JP4126554B2 - Shock absorbing steering column device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an impact absorbing steering column apparatus including an energy absorbing member that absorbs secondary collision energy (hereinafter simply referred to as collision energy) of a passenger (driver) at the time of a vehicle collision.

One type of shock absorbing steering column device of this type includes an energy absorbing member that is deformed by moving the steering column forward of the vehicle with respect to a part of the vehicle body and absorbs collision energy (for example, Patent Documents). 1).
JP 2002-225728 A

  In the shock absorbing steering column device described in Patent Document 1 described above, two energy absorbing plates are employed as the energy absorbing member. For example, when the driver's weight is large, the secondary collision Sometimes the two energy absorbing plates are bent and deformed to increase the shock absorbing load, while when the driver's weight is small, only one energy absorbing plate is bent and deformed to reduce the shock absorbing load and the steering column To ensure that progress is properly made. By the way, in the shock absorption type steering column device described in Patent Document 1 described above, two energy absorbing plates are employed so that a large shock absorbing load or a small shock absorbing load can be obtained at the time of a secondary collision. .

  An object of the present invention is to provide an impact-absorbing type steering column device having a simple structure and capable of obtaining a large shock absorbing load or a small shock absorbing load at the time of a secondary collision using a single energy absorbing member. It is said.

  In order to achieve such an object, in the present invention, in an impact absorption type steering column apparatus provided with an energy absorbing member that absorbs collision energy by being deformed by movement of the steering column relative to a part of the vehicle body toward the front of the vehicle, The absorbing member is formed in a U-shape that opens toward the rear of the vehicle or the front of the vehicle, and is disposed so as to be relatively movable between a pair of support walls extending along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The shock absorbing load obtained by the deformation at the intermediate portion and the shock absorbing load obtained by the deformation between the intermediate portion and the other end portion are configured to be different from each other. An actuator is provided to lock the end so that it cannot move relative to it or unlock it so that it can move relative to it. The vehicle body side, is characterized in that the engaging body is provided relatively movably engages a portion of the energy absorbing member.

  In this shock-absorbing steering column device, in the event of a secondary collision, the actuator locks one end of the energy absorbing member so that it cannot move relative to it and the other end thereof unlocks so that it can move relatively. When the vehicle moves forward with respect to the portion, the energy absorbing member is deformed between the intermediate portion and the other end portion of the energy absorbing member, and the collision energy is absorbed. In a secondary collision, the steering column is moved forward of the vehicle with respect to a part of the vehicle body in a state where the actuator locks the other end of the energy absorbing member so as not to move relatively and unlocks the other end so as to allow relative movement. If it moves, a deformation | transformation of an energy absorption member will be obtained between the intermediate part and one end part of an energy absorption member, and collision energy will be absorbed.

  By the way, the energy absorbing member that deforms and absorbs the collision energy as described above has an impact absorbing load obtained by deformation between the intermediate portion and one end portion and an impact absorption obtained by deformation between the intermediate portion and the other end portion. Since the loads are configured to be different, a large shock absorbing load or a small shock absorbing load can be obtained during the secondary collision by the above-described operation. Therefore, in this shock absorbing steering column device, it is possible to obtain a large shock absorbing load or a small shock absorbing load at the time of a secondary collision using a single energy absorbing member. A simple structure can be obtained.

  In implementing the present invention, the actuator can be configured to unlock both end portions of the energy absorbing member. In this case, at the time of the secondary collision, the actuator can be in an unlocked state so that both ends of the energy absorbing member can be moved relative to each other, and the steering column moves forward of the vehicle relative to a part of the vehicle body. Sometimes, it is possible to prevent the energy absorbing member from being deformed. Therefore, in this case, it is possible to select a shock absorbing pattern with a large shock absorbing load or a small shock absorbing load or a shock absorbing pattern without a shock absorbing load at the time of secondary collision using one energy absorbing member. It becomes possible.

  In carrying out the present invention, a plurality of variable mechanisms including the energy absorbing member, the actuator, and the engaging body may be provided. In this case, it is possible to increase the selectable shock absorption pattern by combining each shock absorption pattern obtained by each variable mechanism, and select the optimal shock absorption load according to the impact load at the time of secondary collision Is possible.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 schematically shows a vehicle equipped with an impact absorption type steering column apparatus according to the present invention. In this shock absorption type steering column apparatus, as shown in FIGS. An upper shaft 11 and a lower shaft 12 that can be expanded and contracted in the direction and transmit torque are provided, and a steering column 20 that supports the steering shaft 10 rotatably and can expand and contract in the axial direction includes an outer tube 21 and an inner tube. 22.

  The upper shaft 11 is supported by an outer tube 21 via a bearing (not shown) so as to be rotatable and immovable in the axial direction, and a steering wheel 13 to which an airbag device A is mounted at the upper end of the right end in FIG. Are assembled so that they can rotate together. On the other hand, the lower shaft 12 is rotatably supported on the inner tube 22 via a bearing (not shown), and is an intermediate shaft capable of expanding and contracting and transmitting torque via the universal joint 14 at the lower end portion at the left end of FIG. The intermediate shaft 15 is connected to a steering gear box 17 via a universal joint 16.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the outer tube 21 is fitted and connected to the upper end portion of the inner tube 22 at the lower end portion so as to be slidable in the axial direction, and is tilted and telescopically fixed by a bracket 21a fixed to the lower end portion. It is assembled to a vehicle body side bracket (also referred to as a steering support bracket) 31 fixed to a part of the vehicle body (not shown) via an adjustable upper support mechanism S1. On the other hand, the inner tube 22 is assembled to the vehicle body side bracket 32 so as to be tiltable via a lower support mechanism S2 that can be rotated by a bracket 22a fixed to the lower end portion.

  The upper support mechanism S1 includes a breakaway bracket 41 that supports the bracket 21a fixed to the outer tube 21 so as to be tiltable (tiltable) in the vertical direction, and the bracket fixed to the outer tube 21 with respect to the breakaway bracket 41. A tilt mechanism capable of fixing / releasing 21a and a telescopic mechanism capable of fixing / releasing the outer tube 21 with respect to the inner tube 22 are provided.

  The tilt mechanism is known per se and can be fixed / released by operating the handle. In the released state, the steering shaft 10 and the steering column 20 can be tilted up and down integrally with the breakaway bracket 41. To do. The telescopic mechanism is known per se and can be fixed and released by a handle operation. In the released state, the upper shaft 11 and the outer tube 21 are telescopically adjusted in the column axial direction with respect to the lower shaft 12 and the inner tube 22. Make it possible.

  The breakaway bracket 41 has a pair of arms 41a and 41b extending left and right. As shown in FIG. 4, the resin capsules are provided in the slit holes 41a1 and 41b1 provided in the arms 41a and 41b. 42 and the metal collars 43, and are assembled to the vehicle body side bracket 31 using the bolts 44. Each bolt 44 is screwed and fixed to each nut 32 fixed to the vehicle body side bracket 31 in advance.

  The slit holes 41a1 and 41b1 of the breakaway bracket 41 enable the breakaway bracket 41 to move forward and away during a secondary collision at the time of a vehicle collision. The arms 41a and 41b extend from substantially the center to the rear end and open at the rear end. Each resin capsule 42 has a cylindrical portion 42a that fits into each slit hole 41a1, 41b1, and is fixedly attached to the upper surface of each arm 41a, 41b, and is sheared with a predetermined load during a secondary collision. It has come to be. Each metal collar 43 is press-fitted into the cylindrical portion 42 a of each resin capsule 42, and in a state where the metal collar 43 is assembled to the vehicle body side bracket 31 using each bolt 44, each resin capsule 42 is held in a secondary collision. Shearable.

  The lower support mechanism S2 supports the inner tube 22 in the steering column 20 so that the inner tube 22 can always be tilted (rotated), and is rotatably fitted in a mounting hole 22a1 formed in the bracket 22a fixed to the lower end portion of the inner tube 22. A collar (not shown) to be combined, a bolt and a nut (not shown), and the like for fixing the collar to a part of the vehicle body (not shown).

  Further, in this embodiment, a variable mechanism B for shock absorption load is interposed between the vehicle body side bracket 31 and the breakaway bracket 41. The variable mechanism B can make a shock absorbing load at the time of a secondary collision a large shock absorbing load or a small shock absorbing load, and includes a holder 51, an energy absorbing member 52, and an actuator 53 assembled to the vehicle body side bracket 31. In addition, a post 54 fixed to the breakaway bracket 41 is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the holder 51 has a shape without the bottom wall 51 a except for the rear end portion, and has a pair of left and right vertical walls 51 b and 51 c and an upper wall 51 d, and the vehicle longitudinal direction. The front part of the energy absorbing member 52 and the actuator 53 are accommodated in the rear part, and the upper part of the column 54 is accommodated in the rear part. The holder 51 is fixed to the vehicle body side bracket 31 together with the actuator 53 by a pair of front and rear screws 55, and is configured not to move with respect to the vehicle body side bracket 31 even at the time of a secondary collision.

  Each vertical wall 51b, 51c of the holder 51 is a support wall that slidably supports the energy absorbing member 52, and the breakaway bracket 41 moves away from the vehicle body side bracket 31 and moves forward in the secondary collision. In some cases, the energy absorbing member 52 and the breakaway bracket 41 are also provided with a guide function for guiding the support 54 fixed to the breakaway bracket 41 to the front of the vehicle.

  The energy absorbing member 52 is deformed between the pair of left and right vertical walls 51b and 51c in the holder 51 and the column 54 when the breakaway bracket 41 is detached from the vehicle body side bracket 31 and moves forward in the secondary collision. An energy absorbing plate that absorbs collision energy, is formed in a U shape that opens toward the rear of the vehicle, and extends between the pair of left and right vertical walls 51b and 51c of the holder 51 that extends along the vehicle longitudinal direction. It is arranged so that it can move relatively.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the energy absorbing member 52 has a width W1 between the intermediate portion 52a and the one end portion 52b smaller than a width W2 between the intermediate portion 52a and the other end portion 52c. The shock absorbing load obtained by deformation between the portion 52a and the one end portion 52b, that is, deformation at the narrow width (W1) portion, is deformed between the intermediate portion 52a and the other end portion 52c, that is, deformation at the wide width (W2) portion. It is comprised so that it may become smaller than the shock absorption load obtained by.

  The actuator 53 locks (fixes) the end portions 52b and 52c of the energy absorbing member 52 so that they cannot move relative to the holder 51 or unlocks (releases) them so that they can move relative to each other. As shown in FIG. 5, the solenoids 53a and 53b whose energization / non-energization is controlled by the electric control unit ECU and the connecting pins 53c that move in the left-right direction of the vehicle in response to energization of the solenoids 53a and 53b are provided. Yes.

  When both solenoids 53a and 53b are not energized, the connecting pin 53c is held in the neutral position (unlock position) shown in FIG. 4 by the neutral holding mechanism (not shown) and engaged with the energy absorbing member 52. First, both end portions 52b and 52c of the energy absorbing member 52 are unlocked to allow relative movement in the front-rear direction with respect to the holder 51, and the energy absorbing member 52 cannot be deformed.

  Further, when one solenoid 53a is energized, the connecting pin 53c moves to the left in FIG. 4 and engages with a connecting hole 52b1 provided in the narrow width (W1) portion of the energy absorbing member 52 to absorb energy. The narrow width (W1) portion of the member 52 is locked so as not to move relative to the holder 51 in the front-rear direction, so that the wide width (W2) portion of the energy absorbing member 52 can be deformed. Further, when the other solenoid 53b is energized, it moves to the right in FIG. 4 and fits into a connecting hole 52c1 provided in the wide (W2) portion of the energy absorbing member 52, so that the wide (W2) of the energy absorbing member 52 is fitted. ) Part is locked so as not to move relative to the holder 51 in the front-rear direction, so that the narrow width (W1) part of the energy absorbing member 52 can be deformed.

  The column 54 is a cylindrical engaging body that engages with a part of the energy absorbing member 52 so as to be relatively movable, protrudes upward from the breakaway bracket 41 and enters the intermediate portion 52a of the energy absorbing member 52. When the breakaway bracket 41 moves away from the vehicle body side bracket 31 and moves forward in the next collision, the narrow width (W1) of the energy absorbing member 52 cooperates with the pair of left and right vertical walls 51b and 51c in the holder 51. The portion or the wide (W2) portion is pushed and deformed.

  Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a seat belt device C is provided between the seat 60 and the vehicle body. The seat belt apparatus C includes a seat belt 71, a tongue plate 72, a buckle 73, a shoulder belt anchor 74, and a retractor 75 incorporating a pretensioner mechanism and a force limiter mechanism. The switch SW in the buckle 73 is a tongue. By detecting the presence or absence of the plate 72, whether the driver (Hf, H, or Hr) is wearing or not wearing the seat belt is detected.

  The pretensioner mechanism is a mechanism that winds up the seat belt 71 instantaneously at the initial stage of a frontal collision of the vehicle and firmly restrains the driver (Hf, H, or Hr). Further, when the driver (Hf, H, or Hr) moves forward due to the impact reaction, the force limiter mechanism slightly relaxes the restraining force of the seat belt 71 to reduce the driver (Hf, H or This is a mechanism for reducing the load applied to the chest of Hr) to a set load.

  The electric control unit ECU operates the airbag device A and the variable mechanism B to make the driver's (Hf, H or Hr) physique and the driver's (Hf, H or Hr) seat belt worn / not worn at the time of a vehicle collision. The switch in the buckle 43 is electrically connected to the airbag device A and the variable mechanism B and detects whether the driver (Hf, H or Hr) is wearing or not wearing the seat belt. SW, a seating seat position detection sensor Sp that detects the physique of the driver (Hf, H, or Hr), and a collision detection sensor Sc that detects a vehicle collision are electrically connected.

  In this electric control unit ECU, a control program for operating the airbag device A based on a detection signal from the collision detection sensor Sc is executed at the time of a vehicle collision, and the collision detection sensor Sc and the seating seat position detection sensor Sp are also executed. The control program for controlling the operation of the variable mechanism B, that is, the operation of the actuator 53, is executed based on the detection signal from the switch SW in the buckle 43.

  Specifically, the control program for controlling the operation of the actuator 53 is such that when a large driver Hr is driving with the seat belt 71 and the vehicle collides, one solenoid 53a is energized to absorb energy. When the standard driver H is driving with the seat belt 71 and the vehicle collides so that the wide (W2) portion of the member 52 can be deformed, the other solenoid 53b is energized. The solenoids 53a and 53b are arranged so that the narrow width (W1) portion of the energy absorbing member 52 can be deformed and when the small driver Hf is driving with the seat belt 71 and the vehicle collides. Are maintained in a non-energized state so that the energy absorbing member 52 cannot be deformed.

  Further, when a large driver Hr or a standard driver H is driving without wearing the seat belt 71 and the vehicle collides, one solenoid 53a is energized and the energy absorbing member 52 is wide (W2). When the small driver Hf is driving without wearing the seat belt 71 and the vehicle collides so that the part can be deformed, the other solenoid 53b is energized and the narrow width of the energy absorbing member 52 is increased. The (W1) portion is set to be deformable.

  In this embodiment configured as described above, in the event of a vehicle collision, the airbag device A, the operation of which is controlled by the electric control unit ECU, is activated to prepare for a secondary collision of the driver (Hf, H or Hr). At the same time, the solenoids 53a and 53b of the actuator 53 in the variable mechanism B are energized and de-energized by the electric control unit ECU to prepare for a secondary collision of the driver (Hf, H or Hr).

  Further, at the time of the secondary collision of the driver (Hf, H, or Hr), the breakaway bracket 41 moves away from the vehicle body side bracket 31 at a predetermined load or more in front of the vehicle, whereby the breakaway bracket 41 moves forward of the vehicle. The intermediate portion 52a of the energy absorbing member 52 in the variable mechanism B and the one end portion 52b or between the intermediate portion 52a and the other end portion 52c are between the pair of left and right vertical walls 51b and 51c and the column 54. Deformable.

  By the way, when a large driver Hr is driving with the seat belt 71 and the vehicle collides, one solenoid 53a is energized prior to the secondary collision, and the wide (W2) portion of the energy absorbing member 52 is energized. Therefore, at the time of a secondary collision, as the breakaway bracket 41 moves forward of the vehicle, the wide (W2) portion of the energy absorbing member 52 is deformed to absorb the collision energy with a large shock absorbing load. To do. Therefore, at this time, the collision energy at the time of the secondary collision is absorbed by the airbag device A and the seat belt device C, and is also absorbed by the deformation of the wide (W2) portion of the energy absorbing member 52.

  Further, when the standard driver H is driving with the seat belt 71 and the vehicle collides, the other solenoid 53b is energized prior to the secondary collision, and the narrow width (W1) of the energy absorbing member 52 is energized. ) Portion can be deformed, and at the time of the secondary collision, the narrow (W1) portion of the energy absorbing member 52 is deformed with a small shock absorbing load as the breakaway bracket 41 moves forward of the vehicle. Absorbs collision energy. Therefore, at this time, the collision energy at the time of the secondary collision is absorbed by the airbag device A and the seat belt device C, and is also absorbed by the deformation of the narrow width (W1) portion of the energy absorbing member 52.

  Also, when the small driver Hf is driving with the seat belt 71 and the vehicle collides, both solenoids 53a and 53b are kept non-energized prior to the secondary collision, and the energy absorbing member 52 Deformation becomes impossible. Therefore, at this time, even when the breakaway bracket 41 moves forward of the vehicle with respect to the vehicle body side bracket 31 during the secondary collision, the energy absorbing member 52 is not deformed and does not absorb the collision energy. Therefore, at this time, the collision energy at the time of the secondary collision is absorbed by the airbag device A and the seat belt device C.

  Further, when a large driver Hr or a standard driver H is driving without wearing the seat belt 71 and the vehicle collides, one solenoid 53a is energized prior to the secondary collision, and the energy absorbing member 52, the wide (W2) portion of the energy absorbing member 52 is deformed as the breakaway bracket 41 moves forward in the event of a secondary collision, so that the impact absorbing member 52 is deformed and absorbs a large impact. Absorbs collision energy with load. Therefore, at this time, the collision energy at the time of the secondary collision is absorbed by the airbag device A and is also absorbed by the deformation of the wide (W2) portion of the energy absorbing member 52.

  Further, when the small driver Hf is driving without wearing the seat belt 71 and the vehicle collides, the other solenoid 53b is energized prior to the secondary collision, and the energy absorbing member 52 has a narrow width (W1). Since the portion can be deformed, at the time of a secondary collision, the narrow (W1) portion of the energy absorbing member 52 is deformed as the breakaway bracket 41 moves forward of the vehicle, and the collision energy is reduced with a small shock absorbing load. Absorbs. Therefore, at this time, the collision energy at the time of the secondary collision is absorbed by the airbag device A and is also absorbed by the deformation of the narrow width (W1) portion of the energy absorbing member 52.

  As is apparent from the above description, in this embodiment, the energy absorbing member 52 capable of absorbing the collision energy at the time of the secondary collision is an impact absorbing load obtained by deformation between the intermediate portion 51a and the one end portion 52b. Since the shock absorbing load obtained by the deformation between the intermediate portion 52a and the other end portion 52c is different, a large shock absorbing load or a small shock absorbing load can be obtained at the time of the secondary collision as described above. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a large shock absorbing load or a small shock absorbing load at the time of the secondary collision using one energy absorbing member 52, and the shock absorbing steering column device having the variable mechanism B can be obtained at a low cost and with a simple structure. Is possible.

  In this embodiment, the actuator 53 can unlock both ends 52b and 52c of the energy absorbing member 52, and the breakaway bracket 41 moves forward of the vehicle with respect to the vehicle body side bracket 31 at the time of a secondary collision. At this time, it is possible to prevent the energy absorbing member 52 from being deformed. Therefore, it is possible to select a shock absorbing pattern with a large shock absorbing load, a small shock absorbing load, or a shock absorbing pattern without a shock absorbing load at the time of a secondary collision using one energy absorbing member 52.

  In the above embodiment, the energy absorbing member 52 having the shape shown in FIG. 5 (the shape having the same plate thickness and the partially different width) is employed and obtained by deformation between the intermediate portion 52a and the one end portion 52b. The shock absorbing load is made smaller than the shock absorbing load obtained by the deformation between the intermediate portion 52a and the other end portion 52c. For example, the energy absorbing member 152 having the shape shown in FIG. It is also possible to make the shock absorbing load obtained by deformation between 152a and one end portion 152b smaller than the shock absorbing load obtained by deformation between the intermediate portion 152a and the other end portion 152c.

  In the energy absorbing member 152 shown in FIG. 6, a long hole 152d for reducing the deformation strength is formed along the longitudinal direction between the intermediate portion 152a and the one end portion 152b. The shock absorbing load obtained by the deformation between them is made smaller than the shock absorbing load obtained by the deformation between the intermediate portion 152a and the other end portion 152c. It is also possible to reduce the plate thickness between the one end portions 152b as compared with the plate thickness between the intermediate portion 152a and the other end portion 152c.

  In the above-described embodiment, one variable mechanism B including the energy absorbing member 52, the actuator 53, and the support (engaging body) 54 is employed. However, in carrying out the present invention, the energy absorbing member, It is also possible to implement by providing a plurality of variable mechanisms including a combination and an actuator. In this case, it is possible to increase the selectable shock absorption pattern by combining each shock absorption pattern obtained by each variable mechanism, and select the optimal shock absorption load according to the impact load at the time of secondary collision Is possible.

  In the above embodiment, the holder 51 and the actuator 53 are assembled to the vehicle body side bracket 31, and the column (engagement body) 54 is fixed to the breakaway bracket 41 and opened as the energy absorbing member 52 toward the rear of the vehicle. Although the U-shaped one was adopted, the holder and the actuator were assembled to the breakaway bracket, and the column (engagement body) was fixed to the vehicle body side bracket to absorb energy. It is also possible to adopt and implement a member formed in a U-shape opened toward the front of the vehicle as a member.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the embodiment in which the solenoids 53a and 53b are used as the driving means for driving the connecting pin 53c of the actuator 53 toward the locked position has been described. However, the connecting pin 53c is driven toward the locked position. The drive means may use an electric motor or a gas generator, and is not limited to the above embodiment.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is implemented in an embodiment in which the steering column 20 is supported by a support mechanism including the upper support mechanism S1 and the lower support mechanism S2 with respect to a part of the vehicle body. The same can be applied to an embodiment in which the column is supported by a single support mechanism with respect to a part of the vehicle body.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, it is not equipped with the collision energy absorption mechanism which can absorb a driver | operator's collision energy at the time of a vehicle collision by the axial direction contraction of the outer tube 21 and the inner tube 22 of the steering column 20. Although the present invention has been implemented, the present invention can also be implemented in a similar manner to those equipped with the collision energy absorbing mechanism.

1 is a side view schematically showing an embodiment of a vehicle including an impact absorption type steering column device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of the shock absorbing steering column device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of the shock absorbing steering column device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a partially broken enlarged rear view showing a relationship between a vehicle body side bracket, a breakaway bracket, a variable mechanism and the like shown in FIG. 2. It is a schematic perspective view of the energy absorption member shown in FIGS. It is the perspective view which showed schematically the deformation | transformation embodiment of the energy absorption member.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Steering shaft, 20 ... Steering column, 31 ... Body side bracket, 41 ... Breakaway bracket, 51 ... Holder, 51a ... Bottom wall, 51b, 51c ... Vertical wall (bearing wall), 51d ... Upper wall, 52 ... Energy Absorbing member, 52a ... intermediate part, 52b ... one end part, 52c ... other end part, 53 ... actuator, 53a, 53b ... solenoid, 53b ... connecting pin, 54 ... post (engaging body), A ... airbag device, B ... Variable mechanism, C ... Seat belt device

Claims (3)

  In an impact absorption type steering column apparatus including an energy absorbing member that absorbs collision energy by deformation of the steering column with respect to a part of the vehicle body when the steering column moves forward, the energy absorbing member is directed toward the rear of the vehicle or the front of the vehicle. The shock absorbing load and the intermediate part which are formed in an open U-shape and are arranged so as to be relatively movable between a pair of support walls extending along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and obtained by deformation between the intermediate part and one end part The shock absorption load obtained by the deformation between the other ends of the energy absorption member is configured to be different, and each end of the energy absorbing member can be locked or relatively moved on the vehicle body side or the steering column side so as not to be relatively movable. Is provided on the steering column side or the vehicle body side of the energy absorbing member. Shock absorbing steering column apparatus, characterized in that the engaging member is provided which relatively movable engage.   2. The shock absorbing steering column apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the actuator can unlock both ends of the energy absorbing member. 3. The shock absorbing steering column apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of variable mechanisms including the energy absorbing member, the actuator, and the engaging body are provided. .

Images