Control of a vehicle restraining system having an air bag in a retractable steering column

U.S. Patent Number: 5295712

Abstract: An air-bag type passenger restraining device for a motor vehicle comprises a vehicle collision sensor which issues a first instruction signal when detecting a vehicle collision; an air-bag which is located in front of a seat of the vehicle and instantly inflated when receiving a second instruction signal; an air-bag retreating device which instantly retreats the air-bag in a direction away from the seat when receiving a third instruction signal; and a control unit for producing the second and third instruction signals upon receiving the first instruction signal. The control unit issues the third instruction signal for starting the air-bag retreating device after the air-bag is inflated to such a degree as to effect an initial restraint to a passenger on the seat due to issuance of the second instruction signal therefrom.

Inventors: Omura; Hideo (Yokosuka City, JP)

Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (Yokohama City, JP)

Application Number: 07/987,720

Issued: 1994-03-22

Expired: 2006-03-22

Classes: 280/777 ; 280/731; 280/732; 280/735

Field of search: 280/777,735,734,731,732,728R 74/492

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