides, and a gas generation unit is located in each of the combustion chambers. The upper half-shell 2 includes a circumferential wall 2c and a top surface 2d, which form an enclosed interior space. The top surface 2d and a bottom surface 3b of the lower hemi-shell 3, as described below, are essentially circular when viewed from above.The circumferential wall 2c and a circumferential wall 3a of the lower hemisphere 3, as described below, each surround the upper surface 2d and the bottom surface 3d, respectively, and extend substantially perpendicularly from the corresponding surfaces to form annular wall surfaces. The interior space of the upper hemisphere 2 is a first combustion chamber 21, which is filled with a first gas-generating agent 22, as described below. The upper surface 2d is connected to one end of the circumferential wall 2c, and the other end of the circumferential wall 2c serves as an opening of the upper hemisphere 2. Furthermore, at the other end of the circumferential wall 2c, a fitting wall 2a and a connecting section 2b are provided in that order from the opening.The radius of the interior space formed by the fitting wall 2a is larger than the radius of the interior space formed by the circumferential wall 2c on one side closer to the top surface 2d, and the fitting wall 2a connects to the circumferential wall 2c, with the attachment section 2b placed in between.

[0030] Furthermore, the lower half-shell 3 includes the circumferential wall 3a and the base surface 3b, which form an enclosed inner space. The inner space is a second combustion chamber 25, which is filled with a second gas-generating agent 26. The base surface 3b is connected at one end to the circumferential wall 3a, and the other end of the circumferential wall 3a serves as an opening in the lower half-shell 3. The radius of the inner space formed by the circumferential wall 3a is essentially the same as the radius of the inner space formed by the circumferential wall 2c of the upper half-shell 2. The base surface 3b of the lower half-shell 3 is provided with a hole through which an igniter housing 16, which accommodates a first igniter 23, is fixed. It should be noted that the first detonator 23 and the detonator housing 16 will be described in detail later.

[0031] Furthermore, a partition wall 10 is positioned in the outer shell housing 4 between the upper half-shell 2 and the lower half-shell 3. The partition wall 10 includes a termination end 15, a partition part 14 connected to the termination end 15 and essentially dividing the interior space of the outer shell housing 4 into an upper space and a lower space, a perimeter part 13 connected to the partition part 14 and extending along the fuse housing 16 as described later, an end 12 abutting the bottom surface 3b of the lower half-shell 3, and a projection 11 provided on the perimeter wall 13. The partition wall 10 can be attached to the lower half-shell 3, and thus the projection 11 is permitted to abut against the detonator housing 16, as described later.

[0032] Then, in a state where the dividing wall 10 is attached to the lower half-shell 3, as described above, the upper half-shell 2 is attached further from above. As described above, the radius of the interior space formed by the fitting wall 2a of the upper half-shell 2 is larger than the radius of the interior space formed by the circumferential wall 2c, and therefore the upper half-shell 2 is fitted to the lower half-shell 3 until the attachment section 2b abuts the end 15 of the dividing wall 10. It can be stated that in the outer shell housing 4, at a point of fitting or contact between the upper half-shell 2 and the lower half-shell 3, the upper half-shell 2 and the lower half-shell 3 are joined by some joining method (for example, welding) which is suitable with regard to moisture prevention, etc.for the gas generating medium that is filled into the outer shell housing 4. Furthermore, instead of using the projection 11, the partition wall 10 can be positioned by the end cap 15, which rests against the fitting wall 2a of the upper half-shell 2. Thus, the projection 11 is not a necessary structure for the partition wall 10.

[0033] Thus, in the outer shell housing 4, the inner space is essentially divided vertically into two spaces by the partition wall 10. In the inner space of the outer shell housing 4, in the first combustion chamber 21, defined by the upper half-shell 2 and the partition wall 10, the first gas generating unit 22 is positioned. In the second combustion chamber 25, defined by the lower half-shell 3 and the partition wall 10, the second gas generating unit 26 is positioned. In this way, the gas generator 1 is configured as a dual-type gas generator. With the gas generator 1, as described above, the delivery mode of combustion gas to the outside can be adjusted differently by combustion by the first gas generating unit 22 and combustion by the second gas generating unit 26.

[0034] In this case, a ring-shaped filter 32 is positioned in the first combustion chamber 21 to surround the first gas-generating agent 22. At this point, the first gas-generating agent 22 fills the first combustion chamber 21 in a state where it is pressed against the filter 32, the partition wall 10, and the like by a compressive force from a cushion (not shown) (for example, the top surface 2d-side of the upper half-shell 2), and is thus prevented from vibrating unnecessarily. The first gas-generating agent 22 preferably has a combustion temperature in the range of 1,000 °C to 1,700 °C. The first gas generating agent 22 can be a single-hole cylindrical gas generating agent which includes, for example, guanidine nitrate (41 wt%), base copper nitrate (49 wt%), and a binder and an additive.

[0035] Filter 32 is configured by stacking flat woven fabrics made of stainless steel in a 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 agent 22 and to collect combustion residues contained in the combustion gas. Alternatively, a filter having a wire-wound 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 combustion residue from the second gas-generating agent 26, which fills the second combustion chamber 25, and combustion residue from the transfer charge 24, which fills the igniter housing 16, as described later.Additionally, a gas passage 33 is formed between the circumferential wall 2c of the upper half-shell 2 and the filter 32. The passage 33 is a space shaped to have a ring form with a radial cross-section, extending around the circumference of the filter 32. The gas passage 33 allows the combustion gas to pass through the entire area of ​​the filter 32, thus enabling effective operation of the filter 32 and effective cooling and purification of the combustion gas. The combustion gas flowing through the gas passage 33 reaches a gas discharge port 5 provided in the circumferential wall 2c. Additionally, to prevent moisture from entering the outer shell housing 4 from the outside, the gas outlet connection 5 is sealed from the inside of the outer shell housing 4 by an aluminum band 34 until the gas generator 1 is activated.

[0036] Furthermore, the second combustion chamber 25 is filled with the second gas-generating agent 26. The second gas-generating agent 26 also fills the second combustion chamber 25 in such a way that it is pressed against a cushion (not shown) and prevented from vibrating unnecessarily. Furthermore, similar to the first gas-generating agent 22, the second gas-generating agent 26 is also a single-hole cylindrical gas-generating agent, which may, for example, contain guanidine nitrate (41 wt%), base copper nitrate (49 wt%), a binder, and an additive.

[0037] Furthermore, the detonator housing 16, which accommodates the first detonator 23, is fixed at the hole provided in the bottom surface 3b of the lower half-shell 3. The detonator housing 16 is a housing that extends from the bottom surface 3b of the lower half-shell 3 to the top surface 2d of the upper half-shell 2, and the first detonator 23 is positioned in the lower space within the housing (the bottom surface 3b side in the lower half-shell 3). Furthermore, the transfer charge 24 fills a space above the first detonator 23 in the detonator housing 16 (at the top surface 2d side in the upper half-shell 2). It can be stated that the transfer charge 24, a gas generating agent which has excellent ignition capability and a combustion temperature higher than that of the first gas generating agent 22 and that of the second gas generating agent 26, can be used.The transfer charge 24 preferably has a combustion temperature in the range of 1,700 °C to 3,000 °C. The transfer charge 24 can be a transfer charge containing, for example, nitroguanidine (34 wt%) and strontium nitrate (56 wt%). Furthermore, a communication hole 16a, provided in the igniter housing 16 (described later), is sealed by an aluminum strip (not shown), thus preventing the transfer charge 24 and the first gas-generating agent 22 from mixing.

[0038] Next, an igniter, applied to gas generator 1, is described with reference to Fig. 2 described, using the first detonator 23 as an example. The first detonator 23 is an electric ignition device. In the first detonator 23, a space for positioning an ignition charge 232 in a cup 231 is defined by the cup 231, which has a surface covered with an insulating cover. Furthermore, a metal head 233 is positioned in the space, and a charge holder 234, which has a tube shape, is provided on its upper surface. The ignition charge 232 is held by the charge holder 234. Furthermore, a jumper wire 235, which connects one of the lead pins 237 and the metal head 233, is wired to the base of the ignition charge 232. It can be observed that two conductor pins 237 are fixed to the metal head 233, with an insulator 236 placed between them, and thus the two conductor pins 237 are in an insulated state during a non-voltage application.Furthermore, the two conductor pins 237, which are supported by the insulator 236, are supported by a resin sleeve 238 in a state in which insulating properties between the conductor pins 237 are satisfactorily maintained.

[0039] In the first detonator 23, which is configured such that when a voltage is applied between the two lead pins 237 by an external power source, current flows to the bridge wire 235, causing the ignition charge 232 to burn. At this point, a combustion product generated by the combustion of the ignition charge 232 is flushed through an opening in the charge holder 234. Furthermore, the combustion product from the ignition charge 232, flushed from the first detonator 23, causes the transfer charge 24 in the detonator housing 16 to burn.

[0040] It is noted that examples of the ignition charge 232 preferably include an explosive containing zirconium and potassium perchlorate (ZPP), an explosive containing titanium hydride and potassium perchlorate (THPP), an explosive containing titanium and potassium perchlorate (TiPP), an explosive containing aluminum and potassium perchlorate (APP), an explosive containing aluminum and bismuth oxide (ABO), an explosive containing aluminum and molybdenum oxide (AMO), an explosive containing aluminum and copper oxide (ACO), an explosive containing aluminum and iron oxide (AFO), or an explosive composed of a combination of a plurality of these explosives.These explosives exhibit the characteristic that, although they generate high temperature and high-pressure plasma during combustion immediately after ignition, when the combustion product condenses at room temperature, the explosives contain no gaseous components, and the generated pressure drops abruptly. It should be noted that an explosive other than these can be used as the ignition charge 232.

[0041] Furthermore, in the gas generator 1, as described above, when the first igniter 23 is actuated, the transfer charge 24 is caused to combust, and a combustion product, which has a relatively high temperature, is generated in the igniter housing 16. The combustion product then flows to the first combustion chamber 21 through the communication hole 16a provided in the igniter housing 16, causing the first gas generating means 22 to combust. That is, in the gas generator 1 according to the present example, the combustion time of the first gas generating means 22 is controlled by the actuation time of the first igniter 23.

[0042] In this case, in the dual-type gas generator, the gas generating elements are caused to combust by so-called multi-stage combustion, that is, by igniting the first and second gas generating elements at different ignition times. This allows for different settings of the combustion gas discharge to the outside. In gas generator 1 according to the present example, the first gas generating element 22 is ignited first to combust. After a predetermined delay time, the second gas generating element 26 is ignited to combust. This allows for different settings of the combustion gas discharge to the outside. However, the present example is not intended to be limited to this.In the combustion gas delivery mode carried out by gas generator 1, for example, only the first gas generating medium 22 can burn, without ignition and combustion by the second gas generating medium 26. It should be noted that, in . Fig. 1, only the first igniter 23 is used, and the second gas generating means 26 is necessarily ignited to burn after ignition and combustion by the first gas generating means 22.

[0043] As described above, in a delayed ignition mode for the second gas generator 26, or in a mode that prevents the second gas generator 26 from igniting when combustion gas is released from the gas generator 1, a combustion product generated by the combustion of the transfer charge 24 can affect the ignition of the second gas generator 26. Specifically, when the transfer charge 24 burns, a combustion product with a relatively high temperature is generated. Consequently, the interior of the igniter housing 16 is at a relatively high temperature. Along with this, the igniter housing 16 itself is also at a relatively high temperature. As a result of heat transfer from the igniter housing 16, there is a risk that the second gas generator 26 will ignite at an unintended time.Furthermore, if the second gas generating device 26 is ignited at an unintended time, combustion gas may not be produced as intended.

[0044] In this respect, a first gap 17 is formed in the gas generator 1 according to the exemplary embodiment between the circumferential wall 13 of the partition wall 10 and the igniter housing 16. The first gap 17 is described in detail below.

[0045] The first gap 17 is a space of the first combustion chamber 21, located between the circumferential wall 13, which extends along the detonator housing 16, and the detonator housing 16, and an air layer is formed in the first gap 17. In this case, as in Fig. Figure 3 shows that when an actuation of the first igniter 23 causes the transfer charge 24 to burn, a combustion product flows to the first combustion chamber 21, through the communication hole 16a (this is indicated by arrow C1 in Figure 3). Fig. 3 shown), out. In this case, even if the combustion product generated by the combustion of the transfer charge 24 heats the igniter housing 16, the heat from the igniter housing 16 is prevented from reaching the partition wall 13 due to a thermal insulation effect from the air present in the first gap 17 (this is indicated by the “x” marking in Fig. 3) to be transferred. In other words, even if the transfer charge 24 burns, the temperature of the partition wall 10 is less likely to rise. With this configuration, a phenomenon in which the second gas generating device 26 is ignited at an unintended time can be suppressed as much as possible.

[0046] It can be noted that the first gap 17 can be a narrow gap of a size that prevents the first gas-generating agent 22 from entering it. Alternatively, devices to prevent the first gas-generating agent 22 from entering the first gap 17 can be employed (for example, positioning a metal mesh at an inlet portion of the first gap 17, forming a projection extending towards the first gap 17 on the igniter housing 16 or on the partition wall 10, or the like). In the gas generator 1 according to the present example, the first gap 17 is a narrow gap as described above, and a communication hole 13a, which allows the second combustion chamber 25 and the first gap 17 to communicate with each other, is formed in the circumferential wall 13.In this case, a sealing element 35, which covers the hole, is attached to the communication hole 13a on the side of the first combustion chamber 21. This prevents combustion gas, generated by the first gas-generating device 22, which burns in a space of the first combustion chamber 21 (except for the gap 17), from flowing into the second combustion chamber 25. However, when the second gas-generating device 26 burns in the second combustion chamber 25, pressure from the generated combustion gas causes the sealing element 35 to separate from the circumferential wall 13. This allows combustion gas to flow from the second combustion chamber 25 into the first gap 17 (the first combustion chamber 21) through the communication hole 13a. However, the present example is not intended to restrict a mode by making the first slit 17 a narrow slit, as described above.It is only required that the first gap 17 between the circumferential wall 13 of the subdivision wall 10 and the detonator housing 16 is formed.

[0047] The delivery mode of combustion gas, which is carried out by the gas generator 1 described above, is referred to in relation to Fig. 4A to Fig. 4C described. It can be noted that in the gas generator 1, as described below, the first gap 17 is a narrow gap, as described above.

[0048] In the gas generator 1 according to the present example, the transfer charge 24 is first caused to burn due to an actuation of the first igniter 23. Subsequently, as indicated by arrow C1 in Fig. As indicated by 4A, a combustion product generated by the combustion of the transfer charge 24 flows into the first combustion chamber 21 through the communication hole 16a formed in the igniter housing 16. It should be noted that, in this case, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, as described above, a heat insulation effect from the air present in the first gap 17 prevents heat from being transferred from the detonator housing 16 to the circumferential wall 13 from the subdivision wall 10.

[0049] Furthermore, when the combustion product flows into the first combustion chamber 21, it causes the first gas-generating agent 22 to combust, and combustion gas is generated in the first combustion chamber 21. The combustion gas thus generated (and the combustion product from the transfer charge 24) flows through the filter 32, flows into the gas passage 33, and, as indicated by arrow C2 in Fig. As indicated in diagram 4B, the heat is finally delivered to the outside of the gas generator 1 through the gas outlet 5. In this case, when the first gas generating medium 22 burns in the first combustion chamber 21, the partition wall 10 is heated. In the present example, the first gas generating medium 22 to be burned is not located in the first gap 17, and therefore, primarily the partition section 14 of the partition wall 10 is heated. Subsequently, heat generated by the combustion of the first gas generating medium 22 is transferred to the second gas generating medium 26 in the vicinity of the partition section 14 in the second combustion chamber 25 via the partition section 14.

[0050] As a result, in the second combustion chamber 25, the second gas-generating agent 26 first combusts in the vicinity of the partitioning part 14. Furthermore, combustion gas produced by this combustion flows through the second combustion chamber 25 to the communication hole 13a, which is formed in the circumferential wall 13 of the partitioning wall 10, and as indicated by arrow C3 in Fig. As indicated by 4C, it flows to the first combustion chamber 21, through the communication hole 13a. In this case, together with the flow of combustion gas as described above, combustion of the second gas generating means in the vicinity of the circumferential wall 13 is supported, and therefore it is likely that the second gas generating means 26 will combust uniformly in the second combustion chamber 25.

[0051] Furthermore, the combustion gas, which is produced by combustion of the second gas generating medium 26 and flows into the first combustion chamber 21, flows through the filter 32 and the gas passage 33 and, as indicated by arrow C4 in Fig. 4C indicates that the gas is finally discharged to the outside of gas generator 1 through gas outlet 5. In this way, the second gas generating unit 26 is ignited with a delay, and the discharge mode of combustion gas to the outside is thus established.

[0052] With the gas generator 1 according to the embodiment described above, a phenomenon in which the second gas generating means 26 is ignited at an unintended time due to combustion of the transfer charge 24 can be suppressed as far as possible, and therefore combustion gas can be generated as intended. Second example

[0053] Next, a second example, showing a gas generator according to the invention, will be described with reference to Fig. 5 described. It should be noted that, in the present example, a detailed description of components that are essentially the same as those in the first example described above is omitted. Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view in a vertical direction of a gas generator 1A according to the present example.

[0054] Furthermore, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, in the outer shell housing 4 of the gas generator 1A according to the present example, a first combustion chamber wall 40 is positioned between the upper half-shell 2 and the lower half-shell 3. The first combustion chamber wall 40 includes a first end 41, which is one end of the wall element, a second end 42, which is the other end, and a dividing part 43, which is connected to the first end 41 and the second end 42, and essentially divides the interior space of the outer shell housing 4 into an upper space and a lower space. The first combustion chamber wall 40 can be attached to the lower half-shell 3, thus allowing the second end 42 to abut against the igniter housing 16.

[0055] Furthermore, in the lower space of the inner space of the outer shell housing 4, which is divided by the first combustion chamber wall 40, a second combustion chamber housing 50 is positioned. The second combustion chamber housing 50 includes a housing part 51, a top plate part 52, and a projection 53. The housing part 51 forms an inner space, in a recessed shape, with a circumferential wall and a bottom wall, and the top plate part 52 is attached to an opening of the housing part 51. Furthermore, the projection 53 is formed on the bottom wall of the housing part 51. Furthermore, in the inner space of the second combustion chamber housing 50, which is surrounded by the housing part 51 and the top plate part 52, the second gas generating means 26 is positioned.It can be observed that a plurality of communication holes, each of a size that prevents the passage of the second gas-generating means 26, are formed in the top plate part 52. When the second gas-generating means 26 burns, the combustion gas generated by it flows from the second combustion chamber housing 50 through the communication holes. Furthermore, a second igniter 27 is accommodated in the second combustion chamber housing 50. The second igniter 27 is fixed to a hole formed in the bottom surface 3b of the lower half-shell 3.

[0056] The second combustion chamber housing 50, as described above, is positioned in the lower half-shell 3, thus forming a second gap 18 between it and the first combustion chamber wall 40. In the present example, the second combustion chamber housing 50 is positioned in the lower half-shell 3, allowing the projection 53 of the second combustion chamber housing 50 to abut against the bottom surface 3b of the lower half-shell 3. Furthermore, the first combustion chamber wall 40 is attached to the lower half-shell 3, thus closing the opening of the lower half-shell 3 in which the second combustion chamber housing 50 is positioned. In this case, a cushion 60 is positioned to be placed between the top plate part se 52 of the second combustion chamber housing 50 and the dividing part 43 of the first combustion chamber wall 40.This allows the second combustion chamber housing 50 to be fixed between the first combustion chamber wall 40 and the bottom surface 3b of the lower half-shell 3.

[0057] In this case, the pad 60 is an elastic element with a predetermined thickness. For example, an elastic element that functions as a thermal insulation material, such as ceramic fibers, can be used. Furthermore, the pad 60, as described above, is positioned between the top plate part 52 of the second combustion chamber housing 50 and the partition part 43 of the first combustion chamber wall 40. This creates the second gap 18 between the second combustion chamber housing 50 and the first combustion chamber wall 40.

[0058] In a state where the second combustion chamber housing 50 and the first combustion chamber wall 40 are attached to the lower half-shell 3, the upper half-shell 2 is attached further from above. The upper half-shell 2 is fitted together with the lower half-shell 3 until the attachment section 2b abuts the first end 41 of the first combustion chamber wall 40.

[0059] Consequently, the first combustion chamber wall 40 is fixed in the outer shell housing 4, and therefore a fixed state of the second combustion chamber housing 50 is maintained between the first combustion chamber wall 40 and the bottom surface 3b of the lower half-shell 3. In this case, the second combustion chamber housing 50 is fixed in the outer shell housing 4, and thus the projection 53 is allowed to abut the bottom surface 3b of the lower half-shell 3. Thus, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, a third gap 19 is formed between the second combustion chamber housing 50 and the lower half-shell 3.

[0060] In this case, the first combustion chamber 21 is formed in the upper space of the inner space of the outer shell housing 4, which is essentially divided into the upper and lower sides by the first combustion chamber wall 40. Meanwhile, the second combustion chamber housing 50 is positioned in the lower space, and the second combustion chamber 25 is defined by the second combustion chamber housing 50.

[0061] The second igniter 27, which is housed in the second combustion chamber casing 50, is configured similarly to the first igniter 23, and details of the same are as described in the description of Fig. 2, which is given above, is described. Furthermore, the combustion product from the ignition charge, purged by the second igniter 27, causes the second gas-generating agent 26 to combust in the second combustion chamber 25. It should be noted that the transfer charge 24 can be positioned in the second combustion chamber 25. In such a case, the combustion product from the ignition charge, purged by the second igniter 27, can cause the transfer charge 24 to combust, and the combustion product from the transfer charge 24 can cause the second gas-generating agent 26 to combust.

[0062] In the gas generator 1A, as described above, the combustion time of the first gas generating device 22 is controlled by the actuation time of the first igniter 23, and the combustion time of the second gas generating device 26 is controlled by the actuation time of the second igniter 27. It should be noted that the present example is not intended to be limited to the mode in which both the first gas generating device 22 and the second gas generating device 26 burn simultaneously, and a mode in which actuation of the first igniter 23 causes only the first gas generating device 22 to burn can be employed.

[0063] In this case, a delivery mode of combustion gas, carried out by the gas generator 1A according to the present example, is described below in a simple manner. It should be noted that, in the following description, a mode is described by burning the first gas generating device 22 and the second gas generating device 26 as an example.

[0064] In the gas generator 1A according to the present example, activation of the first igniter 23 causes the transfer charge 24, which fills the igniter housing 16, to combust. Subsequently, a combustion product flows from the transfer charge 24 into the first combustion chamber 21, and the combustion product causes the first gas generating medium 22 to combust. Furthermore, combustion gas, generated by the combustion of the first gas generating medium 22, flows through the filter 32 and the gas passage 33, and finally flows out of the gas discharge port 5. In this way, the combustion gas is discharged from the gas generator 1A.

[0065] Meanwhile, the second gas generating device 26 is caused to combust by actuation of the second igniter 27, as described above. Thus, combustion gas, generated by the combustion of the second gas generating device 26, flows from the second combustion chamber housing 50 through the communication holes formed in the top plate part 52 of the second combustion chamber housing 50. The combustion gas then flows into the first combustion chamber 21 through a communication hole 43a provided in the partition part 43 of the first combustion chamber wall 40. Furthermore, the combustion gas flows through the filter 32 and the gas passage 33 and finally flows out of the gas discharge port 5. In this way, the combustion gas is discharged from the gas generator 1A.It can be observed that a closure element 36, which covers the communication hole 43a, is attached to the side of the first combustion chamber 21. Pressure from combustion gas from the second gas generating means 26 causes the closure element 36 to move away from the dividing part 43, and thus the combustion gas is caused to flow through the first combustion chamber 21 via the communication hole 43a.

[0066] As described above, the gas generator 1A, according to the present example, sets a mode for the delivery of combustion gas to the outside in various ways by adjusting the activation times of the first igniter 23 and the second igniter 27 in a freely selectable manner. However, if the gas generating device is ignited without activation of the igniter, there is a risk that the combustion gas cannot be generated as desired.

[0067] In this regard, in the gas generator 1A according to the present example, the first gap 17' is formed between the housing part 51 of the second combustion chamber housing 50 and the igniter housing 16. This prevents heat from the igniter housing 16 from being transferred to the housing part 51. Furthermore, in the gas generator 1A, the second gap 18 and the third gap 19 are formed in the vicinity of the second combustion chamber housing 50. This prevents heat from the first combustion chamber wall 40 or the lower half-shell 3 from being transferred to the second combustion chamber housing 50.

[0068] With the gas generator 1A, as described above, a phenomenon in which the second gas generating means 26 is ignited at an unintended time can be suppressed as far as possible, and therefore combustion gas can be produced as desired. Modification example of the second example

[0069] Next, a modification example of the second example, as described above, will be given with reference to Fig. 6 described. It should be noted that, in the present example, a detailed description of components, which are essentially the same as those in the second example described above, is omitted. Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view in a vertical direction of a gas generator 1A according to the present modification example.

[0070] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, in the gas generator 1A of the present modification example, the second combustion chamber housing 50 is positioned in the lower half-shell 3, and thus the bottom surface of the second combustion chamber housing 50 is permitted to abut the bottom surface 3b of the lower half-shell 3. Furthermore, the second combustion chamber housing 50 is positioned in the lower half-shell 3, and thus a side surface on the bottom side (hereinafter referred to as an attachment part) 54 of the housing part 51 of the second combustion chamber housing 50 is permitted to abut the side surface 3c on the bottom side of the lower half-shell. In the gas generator 1A in the present modification example, the second combustion chamber housing 50 is positioned in the lower half-shell 3 as described above, and thus the second combustion chamber housing 50 is fixed in the outer shell housing 4.

[0071] In this case, comparable to the gas generator 1A, shown in Fig. 5, is in the gas generator 1A, shown in Fig. 6, the cushion 60 is provided between the top plate part 52 of the second combustion chamber housing 50 and the partition part 43 of the first combustion chamber wall 40. In the present modification example, in which the second combustion chamber housing 50 is fixed as described above, the cushion 60 may also not be positioned. However, comparable to the gas generator 1A, shown in Fig. 5, the second gap 18 is formed between the second combustion chamber housing 50 and the first combustion chamber wall 40.

[0072] Furthermore, the housing part 51 of the second combustion chamber housing 50 has a ring part 55 on one side surface thereof, which extends from the mounting part 54 to the top plate part 52. The ring part 55 is also designed to be separated from the circumferential wall 3a of the lower half-shell 3. In particular, the ring part 55 is inclined from the bottom surface side to the top surface side, thus increasing the separation between the circumferential wall 3a and the lower half-shell 3 from the bottom surface side to the top surface side of the second combustion chamber housing 50. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the third gap 19 between the second combustion chamber housing 50 and the circumferential wall 3a is formed by the lower half-shell 3.

[0073] In the gas generator 1A, in the present modification example, the first gap 17' is formed between the housing part 51 of the second combustion chamber housing 50 and the igniter housing 16, thus preventing heat from the igniter housing 16 from being transferred to the housing part 15. Furthermore, the second gap 18 is formed between the second combustion chamber housing 50 and the first combustion chamber wall 40, thus preventing heat from the first combustion chamber wall 40 from being transferred to the second combustion chamber housing 50.

[0074] Likewise, with the gas generator 1A, as described above, a phenomenon in which the second gas generating means 26 is ignited at an unintended time can be suppressed as far as possible, and therefore combustion gas can be produced as desired. Third example

[0075] Next, a third example of a gas generator will be presented with reference to Fig. 7 described. It should be noted that, in the present example, detailed descriptions of components that are essentially the same as in the first example described above are omitted. Fig. Figure 7 is a lateral cross-sectional view of a gas generator 1B according to the present example.

[0076] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the gas generator 1B is configured according to the present example to cause a gas generating agent filling a circular outer shell housing 4' to combust, and is configured to release combustion gas. It should be noted that the gas generator 1B is a so-called dual-type gas generator, in which two combustion chambers are positioned in one circumferential direction, and a gas generating agent is positioned in each of the combustion chambers.

[0077] Approximately in the center of the outer shell housing 4' is the detonator housing 16, which contains the first detonator 23. Furthermore, the transfer charge 24 fills the detonator housing 16, and activation of the first detonator 23 causes the transfer charge 24 to burn. The communication hole 16a is formed in the detonator housing 16, and a combustion product generated by the combustion of the transfer charge 24 sprays through the communication hole 16a into a space around the perimeter of the detonator housing 16.

[0078] In this case, the space around the igniter housing 16 includes the combustion chambers filled with the gas-generating agent, the ring filter 32 positioned to surround the combustion chambers, and the gas passage 33 formed between the filter 32 and the outer shell housing 4'. This is described in detail below. The gas generator 1B according to the present example includes first partition walls 100 extending from the igniter housing 16 to the outer shell housing 4' and dividing the space around the igniter housing 16. Each of the first partition walls 100 includes a first end 101 that abuts the detonator housing 16, a second end 102 that abuts the filter 32, and a partition part 103 that is connected to the first end 101 and the second end 102, and divides the space between the detonator housing 16 and the filter 32 in the circumferential direction from the outer shell housing 4'.It can be observed that the filter 32 is positioned by the first partition wall 100. Furthermore, the first partition walls 100, described above, are positioned at two locations in the circumferential direction of the outer shell housing 4', thus dividing the space between the igniter housing 16 and the filter 32 into two spaces in the circumferential direction of the outer shell housing 4'. One of the divided spaces contains the first combustion chamber 21, which is filled with the first gas-generating agent 22, and the other of the divided spaces contains the second combustion chamber 25, which is filled with the second gas-generating agent 26.

[0079] The first combustion chamber 21 is defined by the igniter housing 16, the first partition walls 100, and the filter 32. Furthermore, the communication hole 16a of the igniter housing 16 is configured to allow communication between the interior of the igniter housing 16 and the first combustion chamber 21. Thus, when the first igniter 23 is activated, a combustion product generated by the combustion of the transfer charge 24 flows into the first combustion chamber 21, and this combustion product causes the first gas-generating agent 22 to combust. Afterwards, combustion gas, which is produced by combustion of the first gas generating medium 22, flows through the filter 32 into the gas passage 33 and flows out through the gas discharge port 5, which is formed in the outer shell housing 4'.In this case, the gas passage 33 is configured to have a ring shape along the ring filter 32, and the gas discharge port 5 is formed at multiple positions in the circumferential direction of the outer shell housing 4'. Thus, the combustion gas can flow through the gas passage 33 in the circumferential direction.

[0080] Meanwhile, in the other space, which is formed by the division with the first dividing wall 100, a second dividing wall 200 is positioned. The second dividing wall 200 is positioned so that one end of it abuts a first dividing wall 100, and the other end abuts the other first dividing wall. This creates a first gap 170 between the second dividing wall 200 and the detonator housing 16. It can be observed that the second dividing wall 200 includes a projection 201 between its two ends and is positioned to allow the projection 201 to abut the detonator housing 16. This prevents the second dividing wall 200 from deforming when subjected to an external force. However, the projection 201 is not a necessary feature.

[0081] Furthermore, the second combustion chamber 25 is defined by the first partition walls 100, the second partition wall 200, and the filter 32. In this case, a thermal insulation effect from the air present in the first gap 170 prevents heat from being transferred from the igniter housing 16 to the second partition wall 200. Therefore, the second gas-generating device 26 is caused to combust by heat generated by the combustion of the first gas-generating device 22, which is transferred via the first partition wall 100. The combustion gas produced by the second gas-generating device 26 then flows through the filter 32 and the gas passage 33, and exits through the gas discharge port 5.However, in the present example, combustion gas can be released from the gas generator 1B in a mode in which only the first gas generating means 22 burns, without ignition and combustion by the second gas generating means 26.

[0082] Likewise, with this configuration, a phenomenon in which the second gas-generating device 26 is ignited at an unintended time can be suppressed as far as possible. Therefore, combustion gas can be generated as desired. Modification example from the third example

[0083] Next, a modification example of the third example described above will be given, with reference to the Fig. 8 described. It should be noted that, in the present example, a detailed description of components, which are essentially the same as in the third example described above, is omitted. Fig. Figure 8 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the gas generator 1B according to the present modification example.

[0084] The gas generator 1B in the present modification example differs from the gas generator 1B according to the third example, shown in Fig. 7, as described above, except that the one communication hole 103a is formed in the partition section 103 of the first partition wall 100. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the communication hole 103a is configured to allow a first combustion chamber 21 and a second combustion chamber 25 to communicate with each other. Furthermore, with the communication hole 103a, as described above, combustion gas produced by combustion in the first gas generating device 22 can be directed to the second combustion chamber 25, and the combustion gas can be used to cause the second gas generating device 26 to combust.

[0085] In the present modification example, an opening range of the communication hole 103 is set, and thus the second gas generating device 26 ignites to release the combustion gas to the outside after a predetermined delay time has elapsed since the combustion gas from the first gas generating device 22 was released from gas generator 1B to the outside. With this configuration, the opening range of the communication hole 103a is set to determine the ignition point of the second gas generating device 26. This allows the delivery mode of combustion gas to the outside to be variably adjusted. It should be noted that the opening range of the communication hole 103a is set relatively small in this case.Furthermore, devices for controlling combustion gas passing through communication hole 103a (for example, a screen such as an aluminum strip or a metal fabric) may be positioned to cover communication hole 103a.

[0086] Furthermore, a thermoplastic resin or the like fills the communication hole 103a, which has a relatively large opening area. This allows the second gas-generating device 26 to be ignited in a delayed manner. In this case, the first combustion chamber 21 and the second combustion chamber 25 do not communicate with each other until the thermoplastic resin or the like, which fills and seals the communication hole 103a, is melted by heat generated by combustion from the first gas-generating device 22. Therefore, the second gas-generating device 26 can be ignited in a delayed manner.

[0087] Furthermore, as described in the third example, combustion gas can flow circumferentially through the gas passage 33, and therefore combustion gas can flow from the first gas generating means 22 into the second combustion chamber 25 through the gas passage 33. Therefore, instead of the communication hole 103a as described above, combustion gas generated by the first gas generating means 22, flowing into the second combustion chamber 25 through the gas passage 33, can be used to ignite the second gas generating means 26 in a delayed manner. Fourth example

[0088] Next, a fourth example of a gas generator will be presented with reference to Fig. 9 described. It should be noted that in the present example, detailed descriptions of components that are essentially the same as those in the third example described above are omitted. Fig. Figure 9 is a lateral cross-sectional view of a gas generator 1C according to the present example.

[0089] As in Fig. 9 shown, comparable to the gas generator 1B, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, and as described above, the gas generator 1C is configured according to the present example to cause a gas generating agent filling the circular outer shell housing 4' to combust, and is configured to release combustion gas. It should be noted that the gas generator 1C is a dual-type gas generator in which two combustion chambers are positioned on the right and left sides, respectively, and a gas generating agent is positioned in each of the combustion chambers.

[0090] In the outer shell housing 4', a third partition wall 300 is positioned, dividing the interior space of the outer shell housing 4' into two spaces. The third partition wall 300 divides the space enclosed by the filter 32 in the outer shell housing 4' into a right side and a left side, positioned so that both ends are in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the ring filter 32. Furthermore, one of the divided spaces contains The first combustion chamber 21, filled with the gas-generating agent 22, and the first igniter 23, which causes the gas-generating agent 22 to burn. The other of the divided spaces contains the second combustion chamber 25, filled with the second gas-generating agent 26, and the second igniter 27, which causes the second gas-generating agent 26 to burn.

[0091] The first combustion chamber 21 is defined by the third partition wall 300 and the filter 32. Furthermore, the first igniter 23 is as described in Fig.2, as given above. Furthermore, when the first igniter 23 is actuated, a combustion product from the ignition charge 232, purged by the first igniter 23, causes the first gas-generating agent 22 in the first combustion chamber 21 to combust. Thereafter, combustion gas, generated by the combustion of the first gas-generating agent 22, flows through the filter 32 and the gas passage 33, and exits through the gas discharge port 5, which is formed in the outer shell housing 4'. It should be noted that the transfer charge 24 can be positioned in the first combustion chamber 21. In this case, a combustion product from the ignition charge 232, which is purged from the first igniter 23, can cause the transfer charge 24 to burn, and combustion product from the transfer charge 24 can cause the first gas generating agent 22 to burn.

[0092] Meanwhile, in the other space, which is obtained by partitioning with the third partition wall 300, a fourth partition wall 400 is positioned. The fourth partition wall 400 is positioned so that both ends are allowed to abut the inner circumferential surface of the filter 32. This creates a first gap 171 between the fourth partition wall 400 and the third partition wall 300. It can be seen that the fourth partition wall 400 includes a retaining element 401 between the two ends and is positioned to allow the retaining element 401 to abut the third partition wall 300. This allows the first gap 171 to be maintained.

[0093] Furthermore, the second combustion chamber 25 is defined by the fourth partition wall 400 and the filter 32. The second igniter 27 is positioned in the second combustion chamber 25. In this case, a heat-insulating effect from the air present in the first gap 171 prevents heat from being transferred from the third partition wall 300 to the fourth partition wall 400, and therefore the second gas-generating device 26 is caused to combust by the activation of the second igniter 27. Furthermore, combustion gas, generated by the combustion of the second gas-generating device 26, flows through the filter 32 and the gas passage 33 and exits through the gas discharge port 5.

[0094] Likewise, with this configuration, a phenomenon in which the second gas-generating device 26 is ignited at an unintended time can be suppressed as far as possible. Furthermore, with this configuration, a combustion gas delivery mode in which only the first gas-generating device 22 burns, without ignition and combustion by the second gas-generating device 26, and a combustion gas delivery mode in which the activation time of the second igniter 27 is delayed from the activation time of the first igniter 23, and the second gas-generating device 26 is ignited in a delayed manner, can be suitably achieved. That is, combustion gas can be generated as desired. Reference symbol list 1, 1A, 1B, 1C Gas Generator 2 Upper half-shell 3 Lower half-shell 4.4' Outer shell housing 5 Gas outlet connection 10 partition wall 13 Scope section 14 Division Part 16 detonator housings 17, 17', 170, 171 First gap 18 Second gap 19 Third column 21 First combustion chamber 22 First gas production device 23 First detonator 24 Transfer Charge 25 Second combustion chamber 26 Second gas production means 27 Second detonator 32 filters 33 Gas passage 40 First combustion chamber wall 50 Second combustion chamber housing 60 cushions 100 First dividing wall 200 Second dividing wall 300 Third Dividing Wall 400 Fourth Dividing Wall

Claims

[1] A gas generator (1A) comprising: a first detonator (23); a second detonator (27); an initial combustion chamber housing (16) configured to receive the first igniter (23), the initial combustion chamber housing (16) forms an initial combustion chamber in which, upon actuation by the first igniter (23), a predetermined combustion substance (24) filling the initial combustion chamber housing (16) is caused to combust; and an outer shell housing (4) configured to accommodate the initial combustion chamber housing (16), the initial combustion chamber housing (16) being fixed to a bottom surface (3b) of the outer shell housing (4), the outer shell housing (4) having a gas discharge port (5) formed therein, The outer shell housing (4) includes inside a secondary combustion chamber (25) defined by a predetermined partition wall (51) in which a gas generating agent (26), which fills the secondary combustion chamber (25), burns after combustion of the predetermined combustion substance (24) in the initial combustion chamber, and a predetermined gap (17') formed between at least a part of the predetermined partition wall (51) and the initial combustion chamber housing (16), wherein the initial combustion chamber housing is an igniter housing (16) in which actuation of the first igniter (23) causes the transfer charge filling the initial combustion chamber housing (16) to burn, characterized by a subsequent combustion chamber housing (50) with a circumferential wall and a bottom wall, and which includes the specified subdivision wall (51), and defines the subsequent combustion chamber (25), wherein the second igniter (27) is accommodated in the subsequent combustion chamber housing (50), and a further gap (19) is formed between the bottom wall of the subsequent combustion chamber housing (50) and the bottom surface (3b) of the outer shell housing (4), such that a heat insulation effect from air present in the specified gap (17') and the further gap (19) prevents heat transfer from the initial combustion chamber housing (16) to the part of the specified subdivision wall (51) of the subsequent combustion chamber housing (50). [2] The gas generator (1A) according to claim 1, characterized by : a main combustion chamber wall (40) configured to divide an interior space from the outer shell casing (4) into an upper side and a lower side; the main combustion chamber wall (40) defines the main combustion chamber (21) in an upper space of the divided spaces; and the second igniter (27) is configured to cause a gas generating agent (26) that fills the subsequent combustion chamber (25) to burn; wherein the specified gap (17') is formed between a part of the specified subdivision wall (51) contained in the secondary combustion chamber housing (50) and the igniter housing (16), and another gap (18) is formed further between the secondary combustion chamber housing (50) and the main combustion chamber wall (40).

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