JP2002362378A - Support mechanism for steering system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simplify the constitution of a support mechanism for a steering system having an energy absorbing function different in the absorption quantity of impact energy according to the predicted impact force predicted to be received by a driver from the steering column side. SOLUTION: This support mechanism for the steering system for supporting the steering column to a part of a vehicle body comprises an energy absorbing member 23 provided on the steering column 11 side or the vehicle body side; a deformation operating member 22 provided on the vehicle body side or the steering column 11 side to deform the energy absorbing member 23 when the steering column 11 moves relatively to the vehicle body; and a deformation property adjusting means 24 provided on the steering column 11 side or the vehicle body side to change the deformation property of the energy absorbing member 23.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a support mechanism for a steering device for an automobile.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a steering apparatus for a vehicle, an airbag is provided on a steering wheel, and a means for absorbing a driver's impact force on the steering wheel by operating the airbag at the time of a frontal collision of a vehicle is employed. Most of them have an energy absorbing mechanism for absorbing the impact force transmitted to the steering wheel, and some have both an airbag and an energy absorbing mechanism. A steering device using both an airbag and an energy absorbing mechanism takes into account that the impact force on a driver at the time of a frontal collision of a vehicle greatly differs depending on whether or not a seat belt is worn.

[0003]

By the way, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
The steering apparatus disclosed in JP-A-113954 does not only absorb the impact force to the driver by the operation of an airbag provided on the steering wheel but also pulls the steering column forward of the vehicle depending on whether or not the driver wears a seat belt. By doing so, it is intended that the distance between the steering wheel and the driver be maintained at an appropriate distance to further reduce the impact force.

In the steering apparatus, in order to interlock the airbag and the column moving mechanism, the members forming the interlocking state between the airbag and the column moving mechanism, and the interlocking relation between the airbag and the column moving mechanism are determined. Equipped with a control device to control. For this reason, in the steering device, various components for interlocking the airbag and the column moving mechanism are arranged around the steering column, which complicates the structure of the steering device and reduces costs. It will increase significantly.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a predicted impact force that is expected to be received by the driver from the steering column side from the presence or absence of the driver's seat belt, vehicle speed, driver's physique, etc. (Always calculated based on the signal from the sensor.) The structure of the support mechanism of the steering device, which has an energy absorption function that absorbs different amounts of impact energy, irrespective of the airbag and simplifies the structure Is to do.

[0006]

The present invention relates to a support mechanism for a steering apparatus, and more particularly, to a support mechanism for a steering apparatus for supporting a steering column rotatably supporting a steering shaft in a circumferential direction on a part of a vehicle body. Basically, the support mechanism according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 1) includes an energy absorbing member provided on the steering column side or the vehicle body side, and an energy absorbing member provided on the steering body side or the vehicle body side. Deformation means provided on the steering column side for deforming the energy absorbing member when the steering column moves relative to the vehicle body, and changing the deformation action on the energy absorbing member provided on the steering column side or the vehicle body side. Characterized in that it is provided with a deformation characteristic varying means that performs

The first support mechanism (the invention according to claims 2 to 10) of the support mechanism of the steering device according to the present invention comprises a support member fixed to the steering column and front and rear members provided on the support member. A support pin, which is attached to a part of the vehicle body through a long hole extending in the direction and supports the steering column to the vehicle body via the support member, and the support pin provided on the support member moves the long hole relative to the long hole. Energy absorbing member that can be deformed by the support pin when the vehicle is driven, and a predicted impact force that the driver expects to receive from the steering column the amount of deformation acting on the energy absorbing member (when the driver wears the seat belt when the vehicle is running) Is constantly calculated based on signals from various sensors that detect the presence or absence of a vehicle, vehicle speed, driver's physique, etc.) Includes a stage, the deformation characteristics changing means is
It is characterized in that the amount of deformation acting on the energy absorbing member is small when the predicted impact force is small and large when the predicted impact force is large.

Further, a second mechanism in the support mechanism according to the present invention is provided.
The support mechanism (the invention according to claims 11 and 12) is an energy absorbing member mounted on the vehicle body side and relatively moving in the longitudinal direction of the steering column, and the energy absorbing member provided on the steering column side And a deformation means for deforming the energy absorbing member during relative movement of the energy absorbing member, and operating in response to a predicted impact force predicted by the driver from the steering column side to change a deformation action amount of the deformation means on the energy absorbing member. Deformation characteristic varying means, wherein the deformation characteristic varying means functions to reduce the amount of deformation acting on the energy absorbing member when the predicted impact force is small and to increase the amount of deformation when the predicted impact force is large. Things.

[0009]

In the steering device supported by the first support mechanism according to the present invention, at the time of a frontal collision of the vehicle, the driver moves forward and interferes with the steering wheel to move the steering column forward. May be moved to In this case, the support pin supporting the steering column relatively moves to the rear of the vehicle with a force corresponding to the impact force through the long hole of the support member. During the relative movement of the support pins, the support pins deform the energy absorbing member to absorb the impact energy, and reduce the impact force of the driver on the steering wheel.

In this case, for example, when the predicted impact force that the driver expects to receive from the steering column side is large, such as when the driver does not wear the seat belt (when the driver does not wear the seat belt), Since the amount of deformation acting on the energy absorbing member is greatly changed by the deformation characteristic varying means, the energy absorbing member exhibits a large amount of energy absorption. Also, for example, when the driver wears the seat belt (when the driver wears the seat belt),
When the predicted impact force predicted to be received by the driver from the steering column side is small, the amount of deformation acting on the energy absorbing member is changed to be small by the operation of the deformation characteristic variable means, so that it is predicted that the driver receives from the steering column side. It exhibits a smaller energy absorption compared to when the predicted impact force is large.

Also, in the steering device supported by the second support mechanism according to the present invention, at the time of a frontal collision of the vehicle, the driver moves forward and interferes with the steering wheel to move the steering column forward. May be caused. In this case, the deforming means on the steering column side moves relative to the energy absorbing member on the vehicle body side, and the energy absorbing member is deformed by the deforming means and absorbs impact energy during the relative movement, so that the driver's Reduce the impact force on the steering wheel.

[0012] In this case, for example, when the predicted impact force predicted to be received by the driver from the steering column side is large, such as when the driver does not wear a seat belt, the amount of deformation acting on the energy absorbing member is changed by the deformation characteristic. Since the energy absorbing member is largely changed by the variable means, the energy absorbing member exhibits a large amount of energy absorption. Further, for example, when the predicted impact force predicted to be received by the driver from the steering column side is small, such as when the driver wears a seat belt, the amount of deformation acting on the energy absorbing member is reduced by the deformation characteristic variable means. Therefore, a smaller amount of energy is absorbed as compared to when the predicted impact force predicted by the driver from the steering column is large.

As described above, the first and second support mechanisms according to the present invention have the function of varying the amount of impact energy absorbed in accordance with the predicted impact force predicted by the driver from the steering column side. In this structure, a support mechanism indispensable for supporting the steering device on a part of the vehicle body is effectively used. For this reason, the support mechanism has a relatively simple structure and low cost, does not require a complicated structure of the steering device, and can suppress a significant increase in cost.

In the first support mechanism according to the present invention,
As the deformation characteristic varying means, various deformation characteristic varying means as described below can be suitably employed. The first deformation characteristic varying means (the invention according to claim 4) is operated in accordance with the predicted impact force predicted by the driver from the steering column side, and moves through the engagement hole provided in the energy absorbing member. When the predicted impact force is large, the shearing action pin is caused to enter the engaging hole of the energy absorbing member and engage therewith, thereby applying a shearing force to the energy absorbing member when the energy absorbing member is deformed. To do it. Thereby, the energy absorption amount of the energy absorbing member can be large when the predicted impact force is large and small when the predicted impact force is small. As a means for driving the shearing action pin, it is preferable to employ a solenoid, and it is preferable to control the energization of the solenoid according to a predicted impact force predicted to be received by the driver from the steering column side. .

[0015] The second support mechanism in the first support mechanism according to the present invention.
The deformation characteristic varying means (the invention according to claim 5) operates in response to a predicted impact force predicted to be received by the driver from the steering column side and moves through a slit-shaped hole provided in the energy absorbing member. The deformation action is such that the deformation action pin enters the slit-shaped hole of the energy absorbing member when the predicted impact force is large, and expands the slit-shaped hole of the energy absorbing member when the energy absorbing member is deformed. Apply force. Thereby, the energy absorption amount of the energy absorbing member can be large when the predicted impact force is large and small when the predicted impact force is small. In addition, it is preferable to employ a solenoid as a means for driving the deformation action pin, and it is preferable to control the energization of the solenoid according to a predicted impact force predicted to be received by the driver from the steering column side. .

Further, as the deformation action pin as the second deformation characteristic variable means, a deformation action pin exhibiting a tapered shape or a stepped shape gradually tapering can be adopted (the invention according to claim 6). In this case, it is preferable to control the amount of the deformation action pin entering the slit-shaped hole according to the magnitude of the predicted impact force. Thereby, the energy absorbing member can exhibit the energy absorption amount corresponding to the predicted impact force.

In the first support mechanism according to the present invention,
The deformation characteristic varying means (the invention according to claim 7) is a handling pin which operates in response to a predicted impact force predicted to be received by the driver from the steering column side and moves forward and backward with respect to the energy absorbing member. The handling pin is brought into contact with the energy absorbing member when the predicted impact force is large, so as to apply the handling force to the energy absorbing member when the energy absorbing member is deformed. Thereby, the energy absorption amount of the energy absorbing member can be large when the predicted impact force is large and small when the predicted impact force is small. In addition, it is preferable to employ a solenoid as a means for driving the handling pin, and it is preferable to control the energization of the solenoid according to a predicted impact force predicted to be received by the driver from the steering column side. .

The fourth support mechanism according to the first aspect of the present invention.
The deformation characteristic varying means (the invention according to claim 8) moves in accordance with the predicted impact force predicted by the driver from the steering column side to move the pair of bent plates having different deformation characteristics and being parallel to each other. It is an interference member that is selectively abutted, and the interference member abuts on the higher bending plate having a higher deformation characteristic when the driver does not wear the seat belt,
The bent plate is deformed. Thereby, the energy absorption amount of the energy absorbing member can be large when the predicted impact force is large and small when the predicted impact force is small. As the driving means of the interference member, an electric motor driven in accordance with the predicted impact force predicted by the driver from the steering column side is employed, and the driving of the motor causes the interference member to be moved to either of the two bent plates. It is preferable to selectively move the crab.

The fifth support mechanism according to the first aspect of the present invention.
The deformation characteristic changing means (invention according to claim 9) moves forward and backward with respect to the energy absorbing member in accordance with the predicted impact force predicted by the driver from the steering column side to change the bent arrangement state of the energy absorbing member. This is a tapered slide pin that is changed, and the energy absorbing member is brought into a large bent state when the driver does not wear the seat belt by the interference action of the slide pin. Thereby, the energy absorption amount of the energy absorbing member can be large when the predicted impact force is large and small when the predicted impact force is small. In addition, as the driving means of the slide pin, a solenoid driven according to the predicted impact force predicted to be received by the driver from the steering column side is adopted, and the predicted impact force predicted to be received by the driver from the steering column side is adopted. It is preferable that the power supply to the solenoid is controlled accordingly.

The sixth support mechanism according to the first aspect of the present invention.
Means for changing the bending state of the energy absorbing member by moving forward and backward with respect to the energy absorbing member according to the predicted impact force predicted to be received by the driver from the steering column side. When the predicted impact force is large, the arrangement state of the energy absorbing member is set to a large bent state by the interference action of the interference pin. Thereby, the energy absorption amount of the energy absorbing member can be large when the predicted impact force is large and small when the predicted impact force is small. As the driving means of the interference pin, a solenoid driven in accordance with the predicted impact force predicted by the driver from the steering column side is adopted, and the solenoid is driven by the predicted impact force predicted by the driver from the steering column side. It is preferable that the power supply to the solenoid is controlled accordingly.

Further, in the second support mechanism according to the present invention, a pair of holding members for deforming the energy absorbing member by holding the energy absorbing member from both sides is adopted as the deforming means. In this case, as the deformation characteristic changing means, a driving means for changing the holding interval of the two holding members with respect to the energy absorbing member by operating in accordance with the predicted impact force predicted by the driver from the steering column side. Is adopted. Thereby, the energy absorption amount of the energy absorbing member can be large when the predicted impact force is large and small when the predicted impact force is small. In addition, as a driving means of both holding members, an electric motor driven according to a predicted impact force predicted to be received by the driver from the steering column side, and a pair of sector gears rotated by the electric motor are employed. It is preferable to arrange each holding member in the sector gear.

[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 and 2 show a steering apparatus employing a first support mechanism according to the present invention. The steering device 10a includes a steering column 11,
The steering column 12 has a steering shaft 12 inserted therein. The steering shaft 12 is rotatably supported in the steering column 11 in the circumferential direction.

In the steering device 10a,
The rear of the steering column 11 is supported by a part of the vehicle body (not shown) via an upper support bracket 13, and the front of the steering column 11 is a first support mechanism 20.
It is supported by a part of the vehicle body (not shown) via a. In the steering device 10a, when assembled to a vehicle, a front end of the steering shaft 12 is connected to a steering link mechanism (not shown), and a steering wheel (not shown) is assembled to a rear end of the steering shaft 12. Attached.

The upper support bracket 13 is
A bracket that is attached to a part of the vehicle body and supports the steering column 11 so that the steering column 11 can be broken forward. When a predetermined load is applied to the steering column 11 toward the front of the vehicle, the steering column 11 is detached from the front. It can be moved to. Further, the upper support bracket 13 is provided with a lock mechanism of a tilt mechanism, and reference numeral 14 denotes an operation lever for operating the lock mechanism to perform a lock operation and an unlock operation.

Thus, the first support mechanism 20a has the structure shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 3, a support bracket 2 as a support member
1, a support pin 22, a bending plate 23 as an energy absorbing member, and an engaging device 24 as a deformation characteristic varying means.

The support bracket 21 has a gate shape and is horizontally long when viewed from the front and rear.
A long hole 21b that extends obliquely upward from a portion slightly forward from the center to the rear is formed opposite to 1a. The long hole 21b has a circular hole 21b1 which is a base end,
A band-shaped hole 21b2 extending obliquely upward rearward from the circular hole 21b1 and a narrow portion 21b3 connecting these two holes 21b1 and 21b2 are formed.
1b2 has a width substantially the same as the diameter of the circular hole 21b1. The support bracket 21 includes the left and right side walls 2.
At the lower end of 1a, it is fixed to the upper part of the outer periphery of the steering column 11.

The support pin 22 is attached to the lower support bracket 15 fixed to a part of the vehicle body while penetrating the elongated hole 21b of the support bracket 21, and is attached to the lower support bracket 15. Then, the front end of the steering column 11 is supported by a part of the vehicle body via a support bracket 21 so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction. The support pin 22 is located in a state of being inserted into the circular hole 21b1 in the long hole 21b of the support bracket 21, and is moved relative to the support bracket 21 (relative movement) so that the narrow portion 21 is moved.
It moves over b3 and moves backward in the band-shaped hole 21b2.

The bent plate 23 is formed by bending the rear end side of a plate having a predetermined width by approximately 360 degrees.
An upper wall portion 23a and a lower wall portion 23b facing each other at a predetermined interval, an arcuate wall portion 23c connecting these two wall portions 23a and 23b at a rear end side, and a right angle from a front end portion of the lower wall portion 23b. The standing wall portion 23d is configured to stand upright.

The bent plate 23 is formed in the side wall 21a of the support bracket 21 by the circular hole 2 of the long hole 21b.
1b1, a plurality of pins 2 planted around the outer circumference
1c, is welded and fixed to the support bracket 21 in a state where it is positioned, surrounds the support pin 22 in the support bracket 21, positions the upright wall portion 23d at the front side of the support pin 22, and forms an arc-shaped wall portion. 23c crosses the strip-shaped hole 21b2 of the elongated hole 21b on the rear side of the support pin 22.

In the bent plate 23, as shown in FIG. 4, upper and lower grooves 23e1 and 23e2 extending in the length direction are formed at the center in the width direction of the upper side wall 23a, and both the grooves 23e1 and 23e2 are formed. A circular engagement hole 23e3 is formed at the rear end of the
A notch groove 23e4 is formed to be connected to 1, 23e2.

The engagement device 24 includes a solenoid 24a, and a shearing pin 24b which moves forward and backward by energizing and interrupting (energizing control) the solenoid 24a.
4a is fixed to the support bracket 21 by fixing the front end of the upper wall 21d of the support bracket 21. In this engagement state, the engagement device 24 is configured such that the shearing action pin 24b penetrates the upper wall 21d of the support bracket 21, and faces the engagement hole 23e3 of the upper wall 23a of the bent plate 23 so as to be able to advance and retreat. I have.

In the engagement device 24, the solenoid 24
5A, the shearing action pin 24b projects.
As shown in FIG.
3 when the solenoid 24a is not energized, and when the solenoid 24a is not energized, as shown in FIG.
Retreats upward, withdraws from the engagement hole 23e3 of the bending plate 23, and becomes a non-engagement state. The solenoid 24a is energized when the engine is started, and is kept energized when the driver does not wear the seat belt (wearing / non-wearing is detected by a sensor provided on the driver's seat belt). When the driver wears the seat belt, the driver is de-energized. The energization / de-energization of the solenoid 24a can be set in a manner opposite to that described above.

In the steering device 10a supported by the first support mechanism 20a having such a structure, when the driver moves forward and interferes with the steering wheel during a frontal collision of the vehicle, the steering shaft 12 and the steering column 11 are moved. It is moved forward together with the support bracket 21.

Thus, the support pin 22 constituting the support mechanism 20a for supporting the steering column 11 relatively moves rearward in the elongated hole 21b of the support bracket 21 with a force corresponding to the impact force. When the support pins 22 move relative to each other, the support pins 22 deform the bent plate 23 so as to extend the bent state, thereby absorbing impact energy. Therefore, the impact energy of the driver on the steering wheel is absorbed by the action of the support mechanism 20a, and the impact force of the driver on the steering wheel is reduced.

Thus, in the support mechanism 20a, when the driver does not wear the seat belt (when the predicted impact force predicted to be received by the driver from the steering column side is large), the engagement device 24 is configured. Solenoid 24a
Is in an energized state, and the shearing action pin 24b is in the state shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, the bending plate 23 has entered and engaged with the engagement hole 23e3 of the bending plate 23. For this reason, the bending plate 23 is stretched and deformed rearward of the vehicle with the shearing action pin 24b as a base point, and at this time, the shearing action pin 24b passes through the two notches 23e1
Moving to 23e2, the bending plate 23 is sheared.

For this reason, when the driver does not wear the seat belt, the support pin 22, which relatively moves rearward in the event of an impact, extends the bent plate 23 and deforms it. At the same time, the bent plate 23 is formed along the grooves 23e1 and 23e2. Shear force is applied. Therefore, the amount of impact energy absorbed by the support mechanism 20a is large.

On the other hand, when the driver wears the seat belt (when the predicted impact force predicted to be received by the driver from the steering column side is small), the solenoid 24a constituting the engagement device 24 is not energized. In this case, the shearing pin 24b is connected to the bending plate 23 as shown in FIG.
From the engaging hole 23e3. For this reason, the bending plate 23 is stretched rearward and deformed without using the shearing action pin 24 b as a base point. In this case, the shearing action pin 24 b applies a shearing action force to the bending plate 23. There is no. Therefore, the amount of impact energy absorbed by the support mechanism 20a is smaller than when the driver does not wear the seat belt.

As described above, the support mechanism 20a has a variable absorption amount of impact energy depending on whether the driver wears the seat belt (according to the predicted impact force predicted to be received by the driver from the steering column side). It has a function and is configured by effectively utilizing a support mechanism indispensable for supporting the steering device 10a on a part of the vehicle body. For this reason, the support mechanism 20a
The structure can be relatively simple and inexpensive, and the steering device 10a can be prevented from having a complicated structure, and the increase in cost can be greatly suppressed. In addition, in addition to the presence or absence of the driver's seat belt, a predicted impact force is calculated based on signals from various sensors that detect the vehicle speed, the driver's physique, and the like (always calculated when the vehicle is running). It is also possible to carry out in this manner.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a second support mechanism 20b as a first support mechanism according to the present invention. The second support mechanism 20b has the first support mechanism 20a as a basic configuration, and the engaging device 25 employed is the first support mechanism 20a.
This is different from the engagement device 24 of FIG. Accordingly, in the second support mechanism 20b, the same components and the same components as those of the first support mechanism 20a are denoted by the same reference numerals, and
A detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Thus, the engaging device 25 employed in the second support mechanism 20b includes a solenoid 25a and a deformable pin 2 which moves forward and backward by controlling the energization of the solenoid 25a.
5b, and the solenoid 25a is attached to the support bracket 2
1 is attached to the support bracket 21 by being fixed to the front end of the upper wall 21d. The engagement device 25 includes:
In this mounting state, the deformation action pin 25b penetrates the upper wall 21d of the support bracket 21, and faces the base end of the slit hole 23f of the bent plate 23 so as to be able to advance and retreat. The deformation action pin 25b may have a stepped shape that gradually tapers like the deformation action pin 25b1 shown in FIG. 8A, and the deformation action pin 25 shown in FIG.
As in b2, the tapered shape may be gradually tapered.

In the engagement device 25, the solenoid 25
a, the deformation action pin 25b moves forward and enters the slit hole 23f of the bending plate 23, and when the solenoid 25a is de-energized, the deformation action pin 25b
Is retracted upward and the slit hole 23f of the bending plate 23
Exit from In the engagement device 25, the solenoid 24a is energized when the engine is started, is kept energized when the driver does not wear the seat belt, and is de-energized when the driver wears the seat belt. The energization / de-energization of the solenoid 24a can be set in a manner opposite to that described above.

In the steering device 10a supported by the second support mechanism 20b having such a configuration, when the driver moves forward and interferes with the steering wheel during a frontal collision of the vehicle, the steering shaft 12 and the steering column 11 are moved. It is moved forward together with the support bracket 21.

Thus, the support pins 22 constituting the support mechanism 20b for supporting the steering column 11 relatively move rearward in the elongated holes 21b of the support bracket 21 with a force corresponding to the impact force. When the support pins 22 move relative to each other, the support pins 22 deform the bent plate 23 so as to extend the bent state, thereby absorbing impact energy. Therefore, the impact energy of the driver on the steering wheel is absorbed by the operation of the support mechanism 20b, and the impact force of the driver on the steering wheel is reduced.

Thus, in the support mechanism 20b, when the driver does not wear the seat belt, the engagement device 25
Is in an energized state, and the deformation action pin 25b is in a state of entering the slit hole 23f of the bending plate 23 as shown in FIG. For this reason, the bending plate 23 is stretched rearward from the deformation action pin 25b as a base point and deformed, and at this time, the deformation action pin 25b moves relative to the bending plate 23, and the both side edges of the slit hole 23f. Deform the part.

For this reason, when the driver does not wear the seat belt, the support pins 22, which relatively move rearward in the event of an impact, extend the bent plate 23 and deform, and at the same time, the bent plate 23 has both side edges of the slit holes 23f. Is applied. Therefore, the support mechanism 20
The amount of impact energy absorption at b is large.

On the other hand, when the driver wears the seat belt, the solenoid 25a constituting the engagement device 25 is in a non-energized state, the deformation action pin 25b is retracted upward, and the slit hole of the bending plate 23 is formed. He has exited from 23f. For this reason, the bending plate 23 is
There is no deformation effect from 5b. Therefore, the amount of impact energy absorbed by the support mechanism 20b is smaller than when the driver does not wear the seat belt.

In the support device 25, the amount of current applied to the solenoid 25a when the driver does not fasten the seat belt is determined by the presence or absence of the driver's seat belt, the vehicle speed, the physique of the driver, and the like. The control can be performed according to the magnitude of the predicted impact force predicted to be received by the driver from the side. Accordingly, when the predicted impact force is large, the projecting length of the deforming pin 25b is reduced, and in the deforming pin 25b1 shown in FIG. FIG. 8 (b)
In the deformation action pin 25b2 shown in FIG. 7, a thick tapered portion can be engaged with the slit hole 23f.
Therefore, in this case, the amount of impact energy absorbed by the support mechanism 20b can be increased.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a third support mechanism 20c as a first support mechanism according to the present invention. Third
The support mechanism 20c basically has the first support mechanism 20a, and is different in that a handling device 26 is provided instead of the engagement device 24 of the first support mechanism 20a. Therefore, the third
In the support mechanism 20c, the same components and the same components as those of the first support mechanism 20a are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The handling device 26 employed in the third support mechanism 20c includes a fixed pin 26a and a movable pin 26a.
b, and a solenoid 26 connected to the movable pin 26b
c. The fixing pin 26 a is
It is attached to the front part of one side wall part 21a and is positioned in a bridge-like manner. The solenoid 26c is attached to the outside of the one side wall 21a of the support member 21, and moves the movable pin 26b from the side of the one side wall 21a to the other side wall 21a.
It is held so as to be able to advance and retreat to the inner surface side. Fixing pin 26a
Is located at the front lower bending portion 23a1 in the upper wall portion 23a of the bending plate 23, and the movable pin 26b
Are located at the rear upper bending portion 23a2 of the upper side wall portion 23a of the bending plate 23 so as to be able to advance and retreat.

The movable pin 26b protrudes when the solenoid 26c is energized, so that the movable pin 26b
The movable pin 26b is located at the rear upper bent portion 23a2 in FIG. 3a, and moves away from the upper bent portion 23a2 when the solenoid 25a is not energized. Solenoid 2
6c is energized when the engine is started, is kept energized when the driver does not wear the seat belt, and is de-energized when the driver wears the seat belt. The energization / de-energization of the solenoid 24a can be set in a manner opposite to that described above.

In the steering device 10a supported by the third support mechanism 20c having such a structure, when the driver moves forward and interferes with the steering wheel during a frontal collision of the vehicle, the steering shaft 12 and the steering column 11 are moved. It is moved forward together with the support bracket 21.

Thus, the support pins 22 constituting the support mechanism 20c for supporting the steering column 11 relatively move rearward in the elongated holes 21b of the support bracket 21 with a force corresponding to the impact force. When the support pins 22 move relative to each other, the support pins 22 deform the bent plate 23 so as to extend the bent state, thereby absorbing impact energy. Therefore, the impact energy of the driver on the steering wheel is absorbed by the operation of the support mechanism 20c, and the impact force of the driver on the steering wheel is reduced.

Thus, in the support mechanism 20c, when the driver does not wear the seat belt, the handling device 26
Is in an energized state, and the movable pin 26b protrudes as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, and is located at the upper bending portion 23a2 of the bending plate 23. For this reason, the bending plate 23 is
The movable pin 26b and the fixed pin 26a handle the bending plate 23 by being stretched rearward and deformed from the base point b.

As a result, when the driver does not wear the seat belt, the support pins 22, which relatively move rearward in the event of an impact, elongate and deform the bent plate 23. At the same time, the fixed pins 26a and the movable pins 26b Receives the acting force from both. Therefore, the support mechanism 2
The amount of impact energy absorption at 0c is large.

On the other hand, when the driver wears the seat belt, the solenoid 26c constituting the handling device 26 is in a non-energized state, and the movable pin 26b is
Is separated from the upper bent portion 23a2 of the upper side. For this reason,
The bending plate 23 is stretched and deformed rearward of the vehicle with the fixed pin 26a as a base point.
b does not receive any acting force, and the fixing pin 26
It receives the acting force only from a. Therefore, the amount of impact energy absorbed by the support mechanism 20c is smaller than when the driver does not wear the seat belt.

FIG. 11 shows a fourth support mechanism 20d as the first support mechanism according to the present invention. Fourth support mechanism 2
0d has the first support mechanism 20a as a basic configuration, but employs two bending plates 23A and 23B having different thicknesses as bending plates and employs a deformation characteristic variable device 27. , The first support mechanism 20a. Therefore, in the fourth support mechanism 20d, the same components and the same components as those of the first support mechanism 20a are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Thus, in the supporting mechanism 20d, the bending plates 23A and 23B have different deformation characteristics. The bending plate 23A is thick and has high deformation characteristics, and the bending plate 23B Has a small thickness and low deformation characteristics. Double bending plate 23
A and 23B are bent in the same manner as the bending plate 23 and are arranged on the support bracket 21 in a state of being parallel to each other, but arcuate bent portions 23g1 and 23g2 are formed in the middle of the upper side wall 23a. Have been. The deformation characteristics of the bent plates 23A and 23B can be made different by changing the widths and materials of the bent plates 23A and 23B.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, the deformation characteristic varying device 27 includes an electric motor 27a and a motor 2a.
The output shaft 7a comprises a screw shaft 27b integrated with the output shaft, and a nut member 27c which is screwed onto the screw shaft 27b so as to be able to advance and retreat. The motor 27a is attached to the outer surface of one of the side wall portions 21a of the support bracket 21, and the screw shaft 27b rotatably penetrates the side wall portion 21a to pass over the bending portions 23g1 and 23g2 of the bending plates 23A and 23B. Extending. The nut member 27c is screwed eccentrically to the screw shaft 27b, and is engaged with one or both of the bending portions 23g1 and 23g2 of the bending plate 23. Note that the nut member 27c can be implemented with a non-circular cross section.

In the variable deformation characteristic device 27, the motor 27a is driven depending on whether or not the driver wears the seat belt.
When the driver does not wear the seat belt, as shown in FIG. 13B, the nut member 2 is selectively moved to and engaged with any one of the bent portions 23g1 and 23g2.
7c is located at the bending portion 23g1 of the bending plate 23A having a large thickness and high deformation characteristics, and when the driver wears the seat belt, as shown in FIG. Bending part 2 of 23B
3g2.

Therefore, in the support mechanism 20d,
When the driver does not wear the seat belt, the support pins 22 that relatively move rearward in the event of an impact are bent plates 23A, 23.
B is elongated and deformed, and at the same time, a bending deformation acting force by the nut member 27c is applied to the thick plate 23A having a high deformation characteristic. As a result, the impact when the driver does not wear the seat belt is imposed. The amount of energy absorption is large.

On the other hand, when the driver wears the seat belt, the support pins 22 which relatively move rearward in the event of an impact,
The bending plates 23A and 23B are stretched and deformed, and at the same time, the bending deformation action force by the nut member 27c is applied to the thin and low bending characteristics of the bending plate 23B. As a result, when the driver wears the seat belt. Is smaller than when the driver does not wear the seat belt.

In the supporting mechanism 20d, the nut member 2 is controlled by controlling the driving of the motor 27a.
7c, as shown in FIG.
It can be positioned over both bending portions 23g1 and 23g2 of 3A and 23B. In this state, the nut member 2
7c, both bending plates 23A and 23B can be simultaneously bent and deformed, and the amount of impact energy absorbed can be further increased. In the case of a large physique driver, FIG.
The driving of the motor 27a may be controlled so that the state shown in FIG. 3C and the state shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 shows a fifth support mechanism 20e which is the first support mechanism according to the present invention. Fifth support mechanism 2
Reference numeral 0e designates the first support mechanism 20a as a basic configuration. However, the first support mechanism 20a is different from the first support mechanism 20a in that a slide pin device 28 is used instead of the engagement device of the first support mechanism 20a. This is different from the mechanism 20a. Therefore, in the fifth support mechanism 20e, the same components and the same components as those in the first support mechanism 20a are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The slide pin device 28 constituting the support mechanism 20e has a wedge-shaped slide pin (slide plate) 28a having a substantially right-angled triangle in side view, and an inclined support for slidably holding the slide pin 28a. It comprises a member 28b and driving means (not shown) for moving the slide pin 28a forward and backward. The driving means may be an electric means for moving forward and backward by a solenoid, or a mechanical means for pushing back by a cable.

The slide pin 28a is
As shown in FIG. 14B, in the initial state in which the driving means is not operated, the upper side wall portion of the bent plate 23 is orthogonally positioned in contact with the lower surface of the upper side wall portion 23a. When the driver wears the seat belt, the driving means is activated, and the driving means is activated, as shown in FIG.
4 (c), the upper side wall 2 of the bent plate 23
3a is retracted by a predetermined amount.

In the steering device 10a supported by the fifth support mechanism 20e having such a structure, when the driver moves forward and interferes with the steering wheel during a frontal collision of the vehicle, the steering shaft 12 and the steering column 11 are moved. It is moved forward together with the support bracket 21.

Thus, the support pins 22 constituting the support mechanism 20e for supporting the steering column 11 relatively move rearward in the elongated holes 21b of the support bracket 21 with a force corresponding to the impact force. When the support pins 22 move relative to each other, the support pins 22 deform the bent plate 23 so as to extend the bent state, thereby absorbing impact energy. Therefore, the impact energy of the driver on the steering wheel is absorbed by the operation of the support mechanism 20e, and the impact force of the driver on the steering wheel is reduced.

Thus, when the driver does not wear the seat belt, the support mechanism 20e is in the same state as the initial state shown in FIG. 14, and the bending plate 23 is pulled backward from the slide pin 28a as a base point. At this time, as shown in FIG. 16, the slide pin 28a
Deform to the same convex shape as h. As a result, when the driver does not wear the seat belt, the support pins 22 that relatively move rearward in the event of an impact extend and deform the bent plate 23, and at the same time, slide pins 28a are attached to the bent plate 23.
From the deformation. Therefore, the support mechanism 20
The absorption amount of impact energy at e is large.

On the other hand, when the driver wears the seat belt, the slide pin 28a is retracted by a predetermined amount with respect to the upper side wall 23a of the bending plate 23 by the operation of the driving means. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, the bending plate 23 is stretched rearward without receiving any deforming force from the slide pin 28a and is deformed.
Therefore, the amount of impact energy absorbed by the support mechanism 20e is smaller than when the driver does not wear the seat belt.
It will be small.

FIG. 17 shows a sixth support mechanism 20f as the first support mechanism according to the present invention. Sixth support mechanism 2
0f is based on the first support mechanism 20a,
The difference from the first support mechanism 20a is that a pin interference device 29 is employed as the deformation characteristic varying means instead of the engagement device 24 of the first support mechanism 20a. Therefore, in the sixth support mechanism 20f, the same components and the same components as those of the first support mechanism 20a are denoted by the same reference numerals, and
A detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Thus, the pin interfering device 29 employed in the sixth support mechanism 20f includes the first and second solenoids 29.
a, 29b and the plunger 29 of the first solenoid 29a
a1 Support plate 29 rotatably supported at the tip
c, a spring 29a2 for urging the support plate 29c in a direction in which the plunger 29a1 projects, and a support plate 29c.
c, a pair of long guide pins 29d1,
29d2 and a pair of short interference pins 29e1 and 29e2.
9e2 and a support pin 29f connected to the second solenoid 29b to advance and retreat in the elongated hole 29c1 of the support plate 29c.

One guide pin 29d1 is located on the upper front side of the support plate 29c, and the other guide pin 29d2 is located on the center rear side of the support plate 29c. Further, each of the interference pins 29e1 and 29e2 is
Both guide pins 29d1, 2 on the support plate 29c
It is located in the upper and lower parts between 9d2. When the first solenoid 29a is not energized, the support plate 29c is in the forward position (see FIG. 19A), and the first solenoid 29
When it is energized to a, it moves backward (see (a) of FIG. 20).
I do. The support pin 29f is connected to the second solenoid 29b.
When the second solenoid 29b is not energized, it is in the forward position and fitted into the elongated hole 29c1 of the support plate 29c.
Leave 1

The bent plate 23 has an upper side wall 23a
Is moved by being guided by the two guide pins 29d1 and 29d2. When the support plate 29c is at the forward position, as shown in FIG.
Numeral 2 faces the movement trajectory of the bending plate 23 and guides the moving bending plate 23 while interfering. When the support plate 29c is at the retracted position, as shown in FIG. 20, the two interference pins 29e1 and 29e2 do not interfere with the bent plate 23 moving backward while moving backward from the movement locus of the bent plate 23. I will not do it.

In the steering device 10a supported by the sixth support mechanism 20f having such a configuration, when the driver moves forward and interferes with the steering wheel at the time of a frontal collision of the vehicle, the steering shaft 12 and the steering column 11 are moved. It is moved forward together with the support bracket 21.

As a result, the support pins 22 constituting the support mechanism 20f for supporting the steering column 11 relatively move toward the rear of the vehicle in the elongated holes 21b of the support bracket 21 with a force corresponding to the impact force. When the support pins 22 move relative to each other, the support pins 22 deform the bent plate 23 so as to extend the bent state, thereby absorbing impact energy. Therefore, the collision energy of the driver with respect to the steering wheel is absorbed by the operation of the support mechanism 20f, and the impact force of the driver with respect to the steering wheel is reduced.

Thus, in the supporting mechanism 20f, the bending deformation action by the pin interference device 29 increases the amount of absorption of the impact energy, but the bending deformation action by the pin interference device 29 reduces the energization of each of the solenoids 29a and 29b. It is changed as appropriate by controlling.

That is, when the first solenoid 29a is not energized, the support plate 29c is in the forward position, and
As shown in FIG. 9, all of the guide pins 29d1 and 29d2 and the interference pins 29e1 and 29e2 are
Facing the trajectory of Therefore, the bending plate 2
3 are the two interference pins 29e1 and 29
It is largely bent and deformed by e2. On the other hand, when the first solenoid 29a is energized, the support plate 29c
Is in the retracted position, and both interference pins 29e1, 29e2
20, as shown in FIG. 20, is retracted from the movement trajectory of the bending plate 23 and does not interfere with the bending plate 23 at all. For this reason, as shown by the dashed line in FIG.
It is slightly bent and deformed by d1 and 29d2.

These bending deformation operations are changed by controlling the energization of the second solenoid 29b. That is,
When the second solenoid 29b is not energized, the support pin 29f
Protrudes and is fitted in the elongated hole 29c1 of the support plate 29c. Therefore, the rotation of the support plate 29c is restricted, and the support plate 29c is in a fixed state. For this reason, both guide pins 29
d1, 29d2 and both interference pins 29e1, 29e2
Is located in the state shown in FIG. 19 (b) or 20 (b), and exhibits the above-described bending deformation action having different sizes.

On the other hand, when the second solenoid 29b is energized, the support pin 29f is retracted and is withdrawn from the elongated hole 29c1 of the support plate 29c. Therefore, the rotation of the support plate 29c is released, and the support plate 29c can rotate around the plunger 29a1 of the first solenoid 29a. For this reason, the supporting plate 29c is
At the time of the extension deformation of No. 3, it is rotated as shown by the solid line in FIG. 21 to increase the inclination angle between the guide pins 29d1 and 29d2 and between the interference pins 29e1 and 29e2 with respect to the vertical direction.

Thus, the two guide pins 29d1, 29d
The bending deformation between d2 and between the interference pins 29e1 and 29e2 is smaller than when the rotation of the support plate 29c is restricted, and as a result, the absorption amount of the impact energy is also reduced. Both solenoids 29a, 29b
Table 1 shows the magnitude relationship of the amount of impact energy absorption in the support mechanism 20f by the power supply control with respect to. However,
SOL1 and SOL2 in Table 1 are the first solenoid 29
a, the second solenoid 29b, and the EA load indicates the amount of impact energy absorbed.

[Table 1]

In the support mechanism 20f, as apparent from Table 1, by controlling the energization of the two solenoids 29a and 29b, various modes having different impact energy absorption amounts can be formed. For this reason, in the support mechanism 20f, the two solenoids 29 are used so that appropriate combinations having different amounts of impact energy can be obtained.
a, 29b to optimize the amount of impact energy absorption when the driver wears or does not wear the seat belt. Further, the size of the driver's physique (weight sensor provided in the driver's seat) ), And the amount of impact energy absorbed can be optimized in consideration of the vehicle speed and the like.

FIGS. 22 and 23 show a steering apparatus employing the second support mechanism according to the present invention. The steering device 10b includes a steering column 11 and a steering shaft 12 inserted through the steering column 11. The steering shaft 12 is supported in the steering column 11 so as to be rotatable in a circumferential direction.

In the steering device 10b,
The front of the steering column 11 is supported by a part of the vehicle body via a lower support bracket 15 so as to be able to be disengaged forward, and an intermediate portion of the steering column 11 is formed of an upper support bracket 13 and a pair of left and right support mechanisms 30.
It is supported by a part of the vehicle body via a. These two support mechanisms 30a are respectively disposed on the left and right around the steering device.

Each of the support mechanisms 30a is a seventh support mechanism corresponding to the second support mechanism according to the present invention, and is similar to the known support mechanism disclosed by the present applicant in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-295249. An energy absorbing plate 31 and a handling clip 32 are provided, and in addition to these, a deformation characteristic varying device 33 is provided. In this state, in this state, the front end of the steering shaft 12 is connected to a steering link mechanism (not shown).
A steering wheel is attached to the rear end of the steering shaft 12.

The energy absorbing plate 31 is attached to the vehicle body by inserting a bolt 13a for attaching the upper support bracket 13 functioning as a breakaway bracket to the vehicle body into a bolt insertion hole 31a on the rear end side. The handling clip 32 has a curved pressing portion 32 a, and is fixed to the upper support bracket 13 while being placed on the energy absorbing plate 31. As a result, the handling clip 32 sandwiches the energy absorbing plate 31 up and down between the upper support bracket 13 and the energy absorbing plate 3 during a vehicle collision.
At the time of relative movement with respect to 1, the energy absorbing plate 31 is deformed while being handled in the length direction.

In the steering device 10b supported by the seventh support mechanisms 30a, when the driver moves forward and interferes with the steering wheel during a frontal collision of the vehicle, the steering shaft 12 and the steering column 11 are supported by the upper support. It is moved forward together with the bracket 13. Thereby, the steering column 1
The energy-absorbing plates 31 constituting the seventh supporting mechanisms 30 a supporting the first and second supporting members 1 move relative to the handling clips 32. When the energy absorbing plate 31 is relatively moved, the handling clip 32 is attached to the energy absorbing plate 31.
Is gradually treated in the length direction to deform and absorb impact energy. Therefore, the collision energy of the driver with respect to the steering wheel is absorbed by the operation of the seventh support mechanism 30a, and the impact force of the driver with respect to the steering wheel is reduced.

Thus, the seventh support mechanism 30 according to the present invention
a includes a deformation characteristic varying device 33. 24, a pair of sector gears 33a and 33b rotatably mounted on the upper support bracket 13 and located at left and right portions in the width direction of the energy absorbing plate 31, as shown in FIG. , 33
b, a pair of handle pins 33c, 33d standing on left and right portions in the width direction of the energy absorbing plate 31.
And an electric motor 33e for rotating the two sector gears 33a and 33b. The motor 33e has a pinion 33f provided on its output shaft meshed with one of the sector gears 33a and is connected so as to transmit power. The two sector gears 33a and 33b are in mesh with each other, and
Rotate in directions opposite to each other.

FIG. 24 (a) shows an initial state of the seventh support mechanism 30a. In this initial state, each of the handling pins 33c and 33d of the deformation characteristic varying device 33 is connected to each side of the energy absorbing plate 31. Arc-shaped recess 31 provided at the edge
When the driver wears the seat belt, the motor 33e rotates by a predetermined amount to rotate the sector gears 33a and 33b by a predetermined amount, and the handling pins 33c and 33d are connected to the energy absorbing plate. 31 are withdrawn from the arc-shaped recesses 31b and 31c provided on the respective side edges.

As described above, in the support mechanism 30a, when the driver does not wear the seat belt, FIG.
The energy absorbing plater 31 is in the same state as the initial state shown in FIG.
Both sides are deformed by the handling action of d. As a result,
When the driver does not wear the seat belt, the energy absorbing plate 31 that relatively moves rearward in the event of an impact is shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, the handle is deformed by the handle clip 32, and at the same time, both handle pins 33c and 33d
The deforming force is exerted on both side edges by the handling action of. Therefore, the amount of impact energy absorbed by the support mechanism 30a is large.

On the other hand, when the driver wears the seat belt, the motor 33e drives the two handling pins 33.
c, 33d are withdrawn from the arc-shaped recesses 31b, 31c provided on each side edge of the energy absorbing plate 31, and the two handling pins 33c, 33d are gripping action forces on each side edge of the energy absorbing plate 31. Is not given.

For this reason, the energy absorbing plate 31
Is deformed by being stretched rearward without receiving any deformation action from the two handling pins 33c and 33d. Therefore, the amount of impact energy absorbed by the support mechanism 30a is smaller than when the driver does not wear the seat belt.

FIG. 25 shows a support mechanism 30b obtained by modifying the seventh support mechanism 30a. In the support mechanism 30b, as the energy absorbing plate, an energy absorbing plate 34 having a shape in which the width on the left and right gradually expands forward from the sandwiched portion between the handle pins 33c and 33d is adopted. If such an energy absorbing plate 34 is adopted,
While the energy absorbing plate 34 moves relatively, the operating force of the gripping pins 33c and 33d is gradually increased, so that the amount of impact energy absorbed can be gradually increased.

In each of the above embodiments, the first support mechanism 20a employs a solenoid 24a as drive means, the second support mechanism 20b employs a solenoid 25a as drive means, and the third support mechanism 20c employs a solenoid 26c as drive means. The fourth support mechanism 20d employs an electric motor 27a as drive means, the sixth support mechanism 20f employs solenoids 29a and 29b as drive means, and the seventh support mechanism 30a employs an electric motor 33e as drive means.
However, these driving means can be appropriately changed and implemented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a steering device equipped with a first support mechanism according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the steering device.

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional side view of a main part of a first support mechanism.

FIG. 4 is a plan view (a) of a bent plate constituting the first support mechanism, and a vertical front view (b) along the line bb in FIG.

FIG. 5A is a side view showing an initial state of an engagement device constituting a first support mechanism, and FIG. 5B is a side view showing an operation state.
It is.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a second support mechanism according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the second support mechanism.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are side views (a) and (b) showing an initial state of each engagement device that can be employed in the second support mechanism.

FIG. 9 is a partially broken plan view of a third support mechanism according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a partially broken side view of a third support mechanism.

FIG. 11 is a vertical sectional side view of a main part of a fourth support mechanism according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a bending plate constituting a fourth support mechanism.

FIG. 13 is plan views (a), (b), and (c) showing operating states of a handling device constituting a fourth support mechanism.

FIG. 14 is a vertical sectional side view (a) showing an initial state of the fifth support mechanism according to the present invention, a vertical front view (b) taken along the line bb in FIG. 14, and a vertical section in a state where the slide pin is retracted. It is a front view (c).

FIG. 15A is a longitudinal sectional side view showing a state where the amount of energy absorption in the fifth support mechanism is at a minimum, and FIG.
It is a vertical front view (b) in a line.

FIG. 16 is a longitudinal sectional side view showing a state where the amount of energy absorption in the fifth support mechanism is maximum, and FIG.
It is a vertical front view (b) in a line.

FIG. 17 is a vertical sectional side view of a main part of a sixth support mechanism according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a pin interferometer constituting a sixth support mechanism.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are a side view showing a state where the energy absorption amount is maximum in the pin interference device, and a pin arrangement state diagram of FIG.

FIG. 20 is a side view (a) showing a state where the amount of energy absorption is minimum in the pin interference device, and a state diagram (b) of pin arrangement.

FIG. 21 is a front view showing a rotating state of a support plate constituting the pin interference device.

FIG. 22 is a plan view of a steering device equipped with a seventh support mechanism according to the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a side view of the steering device.

24A is a plan view illustrating an initial state of the seventh support mechanism, and FIG. 24B is a plan view illustrating an operating state thereof.

FIG. 25 is an initial state plan view showing a modification of the seventh support mechanism.

[Explanation of symbols]

10a, 10b: steering device, 11: steering column, 12: steering shaft, 13: upper support bracket, 13a: bolt, 14: operation lever, 15: lower support bracket, 20a, 20b,
20c, 20d, 20e, 20f ... support mechanism, 21 ... support bracket, 21a ... side wall part, 21b ... long hole, 21b
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Circular hole part, 21b2 ... Band-shaped hole part, 21b3 ... Narrow part, 21c ... Hook pin, 21d ... Upper wall part, 22 ... Support pin, 23, 23A, 23B ... Bending plate, 23a ... Upper wall part, 23a1: lower bent portion, 23a2: upper bent portion, 23b: lower wall portion, 23c: arc-shaped wall portion, 23d
... Standing wall portion, 23e1, 23e2 ... groove portion, 23e3 ... engaging hole, 23e4 ... notched groove, 23f ... slit hole, 23
g1, 23g2: bent portion, 23h: convex portion, 24: engaging device, 24a: solenoid, 24b: shearing pin, 2
5 ... engagement device, 25a ... solenoid, 25b (25b
1, 25b2) ... deformation action pin, 26 ... handling device, 26
a: fixed pin, 26b: movable pin, 26c: solenoid, 27: variable deformation characteristic device, 27a: electric motor, 2
7b: screw shaft, 27c: nut member, 28: slide pin device, 28a: slide pin, 28b: support member, 2
9: Pin interference device, 29a, 29b: Solenoid, 29
c: support plate, 29c1: long hole, 29d1, 29d
2 ... guide pins, 29e1, 29e2 ... interference pins, 29
f: Support pin, 30a, 30b: Support mechanism, 31: Energy absorption plate, 31a: Bolt insertion hole, 31b,
31c: arc-shaped recess, 32: handle clip, 33: variable deformation characteristic device, 33a, 33b: sector gear, 33c,
33d: Handle pin, 33e: Electric motor, 33f: Pinion.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Shin Matsumoto 1 Toyota Town, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture Inside Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Mayumi Kamoshita 1 Toyota Town, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture Toyota Motor Stock Inside the company (72) Inventor Yoshito Kita 1 Toyota Town, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture Inside Toyota Motor Corporation (72) Inventor Kiminori Yoshino 1 Toyota Town Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture Inside Toyota Motor Corporation (72) Inventor Hideo Kondo 1 Toyota Town, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture F-term in Toyota Motor Corporation (Reference) 3D030 DC02 DC13 DC16 DC17 DD02 DD18 DD22 DE06 DE14 DE23 DE32 DE37

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A support mechanism of a steering device for supporting a steering column rotatably supporting a steering shaft in a circumferential direction on a part of a vehicle body, wherein the support mechanism is provided on the steering column side or the vehicle body side. An energy absorbing member provided; deforming means provided on the vehicle body side or the steering column side for deforming the energy absorbing member when the steering column is relatively moved with respect to the vehicle body; provided on the steering column side or the vehicle body side A support mechanism for a steering device, further comprising a deformation characteristic changing means for changing a deformation action on the energy absorbing member. 2. A support mechanism for a steering device according to claim 1, wherein said support mechanism passes through a support member fixed to said steering column and a long hole extending in a front-rear direction provided on said support member. A support pin attached to a part of the vehicle body and supporting the steering column to the vehicle body via the support member; and a support pin provided on the support member and deformable by the support pin when the support pin relatively moves through the long hole. An energy absorbing member, and a deformation characteristic varying means for changing the amount of deformation acting on the energy absorbing member in accordance with a predicted impact force predicted to be received by the driver from the steering column side. It is possible to function so that the amount of deformation acting on the absorbing member is small when the predicted impact force is small and large when the predicted impact force is large. Support mechanism of a steering apparatus according to claim. 3. A support mechanism for a steering device according to claim 1, wherein said support mechanism passes through a support member fixed to said steering column and a long hole extending in a front-rear direction provided in said support member. A support pin attached to a part of the vehicle body and supporting the steering column to the vehicle body via the support member; and a support pin provided on the support member and deformable by the support pin when the support pin relatively moves through the long hole. Energy absorbing member, and a deformation characteristic varying means for changing a deformation acting force on the energy absorbing member, wherein the deformation characteristic varying means reduces the amount of deformation acting on the energy absorbing member when the driver wears the seat belt, and A support mechanism for a steering device, which functions to increase the size when the seat belt is not worn. 4. The supporting mechanism for a steering device according to claim 2, wherein the deformation characteristic varying means operates in accordance with a predicted impact force predicted to be received by a driver from a steering column side, and is applied to the energy absorbing member. A shearing action pin is used to move back and forth through the provided engagement hole. When the predicted impact force is large, the shearing action pin is engaged with the engagement hole of the energy absorbing member, and when the energy absorbing member is deformed. A shearing force is applied to the energy absorbing member. 5. The support mechanism for a steering device according to claim 2, wherein the deformation characteristic varying means operates in accordance with a predicted impact force predicted to be received by a driver from a steering column side, and acts on the energy absorbing member. A deformation action pin that advances and retreats the provided slit-shaped hole is adopted, and when the predicted impact force is large, the deformation action pin enters the slit-shaped hole of the energy absorbing member, and when the energy absorbing member is deformed. A supporting mechanism for a steering device, wherein a deformation force for expanding a slit-shaped hole of the energy absorbing member is applied. 6. A supporting mechanism for a steering device according to claim 5, wherein said deforming action pin has a tapered shape or a stepped shape gradually tapering, and said deforming action pin is changed according to the magnitude of said predicted impact force. The amount of entry into the slit-shaped hole is controlled. 7. The support mechanism for a steering device according to claim 2, wherein the deformation characteristic varying means operates according to a predicted impact force predicted to be received by a driver from a steering column side, and is applied to the energy absorbing member. When the predicted impact force is large, the gripping action pin is in contact with the energy absorbing member, and when the energy absorbing member is deformed, the gripping force is applied to the energy absorbing member. A support mechanism for a steering device, which is provided. 8. A supporting mechanism for a steering device according to claim 2, wherein a pair of bent plates having different deformation characteristics and arranged in parallel with each other are adopted as said energy absorbing members, and a steering column is used as said deformation characteristics changing means. When the predicted impact force is large, the interference member moves and moves according to the predicted impact force that the driver expects to receive from the side and selectively comes into contact with the bending plates. A supporting mechanism for a steering device, wherein the supporting mechanism is in contact with a bending plate having a higher deformation force, and a deformation action force is applied to the bending plate. 9. A steering mechanism according to claim 2, wherein said deformation characteristic changing means moves back and forth with respect to said energy absorbing member in accordance with a predicted impact force predicted to be received by a driver from a steering column side. Adopting a tapered slide pin that operates to change the bending arrangement state of the energy absorbing member, when the predicted impact force is large, the arrangement state of the energy absorbing member becomes a large bending state due to the interference action of the slide pin. A support mechanism for a steering device, characterized in that: 10. A supporting mechanism for a steering device according to claim 2, wherein said deformation characteristic changing means moves back and forth with respect to said energy absorbing member in accordance with a predicted impact force predicted to be received by a driver from a steering column side. An interference pin that operates to change the bent arrangement state of the energy absorbing member is employed, and when the predicted impact force is large, the arrangement state of the energy absorbing member is largely bent by the interference action of the interference pin. A support mechanism for a steering device, characterized in that: 11. A support mechanism for a steering device according to claim 1, wherein the support mechanism is mounted on the vehicle body side and moves relative to the length of the steering column in the longitudinal direction of the steering column; A deforming means provided on a column side for deforming the energy absorbing member when the energy absorbing member moves relatively, and the energy of the deforming means operating according to a predicted impact force predicted to be received by a driver from a steering column side. Deformation characteristic variable means for changing the amount of deformation acting on the absorbing member,
The supporting mechanism for a steering device, wherein the deformation characteristic varying means functions to reduce the amount of deformation acting on the energy absorbing member when the predicted impact force is small, and to increase when the predicted impact force is large. 12. A supporting mechanism for a steering device according to claim 11, wherein said deforming means is a pair of holding members for deforming the energy absorbing member by holding said energy absorbing member from both sides, and said deforming characteristic changing means includes: A support mechanism for a steering device, comprising: a driving unit that operates in accordance with a predicted impact force predicted to be received by a driver from a steering column side to change a holding interval between the two holding members with respect to the energy absorbing member.