JP2004082758A - Shock absorbing steering column device - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a shock absorbing type steering column device which has a telescopic mechanism, an electric assist mechanism, and the like, and realizes effective absorption of shock energy.
A guide hole has a vertical width in which a guide pin portion of a guide bolt is loosely fitted, and a collapse portion extending rearward from the telescopic portion and having a gradually decreasing vertical width. It consists of The range in which the guide pin portion 75 moves back and forth in the telescopic portion 111 is the telescopic stroke S1, and the range in which the guide pin portion 75 retreats in the collapse portion 113 is the collapse stroke S2. Since the vertical width of the collapse portion 113 gradually decreases rearward, the shock absorbing load at the time of the secondary collision of the driver increases in a quadratic curve as the collapse progresses.
[Selection] Fig. 2

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a shock-absorbing steering column device, and more particularly, to a technique for improving the performance of absorbing collision energy.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When a vehicle collides with another vehicle, a building, or the like, the driver may cause a secondary collision with the steering wheel due to inertia. In recent years, in order to prevent the driver from being injured in such cases, an impact-absorbing steering column device is widely used together with a seat belt, an airbag, and the like. There are various types of shock absorbing mechanisms employed in the shock absorbing type steering column device. However, when a driver makes a secondary collision, the steering column collapses (shortens) together with the steering shaft, and at that time the collision energy is reduced. Are generally of the double tube type.
[0003]
This type of shock absorbing type steering column device is, for example, interposed between an outer column held on a vehicle body side bracket, an inner column slidably fitted to the outer column, and an outer column and the inner column. The inner column enters the outer column when an axial load of a predetermined value or more acts on the outer column. At that time, the impact energy is absorbed by the impact energy absorbing means. You.
[0004]
On the other hand, since a steering device of an automobile is used (steered) by an unspecified number of drivers, it is desirable that the position of a steering wheel can be adjusted according to an individual's physique or driving posture. In order to respond to such demands, not only passenger cars but also freight cars and the like often employ a tilt mechanism or a telescopic mechanism.
[0005]
The tilt mechanism is a mechanism for vertically adjusting the position of the steering wheel, and includes a tilt pivot for swingably supporting the steering column and a tilt holding means for holding the steering column at a desired position (swing angle). Etc. The telescopic mechanism is a mechanism for adjusting the position of the steering wheel in the front-rear direction (axial direction of the steering shaft). (Telescopic holding means) for holding the steering shaft by (extension / contraction amount).
[0006]
On the other hand, in a steering system for an automobile, an electric power steering device (hereinafter, referred to as EPS) using an electric motor as a power source has been actively used in recent years. In the EPS, the in-vehicle battery is used as the power source of the electric motor, so that there is no direct engine drive loss, and the electric motor is started only at the time of steering assist, so that the running fuel efficiency is reduced (the engine drive loss related to the alternator). In addition to this, it has features that electronic control can be performed very easily. The EPS is classified into a column assist type, a rack assist type, and the like according to a mounting portion of the electric motor, and a column assist type, which is excellent in manufacturing cost and installation space, is mainly used at present. Normally, in a column assist type EPS, an electric assist mechanism including an electric motor, a speed reduction mechanism, and the like is fixed to a tip of a steering column.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In a conventional shock-absorbing steering column device, when a tilt mechanism, a telescopic mechanism, and the like are provided, it is sometimes difficult to absorb shock energy. For example, in the case of a double tube type telescopic mechanism, since the collapse mechanism and the telescopic mechanism both move forward and backward with respect to the outer column of the inner column, the telescopic stroke and the collapse stroke have a trade-off relationship, and the collapse It was inevitable that the stroke would be reduced. When the column assist type EPS is provided, the reduction gear housing of the electric assist mechanism is installed in series with the outer column, so that the total length of the steering column is shortened accordingly. Therefore, there is a problem that it is more difficult to secure a collapse stroke as compared with a tilt mechanism or a telescopic mechanism. As a result, the amount of impact energy absorbed per unit stroke must be increased, and the impact received by the driver during a secondary collision may increase.
[0008]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a shock absorbing steering column device that includes a telescopic mechanism, an electric assist mechanism, and the like, and realizes effective absorption of shock energy.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problem, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a steering column that rotatably supports a steering shaft and collapses by a predetermined collapse load, and an occupant during a vehicle collision according to the collapse of the steering column. And an energy absorbing means for absorbing the secondary collision energy described above, wherein the amount of collision energy absorbed by the energy absorbing means increases as the collapse progresses.
[0010]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the shock absorbing steering column device according to the first aspect, wherein the amount of collision energy absorbed by the energy absorbing means increases in a plurality of stages as the collapse progresses.
[0011]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the shock absorbing steering column apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the amount of collision energy absorbed by the energy absorbing means gradually increases as the collapse progresses.
[0012]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the steering shaft is rotatably supported, and the steering column is collapsed by a predetermined collapse load, and the secondary collision energy of the occupant at the time of collision of the vehicle according to the collapse of the steering column. A shock-absorbing steering column device provided with an energy absorbing means for absorbing energy is provided with a plurality of the energy absorbing means.
[0013]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the shock absorbing type steering column device according to the fourth aspect, it is proposed that the amount of collision energy absorbed by at least one of the energy absorbing means increases as the collapse progresses. .
[0014]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the shock absorbing type steering column device according to the fourth aspect, an amount of collision energy absorbed by at least one of the energy absorbing means increases in a plurality of stages as the collapse progresses. suggest.
[0015]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the shock absorbing type steering column apparatus of the fourth aspect, it is proposed that the amount of collision energy absorbed by at least one of the energy absorbing means gradually increases as the collapse progresses.
[0016]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the shock absorbing type steering column device according to the fourth aspect, at least one of the energy absorbing means does not absorb the collision energy until the collapse advances by a predetermined amount. .
[0017]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the shock absorbing type steering column device according to the first to eighth aspects, a tilt adjusting means for adjusting the angle of the steering column and an axial position adjustment of the steering column are provided. A device provided with at least one of telescopic adjustment means is proposed.
[0018]
According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in the shock absorbing type steering column device of the first to ninth aspects, the first column supported by the vehicle body-side member and the first column fitted to the first column during the collapse are provided. And a second column that enters the first column side, wherein the first column is provided with an electric assist mechanism for assisting the steering force of the steering wheel.
[0019]
According to the shock absorbing type steering column device of these inventions, when the steering column collapses due to the secondary collision of the driver, the amount of impact energy absorbed by the energy absorbing means increases stepwise or gradually, so that the collapse stroke Is relatively small, the total amount of impact energy absorbed increases while the impact received by the driver is relatively small.
[0020]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a side view showing a vehicle cabin side portion of the steering device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view of a main part of the shock absorbing steering column device according to the embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.
[0021]
As shown in these figures, the steering column 1 is supported by a cross member 7 as a vehicle body structural member via a fixed bracket 3 and a pivot bracket 5. The steering column 1 includes an inner column 13 that rotatably holds a steering upper shaft 9 having a telescopic function and a collapse function via a bearing 11, and an outer column-equivalent member on which the inner column 13 is slidably fitted. 15 and an electric assist mechanism 17 integrated with the tip of the outer column equivalent member 15 are main constituent members.
[0022]
The electric assist mechanism 17 includes an electric motor 21, a reduction gear housing 23, an output shaft 25, a torque sensor (not shown), and the like. In the case of the present embodiment, the outer column-equivalent member 15 and the reduction gear housing 23 are integrally formed products made of an aluminum alloy, and the front center of the reduction gear housing 23 is provided at the lower end of the pivot bracket 5 with a pivot pin (tilt pivot). ) 31 so as to be swingable. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 35 denotes a steering intermediate shaft, which is connected to the tip of the output shaft 25 via a universal joint 37.
[0023]
A steering wheel 41 is attached to the rear end of the steering upper shaft 9. When the driver turns the steering wheel 41, the rotational force is increased by the electric assist mechanism 17 and then the output shaft 25 is turned on. The power is transmitted to a steering intershaft 35 and further transmitted to a steering gear under the vehicle body via a lower-side universal joint (not shown).
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 3, the fixing bracket 3 is a welded structure product made of a steel plate, and is formed by connecting left and right stays 42 and 43 having a substantially L shape by a connection plate 45. The right and left stays 42 and 43 are provided with arc holes 47 and 49 having the pivot pin 31 as a center. The adjust bolt 51 penetrates the arc hole 47 of the left stay 42 and the arc holes 49 of the right stay 43. , A guide bolt 53 penetrates. The left and right stays 42 and 43 may be formed with long holes of the same size instead of the arc holes 47 and 49.
[0025]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an annular groove 61 is formed at a rear portion of the outer column-equivalent member 15, and a substantially U-shaped clamp 63 is loosely fitted into the annular groove 61 from above. The left and right lower ends (open ends) are connected by retaining bolts 65.
[0026]
The right end of the clamp 63 in FIG. 3 is in contact with the inner side surface of the right stay 43, and the right side of the clamp 63 is screwed with the male screw portion 71 of the guide bolt 53 that passes through the arc hole 49 of the right stay 43. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 73 denotes a collar portion of the guide bolt 53, and reference numeral 75 denotes a guide pin portion of the guide bolt 53. In the case of the present embodiment, since the width of the collar portion 73 is larger than the thickness of the right stay 43, the clamp 63 can freely move up and down with respect to the right stay 43 even when the guide bolt 53 is fastened. On the other hand, the guide pin portion 75 of the guide bolt 53 passes through a through hole 77 formed in the outer column equivalent member 15 and a guide hole 79 formed in the inner column 13.
[0027]
On the other hand, the left end in FIG. 3 of the clamp 63 has a predetermined gap with the inner surface of the left stay 42, and the male screw portion 81 of the adjusting bolt 51 penetrating the arc hole 47 of the left stay 42 is provided on the left side of the clamp 63. Is screwed. Between the head 83 of the adjustment bolt 51 and the outer surface of the left stay 42, a cam mechanism 87 as a tilt holding means and an operation lever 89 are interposed. The cam mechanism 87 includes a fixed cam 101 engaged with the arc hole 47 of the left stay 42 and a movable cam 103 engaged with the operation lever 89.
[0028]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the outer column-equivalent member 15 is provided with distance portions 105 and 107 before and after the annular groove 61 (in the horizontal direction in FIG. 2), respectively. The end of 107 is pressed against the inner surfaces of the left and right stays 42 and 43. The outer column-equivalent member 15 is provided with a slit 109 on the lower surface of the rear portion thereof, and reduces the diameter when the pressing force acts from right and left to hold the inner column 13. In the present embodiment, the holding force of the inner column 13 by the outer column-equivalent member 15 is set to be relatively small, and the inner column 13 does not move in the axial direction during the normal operation. When a load is applied, the inner column 13 enters the outer column equivalent member 15 against the holding force.
[0029]
The guide hole 79 includes a telescopic portion 111 having a vertical width in which the guide pin portion 75 of the guide bolt 53 is loosely fitted, and a collapse portion 113 extending rearward from the telescopic portion 111 and gradually decreasing in the vertical width. I have. In the case of the present embodiment, the range in which the guide pin portion 75 moves back and forth in the telescopic portion 111 is the telescopic stroke S1, and the range in which the guide pin portion 75 retreats in the collapse portion 113 is the collapse stroke S2.
[0030]
Hereinafter, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.
When the position of the steering wheel 41 becomes inappropriate due to a change of the driver or the like, in the steering device of the first embodiment, the driver first turns the operation lever 89 clockwise. Then, the movable cam 103 engaged with the operation lever 89 relatively rotates with respect to the fixed cam 101, and the axial dimension of the cam mechanism 87 is reduced. The tensile force acting on the ceases.
[0031]
As a result, the pressing force of the inner surfaces of the left and right stays 42 and 43 against the distance portions 105 and 107 disappears, the frictional engagement between the left and right stays 42 and 43 and the outer column equivalent member 15 is released, and the steering column 1 is pivoted. The tilt movement is enabled about the pin 31. When the pressing force against the distance portions 105 and 107 disappears, the outer column-equivalent member 15 expands in diameter due to its elasticity and loses the tightening force on the inner column 13, and as shown in FIG. It becomes possible.
[0032]
When the driver finishes adjusting the position of the steering wheel 41 by tilting or telescopically steering the steering column 1, the driver turns the operation lever 61 counterclockwise. Then, since the axial dimension of the cam mechanism 87 increases, a tensile force acts between the left and right stays 42 and 43 via the clamp 63. As a result, a pressing force is generated against the distance portions 105, 107 on the inner side surfaces of the left and right stays 42, 43, and the left and right stays 42, 43 and the outer column equivalent member 15 are frictionally engaged, so that the steering column 1 is tilted in the tilt direction. Fixed. Further, the distance portions 105 and 107 are sandwiched between the left and right stays 42 and 43, so that the outer column equivalent member 15 is reduced in diameter, and the inner column 13 is fixed in the telescopic direction.
[0033]
On the other hand, when a running vehicle collides with another vehicle or an obstacle on the road, the driver secondarily collides with the steering wheel 41 due to inertia, and a large collapse load acts on the inner column 13. Since the holding force of the inner column 13 by the outer column equivalent member 15 is relatively small, the inner column 13 enters the outer column equivalent member 15 and the guide pin portion 75 of the guide bolt 53 as shown in FIG. Moves relatively from the telescopic unit 111 to the collapse unit 113 side.
[0034]
At this time, since the vertical width of the collapse portion 113 gradually decreases rearward, the collapse portion 113 is pushed and expanded with the relative movement of the guide pin portion 75, and the collision energy is absorbed. FIG. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the collapse amount and the shock absorbing load in the conventional device, and FIG. 7 is the same graph in the first embodiment. As can be seen from these figures, unlike the conventional device in which the shock absorbing load is constant, in the first embodiment, the shock absorbing load is reduced by the vertical width of the collapse portion 113 gradually decreasing toward the rear. Rises quadratically as the collapse progresses. As a result, in the first embodiment, relatively large collision energy is absorbed despite the short collapse stroke due to the presence of the electric assist mechanism 17 and the like. In this embodiment, the guide pin portion 75 is provided only on the guide bolt 53. However, the guide pin portion is also provided on the adjust bolt 51 side, and a guide hole is formed on the adjust bolt 51 side of the inner column 13, so that the outer pin is formed. The collision energy may be absorbed on both the left and right sides of the column equivalent member 15.
[0035]
FIG. 8 is a side view of the shock absorbing steering column device according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. The overall configuration of the present embodiment is the same as that of the above-described first embodiment, and a description of overlapping configurations and operations will be omitted.
[0036]
In the second embodiment, the cam mechanism and the clamp as in the first embodiment are not employed, and the distance portion 105 is formed to bulge below the outer column-equivalent member 15. It is pinched and held by the adjustment bolt 51 and the adjustment nut 121 via 43. An operation lever 89 is bolted to the adjustment nut 121. By turning the operation lever 89 clockwise, the connection between the adjustment bolt 51 and the adjustment nut 121 is loosened, and the left and right stays 42 and 43 and the distance portion 105 are rotated. As a result, the steering column 1 can be tilted, and at the same time, the outer column-equivalent member 15 expands in diameter and the inner column 13 can be telescopically moved. In FIGS. 8 and 9, a member indicated by reference numeral 53 is a guide bolt, and the guide pin portion 75 is fitted in a guide hole 79 formed in the inner column 13.
[0037]
In the inner column 13 of the second embodiment, a first EA ring 131 and a second EA ring 133 are press-fitted behind the fixed bracket 3 as shock absorbing means. In FIG. 8, a member denoted by reference numeral 135 is a telescopic damper made of a synthetic resin or the like, and is integrally formed with the first EA ring 131 to prevent a tapping sound or the like during a telescopic operation. 8, the telescopic damper 135 is arranged at a distance S3 with respect to the outer column equivalent member 15, and the second EA ring 133 is arranged with a distance S4 with respect to the first EA ring 131. The guide pin portion 75 of the guide bolt 53 described above is relatively movable with respect to the tip of the guide hole 79 by a distance S5 in the state of FIG. That is, the inner column 13 can enter the outer column-equivalent member 15 at the distance S3 and can exit at the distance S5, which is a telescopic stroke.
[0038]
In the case of the second embodiment, when the driver makes a secondary collision with the steering wheel 41 due to inertia and the inner column 13 enters the outer column equivalent member 15, first, the telescopic damper 135 collides with the rear end of the outer column equivalent member 15. I do. Thereafter, the collapse progresses while the first EA ring 131 is pressed into the inner column 13 together with the telescopic damper 135, whereby the impact energy is absorbed by the press-in resistance of the first EA ring 131.
[0039]
When the inner column 13 collapses by the distance S4, the rear end of the first EA ring 131 comes into contact with the front end of the second EA ring 133, and thereafter, the first EA ring 131 and the second EA ring 133 are integrated with respect to the inner column 13. The collapse progresses in the form of press-fitting, whereby the impact energy is absorbed by the press-fitting resistance of both EA rings 131, 133. FIG. 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of collapse and the shock absorbing load in the conventional device having a single EA ring, and FIG. 11 is the same graph in the second embodiment. As can be seen from this figure, in the second embodiment, the shock absorbing load increases stepwise as the collapse progresses. As a result, also in the second embodiment, relatively large collision energy can be absorbed despite the short collapse stroke due to the presence of the electric assist mechanism 17 and the like. In FIGS. 10 and 11, the shock absorbing load is large in the initial stage of the collapse because the coefficient of static friction between the inner column 13 and the EA ring is larger than the coefficient of dynamic friction.
[0040]
FIG. 12 is a side view of a main part of a shock absorbing type steering column device according to a third embodiment, FIG. 13 is a side view of a main part of a shock absorbing type steering column device according to a fourth embodiment, and FIG. It is a principal part side view of the shock absorption type steering column apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment, FIG. 15: is CC sectional drawing in FIG. The overall configuration of these embodiments is substantially the same as that of the above-described second embodiment, but differs in the number of EA rings press-fitted into the inner column and the shape of the inner column. That is, in each of the third to fifth embodiments, a single EA ring 131 is press-fitted into the inner column 13, and in the third embodiment, the tapered portion whose diameter gradually increases behind the press-fit portion of the EA ring 131 of the inner column 13. 141 is formed. In the fourth embodiment, steps 143 and 145 whose diameters gradually increase behind the press-fit portion of the EA ring 131 of the inner column 13 are formed. In the fifth embodiment, the EA ring of the inner column 13 is formed. There are provided first to fourth ridges (beads) 146 to 149 having different front end positions behind the press-fitting portion 131.
[0041]
In the case of the third embodiment, when the collapse progresses while the EA ring 131 is pressed into the inner column 13, the taper portion 141 is formed in the inner column 13, and the impact energy is absorbed by the increase in the press-in resistance. The amount gradually increases. Further, in the case of the fourth embodiment, when the collapse progresses while the EA ring 131 is pressed into the inner column 13, the steps 143 and 145 are formed in the inner column 13. The amount of impact energy absorbed gradually increases. In the case of the fifth embodiment, when the collapse progresses while the EA ring 131 is pressed into the inner column 13, the first to fourth ridges 146 to 149 sequentially come into contact with the EA ring 131 and then crush. As a result, the amount of impact energy absorbed increases stepwise. Thereby, in the third to fifth embodiments, the shock absorbing load increases as the collapse progresses as shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, and despite the short collapse stroke due to the presence of the electric assist mechanism 17 and the like, A relatively large impact energy absorption is achieved.
[0042]
FIG. 19 is a side view of the shock absorbing steering column device according to the sixth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, the same first and second EA rings 131 and 133 as those of the second embodiment described above are mounted on the inner column 13, but other than these, impact energy absorbing means is provided. In the present embodiment, an intermediate column 151 is interposed between the outer column equivalent member 15 and the inner column 13, and the intermediate column 151 is attached to both the outer column equivalent member 15 and the inner column 13 when the steering column 1 is collapsed. Slide against it. Thus, the collapse stroke S6 of the inner column 13 with respect to the intermediate column 151 and the collapse stroke S7 of the intermediate column 151 with respect to the outer column equivalent member 15 become the total collapse stroke of the steering column 1.
[0043]
The intermediate column 151 is held by a fixed bracket 3 similar to that of the second embodiment, but the fixed bracket 3 is attached to the vehicle body via a capsule 153. When a predetermined impact load is applied, the intermediate column 151 It falls off with it. A curling EA plate 157 having a U-shaped bent portion 155 is interposed between the fixed bracket 3 and the capsule 153, and a curling guide 159 is welded and integrated on the side surface of the fixed bracket 3. . The curling guide 159 is formed such that the distance between the curling guide 159 and the upper surface of the fixed bracket 3 decreases toward the rear.
[0044]
In the case of the sixth embodiment, when the driver collides with the steering wheel 41 due to inertia, as shown in FIG. 20, the inner column 13 starts to enter the intermediate column 151, and at the same time, the fixed bracket 3 And the intermediate column 151 starts to enter the outer column equivalent member 15. Then, the impact energy is absorbed by the first and second EA rings 131 and 133 according to the procedure described in the second embodiment in accordance with the collapse movement of the inner column 13, while the impact energy is also absorbed by the curling resistance of the EA plate 157. Absorption takes place. At this time, since the distance between the upper surface of the fixed bracket 3 and the curling guide 159 is narrowed rearward, in the EA plate 157, the curvature of the bent portion 155 gradually decreases as the collapse progresses, The curling resistance gradually increases, so that a relatively large absorption of collision energy is realized.
[0045]
In the sixth embodiment, by adopting such a configuration, it is possible to sufficiently increase the collapse stroke of the steering column 1 while providing the telescopic function and the electric assist mechanism 17, and to use three impact energy absorbing means. Since the impact energy is effectively absorbed, the safety at the time of the secondary collision can be significantly improved. In the sixth embodiment, the convexity employed in the fifth embodiment may be formed on the outer periphery of the intermediate column 151, the width of the EA plate 157 may be appropriately changed, or a steel wire or the like may be used. May be substituted for the EA wire.
[0046]
This concludes the description of specific embodiments, but aspects of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments. For example, in each of the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to a shock absorbing steering column apparatus having a tilt mechanism, a telescopic mechanism, and a column assist type electric assist mechanism, but does not include a tilt mechanism or a telescopic mechanism. Alternatively, the present invention may be applied to those having a rack assist type or pinion assist type electric assist mechanism, or those having a hydraulic assist mechanism. Further, the tilt holding means and the telescopic holding means are not limited to those described in the above embodiment, and as the energy absorbing means, a steel sheet is torn, or a steel ball is interposed between the inner column and the lower column. It is possible to adopt one that forms a plastic groove or the like. In addition, the entire configuration and the like of the steering column device can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.
[0047]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the shock absorbing steering apparatus of the present invention, the steering column rotatably supports, the steering column that collapses by a predetermined collapse load, and the vehicle according to the collapse of the steering column. Energy absorbing means for absorbing a secondary collision energy of an occupant at the time of a collision, wherein the amount of collision energy absorbed by the energy absorbing means increases as the collapse progresses. When the steering column collapses with a secondary collision of the driver, the amount of impact energy absorbed by the energy absorbing means increases stepwise or gradually. , Even if the collapse stroke is relatively small Person with relatively small impact applied, the total absorption of the impact energy secondary collision safety of the occupant is improved increased.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side view showing a passenger compartment side portion of a steering device according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a side view of a main part of the shock absorbing steering column device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation of the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a graph showing a relationship between a collapse amount and a shock absorbing load in a conventional device.
FIG. 7 is a graph showing a relationship between a collapse amount and a shock absorbing load in the first embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a side view of a shock absorbing steering column device according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a graph showing a relationship between a collapse amount and a shock absorbing load in a conventional device.
FIG. 11 is a graph showing a relationship between a collapse amount and a shock absorbing load in the second embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a side view of a main part of a shock absorbing steering column device according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a side view of a main part of a shock absorbing steering column device according to a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a side view of a main part of a shock absorbing steering column device according to a fifth embodiment.
15 is a sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is a graph showing a relationship between a collapse amount and a shock absorbing load in the third embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a graph showing a relationship between a collapse amount and a shock absorbing load in the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a graph showing a relationship between a collapse amount and a shock absorbing load in the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 19 is a side view of a shock absorbing steering column device according to a sixth embodiment.
FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the sixth embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ‥‥ steering column
3 ‥‥ Fixed bracket
5 ‥‥ pivot bracket
9 ‥‥ steering upper shaft
13 ‥‥ Inner column
15 ‥‥ Outer column equivalent member
17 ‥‥ electric assist mechanism
23 ‥‥ reduction gear housing
31 ‥‥ pivot pin
41 ‥‥ steering wheel
42 ‥‥ left stay
43 ‥‥ right stay
51 ‥‥ adjustment bolt
53 ‥‥ guide bolt
63mm clamp
75 ° guide pin
79 ‥‥ guide hole
87 ‥‥ cam mechanism
89 ‥‥ operation lever
105,107 Distance section
109mm slit
111 ‥‥ Telescopic Department
113 ‥‥ collapse section
121 ‥‥ adjustment nut
131 @ 1st EA ring (EA ring)
133 @ 2nd EA ring
135 ‥‥ telescopic damper
141 ‥‥ tapered part
143,145mm step
146 to 149 ‥‥ first to fourth ridges
151 ‥‥ middle column
153 capsules
155 bend
157 ‥‥ EA plate
159 Curling Guide

Claims (10)

A steering column that rotatably supports the steering shaft and collapses by a predetermined collapse load;
Energy absorbing means for absorbing occupant secondary collision energy at the time of a vehicle collision according to the collapse of the steering column;
In a shock absorbing steering column device equipped with
The amount of collision energy absorbed by the energy absorbing means increases as the collapse progresses. 2. The shock absorbing type steering column apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the amount of absorption of the collision energy by the energy absorbing means increases in a plurality of stages as the collapse progresses. 2. The shock absorbing steering column device according to claim 1, wherein an amount of collision energy absorbed by said energy absorbing means gradually increases as the collapse progresses. A steering column that rotatably supports the steering shaft and collapses by a predetermined collapse load;
An energy absorbing means for absorbing secondary collision energy of an occupant at the time of a vehicle collision in accordance with the collapse of the steering column.
An impact-absorbing steering column device, wherein a plurality of the energy absorbing means are provided. The shock absorbing type steering column device according to claim 4, wherein the amount of collision energy absorbed by at least one of the energy absorbing means increases as the collapse progresses. The shock absorbing steering column device according to claim 4, wherein the amount of collision energy absorbed by at least one of the energy absorbing means increases in a plurality of stages as the collapse progresses. The shock absorbing type steering column device according to claim 4, wherein the amount of collision energy absorbed by at least one of the energy absorbing means gradually increases as the collapse progresses. 5. The shock absorbing steering column device according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the energy absorbing means does not absorb the collision energy until the collapse advances by a predetermined amount. 9. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of a tilt adjusting unit provided for adjusting an angle of the steering column and a telescopic adjusting unit provided for adjusting an axial position of the steering column. 10. Shock absorbing steering column device. A first column supported by the vehicle body-side member, and a second column that fits into the first column and enters the first column during the collapse,
The shock-absorbing steering column device according to claim 1, wherein the first column is provided with an electric assist mechanism for assisting a steering force of the steering wheel.

Images