Triggering arrangement for passenger restraint systems in motor vehicles

• US 4,700,974 A
• Filed: 05/23/1986
• Issued: 10/20/1987
• Est. Priority Date: 05/23/1985
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Daimler-Benz AG (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)
• Original Assignee: Daimler-Benz AG (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)
• Inventors: Petri, Volker, Knoll, Heinz, Andres, Rudolf, Pfistner, Harald
• Primary Examiner(s): Mitchell, David M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Rice, Kenneth R.
• Application Number:
  US06/866,383
• Time in Patent Office: 515 Days
• Field of Search: 280/734, 280/735, 280/801, 280/806, 280/807, 297/477, 297/480
• US Class Current: 280/806
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/01006 Mounting of electrical components in vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01 Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents electrical circuits for transmission of signals between steering wheel and the vehicle itself B60R16/027; for electrically actuating belt retractor locking means B60R22/343
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 22/4628 characterised by fluid actuators, e.g. pyrotechnic gas generators actuating a cable B60R22/4619

Abstract

A triggering arrangement is described for restraint systems in motor vehicles, in which, in a joint, metallic electromagnetically shielding housing arranged directly at the restraint system, all elements of the triggering arrangement are integrated, including a separate power supply unit. Outside said housing, no electrical leads are required, resulting in an extensive shielding from electromagnetic interference signals and a high saving of costs. Contemplated usage includes with are airbags, belt tighteners, etc., in the case of seats that are firmly anchored to the vehicle, and also in the case of removable seats and seats for children.

Claims

1. A triggering arrangement for vehicle passenger restraint systems, comprising:

acceleration-dependent signal generating means for generating an accident signal in response to vehicle deceleration above a predetermined level,

pyrotechnic driving unit means operably connectible to actuate a passenger restraint system component,

power supply means for providing electrical power to the pyrotechnic driving unit means, and

a single electromagnetically shielding housing accommodating said acceleration dependent signal generating means, said pyrotechnic driving unit means and said power supply means, said housing being disposed directly at the restraint system component to be actuated by the pyrotechnic driving unit means.

2. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the acceleration-dependent signal generating means includes at least one acceleration dependent switch and an evaluating unit, the output signal of the evaluating unit being fed to an electrical igniter of the pyrotechnic driving unit means.

3. An arrangement according to claim 2, wherein an acceleration-dependent safety switch is interposed between the evaluating unit and the igniter.

4. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the power supply means is an exchangeable long-duration battery.

5. An arrangement according to claim 4, wherein an energy storage means is connected behind the long-duration battery.

6. An arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the energy storage means is a capacitor.

7. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said restraint system component is a passenger safety belt.

8. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein testing and checking connections are provided for an operational checking system that are arranged in the housing of the power supply means and are accessible after removal of a lid and of the power supply unit.

9. An arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the at least one acceleration-dependent switch and the evaluating unit, are integrated on a joint electronic chip.