Patent ID: 7070206
Filing Date: 2006-07-04
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. An impact absorbing type steering column apparatus provided with a collision energy absorbing device which absorbs energy of a secondary collision of an occupant upon a collision of a vehicle, said apparatus comprising: an energy absorption quantity adjusting device which changes a secondary collision energy absorption quantity of said collision energy absorbing device; at least one sensor which detects a condition of the occupant or the vehicle; an electric control device which controls a drive of said energy absorption quantity adjusting device based on a result of detection by said sensor; a steering column rotatably supporting said steering shaft; and a bracket fixed to a vehicle body, said bracket supporting said steering column and allowing said steering column to be released therefrom in response to an impact load equal to or larger than a predetermined value, wherein said collision energy absorbing device is provided between said steering column and said bracket, and causes fracture, or bending deformation and fracture, of an energy absorbing member composed of a metal plate with a shift of said steering column.