WO1999042784A1 - Ignition device for the gas generator of a retaining device - Google Patents

Ignition device for the gas generator of a retaining device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1999042784A1
WO1999042784A1 PCT/DE1998/003077 DE9803077W WO9942784A1 WO 1999042784 A1 WO1999042784 A1 WO 1999042784A1 DE 9803077 W DE9803077 W DE 9803077W WO 9942784 A1 WO9942784 A1 WO 9942784A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
ignition
semiconductor substrate
ignition device
ignition element
integrated
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/DE1998/003077
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Werner Nitschke
Peter Schaedler
Original Assignee
Robert Bosch Gmbh
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Robert Bosch Gmbh filed Critical Robert Bosch Gmbh
Publication of WO1999042784A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999042784A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/01—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents
    • B60R21/017—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents including arrangements for providing electric power to safety arrangements or their actuating means, e.g. to pyrotechnic fuses or electro-mechanic valves
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C06—EXPLOSIVES; MATCHES
    • C06C—DETONATING OR PRIMING DEVICES; FUSES; CHEMICAL LIGHTERS; PYROPHORIC COMPOSITIONS
    • C06C9/00—Chemical contact igniters; Chemical lighters
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
    • F42B3/00—Blasting cartridges, i.e. case and explosive
    • F42B3/10—Initiators therefor
    • F42B3/12—Bridge initiators
    • F42B3/13—Bridge initiators with semiconductive bridge
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/01—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents
    • B60R2021/01006—Mounting of electrical components in vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/01—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents
    • B60R2021/01013—Means for detecting collision, impending collision or roll-over
    • B60R2021/01027—Safing sensors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/01—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents
    • B60R2021/0104—Communication circuits for data transmission
    • B60R2021/01047—Architecture
    • B60R2021/01054—Bus
    • B60R2021/01075—Bus between the airbag control unit and pyrotechnic fuses or equivalent actuators
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
    • B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
    • B60R21/26—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow
    • B60R2021/26029—Ignitors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/01—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents
    • B60R21/017—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents including arrangements for providing electric power to safety arrangements or their actuating means, e.g. to pyrotechnic fuses or electro-mechanic valves
    • B60R21/0173—Diagnostic or recording means therefor

Definitions

  • Ignition device for a gas generator of a shark device for a gas generator of a shark device
  • the present invention relates to an ignition device for a gas generator of a restraint device in one
  • the ignition device has a chamber with a pyrotechnic charge and an ignition element which is in contact with it and is arranged on a substrate and generates thermal energy.
  • Such an ignition device is e.g. known from DE 42 29 624 AI.
  • a ceramic substrate is fixed to the bottom of the chamber for the pyrotechnic charge, on which a resistance wire is arranged in such a way that it is in contact with the pyrotechnic charge.
  • the resistance wire is passed through the base of the ignition device, so that a controllable ignition output stage located outside the ignition device and other circuits required for the control and diagnosis of the ignition element can be connected to it. If an ignition current flows through the resistance wire, it heats up and ignites the pyrotechnic charge in its surroundings. A combustion gas is thereby generated, which ultimately ignites a gas-generating material within the gas generator. The resultant Gas inflates an airbag connected to the gas generator.
  • the ignition device according to the prior art consists of many individual components, namely a ceramic substrate, a resistance wire applied thereon and a plurality of circuits arranged outside the ignition device and connected to the resistance wire via lines.
  • the invention is based on the object of specifying an ignition device which can be produced as space-saving as possible and with as little effort as possible.
  • the ignition element generating the thermal energy is a locally delimited region of a semiconductor substrate which burns out when an ignition voltage or current is applied.
  • the semiconductor substrate offers the advantage that not only the ignition element can be integrated on it, but also other circuits required for the control, power supply and / or diagnosis of the ignition element. This results in a very compact ignition device that can be produced with relatively little effort because both the ignition element and various circuits can be implemented in an integration process on the semiconductor substrate.
  • the ignition element is advantageously, for example, a Zener diode structure integrated on the semiconductor substrate or an oxide layer applied thereon.
  • the semiconductor substrate can be, for example, a silicon substrate.
  • An acceleration sensor and a piezo element can also be integrated on the semiconductor substrate, between which there is a force coupling, so that the piezo element emits an ignition voltage for the ignition element when the acceleration sensor acts on the force.
  • FIG. 1 shows a partially cut open ignition device
  • FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a semiconductor substrate arranged in the ignition device
  • Figure 3 is a block diagram of a circuit integrated on the semiconductor substrate.
  • the ignition device shown in FIG. 1 consists of a metal cylinder 2 (shown cut open in the drawing) enclosing an ignition chamber 1, which is held by a base 3, preferably made of plastic.
  • the bottom of the metal cylinder 2 forms a semiconductor substrate 4, preferably a silicon substrate, on which an ignition element, which is described in more detail in connection with FIG. 2, is integrated in the form of a delimited area.
  • a funnel 6 filled with a pyrotechnic charge 5 stands on the semiconductor substrate. The funnel 6 tapers towards the semiconductor substrate 4, so that the pyrotechnic charge present in it only has the area on the semiconductor substrate 4 that acts as an ignition element - 4 -
  • the ignition element comes into contact. If the ignition element is heated by an applied voltage or a current, the pyrotechnic charge is ignited in the funnel 6. The pilot flame emerges through a predetermined breaking point 7 on the upper end face of the metal cylinder 2 and thus ignites the gas-generating material present in the gas generator (not shown in the drawing). The resulting gas penetrates into an attached airbag and inflates it.
  • Connection lines 8 on the semiconductor substrate 4 are led through the base 3 to the outside in order to connect electrical circuits, e.g. to connect a control unit directly or via bus lines.
  • Semiconductor substrate 4 shown which here has, for example, the shape of a circular disk, but can also have any other desired contour.
  • an area 9 is delimited by a trench 10 in the semiconductor substrate.
  • This area 9 serves as an ignition element.
  • the region 9 is preferably a Zener diode structure integrated in the semiconductor substrate 4, which burns out when a certain voltage or a current is applied, and thereby supplies the thermal energy required for igniting the pyrotechnic charge.
  • This region 9 can also be an oxide layer applied to the semiconductor substrate, which also burns out when an ignition voltage or current is applied.
  • the area 9 can consist solely of the substrate material, for example silicon, which is caused to burn out with a voltage or a current.
  • the semiconductor substrate is a poor heat conductor, so that a narrowly limited area 9 can be brought to a high temperature. It is also possible to provide several such ignition elements 9 on the semiconductor substrate 4 in order to For example, to implement a multi-stage ignition for an airbag.
  • the voltage required to ignite the semiconductor material is higher than the normal operating voltage for the restraint devices. A misfire due to short circuits on the connecting lines to the restraint devices is excluded.
  • circuit elements for controlling or powering or diagnosing the ignition element can also be integrated on the semiconductor substrate 4.
  • circuits for controlling or powering or diagnosing the ignition element can also be integrated on the semiconductor substrate 4.
  • FIG. 3 shows a block diagram consisting of the ignition element 9 and a plurality of circuit units 11... 16, which can be integrated together on the semiconductor substrate 4.
  • an ignition output stage 11 Upstream of the ignition element 9 is an ignition output stage 11, which in its simplest form is a transistor.
  • a diagnosis circuit 12 is connected to the ignition element 9, it checks the function of the ignition element 9 and of the ignition output stage 11 by supplying the region 9 on the semiconductor substrate 4 with a small diagnostic current and determining whether the current flow is interrupted or not. This diagnosis is about a simple yes / no decision, it is not necessary to carry out a resistance measurement of the ignition element, as is required with ignition elements according to the prior art.
  • An energy reserve 13 can also be provided on the semiconductor substrate 4, which supplies the ignition voltage or the ignition current for the ignition element 9.
  • an interface on the semiconductor substrate 4 14 available for connection to a control unit or to a bus present in the vehicle, to which a plurality of ignition devices for various airbags or belt tensioners and a central control unit are connected.
  • Protective structures are preferably integrated in this interface 14, which protect the ignition element 9 against overvoltages and electromagnetic pulses (ESD, EMC).
  • a safety switch 15 which is designed as a mechanical or micromechanical switch which acts as a function of acceleration. That switch
  • FIG. 3 indicates that a piezo element 16 can also be force-coupled to the safety switch 15. That means that the
  • Safety switch 15 exerts a force on the piezo element 16 when a certain acceleration is exceeded and thereby the piezo element 16 outputs an ignition voltage for the ignition element 9.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a compact ignition device which is easy to manufacture and which is intended for a gas generator. The ignition element (9) generating thermal energy is formed by the locally limited area of a semi-conductor substrate (4) that burns when an ignition voltage or current is applied thereto. Apart from the ignition element (9), several power supply circuits are preferably provided for priming the ignition element and/or for diagnosing the same, wherein said circuits can also be integrated in the semi-conductor substrate (4). A piezo-electric element (16) connected to an acceleration sensor (15) can for instance be used to provide the required voltage for the ignition element.

Description

Zündvorrichtung für einen Gasgenerator einer Rückhai eeinrichtunqIgnition device for a gas generator of a shark device
Stand der TechnikState of the art
Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Zündvorrichtung für einen Gasgenerator einer Rückhalteeinrichtung in einemThe present invention relates to an ignition device for a gas generator of a restraint device in one
Fahrzeug, wobei die Zündvorrichtung eine Kammer mit einer pyrotechnischen Ladung und ein damit in Berührung stehendes, auf einem Substrat angeordnetes, thermische Energie erzeugendes Zündelement aufweist .Vehicle, wherein the ignition device has a chamber with a pyrotechnic charge and an ignition element which is in contact with it and is arranged on a substrate and generates thermal energy.
Eine derartige Zündvorrichtung ist z.B. aus der DE 42 29 624 AI bekannt. Am Boden der Kammer für die pyrotechnische Ladung ist ein keramisches Substrat fixiert, auf dem ein Widerstandsdraht derart angeordnet ist, daß er mit der pyrotechnischen Ladung in Berührung steht. DieSuch an ignition device is e.g. known from DE 42 29 624 AI. A ceramic substrate is fixed to the bottom of the chamber for the pyrotechnic charge, on which a resistance wire is arranged in such a way that it is in contact with the pyrotechnic charge. The
Anschlüsse des Widerstandsdrahtes sind durch den Sockel der Zündvorrichtung hindurchgeführt, so daß daran eine außerhalb der Zündvorrichtung befindliche steuerbare Zündendstufe und andere für die Ansteuerung und Diagnose des Zündelements erforderliche Schaltungen angeschlossen werden können. Wird der Widerstandsdraht von einem Zündstrom durchflössen, so erwärmt sich dieser und entzündet die pyrotechnische Ladung in seiner Umgebung. Dadurch wird ein Verbrennungsgas erzeugt, welches letztendlich ein gaserzeugendes Material innerhalb des Gasgenerators zündet. Das dabei entstehende Gas bläst einen mit dem Gasgenerator in Verbindung stehenden Airbag auf. Die Zündvorrichtung gemäß dem Stand der Technik besteht aus vielen Einzelkomponenten, nämlich einem Keramiksubstrat, einem darauf aufgebrachten Widerstandsdraht und mehreren außerhalb der Zündvorrichtung angeordneten, über Leitungen mit dem Widerstandsdraht in Verbindung stehenden Schaltungen.Connections of the resistance wire are passed through the base of the ignition device, so that a controllable ignition output stage located outside the ignition device and other circuits required for the control and diagnosis of the ignition element can be connected to it. If an ignition current flows through the resistance wire, it heats up and ignites the pyrotechnic charge in its surroundings. A combustion gas is thereby generated, which ultimately ignites a gas-generating material within the gas generator. The resultant Gas inflates an airbag connected to the gas generator. The ignition device according to the prior art consists of many individual components, namely a ceramic substrate, a resistance wire applied thereon and a plurality of circuits arranged outside the ignition device and connected to the resistance wire via lines.
Der Erfindung liegt nun die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Zündvorrichtung anzugeben, die möglichst raumsparend und mit möglichst geringem Aufwand herstellbar ist.The invention is based on the object of specifying an ignition device which can be produced as space-saving as possible and with as little effort as possible.
Vorteile der ErfindungAdvantages of the invention
Die genannte Aufgabe wird mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 dadurch gelöst, daß das die thermische Energie erzeugende Zündelement ein lokal abgegrenzter Bereich eines Halbleitersubstrats ist, der bei Anlegen einer Zünd-Spannung oder eines -Stromes durchbrennt.The stated object is achieved with the features of claim 1 in that the ignition element generating the thermal energy is a locally delimited region of a semiconductor substrate which burns out when an ignition voltage or current is applied.
Das Halbleitersubstrat bietet den Vorteil, daß nicht nur das Zündelement auf ihm integriert werden kann sondern zusätzlich auch noch andere für die Ansteuerung, Energieversorgung und/oder Diagnose des Zündelements erforderliche Schaltungen. Somit entsteht eine sehr kompakte Zündvorrichtung, die mit relativ geringem Aufwand herstellbar ist, weil sowohl das Zündelement als auch verschiedene Schaltungen in einem Integrationsprozeß auf dem Halbleitersubstrat realisiert werden können.The semiconductor substrate offers the advantage that not only the ignition element can be integrated on it, but also other circuits required for the control, power supply and / or diagnosis of the ignition element. This results in a very compact ignition device that can be produced with relatively little effort because both the ignition element and various circuits can be implemented in an integration process on the semiconductor substrate.
Gemäß Unteransprüchen ist das Zündelement vorteilhaf erweise z.B. eine auf dem Halbleitersubstrat integrierte Zenerdiodenstruktur oder eine darauf aufgebrachte Oxidschicht. Das Halbleitersubstrat kann z.B. ein Siliziumsubstrat sein. Auf dem Halbleitersubstrat können zusätzlich ein Beschleunigungssensor und ein Piezoelement integriert werden, zwischen denen eine Kraftkopplung besteht, so daß das Piezoelement bei einer Krafteinwirkung des Beschleunigungssensors eine Zündspannung für das Zündelement abgibt .According to the subclaims, the ignition element is advantageously, for example, a Zener diode structure integrated on the semiconductor substrate or an oxide layer applied thereon. The semiconductor substrate can be, for example, a silicon substrate. An acceleration sensor and a piezo element can also be integrated on the semiconductor substrate, between which there is a force coupling, so that the piezo element emits an ignition voltage for the ignition element when the acceleration sensor acts on the force.
Beschreibung eines AusführungsbeispielsDescription of an embodiment
Anhand eines in der Zeichnung dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiels wird nachfolgend die Erfindung näher erläutert . Es zeigenBased on an embodiment shown in the drawing, the invention is explained in more detail below. Show it
Figur 1 eine teilweise aufgeschnittene Zündvorrichtung,FIG. 1 shows a partially cut open ignition device,
Figur 2 eine Draufsicht auf ein in der Zündvorrichtung angeordnetes Halbleitersubstrat undFIG. 2 shows a plan view of a semiconductor substrate arranged in the ignition device and
Figur 3 ein Blockschaltbild einer auf dem Halbleitersubstrat integrierten Schaltung.Figure 3 is a block diagram of a circuit integrated on the semiconductor substrate.
Die in der Figur 1 dargestellte Zündvorrichtung besteht aus einem eine Zündkammer 1 umschließenden Metalizylinder 2 (in der Zeichnung aufgeschnitten dargestellt) , der von einem, vorzugsweise aus Kunststoff hergestellten, Sockel 3 gehalten wird. Den Boden des Metalizylinders 2 bildet ein Halbleitersubstrat 4, vorzugsweise ein Siliziumsubstrat, auf dem ein im Zusammenhang mit Figur 2 noch näher beschriebenes Zündelement in Form eines abgegrenzten Bereiches integriert ist. Auf dem Halbleitersubstrat steht ein mit einer pyrotechnischen Ladung 5 gefüllter Trichter 6. Der Trichter 6 verjüngt sich zum Halbleitersubstrat 4 hin, so daß die in ihm vorhandene pyrotechnische Ladung nur mit dem als Zündelement wirkenden Bereich auf dem Halbleitersubstrat 4 - 4 -The ignition device shown in FIG. 1 consists of a metal cylinder 2 (shown cut open in the drawing) enclosing an ignition chamber 1, which is held by a base 3, preferably made of plastic. The bottom of the metal cylinder 2 forms a semiconductor substrate 4, preferably a silicon substrate, on which an ignition element, which is described in more detail in connection with FIG. 2, is integrated in the form of a delimited area. A funnel 6 filled with a pyrotechnic charge 5 stands on the semiconductor substrate. The funnel 6 tapers towards the semiconductor substrate 4, so that the pyrotechnic charge present in it only has the area on the semiconductor substrate 4 that acts as an ignition element - 4 -
in Berührung kommt . Wird das Zündelement durch eine angelegte Spannung oder einen Strom erhitzt, so wird die pyrotechnische Ladung in dem Trichter 6 gezündet. Die Zündflamme tritt durch eine Sollbruchstelle 7 an der oberen Stirnseite des Metalizylinders 2 aus und entzündet so das im Gasgenerator (in der Zeichnung nicht dargestellt) vorhandene gaserzeugende Material . Das dabei entstehende Gas dringt in einen angeschlossenen Airbag ein und bläßt diesen auf.comes into contact. If the ignition element is heated by an applied voltage or a current, the pyrotechnic charge is ignited in the funnel 6. The pilot flame emerges through a predetermined breaking point 7 on the upper end face of the metal cylinder 2 and thus ignites the gas-generating material present in the gas generator (not shown in the drawing). The resulting gas penetrates into an attached airbag and inflates it.
Anschlußleitungen 8 an dem Halbleitersubstrat 4 sind durch den Sockel 3 nach außen geführt, um daran elektrische Schaltungen, z.B. ein Steuergerät direkt oder über Busleitungen anzuschließen.Connection lines 8 on the semiconductor substrate 4 are led through the base 3 to the outside in order to connect electrical circuits, e.g. to connect a control unit directly or via bus lines.
In der Figur 2 ist eine Draufsicht auf dasIn Figure 2 is a plan view of the
Halbleitersubstrat 4 dargestellt, das hier z.B. die Form einer Kreisscheibe hat, aber auch jede andere beliebige Kontur aufweisen kann. In dem Halbleitersubstrat 4 ist ein Bereich 9 durch einen Graben 10 im Halbleitersubstrat abgegrenzt. Dieser Bereich 9 dient als Zündelement. Vorzugsweise ist der Bereich 9 eine in dem Halbleitersubstrat 4 integrierte Zenerdiodenstruktur, die bei Anlegen einer bestimmten Spannung bzw. eines Stromes durchbrennt und dabei die für das Zünden der pyrotechnischen Ladung erforderliche thermische Energie liefert. Dieser Bereich 9 kann auch eine auf dem Halbleitersubstrat aufgebrachte Oxidschicht sein, die ebenso bei einer angelegten Zünd-Spannung oder -Strom durchbrennt. Ebenso kann der Bereich 9 allein aus dem Substratmaterial, z.B. Silizium bestehen, das mit einer Spannung bzw. einem Strom zum Durchbrennen gebracht wird. Vorteilhaft dabei ist, daß das Halbleitersubstrat ein schlechter Wärmeleiter ist, so daß ein eng begrenzter Bereich 9 auf eine hohe Temperatur gebracht werden kann. Es ist auch möglich, mehrere solcher Zündelemente 9 auf dem Halbleitersubstrat 4 vorzusehen, um z.B. eine mehrstufige Zündung für einen Airbag zu realisieren.Semiconductor substrate 4 shown, which here has, for example, the shape of a circular disk, but can also have any other desired contour. In the semiconductor substrate 4, an area 9 is delimited by a trench 10 in the semiconductor substrate. This area 9 serves as an ignition element. The region 9 is preferably a Zener diode structure integrated in the semiconductor substrate 4, which burns out when a certain voltage or a current is applied, and thereby supplies the thermal energy required for igniting the pyrotechnic charge. This region 9 can also be an oxide layer applied to the semiconductor substrate, which also burns out when an ignition voltage or current is applied. Likewise, the area 9 can consist solely of the substrate material, for example silicon, which is caused to burn out with a voltage or a current. It is advantageous here that the semiconductor substrate is a poor heat conductor, so that a narrowly limited area 9 can be brought to a high temperature. It is also possible to provide several such ignition elements 9 on the semiconductor substrate 4 in order to For example, to implement a multi-stage ignition for an airbag.
Die für das Zünden des Halbleitermaterials erforderliche Spannung liegt höher als die normale Betriebsspannung für die Rückhalteeinrichtungen. Eine Fehlzündung durch Kurzschlüsse auf den Verbindungsleitungen zu den Rückhalteeinrichtungen wird dadurch ausgeschlossen.The voltage required to ignite the semiconductor material is higher than the normal operating voltage for the restraint devices. A misfire due to short circuits on the connecting lines to the restraint devices is excluded.
Ein weiterer Vorteil bezüglich einer platzsparendenAnother advantage in terms of space-saving
Anordnung besteht darin, daß neben dem Zündelement auch Schaltungselemente zur Ansteuerung oder Energieversorgung oder Diagnose des Zündelementes auf dem Halbleitersubstrat 4 integriert werden können. In der Figur 2 sind symbolisch mehrere Schaltungen durch Bereiche 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 und 16 angedeutet .The arrangement consists in that, in addition to the ignition element, circuit elements for controlling or powering or diagnosing the ignition element can also be integrated on the semiconductor substrate 4. Several circuits are symbolically indicated in FIG. 2 by regions 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16.
In der Figur 3 ist ein Blockschaltbild, bestehend aus dem Zündelement 9 und mehreren Schaltungseinheiten 11...16, dargestellt, die zusammen auf dem Halbleitersubstrat 4 integriert werden können. Dem Zündelement 9 vorgeschaltet ist eine Zündendstufe 11, die in einfachster Ausführung ein Transistor ist. An das Zündelement 9 ist eine Diagnoseschaltung 12 angeschlossen, sie überprüft die Funktion des Zündelementes 9 sowie der Zündendstufe 11 dadurch, daß sie dem Bereich 9 auf dem Halbleitersubstrat 4 einen geringen Diagnosestrom zuführt und feststellt, ob der Stromfluß unterbrochen ist oder nicht. Es geht bei dieser Diagnose um eine einfache Ja/Nein-Entscheidung, es muß keine Widerstandsmessung des Zündelements durchgeführt werden, wie es bei Zündelementen gemäß dem Stand der Technik erforderlich ist. Auch kann eine Energiereserve 13 auf dem Halbleitersubstrat 4 vorgesehen werden, welche die Zündspannung bzw. den Zünd-Strom für das Zündelement 9 liefert. Außerdem ist auf dem Halbleitersubstrat 4 eine Schnittstelle 14 vorhanden für den Anschluß an ein Steuergerät oder an einen im Fahrzeug vorhandenen Bus, an den mehrere Zündvorrichtungen für verschiedene Airbags oder Gurtstraffer und ein zentrales Steuergerät angeschlossen sind. In dieser Schnittstelle 14 sind vorzugsweise Schutzstukturen integriert, die das Zündelement 9 vor Überspannungen und elektromagnetischen Pulsen (ESD, EMV) schützen.FIG. 3 shows a block diagram consisting of the ignition element 9 and a plurality of circuit units 11... 16, which can be integrated together on the semiconductor substrate 4. Upstream of the ignition element 9 is an ignition output stage 11, which in its simplest form is a transistor. A diagnosis circuit 12 is connected to the ignition element 9, it checks the function of the ignition element 9 and of the ignition output stage 11 by supplying the region 9 on the semiconductor substrate 4 with a small diagnostic current and determining whether the current flow is interrupted or not. This diagnosis is about a simple yes / no decision, it is not necessary to carry out a resistance measurement of the ignition element, as is required with ignition elements according to the prior art. An energy reserve 13 can also be provided on the semiconductor substrate 4, which supplies the ignition voltage or the ignition current for the ignition element 9. There is also an interface on the semiconductor substrate 4 14 available for connection to a control unit or to a bus present in the vehicle, to which a plurality of ignition devices for various airbags or belt tensioners and a central control unit are connected. Protective structures are preferably integrated in this interface 14, which protect the ignition element 9 against overvoltages and electromagnetic pulses (ESD, EMC).
Bei geeigneter Einbaulage der Zündvorrichtung ist es möglich, einen Sicherheitsschalter 15 vorzusehen, der als ein beschleunigungsabhängig wirkender mechanischer oder mikromechanischer Schalter ausgebildet ist. Dieser SchalterWith a suitable installation position of the ignition device, it is possible to provide a safety switch 15 which is designed as a mechanical or micromechanical switch which acts as a function of acceleration. That switch
15 entriegelt die Zündendstufe 11 erst dann, wenn das Fahrzeug eine bestimmte Beschleunigung erfährt, die kleiner ist als eine Beschleunigung, bei der das Rückhaltesystem auslösen soll. Durch den Sicherheitsschalter 15 wird damit ein Zeitfenster für die Auslösung des Rückhaltesystems definiert. In der Figur 3 ist angedeutet, daß zusätzlich ein Piezoelement 16 mit dem Sicherheitsschalter 15 kraftgekoppelt sein kann. Das bedeutet, daß der15 only unlocks the ignition output stage 11 when the vehicle experiences a certain acceleration which is less than an acceleration at which the restraint system is to be triggered. A time window for triggering the restraint system is thus defined by the safety switch 15. FIG. 3 indicates that a piezo element 16 can also be force-coupled to the safety switch 15. That means that the
Sicherheitsschalter 15 bei Überschreiten einer gewissen Beschleunigung eine Kraft auf das Piezoelement 16 ausübt und dadurch das Piezoelement 16 eine Zünd-Spannung für das Zündelement 9 abgibt . Safety switch 15 exerts a force on the piezo element 16 when a certain acceleration is exceeded and thereby the piezo element 16 outputs an ignition voltage for the ignition element 9.

Claims

- 7 -Patentansprüche - 7 patent claims
1. Zündvorrichtung für einen Gasgenerator einer Rückhalteeinrichtung in einem Fahrzeug, wobei die Zündvorrichtung eine Kammer mit einer pyrotechnischen Ladung und ein damit in Berührung stehendes, auf einem Substrat angeordnetes, thermische Energie erzeugendes Zündelement aufweist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das thermische Energie erzeugende Zündelement (9) ein lokal abgegrenzter Bereich eines Halbleitersubstrates (4) ist, der bei Anlegen einer Zünd-Spannung oder eines -Stromes durchbrennt.1. Ignition device for a gas generator of a restraint device in a vehicle, the ignition device having a chamber with a pyrotechnic charge and a thermal energy-generating ignition element in contact therewith, arranged on a substrate, characterized in that the thermal energy-generating ignition element (9 ) is a locally delimited area of a semiconductor substrate (4) which burns out when an ignition voltage or a current is applied.
2. Zündvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß auf dem Halbleitersubstrat (4) neben mindestens einem Zündelement (9) Schaltungen (11, ..., 16) - vorzugsweise zur Energieversorgung, zur Ansteuerung und/oder Diagnose für das Zündelement - integriert sind.2. Ignition device according to claim 1, characterized in that on the semiconductor substrate (4) in addition to at least one ignition element (9) circuits (11, ..., 16) - preferably for energy supply, control and / or diagnosis for the ignition element - integrated are.
3. Zündvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Zündelement (9) eine auf dem Halbleitersubstrat (4) integrierte Zenerdiodenstruktur ist.3. Ignition device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the ignition element (9) is a Zener diode structure integrated on the semiconductor substrate (4).
4. Zündvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Zündelement (9) eine auf das Halbleitersubstrat (4) aufgebrachte Oxidschicht ist.4. Ignition device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the ignition element (9) is an oxide layer applied to the semiconductor substrate (4).
5. Zündvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß auf dem Halbleitersubstrat (4) ein Piezoelement (16) und ein Beschleunigungssensor (15) integriert sind, zwischen denen eine Kraftkopplung besteht, und daß das Piezoelement (16) bei einer Krafteinwirkung des Beschleunigungssensors (15) eine Zünd-Spannung für das Zündelement (9) abgibt.5. Ignition device according to claim 1, characterized in that on the semiconductor substrate (4) a piezo element (16) and an acceleration sensor (15) are integrated, between which there is a force coupling, and that the piezo element (16) releases an ignition voltage for the ignition element (9) when the acceleration sensor (15) acts on the force.
6. Zündvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Halbleitersubstrat (4) ein Siliziumsubstrat ist. 6. Ignition device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the semiconductor substrate (4) is a silicon substrate.
PCT/DE1998/003077 1998-02-19 1998-10-21 Ignition device for the gas generator of a retaining device WO1999042784A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19806915.4 1998-02-19
DE19806915A DE19806915A1 (en) 1998-02-19 1998-02-19 Ignition device for a gas generator of a restraint device

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WO1999042784A1 true WO1999042784A1 (en) 1999-08-26

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WO2018166720A1 (en) * 2017-03-17 2018-09-20 Takata AG Ignition device for a gas generator of an airbag module for a motor vehicle

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DE19951720B4 (en) * 1999-06-25 2007-06-06 Delphi Technologies, Inc., Troy Ignition unit with integrated electronics
DE10026329A1 (en) 2000-05-26 2001-11-29 Bosch Gmbh Robert Igniter

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US4708060A (en) * 1985-02-19 1987-11-24 The United States Of America As Represented By The United States Department Of Energy Semiconductor bridge (SCB) igniter
DE3537821A1 (en) * 1985-10-24 1987-04-30 Dynamit Nobel Ag Electrical detonating element
DE3537820A1 (en) * 1985-10-24 1987-04-30 Dynamit Nobel Ag Electronic fuze
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DE4229624A1 (en) 1991-09-05 1993-03-18 Trw Inc Car airbag igniter - has priming charge vessel with metering port retaining charge briefly after ignition
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WO2018166720A1 (en) * 2017-03-17 2018-09-20 Takata AG Ignition device for a gas generator of an airbag module for a motor vehicle

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