JP2014177267A

JP2014177267A - Impact absorption-type steering device

Info

Publication number: JP2014177267A
Application number: JP2014021289A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Seiichi Moriyama; 誠一森山; Kiyoshi Sadakata; 清定方
Original assignee: NSK Ltd
Current assignee: NSK Ltd
Priority date: 2013-02-14
Filing date: 2014-02-06
Publication date: 2014-09-25

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To protect a driver by making an energy absorption member 25b absorb an impact load by being plastically deformed in a step in which a steering wheel is displaced forward, in a secondary collision.SOLUTION: An energy absorption member 25b comprises: a base end part 26b that is made of a metal plate and provided in a central part; a pair of right and left folded parts 27b and 27b that continue from both ends of the base end part 26b; and continuing tip parts 28b and 28b that extend from both the folded parts 27b and 27b and terminated.

Description

本発明は、二次衝突の際に衝撃荷重を吸収しつつ塑性変形する事でステアリングホイールに衝突した運転者の保護を図る衝撃吸収式ステアリング装置用エネルギ吸収部材及び衝撃吸収式ステアリング装置に関する。具体的には、本発明は二次衝突時、ステアリングホイールが前方へ変位する過程においてエネルギ吸収部材により衝撃荷重を吸収して、運転者保護が図れる構造を実現するものである。 The present invention relates to an energy absorbing member for an impact absorbing steering device and an impact absorbing steering device that protect a driver who has collided with a steering wheel by plastically deforming while absorbing an impact load in a secondary collision. Specifically, the present invention realizes a structure that can protect the driver by absorbing the impact load by the energy absorbing member in the process of the steering wheel being displaced forward at the time of the secondary collision.

自動車用ステアリング装置は、図１０に示す様に構成して、ステアリングホイール１の回転をステアリングギヤユニット２の入力軸３に伝達し、この入力軸３の回転に伴って左右１対のタイロッド４、４を押し引きして、前車輪に舵角を付与する様にしている。前記ステアリングホイール１は、ステアリングシャフト５の後端部に支持固定されており、このステアリングシャフト５は、円筒状のステアリングコラム６を軸方向に挿通した状態で、ステアリングコラム６に回転自在に支持されている。又、前記ステアリングシャフト５の前端部は、自在継手７を介して中間シャフト８の後端部に接続し、この中間シャフト８の前端部を、別の自在継手９を介して、前記入力軸３に接続している。尚、この中間シャフト８は、トルクを伝達可能に、且つ、衝撃荷重により全長を収縮可能に構成している。そして、衝突事故の際（次述する一次衝突の際）に、前記ステアリングギヤユニット２の後方への変位に拘らず、前記ステアリングシャフト５を介して前記ステアリングホイール１が後方に向けて変位する（運転者の身体に向けて突き上げられる）事を防止できる様に構成している。 The automobile steering apparatus is configured as shown in FIG. 10, and transmits the rotation of the steering wheel 1 to the input shaft 3 of the steering gear unit 2, and a pair of left and right tie rods 4 in accordance with the rotation of the input shaft 3. 4 is pushed and pulled to give a steering angle to the front wheels. The steering wheel 1 is supported and fixed to the rear end portion of the steering shaft 5. The steering shaft 5 is rotatably supported by the steering column 6 with the cylindrical steering column 6 inserted in the axial direction. ing. Further, the front end portion of the steering shaft 5 is connected to the rear end portion of the intermediate shaft 8 via a universal joint 7, and the front end portion of the intermediate shaft 8 is connected to the input shaft 3 via another universal joint 9. Connected to. The intermediate shaft 8 is configured such that torque can be transmitted and the entire length can be contracted by an impact load. In the event of a collision accident (in the case of a primary collision described below), the steering wheel 1 is displaced rearward via the steering shaft 5 regardless of the rearward displacement of the steering gear unit 2 ( It is configured so that it can be prevented from being pushed up toward the driver's body.

上述の様な操舵装置を組み込んだ自動車が他の自動車等に衝突する衝突事故の際には、他の自動車等に衝突する一次衝突に続いて、運転者の身体が前記ステアリングホイール１に衝突する、二次衝突が発生する。この二次衝突の際に運転者の身体に加わる衝撃を緩和する為に、ステアリングコラム６を車体に固定した車体側ブラケット１０に対し、前方に向いた大きな力が加わった場合に離脱する様に、係止部材１１と、ボルト若しくはスタッド１２とを介して支持している。 In the event of a collision where a vehicle incorporating the above-described steering device collides with another vehicle or the like, the driver's body collides with the steering wheel 1 following a primary collision that collides with another vehicle or the like. A secondary collision occurs. In order to alleviate the impact applied to the driver's body during the secondary collision, the vehicle is disengaged when a large forward force is applied to the vehicle body side bracket 10 with the steering column 6 fixed to the vehicle body. The support member 11 is supported via a locking member 11 and a bolt or stud 12.

図１１〜１４は、特許文献１に記載の衝撃吸収式ステアリング装置の従来構造の一例を示している。本例の場合、ステアリングコラム６ａの中間部に、十分な剛性を有する鋼板を曲げ形成して成る被支持ブラケット１３を、溶接により固定している。図示の例では、この被支持ブラケット１３は、中間部の取付板部１４の前後両端縁のうち、前端縁を下方に折り曲げる事により前側折り曲げ板部１５を形成し、後端縁中央部を下方に折り曲げる事により後側折り曲げ板部１６を形成している。そして、前記前側折り曲げ板部１５の中央下部に円孔１７を、後側折り曲げ板部１６の下縁に半円形の切り欠き１８を、それぞれ形成している。これら円孔１７及び切り欠き１８の曲率は、前記ステアリングコラム６ａの外周面の曲率とほぼ一致させている。この様な被支持ブラケット１３は、前記円孔１７に前記ステアリングコラム６ａを挿通すると共に前記切り欠き１８をこのステアリングコラム６ａの外周面に突き当て、これら円孔１７及び切り欠き１８の内周縁とステアリングコラム６ａの外周面とを溶接する事により、このステアリングコラム６ａの中間部外周面に固定している。 11 to 14 show an example of a conventional structure of the shock absorbing steering device described in Patent Document 1. In the case of this example, a supported bracket 13 formed by bending a steel plate having sufficient rigidity is fixed to the intermediate portion of the steering column 6a by welding. In the illustrated example, the supported bracket 13 forms a front bent plate portion 15 by bending the front end edge downward of the front and rear end edges of the intermediate mounting plate portion 14, and the rear end edge central portion downward. The rear bent plate portion 16 is formed by bending the plate into the bent portions. A circular hole 17 is formed at the center lower portion of the front bent plate portion 15, and a semicircular cutout 18 is formed at the lower edge of the rear bent plate portion 16. The curvatures of the circular holes 17 and the notches 18 are substantially matched with the curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the steering column 6a. In such a supported bracket 13, the steering column 6a is inserted into the circular hole 17, and the notch 18 is abutted against the outer peripheral surface of the steering column 6a, and the inner periphery of the circular hole 17 and the notch 18 By welding the outer peripheral surface of the steering column 6a, it is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion of the steering column 6a.

前記取付板部１４の左右両端部で、前記後側折り曲げ板部１６よりも側方に突出した部分に係止切り欠き１９、１９を、それぞれ前記取付板部１４の後端縁側（図１２の右側）に開口する状態で形成している。そして、前記両係止切り欠き１９、１９の内側に係止部材１１ａ、１１ａを固定している。これら両係止部材１１ａ、１１ａは、合成樹脂を射出成形、或いは軽合金をダイキャスト成形する事により造ったもので、それぞれの左右両側面に係止溝を有する。これら両係止溝の溝底同士の間隔は、前記両係止切り欠き１９、１９の幅に合わせて、前方に向かう程狭くしている。 At both left and right end portions of the mounting plate portion 14, locking notches 19 and 19 are respectively provided at portions protruding laterally from the rear bent plate portion 16, and rear end edge sides of the mounting plate portion 14 (see FIG. 12). It is formed in an open state on the right side). The locking members 11a and 11a are fixed inside the both locking notches 19 and 19, respectively. Both the locking members 11a and 11a are made by injection molding synthetic resin or die-casting light alloy, and have locking grooves on both left and right side surfaces. The intervals between the groove bottoms of both the locking grooves are made narrower toward the front in accordance with the widths of the both locking notches 19 and 19.

上述の様な両係止部材１１ａ、１１ａは、それぞれの係止溝と、前記取付板部１４の一部で前記両係止切り欠き１９、１９の周縁部とを係合させる事により、この取付板部１４に対し支持している。又、この取付板部１４の一部で前記両係止切り欠き１９、１９の周縁部に設けられ、これら両係止切り欠き１９、１９に開口した切り欠き２０、２０（後述する本発明の実施の形態の第１例を示す、図５参照）と、前記両係止部材１１ａ、１１ａに形成した小通孔２１、２１とを整合させた状態で、前記各切り欠き２０、２０及びこれら各小通孔２１、２１に掛け渡す様に、合成樹脂製の係止ピン２２、２２を設置（これら各切り欠き及び各小通孔２１、２１内に射出成形）する。この状態で前記両係止部材１１ａ、１１ａが前記取付板部１４に対し、大きな衝撃荷重が加わった場合にのみ後方に離脱する（実際には、前記両係止部材１１ａ、１１ａはそのままの位置に止まり、前記取付板部１４が前記ステアリングコラム６ａと共に前方に変位する）状態で支持される。 The both locking members 11a, 11a as described above are engaged by engaging the respective locking grooves with the peripheral edges of the locking notches 19, 19 at a part of the mounting plate portion 14. The mounting plate part 14 is supported. Further, a part of the mounting plate portion 14 is provided on the peripheral edge of the both locking notches 19, 19, and the notches 20, 20 opened in the both locking notches 19, 19 (in the present invention described later). In the state where the first example of the embodiment (see FIG. 5) and the small through holes 21 and 21 formed in the both locking members 11a and 11a are aligned, the notches 20 and 20 and these Lock pins 22 and 22 made of synthetic resin are installed so as to span the small holes 21 and 21 (injection molding into these notches and small holes 21 and 21). In this state, both the locking members 11a and 11a are separated backward only when a large impact load is applied to the mounting plate portion 14 (in practice, the both locking members 11a and 11a remain in their positions. And the mounting plate portion 14 is displaced forward together with the steering column 6a).

そして、前記両係止部材１１ａ、１１ａの中央部に設けた円形の通孔２３、２３を挿通したボルト若しくはスタッド１２によりこれら両係止部材１１ａ、１１ａを、車体側ブラケット１０に対し支持固定する。車体側ブラケット１０は車体側強度部材に固定されているか又は一体である。両係止部材１１ａ、１１ａと前記取付板部１４とは、前記両係止切り欠き１９、１９の周縁部と前記各係止溝との係合、並びに前記各切り欠き２０、２０及び前記各小通孔２１、２１に掛け渡された、合成樹脂製の係止ピン２２、２２により、或る程度大きな強度及び剛性で結合されている。従って、通常時には、前記被支持ブラケット１３が車体に対し、しっかりと支持される。
一方、前記ステアリングコラム６ａの前端部は、車体側強度部材に対し支持固定された前側支持ブラケット２４に、前後方向（図１１の左右方向）の摺動を可能に支持されている。従って、前記ステアリングコラム６ａは車体に対し、前方（図１１〜１２の左側）への強い衝撃が加わった場合に前方への変位を可能として、支持されている。 Then, both the locking members 11a and 11a are supported and fixed to the vehicle body side bracket 10 by bolts or studs 12 inserted through circular through holes 23 and 23 provided in the central portions of the both locking members 11a and 11a. . The vehicle body side bracket 10 is fixed to or integrated with the vehicle body side strength member. Both the locking members 11a, 11a and the mounting plate portion 14 are engaged with the peripheral edges of the locking notches 19, 19 and the locking grooves, and the notches 20, 20 and the They are coupled with a certain degree of strength and rigidity by locking pins 22, 22 made of synthetic resin and spanned through the small holes 21, 21. Therefore, at the normal time, the supported bracket 13 is firmly supported with respect to the vehicle body.
On the other hand, the front end portion of the steering column 6a is supported by a front support bracket 24 supported and fixed to the vehicle body side strength member so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction (left-right direction in FIG. 11). Therefore, the steering column 6a is supported so that it can be displaced forward when a strong impact is applied to the vehicle body (the left side in FIGS. 11 to 12).

本例の場合、前記被支持ブラケット１３と前記両係止部材１１ａ、１１ａとの間に、二次衝突時の衝撃荷重を吸収するエネルギ吸収部材２５を設けている。このエネルギ吸収部材２５は、塑性変形可能な金属線（針金）を曲げ形成する事により、図１２、図１４に示す様な形状に造られている。前記エネルギ吸収部材２５は、中央部に設けられた基端部２６と、この基端部２６の一端（図１４の上側端）に結合された左右１対の車両前後方向に延びる延在部と、これら延在部に連続する折り返し部２７、２７と、これら両折り返し部２７、２７の他端側から後方に延び（図１１の下側端）先端部２８、２８を経て終端する変形部を備える。前記基端部２６は、直線部２９の両端を前方に直角又は鋭角に折り曲げる事により、大略コ字形に形成されている。又、前記両折り返し部２７、２７はＵ字形に折り曲げられる事により形成されており、前記両先端部２８、２８はこれら両折り返し部２７、２７から延在して連続して設けられ、後方（図１１〜１２の右側）に延出した状態で設けられている。 In the case of this example, an energy absorbing member 25 that absorbs an impact load at the time of a secondary collision is provided between the supported bracket 13 and the locking members 11a and 11a. The energy absorbing member 25 is formed into a shape as shown in FIGS. 12 and 14 by bending a plastically deformable metal wire (wire). The energy absorbing member 25 includes a base end portion 26 provided at the center portion, and an extension portion extending in the vehicle front-rear direction coupled to one end of the base end portion 26 (upper end in FIG. 14). The folded portions 27, 27 continuous to the extending portions, and the deformed portions extending backward from the other end sides of the folded portions 27, 27 (lower end in FIG. 11) and terminating through the tip portions 28, 28. Prepare. The base end portion 26 is formed in a substantially U shape by bending both ends of the straight portion 29 forward at a right angle or an acute angle. The folded portions 27 and 27 are formed by being bent into a U-shape, and the distal end portions 28 and 28 are continuously provided extending from the folded portions 27 and 27, and rearward ( The right side of FIGS.

上述の様なエネルギ吸収部材２５との組み合わせにより、効果的なエネルギ吸収構造を実現すべく、前記被支持ブラケット１３の前端縁部には曲面部３０を、そして前記前側折り曲げ板部１５の左右両側に小通孔３１、３１を、それぞれ形成している。即ち、この前側折り曲げ板部１５の上端縁と前記取付板部１４の前端縁との連続部の断面形状を、半円弧よりも少し小さい程度の円弧形とする事により、前記被支持ブラケット１３の前端縁部に、前記前側折り曲げ板部１５の前側面よりも少し前方に突出する曲面部３０を形成している。
又、この前側折り曲げ板部１５の左右両側にはそれぞれ、前記両エネルギ吸収部材２５、２５を構成する先端部２８、２８を挿通可能な、前記小通孔３１、３１を形成している。 In order to realize an effective energy absorbing structure by combining with the energy absorbing member 25 as described above, a curved surface portion 30 is formed on the front end edge portion of the supported bracket 13, and both left and right sides of the front bent plate portion 15. Small through-holes 31 and 31 are formed respectively. That is, a cross-sectional shape of a continuous portion between the upper end edge of the front bent plate portion 15 and the front end edge of the mounting plate portion 14 is an arc shape that is slightly smaller than a semicircular arc. A curved portion 30 that protrudes slightly forward from the front side surface of the front bent plate portion 15 is formed at the front end edge portion.
Further, the small through holes 31, 31 into which the front end portions 28, 28 constituting the both energy absorbing members 25, 25 can be inserted are formed on the left and right sides of the front bent plate portion 15, respectively.

上述した被支持ブラケット１３と前述したエネルギ吸収部材２５とを以下の様に組み合わせる事で、衝撃吸収式ステアリング装置を構成する。
先ず、前記両エネルギ吸収部材２５、２５の先端部２８、２８を、前記両小通孔３１、３１に挿入する。そして、図１１〜１２に示す様に、前記両エネルギ吸収部材２５、２５の基端部２６、２６を、前記両係止部材１１ａ、１１ａの一部で前記取付板部１４の上面から突出した部分に外嵌する。この状態で前記両基端部２６、２６を構成する直線部２９、２９は、前記両係止部材１１ａ、１１ａの後端面に当接若しくは対向する。この様にして前記両エネルギ吸収部材２５、２５を被支持ブラケット１３に装着したならば、前記両係止部材１１ａ、１１ａの通孔２３、２３に前記ボルト若しくはスタッド１２を挿通し、このボルト若しくはスタッド１２を前記車体側ブラケット１０に設けたねじ孔（図示省略）に螺合し更に締め付ける。 By combining the supported bracket 13 described above and the energy absorbing member 25 described above in the following manner, an impact absorbing steering device is configured.
First, the tip portions 28 and 28 of the energy absorbing members 25 and 25 are inserted into the small through holes 31 and 31. And as shown in FIGS. 11-12, the base end parts 26 and 26 of both the energy absorption members 25 and 25 protruded from the upper surface of the said mounting plate part 14 by a part of both said locking members 11a and 11a. Fits around the part. In this state, the straight portions 29 and 29 constituting the both base end portions 26 and 26 abut or face the rear end surfaces of the both locking members 11a and 11a. When the energy absorbing members 25, 25 are mounted on the supported bracket 13 in this way, the bolts or studs 12 are inserted into the through holes 23, 23 of the locking members 11a, 11a. The stud 12 is screwed into a screw hole (not shown) provided in the vehicle body side bracket 10 and further tightened.

上述の様に組み立てられた衝撃吸収式ステアリング装置は次の様に作用して、衝突事故の際に運転者の保護を図る。二次衝突時にはステアリングホイール１（図１０参照）からステアリングシャフト５を介してステアリングコラム６ａに、前方（図１１〜１２の左側）に向かう衝撃荷重が加わる。そして、この衝撃荷重により前記各係止ピン２２、２２が裂断し、前記両係止部材１１ａ、１１ａが前記両係止切り欠き１９、１９から離脱して、ステアリングコラム６ａが前記被支持ブラケット１３と共に前方に変位する。この時、前記両係止部材１１ａ、１１ａは、前記ボルト若しくはスタッド１２と共に車体に支持されたまま変位しない。従って、前記ステアリングコラム６ａの前方への変位開始に伴い前記被支持ブラケット１３が、前記両係止部材１１ａ、１１ａに対して前方に変位する。そして、この被支持ブラケット１３が、前記曲面部３０と前記両折り返し部２７、２７との間に設定した隙間３２の寸法ｔ（図１１参照）分だけ前方に変位した後は、前記両エネルギ吸収部材２５、２５の折り返し部２７、２７が前記曲面部３０により前方に引っ張られる。 The shock absorbing steering device assembled as described above operates as follows to protect the driver in the event of a collision. At the time of a secondary collision, an impact load is applied from the steering wheel 1 (see FIG. 10) to the steering column 6a via the steering shaft 5 toward the front (left side in FIGS. 11 to 12). Then, due to the impact load, the locking pins 22 and 22 are torn, the locking members 11a and 11a are separated from the locking notches 19 and 19, and the steering column 6a is moved to the supported bracket. 13 is displaced forward together. At this time, the locking members 11a and 11a are not displaced while being supported by the vehicle body together with the bolts or studs 12. Therefore, the supported bracket 13 is displaced forward with respect to the locking members 11a and 11a as the steering column 6a starts to be displaced forward. After the supported bracket 13 is displaced forward by the dimension t (see FIG. 11) of the gap 32 set between the curved surface portion 30 and the folded portions 27, 27, the energy absorption is performed. The folded portions 27 and 27 of the members 25 and 25 are pulled forward by the curved surface portion 30.

この様にエネルギ吸収部材２５、２５の折り返し部２７、２７が前方に引っ張られると、これら両折り返し部２７、２７が前記曲面部３０により扱かれる事で、前記両エネルギ吸収部材２５、２５が変形する。即ち、前記ステアリングコラム６ａが前方に変位するのに伴って前記各折り返し部２７、２７が、元々形成されていた部分から車両前方に向けて移動する。この様に、これら各折り返し部２７、２７を前方に向けて移動させるべく、前記両エネルギ吸収部材２５、２５を変形させる事により、前記二次衝突に伴う衝撃荷重を吸収して、二次衝突時に於ける運転者の保護が図られる。 When the folded portions 27, 27 of the energy absorbing members 25, 25 are pulled forward in this way, the both folded portions 27, 27 are handled by the curved surface portion 30, so that both the energy absorbing members 25, 25 are deformed. To do. That is, as the steering column 6a is displaced forward, the folded portions 27, 27 move from the originally formed portion toward the front of the vehicle. In this manner, the energy absorbing members 25 and 25 are deformed so as to move the folded portions 27 and 27 toward the front, so that the impact load accompanying the secondary collision is absorbed and the secondary collision is performed. The driver is protected at times.

上述の様に構成する衝撃吸収式ステアリング装置は、二次衝突時の運転者の保護をより充実させる面から、改良の余地がある。即ち、上述した従来構造の場合、前記被支持ブラケット１３が前記曲面部３０と折り返し部２７、２７との間に設定した隙間３２の寸法ｔ分だけ前方に変位した後、前記両エネルギ吸収部材２５、２５は、前記被支持ブラケット１３の前方への変位に伴い一定量の衝撃荷重を吸収する。運転者の保護をより一層充実させる為には、この衝撃荷重の吸収量を変位開始の初期で小さくして、徐々に大きくするのが好ましい。
尚、エネルギ吸収部材の衝撃荷重の吸収特性を変化させる技術として、特許文献２には金属板に透孔を設ける方法が、特許文献３には金属線に熱処理を施す方法や、断面積を変化させる構造が、それぞれ記載されている。但し、このうちの特許文献２に記載された発明の場合、金属板を使用する為、衝撃荷重の吸収特性を変化させることは容易だが車両への取り付けが、ボルト若しくはスタッドによる通し固定のため、長孔による取り付け時の位置ずれ吸収が困難であり、又、特許文献３に記載された発明の場合には、熱処理条件の設定が難しく、コストが嵩む上に、それだけでは安定した性能を得にくい。更に、単に断面積を変化させる構造の場合には、線材のコストが嵩む。 The shock absorbing type steering apparatus configured as described above has room for improvement in terms of enhancing the protection of the driver at the time of the secondary collision. That is, in the case of the above-described conventional structure, the supported bracket 13 is displaced forward by the dimension t of the gap 32 set between the curved surface portion 30 and the folded portions 27 and 27, and then the both energy absorbing members 25. , 25 absorb a certain amount of impact load with the forward displacement of the supported bracket 13. In order to further enhance the protection of the driver, it is preferable to reduce the absorption amount of the impact load at the initial stage of the displacement and gradually increase it.
In addition, as a technique for changing the absorption characteristics of the impact load of the energy absorbing member, Patent Document 2 discloses a method of providing a through hole in a metal plate, Patent Document 3 discloses a method of performing a heat treatment on a metal wire, and changes a cross-sectional area The structures to be made are described respectively. However, in the case of the invention described in Patent Document 2 out of these, since a metal plate is used, it is easy to change the absorption characteristics of the impact load, but the mounting to the vehicle is for through-fixing with bolts or studs. It is difficult to absorb misalignment at the time of attachment by a long hole, and in the case of the invention described in Patent Document 3, it is difficult to set heat treatment conditions, and the cost increases, and it is difficult to obtain stable performance by itself. . Furthermore, in the case of a structure that simply changes the cross-sectional area, the cost of the wire increases.

特許第３４０９５７２号公報Japanese Patent No. 3409572 特開２００１−１１４１１３号公報JP 2001-114113 A 特開２００８−２３０２６６号公報JP 2008-230266 A

本発明は、上述の様な事情に鑑み、二次衝突の際に衝撃荷重を吸収しつつ塑性変形する事でステアリングホイールに衝突した運転者の保護を図る衝撃吸収式ステアリング装置に於いて、ワイヤーの様に取り付け自由度が高く且つ生産性の高い素材で構成されるエネルギ吸収部材により衝撃荷重を吸収して、運転者保護を図れ、かつ低コストで実現すべく発明したものである。 In view of the circumstances as described above, the present invention provides an impact absorption type steering apparatus that protects a driver who has collided with a steering wheel by plastically deforming while absorbing an impact load in the event of a secondary collision. Thus, the invention has been invented to absorb the impact load with an energy absorbing member made of a material having a high degree of freedom of attachment and high productivity, and to realize driver protection and low cost.

本発明の衝撃吸収式ステアリングは、
ステアリングコラムの中間部にこのステアリングコラムの幅方向に亙って固定された被支持ブラケットと、
この被支持ブラケットを車体側強度部材に対して、上記ステアリングコラムに前方に向いた強い衝撃荷重が加わった場合に前方への脱落を自在として係止する為の係止部材と、
上記車体側強度部材に固定の部分と上記ステアリングコラムに固定の部分との間に設けられたエネルギ吸収部材とからなり、
上記エネルギ吸収部材は軸方向に延びる一対の延在部と、該延在部の車両後方側端部で両端部間を接続する基端部と、該延在部の車両前端部で折り返される折り返し部と、該折り返し部から車両後方に向かって延びて終端する変形部とが一体に形成されて成り、上記基端部は、上記係止部材に係止されており、上記折り返し部は上記被支持ブラケットの前端縁の前方に配置されていて、上記強い衝撃荷重が加わり上記ステアリングコラムが上記係止部材から脱落して前方へ移動する時上記折り返し部に上記被支持ブラケットの上記前端縁が作用して上記折り返し部を扱いてこの折り返し部を車両前方に移動させつつ衝撃を吸収する衝撃吸収式ステアリングコラム装置において、
上記エネルギ吸収部材は塑性変形可能な金属製のプレートより造られていることを特徴とする。
本発明のエネルギ吸収装置用エネルギ吸収部材は、ステアリングコラムの中間部にこのステアリングコラムの幅方向に亙って固定された被支持ブラケットと、
この被支持ブラケットを車体側強度部材に対して、上記ステアリングコラムに前方に向いた強い衝撃荷重が加わった場合に前方への脱落を自在として係止する為の係止部材と、
上記車体側強度部材に固定の部分と上記ステアリングコラムに固定の部分との間に設けられたエネルギ吸収部材とからなり、
上記エネルギ吸収部材は軸方向に延びる一対の延在部と、該延在部の車両後方側端部で両端部間を接続する基端部と、該延在部の車両前端部で折り返される折り返し部と、該折り返し部から車両後方に向かって延びて終端する変形部とが一体に形成されて成り、上記基端部は、上記係止部材に係止されており、上記折り返し部は上記被支持ブラケットの前端縁の前方に配置されていて、上記強い衝撃荷重が加わり上記ステアリングコラムが上記係止部材から脱落して前方へ移動する時上記折り返し部に上記被支持ブラケットの上記前端縁が作用して上記折り返し部を扱いてこの折り返し部を車両前方に移動させつつ衝撃を吸収する衝撃吸収式ステアリングコラム装置に使用するために、
上記エネルギ吸収部材は塑性変形可能な金属製のプレートより造られていることを特徴とする。 The shock absorbing steering of the present invention is
A supported bracket fixed to the middle part of the steering column over the width direction of the steering column;
A locking member for locking the supported bracket with respect to the vehicle body side strength member so that the steering column is allowed to fall forward when a strong impact load directed forward is applied to the steering column;
An energy absorbing member provided between a portion fixed to the vehicle body side strength member and a portion fixed to the steering column;
The energy absorbing member includes a pair of extending portions extending in the axial direction, a base end portion connecting both ends at a vehicle rear side end portion of the extending portion, and a folded portion folded at a vehicle front end portion of the extending portion. And a deformed portion that extends from the folded portion toward the rear of the vehicle and terminates integrally. The base end portion is locked by the locking member, and the folded portion is The front end edge of the bracket to be supported acts on the folded portion when it is disposed in front of the front end edge of the support bracket and the strong impact load is applied and the steering column falls off the locking member and moves forward. In the shock absorbing steering column apparatus that absorbs shock while handling the folded portion and moving the folded portion forward of the vehicle,
The energy absorbing member is made of a metal plate that can be plastically deformed.
An energy absorbing member for an energy absorbing device of the present invention includes a supported bracket fixed to the intermediate portion of the steering column over the width direction of the steering column,
A locking member for locking the supported bracket with respect to the vehicle body side strength member so that the steering column is allowed to fall forward when a strong impact load directed forward is applied to the steering column;
An energy absorbing member provided between a portion fixed to the vehicle body side strength member and a portion fixed to the steering column;
The energy absorbing member includes a pair of extending portions extending in the axial direction, a base end portion connecting both ends at a vehicle rear side end portion of the extending portion, and a folded portion folded at a vehicle front end portion of the extending portion. And a deformed portion that extends from the folded portion toward the rear of the vehicle and terminates integrally. The base end portion is locked by the locking member, and the folded portion is The front end edge of the bracket to be supported acts on the folded portion when it is disposed in front of the front end edge of the support bracket and the strong impact load is applied and the steering column falls off the locking member and moves forward. In order to use the shock-absorbing steering column device that absorbs shock while handling the folded portion and moving the folded portion forward of the vehicle,
The energy absorbing member is made of a metal plate that can be plastically deformed.

上述の様に構成する本発明の衝撃吸収式ステアリング装置においては、エネルギ吸収部材は、従来構造の場合と比較して、一体形の金属製のプレート部材となっている。このプレート部材は例えば、平板からプレス機により打ち抜き加工をすれば、簡単に作り込みが可能である。
好ましくは本発明の衝撃吸収式ステアリング装置は、本体固定部の係止部材の外周部へ弾性支持で引っ掛けてワンタッチ取付け設置をする場合、係止部材の取付け孔形状の制約が無く、この取付け孔を車両前後方向に長い長孔とすることにより、車体側取付け寸法誤差を吸収可能で、且つローコストでプレートの製造が出来る。
また好ましくは、エネルギ吸収部材はその基端部に形成した孔を本体固定部の係止部材に引っ掛けて取付ける構成とする場合、係止部材に対して拘束力があり組み付けに際し外れにくい。
また好ましくはエネルギ吸収部材は、折り返し部から先端部にかけて延在する変形部の断面形状が徐々にＶ字形状にすることにより、エネルギ吸収が進行する程に尻上がり的に大きくする事ができる。
さらにまた、好ましくはエネルギ吸収部材は、折り返し部から先端部にかけて延在する変形部の長さを左右で異なるズラした構造にすることにより、エネルギ吸収開始時のピーク荷重の発生を緩和する事ができる。
さらにまた、好ましくはエネルギ吸収部材は、折り返し部から先端部にかけて延在する変形部の長さを左右で異なるズラした構造にし、さらに折り返し部から先端部にかけて延在する変形部の断面形状が徐々にＶ字形状にすることによりより、エネルギ吸収開始時のピーク荷重の発生を緩和するとともにエネルギ吸収が進行する程に尻上がり的に大きくする事ができる。
さらにプレートの材質をアルミ材から炭素鋼板材等へ簡単に材質の変更及び板材の厚さ変更も自由にできるため、必要なエネルギ吸収量に対応する設計変更にも短期間で対応が可能となり二次衝突に伴う衝撃荷重に対する運転者の保護を、より一層充実させる事ができる。 In the shock absorbing steering device of the present invention configured as described above, the energy absorbing member is an integral metal plate member as compared with the conventional structure. For example, the plate member can be easily formed by punching a flat plate with a press.
Preferably, when the shock absorbing steering device of the present invention is installed on the outer peripheral portion of the locking member of the main body fixing portion with elastic support to perform one-touch mounting, there is no restriction on the mounting hole shape of the locking member. By forming a long hole in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, it is possible to absorb the mounting dimension error of the vehicle body and manufacture the plate at a low cost.
Preferably, when the energy absorbing member is configured to be attached by hooking the hole formed in the base end portion thereof to the locking member of the main body fixing portion, the locking member has a binding force and is difficult to be removed during assembly.
In addition, preferably, the energy absorbing member can be enlarged as the energy absorption progresses by gradually making the cross-sectional shape of the deformed portion extending from the folded portion to the tip portion into a V shape.
Furthermore, it is preferable that the energy absorbing member has a structure in which the length of the deformed portion extending from the folded portion to the tip portion is shifted on the left and right sides, thereby reducing the occurrence of peak load at the start of energy absorption. it can.
Still further, preferably, the energy absorbing member has a structure in which the length of the deformed portion extending from the folded portion to the tip portion is different on the left and right, and the sectional shape of the deformed portion extending from the folded portion to the tip portion is gradually increased. Further, by making it V-shaped, it is possible to alleviate the occurrence of peak load at the start of energy absorption and increase it as the energy absorption proceeds.
Furthermore, since the plate material can be changed easily from aluminum to carbon steel plate, etc., and the thickness of the plate can be changed freely, design changes corresponding to the required energy absorption can be handled in a short period of time. The driver's protection against the impact load associated with the next collision can be further enhanced.

本発明に係る衝撃吸収式ステアリング装置の要部参考例を示す、エネルギ吸収部材と係止部材とを取り付けた状態で示す被支持ブラケットの片半部斜視図。The half half perspective view of the supported bracket shown in the state which attached the energy absorption member and the latching member which shows the principal part reference example of the shock absorption type steering device which concerns on this invention. 同じく、側面図。Similarly, side view. 同じく、エネルギ吸収部材を取り出して示す斜視図。Similarly, the perspective view which takes out and shows an energy absorption member. 同じく、エネルギ吸収部材の側面図（Ａ）と、各部の断面図（Ｂ）〜（Ｆ）。Similarly, the side view (A) of an energy absorption member, and sectional drawing (B)-(F) of each part. 同じく、被支持ブラケットを取り出して示す片半部斜視図。Similarly, the half half perspective view which takes out and shows a to-be-supported bracket. 本発明の一実施の形態の第１例に係る衝撃吸収式ステアリング装置の要部を示す、エネルギ吸収部材の周辺構造を取り出して示す側面図。The side view which takes out and shows the surrounding structure of the energy absorption member which shows the principal part of the shock absorption type steering apparatus which concerns on the 1st example of 1 embodiment of this invention. 同じく、エネルギ吸収部材を取り出して示す斜視図。Similarly, the perspective view which takes out and shows an energy absorption member. 本発明の実施の形態の第２例に係る衝撃吸収式ステアリング装置の要部を示す、エネルギ吸収部材の周辺構造を取り出して示す側面図。The side view which takes out and shows the surrounding structure of the energy absorption member which shows the principal part of the shock absorption type steering apparatus which concerns on the 2nd example of embodiment of this invention. 図８に示す衝撃吸収式ステアリング装置のエネルギ吸収部材を取り出して示す斜視図。The perspective view which takes out and shows the energy absorption member of the impact absorption type steering apparatus shown in FIG. 従来から知られているステアリング装置の一例を、一部を切断した状態で示す側面図。The side view which shows an example of the steering apparatus conventionally known in the state which cut | disconnected a part. 従来構造の第１例を示す、衝撃吸収式ステアリング装置の側面図。The side view of the shock absorption type steering device which shows the 1st example of conventional structure. 同じく、図１１の中間部を上方から見た図。Similarly, the figure which looked at the middle part of Drawing 11 from the upper part. 同じく、図１１のＸ−Ｘ断面図。Similarly, XX sectional drawing of FIG. 同じく、図１１のエネルギ吸収部材を取り出して示す斜視図。Similarly, the perspective view which takes out and shows the energy absorption member of FIG.

［参考例］
図１〜５は、本発明の参考例を示している。本参考例において、衝撃吸収式ステアリング装置の構造は、エネルギ吸収部材を除いて、図８から図１４を参照して上述したものと同じである。尚、本例の特徴は、二次衝突時にエネルギ吸収部材２５ａが吸収する衝撃荷重を、二次衝突の発生の瞬間に小さくし、この二次衝突が進行するに従って徐々に大きくする事で、ステアリングホイール１（図１０参照）に衝突した運転者の身体の保護充実を、より一層図れる構造を実現する点にある。その他の部分の構造及び作用は、一部を除き、前述の図１１〜１４に示した構造を含め、従来から知られているステアリングコラムと同様であるから、同等部分に関する図示並びに説明は、省略若しくは簡略にし、以下、本発明の特徴部分を中心に説明する。 [Reference example]
1 to 5 show reference examples of the present invention. In this reference example, the structure of the shock absorbing steering device is the same as that described above with reference to FIGS. 8 to 14 except for the energy absorbing member. The feature of this example is that the impact load absorbed by the energy absorbing member 25a at the time of the secondary collision is reduced at the moment of occurrence of the secondary collision, and is gradually increased as the secondary collision progresses. This is to realize a structure that can further enhance the protection of the body of the driver who collides with the wheel 1 (see FIG. 10). The structure and operation of the other parts are the same as those of the conventionally known steering column, except for the structure shown in FIGS. Or, it will be simplified, and the following description will focus on the features of the present invention.

本参考例の場合、前記エネルギ吸収部材２５ａは、断面形状が円形の金属線（針金）を曲げ形成すると共に、その一部を押し潰す事により、図３に示す様な形状に造られている。即ち、前記エネルギ吸収部材２５ａは、中央部に設けられた基端部２６ａと、この基端部２６ａの両端（図３の上端）にそれぞれの基端側を連続させた車両前後方向に延びる延在部に連続する左右１対の折り返し部２７ａ、２７ａと、これら両折り返し部２７ａ、２７ａから後方に延び先端側（図２の下端側）にそれぞれ先端部２８ａ、２８ａを経て終端する変形部とを備える。前記基端部２６ａは、直線部２９ａの両端を前方に直角に折り曲げる事により、大略コ字形に形成されている。又、前記両折り返し部２７ａ、２７ａは、Ｕ字形に折り曲げられる事により形成されており、これら両折り返し部２７ａ、２７ａの先端側から連続して、車両前方（図２の左側）に延出した状態で設けられている。
尚、図示の例では、前記両折り返し部２７ａ、２７ａから後方に延びる先端部と前記基端部２６ａとの連続部である延在部を、互いに近付く方向に折り曲げる事により、エネルギ吸収部材２５ａは両折り返し部２７ａ、２７ａの基端部側部分と終端に向かう先端部側部分との間の距離を縮めている。この理由は、後述する様に前記基端部２６ａを係止部材１１ａに外嵌した状態で、これら基端部２６ａと係止部材１１ａとの係合が不用意に外れない様にして、被支持ブラケット１３ａを車体側ブラケット１０（図１０〜１１参照）に取り付ける作業を容易にする為である。 In the case of this reference example, the energy absorbing member 25a is formed into a shape as shown in FIG. 3 by bending a metal wire (wire) having a circular cross-sectional shape and crushing a part thereof. . That is, the energy absorbing member 25a extends in the vehicle front-rear direction in which a base end portion 26a provided at the center portion and both ends (upper end in FIG. 3) of the base end portion 26a are connected to the base end sides. A pair of left and right folded portions 27a, 27a that are continuous with the existing portion, and a deformed portion that extends rearward from both folded portions 27a, 27a and terminates at the distal end side (lower end side in FIG. 2) via the distal end portions 28a, 28a, respectively. Is provided. The base end portion 26a is formed in a generally U shape by bending both ends of the straight portion 29a forward at a right angle. The folded portions 27a and 27a are formed by being folded into a U-shape, and continuously extend from the front end side of the folded portions 27a and 27a to the front of the vehicle (left side in FIG. 2). It is provided in the state.
In the example shown in the figure, the energy absorbing member 25a is formed by bending an extended portion, which is a continuous portion of the distal end portion and the proximal end portion 26a, extending rearward from the folded portions 27a and 27a in a direction approaching each other. The distance between the proximal end side portion of both folded portions 27a and 27a and the distal end side portion toward the end is reduced. The reason for this is that, as will be described later, the base end portion 26a is externally fitted to the locking member 11a so that the engagement between the base end portion 26a and the locking member 11a is not inadvertently released. This is to facilitate the work of attaching the support bracket 13a to the vehicle body side bracket 10 (see FIGS. 10 to 11).

又、前記両折り返し部２７ａ、２７ａから前記両先端部２８ａ、２８ａにかけての部分に潰し加工を施して、前記エネルギ吸収部材２５ａの、扱き部材である曲面部３０に対する（この曲面部３０の径方向に関する）高さｈを、図４に示す如く、前記両折り返し部２７ａ、２７ａから前記両先端部２８ａ、２８ａの後端縁に向かう程徐々に高くしている（ｈ_１＝ｈ_２＜ｈ_３＜ｈ_４）。即ち、前記両折り返し部２７ａ、２７ａから前記両先端部２８ａ、２８ａにかけての部分のうち、二次衝突時にステアリングホイール１が前方に変位するのに伴い前記曲面部３０により初めに扱かれる前記両折り返し部２７ａ、２７ａの潰し量を最も多くしている。そして、前記両先端部２８ａ、２８ａのうち、これら両折り返し部２７ａ、２７ａとの連続部である前端から、自由端である後端に向かう程前記潰し量を徐々に少なくし、前記両先端部２８ａ、２８ａの後端部ではゼロとしている。
要するに、各部の断面積を同じとしたまま、前記高さｈを変化させる事で、曲げ剛性（断面係数）を徐々に高く（大きく）している。尚、この高さｈが小さい部分程、幅が広くなっている。 Further, the portions from the folded portions 27a, 27a to the tip portions 28a, 28a are crushed, and the energy absorbing member 25a is applied to the curved surface portion 30 that is a handling member (in the radial direction of the curved surface portion 30). As shown in FIG. 4, the height h is gradually increased from the folded portions 27a, 27a toward the rear end edges of the leading ends 28a, 28a (h ₁ = h ₂ <h _3). _<h 4). That is, of the portions from the folded portions 27a, 27a to the distal end portions 28a, 28a, the folded portions that are initially handled by the curved surface portion 30 as the steering wheel 1 is displaced forward at the time of a secondary collision. The crushing amount of the portions 27a and 27a is maximized. And among the both end portions 28a, 28a, the amount of crushing is gradually reduced from the front end, which is a continuous portion with both folded portions 27a, 27a, toward the rear end, which is a free end, The rear end portions 28a and 28a are set to zero.
In short, the bending rigidity (section modulus) is gradually increased (increased) by changing the height h while keeping the sectional area of each part the same. It should be noted that the width becomes wider as the height h becomes smaller.

上述したエネルギ吸収部材２５ａと被支持ブラケット１３ａとを以下の様にして組み合わせる事により、衝撃吸収式ステアリング装置を構成する。先ず、前記エネルギ吸収部材２５ａを構成する先端部２８ａ、２８ａを、前記被支持ブラケット１３ａの前側折り曲げ板部１５ａに設けられた小通孔３１ａ、３１ａにそれぞれ挿入する。これら各小通孔３１ａ、３１ａの内周面は、（これら各小通孔３１ａ、３１ａの形成を容易にする為、部分円筒面状とした四隅を除き）四角筒面としている。そして、図１に示す様に、前記エネルギ吸収部材２５ａの基端部２６ａを、前記係止部材１１ａの一部で取付板部１４の上面から
突出した部分に外嵌する。この状態で前記基端部２６ａを構成する直線部２９ａは、前記係止部材１１ａの後端面に、前記両折り返し部２７ａ、２７ａの内側面は、前記曲面部３０に、それぞれ当接若しくは対向する。 By combining the energy absorbing member 25a and the supported bracket 13a as described above, an impact absorbing steering device is configured. First, the front end portions 28a and 28a constituting the energy absorbing member 25a are inserted into small through holes 31a and 31a provided in the front bent plate portion 15a of the supported bracket 13a, respectively. The inner peripheral surfaces of these small through holes 31a and 31a are rectangular tube surfaces (except for the four corners having a partial cylindrical surface in order to facilitate the formation of these small through holes 31a and 31a). And as shown in FIG. 1, the base end part 26a of the said energy absorption member 25a is externally fitted in the part which protruded from the upper surface of the attachment board part 14 by a part of said locking member 11a. In this state, the linear portion 29a constituting the base end portion 26a is in contact with or opposed to the rear end surface of the locking member 11a, and the inner side surfaces of the folded portions 27a and 27a are in contact with or face the curved surface portion 30, respectively. .

上述の様に構成する本例の衝撃吸収式ステアリング装置によれば、衝突事故の際の運転者の保護を、前述した従来構造と比較して、より充実させる事ができる。即ち、前記エネルギ吸収部材２５ａのうち、二次衝突の際に曲面部３０により扱かれる部分である、折り返し部２７ａ、２７ａから先端部２８ａ、２８ａにかけての部分の、前記曲面部３０に対する高さｈを、これら両先端部２８ａ、２８ａの後端に向かう程徐々に高くし、曲げ剛性（断面係数）を高く（大きく）している為、前記エネルギ吸収部材２５ａにより吸収される衝撃荷重を、二次衝突の発生の瞬間に小さくし、この二次衝突が進行する程徐々に大きくする事ができる。
又、前記両先端部２８ａ、２８ａを挿通した前記各小通孔３１ａ、３１ａの内周面を四角筒面とする事で、前記二次衝突に伴いこれら両先端部２８ａ、２８ａが前方に引っ張られる際に、これら両先端部２８ａ、２８ａと擦れ合う部分である、前記各小通孔３１ａ、３１ａの内周面のうちの上下両面を平坦面としている。この為、前記二次衝突の進行に伴い前記両先端部２８ａ、２８ａが前記各小通孔３１ａ、３１ａを通じて前方に送り出されるのを円滑に行う事ができる。即ち、前記両先端部２８ａ、２８ａのうち、前端から中間部に掛けての部分は幅広となっているので、前記各小通孔３１ａ、３１ａの上下両面が曲
率半径の小さい部分円筒面等とした場合、前記幅広の部分がこれら各小通孔３１ａ、３１ａの端縁に引っ掛かり、前記両先端部２８ａ、２８ａを前方に送り出すのを円滑に行えなくなる可能性がある。本例の場合、前記上下両面が平坦面である為、前記幅広の部分を前記端縁に引っ掛かり難くでき、前記両先端部２８ａ、２８ａを前方に送り出すのを円滑に行う事ができる。 According to the shock absorbing steering device of the present example configured as described above, the protection of the driver in the event of a collision can be further enhanced as compared with the conventional structure described above. That is, the height h of the energy absorbing member 25a with respect to the curved surface portion 30 from the folded portions 27a, 27a to the tip portions 28a, 28a, which is the portion handled by the curved surface portion 30 during the secondary collision. Is gradually increased toward the rear ends of both the tip portions 28a, 28a, and the bending rigidity (section modulus) is increased (increased), so that the impact load absorbed by the energy absorbing member 25a is It can be reduced at the moment of occurrence of the next collision and gradually increased as this secondary collision proceeds.
Further, by making the inner peripheral surface of each small through hole 31a, 31a inserted through the both end portions 28a, 28a into a square cylindrical surface, the both end portions 28a, 28a are pulled forward in accordance with the secondary collision. The upper and lower surfaces of the inner peripheral surfaces of the small through holes 31a and 31a, which are portions that rub against the two end portions 28a and 28a, are flat surfaces. For this reason, as the secondary collision progresses, both the tip portions 28a, 28a can be smoothly fed forward through the small through holes 31a, 31a. That is, of the both end portions 28a, 28a, the portion extending from the front end to the intermediate portion is wide, so that the upper and lower surfaces of the small through holes 31a, 31a are partially cylindrical surfaces having a small curvature radius, etc. In this case, the wide portion may be caught on the edge of each of the small through holes 31a and 31a, and it may not be possible to smoothly feed the both end portions 28a and 28a forward. In the case of this example, since the upper and lower surfaces are flat surfaces, the wide portion can be hardly caught by the end edge, and the both end portions 28a, 28a can be smoothly fed forward.

［実施の形態］
以下に述べる本実施の形態において、衝撃吸収式ステアリング装置の構造は、エネルギ吸収部材、係止部材及びエネルギ吸収部材の先端部を係止する部分の構造を除いて、図８から図１４を参照して上述したものと同じである。本例は、二次衝突時にエネルギ吸収部材２５ｂが吸収する衝撃荷重を、二次衝突の発生の瞬間から確実に吸収する事で、ステアリングホイール１（図１０）に衝突した運転者の身体の保護を実現する点にある。その他の部分の構造及び作用は、前述の図１１〜１３に示した構造を含め、エネルギ吸収部材、係止部材及びエネルギ吸収部材の先端部を係止する部分の構造を除いては、従来から知られているステアリングコラム及び衝撃吸収式ステアリング装置と同様であるから、同等部分に関する図示並びに説明は、省略もしくは簡略にし、以下本実施の形態の特徴部分を中心に説明する。 [Embodiment]
In the present embodiment described below, the structure of the shock absorbing steering device is shown in FIGS. 8 to 14 except for the structure of the energy absorbing member, the locking member, and the portion for locking the tip of the energy absorbing member. And the same as described above. In this example, the shock load absorbed by the energy absorbing member 25b at the time of the secondary collision is reliably absorbed from the moment when the secondary collision occurs, thereby protecting the body of the driver who collided with the steering wheel 1 (FIG. 10). Is to realize. The structure and operation of the other parts, including the structure shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 described above, except for the structure of the energy absorbing member, the locking member, and the part that locks the tip of the energy absorbing member are conventional. Since it is the same as a known steering column and shock absorption type steering apparatus, illustrations and explanations of equivalent parts will be omitted or simplified, and the characteristic parts of this embodiment will be mainly described below.

図６は、請求項１に対応する、本発明の実施の形態の第１例を示している。本例の場合、エネルギ吸収部材２５ｂは、一枚の単純な形状の金属製プレートを加工したものであり、断面形状は矩形の金属板を曲げ形成して図７に示す様な形状に造られている。即ち、前記エネルギ吸収部材２５ｂは、端部に設けられ基端部２６ｂと、この基端部２６ｂの端部にそれぞれの基端側に連続し車両前方に向かって延びる左右1対の幅を持った延在部と該延在部の車両前方側端部で折り返された折り返し部２７ｂ、２７ｂと、これら両折り返し部２７ｂ、２７ｂに同幅で連続して車両後方に向かって延びて先端部２８ｂ、２８ｂを経て終端する変形部とを備えており、先端部２８ｂ、２８ｂは終端近傍部分から終端までプレートの断面形状が徐々にＶ字形状の構造になっている。前記基端部２６ｂは車両前後方向の寸法が他の部分の左右方向の幅寸法よりも大きく、その略中央部に矩形の孔３３を形成している。矩形の項３３は係止部材１１の外周の所定箇所に引っ掛けるに十分な大きさにされている。さらに矩形の孔３３の一部(内側)は切り欠き形成部３４があり、この切欠き形成部３４に係止部材１１ａの外周に引っ掛けることにより、切欠き形成部３４は弾性変形するので、エネルギ吸収部材を所謂弾性支持により支持する。この為係止部材１１ａの通孔２３は車両前後方向に長い長孔とすることが可能である。その結果車両への取り付け時位置ずれ吸収が可能となる。
又、前記両折り返し部２７ｂ、２７ｂは、Ｕ字形に折り曲げられる事により形成されており、これら両折り返し部２７ｂ、２７ｂの先端側から連続して、車両前方に延出した状態で設けられている。 FIG. 6 shows a first example of an embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claim 1. In the case of this example, the energy absorbing member 25b is obtained by processing a single metal plate having a simple shape, and the cross-sectional shape is formed by bending a rectangular metal plate as shown in FIG. ing. That is, the energy absorbing member 25b is provided at an end portion and has a base end portion 26b and a pair of left and right widths extending toward the front of the vehicle continuously to the base end side of each end portion of the base end portion 26b. The extended portion, the folded portions 27b and 27b folded at the vehicle front side end portion of the extended portion, and the two folded portions 27b and 27b having the same width and continuously extending toward the rear of the vehicle and the front end portion 28b. , 28b, and end portions 28b, 28b have a V-shaped cross-sectional structure gradually from the vicinity of the end to the end. The base end portion 26b has a dimension in the vehicle front-rear direction larger than the width dimension in the left-right direction of other portions, and a rectangular hole 33 is formed at a substantially central portion thereof. The rectangular item 33 is large enough to be hooked at a predetermined position on the outer periphery of the locking member 11. Further, a part (inner side) of the rectangular hole 33 has a notch forming portion 34, and the notch forming portion 34 is elastically deformed by hooking the notch forming portion 34 on the outer periphery of the locking member 11a. The absorbing member is supported by so-called elastic support. Therefore, the through hole 23 of the locking member 11a can be a long hole that is long in the vehicle front-rear direction. As a result, it is possible to absorb displacement when attached to the vehicle.
The folded portions 27b, 27b are formed by being folded into a U-shape, and are provided in a state extending continuously from the front end side of the folded portions 27b, 27b to the front of the vehicle. .

上述したエネルギ吸収部材２５ｂと被支持ブラケット１３ａとを以下の様に組み合わせる事により、衝撃吸収式ステアリング装置を構成する。先ず、前記エネルギ吸収部材２５ｂを構成する先端部２８ｂ、２８ｂを前記支持ブラケット１３ａの前側折り曲げ板部１５ａに設けられた小通孔３１ａ、３１ａにそれぞれ挿入する。これら小通孔３１ａ、３１ａの内周面は本実施形態においては四角筒面としている。そして前記エネルギ吸収部材２５ｂの基端部２６ｂの内側には前記係止部材１１ａに係合する引っ掛け孔３３が設けられており、前記係止部材１１ａ、１１aの一部で前記取付板部１４ａの上面から突出した部分に引っ掛け孔３３を外嵌させる。前記取付板部１４ａと前記エネルギ吸収部材２５ｂを一緒に挟み込み、係止部材１１ａ、１１ａの中央部に設けた通孔２３を挿通した、ボルト若しくはスタッド１２を前記車体側ブラケット１０に設けたねじ孔（図示省略）に螺合し更に締め付けて支持固定する。 By combining the energy absorbing member 25b and the supported bracket 13a as described above, an impact absorbing steering device is configured. First, the front end portions 28b and 28b constituting the energy absorbing member 25b are respectively inserted into small through holes 31a and 31a provided in the front bent plate portion 15a of the support bracket 13a. The inner peripheral surfaces of these small through holes 31a and 31a are rectangular tube surfaces in the present embodiment. A hooking hole 33 that engages with the locking member 11a is provided on the inner side of the base end portion 26b of the energy absorbing member 25b, and a part of the locking members 11a and 11a is provided on the mounting plate portion 14a. The hooking hole 33 is externally fitted to the portion protruding from the upper surface. Screw holes in which bolts or studs 12 are provided in the vehicle body side bracket 10 by sandwiching the mounting plate portion 14a and the energy absorbing member 25b together and through a through hole 23 provided in the central portion of the locking members 11a and 11a. Screw into (not shown) and tighten to support and fix.

上述の様に組み立てられた衝撃吸収式ステアリング装置は次の様に作用して、衝突事故の際に運転者の保護を図る。二次衝突時にはステアリングホイール１（図１０参照）からステアリングシャフト５を介してステアリングコラム６ａに、前方（図１１〜１２の左側）に向かう衝撃荷重が加わる。そして、この衝撃荷重により前記各係止ピン２２、２２が裂断し、前記両係止部材１１ａ、１１ａが前記両係止切り欠き１９、１９から離脱して、ステアリングコラム６ａが前記被支持ブラケット１３と共に前方に変位する。この時、前記両係止部材１１ａ、１１ａは、前記ボルト若しくはスタッド１２と共に車体に支持されたまま変位しない。従って、前記ステアリングコラム６ａの前方への変位開始に伴い前記被支持ブラケット１３ａが、前記両係止部材１１ａ、１１ａに対して前方に変位する。そして、この被支持ブラケット１３ａが、前記曲面部３０と前記両折り返し部２７ｂ、２７ｂとの間に設定した隙間３２ａの寸法ｔ（図６参照）分だけ前方に変位した後は、前記両エネルギ吸収部材２５ｂ、２５ｂの折り返し部２７ｂ、２７ｂが前記曲面部３０により前方に引っ張られる。 The shock absorbing steering device assembled as described above operates as follows to protect the driver in the event of a collision. At the time of a secondary collision, an impact load is applied from the steering wheel 1 (see FIG. 10) to the steering column 6a via the steering shaft 5 toward the front (left side in FIGS. 11 to 12). Then, due to the impact load, the locking pins 22 and 22 are torn, the locking members 11a and 11a are separated from the locking notches 19 and 19, and the steering column 6a is moved to the supported bracket. 13 is displaced forward together. At this time, the locking members 11a and 11a are not displaced while being supported by the vehicle body together with the bolts or studs 12. Therefore, the supported bracket 13a is displaced forward with respect to the locking members 11a and 11a as the steering column 6a starts to be displaced forward. Then, after the supported bracket 13a is displaced forward by the dimension t (see FIG. 6) of the gap 32a set between the curved surface portion 30 and the folded portions 27b and 27b, the energy absorption is performed. The folded portions 27 b and 27 b of the members 25 b and 25 b are pulled forward by the curved surface portion 30.

この様にエネルギ吸収部材２５ｂ、２５ｂの折り返し部２７ｂ、２７ｂが前方に引っ張られると、これら両折り返し部２７ｂ、２７ｂが前記曲面部３０により扱かれる事で、前記両エネルギ吸収部材２５ｂ、２５ｂが変形する。即ち、前記ステアリングコラム６ａが前方に変位するのに伴って前記各折り返し部２７ｂ、２７ｂが、元々形成されていた部分から車両前方に向けて移動する。この様に、これら各折り返し部２７ｂ、２７ｂを車両前方に向けて移動させるべく、前記両エネルギ吸収部材２５ｂ、２５ｂを変形させる事により、前記二次衝突に伴う衝撃荷重を吸収して、二次衝突時に於ける運転者の保護が図られる。 In this way, when the folded portions 27b and 27b of the energy absorbing members 25b and 25b are pulled forward, both the folded portions 27b and 27b are handled by the curved surface portion 30, so that both the energy absorbing members 25b and 25b are deformed. To do. That is, as the steering column 6a is displaced forward, the folded portions 27b and 27b move from the originally formed portion toward the front of the vehicle. In this way, the energy absorbing members 25b and 25b are deformed so as to move the folded portions 27b and 27b toward the front of the vehicle, thereby absorbing the impact load accompanying the secondary collision and The driver is protected in the event of a collision.

上述の様に構成する本例の衝撃吸収式ステアリング装置によれば、衝突事故の際の運転者の保護を、前述した従来構造と比較して、より充実させる事ができる。即ち、前記エネルギ吸収部材２５ｂのうち、二次衝突の際に曲面部３０により扱かれる部分である、折り返し部２７ｂ、２７ｂから先端部２８ｂ、２８ｂにかけての部分の、前記曲面部３０に対する幅を、これら両先端部２８ｂ、２８ｂの断面形状は徐々にＶ字形状になっており、曲げ剛性を高く（大きく）している為、前記エネルギ吸収部材２５ｂにより吸収される衝撃荷重を、二次衝突の発生の瞬間に小さくし、この二次衝突が進行する程尻上がり的に大き
くする事ができる。
さらに上記により、コラプスストロークを短くするという効果が期待出来る。その他の部分の構成及び作用は、上述した参考例と同様であるから、同等部分には同一符号を付して、重複する説明は省略する。 According to the shock absorbing steering device of the present example configured as described above, the protection of the driver in the event of a collision can be further enhanced as compared with the conventional structure described above. That is, of the energy absorbing member 25b, the width with respect to the curved surface portion 30 of the portion from the folded portions 27b, 27b to the tip portions 28b, 28b, which is the portion handled by the curved surface portion 30 in the case of a secondary collision, Since the cross-sectional shapes of both the tip portions 28b and 28b are gradually V-shaped, and the bending rigidity is high (large), the impact load absorbed by the energy absorbing member 25b is reduced to a secondary collision. It can be reduced at the moment of occurrence, and can be increased as the secondary collision progresses.
Further, the effect of shortening the collapse stroke can be expected. Since the configuration and operation of the other parts are the same as those in the above-described reference example, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

次に、図８及び図９を参照して、本発明の実施の形態の第２例について説明する。本例は、二次衝突時にエネルギ吸収部材２５ｂが吸収する衝撃荷重を、二次衝突の発生の瞬間から確実に吸収する事で、ステアリングホイール１（図１０）に衝突した運転者の身体の保護を実現する点にある。本第２例は、エネルギ吸収部材を除いて、その他の部分の構造及び作用は、前述の本実施の形態の第１例と同様であるから、同等部分に関する図示並びに説明は、省略もしくは簡略にし、以下本第２例の特徴部分を中心に説明する。 Next, a second example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In this example, the shock load absorbed by the energy absorbing member 25b at the time of the secondary collision is reliably absorbed from the moment when the secondary collision occurs, thereby protecting the body of the driver who collided with the steering wheel 1 (FIG. 10). Is to realize. In the second example, except for the energy absorbing member, the structure and operation of the other parts are the same as those in the first example of the above-described embodiment. Therefore, the illustration and description of the equivalent parts are omitted or simplified. Hereinafter, the characteristic part of the second example will be mainly described.

図８は、請求項１に対応する、本発明の実施の形態の第２例を示している。
本例の場合、エネルギ吸収部材２５ｂは、一枚の単純な形状の金属製プレートを加工したものであり、断面形状は矩形の金属板を曲げ形成して図９に示す様な形状に造られている。即ち、前記エネルギ吸収部材２５ｂは、端部に設けられた基端部２６ｂと、この基端部２６ｂの端部にそれぞれの基端側を連続させた左右1対の幅を持った折り返し部２７ｂ、２７ｂと、これら両折り返し部２７ｂ、２７ｂに同幅で連続して車両後方に向かって延びて先端部２８ｂ、２８ｂを経て終端する変形部とを備えている。前記基端部２６ｂは車両前後方向の寸法が他の部分の左右方向の幅寸法よりも大きく、その略中央部に矩形の孔３３を形成している。矩形の項３３は係止部材１１の外周の所定箇所に引っ掛けるに十分な大きさにされている。さらに矩形の孔３３の一部(内側)は切り欠き形成部３４があり、この切欠き形成部３４に係止部材１１ａの外周に引っ掛けることにより、切欠き形成部３４は弾性変形するので、エネルギ吸収部材を所謂弾性支持により支持する。この為係止部材１１ａの通孔２３は車両前後方向に長い長孔とすることが可能である。その結果車両への取り付け時位置ずれ吸収が可能となる。
又、前記両折り返し部２７ｂ、２７ｂは、Ｕ字形に折り曲げられる事により形成されており、これら両折り返し部２７ｂ、２７ｂの先端側から連続して、車両前方に延出した状態で設けられている。
更に特徴的には左右１対の折り返し部２７ｂ、２７ｂは、左側と右側で折り返しの位置が互いにズラされた状態で先端部２８ｂ、２８ｂへと連続している。 FIG. 8 shows a second example of an embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claim 1.
In the case of this example, the energy absorbing member 25b is obtained by processing a simple metal plate, and the cross-sectional shape is formed by bending a rectangular metal plate to have a shape as shown in FIG. ing. That is, the energy absorbing member 25b includes a base end portion 26b provided at an end portion, and a folded portion 27b having a pair of left and right widths in which the base end sides are connected to the end portion of the base end portion 26b. , 27b, and a deformed portion that continues to the folded portions 27b, 27b with the same width and extends toward the rear of the vehicle and terminates via the tip portions 28b, 28b. The base end portion 26b has a dimension in the vehicle front-rear direction larger than the width dimension in the left-right direction of other portions, and a rectangular hole 33 is formed at a substantially central portion thereof. The rectangular item 33 is large enough to be hooked at a predetermined position on the outer periphery of the locking member 11. Further, a part (inner side) of the rectangular hole 33 has a notch forming portion 34, and the notch forming portion 34 is elastically deformed by hooking the notch forming portion 34 on the outer periphery of the locking member 11a. The absorbing member is supported by so-called elastic support. Therefore, the through hole 23 of the locking member 11a can be a long hole that is long in the vehicle front-rear direction. As a result, it is possible to absorb displacement when attached to the vehicle.
The folded portions 27b, 27b are formed by being folded into a U-shape, and are provided in a state extending continuously from the front end side of the folded portions 27b, 27b to the front of the vehicle. .
Further characteristically, the pair of left and right folded portions 27b and 27b are continuous to the distal end portions 28b and 28b with the folded positions shifted from each other on the left and right sides.

上述したエネルギ吸収部材２５ｂと被支持ブラケット１３ａとの、衝撃吸収式ステアリング装置への組み付けの仕方は、本発明の実施の形態の第一例の場合と同じであるので説明を省略する。 The method of assembling the energy absorbing member 25b and the supported bracket 13a to the shock absorbing steering device is the same as that in the first example of the embodiment of the present invention, and the description thereof will be omitted.

上述の様に構成する本実施の形態の第２例の衝撃吸収式ステアリング装置によれば、衝突事故の際の運転者の保護を、前述した従来構造と比較して、より充実させる事ができる。即ち、前記エネルギ吸収部材２５ｂのうち、二次衝突の際に曲面部３０により扱かれる部分である、折り返し部２７ｂ、２７ｂから先端部２８ｂ、２８ｂにかけての部分の、前記曲面部３０に対する扱きの開始位置を左・右で互いにズラシてある為、前記エネルギ吸収部材２５ｂによりエネルギ吸収開始時のピーク荷重の発生を緩和する事ができる。
さらに上記により、最適エネルギ吸収特性が得られるという効果が期待出来る。その他の部分の構成及び作用は、上述した参考例及び本実施の形態の第１例と同様であるから、同等部分には同一符号を付して、重複する説明は省略する。 According to the shock absorbing type steering apparatus of the second example of the present embodiment configured as described above, the protection of the driver in the event of a collision can be further enhanced as compared with the conventional structure described above. . That is, in the energy absorbing member 25b, the portion that is handled by the curved surface portion 30 at the time of the secondary collision, from the folded portions 27b and 27b to the tip portions 28b and 28b, starts to be handled with respect to the curved surface portion 30. Since the positions are shifted from each other on the left and right, the energy absorbing member 25b can mitigate the generation of a peak load at the start of energy absorption.
Furthermore, the effect that an optimal energy absorption characteristic is acquired by the above can be expected. Since the configuration and operation of the other parts are the same as those of the reference example and the first example of the present embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the equivalent parts, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

本発明の衝撃吸収式ステアリングコラムを実施する場合に、前述した本発明の実施の形態の各例は何れも、ステアリングコラムに固定された被支持ブラケットの取付板部の左右２箇所位置に設けた係止切り欠きと、車体に固定された係止部材とを係合する事で車体に対し前記ステアリングコラムを支持している。
本発明は、この様な構造に限らず、被支持ブラケットの幅方向中央部１箇所位置に設けられた係止切り欠きと、車体に固定された係止部材とを係合する事で、車体に対しステアリングコラムを支持する構造とする事もできる。 When implementing the shock absorbing type steering column of the present invention, each of the above-described embodiments of the present invention is provided at two positions on the left and right of the mounting plate portion of the supported bracket fixed to the steering column. The steering column is supported with respect to the vehicle body by engaging a locking notch and a locking member fixed to the vehicle body.
The present invention is not limited to such a structure, but by engaging a locking notch provided at one position in the center of the width direction of the supported bracket with a locking member fixed to the vehicle body, On the other hand, a structure that supports the steering column can be adopted.

１ステアリングホイール
２ステアリングギヤユニット
３入力軸
４タイロッド
５ステアリングシャフト
６、６ａステアリングコラム
７自在継手
８中間シャフト
９自在継手
１０車体側ブラケット
１１、１１ａ係止部材
１２ボルト若しくはスタッド
１３、１３ａ被支持ブラケット
１４、１４ａ取付板部
１５、１５ａ前側折り曲げ板部
１６後側折り曲げ板部
１７円孔
１８切り欠き
１９係止切り欠き
２０切り欠き
２１、２１ａ小通孔
２２係止ピン
２３通孔
２４前側支持ブラケット
２５、２５ａ〜２５ｂエネルギ吸収部材
２６、２６ａ〜２６ｂ基端部
２７、２７ａ〜２７ｂ折り返し部
２８、２８ａ〜２８ｂ先端部
２９、２９ａ〜２９ｂ直線部
３０曲面部
３１、３１ａ小通孔
３２、３２ａ隙間
３３引っ掛け孔
３４切り欠き形成部 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Steering wheel 2 Steering gear unit 3 Input shaft 4 Tie rod 5 Steering shaft 6, 6a Steering column 7 Universal joint 8 Intermediate shaft 9 Universal joint 10 Car body side bracket 11, 11a Locking member 12 Bolt or stud 13, 13a Supported bracket 14 , 14a Mounting plate portion 15, 15a Front bent plate portion 16 Rear bent plate portion 17 Circular hole 18 Notch 19 Locking notch 20 Notch 21, 21a Small through hole 22 Locking pin 23 Through hole 24 Front support bracket 25 , 25a to 25b Energy absorbing member 26, 26a to 26b Base end portion 27, 27a to 27b Folded portion 28, 28a to 28b Tip portion 29, 29a to 29b Linear portion 30 Curved portion 31, 31a Small through hole 32, 32a Gap 33 Hook hole 4 notch forming section

Claims

A supported bracket fixed to the middle part of the steering column over the width direction of the steering column;
A locking member for locking the supported bracket with respect to the vehicle body side strength member so that the steering column is allowed to fall forward when a strong impact load directed forward is applied to the steering column;
An energy absorbing member provided between a portion fixed to the vehicle body side strength member and a portion fixed to the steering column;
The energy absorbing member includes a pair of extending portions extending in the axial direction, a base end portion connecting both ends at a vehicle rear side end portion of the extending portion, and a folded portion folded at a vehicle front end portion of the extending portion. And a deformed portion that extends from the folded portion toward the rear of the vehicle and terminates integrally. The base end portion is locked by the locking member, and the folded portion is The front end edge of the bracket to be supported acts on the folded portion when it is disposed in front of the front end edge of the support bracket and the strong impact load is applied and the steering column falls off the locking member and moves forward. In the shock absorbing steering column apparatus that absorbs shock while handling the folded portion and moving the folded portion forward of the vehicle,
The energy absorbing member is made of a plastically deformable metal plate.

The shock absorbing steering device according to claim 1, wherein a base end portion of a metal plate is elastically supported by the locking member.

The shock absorbing steering device according to claim 2, wherein the vehicle mounting hole of the locking member is a long hole in the column axial direction.

The shock absorbing steering device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shape of the base end portion has a binding force with respect to the outer shape of the locking member.

2. The shock absorbing steering device according to claim 1, wherein the deformed portion of the metal plate is gradually V-shaped in cross section.

2. The shock absorbing steering device according to claim 1, wherein the pair of left and right folded portions of the metal plate are displaced from each other in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

A supported bracket fixed to the middle part of the steering column over the width direction of the steering column;
A locking member for locking the supported bracket with respect to the vehicle body side strength member so that the steering column is allowed to fall forward when a strong impact load directed forward is applied to the steering column;
An energy absorbing member provided between a portion fixed to the vehicle body side strength member and a portion fixed to the steering column;
The energy absorbing member includes a pair of extending portions extending in the axial direction, a base end portion connecting both ends at a vehicle rear side end portion of the extending portion, and a folded portion folded at a vehicle front end portion of the extending portion. And a deformed portion that extends from the folded portion toward the rear of the vehicle and terminates integrally. The base end portion is locked by the locking member, and the folded portion is The front end edge of the bracket to be supported acts on the folded portion when it is disposed in front of the front end edge of the support bracket and the strong impact load is applied and the steering column falls off the locking member and moves forward. In order to use the shock-absorbing steering column device that absorbs shock while handling the folded portion and moving the folded portion forward of the vehicle,
The energy absorbing member for an impact-absorbing steering device, wherein the energy absorbing member is made of a plastically deformable metal plate.

8. The energy absorbing member for a shock absorbing steering device according to claim 7, wherein a base end portion of a metal plate is elastically supported by the locking member.

The energy absorbing member for a shock absorbing steering device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the shape of the base end portion has a binding force with respect to the outer shape of the locking member.

The energy absorbing member for an impact-absorbing steering device according to claim 7, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the deformed portion of the metal plate is gradually V-shaped.

2. The energy absorbing member for a shock absorbing steering device according to claim 1, wherein the pair of left and right folded portions of the metal plate are displaced from each other in the vehicle longitudinal direction.