Initiator and gas generator

Abstract

A gas generator which has an initiator and a gas generating agent for use in airbag deployment systems. An initiator includes a reaction agent, a casing formed by a cup and header, an electrode and a plasma generating agent. The plasma generating agent generates a plasma in response to the energization of the electrode that makes the reaction agent initiate a reaction.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An initiator comprising: 
 a casing;    a reaction agent disposed in the casing;    an electrode; and    a plasma generating agent disposed in the casing for generating a plasma in response to energization of the electrode to thereby cause the reaction agent to initiate a reaction.    
     
     
         2 . An initiator according to  claim 1  wherein the reaction agent comprises only a single reaction agent.  
     
     
         3 . An initiator according to  claim 1  wherein the reaction agent is formed of a mixture of a first reaction agent and a second reaction agent.  
     
     
         4 . An initiator according to  claim 1  wherein the electrode is affixed to a header by an insulative fixing material.  
     
     
         5 . An initiator according to  claim 1  wherein the electrode is inserted into a header.  
     
     
         6 . An initiator comprising: 
 a casing;    an electrode; and    a mixture of a reaction agent and a plasma generating agent, wherein the plasma generating agent generates a plasma in response to energization of the electrode and a reaction of the reaction agent is initiated.    
     
     
         7 . An initiator according to  claim 6  wherein a mixture of the reaction agent and the plasma generating agent is separated from a header by a gap.  
     
     
         8 . An initiator according to  claim 6  wherein a gap is formed between the reaction agent and ceiling surface of a cup; wherein the gap is filled with a metallic sleeve.  
     
     
         9 . A gas generator comprising: 
 a gas generating agent; and    an initiator for initiating a gas generating reaction of the gas generating agent;    wherein the initiator comprises:    a casing;    an electrode; and    a mixture of a reaction agent and a plasma generating agent, wherein the plasma generating agent generates a plasma in response to energization of the electrode and a reaction of the reaction agent is initiated.    
     
     
         10 . An initiator having a plasma generating agent.  
     
     
         11 . A gas generator including an initiator having an agent that reacts in response to a plasma.