Gas generator and method for operating a gas generator

US6089597A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• TRW Airbag Systems GmbH & Co. KG · DE

Inventors

• Markus Leifheit · Markt Indersdorf, DE
• Marc Winterhalder · Garching an der Alz, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 3, 1998
• Grant date: Jul 18, 2000
• Expiry date: Jun 3, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R21/272
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A hybrid gas generator, in particular for vehicle occupant restraint systems, has at least one combustion chamber containing propellant and at least one igniter for igniting the propellant. The igniter comprises an igniting material and is spaced from the combustion chamber and from the propellant. The gas generator further has a pressure chamber filled with compressed gas, a common outflow opening for the compressed gas and hot gas generated on deflagration of the propellant, and a bursting disc closing the outflow opening and being able to be destroyed on activation of the gas generator. The igniter is arranged upstream of the bursting disc. The igniter and the bursting disc are arranged relative to each other in such a manner and are adapted to each other in their physical and chemical characteristics such that the destruction of the bursting disc is exclusively effected by a deflagration of the ignition material. A blast wave is generated on deflagration of the ignition material, at least a part of the blast wave being directed immediately onto the bursting disc.