Patent ID: 6224104
Filing Date: 2001-05-01
Classification: B62D,F16F

Abstract:
An impact-absorbing steering column device, comprising:a steering column supporting a steering shaft to be rotatable;an upper bracket supporting a rearward portion of said steering column;a connecting device which holds the upper bracket to a body of a vehicle and which, when an impact load not less than a predetermined value is applied to said steering column, releases said upper bracket to allow said steering column to move;a lower bracket secured to the body of the vehicle and to which a forward portion of said steering column is releasably supported such that said forward portion of said steering column is released in response to said impact load to allow the movement of said steering column; andan energy absorbing device provided between said lower bracket and said steering column so as to absorb impact energy when said steering column is moved due to the impact load,wherein said energy absorbing device includes:a metallic wire having first and second portions extending substantially in parallel and a connection portion integrally continuous to said first and second portions, said first and second portions being respectively extended to non-restrained end portions through bent back portions formed substantially equidistant from said connection portion;a restraint portion which is secured to the vehicle body and disposed between said connection portion and said bent back portions so as to restrain said connection portion when said steering column is moved due to the impact load; anda coupler which is secured to the forward portion of said steering column and provided with a pin around which said bent back portions of said wire pass and against which said bent back portions are born,whereby when said steering column is moved due to the impact load, said coupler is moved together with said steering column, and moves said wire through said pin with said connection portion restrained at said restraint portion, so that said first and second portions of said wire are drawn by said pin and plastically deformed to absorb the impact load.