Patent ID: 8733793
Filing Date: 2014-05-27
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. A steering column support apparatus adapted for installation on a vehicle body defining forward and rearward directions and comprising a steering column having an axial direction, the steering column support apparatus comprising: a fastening bracket located on a vehicle side of the steering column support apparatus, the fastening bracket comprising a locking hole that is located in a center section in a width direction of the fastening bracket and extends in the axial direction of the steering column, the fastening bracket being fastened to and supported by the vehicle body such that the fastening bracket does not displace in the forward direction of the vehicle body during a secondary collision; a support bracket located on a steering column side of the steering column support apparatus, the support bracket being supported by the steering column; a locking capsule that has a width direction and comprises a base section and a top section, the base section being positioned inside the locking hole of the fastening bracket and having a width dimension that is equal to or less than a width dimension of the locking hole, the top section having a width dimension that is larger than the width dimension of the locking hole, and having oppositely-disposed flange sections that protrude further in the width direction of the locking capsule than the base section, the locking capsule being fastened to the support bracket so that the base section is engaged in the locking hole in the width direction of the locking capsule, and the flange sections are located on the fastening bracket on opposite sides of the locking hole; a connecting member that is made of a material that shears due to an impact load that is applied during the secondary collision, and that, with the base section of the locking capsule positioned inside the locking hole, connects the locking capsule and the fastening bracket, the support bracket being supported by the fastening bracket by way of the locking capsule and the connecting member such that the support bracket is displaced with the steering column due to an impact load that is applied during a secondary collision; a plurality of through holes in the flange sections of the locking capsule, notch sections in portions of the fastening bracket that are aligned with the through holes and open toward the locking hole, and the connecting member being provided such that the connecting member spans between the through holes and the notch sections; and part of the material of the connecting member penetrating between an inner surface of the locking hole and a surface of the locking capsule that faces the inner surface of the locking hole, and covering at least part of a space that exists between the inner surface of the locking hole and the surface of the locking capsule that faces the inner surface of the locking hole.