WO2004080767A1

WO2004080767A1 - Gas generator

Info

Publication number: WO2004080767A1
Application number: PCT/JP2004/003183
Authority: WO
Inventors: Masahiro Yoshida; Eishi Sato
Original assignee: Nippon Kayaku Kabushiki Kaisha
Priority date: 2003-03-12
Filing date: 2004-03-11
Publication date: 2004-09-23
Also published as: TW200500245A

Abstract

A micro gas generator (1) having an automatic igniting function operating before being made brittle by heat without losing the cleanliness of exhaust gas, comprising a combustion chamber (6) in which gas generating agent (5) generating hot gas by combustion is filled, a filter chamber (8) in which a filter material (7) is installed, and an ignitor (10) fitted to the end part (3) of a tubular housing (4) and igniting and burning the gas generating agent (5) in the combustion chamber (6) all of which are installed in the housing (4). The gas generator is characterized by comprising a partition member (9) to separate the combustion chamber (6) from the filter chamber (8) in which the filter material (7) is installed, wherein an enhancer agent (14) is filled in the combustion chamber (6).

Description

Description Gas generator Technical field

The present invention relates to a gas generator suitable for inflating a side airbag or the like, and more particularly to a small, lightweight, and inexpensive gas generator. Background art

As one of the safety devices to protect the occupants from the impact caused by a car collision

Airbags are known. This airbag operates with a large amount of high-temperature, high-pressure gas generated by a gas generator. Conventionally, there are two broad types of known gas generators that generate gas. One is a hybrid system in which a high-pressure gas is held and a large amount of high-temperature, high-pressure gas is released by a small amount of explosive composition for supplying heat to the high-pressure gas in each cylinder ( For example, see JP-A-8-253100). The other is a pie mouth system in which all generated gas is generated by burning a solid gas generating agent (for example, International Publication No. 01/74633 pamphlet, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-362298, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-002). -362299 and JP-A-2003-2153).

In recent years, the performance required for gas generators includes miniaturization and low cost. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-253100 discloses an eight-brid system, which requires two chambers, a gas filling chamber and an explosive composition chamber, which increases the size and weight. In addition, the welding structure is mainly used, which increases costs.

The pie mouth type gas generator described as a known technology in the pamphlet of International Publication No. 01Z74633 has a filter chamber, a partition member, a combustion chamber, and an igniter. However, this gas generator does not exhibit satisfactory combustion performance when a gas generating agent that does not easily burn is used.

In addition, the pie mouth type gas generator described in JP-A-2002-362298, JP-A-2002-362299 and JP-A-2003-2153 discloses a filter chamber, It has a partition, a combustion chamber, an igniter, and a transfer agent chamber. However, due to the provision of a transfer agent chamber, the number of parts has increased, and it has not yet been possible to reduce the size and weight of the gas generator.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a gas generator that can be reduced in size, weight, and cost. Disclosure of the invention

That is, the present invention

[1] A combustion chamber (6) filled with a gas generating agent (5) that generates high-temperature gas by combustion in a cylindrical housing (4), and a filter chamber (7) fitted with a filter material (7) 8) and an igniter (10) attached to an end (3) of the housing (4) and igniting and burning a gas generating agent (5) in the combustion chamber (6). A generator (1), comprising a partition member (9) for partitioning the combustion chamber (6) and the filter chamber (8) in which the filter material (7) is mounted; A gas generator characterized in that (6) is filled with an enhancer agent (14);

[2] The gas generator according to [1], wherein the enhancer agent (14) is filled in the igniter (10) side.

(3) The gas generator according to (1) or (2), wherein the enhancer agent (14) is a molded product.

[4] The combustion chamber (6) is filled with a gas generating agent (5) and an enhancer agent (14) so as to be in direct contact with each other. [1] to [3] The gas generator according to any one of the above,

(5) The gas generator according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the gas generating agent (5) has a hollow body shape or a column shape having both ends closed.

[6] The partition member (9) is? The gas generator according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the gas generator has a hole (18), and the hole (18) is closed by a sealing member (16). [7] The gas supply apparatus according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the gas discharge hole (11) is provided in a cylindrical portion (20) of the filter chamber (8). Gas generator,

[8] The gas generator according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the partition member (9) is swaged from an outer peripheral portion of the housing (4). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a gas generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a gas generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a gas generator according to a third embodiment of the present invention. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

An example of the first embodiment of the gas generator according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, a gas generator 1 is provided with a cylindrical housing 4, a combustion chamber 6 filled with a gas generating agent 5 that generates high-temperature gas by combustion, and a filter material 7. A filter member 8 for partitioning the two chambers, and a firearm 10 attached to the end 3 of the housing 4 for igniting and burning the gas generating agent 5 in the combustion chamber 6. The combustion chamber 6 is filled with the enhancer agent 14.

That is, the gas generator 1 includes a cylindrical housing 4 having a bottom, and a filter chamber 8, a partition member 9, a combustion chamber 6, and an igniter 10 installed in the housing 4 in order from the bottom toward the opening. Have been. The combustion chamber 6 is filled with the gas generating agent 5 on the partition member 9 side and the enhancer agent 14 on the igniter 10 side. In other words, the combustion chamber 6 is provided with a gas generating agent layer and an enhancer agent layer in order from the partition member 9 toward the igniter 10. The housing corresponding to one filter chamber 8 is provided with a gas discharge hole 11.

By providing a gas generating agent layer and an enhancer agent layer in the combustion chamber 6, the enhancer agent and the gas generating agent adhere to each other, and the difference in the distance between the enhancer agent and the gas generating agent depends on the filling state of the gas generating agent. Does not occur, so the performance of the gas generator can be stabilized. it can.

It is preferable that the housing 4 has a bottomed cylindrical shape in which the other end 2 is closed and the end 3 is open. End 3 is preferably cylindrical with a bottom. The outer diameter of the housing 4 is preferably 30 mm or less, more preferably 20 mm to 30 mm. Assuming that the thickness of the cylindrical portion 20 is 1, the ratio of the thickness of the cylindrical portion 20 of the housing 4 to the outer diameter of the housing 4 is preferably 1.9 to: L 0.7. , More preferably in the range of 3-6.8.

The other end 2 of the housing 4 may have any shape such as a rounded shape, a square shape, etc., but a powl shape (FIG. 1) or a flat bottom shape (FIGS. 2 and 3) as shown in the drawings described later. Is preferred. Therefore, even if the pressure in the housing increases, it does not deform. In addition, since the other end 2 is closed in this way, only the end 3 needs to be sealed, so that the number of parts can be reduced, and the sealing portion is only one at the end 3 Therefore, the safety of the gas generator 1 can be improved and the size can be reduced. The housing 4 is formed of a metal such as iron, for example.

Further, a gas discharge hole 11 is provided on the outer periphery of the other end 2 of the housing 4. The gas discharge hole 11 is preferably provided in a position where no propulsive force is generated during inflation during gas release, for example, in the cylindrical portion 20 of the filter chamber 8, and a plurality of gas discharge holes may be provided, preferably It is more preferable that four are provided, and four are provided every 90 degrees on the same outer periphery. The gas discharge holes 11 may be provided not only in one row in the axial direction but also in two or more rows. In this case, the gas discharge holes 11 may be provided in a zigzag shape. From these gas discharge holes 11, high-temperature, high-pressure gas generated by the combustion of the gas generating agent 5 in the combustion chamber 6 passes through the filter material 7 attached to the filter chamber 8, and cools down. Released after filtration.

The partition member 9 preferably has a flat cylindrical or columnar shape, has a hole 18, and is divided into a fill chamber and a gas generating chamber (combustion chamber) to form a two-chamber structure. This prevents the filter from being damaged (melted) by the heat of combustion. The partition member 9 is made of, for example, stainless steel, iron, or the like.

Gas discharge hole 1 1 Inner side of housing 4 or partition member 9 or both On one side, a sealing member 16 such as an aluminum tape is attached. This seals the inside of the housing 4. It is preferable that the seal member 16 is attached to the upper surface of the partition member 9 and not attached to the gas discharge hole side. When the sealing member 16 has a flat cylindrical or columnar shape, its diameter may be at least 4 mm larger than the diameter of the hole 18. Attachment to the partition member 9 is simple, and this attachment can reduce the manufacturing cost of the gas generator.

A holder 12 for holding an igniter 10 is attached to an end 3 of the housing 4 to close the end 3 of the housing 4. The igniter 10 is preferably one in which the embolus is formed of plastic or resin. This is because the cost can be reduced. Of course, it is also possible to use a conventionally used embolus made of glass.

Some igniter 1 0 includes a igniting agent, the ignition agent is preferably zirconyl Niumu (Z r), tungsten (W), potassium perchlorate (KC 1_Rei ₄₎ has a component It is preferable to use a binder using fluororubber or nitrocellulose as the binder. Also, zirconium, tungsten, the composition ratio of potassium perchlorate (weight ratio), Z r: W: KC 1_Rei ₄ = 3:.. 3 0-4 0:.. 3 0-4 0 are preferred, Z r: W: KC 1_Rei ₄ = 3:. 3 5:. 3 5 is more preferable. The holder 12 is fitted to the end 3 of the housing 4, and is held by caulking with the shaft end 13 of the housing 4 to close the end 3 of the housing 4.

In the housing 4, the filter material 7, the gas generating agent 5, the X enhancer agent 14 and the cushion material 15 are filled in this order from the other end 2, and the holder 1 to which the igniter 10 is fixed by force shrinkage. 2 is inserted. If necessary, a partition member 9 can be provided between the fill material 7 and the gas generating agent 5.

As the filter material 7, for example, a cylindrical or cylindrical shape, preferably a cylindrical shape is used, depending on an assembly of a knitted wire mesh, a plain woven wire mesh, and a crimp woven metal wire. In a gas generator in which the other end 2 of the housing 4 has a rounded shape (for example, a gas generator 1 of the present invention described later), the filter member 7 has a shape in which the other end 2 has a rounded shape. Is cylindrical or circular with the other end 2 rounded Those having a cylindrical shape are used. FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the other end 2 has a rounded cylindrical shape. In a gas generator in which the other end 2 of the housing 4 has a flat bottom shape, the filter material 7 preferably has a cylindrical or columnar shape, and in FIGS. An example having a shape like a letter is shown. The filter member 7 is mounted in contact with the tip of the other end 2 of the housing 4. The housing 4 is pressed and fixed to the other end 2 of the housing 4 by a partition member 9 formed of metal or the like that partitions the inside of the housing 4. The partition member 9 is fixed in the housing 4 by being caulked (two caulking) from the outer peripheral portion of the housing 4 on both sides of the other end 2 and the end 3 of the partition member 9. Is divided into a filling chamber 8 and a combustion chamber 6. Specifically, the partitioning member 9 and the partitioning member 9 on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 4 are joined together so that the partitioning member 9 is inserted into the wall of the housing 4 by 0.1 mm or more from the outer peripheral end surface. The two parts are straddled (for example, with a caulking force of 80 kN or more) to make them adhere to each other. <Length to be penetrated .. After cutting and exposing the relevant part, it can be measured with a magnifying microscope manufactured by Keyence Corporation. The thickness of the outer peripheral end face of the partition member 9 is preferably 0.5 to 2.5 mm. The wall thickness of the main body of the partition member 9 is preferably 2 to 5 mm. The crimping interval is preferably in the range of 5 to 10 mm. The thickness of the housing 4 is preferably 1.5 to 2.3 mm. In the housing 4, preferably, the tensile strength of 5 8 5~7 1 5 N / mm 2, yield point 5 4 0~ 6 7 ON / mm 2, elongation 1 8-2 6% cold finishing seamless steel pipe The partition member 9 is preferably made of SUS304.

By caulking as described above, there is no need to cut out the outer peripheral end surface of the conventional partition member and mount a seal material such as a ring, so that the cost is low, and the partition member and the housing are reliably formed. Therefore, a highly airtight gas generator can be obtained in combination with a sealing member such as an aluminum sheet. In the case of the filter material 7 having a cylindrical shape, a space 19 is formed in the filter material 7 so as to hollow out the filter material 7. The gas generator 1 of the present invention, which is preferably used for inflating the side airbag and the like, uses a relatively large amount of chemicals such as the gas generating agent 5, so that the partition member 9 is preferably used. Thus, the filter chamber 8 and the combustion chamber 6 are partitioned to prevent damage to the filter due to the heat of combustion of the gas generating agent 5.

Preferably, the gas generating agent 5 and the enhancer agent 14 are filled in the combustion chamber 6 while being in direct contact with each other while being divided into two layers, a layer of the gas generator 5 and a layer of the enhancer agent 14. ing.

The enhancer agent 14 is protected by the cushioning material 15 from being powdered by vibration. In addition, a cross-shaped notch is formed in the cushion material 15 so as to reliably transmit the power of the flame from the igniter 10 to the enhancer agent 14 without delay. As the cushion material 15, for example, it is preferable to form a ceramic fiber, a foamed silicon or the like, and to use an elastic material such as a silicon rubber or a silicone foam.

The gas generating agent 5 may be a non-azide-based composition, for example, a material composed of a fuel, an oxidizing agent, and additives (binder, slag forming agent, combustion regulator).

Examples of the fuel include a nitrogen-containing compound. Examples of the nitrogen-containing compound include one or a mixture of two or more selected from a triazole derivative, a tetrazole derivative, a guanidine derivative, an azodicarbonamide derivative, a hydrazine derivative, and a urea derivative ammine complex.

Specific examples of the triazole derivative include, for example, 5-oxo-1,2,4-triazole, aminotriazole and the like. Specific examples of tetrazole derivatives include, for example, tetrazole, 5-aminotetrazole, aminotetrazol nitrate, nitroaminotetrazole, 5,5, -bi-1H-tetrazole, 5,5,1B-1H-tetrazole diammonium Pum salt, 5,5,1-azotetrazo-l-diguanidium salt and the like. Specific examples of the guanidine derivative include, for example, guanidine, nitroguanidine, cyanoguanidine, triaminoguanidine nitrate, guanidine nitrate, aminoguanidine nitrate, guanidine carbonate and the like. Specific examples of the azodicarbonamide derivative include, for example, azodicarbonamide. Specific examples of the hydrazine derivative include, for example, lipohydrazide, lipohydrazide nitrate complex, oxalic acid dihydrazide, hydrazine nitrate complex, and the like. Is mentioned. Examples of the rare derivatives include biuret. Examples of the ammine complex include hexammine copper complex, hexammine cobalt complex, tetraammine copper complex, and tetraammine zinc complex.

Among these nitrogen-containing compounds, one or two or more selected from tetrazole derivatives and guanidine derivatives are preferable, and nitroguanidine, guanidine nitrate, cyanoguanidine, 5-aminotetrazole, aminoguanidine nitrate, and guanidine carbonate are particularly preferable.

The mixing ratio of these nitrogen-containing compounds in the gas generating agent 5 varies depending on the number of carbon atoms, hydrogen atoms and other oxidized atoms in the molecular formula, but is usually preferably in the range of 20 to 70% by weight. A range of 30 to 60% by weight is particularly preferred. The absolute value of the mixing ratio of the nitrogen-containing compound varies depending on the type of the oxidizing agent added to the gas generating agent. However, if the absolute value of the compounding ratio of the nitrogen-containing compound is larger than the theoretical amount of complete oxidation, the concentration of trace CO in the generated gas increases, while the absolute value of the compounding ratio of the nitrogen-containing compound is Below this, the concentration of trace NOX in the generated gas increases. Therefore, a range in which the optimum balance between the two is maintained is most preferable. The oxidizing agent is preferably an oxidizing agent selected from at least one of a nitrate-nitrite perchlorate containing a cation selected from an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, a transition metal, and ammonium. Oxidants other than nitrates, that is, oxidants widely used in the field of airbag inflation, such as nitrite and perchlorate, can also be used, but the number of oxygen in nitrite molecules decreases as compared to nitrate. Nitrate is preferred from the viewpoint of reducing the production of fine mist that is easily released to the outside of the bag. Examples of the nitrate include sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, strontium nitrate, phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate, and basic copper nitrate.Strontium nitrate, phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate, and basic copper nitrate are exemplified. More preferred.

The mixing ratio of the oxidizing agent in the gas generating agent 5 is more definitely numeric type and amount of the nitrogen-containing compound used different 3 0-8 0 wt% range are preferred, particularly above CO and N_〇 _x A range from 40 to 75% by weight in relation to the concentration is preferred.

The binder, an additive, does not significantly affect the combustion behavior of the gas generant, Any of these can be used. Examples of the binder include metal salts of propyloxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate, nitrocellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, guar gum, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyacrylamide. , Starch and other polysaccharide derivatives, stearic acid and other organic pinners, molybdenum disulfide, synthetic hydroxytalcite, acid clay, talc, bentonite, diatomaceous earth, silica, alumina and other inorganic pinners. .

The mixing ratio of the binder is preferably in the range of 0 to 10% by weight in the case of press molding, and is preferably in the range of 2 to 15% by weight in extrusion molding. As the amount of addition increases, the breaking strength of the molded body increases. However, the number of carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms in the composition increases, the concentration of trace CO gas, which is the product of incomplete combustion of carbon atoms, increases, and the quality of generated gas deteriorates. In addition, the use of a minimum amount is preferable because it inhibits the combustion of the gas generating agent. In particular, if the amount exceeds 15% by weight, the relative proportion of the oxidizing agent must be increased, and the relative proportion of the gas generating compound decreases, making it difficult to establish a practical gas generator system.

As an additive, a slag forming agent can be blended as a component other than the binder. The slag forming agent is added in order to facilitate the filtration through the filter material 7 in the gas generator 1 due to the interaction with the metal oxide generated from the oxidizing agent component in the gas generating agent.

Examples of the slag forming agent include, for example, naturally occurring clay, mainly composed of aluminosilicates such as silicon nitride, silicon carbide, acid clay, silica, bentonite, and violin, synthetic viscous power, and synthetic viability. And clay selected from artificial clay such as synthetic smectite and talc which is a kind of hydrous magnesium maleate mineral. Among them, acidic clay or silica is preferred, and acidic clay is particularly preferred. The mixing ratio of the slag forming agent is preferably in the range of 0 to 20% by weight, and particularly preferably in the range of 2 to 10% by weight. If the amount is too large, the linear burning speed and the gas generation efficiency decrease, and if the amount is too small, the slag forming ability cannot be sufficiently exhibited.

Preferred combinations of the gas generating agent 5 include 5-aminotetrazole, strontium nitrate, synthetic hydrotalcite, and a gas generating agent containing silicon nitride, or Gas generators containing guanidine nitrate, strontium nitrate, basic copper nitrate, and acid clay are listed.

Further, a combustion regulator may be added as needed. As a combustion regulator, metal oxides, silicon oxide in the mouth, activated carbon, graphite, or a combination explosive such as hexogen, octogen, 5-oxo-3-nitro-1,2,4-triazole can be used. The mixing ratio of the combustion regulator is preferably in the range of 0 to 20% by weight, and particularly preferably in the range of 2 to 10% by weight. If the amount is too large, the gas generation efficiency is reduced, and if the amount is too small, a sufficient combustion rate cannot be obtained.

The gas generating agent 5 having the above-described configuration is preferably formed by press molding or extrusion, more preferably an extruded product, and has a shape such as a pellet shape (generally, a shape of a drug. Tablet), columnar, cylindrical, disk-shaped or hollow with both ends closed. The cylindrical shape includes a cylindrical shape, and the cylindrical shape includes a single-hole cylindrical shape and a porous cylindrical shape. The hollow body shape with both ends closed includes a cylindrical shape with both ends closed. The state in which both ends of the molded body of the gas generating agent 5 are closed means a state in which the holes opened at both ends are closed by two forces from outside to inside. The holes can be completely closed or not closed.

An example of a method for producing the gas generating agent 5 having a hollow body shape whose both ends are closed will be described. The non-azide composition composed of the nitrogen-containing compound, the oxidizing agent, the slag forming agent and the binder is first mixed by a V-type mixer, a pole mill or the like. Further, mixing is performed while adding water or a solvent (eg, ethanol) to obtain a wet drug mass. Here, the wet state is a state having a certain degree of plasticity, and preferably contains water or a solvent in a content of preferably 10 to 25% by weight, more preferably 13 to 18% by weight. Say. Thereafter, the wet drug mass is directly used by an extruder (for example, a device provided with a die and a pin for an inner hole at an outlet), and the outer diameter is preferably 1.4 mm to 4 mm. Preferably 1.5 mn! It is extruded into a hollow cylindrical molded body having an inner diameter of preferably 0.3 mm to 1.2 mm, more preferably 0.5 mm to 1.2 mm. After that, the hollow cylindrical molded body extruded by the extruder is pressed at regular intervals, A shaped body is obtained. Usually, the hollow cylindrical molded body is pressed at regular intervals, and then cut in such a manner that each of the hollow cylindrical molded bodies is folded at a closed dent portion, and then usually cut at a temperature of 50 to 60 ° C for 4 to 1 ° C. After drying for two hours, usually in a temperature range of 105 ° C to 120 ° C for 6 to 10 hours, the inner part is dried with the end closed. A cylindrical gas generating agent having a space can be obtained. The length of the gas generating agent thus obtained is usually in the range of 1.5 to 8 mm, preferably in the range of 1.5 to 7 mm, more preferably in the range of 2 to 6.5 mm. In the range.

In addition, the linear burning velocity of the gas generating agent is measured under a constant pressure condition, and empirically follows the equation of Vie11e. Here, r is the linear burning rate, a is a constant, P is the pressure, and n is the pressure index. This pressure index n indicates the slope of the logarithmic plot of the pressure on the X-axis against the logarithm of the combustion velocity on the Y-axis.

The preferred range of the linear burning rate of the gas generating agent used in the gas generator according to the present embodiment is 3 to 60 mmZ seconds under 70 kgf / cm2, more preferably 5 to 35 mm / sec. The pressure index is in seconds, and the preferable range of the pressure index is n = 0.90 or less, more preferably n = 0.75 or less, and particularly preferably n = 0.60 or less. The methods for measuring the linear burning rate include the strand burner method, small motor method, and closed pressure vessel method. Specifically, after press-molding to a predetermined size, the burning rate is measured in a high-pressure vessel by a method such as a fuse cutting method using a test piece obtained by applying a restrictive liquid to the surface. At this time, the linear combustion rate is measured using the pressure in the high-pressure vessel as a variable, and the pressure index can be obtained from the above equation Vie11e.

Since the gas generating agent is formed as a non-azide gas generating agent, the raw materials used are those that are less harmful to humans. In addition, by selecting a fuel component and an oxidizer component, the amount of heat generated per mole of generated gas can be suppressed, and the size and weight of the gas generator can be reduced.

The enhancer agent 14 that is filled in the combustion chamber 6 in contact with the gas generating agent 5 configured as described above is a composition generally used as an enhancer agent as follows. Are used. Metal powder represented by B / KN_〇 _3, the oxidizing agent containing composition, the composition comprising a nitrogen-containing compound oxidizing agent Z metal powder, or the like can be given the same composition as the gas generating agent 5 above. Examples of the nitrogen-containing compound include those usable as a fuel component of a gas generating agent (aminotetrazole, guanidine nitrate, etc.). Examples of the oxidizing agent include nitrates such as potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate, and strontium nitrate. Examples of the metal powder include boron, magnesium, aluminum, madanarium (magnesium-aluminum alloy), titanium, zirconium, and tungsten. Preferred combinations include those containing 5-aminotetrazole, potassium nitrate, and boron, guanidine nitrate, potassium nitrate, boron, and the like. And, if necessary, a molding binder may be contained in an amount of 0 to 10% by weight.

The shape of the enhancer agent 14 is preferably a molded product obtained by press molding or extrusion molding, more preferably an extruded molded product, the shape of which is a pellet (generally corresponding to the shape of a pharmaceutical tablet) or a column. , A cylinder, a disk, or a hollow body with both ends closed. The cylindrical shape includes, for example, a cylindrical shape, and the cylindrical shape includes, for example, a single-hole cylindrical shape, a porous cylindrical shape, and the like. The hollow body shape with both ends closed includes a cylindrical shape with both ends closed. The outer diameter of the enhancer agent 14 is 1 mm or more, preferably 1 mm to 5 mm, and more preferably 1 to 3 mm. The height of the agent 14 is preferably 1 mm to 5 mm.

The gas generating agent 5 and the enhancer agent 14 are preferably filled in the combustion chamber 6 in contact with each other. Therefore, there is no difference in the distance between the enhancer agent 14 and the gas generating agent 5 due to the difference in the filling state of the gas generating agent 5, so that the performance of the gas generator 1 can be stabilized. In addition, by making the enhancer agent 14 preferably in a columnar shape, it is difficult to enter the gap of the gas generating agent 5 when the enhancer agent 14 is filled, so that the enhancer agent 14 is harder to enter into the gap than the powder or granular form. Even after being attached to a car or the like, it is possible to suppress mixing of these in the combustion chamber 6. In addition, by making the molded body of the enhancer agent 14 and the molded body of the gas generating agent approximately the same size, the mixing of both can be further suppressed. Therefore, the performance of the gas generator can be more reliably stabilized. Next, the operation of the gas generator 1 will be described. When the collision sensor detects the collision of the car, the gas generator 1 sends a signal to the igniter 10 to ignite. The flame of the igniter 10 ruptures and opens the cushion material 15 and then squirts into the combustion chamber 6 to ignite the enhancer agent 14 and forcibly ignite and burn the gas generating agent 5. Generates hot gas. The ignition combustion of the gas generating agent 5 is sequentially transferred from the end 3 of the housing 4 to the filter material 7 side.

When combustion in the combustion chamber 6 progresses and the combustion chamber 6 rises to a predetermined internal pressure, the high-temperature gas generated in the combustion chamber 6 passes through the hole 18, enters the filter material 7, and flows into the housing 4. Here, through slag collection and cooling, it becomes a clean gas. This clean gas is discharged from the gas discharge holes 11.

As a result, the sufficiently cooled and clean gas discharged from the gas discharge holes 11 is directly introduced into the inside of an air belt, an airbag, or the like, and instantly expands.

Next, a gas generator 17 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The gas generator 17 according to the present invention differs from the gas generator 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in that the other end 2 of the housing has a flat bottom shape and a filter material. 7 is a cylindrical point. Even in this case, just like the gas generator 1 of the present invention, since the other end 2 is closed, only the end 3 needs to be sealed, and the number of parts can be reduced, and Since the sealing portion can be formed at only one portion of the end portion 3, the safety of the gas generator can be improved and the size can be reduced.

In the gas generator 17 of the present invention, the high-temperature gas generated in the combustion chamber 6 passes through the hole 18, enters the space 19 of the filter member 7, passes through the filter member 7, and passes through the slag. After being collected and cooled, it becomes a clean gas and is released from the gas discharge holes 11. In the gas generator 17, since the filter material 7 is cylindrical, the cooling efficiency of the filter material 7 is increased by increasing the surface area of the gas passage. As a result, the weight of the filter material 7 can be reduced, and the effect that the weight of the gas generator can be further reduced can be expected. Note that, in this embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for parts common to the gas generator 1 in the above-described first embodiment, and detailed description is omitted. Next, a gas generator 45 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the third embodiment according to the present invention, the same reference numerals are used for parts common to the gas generator 1 in the first embodiment and the gas generator 17 in the second embodiment. The detailed description is omitted.

A gas generator 45 according to the present invention differs from the gas generator 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in that the other end 2 of the housing has a flat bottom shape, and a filter material. 7 is a cylindrical point and the gas discharge holes 11 are arranged in two rows in the axial direction. The difference from the gas generator 17 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is that the gas discharge holes 11 are arranged in two rows in the axial direction.

Even in this case, as with the gas generators 1 and 17 of the present invention, since the other end 2 is closed, only the end 3 needs to be sealed, and the number of parts is reduced. In addition, since the sealing portion can be limited to only one portion of the end portion 3, the safety and the size of the gas generator can be increased.

Further, in the gas generator 45 of the present invention, the gas generated in the housing 4 is released without being concentrated by being arranged in two rows in the direction of the force of the gas discharge holes 11. Suppress damage to material 7. Also, the filter material 7 can be used in a wide range, and the filter material 7 can be used efficiently.

The gas generators 1, 1 745 of the present invention are suitably used as side (side collision) gas generators.

Example of manufacturing a gas generating agent in the form of a hollow body with both ends closed for use in a gas generator: 43.5% by weight of guanidine nitrate, 25% by weight of strontium nitrate, 25% by weight of basic copper nitrate, 2% by weight of acid clay 5% by weight and 4% by weight of polyacrylamide were mixed with 3% by weight of ethanol and 13% by weight of water. The mixture was mixed and kneaded to form a kneaded mass. And an extruder equipped with an inner hole pin with an outer diameter of 0.5 mm, extruded at an extrusion pressure of 8 MPa, and sent out between molding gears while taking out an extruded rod-like molded product with a take-off belt. Depressions were formed at intervals of 4.4 mm by the convex teeth of the molding gear, and cut off at the depressions. Thereafter, drying was performed at 55 ° C. for 8 hours, and then at 110 ° C. for 8 hours to obtain a gas generating agent. Industrial applicability

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the gas generator of this invention, even if the gas generator is reduced in size and weight, it is possible to safely cool and discharge the high-temperature gas generated by the combustion of the gas generating agent. It becomes. Also, by filling the combustion chamber with the enhancer agent and the gas generating agent, the enhancer agent and the gas generating agent adhere to each other, and the difference in the distance between the enhancer agent and the gas generating agent due to the difference in the filling state of the gas generating agent. Since no gas is generated, the performance of the gas generator can be stabilized.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. A combustion chamber (6) filled with a gas generating agent (5) that generates high-temperature gas by combustion in a cylindrical housing (4), and a filter chamber (8) fitted with a filter material (7) ) And an igniter (10) attached to an end (3) of the housing (4) and igniting and burning a gas generating agent (5) in the combustion chamber (6). A vessel (1), comprising a partition member (9) for partitioning the combustion chamber (6) and the filter chamber (8) in which the filter material (7) is mounted; A gas generator characterized in that (6) is filled with an enhancer agent (14).

2. The gas generator according to claim 1, wherein the enhancer agent (14) is filled in the igniter (10) side.

3. The gas generator according to claim 1, wherein the enhancer agent (14) is a molded body.

4. The combustion chamber (6) is filled with a gas generating agent (5) and an enhancer agent (14) so as to be in direct contact with each other.

4. The gas generator according to claim 3.

5. The gas generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gas generating agent (5) has a hollow body shape or a column shape having both ends closed.

6. The partition member (9) has a hole (18), and the hole (18) is closed by a sealing member (16). A gas generator according to any one of the preceding claims.

7. The gas discharge hole (11) is provided in a cylindrical portion (20) of the filter chamber (8), according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: Gas generator.

8. The gas according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the partition member (9) is swaged from an outer peripheral portion of the housing (4).