Externally controlled ignition unit with integrated electronic system for triggering a restraint system

US6601514B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignees

• DYNAMIT NOBEL GMBH EXPLOSIVSTOFF-UND SYSTEMTECHNIK · DE
• Temic Telefunken Microelectronik · DE
• TRW Airbag Systems GmbH & Co. KG · DE
• Unax AG · US

Inventors

• Anton Bretfeld · Fürth, DE
• Gerhard Kordel · Wendelstein, DE
• Horst Laucht · Bruckmühl, DE
• Erwin Caflisch · Tamins, CH
• Richard Baur · Brackenheim, DE
• Michael Bischoff · Brentwood, US
• Gunter Fendt · Schrobenhausen, DE
• Stefan Schwehr · Nuremberg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 5, 2001
• Grant date: Aug 5, 2003
• Expiry date: Jul 5, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F42B3/121
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The invention relates to an ignition unit (1) suitable for triggering an active system, such as an airbag or safety belt. The ignition unit comprises an ignition charge (7) located in a housing (2), which can be fired by means of an ignition bridge (6) positioned on a support element (5), as well as at least one contact pin (13a, 13b, 13c) which protrudes from the housing (2) and via an electronic ignition system (9) is electrically connected to the ignition bridge (6). The electronic ignition system (9) is surrounded by an envelope (10) made of a shock-absorbing material. The ignition bridge (6) is not covered by the envelope (10) so that during ignition the pressure exerted on the electronic ignition system (9) is cushioned. This prevents damage to the sensitive electronic components of the electronic ignition system (9) situated on the support element (5).