Gas generator for multi-stage air bag

Abstract

A multistage type gas generator for an air bag, which has a simple structure and is easily manufactured and in which combustions of a gas generating means in a plurality of combustion chambers do not influence each other, is provided.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD TO WHICH THE INVENTION BELONGS

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas generator for an air bag which is suitably used in an inflating-type safety system of motor vehicles, and more particularly to a multistage type gas generator for an air bag which is provided with a plurality of combustion chambers and that is preferable for manufacture and/or operation performance thereof.

PRIOR ART

[0002] An air bag system which is mounted on various kinds of vehicles including automobiles, aims to hold the occupant by means of an air bag (a bag body) rapidly inflated by a gas when the vehicle collides at a high speed in order to prevent the occupant from crashing into a hard portion inside the vehicle such as a steering wheel, a windscreen due to an inertia and from being injured. This kind of an air bag apparatus generally comprises a sensor, a control unit, a pad module and the like, and the pad module comprises a module case, an air bag, a gas generator and the like, and it is mounted to, for example, a steering wheel.

[0003] The gas generator among these members is constituted such that, when an igniting means is actuated by the impact, a gas generating means is burnt to generate a gas with a high temperature and a high pressure, and thereby, the gas generated is ejected into the air bag (a bag body) to inflate the air bag and form a cushion absorbing the impact between the steering wheel and the occupant.

[0004] Various kinds of such gas generators for an air bag have been provided conventionally, such as ones having different entire shapes operating to a place to be mounted, or ones having different numbers of combustion chambers accommodating a gas generating means due to output aspects of an operating gas for inflating an air bag.

[0005] Among these, a gas generator provided with a plurality of combustion chambers accommodating a gas generating agent have already been disclosed in JP-A 09-183359, JP-A 11-217055 or the like.

[0006] However, in these conventional gas generators, there is a room for improvement in manufacturing easiness or the like.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention provides a multistage type gas generator for an air bag which can be easily manufactured. Also, the present invention provides a multistage type gas generator for an air bag in which a plurality of combustion chambers do not influence each others on combustions of a gas generating means included in the respective combustion chambers and also, a gas generator which has a simple structure and is easily assembled.

[0008] A multistage type gas generator for an air bag of the present invention comprises, in a cylindrical housing having a gas discharging port, an igniting means to be activated by the activating signal and, in a plurality of combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing, a gas generating means to be ignited and burnt by the ignition means, in which a plurality of the combustion chambers are provided to be aligned with each other in the axial direction of the cylindrical housing

[0009] Also, a plurality of the combustion chambers are characterized by being provided adjacent to each other in the axial direction of the cylindrical housing.

[0010] Particularly, in the present invention, in case of a multistage type gas generator for an air bag in which a plurality of the combustion chambers provided in the housing are arranged to be aligned to each other in series and/or adjacent to each other in the axial direction of the cylindrical housing, and the respective combustion chambers are defined not to be in communication with each other, and further an igniting means is provided in one combustion chambers side is employed, a plurality of the combustion chambers do not influence each other on combustions of the gas generating means included in the combustion chambers, and thereby, for example, it is unnecessary to perform complicated adjustment such as a breaking pressure of a gas discharging port, or a size thereof, and an operation performance can be easily adjusted. Further, assembling or mounting or charging of an inner cylindrical member, an igniting means and a gas generating means can be conducted effectively and easily, and assembling of a gas generator is facilitated. Also, when the igniting means is constituted to include an electric ignition type igniter, a lead wire (or a connector) extending from an actuation signal outputting means or the like can be coupled easily.

[0011] Also, in the multistage type gas generator for an air bag of the present invention, it is desirable that a plurality of the combustion chambers provided in the cylindrical housing are separated from each other by a partition wall formed in a plate shape, that the partition wall is arranged on a combustion chamber in which the gas generating means can be ignited the earliest among the adjacent combustion chambers, and that the partition wall abuts against an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical housing and/or an outer peripheral surface of an inner cylindrical member. With this, the partition wall is pressed onto the inner surface of the housing or the like by combustion pressure of the gas generating means which is first ignited, so that the adjacent combustion chambers can securely be separated, and movement of a fluid such as an operating gas between both the chambers can securely be blocked. Additionally, a seal can securely be achieved between the adjacent combustion chambers with a simple structure. For example, a structure supporting the partition wall which receives a combustion pressure of the gas generating means ignited the earliest can be provided on an inner surface of the housing and at a position of the partition wall. Also, the partition wall is formed by a circular portion and an annular portion formed integrally with a peripheral edge of the circular portion, and the partition wall is designed to be recessed towards the combustion chamber side storing the gas generating means to be ignited the earliest. In this case, the annular portion of the partition wall is pressed onto the inner surface of the housing and/or the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical member by a combustion pressure of the gas generating means.

[0012] Furthermore, in the multistage type gas generator for an air bag of the present invention, inner diameters of a plurality of combustion chambers defined separately in the housing can be made different, or inner diameters of a filter means arranged radially outside the respective combustion chambers can be made different. For example, the cylindrical housing is formed by a cylindrical diffuser shell with a top having a plurality of gas discharging ports provided in a peripheral wall and a closure shell closing a lower opening of the diffuser shell. Among a plurality of the combustion chambers defined separately in the housing, the inner diameter of the combustion chamber nearest to the closure shell is formed equally to or larger than those of the other combustion chambers, and/or the inner diameter of the filter means arranged radially outside the combustion chamber nearest to the closure shell can be formed equally to or larger than those of the filter means arranged radially outside the other combustion chambers.

[0013] This is because, many gas generators are produced by sequentially assembling constituent members or the like with the diffuser shell turned upside down, and, with above formation, an inlet port at a time of charging the gas generating means can be secured in abroad area, and charging of the gas generating means can be performed easily and securely.

[0014] Further, it is desirable that, among the combustion chambers adjacent to each other in the cylindrical housing, an inner diameter of the combustion chamber storing the gas generating means to be ignited later is formed equally to or larger than that of the combustion chamber storing the gas generating means capable of being ignited the earliest, and/or the inner diameter of the filter means arranged radially outside the combustion chamber storing the gas generating means to be ignited later is formed equally to or larger than that of the filter means arranged radially outside the combustion chamber in which the gas generating means to be ignited the earliest.

[0015] The reason of the above is as follows: When the inner diameters of both the filter means are equal to each other, an amount of the gas generating agent in the combustion chamber accommodating the gas generating means which can be ignited at the later timing is generally small, and thereby, the combustion chamber is broadened radially (in a direction of a plan view) (namely, it becomes a thin and broad combustion chamber), and the gas generating means in the combustion chamber has a difficulty in being ignited. However, when formed in the above-described manner, the broadening of the inside of the combustion chamber in the radial direction (in the direction of the plan view) is suppressed, and the gas generating means in the combustion chamber can be ignited easily.

[0016] Also, if a heat isolating member and/or a heat isolating space which blocks conduction of a combustion heat of the gas generating means in both the combustion chambers is provided between a plurality of the combustion chambers separated in the cylindrical housing, a flame transfer between the both chambers can further securely be prevented.

[0017] Furthermore, a disk-shape retainer provided with an opening hole in which an inner cylindrical member is fitted is arranged in the housing, and the gas generator can easily be assembled by fixing the filter means with the retainer, and a secure fixation can be achieved with a simple structure.

[0018] According to the present invention, a multistage type gas generator for an air bag which has a simple structure and can easily be manufactured is realized. Also, according to the present invention, a multistage gas generator for an air bag in which a gas generating means respectively included in a plurality of combustion chambers do not influence each other on combustions therein is realized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1 is a partially sectional view showing one embodiment of a gas generator for an air bag of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a horizontally sectional schematic view showing one embodiment of a flame-direction controlling means; and

[0021] FIG. 3 is horizontally sectional schematic view showing another embodiment of a flame-direction controlling means.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0022] 1 diffuser shell

[0023] 2 closure shell

[0024] 3 housing

[0025] 4 (a, b) inner cylindrical member

[0026] 5 (a, b) filter means

[0027] 6 (a, b) gas generating agent

[0028] 7 (a, b) transfer charge

[0029] 8 (a, b) igniter

[0030] 9 (a, b) flame-transferring hole

[0031] 10 partition wall

[0032] 11 (a, b) gas discharging port row

[0033] 12 (a, b) retainer

[0034] 14 (a, b) combustion chamber

[0035] 60 wall portion

[0036] S space portion

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0037] One embodiment of a gas generator for an air bag of the present invention will be explained with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view showing one embodiment of a gas generator for an air bag of the present invention.

[0038] In the gas generator shown in this drawing, in a cylindrical housing 3 having a gas discharging port 11, two inner cylindrical member 4a and 4b, which stores igniting means (8a and 8b) in the inner space, are disposed in parallel, and two filter means 5a and 5b formed annularly are disposed to face an inner surface of the housing 3. A combustion chamber 14 formed between the two inner cylindrical members 4a and 4b and the two filter means 5a and 5b are formed to be aligned in the axial direction of the cylindrical housing 3 and adjacent to each other, and both the combustion chambers 14a and 14b are separated by a partition wall 10. Disk-shaped gas generating agents 6a and 6b are accommodated in the respective combustion chambers 14a and 14b as a gas generating means. Incidentally, only one of the inner cylindrical members 4a and 4b can be arranged. In this case, other igniting means (8a and 8b) may be arranged directly in the housing 3.

[0039] The cylindrical housing 3 consists of a cylindrical diffuser shell 1 with a top and a closure shell 2 closing a lower end opening of the diffuser shell. In the diffuser shell 1, two gas discharging port rows 11a and 11b comprising a plurality of gas discharging ports 11 aligned in a circumferential direction are formed at different positions in the axial direction (namely, a vertical direction). Also in the diffuser shell 1, a bent portion 13 is formed between the two gas discharging port rows 11a and 11b, and the inner diameter thereof is formed to be spread towards an opening end side (namely, the closure shell 2 side). The opening end of the diffuser shell 1 is formed in a flange shape, and a disk-shaped closure shell 2 is welded to the flange-shaped portion.

[0040] In this embodiment, regarding the two combustion chambers 14a and 14b defined separately in the housing 3, for the sake of explanation, a combustion chamber defined in the closure shell 2 side (namely, on the lower side in the drawing) is defined as a first combustion chamber 14a and a combustion chamber defined on the other end side (namely, on the upper side in the drawing) is defined as a second combustion chamber 14b. Also, the gas generating agent accommodated in the first combustion chamber 14a is defined as a first gas generating agent 6a, and the gas generating agent accommodated in the second combustion chamber 14b is defined as a second gas generating agent 6b. Accordingly, in this embodiment, between combustion chambers defined, the first combustion chamber 14a is provided nearer to the closure shell 2.

[0041] Two inner cylindrical members 4a and 4b are arranged in parallel to each other inside the housing 3, and igniting means including electric ignition type igniters 8a and 8b which respectively receive electric actuation signals for actuation, and transfer charges 7a and 7b which are to be ignited by actuations of the igniters are accommodated in inner spaces of the respective inner cylindrical members 4a and 4b. In both the inner cylindrical members 4a and 4b provided in parallel, the respective igniting means (8a and 8b) are arranged in the closure 2 side, and they are positioned on the same plane.

[0042] Also, in peripheral walls of the inner cylindrical members 4a and 4b, a plurality of flame-transferring holes 9 aligned in the circumferential direction. The flame-transferring holes 9a and 9b formed in the respective inner cylindrical members 4a and 4b are in communication with different combustion chambers 14a and 14b in the respective inner cylindrical members. In this embodiment, the flame-transferring holes (first flame-transferring holes 9a) formed in the inner cylindrical member (hereinafter, referred to as a first inner cylindrical member 4a) arranged on the left side on the drawing are in communication with the first combustion chamber 14a, and the flame-transferring holes (second flame-transferring holes 9b) formed in the inner cylindrical member (hereinafter, referred to as a second cylindrical member 4b) arranged on the right side on the drawing are in communication with the second combustion chamber 14b.

[0043] In this embodiment, both the inner cylindrical members 4a and 4b are arranged eccentrically in the cylindrical housing 3. When the inner cylindrical members 4 are arranged eccentrically in this manner, desirably, a flame-direction controlling means which controls directions of flames ejected from either or all of the flame-transferring holes 9a and 9b. Such a flame-direction controlling means is formed in order to control an ejecting direction of flames generated due to actuation of at least the igniting means (8a and 8b), and, for example, like inner cylindrical members 54 shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), it can be formed as a hollow container enclosing a portion of the igniting means generating flames in which flames are generated and which has two or more flame-transferring holes 59 for restricting a spouting direction (shown with an arrow in the figures) of a flame in a desired direction. In this case, it is desirable that the ejecting direction of a flame controlled by the flame-direction controlling means (namely, the flame-transferring holes 59 formed partially in the inner cylindrical member 54) coincides with a direction along an outer peripheral surface of the combustion chamber 14 (that is, a direction along an inner peripheral surface of the filter means 5). In FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), the flame-direction controlling means is provided in either one of left and right inner cylindrical members 54 on the drawings, but, of course, the flame-direction controlling means can be provided in both the inner cylindrical members 54. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, as the flame-direction controlling means, a bow-shaped wall portion 60 is provided, so that the ejecting direction of a flame generated by actuation of the igniting means can be restricted. Further, the transfer charge shown in FIG. 1 is accommodated in a container having openings only in a specific direction, and with the container, the ejecting direction of a flame is controlled. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the same members as those shown in FIG. 1 are designated with the same numerals, and explanation thereof will be omitted.

[0044] In FIG. 1, a partition wall 10 separating the first combustion chamber 14a from the second combustion chamber 14b comprises a circular portion 16 having opening holes 15a and 15b into which two inner cylindrical members 4a and 4b are fitted, and an annular portion 17 bending down from a peripheral edge of the circular portion 16 and formed integrally with the circular portion, and the annular portion is abutted on/is supported to a bent portion 13 of the diffuser shell 1 and arranged in the first combustion chamber 14a side. In other words, the annular portion 17 of the partition wall 10 contacts an inner surface of the housing 3 in the first combustion chamber 14a side. In this case, the partition wall 10 may abut against the inner cylindrical members 4a and 4b. When the first gas generating agent 6a accommodated in the first combustion chamber 14a is ignited/burnt, the partition wall 10 existing in the first combustion chamber 14a side is subjected to a combustion pressure and abut against the inner surface of the housing 3 securely. Also, the partition wall 10 can be welded to the cylindrical housing 3 and/or the inner cylindrical members 4a and 4b, or a step can be provided in the inner cylinder so that the partition wall is fitted thereon to be fixed, or a strut such as a supporting rod is arranged in either one of the combustion chambers. In such cases, even when either of the gas generating agents 6a and 6b of the combustion chambers 14a and 14b is burnt firstly, the partition wall 10 can securely remain held/fixed. As compared with a case such that the partition wall just abuts against them, the partition wall can be prevented from deforming or the like when the first gas generating agent 6a is ignited and burnt.

[0045] This partition wall not only defines the respective combustion chambers 14a and 14b but also it defines, in the axial direction of the housing, the inner space of the housing formed outside of the two cylindrical members 4a and 4b inside the housing. The inner cylindrical members 4a and 4b penetrating the partition wall 10 are arranged to penetrate the combustion chamber 14. Incidentally, the inner cylindrical member 4 may be arranged not to penetrate any combustion chamber.

[0046] The annular filter means 5a and 5b are disposed for the respective combustion chambers inside the inner space of the housing 3, which is defined by the partition wall 10, and also outwardly in the radial directions of the respective combustion chambers 14a and 14b so as to be opposite to the inner surface of the housing. The filter means 5 may be formed by winding a metal wire mesh to be layered, or alternatively, it may be formed by winding an expanded metal to be multi-layered. Besides, a member which can cool/purify an operating gas generated by combustion of the gas generating agent can be used as the filter means.

[0047] In the present embodiment, the filter means 5 are different at the respective combustion chambers 14a and 14b, and particularly, the filter means 5a and 5b are different in their inner diameters. In other words, the filter means (hereinafter, referred to as a first filter means 5a) which is arranged radially outside the combustion chamber (hereinafter, referred to as a first combustion chamber 14a) provided in the closure shell side has a larger inner diameter than that of the filter means (hereinafter, referred to as a second filter means 5b) which is arranged radially outside the combustion chamber (that is, the second combustion chamber 14b) provided far from the closure shell. Thereby, charging of the gas generating agent 6 into the combustion chamber provided inside the filter means 5 can easily be performed. This is to obtain a wide opening when assembling is performed with the diffuser shell turned upside-down. Also, as the second filter means 5b has a smaller inner diameter than that of the first filter means 5a, with respect to the combustion chambers 14 provided inside the respective filter means, the second combustion chamber 14b is formed radially smaller than the first combustion chamber 14a. With this design, the second gas generating agent 6b can be burnt more easily.

[0048] The respective filter means 5a and 5b are supported by retainers 12 arranged in the respective combustion chambers 14a and 14b. The retainer 12 comprises a circular portion 19 having opening holes 18a and 18b in which two inner cylindrical members 4a and 4b are fitted, and an annular portion 20 formed integrally with the circular portion at a peripheral edge thereof. And outer peripheral surfaces of the annular portions 20 of the respective retainers 12a and 12b abut against inner peripheral surfaces of the respective filter means 5a and 5b to support them.

[0049] In particular, in the gas generator shown in the present embodiment, the second retainer 12b arranged inside the second combustion chamber 14b is disposed to secure a space portion S between the second retainer and the partition wall 10 defining two combustion chambers. The space portion S can function as a heat-insulating space portion, which can block conduction of a combustion heat of the gas generating agent in either combustion chamber to the other combustion chamber side to the utmost. Also, instead of the heat insulating space or together with the heat insulating space, a heat-insulating member formed with a member having at least heat insulating performance can be arranged between both the combustion chambers.

[0050] Incidentally, when the partition wall 10 separates the combustion chambers but it does not define a housing inner space formed outside of the two inner cylindrical members 4a and 4b inside the housing, a single cylindrical filter means can be arranged oppositely to a housing inner surface.

[0051] Next, an operation of the gas generator shown in the figure will be explained. By actuation of the first igniter 8a included in the first igniting means, the first transfer charge 7a positioned just above is ignited and burnt, and a flame thereof ruptures a seal tape closing the flame-transferring holes 9a formed in the first inner cylindrical member 4a to eject into the first combustion chambers 14a, thereby igniting and burning the first gas generating agent 6a. The first gas generating agent 6a burns so that an operating gas for inflating an air bag is generated and the gas passes through the first filter means 5a to be discharged from the first gas discharging port row 11a.

[0052] Meanwhile, equally when the second igniter 8b included in the second igniting means is actuated, the second transfer charge 7b is ignited and burnt, and a flame thereof ejects from the flame-transferring holes 9b formed in the second inner cylindrical member 4b into the second combustion chamber 14b to ignite and burn the second gas generating agent 6b and generate an operating gas, so that the gas passes through the second filter means 5b to be discharged from the second gas discharging port row 11b.

[0053] Actuation timings of the first igniter 8a and the second igniter 8b are adjusted properly in order to obtain an optimal output pattern of a operating gas required at a time of actuation of the gas generator. For example, the actuation timing is adjusted such that the first igniter 8a and the second igniter 8b simultaneously are actuated, thereby burning the gas generating agents 6a and 6b accommodated in the two combustion chambers simultaneously, or such that, the second igniter 8b is actuated, slightly after the first igniter 8a is actuated, thereby differentiating combustion start timings of the gas generating agents accommodated in the respective combustion chambers.

[0054] In particular, when the first igniter 8a is actuated slightly earlier than the second igniter 8b, the second gas generating agent 6b is left unignited while the first gas generating agent 6a is burnt to generate a operating gas. Even in such a case, it is desirable that the ignition start timing of the second gas generating agent 6b is adjusted exclusively by the second igniting means. In the gas generator shown in the present embodiment, the first combustion chamber 14a and the second combustion chamber 14b are separated by the partition wall 10, the first filter means 5a is not the same as the second filter means 5ba, and the first filter means is arranged in a space defined separately from the second filter means 5b. Therefore, a operating gas generated by combustion of the first gas generating agent 6a is prevented from flowing into the second combustion chamber 14b. Also, the heat-insulating space is secured between the first combustion chamber l4a and the second combustion chamber 14b, so that the combustion heat of the first gas generating agent 6a is prevented from conducting to the second combustion chamber 14b via the partition wall 10 or the like. Accordingly, in the gas generator shown in the present embodiment, even when gas generating agents in the respective combustion chambers are ignited at different timings, ignition timings of the respective gas generating agents can be adjusted exclusively at actuation timings of the respective igniting means.

[0055] By adjusting the activation timings of the respective igniting means (or the respective igniters), the output aspect (operation performance) of the gas generator can arbitrarily be adjusted. In various situations such as a speed of a vehicle at a time of collision, an environmental temperature, or the like, a development of an air bag can be set most properly when the gas generator is applied to an air bag apparatus described later. Incidentally, gas generating agents with different shapes (for example, a single-perforated gas generating agent and a porous gas generating agent) can be used for the respective first and second combustion chambers. Also, amounts of the gas generating agents accommodated in the first and second combustion chamber can be adjusted properly. The shape, size, composition, composition ratio, amount and the like of the gas generating agent can, of course, be modified properly in order to obtain a desired output aspect.

Claims

1. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag comprising, in a cylindrical housing having a gas discharging port, an igniting means to be actuated by an actuation signal and, in a plurality of combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing, a gas generating means to be ignited and burnt by the igniting means, wherein a plurality of the combustion chambers are provided to be aligned in the axial direction of the cylindrical housing.

2. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag comprising, in a cylindrical housing having a gas discharging port, an igniting means to be actuated by an actuation signal and, in a plurality of combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing, a gas generating means to be ignited and burnt by the igniting means, wherein a plurality of the combustion chambers are provided adjacent to each other in the axial direction of the cylindrical housing.

3. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one inner cylindrical member provided on its peripheral wall with a plurality of flame-transferring holes is arranged in the cylindrical housing, and the igniting means is accommodated in an inner space of the inner cylindrical member.

4. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to claim 3, wherein the inner cylindrical member is arranged to penetrate, in the axial direction of the cylindrical housing, either one of a plurality of the combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing.

5. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the inner space of the inner cylindrical member is in communication with either of a plurality of the combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing.

6. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein either of the inner cylindrical members arranged in the housing is arranged eccentrically in the housing, and an ejecting direction of a flame ejected from the flame-transferring holes of the inner cylindrical member arranged eccentrically is controlled by a flame-direction controlling means.

7. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a cylindrical filter means for purifying and/or cooling an operating gas generated by combustion of the gas generating means are arranged in the cylindrical housing, and the filter means are arranged radially in the operating outside of the combustion chambers separated in the cylindrical housing, respectively.

8. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to claim 7, wherein the cylindrical housing comprises a cylindrical diffuser shell with a top provided on a peripheral wall with a plurality of gas discharging ports and a closure shell which closes a lower opening of the diffuser shell, and among a plurality of cylindrical filter means arranged radially outside the respective combustion chambers, the inner diameter of the cylindrical filter means disposed in the closure shell side is equal to or larger than that of the filter means arranged far from the closure shell.

9. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cylindrical housing comprises a cylindrical diffuser shell with a top provided on a peripheral wall with a plurality of gas discharging ports and a closure shell which closes a lower opening of the diffuser shell, and the inner diameter of the combustion chamber provided nearest to the closure shell side in the cylindrical housing is equal to or larger than that of other combustion chamber.

10. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a heat insulating member and/or a heat insulating space which blocks conduction of a combustion heat of the gas generating means between the combustion chambers is provided between a plurality of the combustion chambers which are defined separately in the cylindrical housing.

11. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the igniting means is provided the same number as that of the combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing, and any of the igniting means are arranged on the same side inside the cylindrical housing.

12. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the igniting means is provided the same number as that of the combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing, and the igniting means are arranged on the same plane in the cylindrical housing.

13. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the cylindrical housing comprises a cylindrical diffuser shell with a top provided on a peripheral wall with a plurality of gas discharging ports and a closure shell which closes a lower opening of the diffuser shell, the igniting means is provided the same number as that of the combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing, and any of the respective igniting means are arranged on the closure shell side.

14. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a plurality of the combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing are separated from each other by a partition wall formed in a plate shape.

15. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to claim 14, wherein the partition wall is arranged on the combustion chamber storing the gas generating means capable of being ignited the earliest, and the partition wall abuts against an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical housing and/or an outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical member among the combustion chambers adjacent to each other.

16. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the partition wall is welded to the cylindrical housing and/or the inner cylindrical member arranged in the housing.

17. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag comprising, in a cylindrical housing having a gas discharging port, an igniting means to be actuated by an actuation signal and, in a plurality of combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing, a gas generating means to be ignited and burnt by the igniting means, wherein at least one inner cylindrical member provided on a peripheral wall with a plurality of flame-transferring holes is arranged in the cylindrical housing, and the igniting means is accommodated in an inner space of the inner cylindrical member.

18. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to claim 17, wherein the inner cylindrical member is arranged in the axial direction of the cylindrical housing to penetrate either of a plurality of the combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing.

19. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the inner space of the inner cylindrical member is in communication with either of a plurality of the combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing.

20. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein either of the inner cylindrical members arranged in the housing is arranged eccentrically in the housing, and an ejecting direction of a flame ejected from the flame-transferring holes of the inner cylindrical member arranged eccentrically is controlled by a flame-direction controlling means.

21. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein a cylindrical filter means for purifying and/or cooling an operating gas generated by combustion of the gas generating means are arranged in the cylindrical housing, and the filter means are arranged radially in the corresponding outside of the combustion chambers separated in the cylindrical housing, respectively chamber.

22. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to claim 21, wherein the cylindrical housing comprises a cylindrical diffuser shell with a top provided on a peripheral wall with a plurality of gas discharging ports and a closure shell which closes a lower opening of the diffuser shell, and among a plurality of cylindrical filter means arranged radially outside the respective combustion chambers, the inner diameter of the cylindrical filter means arranged in the closure shell side is equal to or larger than that of the cylindrical filter means arranged far from the closure shell.

23. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the cylindrical housing comprises a cylindrical diffuser shell with a top provided on a peripheral wall with a plurality of gas discharging ports and a closure shell which closes a lower opening of the diffuser shell, and the inner diameter of the combustion chamber provided nearest to the closure shell in the cylindrical housing is equal to or larger than that of other combustion chamber.

24. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein a heat insulating member and/or a heat insulating space which blocks conduction of a combustion heat of the gas generating means between the combustion chambers is provided between a plurality of the combustion chambers which are defined separately in the cylindrical housing.

25. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein the igniting means is provided the same number as that of the combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing, and any of the respective igniting means are arranged on the same side in the cylindrical housing.

26. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to any one of claims 17 to 25, wherein the igniting means is provided the same number as that of the combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing, and the respective igniting means are arranged on the same plane in the cylindrical housing.

27. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to any one of claims 17 to 26, wherein the cylindrical housing comprises a cylindrical diffuser shell with a top provided on a peripheral wall with a plurality of gas discharging ports and a closure shell which closes a lower opening of the diffuser shell, the igniting means is provided the same number as that of the combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing, and any of the respective igniting means are arranged in the closure shell side.

28. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to any one of claims 17 to 27, wherein a plurality of the combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing are separated from each other by a partition wall formed in a plate shape.

29. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to claim 28, wherein the partition wall is arranged near the combustion chamber, among the combustion chambers adjacent to each other, storing the gas generating means capable of being ignited the earliest, and the partition wall abuts against an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical housing and/or an outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical member.

30. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to claim 28 or 29, wherein the partition wall is welded to the cylindrical housing and/or the inner cylindrical member arranged in the housing.

31. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag comprising, in a cylindrical housing having a gas discharging port, an igniting means to be actuated by an actuation signal and, in a plurality of combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing, a gas generating means to be ignited and burnt by the igniting means, wherein a cylindrical filter means for purifying and/or cooling an operating gas generated by combustion of the gas generating means are arranged in the cylindrical housing, and the filter means are arranged radially in the corresponding outside of the combustion chambers separated in the cylindrical housing, respectively.

32. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to claim 31, wherein the cylindrical housing comprises a cylindrical diffuser shell with a top provided on a peripheral wall with a plurality of gas discharging ports and a closure shell which closes a lower opening of the diffuser shell, and among a plurality of cylindrical filter means arranged radially outside the respective combustion chambers, the inner diameter of the cylindrical filter means arranged in the closure shell side is equal to or larger than that of the filter means arranged far from the closure shell.

33. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the cylindrical housing comprises a cylindrical diffuser shell with a top provided on a peripheral wall with a plurality of gas discharging ports and a closure shell which closes a lower opening of the diffuser shell, and the inner diameter of the combustion chamber provided nearest to the closure shell in the cylindrical housing is equal to or larger than that of other combustion chamber.

34. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein a heat insulating member and/or a heat insulating space which blocks conduction of a combustion heat of the gas generating means between the combustion chamber is provided between a plurality of the combustion chambers which are defined separately in the cylindrical housing.

35. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein the igniting means is provided the same number as that of the combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing, and any of the respective igniting means are arranged on the same side in the cylindrical housing.

36. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein the igniting means is provided the same number as that of the combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing, and the respective igniting means are arranged on the same plane in the cylindrical housing.

37. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to any one of claims 31 to 36, wherein the cylindrical housing comprises a cylindrical diffuser shell with a top provided on a peripheral wall with a plurality of gas discharging ports and a closure shell which closes a lower opening of the diffuser shell, the igniting means is provided the same number as that of the combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing, and any of the respective igniting means are arranged in the closure shell side.

38. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to any one of claims 31 to 37, wherein a plurality of the combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing are separated from each other by a partition wall formed in a plate shape.

39. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to claim 38, wherein the partition wall is arranged on the combustion chamber storing the gas generating means capable of being ignited the earliest, and the partition wall abuts against an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical housing and/or an outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical member among the combustion chambers adjacent to each other.

40. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to claim 38 or 39, wherein the partition wall is welded to the cylindrical housing and/or the inner cylindrical member arranged in the housing.

41. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag comprising, in a cylindrical housing having a gas discharging port, an igniting means to be actuated by an actuation signal and, in a plurality of combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing, a gas generating means to be ignited and burnt by the igniting means, wherein the cylindrical housing comprises a cylindrical diffuser shell with a top provided on a peripheral wall with a plurality of gas discharging ports and a closure shell which closes a lower opening of the diffuser shell, and the inner diameter of the combustion chamber provided nearest to the closure shell in the cylindrical housing is equal to or larger than that of other combustion chamber.

42. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to claim 41, wherein a heat insulating member and/or a heat insulating space which blocks conduction of a combustion heat of the gas generating means between the combustion chambers is provided between a plurality of the combustion chambers which are defined separately in the cylindrical housing.

43. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to any one of claims 41 or 42, wherein the igniting means is provided the same number as that of the combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing, and any of the respective igniting means are arranged on the same side in the cylindrical housing.

44. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to any one of claims 41 to 43, wherein the igniting means is provided the same number as that of the combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing, and the respective igniting means are arranged on the same plane in the cylindrical housing.

45. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to any one of claims 41 to 44, wherein the cylindrical housing comprises a cylindrical diffuser shell with a top provided on a peripheral wall with a plurality of gas discharging ports and a closure shell which closes a lower opening of the diffuser shell, the igniting means is provided the same number as that of the combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing, and any of the respective igniting means are arranged in the closure shell side.

46. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to any one of claims 41 to 45, wherein a plurality of the combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing are separated from each other by a partition wall formed in a plate shape.

47. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to claim 46, wherein the partition wall is arranged on the combustion chamber storing the gas generating means capable of being ignited the earliest, and the partition wall abuts against an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical housing and/or an outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical member among the combustion chambers adjacent to each other.

48. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to claim 46 or 47, wherein the partition wall is welded to the cylindrical housing and/or the inner cylindrical member arranged in the housing.

49. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag comprising, in a cylindrical housing having a gas discharging port, an igniting means to be actuated by an actuation signal and, in a plurality of combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing, a gas generating means to be ignited and burnt by the igniting means, wherein a heat insulating member and/or a heat insulating space which blocks conduction of a combustion heat of the gas generating means between the combustion chambers is provided between a plurality of the combustion chambers which are defined separately in the cylindrical housing.

50. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to claim 49, wherein the igniting means is provided the same number as that of the combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing, and any of the respective igniting means are arranged on the same side in the cylindrical housing.

51. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to claim 49 or 50, wherein the igniting means is provided the same number as that of the combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing, and the respective igniting means are arranged on the same plane in the cylindrical housing.

52. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to any one of claims 49 to 51, wherein the cylindrical housing comprises a cylindrical diffuser shell with a top provided on a peripheral wall with a plurality of gas discharging ports and a closure shell which closes a lower opening of the diffuser shell, the igniting means is provided the same number as that of the combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing, and any of the respective igniting means are arranged in the closure shell side.

53. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to any one of claims 49 to 52, wherein a plurality of the combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing are separated from each other by a partition wall formed in a plate shape.

54. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to claim 53, wherein the partition wall is arranged on the combustion chamber storing the gas generating means capable of being ignited the earliest and the partition wall abuts against an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical housing and/or an outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical member among the combustion chambers adjacent to each other.

55. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to claim 53 or 54, wherein the partition wall is welded to the cylindrical housing and/or the inner cylindrical member arranged in the housing.

56. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag comprising, in a cylindrical housing having a gas discharging port, an igniting means to be actuated by an actuation signal and, in a plurality of combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing, a gas generating means to be ignited and burnt by the igniting means, wherein the igniting means is provided the same number as that of the combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing, and any of the respective igniting means are arranged on the same side in the cylindrical housing.

57. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag comprising, in a cylindrical housing having a gas discharging port, an igniting means to be actuated by an actuation signal and, in a plurality of combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing, a gas generating means to be ignited and burnt by the igniting means, wherein the igniting means is provided the same number as that of the combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing, and the respective igniting means are arranged on the same plane in the cylindrical housing.

58. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag comprising, in a cylindrical housing having a gas discharging port, an igniting means to be actuated by an actuation signal and, in a plurality of combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing, a gas generating means to be ignited and burnt by the igniting means, wherein the cylindrical housing comprises a cylindrical diffuser shell with a top provided on a peripheral wall with a plurality of gas discharging ports and a closure shell which closes a lower opening of the diffuser shell, and the igniting means is provided the same number as that of the combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing, and any of the respective igniting means are arranged in the closure shell side.

59. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to any one of claims 56 to 58, wherein a plurality of the combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing are separated from each other by a partition wall formed in a plate shape.

60. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to claim 59, wherein the partition wall is arranged on the combustion chamber storing the gas generating means capable of being ignited the earliest, and the partition wall abuts against an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical housing and/or an outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical member among the combustion chambers adjacent to each other.

61. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to claim 59 or 60, wherein the partition wall is welded to the cylindrical housing and/or the inner cylindrical member arranged in the housing.

62. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag comprising, in a cylindrical housing having a gas discharging port, an igniting means to be actuated by an actuation signal and, in a plurality of combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing, a gas generating means to be ignited and burnt by the igniting means, wherein a plurality of the combustion chambers defined separately in the cylindrical housing are separated from each other by a partition wall formed in a plate shape.

63. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to claim 62, wherein the partition wall is arranged on the combustion chamber storing the gas generating means capable of being ignited the earliest, and the partition wall abuts against an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical housing and/or an outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical member among the combustion chambers adjacent to each other.

64. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to claim 62 or 63, wherein the partition wall is welded to the cylindrical housing and/or the inner cylindrical member arranged in the housing.

65. A multistage type gas generator for an air bag according to any one of claims 1 to 64, wherein the cylindrical housing comprises a cylindrical diffuser shell with a top provided on a peripheral wall with a plurality of gas discharging ports and a closure shell which closes a lower opening of the diffuser shell, and two combustion chambers are defined separately in the cylindrical housing, and the two combustion chambers are arranged to be aligned in the axial direction of the cylindrical housing and adjacent to each other.