INFLATOR

The present invention provides an inflator which is reduced in size and weight without deteriorating its performance. CO2 is charged into a housing of the inflator. Since the CO2can increase the charging density, the size of the housing 12 can be reduced accordingly. A combustion means is also used, and therefore, a maximum pressure at the time of actuation of the inflator is not lowered. Further, the present invention also provides an inflator capable of inflating a curtain air bag without being affected by variation in an ambient temperature. The pressurized medium comprising an inert gas having a sound velocity of not less than 400 m/sec is charged into the inflator housing. Therefore, it is possible to inflate the curtain air bag instantaneously even in the atmosphere having a temperature lower than the normal. Further, in a curtain air bag inflator that can be easily produced, one pipe whose one end is closed is used as the inflator housing. Therefore, the producing steps can be simplified as compared with a case using one plate material.