US 12,246,770 B2
Passenger protection unit for vehicle and method for controlling a passenger protection unit
Magnus Björklund, Gothenburg (SE); Anders Carlsson, Gothenburg (SE); David Beskow, Gothenburg (SE); and Gustav Bonde, Gothenburg (SE)
Assigned to Volvo Car Corporation, Gothenburg (SE)
Filed by Volvo Car Corporation, Gothenburg (SE)
Filed on Aug. 29, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/457,587.
Claims priority of application No. 22195449 (EP), filed on Sep. 13, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2024/0083491 A1, Mar. 14, 2024
Int. Cl. B62D 1/19 (2006.01); B60R 21/205 (2011.01); B62D 1/183 (2006.01); B60R 21/01 (2006.01)
CPC B62D 1/197 (2013.01) [B60R 21/205 (2013.01); B62D 1/183 (2013.01); B60R 2021/01013 (2013.01); B60R 2021/01034 (2013.01); B60R 2021/01252 (2013.01)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A passenger protection unit for a vehicle, comprising:
an adjustable steering apparatus configured to be lockable at least in a first position and a second position;
an instrument panel;
an airbag module comprising at least an airbag;
a crash control unit;
a retracting mechanism configured to initiate a movement of the steering apparatus in a retracting direction,
wherein the crash control unit is configured to release a retracting movement of the steering apparatus at least in the retracting direction upon detecting an upcoming crash,
wherein the crash control unit is further configured to activate the retracting mechanism, and
wherein the crash control unit is further configured to deploy the airbag upon an upcoming crash; and
a turning mechanism configured to move or turn a steering element of the steering apparatus into a predetermined storing position before and/or while the retracting movement of the steering apparatus,
wherein the predetermined storing position corresponds to a neutral position of the steering element.