Patent ID: 6698791
Filing Date: 2004-03-02
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
In an air bag actuator for inflating at least one two-stage ignition type air bag, having first-stage inflators, and second inflators which are ignited simultaneously with said first-stage inflators or after a predetermined time has elapsed since said first-stage inflators are ignited, comprising:power supply means for supplying a current necessary for igniting said inflators; a mechanical acceleration switch, which is disposed between the common junction of a first-stage igniting device provided for every one or more first-stage inflators and a second-stage igniting device provided for one or more second-stage inflators, and opens or closes depending on the acceleration of a vehicle; one or more first switching means connected in series with said first-stage igniting device for every said first-stage igniting device; one or more second switching means connected in series with said second-stage igniting device for every said second-stage igniting device; an acceleration sensor for detecting how far the acceleration is applied to the vehicle, and for outputting a signal corresponding to the acceleration; an ignition judging means, connected to the control terminals of said first switching means and said second switching means, for controlling ON-OFF of said first switching means and said second switching means in response to the signal inputted from said acceleration sensor; and forcible igniting means, disposed between said common junction of the igniting devices and said power supply means in parallel with said mechanical acceleration switch, for electrically connecting or disconnecting said common junction and said power supply means in response to the signal from said ignition judging means.