초록 ▼

The invention relates to a method for operating a vehicle occupant restraint system in which, after igniting of the first stage of the gas generator, the second stage not necessary to achieve the desired restraining effect is ignited when through its igniting no further restraining effect can be pro

The invention relates to a method for operating a vehicle occupant restraint system in which, after igniting of the first stage of the gas generator, the second stage not necessary to achieve the desired restraining effect is ignited when through its igniting no further restraining effect can be produced on the occupant in the case of an accident. Thereby, it is ruled out that the non-ignited stage can ignite itself in an uncontrolled manner. Further the invention relates to a device for carrying out the invention.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method of operating a vehicle occupant restraint system which comprises a gas bag having a deflated condition and an inflated condition and a multiple stage gas generator having a plurality of individually ignitable propellant charges, said method comprising the steps

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method of operating a vehicle occupant restraint system which comprises a gas bag having a deflated condition and an inflated condition and a multiple stage gas generator having a plurality of individually ignitable propellant charges, said method comprising the steps of:sensing a vehicle crash;igniting at least one of said propellant charges and not igniting any remaining propellant charge;inflating the gas bag;restraining the vehicle occupant with the inflated gas bag;after restraining the vehicle occupant with the inflated gas bag, sensing the position of the vehicle occupant; andigniting any remaining non-ignited propellant charge when the vehicle occupant is located spaced apart from the gas bag so that the gas bag has no restraining effect on the vehicle occupant due to ignition of any remaining propellant charge.