Patent ID: 6154697
Filing Date: 2000-11-28
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
A control system for an apparatus for protecting a head portion of a vehicle occupant, the control system comprising:an air bag device having an air bag body for protecting the head portion of the occupant, the air bag body being (i) configured to extend from a front pillar along a roof side rail of a vehicle and, (ii) adapted to inflate and unfold between the head portion of the occupant and a side portion of the vehicle;a pretensioner adapted to remove slack from a seat belt fastened to the occupant;roll state detecting means for detecting a roll state of the vehicle, the roll state including a roll rate and a roll angle; andcontrol means for controlling operation of said air bag device and operation of said pretensioner when the roll state is a predetermined roll state value, said pretensioner being operated before said air bag device is operated;wherein said control means (i) includes a map correlating roll rates to roll angles and (ii) controls operation of said airbag device and operation of said pretensioner in accordance with the map.