Gas generator

Abstract

To provide a gas generator capable of suppressing generation of burrs during manufacturing.SOLUTION: The gas generator 100 includes a first housing 11, a second housing 12, a partition member 13 to which one end of the first housing 11 is connected and which closes an opening of the one end and to which one end of the second housing 12 is connected from a side opposite to the first housing 11 and which closes an opening of the one end, a gas generating agent 18 accommodated in the first housing 11, an igniter 15 capable of igniting and burning the gas generating agent 18, and a filter 20 accommodated in the second housing 12. Partition member 13 has a through hole 13a which passes through partition member 13 so as to open toward first housing 11 and second housing 12, filter 20 is provided such that gas which has passed through the through hole 13a passes through filter 20, and second housing 12 has a gas discharge opening 12a through which gas which has passed through filter 20 is discharged to the outside of second housing 12.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 that is assembled through a process of inserting a partition plate into a cylindrical housing to a desired position and fixing it. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-062432 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the gas generator of Patent Document 1 has a problem in that burrs are generated when the partition plate is inserted (particularly press-fitted) to a desired position in the cylindrical housing.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a gas generator in which burrs are not generated by a partition member during manufacturing, or in which the generation of such burrs can be suppressed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) A gas generator of the present invention comprises a first gas generating section that generates and ejects gas, the first gas generating section comprising a cylindrical first housing, a cylindrical second housing, a first partition member to which one axial end of the first housing is connected and which closes an opening of the one end and to which one axial end of the second housing is connected from the opposite side to the first housing and which closes the opening of the one end, a first gas generating agent that is housed in the first housing and generates gas by burning, a first igniter that is capable of igniting and burning the first gas generating agent, and a first filter housed in the second housing, the first partition member having a first through hole that opens to the first housing side and penetrates the first partition member so as to open to the second housing side, the first filter being arranged so that gas that has passed through the first through hole passes through the first filter, and the second housing having a first gas ejection port that ejects gas that has passed through the first filter to the outside of the second housing.

[0008] (2) In the gas generator of (1) above, it is preferable that the first partition member further has a first protrusion that protrudes inside the first housing in the axial direction of the first housing and supports the first housing in the radial direction of the first housing.

[0009] (3) In the gas generator of (1) or (2) above, it is preferable that the first filter is provided around the circumferential direction of the second housing, and the first partition member further has a second protruding portion that protrudes in the axial direction of the second housing between the second housing and the first filter and supports the second housing and the first filter in the radial direction of the second housing.

[0010] (4) In the gas generator of (1) above, it is preferable that the first partition member is integral with the first housing or the second housing.

[0011] (5) The gas generator of (1) or (2) above further comprises a second gas generating section that generates and ejects gas, and a third partition member, wherein the second gas generating section comprises a cylindrical third housing, a cylindrical fourth housing, a second partition member to which one axial end of the third housing is connected and which closes an opening of the one end and to which one axial end of the fourth housing is connected from the opposite side to the third housing and which closes the opening of the one end, a second gas generating agent that is housed in the third housing and burns to generate gas, a second igniter that is capable of igniting and burning the second gas generating agent, and a second fuel gas generator housed in the fourth housing. and a filter, wherein the second partition member has a second through hole penetrating the second partition member so as to open to the third housing side and to open to the fourth housing side, the second filter is provided so that gas that has passed through the second through hole passes through the second filter, the fourth housing has a second gas outlet that ejects the gas that has passed through the second filter to the outside of the fourth housing, and the third partition member is connected to the other end of the second housing in the axial direction and closes the opening of the other end, and is connected to the other end of the fourth housing in the axial direction from the opposite side to the second housing and closes the opening of the other end.

[0012] (6) In the gas generator of (5) above, it is preferable that the third partition member further has a third protrusion that protrudes in the axial direction of the second housing inside the second housing and supports the second housing in the radial direction of the second housing.

[0013] (7) In the gas generator of (5) above, it is preferable that the gas generator further comprises a first filter accommodated in the second housing and arranged so that the gas that has passed through the first through hole passes through, the first filter being arranged circumferentially around the second housing, and the third partition member further comprises a fourth protrusion that protrudes in the axial direction of the second housing between the second housing and the first filter and supports the second housing and the first filter in the radial direction of the second housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gas generator in which burrs are not generated by a partition member during manufacturing, or in which the generation of such burrs can be suppressed. [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. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a gas generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a gas generator according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a gas generator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a gas generator according to a fifth 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 FIG.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a gas generator 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 1, gas generator 100 is a cylinder-type gas generator and has a long, approximately cylindrical outer shape. Gas generator 100 includes gas generating section 10. Gas generating section 10 is an example of a first gas generating section that generates and ejects gas, and includes first housing 11, second housing 12, partition member 13, holder 14, igniter 15, cup-shaped member 16, support member 17, gas generating agent 18, sealing tape 19, filter 20, and blocking member 21.

[0019] The first housing 11 is cylindrical and accommodates the igniter 15, the cup-shaped member 16, the support member 17, the gas generating agent 18, and the sealing tape 19. The first housing 11 is a long cylinder having openings at both ends in the axial direction.

[0020] The second housing 12 is cylindrical and accommodates the filter 20 therein. The second housing 12 is a long cylinder having openings at both axial ends. The axial direction of the second housing 12 is the same as the axial direction of the first housing 11. The second housing 12 is aligned with the first housing 11 in the axial direction of the first housing 11. In the radial direction of the first housing 11, the position of the axis of the second housing 12 is the same as the position of the axis of the first housing 11. The radial dimension of the second housing 12 is the same as the radial dimension of the first housing 11. The internal space of the second housing 12 is separated from the internal space of the first housing 11 by a partition member 13. In this way, by separating the internal spaces of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 with the partition member 13, a combustion chamber in which the gas generating agent 18 is accommodated and a filter chamber in which the filter 20 is accommodated can be formed. The second housing 12 has a plurality of gas outlets 12a.

[0021] Gas outlet 12a is an example of a first gas outlet. Gas outlet 12a is a hole for ejecting gas generated inside gas generating unit 10 to the outside, and a plurality of gas outlets 12a are provided along the circumferential and axial directions of second housing 12. The plurality of gas outlets 12a eject gas that has passed through filter 20 to the outside of second housing 12. The plurality of gas outlets 12a face filter 20 in the radial direction of second housing 12.

[0022] The partition member 13 is an example of a first partition member. The partition member 13 is provided to separate the internal space of the first housing 11 from the internal space of the second housing 12. The partition member 13 is flat and extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first housing 11. One axial end of the first housing 11 is connected to the partition member 13, and the partition member 13 closes the opening of the one end. Specifically, the partition member 13 closes the opening of the one end so that the opening is not exposed to the outside. The partition member 13 is also connected to one axial end of the second housing 12 on the opposite side from the first housing 11, and the partition member 13 closes the opening of the one end. Specifically, the partition member 13 closes the opening of the one end so that the opening is not exposed to the outside. One axial end of the first housing 11 is connected to a main surface of the partition member 13, and one axial end of the second housing 12 is connected to a main surface of the partition member 13 opposite to the main surface. The outer peripheral surface of the partition member 13 is flush with the outer peripheral surfaces of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. The partition member 13 is fixed to the first housing 11 by being welded to one axial end of the first housing 11. The partition member 13 is also fixed to the second housing 12 by being welded to one axial end of the second housing 12. The partition member 13 is located on one side of the filter 20 (the first housing 11 side) in the axial direction of the second housing 12, and supports the filter 20 in the axial direction from one axial side. The partition member 13 has a through hole 13a.

[0023] The through hole 13a is an example of a first through hole. The through hole 13a penetrates a central portion of the partition member 13 in the radial direction of the first housing 11 in the axial direction of the first housing 11, opening toward the first housing 11 and toward the second housing 12. The through hole 13a is provided so that gas generated by combustion of the gas generating agent 18 can pass through. That is, the gas generated by combustion of the gas generating agent 18 passes through the through hole 13a and flows from the inside of the first housing 11 to the inside of the second housing 12. The opening of the through hole 13a on the first housing 11 side is closed by a sealing tape 19. The opening of the through hole 13a on the second housing 12 side is located inside the inner periphery 20a of the filter 20 in the radial direction of the second housing 12. The through hole 13a has a circular shape when viewed in the axial direction of the first housing 11, but may have any shape as long as it can be closed by the sealing tape 19.

[0024] Holder 14 is attached to the other axial end of first housing 11 and closes the opening at the other end. Holder 14 holds igniter 15. For example, holder 14 is made of a metal such as stainless steel, iron steel, aluminum alloy, or stainless alloy.

[0025] The igniter 15 is an example of a first igniter. The igniter 15 is capable of igniting a transfer charge (not shown) in the cup-shaped member 16. Specifically, the igniter 15 is disposed at the other axial end of the first housing 11 (i.e., the portion closer to the holder 14) as ignition means for igniting and burning the gas generating agent 18 via the ignited transfer charge (not shown). The igniter 15 and the holder 14 to which the igniter 15 is fixed function as ignition means for generating a flame for burning the gas generating agent 18, which will be described later.

[0026] More specifically, igniter 15 comprises a base frame for inserting and holding a pair of terminal pins 15b, and a squib cup 15a attached to the base frame. A resistor (bridge wire) is attached to connect the tips of terminal pins 15b inserted into squib cup 15a, and an ignition charge is filled in squib cup 15a so as to surround or be in contact with the resistor. Nichrome wire or the like is generally used as the resistor, and ZPP (zirconium, potassium perchlorate), ZWPP (zirconium, tungsten, potassium perchlorate), lead tricinate, or the like is generally used as the ignition charge. The squib cup 15a may be filled with not only the ignition charge but also a transfer charge, and examples of transfer charges that can be placed together with the ignition charge include a composition made of a metal / oxidizer, such as boron / potassium nitrate, a composition made of titanium hydride / potassium perchlorate, or a composition made of boron / 5-aminotetrazole / potassium nitrate / molybdenum trioxide. For example, the squib cup 15a is generally made of metal or resin.

[0027] When a collision is detected, a predetermined amount of current flows through the resistor via the terminal pin 15b. This current flow through the resistor generates Joule heat, which causes the ignition charge to start burning. The high-temperature flame generated by the combustion ruptures the squib cup 15a 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 15 is activated is less than 2 milliseconds.

[0028] The cup-shaped member 16 has a generally cylindrical shape with a bottom and an open end on the other axial side of the first housing 11 (the side opposite to the second housing 12), and includes a space therein for accommodating a transfer charge (not shown) (a space surrounded by the inner wall of the cup-shaped member 16, the igniter 15, and the holder 14, also called a transfer chamber). The cup-shaped member 16 is attached to the holder 14 so that the space therein faces the igniter 15. The cup-shaped member 16 has no openings in either the side wall or the top wall, and surrounds the space therein. When the igniter 15 activates and ignites the transfer charge in the transfer chamber, the cup-shaped member 16 bursts, deforms, or melts due to an increase in pressure in the internal space and the conduction of the generated heat.

[0029] Suitable materials for the cup-shaped member 16 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.

[0030] The support member 17 is supported by the cup-shaped member 16 from the other axial side of the first housing 11 (the side opposite to the second housing 12), and supports the gas generating agent 18 from the other axial side (the side opposite to the second housing 12). For example, the support member 17 is made of a material having cushioning properties.

[0031] The gas generating agent 18 is an example of a first gas generating agent. The gas generating agent 18 is housed in the first housing 11 and generates gas by burning. The gas generating agent 18 is an integrally molded product that is ignited by a flame generated by ignition by the igniter 15 and burns to generate gas. The gas generating agent 18 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.

[0032] The sealing tape 19 is attached as a sealing member to the main surface of the partition member 13 on the first housing 11 side so as to close the opening of the through-hole 13a on the first housing 11 side. For example, the sealing tape 19 is made of metal. Aluminum foil with an adhesive material applied to one side can be suitably used as the sealing tape 19, and the sealing tape 19 ensures the airtightness of the combustion chamber inside the first housing 11.

[0033] The filter 20 is an example of a first filter. The filter 20 is accommodated inside the second housing 12. The filter 20 is provided around the circumferential direction of the second housing 12 and is annular along the circumferential direction. The filter 20 is provided so that gas generated by combustion of the gas generating agent 18 passes through it. Specifically, the filter 20 is provided so that gas passing through the through-hole 13a passes through the filter 20. For example, the gas passing through the through-hole 13a enters the filter 20 from the radially inner side of the second housing 12, passes through the filter 20, and exits the filter 20 toward the radially outer side. The filter 20 is elongated in the axial direction of the second housing 12. One end of the filter 20 in the axial direction (the first housing 11 side) is supported in the axial direction by the partition member 13, and the other end of the filter 20 in the axial direction (the opposite side from the first housing 11) is supported in the axial direction by the blocking member 21.

[0034] The filter 20 is a cylindrical member with a generally cylindrical hollow center. Using the filter 20 made of the cylindrical member reduces the flow resistance of the working gas during operation, enabling efficient gas flow. The filter 20 may be made of wire material made of metal, such as stainless steel or steel, or a wound or pressed mesh material. Specifically, a knitted wire mesh, a plain-weave wire mesh, or an assembly of crimped metal wires may be used. The filter 20 functions as a cooling means for cooling the gas generated in the first housing 11 by removing the high-temperature heat of the gas as it passes through the filter 20, and also as a removal means for removing slag and other contaminants contained in the gas. As a variation of the filter 20, a filter with a labyrinth-like 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.

[0035] Furthermore, while the filter 20 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 an 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] The closing member 21 is attached to the other axial end of the second housing 12 and closes the opening at the other end. For example, the closing member 21 is made of a metal such as stainless steel, iron steel, an aluminum alloy, or a stainless alloy.

[0038] 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 15 is activated based on this detection. When igniter 15 is activated, the pressure inside igniter 15 increases due to combustion of the ignition charge, causing the tip of squib cup 15a of igniter 15 to rupture, and flame flows from the tip of squib cup 15a of igniter 15 into a transfer chamber inside cup-shaped member 16. The flame that has flowed into the transfer chamber ignites the transfer charge inside the transfer chamber, and as the pressure in the internal space increases and the generated heat is conducted, cup-shaped member 16 ruptures, deforms, or melts, and then support member 17 also ruptures, deforms, or melts. Thereafter, the flame caused by the ignited transfer charge flows out to the gas generating agent 18 side via the tip of the ruptured, deformed or melted cup-shaped member 16 and the support member 17 .

[0039] The flame that has flowed in in this manner ignites and burns the gas generating agent 18, generating a large amount of gas. This combustion of the gas generating agent 18 increases the pressure inside the first housing 11, and the generated gas passes through the through-hole 13a and then the filter 20, and is ejected from the gas outlet 12a to the outside of the second housing 12. The gas ejected from the gas outlet 12a is then guided into the interior of the airbag, inflating and deploying the airbag. Note that because the gas passes through the through-hole 13a and the filter 20 before being ejected from the gas outlet 12a, residue contained in the gas can be efficiently removed and the gas can be cooled to a predetermined temperature.

[0040] As described above, in gas generator 100, there is no need to press-fit partition member 13 into first housing 11 or second housing 12. For example, if the partition member is press-fitted all the way to the center of the interior of the housing, the press-fitting distance becomes long, which requires a long time for assembly and generates burrs. However, in gas generator 100, such press-fitting is not required, so the time required for assembly can be prevented from being extended and burrs are not generated by the partition member during manufacturing. Furthermore, if the partition member is press-fitted all the way to the center of the interior of the housing, it is necessary to fix the partition member and the housing by high-power spot welding such as full-force welding. However, in gas generator 100, the boundary between partition member 13 and first housing 11 is exposed to the outside, so that it is possible to fix partition member 13 and first housing 11 by welding over a wide area along the boundary between partition member 13 and first housing 11 without high-power spot welding such as full-force welding. This allows for a larger weld area and greater strength. The same applies to the partition member 13 and the second housing 12.

[0041] As explained above, gas generator 100 in the first embodiment of the present invention described above includes gas generating section 10 that generates and ejects gas, and gas generating section 10 includes cylindrical first housing 11, cylindrical second housing 12, partition member 13 to which one axial end of first housing 11 is connected and which closes the opening of said one end, and to which one axial end of second housing 12 is connected from the opposite side to first housing 11 and which closes the opening of said one end, and partition member 13 that is contained in first housing 11 and which generates and ejects gas by combustion. The fuel cell has a gas generating agent 18 that generates gas, an igniter 15 that can ignite and burn the gas generating agent 18, and a filter 20 that is housed in the second housing 12, the partition member 13 has a through hole 13a that penetrates the partition member 13 so as to open to the first housing 11 side and the second housing 12 side, the filter 20 is arranged so that gas that has passed through the through hole 13a passes through the filter 20, and the second housing 12 has a gas outlet 12a that ejects gas that has passed through the filter 20 to the outside of the second housing 12.

[0042] According to this, when manufacturing gas generator 100, it is not necessary to press-fit partition member 13 into first housing 11 or second housing 12. In other words, no burrs are generated by the partition member when manufacturing gas generator 100.

[0043] Second Embodiment A gas generator 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Fig. 2. 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.

[0044] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a gas generator 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, the gas generator 200 includes a gas generating section 110, a gas generating section 130, and a partition member 150.

[0046] The gas generating unit 110 is an example of a first gas generating unit that generates and ejects gas. The gas generating unit 110 differs from the gas generating unit 10 mainly in that the gas generating unit 110 does not have a closing member 21 and that the axial length of the second housing 112 is shorter than the axial length of the second housing 12.

[0047] The first housing 111 is cylindrical and accommodates the igniter 115, the cup-shaped member 116, the support member 117, the gas generating agent 118, and the sealing tape 119. The first housing 111 is a long cylinder having openings at both ends in the axial direction.

[0048] The second housing 112 is cylindrical and accommodates the filter 120 therein. The second housing 112 is a long cylinder having openings at both axial ends. The axial direction of the second housing 112 is the same as the axial direction of the first housing 111. The second housing 112 is aligned with the first housing 111 in the axial direction of the first housing 111. In the radial direction of the first housing 111, the position of the axis of the second housing 112 is the same as the position of the axis of the first housing 111. The radial dimension of the second housing 112 is the same as the radial dimension of the first housing 111. The internal space of the second housing 112 is separated from the internal space of the first housing 111 by a partition member 113. In this way, by separating the internal space of the first housing 111 from the internal space of the second housing 112 with the partition member 113, a combustion chamber in which the gas generating agent 118 is accommodated and a filter chamber in which the filter 120 is accommodated can be formed.

[0049] Gas generating unit 130 is an example of a second gas generating unit that generates and ejects gas, and has a third housing 131, a fourth housing 132, a partition member 133, a holder 134, an igniter 135, a cup-shaped member 136, a support member 137, a gas generating agent 138, a sealing tape 139, and a filter 140.

[0050] The third housing 131 is similar to the first housing 111 and is provided symmetrically to the first housing 111 with the partition member 150 at the center. The axial length of the third housing 131 is equal to the axial length of the first housing 111.

[0051] The fourth housing 132 is similar to the second housing 112 and is provided symmetrically to the second housing 112 with respect to the partition member 150. The axial length of the fourth housing 132 is equal to the axial length of the second housing 112. The fourth housing 132 has a plurality of gas outlets 132a.

[0052] Gas outlet 132a is an example of a second gas outlet. Gas outlet 132a ejects gas that has passed through filter 140 to the outside of fourth housing 132. Gas outlet 132a is similar to gas outlet 112a and is provided symmetrically to gas outlet 112a with partition member 150 at the center.

[0053] Partition member 133 is an example of a second partition member. One axial end of third housing 131 is connected to partition member 133, closing the opening at that end, and one axial end of fourth housing 132 is connected to partition member 133 from the opposite side to third housing 131, closing the opening at that end. Partition member 133 is similar to partition member 113 and is provided symmetrically to partition member 113 with partition member 150 at the center. Partition member 133 has a through hole 133a. Partition member 133 is located on one side of filter 140 (third housing 131 side) in the axial direction of fourth housing 132, and supports filter 140 from that one axial side.

[0054] Through hole 133a is an example of a second through hole. Through hole 133a penetrates partition member 133 so as to open to the third housing 131 side and to the fourth housing 132 side. Through hole 133a is similar to through hole 113a and is provided symmetrically to through hole 113a with partition member 150 as the center. The opening of through hole 133a on the fourth housing 132 side is located more inward than inner circumferential portion 140a of filter 140 in the radial direction of fourth housing 132.

[0055] The holder 134 is similar to the holder 114 and is provided symmetrically to the holder 114 with the partition member 150 at the center.

[0056] The igniter 135 is an example of a second igniter. The igniter 135 is capable of igniting and burning the gas generating agent 138. The igniter 135 is similar to the igniter 115 and is provided symmetrically to the igniter 115 with the partition member 150 at the center. The igniter 135 includes a base frame through which a pair of terminal pins 135b are inserted and which holds the pair, and a squib cup 135a attached to the base frame.

[0057] The cup-shaped member 136 is similar to the cup-shaped member 116 and is provided symmetrically to the cup-shaped member 116 with the partition member 150 at the center.

[0058] The support member 137 is similar to the support member 117 and is provided symmetrically to the support member 117 with the partition member 150 at the center.

[0059] The gas generating agent 138 is an example of a second gas generating agent. The gas generating agent 138 is housed in the third housing 131 and generates gas by burning. The gas generating agent 138 is similar to the gas generating agent 118.

[0060] The sealing tape 139 is similar to the sealing tape 119 and is provided symmetrically to the sealing tape 119 with the partition member 150 at the center.

[0061] Filter 140 is an example of a second filter. Filter 140 is housed in fourth housing 132. Filter 140 is provided so that gas that has passed through through-hole 133a passes through filter 140. Filter 140 is similar to filter 120, and is provided symmetrically to filter 120 with partition member 150 at the center.

[0062] The partition member 150 is an example of a third partition member. The partition member 150 is provided to separate the internal space of the second housing 112 from the internal space of the fourth housing 132. The partition member 150 is flat and extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first housing 111. The partition member 150 is connected to the other axial end of the second housing 112 and closes the opening of the other end. Specifically, the partition member 150 closes the opening of the other end so that the opening of the other end is not exposed to the outside. The partition member 150 is also connected to the other axial end of the fourth housing 132 on the opposite side from the second housing 112 and closes the opening of the other end. Specifically, the partition member 150 closes the opening of the other end so that the opening of the other end is not exposed to the outside. The other axial end of second housing 112 is connected to a main surface of partition member 150, and the other axial end of fourth housing 132 is connected to a main surface of partition member 150 opposite to the main surface. The outer peripheral surface of partition member 150 is flush with the outer peripheral surfaces of second housing 112 and fourth housing 132. Partition member 150 is fixed to second housing 112 by being welded to the other axial end of second housing 112. Partition member 150 is also fixed to fourth housing 132 by being welded to the other axial end of fourth housing 132. Partition member 150 is located on the other axial side of filter 120 (the fourth housing 132 side) of second housing 112, and supports filter 120 from the other axial side. Furthermore, the partition member 150 is located on the other side (second housing 112 side) of the filter 140 in the axial direction of the fourth housing 132, and supports the filter 140 from the other side in the axial direction.

[0063] Gas generator 130 operates in the same manner as gas generator 110 .

[0064] As explained above, gas generator 200 in the second embodiment of the present invention described above further includes gas generating section 130 that generates and ejects gas, and partition member 150. Gas generating section 130 includes a cylindrical third housing 131, a cylindrical fourth housing 132, a partition member 133 to which one axial end of third housing 131 is connected and which closes the opening of said one end, and to which one axial end of fourth housing 132 is connected from the opposite side to third housing 131 and which closes the opening of said one end, gas generating agent 138 that is accommodated in third housing 131 and generates gas by burning, igniter 135 that can ignite and burn gas generating agent 138, and fourth housing 132. The partition member 133 has a through hole 133a that penetrates the partition member 133 so as to open to the third housing 131 side and the fourth housing 132 side, the filter 140 is arranged so that gas that has passed through the through hole 133a passes through the filter 140, the fourth housing 132 has a gas outlet 132a that ejects the gas that has passed through the filter 140 to the outside of the fourth housing 132, and the partition member 150 is connected to the other axial end of the second housing 112 and closes the opening of the other end, and is connected to the other axial end of the fourth housing 132 from the opposite side to the second housing 112 and closes the opening of the other end.

[0065] This makes it possible to easily manufacture gas generator 200, which is a so-called dual inflator. Furthermore, when manufacturing gas generator 200, there is no need to press-fit partition member 133 into the interior of third housing 131 or fourth housing 132, so burrs are not generated by the partition member during manufacturing. Furthermore, when manufacturing gas generator 200, there is no need to press-fit partition member 150 into the interior of second housing 112 or fourth housing 132, so burrs are not generated by the partition member during manufacturing.

[0066] Furthermore, in the gas generator 200 of the second embodiment of the present invention described above, the axial length of the third housing 131 is equal to the axial length of the first housing 111, and the axial length of the fourth housing 132 is equal to the axial length of the second housing 112.

[0067] This allows the amount of gas generated (number of moles) by the gas generating unit 110 and the amount of gas generated (number of moles) by the gas generating unit 130 to be easily made substantially equal.

[0068] <Third embodiment> A gas generator 300 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Fig. 3. 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.

[0069] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a gas generator 300 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 3, gas generator 300 differs from gas generator 200 mainly in that gas generator 300 includes gas generating section 230 instead of gas generating section 130.

[0071] Gas generating unit 230 differs from gas generating unit 130 primarily in that it has a third housing 231 that is different from third housing 131, a fourth housing 232 that is different from fourth housing 132, and a filter 240 that is different from filter 140.

[0072] The third housing 231 differs from the third housing 131 mainly in that the axial length of the third housing 231 is shorter than the axial length of the first housing 211 .

[0073] The fourth housing 232 differs from the fourth housing 132 primarily in that the axial length of the fourth housing 232 is shorter than the axial length of the second housing 212 .

[0074] Filter 240 differs from filter 140 primarily in that the axial length of filter 240 is shorter than the axial length of filter 220 .

[0075] As described above, in the gas generator 300 of the third embodiment of the present invention described above, the axial length of the third housing 231 is shorter than the axial length of the first housing 211, and the axial length of the fourth housing 232 is shorter than the axial length of the second housing 212.

[0076] This prevents burrs from being generated by the partition member during the manufacture of gas generator 300. Furthermore, by changing the axial length of each housing as needed, the amount of gas generating agent filled in each housing can be adjusted, and therefore the amount of gas generated (number of moles) by gas generating section 210 and the amount of gas generated (number of moles) by gas generating section 230 can be easily made different as needed.

[0077] <Fourth embodiment> A gas generator 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Fig. 4. 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. In addition, 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.

[0078] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a gas generator 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 4, gas generator 400 differs from gas generator 200 mainly in that gas generator 400 is provided with gas generating section 310 instead of gas generating section 110, and in that gas generator 400 is provided with gas generating section 330 instead of gas generating section 130.

[0080] Gas generating section 310 differs from gas generating section 110 mainly in that first housing 311 and partition member 313 are integrated together. Therefore, in gas generator 400, there is no need to fix first housing 311 and partition member 313 together by welding or the like. Note that partition member 313 may be integrated with second housing 312 instead of first housing 311 and fixed to an end of first housing 311 by welding or the like.

[0081] Gas generating section 330 differs from gas generating section 130 mainly in that third housing 331 and partition member 333 are integrated. Therefore, in gas generator 400, there is no need to fix third housing 331 and partition member 333 by welding or the like. Note that partition member 333 may be integrated with fourth housing 332 instead of third housing 331 and fixed to an end of third housing 331 by welding or the like.

[0082] As explained above, in gas generator 400 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, partition member 313 is integral with first housing 311.

[0083] This prevents burrs from being generated by the partition member during manufacture of gas generator 400. Furthermore, when manufacturing gas generator 400, there is no need to fix partition member 313 and first housing 311 by welding or the like, and there is no need to fix partition member 333 and third housing 331 by welding or the like, so gas generator 400 can be manufactured more easily.

[0084] Fifth Embodiment A gas generator 500 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Fig. 5. 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.

[0085] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a gas generator 500 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 5, gas generator 500 differs from gas generator 200 mainly in that gas generator 500 is provided with gas generating section 410 instead of gas generating section 110, gas generating section 430 instead of gas generating section 130, and partition member 450 instead of partition member 150.

[0087] The gas generating section 410 differs from the gas generating section 110 mainly in that it has a partition member 413 instead of the partition member 113 .

[0088] The partition member 413 differs from the partition member 113 mainly in that the partition member 413 has a protrusion 413b and a protrusion 413c.

[0089] The protruding portion 413b protrudes in the axial direction of the first housing 411, is positioned inside the first housing 411 in the radial direction of the first housing 411, and supports the first housing 411 in the radial direction. The protruding portion 413b is annular in shape along the circumferential direction of the first housing 411, and is fitted into the inner periphery of the first housing 411.

[0090] Protrusion 413c protrudes in the axial direction of second housing 412 between second housing 412 and filter 420, and supports second housing 412 and filter 420 in the radial direction of second housing 412. Protrusion 413c is annular along the circumferential direction of second housing 412, and fits into the inner peripheral part of second housing 412 and the outer peripheral part of filter 420.

[0091] The gas generating section 430 differs from the gas generating section 110 mainly in that it has a partition member 433 instead of the partition member 133 .

[0092] The partition member 433 differs from the partition member 133 mainly in that the partition member 433 has a protrusion 433b and a protrusion 433c.

[0093] The protruding portion 433b protrudes in the axial direction of the third housing 431, is located inside the third housing 431 in the radial direction of the third housing 431, and radially supports the third housing 431. The protruding portion 433b is annular in shape along the circumferential direction of the third housing 431, and is fitted into the inner periphery of the third housing 431.

[0094] The protruding portion 433c protrudes in the axial direction of the fourth housing 432 between the fourth housing 432 and the filter 440, and supports the fourth housing 432 and the filter 440 in the radial direction of the fourth housing 432. The protruding portion 433c is annular along the circumferential direction of the fourth housing 432, and fits into the inner peripheral portion of the fourth housing 432 and the outer peripheral portion of the filter 440.

[0095] The partition member 450 differs from the partition member 133 mainly in that the partition member 450 has a protrusion 450a and a protrusion 450b.

[0096] Protrusion 450a protrudes in the axial direction of second housing 412 between second housing 412 and filter 420, and supports second housing 412 and filter 420 in the radial direction of second housing 412. Protrusion 450a is annular along the circumferential direction of second housing 412, and fits into the inner periphery of second housing 412 and the outer periphery of filter 420.

[0097] Protrusion 450b protrudes in the axial direction of fourth housing 432 between fourth housing 432 and filter 440, and supports fourth housing 432 and filter 440 in the radial direction of fourth housing 432. Protrusion 450b is annular along the circumferential direction of fourth housing 432, and fits into the inner periphery of fourth housing 432 and the outer periphery of filter 440.

[0098] As described above, in gas generator 500 of the above-mentioned fifth embodiment of the present invention, partition member 413 further has protrusion 413b that protrudes in the axial direction of first housing 411 inside first housing 411 and supports first housing 411 in the radial direction of first housing 411.

[0099] This allows first housing 411 to be easily positioned relative to partition member 413, thereby making it possible to suppress the occurrence of burrs during manufacturing and to more easily manufacture gas generator 500.

[0100] Moreover, in gas generator 500 in the fifth embodiment of the present invention described above, filter 420 is provided around the circumferential direction of second housing 412, and partition member 413 further has protruding portion 413c that protrudes in the axial direction of second housing 412 between second housing 412 and filter 420 and supports second housing 412 and filter 420 in the radial direction of second housing 412.

[0101] This allows second housing 412 and filter 420 to be easily positioned relative to partition member 413, thereby making it possible to suppress the occurrence of burrs during manufacturing and further simplify the manufacture of gas generator 500.

[0102] Furthermore, partition member 433 also facilitates the positioning of third housing 431, fourth housing 432, and filter 440, thereby providing the same effects as partition member 413. Furthermore, partition member 450 also facilitates the positioning of second housing 412, fourth housing 432, and filters 420, 440, thereby providing the same effects as partition member 413.

[0103] Furthermore, by thinning the protruding portions 413b, 413c, 433b, 433c, 450a, and 450b, it is possible to prevent burrs from occurring when the protruding portions are press-fitted into the respective housings.

[0104] <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 functions and effects described in the embodiments of the invention are merely a list of the most preferable functions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the functions and effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. For example, parts of each embodiment may be appropriately combined as needed.

[0105] Furthermore, in gas generator 100 according to the first embodiment described above, partition member 13 may be integral with first housing 11 or second housing 12. Furthermore, gas generator 100 may be provided with partition member 413 instead of partition member 13.

[0106] Furthermore, the partition member 413 according to the fifth embodiment described above may have only one of the protrusions 413b and 413c. Similarly, the partition member 433 may have only one of the protrusions 433b and 433c, and the partition member 450 may have only one of the protrusions 450a and 450b.

[0107] Furthermore, the partition member 413 according to the fifth embodiment described above may have a plurality of protrusions arranged discontinuously in the circumferential direction, instead of the continuous annular protrusion 413b. The same applies to the protrusions 413c, 433b, 433c, 450a, and 450b.

[0108] Furthermore, in the gas generators of the above-described embodiments, a filter is provided inside the housing, but the gas generators may not be provided with a filter. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 10,110,130,210,230,310,330,410,430 Gas generator 11,111,211,311,411 1st Housing 12,112,212,312,412 Second Housing 12a, 112a, 132a, 212a, 232a, 312a, 332a, 412a, 432a Gas outlet 13,113,133,150,213,233,250,313,333,350,413,433,450 Partition members 13a,113a,133a,213a,233a,313a,333a,413a,433a Through hole 14,114,134,214,234,314,334,414,434 Holder 15,115,135,215,235,315,335,415,435 Igniter 15a, 115a, 135a, 215a, 235a, 315a, 335a, 415a, 435a Squib Cup 15b, 115b, 135b, 215b, 235b, 315b, 335b, 415b, 435b terminal pins 16,116,136,216,236,316,336,416,436 Cup-shaped member 17,117,137,217,237,317,337,417,437 Support members 18,118,138,218,238,318,338,418,438 Gas Generants 19,119,139,219,239,319,339,419,439 Sealing tape 20,120,140,220,240,320,340,420,440 filters 20a,120a,140a,220a,240a,320a,340a,420a,440a Inner circumference 21 Closure member 100,200,300,400,500 Gas Generator 131,231,331,431 Third Housing 132,232,332,432 4th Housing 413b,413c,433b,433c,450a,450b Projection

Claims

1. a first gas generating unit that generates and ejects gas; the first gas generating section includes a cylindrical first housing, a cylindrical second housing, a first partition member to which one axial end of the first housing is connected and which closes an opening at the one end and to which one axial end of the second housing is connected from the opposite side to the first housing and which closes the opening at the one end, a first gas generating agent that is accommodated in the first housing and burns to generate gas, and a first igniter that is capable of igniting and burning the first gas generating agent, the first partition member has a first through-hole that penetrates the first partition member so as to open to the first housing side and to open to the second housing side; The gas generator according to claim 1, wherein the second housing has a first gas outlet that ejects gas that has passed through the first through hole to the outside of the second housing.

2. 2. The gas generator according to claim 1, wherein the first partition member further has a first protrusion that protrudes in an axial direction of the first housing from inside the first housing and supports the first housing in a radial direction of the first housing.

3. a first filter accommodated in the second housing and configured to allow the gas that has passed through the first through-hole to pass therethrough; the first filter is provided around the second housing in a circumferential direction, 3. The gas generator according to claim 1, wherein the first partition member further has a second protruding portion that protrudes in the axial direction of the second housing between the second housing and the first filter and supports the second housing and the first filter in the radial direction of the second housing.

4. 2. The gas generator according to claim 1, wherein the first partition member is integral with the first housing or the second housing.

5. The device further includes a second gas generating section that generates and ejects gas, and a third partition member, the second gas generating section includes a cylindrical third housing, a cylindrical fourth housing, a second partition member to which one axial end of the third housing is connected and which closes an opening at the one end and to which one axial end of the fourth housing is connected from the opposite side to the third housing and which closes the opening at the one end, a second gas generating agent that is accommodated in the third housing and burns to generate gas, and a second igniter that is capable of igniting and burning the second gas generating agent, the second partition member has a second through-hole that penetrates the second partition member so as to open to the third housing side and to open to the fourth housing side; the fourth housing has a second gas outlet that ejects the gas that has passed through the second through hole to the outside of the fourth housing, 3. The gas generator according to claim 1, wherein the third partition member is connected to the other axial end of the second housing and closes an opening at the other end, and is connected to the other axial end of the fourth housing from an opposite side to the second housing and closes an opening at the other end.

6. 6. The gas generator according to claim 5, wherein the third partition member further has a third protruding portion that protrudes in an axial direction of the second housing from inside the second housing and supports the second housing in a radial direction of the second housing.

7. a first filter accommodated in the second housing and configured to allow the gas that has passed through the first through-hole to pass therethrough; the first filter is provided around the second housing in a circumferential direction, 6. The gas generator according to claim 5, wherein the third partition member further has a fourth protruding portion that protrudes in the axial direction of the second housing between the second housing and the first filter and supports the second housing and the first filter in the radial direction of the second housing.

Images