Method for activating a restraint system in a vehicle

Abstract

A method for activating a restraint system in a vehicle, in which the restraint system is activated as a function of a speed, an activation characteristic, and at least one quantity derived from an acceleration signal, and in which the at least one quantity exceeds a threshold function that is set as a function of the impact speed and a required activation time. The activation characteristic of a particular accident type runs linearly to a first impact speed value. The activation characteristic runs with a second slope between the first impact speed and a second impact speed value, the first and the second impact speed value depending on the particular vehicle type.

1 - 4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . A device for activating a restraint system in a vehicle, comprising:
 an activating arrangement to activate the restraint system as a function of an activation characteristic and at least one quantity derived from an acceleration signal;   wherein the at least one quantity exceeds a threshold function that is set as a function of an impact speed and a required activation time, and   wherein a particular activation characteristic for an accident type runs linearly with a first slope to a first impact speed value and runs with at least one second slope between a first impact speed value and a second impact speed value, the first impact speed value and the second impact speed value depending on a particular vehicle type.   
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the activation characteristic between the first impact speed value and the second impact speed value runs linearly. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein a fixed activation time is used starting at the second impact speed value. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein a fixed activation time is used starting at the second impact speed value.