Gas generator

Abstract

To provide a gas generator capable of burning a larger amount of gas generating agent.SOLUTION: A gas generator 100 includes: a partition member 20 that extends in a direction orthogonal to an axial direction of a housing 10 and partitions the inside of the housing 10 in the axial direction; a gas generating agent 70 that is accommodated in the housing 10 on one side of the partition member 20; and a filter 90 that is accommodated in the housing 10 on the other side of the partition member 20. The partition member 20 has a through hole 22 that penetrates the partition member 20 so as to be open to one side in the axial direction on a radially outer side of a center portion of the partition member 20 in the radial direction of the housing 10 and open to the other side in the axial direction, the through hole 22 provided so that gas generated by combustion of the gas generating agent 70 passes therethrough.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas generator incorporated in an occupant protection device for protecting an occupant in the event of a vehicle collision, and more particularly to a gas generator incorporated in an airbag device mounted on an automobile or the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Airbag devices, which are passenger protection devices, have become widespread from the viewpoint of protecting passengers in automobiles, etc. Airbag devices are installed to protect passengers from impacts that occur during a vehicle collision, and the airbag instantly inflates and deploys during a vehicle collision, thereby acting as a cushion to support the passenger's body.

[0003] Gas generators have a variety of structures. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a gas generator having a perforated plate whose central portion is curved so as to protrude toward the holder side. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-286218 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a gas generator, it is desirable to suppress the amount of unburned gas generating agent remaining and to burn as much of the gas generating agent as possible.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a gas generator that can burn a larger amount of gas generating agent. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) A gas generator of the present invention comprises a cylindrical housing, a first partition member extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the housing and partitioning the interior of the housing in the axial direction, a gas generating agent accommodated in the housing on one side of the first partition member in the axial direction and burning to generate gas, an igniter capable of igniting and burning the gas generating agent, and a filter accommodated in the housing on the other side of the first partition member in the axial direction and provided around the circumferential direction of the housing, wherein the first partition member has a plurality of first through holes that open to one side in the axial direction radially outward from a center of the first partition member in the radial direction of the housing and open to the other side in the axial direction, penetrating the first partition member and provided to allow the gas generated by combustion of the gas generating agent to pass through, the filter is provided so that the gas that has passed through the first through holes passes through the filter, and the housing has a gas outlet that ejects the gas that has passed through the filter to the outside of the housing.

[0008] (2) In the gas generator of (1) above, it is preferable that the first through-hole penetrates the first partition member in the axial direction and overlaps with the filter in the axial direction.

[0009] (3) In the gas generator of (1) above, the first partition member has a plurality of second through holes that penetrate the first partition member so as to open to one side in the axial direction radially outward from the central portion of the first partition member and radially inward from the first through holes, and to open to the other side in the axial direction, and that are arranged to allow the gas generated by combustion of the gas generating agent to pass through, and it is preferable that the second through holes are smaller than the first through holes when viewed in the axial direction.

[0010] (4) In the gas generator of (1) above, it is preferable that at least a part of the opening of the first through hole on one side in the axial direction is located outward in the radial direction from an inner circumferential portion of the filter, and that the opening of the first through hole on the other side in the axial direction is located inward in the radial direction from the inner circumferential portion.

[0011] (5) In the gas generators described above in (1) to (4), it is preferable that the first partition member supports the filter from one side in the axial direction.

[0012] (6) In the gas generators described in (1) to (4) above, it is preferable that the first partition member has a protruding portion that protrudes to the other side in the axial direction, is located inward of the filter in the radial direction, and supports the filter in the radial direction.

[0013] (7) In the gas generators of (1) to (4) above, it is preferable that a second partition member is provided which is located on one side of the first partition member in the axial direction and divides the interior of the housing in the axial direction, and that the second partition member has a plurality of third through holes which penetrate the second partition member so as to open on one side in the axial direction radially outward from the center of the second partition member in the radial direction and open on the other side in the axial direction, and which are provided so as to allow the gas generated by combustion of the gas generating agent to pass through. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gas generator that can suppress the remaining unburned gas generating agent and burn a larger amount of gas generating agent. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a gas generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a partition member of the gas generator of FIG. [Figure 3]FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a gas generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a partition member of the gas generator of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a gas generator according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a partition member of the gas generator of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a gas generator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a partition member of the gas generator of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a gas generator according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a partition member of a gas generator according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] First Embodiment A gas generator 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0017] Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing gas generator 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a schematic view showing partition member 20 of gas generator 100 of Fig. 1. Fig. 2(a) shows a cross section taken along line IIa-IIa in Fig. 2(b), and Fig. 2(b) shows partition member 20 as viewed from one side in the axial direction.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, gas generator 100 is a cylinder-type gas generator having a long, approximately cylindrical outer shape, and includes a housing 10, a partition member 20, a holder 30, an igniter 40, a cup-shaped member 50, a support member 60, a gas generating agent 70, a sealing tape 80, and a filter 90.

[0019] The housing 10 is cylindrical and has a peripheral wall portion 11 and a closing portion 12, and accommodates a partition member 20, an igniter 40, a cup-shaped member 50, a support member 60, a gas generating agent 70, a sealing tape 80, a filter 90, and the like. The interior of the housing 10 is partitioned in the axial direction by the partition member 20, and the igniter 40, the cup-shaped member 50, the support member 60, the gas generating agent 70, and the sealing tape 80 are accommodated on one side of the partition member 20 in the axial direction (below the plane of FIG. 1 ) of the interior of the housing 10, and the filter 90 is accommodated on the other side of the partition member 20 in the axial direction (above the plane of FIG. 1 ). By partitioning the interior of the housing 10 with the partition member 20 in this way, a combustion chamber in which the gas generating agent 70 is accommodated and a filter chamber in which the filter 90 is accommodated can be formed within the interior of the housing 10.

[0020] The peripheral wall portion 11 is a long cylindrical shape having openings at both ends in the axial direction. Note that, hereinafter, the axial direction of the peripheral wall portion 11 may be simply referred to as the axial direction. The radial direction of the peripheral wall portion 11 may be simply referred to as the radial direction. The circumferential direction of the peripheral wall portion 11 may be simply referred to as the circumferential direction. The peripheral wall portion 11 has a plurality of gas ejection ports 13.

[0021] Gas outlets 13 are holes for ejecting gas generated inside gas generator 100 to the outside, and a plurality of gas outlets 13 are provided along the circumferential and axial directions. The plurality of gas outlets 13 eject gas that has passed through filter 90 to the outside of housing 10. The plurality of gas outlets 13 face filter 90 in the radial direction.

[0022] The blocking portion 12 is attached to the other axially open end of the peripheral wall portion 11 and blocks the open end. For example, the blocking portion 12 is made of a metal such as stainless steel, iron steel, aluminum alloy, or stainless alloy.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the partition member 20 extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and is an example of a first partition member that separates the interior of the housing 10 in the axial direction. The partition member 20 is not curved to one side in the axial direction, nor is it curved to the other side in the axial direction, and is generally flat. The partition member 20 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion 11. For example, the partition member 20 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion 11 by welding or the like. The partition member 20 is located on one side of the filter 90 in the axial direction and supports the filter 90 from one side in the axial direction. The partition member 20 has a through hole 21, a plurality of through holes 22, and a protrusion 23. Each of the plurality of through holes 22 is an example of a first through hole.

[0024] The through hole 21 penetrates the central portion of the partition member 20 in the radial direction in the axial direction, and is open to one side in the axial direction and the other side in the axial direction. The through hole 21 is provided so that gas generated by combustion of the gas generating agent 70 can pass through it. In other words, the gas generated by combustion of the gas generating agent 70 passes through the through hole 21 and flows from one side of the partition member 20 to the other side in the axial direction. The opening of the through hole 21 on one side in the axial direction is closed by a sealing tape 80. The opening of the through hole 21 on the other side in the axial direction is located radially inward of the filter 90. The through hole 21 has a circular shape when viewed in the axial direction.

[0025] The multiple through holes 22 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the through hole 21. Each of the multiple through holes 22 penetrates the partition member 20 so as to open to one axial side radially outward from the center of the partition member 20 in the radial direction and to open to the other axial side. In this embodiment, each of the multiple through holes 22 penetrates the partition member 20 in the axial direction. Each of the multiple through holes 22 is provided so that gas generated by combustion of the gas generating agent 70 can pass through it. In other words, the gas generated by combustion of the gas generating agent 70 passes through the through hole 22 and flows from one side of the partition member 20 to the other side in the axial direction. Each of the multiple through holes 22 overlaps with the filter 90 in the axial direction. Each of the multiple through holes 22 is located radially outward from an inner circumferential portion 91 of the filter 90 and inward from an outer circumferential portion of the filter 90. An opening 22a on one axial side of each of the multiple through holes 22 is blocked by a sealing tape 80. An opening 22b on the other axial side of each of the plurality of through holes 22 is blocked by a filter 90. When viewed from the axial direction, each of the plurality of through holes 22 has a circular shape and is the same size as through hole 21. In other words, the diameter of each of the plurality of through holes 22 is the same as the diameter of through hole 21.

[0026] The protrusion 23 protrudes to the other axial side, is positioned radially inward of the filter 90, and radially supports the filter 90. The protrusion 23 is fitted into an inner peripheral portion 91 of the filter 90.

[0027] 1, holder 30 is attached to one axially open end of peripheral wall portion 11 and closes the open end. Holder 30 holds igniter 40. For example, holder 30 is made of a metal such as stainless steel, iron steel, aluminum alloy, or stainless alloy.

[0028] The igniter 40 is capable of igniting a transfer charge (not shown) in the cup-shaped member 50. Specifically, the igniter 40 is disposed at one axial end of the housing 10 (i.e., the portion closer to the holder 30) as ignition means for igniting and burning the gas generating agent 70 via the ignited transfer charge (not shown). The igniter 40 and the holder 30 to which the igniter 40 is fixed function as ignition means for generating a flame for burning the gas generating agent 70, which will be described later.

[0029] More specifically, the igniter 40 includes a base frame for inserting and holding a pair of terminal pins 42, and a squib cup 41 attached to the base frame. A resistor (bridge wire) is attached to connect the tips of the terminal pins 42 inserted into the squib cup 41, and an ignition charge is filled in the squib cup 41 so as to surround or be in contact with the resistor. Nichrome wire or the like is typically used as the resistor, and ZPP (zirconium, potassium perchlorate), ZWPP (zirconium, tungsten, potassium perchlorate), lead tricinate, or the like is typically used as the ignition charge. Note that a transfer charge may be filled in the squib cup 41 in addition to the ignition charge. Examples of transfer charges that can be placed simultaneously with the ignition charge include a composition consisting of a metal / oxidizer, such as boron / potassium nitrate, a composition consisting of titanium hydride / potassium perchlorate, or a composition consisting of boron / 5-aminotetrazole / potassium nitrate / molybdenum trioxide. For example, the squib cup 41 is generally made of metal or resin.

[0030] When a collision is detected, a predetermined amount of current flows through the resistor via the terminal pin 42. When a predetermined amount of current flows through the resistor, Joule heat is generated in the resistor, and this heat causes the ignition charge to start burning. The high-temperature flame generated by the combustion ruptures the squib cup 41 containing the ignition charge. If nichrome wire is used for the resistor, the time from when the current flows through the resistor to when the igniter 40 is activated is 2 milliseconds or less.

[0031] The cup-shaped member 50 has a generally cylindrical shape with a bottom and an open end on one axial side, and includes a space (also called a transfer chamber, which is a space surrounded by the inner wall of the cup-shaped member 50, the igniter 40, and the holder 30) for accommodating a transfer charge (not shown). The cup-shaped member 50 is attached to the holder 30 so that the space provided therein faces the igniter 40. The cup-shaped member 50 has no openings in either the side wall or the top wall, and surrounds the space provided therein. When the transfer charge in the transfer chamber is ignited by the activation of the igniter 40, the cup-shaped member 50 bursts, deforms, or melts due to an increase in pressure in the internal space and the conduction of the generated heat.

[0032] Suitable materials for the cup-shaped member 50 include metal members such as stainless steel, steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, stainless steel alloy, etc., and resin members such as thermosetting resins typified by epoxy resin, polybutylene terephthalate resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, polyamide resin (e.g., nylon 6, nylon 66, etc.), polypropylene sulfide resin, polypropylene oxide resin, etc. In particular, aluminum alloys or iron-based metal materials such as stainless steel and steel, which have relatively higher mechanical strength than aluminum, are preferred.

[0033] The support member 60 is supported by the cup-shaped member 50 from one side in the axial direction, and supports the gas generating agent 70 from one side in the axial direction. For example, the support member 60 is made of a material having cushioning properties.

[0034] The gas generating agent 70 is accommodated in the housing 10 on one side of the partition member 20 in the axial direction and generates gas by combustion. The gas generating agent 70 is an integrally molded product that is ignited by a flame generated by ignition by the igniter 40 and burns to generate gas. The gas generating agent 70 is generally formed as a molded product containing a fuel, an oxidizer, and an additive. Examples of fuels that can be used include triazole derivatives, tetrazole derivatives, guanidine derivatives, azodicarbonamide derivatives, hydrazine derivatives, and combinations thereof. Specific examples of suitable fuels include nitroguanidine, guanidine nitrate, cyanoguanidine, and 5-aminotetrazole. Examples of suitable oxidizers include basic metal nitrates such as basic copper nitrate, basic metal carbonates such as basic copper carbonate, perchlorates such as ammonium perchlorate or potassium perchlorate, and nitrates containing cations selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, and ammonia. Suitable nitrates include sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate. Suitable additives include binders, slag formers, and combustion control agents. Suitable binders include organic binders such as cellulose derivatives (e.g., hydroxypropylene methyl cellulose), metal salts of carboxymethyl cellulose, and stearates, as well as inorganic binders (e.g., synthetic hydroxytalcite and acid clay). Suitable slag formers include silicon nitride, silica, and acid clay. Suitable combustion control agents include metal oxides, ferrosilicon, activated carbon, and graphite.

[0035] The sealing tape 80 is attached to one axial end face of the partition member 20 as a sealing member so as to close one axial opening of the through hole 21 and one axial opening 22a of each of the plurality of through holes 22. For example, the sealing tape 80 is made of metal. Aluminum foil with an adhesive material applied to one side can be suitably used as the sealing tape 80, and the sealing tape 80 ensures the airtightness of the combustion chamber inside the housing 10.

[0036] The filter 90 is accommodated in the housing 10 on the other side of the partition member 20 in the axial direction. The filter 90 is provided circumferentially and is annular along the circumferential direction. The filter 90 is provided so that gas generated by combustion of the gas generating agent 70 passes through it. Specifically, the filter 90 is provided so that gas passing through the through holes 21 passes through the filter 90, and gas passing through the through holes 22 passes through the filter 90. For example, gas passing through the through holes 21 enters the filter 90 from the radially inner side, passes through the filter 90, and exits the filter 90 radially outward. Meanwhile, gas passing through the through holes 22 enters the filter 90 from one side in the axial direction, passes through the filter 90, and exits the filter 90 radially outward. The filter 90 is elongated in the axial direction. One end of the filter 90 in the axial direction is supported axially and radially by the partition member 20, and the other end of the filter 90 in the axial direction is supported axially by the blocking portion 12.

[0037] The filter 90 is a cylindrical member with a generally cylindrical hollow center. Using the filter 90 made of the cylindrical member reduces the flow resistance of the working gas during operation, allowing for efficient gas flow. The filter 90 may be made of wire material made of metal, such as stainless steel or steel, or a mesh material wound or pressed. Specifically, a knitted wire mesh, a plain weave wire mesh, or an assembly of crimped metal wires may be used. The filter 90 functions as a cooling means for cooling the gas generated in the housing 10 by removing the high-temperature heat of the gas as it passes through the filter 90, and also as a removal means for removing slag and other contaminants contained in the gas. As a variation of the filter 90, a filter with a labyrinth-shaped flow path formed by combining generally cylindrical or cone-shaped metal components may be used. This allows the path of the working gas to be diverted in various directions, thereby cooling the gas and removing slag.

[0038] Furthermore, while the filter 90 has been illustrated as being made of a so-called knitted wire mesh, it is also possible to use a filter made by winding punched metal or expanded metal instead. Here, punched metal refers to a metal plate in which only openings are provided (i.e., no protrusions are provided around the edges of the openings), and expanded metal refers to a metal plate in which openings are provided in the plate metal member by, for example, making staggered cuts and then expanding the cuts to form a mesh-like structure. Even when such punched metal or expanded metal is used in place of the knitted wire mesh described above, the same effects as those described in the above-described embodiments of the present invention can be obtained.

[0039] Furthermore, in the above-described perforated metal and expanded metal, the filter is formed as a laminate by winding a single metal plate-like member, but the configuration of the filter is not limited to this. That is, the filter may be formed as a laminate by combining different metal plate-like members each having different layers, or the filter may be formed as a laminate by combining a plurality of layers in which some layers are formed as a single metal plate-like member and the remaining layers are formed as a different single metal plate-like member.

[0040] Next, the operation of gas generator 100 during activation described above will be described. When a vehicle equipped with an airbag device incorporating gas generator 100 of the present embodiment collides, the collision is detected by collision detection means separately provided in the vehicle, and igniter 40 is activated based on this detection. When igniter 40 is activated, the pressure inside igniter 40 increases due to combustion of the ignition charge, causing the tip of squib cup 41 of igniter 40 to rupture, and flame flows from the tip of squib cup 41 of igniter 40 into a transferor chamber inside cup-shaped member 50. The flame that has flowed into the transferor chamber ignites the transferor charge inside the transferor chamber, and as the pressure in the internal space increases and the generated heat is conducted, cup-shaped member 50 ruptures, deforms, or melts, and then support member 60 also ruptures, deforms, or melts. Thereafter, the flame caused by the ignited transfer charge flows out to the gas generating agent 70 side via the tip of the ruptured, deformed or melted cup-shaped member 50 and the support member 60 .

[0041] The flame that has flowed in in this manner ignites and burns the gas generating agent 70, generating a large amount of gas. This combustion of the gas generating agent 70 increases the pressure inside the housing 10, and the generated gas passes through the through hole 21 or the through hole 22, then passes through the filter 90, and is ejected from the gas outlet 13 to the outside of the housing 10. The gas ejected from the gas outlet 13 is then guided into the interior of the airbag, inflating and deploying the airbag. Note that if the through hole 22 is not provided, unburned gas generating agent 70 is likely to remain near the outer periphery of the partition member 20 on one side of the partition member 20 in the axial direction; however, since the gas generator 100 has the through hole 22, the flame from the igniter 40 can easily reach this vicinity and easily combust the gas generating agent 70, thereby suppressing the remaining unburned gas generating agent 70. In addition, the gas passes through the through-hole 21 or the through-hole 22 and the filter 90 before being ejected from the gas outlet 13, so that residues contained in the gas can be efficiently removed and the gas can be cooled to a predetermined temperature.

[0042] As explained above, gas generator 100 in the first embodiment of the present invention described above comprises cylindrical housing 10, partition member 20 that extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of housing 10 and divides the interior of housing 10 in the axial direction, gas generating agent 70 that is accommodated in housing 10 on one side of partition member 20 in the axial direction and generates gas by combustion, igniter 40 that can ignite and burn gas generating agent 70, and partition member 20 that is accommodated in housing 10 on the other side of partition member 20 in the axial direction and divides the interior of housing 10 in the circumferential direction of housing 10. The partition member 20 has a through hole 22 that penetrates the partition member 20 so as to open to one axial side radially outward from the center of the partition member 20 in the radial direction of the housing 10 and to open to the other axial side, and is provided so that gas generated by combustion of the gas generating agent 70 can pass through, the filter 90 is provided so that gas that has passed through the through hole 22 passes through the filter 90, and the housing 10 has a gas outlet 13 that sprays the gas that has passed through the filter 90 to the outside of the housing 10.

[0043] According to this, because the partition member 20 extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, it is possible to prevent the partition member 20 from becoming larger on one side in the axial direction compared to when the partition member 20 is curved on one side in the axial direction. Therefore, it is possible to accommodate a larger amount of gas generating agent 70 inside the housing 10 compared to when the partition member 20 is curved on one side in the axial direction. Furthermore, because the through-holes 22 are provided radially outward from the central portion of the partition member 20 in the radial direction, it is possible to reliably create a flow path for gas generated by combustion at a location located radially outward from the central portion. As a result, the ignition ability of the gas generating agent 70 located radially outward from the central portion is improved compared to conventional methods. In other words, even if a larger amount of gas generating agent 70 is stored inside the housing 10, it becomes easier to burn the gas generating agent 70 located radially outward from the central portion (especially the gas generating agent 70 located radially outward from the plurality of through holes 22 and located near the partition member 20), so that the amount of unburned gas generating agent 70 remaining is suppressed and more gas generating agent 70 can be burned.

[0044] Furthermore, as explained above, in gas generator 100 in the first embodiment of the present invention described above, through-hole 22 passes through partition member 20 in the axial direction and overlaps with filter 90 in the axial direction.

[0045] This makes it easier for gas that has passed through the through-holes 22 to flow toward the filter 90, thereby preventing the gas that has passed through the through-holes 22 from being ejected outside the housing 10 without passing through the filter 90.

[0046] As explained above, in gas generator 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, partition member 20 supports filter 90 from one side in the axial direction.

[0047] This makes it easier for gas that has passed through through-hole 21 and gas that has passed through through-hole 22 to flow toward filter 90, thereby preventing these gases from being ejected outside housing 10 without passing through filter 90.

[0048] Furthermore, as explained above, in gas generator 100 in the first embodiment of the present invention described above, partition member 20 has protruding portion 23 that protrudes to the other side in the axial direction, is located radially inward of filter 90, and supports filter 90 radially.

[0049] This makes it easier for gas that has passed through the through-holes 21 to flow toward the filter 90, thereby preventing the gas that has passed through the through-holes 21 from being ejected outside the housing 10 without passing through the filter 90.

[0050] Second Embodiment A gas generator 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. In this embodiment, parts having the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment down to the last two digits are similar to the parts in the first embodiment, and therefore descriptions thereof may be omitted. In addition, parts in this embodiment that are not particularly described are also similar to those in the first embodiment, and therefore descriptions and illustrations thereof may be omitted.

[0051] Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing gas generator 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a schematic view showing partition member 120 of gas generator 200 of Fig. 3. Fig. 4(a) shows a cross section taken along line IVa-IVa in Fig. 4(b), and Fig. 4(b) shows partition member 120 viewed from one side in the axial direction.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, gas generator 200 differs from gas generator 100 mainly in that gas generator 200 is provided with a partition member 120 that is different from partition member 20.

[0053] Partition member 120 differs from partition member 20 mainly in that it has through hole 121 different from through hole 21, that it has a plurality of through holes 122 different from the plurality of through holes 22, and that it further has a plurality of through holes 124. Each of the plurality of through holes 122 is an example of a first through hole, and each of the plurality of through holes 124 is an example of a second through hole.

[0054] Through hole 121 differs from through hole 21 mainly in that through hole 121 is smaller than through hole 21 when viewed in the axial direction. Through hole 122 differs from through hole 22 mainly in that through hole 122 is larger than through hole 22 when viewed in the axial direction.

[0055] The multiple through holes 124 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the through hole 121. Each of the multiple through holes 124 penetrates the partition member 120 radially outward from the center of the partition member 120 in the radial direction and radially inward from the through hole 122, opening to one side in the axial direction and opening to the other side in the axial direction. In the present embodiment, each of the multiple through holes 124 penetrates the partition member 120 in the axial direction. Each of the multiple through holes 124 is located between the through holes 121 and 122 in the radial direction. Each of the multiple through holes 124 is provided so that gas generated by combustion of the gas generating agent 170 can pass through it. In other words, the gas generated by combustion of the gas generating agent 170 passes through the through hole 124 and flows from one side of the partition member 120 to the other side in the axial direction. Each of the multiple through holes 124 is located radially inward from the inner circumferential portion 191 of the filter 190. An opening on one axial side of each of the plurality of through holes 124 is closed by sealing tape 180. An opening on the other axial side of each of the plurality of through holes 124 is located radially inward of filter 190. When viewed from the axial direction, each of the plurality of through holes 124 has a circular shape, and is larger than through hole 121 and smaller than through hole 122. In other words, the diameter of each of the plurality of through holes 124 is larger than the diameter of through hole 121 and smaller than the diameter of through hole 122.

[0056] As explained above, in gas generator 200 of the second embodiment of the present invention described above, partition member 120 has through hole 124 which penetrates partition member 120 so as to open to one side in the axial direction radially outward from the center of partition member 120 in the radial direction of housing 110 and radially inward from through hole 122, and to open to the other side in the axial direction, and which is arranged to allow gas generated by combustion of gas generating agent 170 to pass through, and through hole 124 is smaller than through hole 122 when viewed in the axial direction.

[0057] This makes it easier to combust the gas generating agents 170 located radially outward (particularly, the gas generating agents 170 located radially outward from the plurality of through holes 122 and in the vicinity of the partition member 120), thereby suppressing the remaining unburned gas generating agents 170 and enabling a greater number of gas generating agents 170 to be more reliably burned. In particular, since the plurality of through holes 124 and the plurality of through holes 122 are formed in this order so that the diameters increase with increasing distance from the center of the partition member 120, gas generated by combustion is preferentially discharged from the through holes 122. In other words, the ignition ability of the gas generating agents 170 located radially outward from the plurality of through holes 122 and in the vicinity of the partition member 120 is improved compared to conventional methods.

[0058] <Third embodiment> A gas generator 300 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. In this embodiment, parts having the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment down to the last two digits are similar to the parts in the first embodiment, and therefore descriptions thereof may be omitted. In addition, parts in this embodiment that are not particularly described are also similar to those in the first embodiment, and therefore descriptions and illustrations thereof may be omitted.

[0059] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing gas generator 300 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a schematic view showing partition member 220 of gas generator 300 of Figure 5. Figure 6(a) shows a cross section taken along line VIa-VIa in Figure 6(b), and Figure 6(b) shows partition member 220 viewed from one side in the axial direction.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, gas generator 300 differs from gas generator 100 mainly in that gas generator 300 is provided with a partition member 220 that is different from partition member 20.

[0061] The partition member 220 differs from the partition member 20 mainly in that the partition member 220 has a plurality of through holes 222 that are different from the plurality of through holes 22. Each of the plurality of through holes 222 is an example of a first through hole.

[0062] Each of the plurality of through holes 222 differs from the plurality of through holes 22 primarily in that it penetrates the partition member 220 in a direction inclined with respect to the axial direction. Each of the plurality of through holes 222 penetrates the partition member 220 so as to be positioned radially inward as it approaches the other axial side. At least a portion of the opening 222a on one axial side of each of the plurality of through holes 222 is positioned radially outward from the inner circumferential portion 291 of the filter 290. In this embodiment, all of the openings 222a on one axial side of each of the plurality of through holes 222 are positioned radially outward from the inner circumferential portion 291 of the filter 290. The opening 222a on one axial side of each of the plurality of through holes 222 is positioned radially inward from the outer circumferential portion of the filter 290. The opening 222b on the other axial side of each of the plurality of through holes 222 is positioned radially inward from the inner circumferential portion 291 of the filter 290. An opening 222b on the other axial side of each of the plurality of through holes 222 opens at the protruding portion 223. The opening 222b on the other axial side of each of the plurality of through holes 222 is located radially inward of the filter 290.

[0063] As explained above, in gas generator 300 in the third embodiment of the present invention described above, at least a part of opening 222a on one axial side of through hole 222 is located radially outward from inner circumferential portion 291 of filter 290, and opening 222b on the other axial side of through hole 222 is located radially inward from inner circumferential portion 291.

[0064] This makes it easier to burn gas generating agent 270 located radially outward from the center of partition member 220 in the radial direction of housing 210 (particularly gas generating agent 270 located radially outward from the plurality of through holes 222 and located in the vicinity of partition member 220), thereby preventing unburned gas generating agent 270 from remaining and preventing gas that has passed through through hole 222 from being sprayed outside housing 210 without passing through filter 290.

[0065] <Fourth embodiment> A gas generator 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. In this embodiment, parts having the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment down to the last two digits are similar to the parts in the first embodiment, and therefore descriptions thereof may be omitted. In addition, parts in this embodiment that are not particularly described are also similar to those in the first embodiment, and therefore descriptions and illustrations thereof may be omitted.

[0066] Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a gas generator 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a schematic view showing partition member 320 of gas generator 400 of Fig. 7. Fig. 8(a) shows a cross section taken along line VIIIa-VIIIa in Fig. 8(b), and Fig. 8(b) shows partition member 320 viewed from one side in the axial direction.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, gas generator 400 differs from gas generator 100 mainly in that gas generator 400 is provided with a partition member 320 that is different from partition member 20.

[0068] Partition member 320 differs from partition member 20 mainly in that partition member 320 has through hole 321 different from through hole 21 and has a plurality of through holes 322 different from the plurality of through holes 22. Each of the plurality of through holes 322 is an example of a first through hole.

[0069] Through hole 321 differs from through hole 21 mainly in that it has a rectangular shape when viewed in the axial direction. Each of the plurality of through holes 322 differs from each of the plurality of through holes 22 mainly in that it has a rectangular shape when viewed in the axial direction.

[0070] In this way, through hole 321 and each of the plurality of through holes 322 may be rectangular when viewed in the axial direction. Even in this case, the same effects as those of gas generator 100 according to the first embodiment can be achieved.

[0071] Fifth Embodiment A gas generator 500 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Fig. 9. In this embodiment, parts having the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment down to the last two digits are similar to the parts in the first embodiment, and therefore descriptions thereof may be omitted. Furthermore, parts in this embodiment that are not particularly described are also similar to those in the first embodiment, and therefore descriptions and illustrations thereof may be omitted.

[0072] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a gas generator 500 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 9, gas generator 500 differs from gas generator 100 mainly in that gas generator 500 further comprises a plurality of partition members 425.

[0074] Each of the plurality of partition members 425 is located on one side of the partition member 420 in the axial direction and is an example of a second partition member that separates the interior of the housing 410 in the axial direction. The plurality of partition members 425 are arranged at intervals in the axial direction. Each of the plurality of partition members 425 extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. Each of the plurality of partition members 425 is not curved to one side in the axial direction, nor is it curved to the other side in the axial direction. Each of the plurality of partition members 425 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion 411. For example, each of the plurality of partition members 425 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion 411 by welding or the like. The partition member 425 has a through hole 426 and a plurality of through holes 427. Each of the plurality of through holes 427 is an example of a third through hole.

[0075] The through-hole 426 penetrates the central portion of the partition member 425 in the radial direction in the axial direction, and opens to one side in the axial direction and the other side in the axial direction. The through-hole 426 is provided so that gas generated by combustion of the gas generating agent 470 can pass through. In other words, the gas generated by combustion of the gas generating agent 470 passes through the through-hole 426 and flows to the other side of the partition member 425 in the axial direction. The through-hole 426 has a circular shape when viewed in the axial direction.

[0076] The multiple through holes 427 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the through hole 426. Each of the multiple through holes 427 penetrates the partition member 425 so as to open to one axial side radially outward from the center of the partition member 425 in the radial direction and to open to the other axial side. In this embodiment, each of the multiple through holes 427 penetrates the partition member 425 in the axial direction. Each of the multiple through holes 427 is provided so that gas generated by combustion of the gas generating agent 470 can pass through it. In other words, the gas generated by combustion of the gas generating agent 470 passes through the through hole 427 and flows from one side of the partition member 425 to the other side in the axial direction. Each of the multiple through holes 427 overlaps with a corresponding one of the multiple through holes 422 in the axial direction. Each of the multiple through holes 427 is circular when viewed in the axial direction and has the same size as the through hole 426. That is, the diameter of each of the plurality of through-holes 427 is the same as the diameter of the through-hole 426 .

[0077] As explained above, gas generator 500 in the fifth embodiment of the present invention described above comprises partition member 425 which is located on one side of partition member 420 in the axial direction and which separates the interior of housing 410 in the axial direction, and partition member 425 has through-hole 427 which opens to one side in the axial direction radially outward from the center of partition member 425 in the radial direction of housing 410 and which penetrates partition member 425 so as to open to the other side in the axial direction and which is provided to allow gas generated by combustion of gas generating agent 470 to pass through.

[0078] This achieves the same effects as the first embodiment, and since the through holes 427 are provided in each of the plurality of partition members 425, the burned gas can be guided relatively accurately inside the housing 410. As a result, the gas generating agents 470 located on the radially outer side (particularly, the gas generating agents 470 located radially outward from the plurality of through holes 427 and in the vicinity of the partition members 425) can be more easily burned. In other words, the remaining unburned gas generating agents 470 can be suppressed, and more gas generating agents 470 can be more reliably burned.

[0079] Furthermore, through-holes 426 and 427 allow a larger amount of residue contained in the gas to be collected.

[0080] Sixth Embodiment A gas generator according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Fig. 10. In this embodiment, parts having the same reference numerals as those in the second embodiment down to the last two digits are similar to the parts in the second embodiment, and therefore descriptions thereof may be omitted. Furthermore, parts in this embodiment that are not particularly described are also similar to those in the second embodiment, and therefore descriptions and illustrations thereof may be omitted.

[0081] Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a partition member 520 of a gas generator according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10(a) shows a cross section taken along line Xa-Xa in Fig. 10(b), and Fig. 10(b) shows partition member 520 as viewed from one side in the axial direction.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 10, the gas generator according to this embodiment differs from gas generator 200 mainly in that it is provided with a partition member 520 that is different from partition member 120.

[0083] Partition member 520 differs from partition member 120 mainly in that partition member 520 does not have through holes 121. Each of the plurality of through holes 522 is an example of a first through hole, and each of the plurality of through holes 524 is an example of a second through hole.

[0084] In this way, partition member 520 does not have to have through-hole 121 that penetrates the central part of partition member 520 in the radial direction. Even in this case, the same effects as those of gas generator 200 according to the second embodiment can be achieved.

[0085] <Other embodiments, etc.> Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, they are merely illustrative examples and do not limit the present invention, and the specific configurations and the like can be appropriately modified in design. Furthermore, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the invention are merely a list of the most preferable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0086] In the first to fifth embodiments described above, gas generators 100 to 500 are described as being cylindrical gas generators, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the gas generators may be disk-shaped gas generators equipped with a short, substantially cylindrical housing. The same applies to the sixth embodiment.

[0087] Furthermore, the sizes of the through holes such as the first through hole, the second through hole, and the third through hole are not particularly limited, and may be the same as or different from one another.

[0088] Furthermore, the shapes of the through holes such as the first through hole, the second through hole, and the third through hole are not particularly limited, and may be the same as or different from each other, and when viewed from the axial direction, may be circular, rectangular, elliptical, triangular, or other polygonal shapes.

[0089] Furthermore, the arrangement of the plurality of first through holes, the arrangement of the plurality of second through holes, and the arrangement of the plurality of third through holes is not particularly limited, and they may be aligned in the circumferential direction or may be random.

[0090] Furthermore, the number of first through holes, the number of second through holes, and the number of third through holes are not particularly limited, and may be the same as or different from each other, or may be one or more. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 10,110,210,310,410 Housing 11,111,211,311,411 Peripheral wall part 12,112,212,312,412 Occlusion 13,113,213,313,413 Gas outlet 20,120,220,320,420,425,520 Partition material 21,22,121,122,124,221,222,321,322,421,422,426,427,522,524 Through holes 22a,22b,122a,122b,222a,222b,322a,322b,422a,422b,522a,522b opening 23,123,223,323,423,523 Projection 30,130,230,330,430 Holder 40,140,240,340,440 Igniter 41,141,241,341,441 Squib Cup 42,142,242,342,442 terminal pins 50,150,250,350,450 Cup-shaped member 60,160,260,360,460 Support member 70,170,270,370,470 Gas Generator 80,180,280,380,480 Sealing tape 90,190,290,390,490 filters 91,191,291,391,491 Inner circumference 100,200,300,400,500 Gas Generator

Claims

1. A cylindrical housing; a first partition member extending in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the housing and partitioning the interior of the housing in the axial direction; a gas generating agent that is accommodated in the housing on one side of the first partition member in the axial direction and that generates gas by burning; an igniter capable of igniting and burning the gas generating agent; a filter that is accommodated in the housing on the other side of the first partition member in the axial direction and is provided around the housing in a circumferential direction, the first partition member has a plurality of first through holes that penetrate the first partition member so as to open to one side in the axial direction radially outward from a central portion of the first partition member in the radial direction of the housing and to open to the other side in the axial direction, and that allow the gas generated by combustion of the gas generating agent to pass through; the filter is provided so that the gas that has passed through the first through-hole passes through the filter, The gas generator is characterized in that the housing has a gas outlet for ejecting the gas that has passed through the filter to the outside of the housing.

2. 2. The gas generator according to claim 1, wherein the first through-hole passes through the first partition member in the axial direction and overlaps with the filter in the axial direction.

3. the first partition member has a plurality of second through holes that penetrate the first partition member so as to open to one side in the axial direction and to open to the other side in the axial direction, radially outward from the central portion of the first partition member and radially inward from the first through holes, and that are provided so that the gas generated by combustion of the gas generating agent passes through; 2. The gas generator according to claim 1, wherein the second through hole is smaller than the first through hole when viewed in the axial direction.

4. At least a part of an opening of the first through hole on one side in the axial direction is located outward from an inner circumferential portion of the filter in the radial direction, 2. The gas generator according to claim 1, wherein an opening of the first through hole on the other axial side is located inwardly of the inner circumferential portion in the radial direction.

5. 5. The gas generator according to claim 1, wherein the first partition member supports the filter from one side in the axial direction.

6. 5. The gas generator according to claim 1, wherein the first partition member has a protruding portion that protrudes toward the other side in the axial direction, is positioned radially inward of the filter, and supports the filter in the radial direction.

7. a second partition member that is located on one side of the first partition member in the axial direction and that partitions the inside of the housing in the axial direction; 5. The gas generator according to claim 1, wherein the second partition member has a plurality of third through holes that penetrate the second partition member so as to open to one side in the axial direction radially outward from a central portion of the second partition member in the radial direction and to open to the other side in the axial direction, and that allow the gas generated by combustion of the gas generating agent to pass through.

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