초록 ▼

An occupant restraint system (10) for a vehicle (22) has a plurality of controllable occupant restraint system devices (12). The plurality of devices (12) includes sensor devices (e.g., 12E) and/or occupant restraint devices (e.g., 12A). Each restraint system device (12) has programmable control cir

An occupant restraint system (10) for a vehicle (22) has a plurality of controllable occupant restraint system devices (12). The plurality of devices (12) includes sensor devices (e.g., 12E) and/or occupant restraint devices (e.g., 12A). Each restraint system device (12) has programmable control circuitry (18) for permitting control of the respective restraint system device by a central controller (38). A control interconnection (44) connects the central controller (38) and the restraint system devices (12). Electronic switches (54) are connected in series along a line (46A) of the control interconnection (44). Each of the switches (54) is associated with one restraint system device (12). Each of the switches (54) regulates communication between the central controller (38) and any device(s) (12) (e.g., devices 2-N) downstream of the associated device (e.g., device 1). The control circuitry (18) causes the associated switch (54) to "close" and permit communication between the central controller (38) and the device(s) (e.g., device 12-N), if any, downstream of the one restraint system device. The permitted communication is in response to the central controller (38) programming the control circuitry (18) of the one restraint system device. Methods for providing and using the vehicle occupant restraint system (10) are also provided.

대표청구항 ▼

[ Having described the invention, we claim:] [10.] An occupant restraint system for a vehicle, said system comprising:a plurality of controllable occupant restraint system devices, each of said restraint system devices having programmable means, which is programmable, for permitting control of the r

[ Having described the invention, we claim:] [10.] An occupant restraint system for a vehicle, said system comprising:a plurality of controllable occupant restraint system devices, each of said restraint system devices having programmable means, which is programmable, for permitting control of the respective restraint system device;central control means for providing programming signals and control signals for receipt by said restraint system devices;a connection line, connecting said central control means and said restraint system devices, for providing communication between said central control means and said restraint system devices;a plurality of communication regulation means, connected in series along said connection line, each of said communication regulation means being associated with one of said restraint system devices and for regulating communication between said central control means and any restraint system devices down-stream of said associated restraint system device along said connection line; anda plurality of enable means, each of said enable means being associated with one of said restraint system devices and for causing said communication regulation means associated with the one restraint system device to permit communication between said central control means and said any restraint system devices down-stream of said one restraint system device in response to said central control means providing a programming signal to said one restraint system device via said connection line;each of said communication regulation means including an electronic switch having a closed state for permitting communication between said central control means and said any restraint system devices downstream of said associated restraint system device and an open state for preventing communication between said central control means and said any restraint system devices downstream of said associated restraint system device, said electronic switch of each communication regulation means including an N-channel MOSFET having its source and drain connected in said connection line, and wherein said MOSFET of each electronic switch has its gate connected to an associated one of said enable means.