A gas generator for an airbag includes a first gas reserve with a first orifice, a first mechanism arranged for opening the first gas reserve, and a diffusion chamber arranged for diffusing the discharge gases. The generator additionally includes a mixing chamber comprising at least one first communication surface with the diffusion chamber. The gas generator further including a second mechanism comprising a second actuator and a mobile obturator between a first obstruction position, in which it obstructs a second communication surface with a diffusion chamber and a second passage position, in which the second communication surface is free.

A gas generator for an airbag includes a first gas reserve with a first orifice, a first mechanism arranged for opening the first gas reserve, and a diffusion chamber arranged for diffusing the discharge gases. The generator additionally includes a mixing chamber comprising at least one first communication surface with the diffusion chamber. The gas generator further including a second mechanism comprising a second actuator and a mobile obturator between a first obstruction position, in which it obstructs a second communication surface with a diffusion chamber and a second passage position, in which the second communication surface is free.

A cold gas generator for a vehicle includes a container for storing gas, and an outlet opening closed by a closure element. The apparatus for operating the cold gas generator has a first terminal for a first connecting line for providing a first operating voltage potential, and a second terminal for a second connecting line for providing a second operating voltage potential. The apparatus also has an electrical coil to actuate, in response to a coil current, a closure device for controlling a gas flow through the outlet opening, the coil being connected between the first terminal and the second terminal. The apparatus also has a firing device to open the closure element in response to a firing current, the firing device being connected between the first terminal and the second terminal.

A cold gas generator for a vehicle includes a container for storing gas, and an outlet opening closed by a closure element. The apparatus for operating the cold gas generator has a first terminal for a first connecting line for providing a first operating voltage potential, and a second terminal for a second connecting line for providing a second operating voltage potential. The apparatus also has an electrical coil to actuate, in response to a coil current, a closure device for controlling a gas flow through the outlet opening, the coil being connected between the first terminal and the second terminal. The apparatus also has a firing device to open the closure element in response to a firing current, the firing device being connected between the first terminal and the second terminal.

A steering column system includes: a rotatable steering shaft that has a proximal end attached to a steering wheel and is configured to transfer rotational input at the steering wheel to a steering rack of the vehicle; a stationary driver-side airbag (DAB) shaft that is mounted in the vehicle and extends along the steering shaft; and a DAB module that contains an airbag and is fixedly mounted to a proximal end of the DAB shaft within a region of the steering wheel. The steering wheel and the steering shaft are configured to rotate independently of the DAB module and the DAB shaft, respectively.

A steering column system includes: a rotatable steering shaft that has a proximal end attached to a steering wheel and is configured to transfer rotational input at the steering wheel to a steering rack of the vehicle; a stationary driver-side airbag (DAB) shaft that is mounted in the vehicle and extends along the steering shaft; and a DAB module that contains an airbag and is fixedly mounted to a proximal end of the DAB shaft within a region of the steering wheel. The steering wheel and the steering shaft are configured to rotate independently of the DAB module and the DAB shaft, respectively.

The disclosure relates to a gas generator fora vehicle safety system. The gas generator has a longitudinal axis, an outer housing in the form of a compressed-gas container. In an inoperative state of the gas generator, the housing is filled with compressed gas. The housing is closed at one housing end with a closure element by a welded joint, which extends along the longitudinal axis from the welded joint into the housing. The housing has at least one bead for mechanically relieving the welded joint of load. A bead base of the bead is provided in a region of an axial longitudinal extent of the closure element.

An airbag for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle having a roof and a cabin with a seat for the occupant includes an upper portion for being mounted to a vehicle roof, a lower portion having a ring-shaped configuration configured to encircle the occupant and a seatback of the vehicle seat when deployed, and at least one pillar connecting the lower portion to the upper portion. The lower portion encircles the seatback configures the lower portion to utilize the seatback as a reaction surface for supporting the lower portion against movement in response to an impacting occupant. An airbag module includes a housing that supports the airbag and an inflator. A vehicle safety system includes a sensor and a controller. The sensor senses the occurrence of an event for which deployment of the airbag is desired and produces a signal indicative thereof. The controller is connected to the sensor and, in response to receiving the signal, actuates the inflator to inflate and deploy the airbag.

An airbag for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle having a roof and a cabin with a seat for the occupant includes an upper portion for being mounted to a vehicle roof, a lower portion having a ring-shaped configuration configured to encircle the occupant and a seatback of the vehicle seat when deployed, and at least one pillar connecting the lower portion to the upper portion. The lower portion encircles the seatback configures the lower portion to utilize the seatback as a reaction surface for supporting the lower portion against movement in response to an impacting occupant. An airbag module includes a housing that supports the airbag and an inflator. A vehicle safety system includes a sensor and a controller. The sensor senses the occurrence of an event for which deployment of the airbag is desired and produces a signal indicative thereof. The controller is connected to the sensor and, in response to receiving the signal, actuates the inflator to inflate and deploy the airbag.

A safety system (18) for an automotive vehicle (10) comprises a gas tank (20) in which pressurized gas is stored, a valve (22) associated with the gas tank (20), at least one airbag (24) connected to the valve (22) via a fluid line (30), and a control device (26). In the control device (26) vehicle information (32) is stored and the control device (26) is configured to control the valve (22) in an accident situation of the automotive vehicle (10) on the basis of the vehicle information (32) and to fill the airbag (24) with the gas stored in the gas tank (20). The invention further shows a method of controlling a safety system of an automotive vehicle and a control device.