JP4420008B2 - Steering device support mechanism - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a support mechanism for a steering device for an automobile.

  Many automotive steering devices are equipped with an air bag on the steering wheel, and in the event of a frontal collision of the vehicle, a means for absorbing the impact force of the driver on the steering wheel by the operation of the air bag is employed. However, there are those equipped with an energy absorption mechanism for absorbing the impact force transmitted to the steering wheel in the support mechanism of the steering device, and some that use an air bag and an energy absorption mechanism in combination. .

By the way, the steering device disclosed in Patent Document 1 below not only absorbs the impact force to the driver by the operation of the air bag equipped on the steering wheel depending on whether or not the driver wears a seat belt, By pulling forward, the distance between the steering wheel and the driver is maintained at an appropriate distance, and the impact force is further mitigated.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-113954

  In the steering device, in order to link the airbag and the column moving mechanism, each member constituting the interlocking state of the airbag and the column moving mechanism and the interlocking relationship between the airbag and the column moving mechanism are controlled. Equipped with a control device. For this reason, in the steering device, various components for interlocking the airbag and the column moving mechanism are arranged around the steering column, which makes the structure of the steering device complicated and reduces the cost. Will increase significantly. In the steering device, how to set the energy absorption amount (impact force absorption amount) in the support mechanism of the steering device in accordance with the presence / absence of the driver's seat belt and the seating seat position of the driver. There is not enough consideration.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a support mechanism for a steering device having an energy absorbing function that has different amounts of absorption of impact energy (impact force) depending on whether the driver wears a seat belt or the seating position of the driver. The structure is not linked to the airbag mounted on the wheel, and the structure is simplified.

  The present invention relates to a steering device support mechanism, and in particular, to a steering device support mechanism for supporting a steering column for supporting a steering shaft rotatably in a circumferential direction on a part of a vehicle body. Basically, the support mechanism according to the present invention includes an energy absorption mechanism provided on at least one of the steering column side and the vehicle body side, and the energy absorption amount of the energy absorption mechanism is determined by the seating seat of the driver. When the position is ahead of the set position, the amount of energy absorbed is greater than when the driver's seating seat position is at the set position.

Thus, the steering device support mechanism according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 1) is a steering device support mechanism for supporting a steering column that supports a steering shaft rotatably in a circumferential direction on a part of a vehicle body. The support mechanism includes an energy absorption mechanism provided on at least one of the steering column side and the vehicle body side, and the energy absorption amount of the energy absorption mechanism is determined based on the seating seat position when the driver does not wear the seat belt. Is larger than the energy absorption amount when the seating seat position when the driver is not wearing the seat belt is at the setting position, and the energy absorption mechanism is fixed to the steering column. A part of the vehicle body through the support member and a long hole extending in the front-rear direction provided in the support member A support pin that is attached and supports the steering column to the vehicle body via the support member, and an energy absorbing member that is provided on the support member and is deformable by the support pin when the support pin relatively moves in the elongated hole. And a deformation characteristic variable means for changing a deformation action amount for the energy absorbing member, and the deformation characteristic variable means reduces the deformation action amount for the energy absorption member when the driver's seating seat position is at the set position. And when a driver | operator's seating seat position is ahead of a setting position, it functions so that it may enlarge .

The support mechanism according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 2 ) includes an energy absorption mechanism provided on at least one of the steering column side and the vehicle body side, and the amount of energy absorption of the energy absorption mechanism is determined by the driver. When the seating seat position when the seatbelt is not worn is ahead of the set position, the seating seat position when the driver is not wearing the seatbelt is larger than the energy absorption amount when the seating seat position is at the set position, The energy absorbing mechanism is assembled on the vehicle body side and relatively moves in the length direction of the steering column, and the energy absorbing member is provided on the steering column side and deforms the energy absorbing member when the energy absorbing member moves relatively. Deformation means to be operated, and the energy of the deformation means to operate according to the seating position of the driver Includes a deformation characteristics changing means for changing the deformation effect level for over-absorbing member, the deformation characteristics changing means, the deformation effect amount to the energy absorbing member, the driver of the small when the sitting seat position is set position and the driver The seating seat functions so as to increase when the seating seat position is ahead of the set position.

The support mechanism according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 3 ) includes an energy absorption mechanism provided on at least one of the steering column side and the vehicle body side, and the energy absorption amount of the energy absorption mechanism is determined by the driver. When the seating seat position when the seatbelt is not worn is ahead of the set position, the seating seat position when the driver is not wearing the seatbelt is larger than the energy absorption amount when the seating seat position is at the set position, The energy absorbing mechanism is attached to a part of the vehicle body through a support member fixed to the steering column and a long hole extending in the front-rear direction provided in the support member, and the steering column is mounted on the vehicle body via the support member. And a support pin that is provided on the support member and is deformed by the support pin when the support pin relatively moves in the elongated hole. First and second energy absorbing members capable of deforming the first energy absorbing member when the driver's seating seat position is at the set position, and the driver's seating seat position. When the is in front of the set position, it functions to deform both the first and second energy absorbing members at the same time.

In the support mechanism according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 4 ), the steering wheel assembled to the steering shaft is equipped with an airbag.

In the support mechanism of the steering device according to the present invention (the invention according to claims 1 to 3 ), when the driver is not wearing the seat belt and the seating seat position is at the set position, the energy absorption mechanism provided in the support mechanism The impact energy absorption amount is small, and when the driver is not wearing the seat belt and the seating seat position is ahead of the set position, the impact energy absorption amount in the energy absorption mechanism described above is large.

Further, in the support mechanism for the steering device according to the present invention (the invention according to claim 4 ), the impact energy is also absorbed by the operation of the airbag equipped on the steering wheel. The variable energy absorbing mechanism provided on the column side or the vehicle body side can be reduced in size.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1, 2, and 3 show a steering apparatus that employs a first support mechanism 20 a (support mechanism of the first embodiment) that is a first support mechanism. The steering device 10a includes a steering column 11 and a steering shaft 12 inserted through the steering column 11, and the steering shaft 12 is supported in the steering column 11 so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction.

  In the steering device 10a, the rear of the steering column 11 is supported by a part (not shown) of the vehicle body via the upper support bracket 13, and the front of the steering column 11 is supported by the first support mechanism 20a. A part (not shown) is supported. Further, in the state where the steering device 10a is assembled to a vehicle, the front end portion of the steering shaft 12 is coupled to the steering link mechanism 16 and the rear end portion of the steering shaft 12 as schematically shown in FIG. Is assembled with a steering wheel 17 (inside of which an air bag 18 that is actuated at the time of a frontal collision of the vehicle and absorbs the impact energy of the driver H is incorporated).

  The upper support bracket 13 is a bracket that is assembled to a part of the vehicle body and supports the steering column 11 so that it can be broken forward. When a predetermined load acts on the steering column 11 toward the front of the vehicle, The steering column 11 can be detached and moved forward. Further, the upper support bracket 13 is provided with a lock mechanism of a tilt mechanism, and reference numeral 14 in FIGS. 2 and 3 denotes an operation lever for operating the lock mechanism to perform a lock operation and an unlock operation. ing.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the first support mechanism 20 a includes a support bracket 21 that is a support member, a support pin 22, a bending plate 23 that is an energy absorbing member, and an engagement device that is a deformation characteristic varying unit. 24.

  The support bracket 21 has a gate shape and is horizontally long when viewed from the front-rear direction, and a long hole 21b extending obliquely upward from a portion slightly forward from the center portion is opposed to the side wall portions 21a facing each other. Is formed. The long hole 21b includes a circular hole portion 21b1 which is a base end portion, a belt-like hole portion 21b2 which extends obliquely upward from the circular hole portion 21b1 rearward, and a narrow portion 21b3 which connects these hole portions 21b1 and 21b2. The belt-like hole 21b2 is formed to have a width substantially the same as the diameter of the circular hole 21b1. The support bracket 21 is fixed to an upper portion of the outer periphery of the steering column 11 at the lower end portions of the left and right side wall portions 21a.

  The support pin 22 is assembled to the lower support bracket 15 that is fixed to a part of the vehicle body in a state of passing through the long hole 21b of the support bracket 21, and is supported in the state of being assembled to the lower support bracket 15. A front end portion of the steering column 11 is supported by a part of the vehicle body via a bracket 21 so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction. The support pin 22 is positioned in the circular hole portion 21b1 in the long hole 21b of the support bracket 21 and is moved over the narrow portion 21b3 by relative movement (relative movement) with the support bracket 21. Move backward in.

  The bent plate 23 is formed by bending the rear end side of a plate having a predetermined width by approximately 360 degrees. The bent side wall 23a and the lower side wall 23b are opposed to each other while maintaining a predetermined interval. An arcuate wall portion 23c that connects 23a and 23b on the rear end side, and an upright wall portion 23d that rises orthogonally from the front end portion of the lower side wall portion 23b.

  Further, the bending plate 23 is welded and fixed to the support bracket 21 in a state where the bending plate 23 is positioned by a plurality of pins 21c planted so as to surround the outer periphery of the circular hole portion 21b1 of the long hole 21b in the side wall portion 21a of the support bracket 21. The support pin 22 is enclosed in the support bracket 21, the standing wall portion 23 d is positioned on the front side of the support pin 22, and the arcuate wall portion 23 c is formed on the rear side of the support pin 22 with the long hole 21 b. The belt-like hole 21b2 is crossed and passed.

  In the bent plate 23, as shown in FIG. 5, upper and lower grooves 23e1, 23e2 extending in the length direction are formed at the center in the width direction of the upper side wall 23a, and the rear ends of both grooves 23e1, 23e2 A circular engagement hole 23e3 and a notch groove 23e4 for connecting the engagement hole 23e3 to both the groove parts 23e1 and 23e2 are formed in the part.

  The engagement device 24 includes a solenoid 24a and a shearing action pin 24b that moves forward and backward by energization / interruption (energization control) with respect to the solenoid 24a, and by fixing the solenoid 24a to the front end portion of the upper wall portion 21d of the support bracket 21. It is attached to the support bracket 21. In this attached state, the engagement device 24 has a shearing action pin 24b that passes through the upper wall portion 21d of the support bracket 21 and faces the engagement hole 23e3 of the upper wall portion 23a of the bending plate 23 so as to be able to advance and retreat. Yes.

  In the engaging device 24, when the solenoid 24a is energized, the shearing action pin 24b protrudes and enters and engages with the engaging hole 23e3 of the bending plate 23 as shown in FIG. At the time of non-energization, as shown in FIG. 6B, the shearing pin 24b is retracted upward, and is retracted from the engagement hole 23e3 of the bending plate 23 to be in a non-engagement state. The solenoid 24a is energized as the engine is started, and when the driver H is not wearing the seat belt (the sensor 92 provided on the driver seat seat belt 91 shown in FIG. 1), the electric control unit ECU shown in FIG. 1 maintains the energized state. When the driver H wears the seat belt 91, the electric control unit ECU is deenergized. The energization / non-energization of the solenoid 24a can also be carried out with the setting reverse to that described above (however, when the driver H does not wear the seat belt, the shearing action pin 24b protrudes and the driver H seat belt When worn, there is no change in that the shearing action pin 24b is retracted upward).

  In the steering device 10a supported by the first support mechanism 20a having such a configuration, when the driver H moves forward and interferes with the steering wheel 17 during a frontal collision of the vehicle, the steering shaft 12 and the steering column 11 are supported. Move forward together with the bracket 21.

  As a result, the support pin 22 constituting the support mechanism 20a that supports the steering column 11 relatively moves rearward in the long hole 21b of the support bracket 21 with a force corresponding to the impact force. During the relative movement of the support pin 22, the support pin 22 deforms the bending plate 23 so as to extend its bent state and absorbs impact energy. For this reason, the impact energy of the driver H on the steering wheel 17 is absorbed by the action of the support mechanism 20a, and the impact force of the driver H on the steering wheel 17 is reduced.

  Thus, in the support mechanism 20a, when the driver H is not wearing the seat belt (when the predicted impact force predicted to be received by the driver H from the steering column side is large), the solenoid constituting the engagement device 24 is used. 24a is in an energized state, and the shearing action pin 24b enters and engages with the engagement hole 23e3 of the bending plate 23 as shown in FIG. For this reason, the bending plate 23 is deformed by being stretched rearward of the vehicle with the shearing action pin 24b as a base point. At this time, the shearing action pin 24b passes through the notch groove 23e4 of the bending plate 23 and is formed into both groove portions 23e1, 23e2. Transition to shear the bending plate 23.

  For this reason, when the driver's H is not wearing the seat belt, the support pin 22 that moves rearward at the time of impact is deformed by extending the bending plate 23, and at the same time, the bending plate 23 is sheared along both the groove portions 23e1 and 23e2. Action force is applied. Accordingly, the amount of impact energy absorbed by the support mechanism 20a is large.

  On the other hand, when the driver H wears the seat belt (when the predicted impact force predicted to be received by the driver H from the steering column side is small), the solenoid 24a constituting the engagement device 24 is in a non-energized state. Accordingly, the shearing action pin 24b is retracted from the engagement hole 23e3 of the bending plate 23 as shown in FIG. 6 (b). Therefore, the bending plate 23 is deformed by being extended rearward without using the shearing action pin 24b as a base point, and in this case, the shearing action pin 24b applies a shearing action force to the bending plate 23. There is no. Accordingly, the amount of impact energy absorbed by the support mechanism 20a is smaller than that when the driver H is not wearing the seat belt.

  As described above, the support mechanism 20a has a function that the amount of absorption of the impact energy is variable depending on whether or not the driver H wears the seat belt (according to the predicted impact force predicted to be received by the driver H from the steering column side). And is configured by effectively utilizing a support mechanism indispensable for supporting the steering device 10a on a part of the vehicle body. For this reason, the support mechanism 20a can be configured at a low cost with a relatively simple configuration, and the steering device 10a can be prevented from having a complicated structure, and an increase in cost can be significantly suppressed. . In addition to the presence or absence of the driver's H seat belt, various sensors for detecting the vehicle speed, the physique of the driver H, etc. (for example, the seating seat position of the driver H provided in the driver's seat is detected in FIG. The predicted impact force can be calculated based on a signal from the seating seat position detection sensor 93 or the weight sensor) (always calculated when the vehicle is traveling).

  7 and 8 show a second support mechanism 20b (support mechanism of the second embodiment) which is a first support mechanism. The second support mechanism 20b is based on the first support mechanism 20a, and the engaging device 25 employed is different from the engaging device 24 of the first support mechanism 20a. Therefore, in the 2nd support mechanism 20b, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to these same components and the same component as the 1st support mechanism 20a, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Thus, the engagement device 25 employed in the second support mechanism 20b includes a solenoid 25a and a deforming action pin 25b that moves forward and backward by energization control on the solenoid 25a. The solenoid 25a is connected to the upper wall portion 21d of the support bracket 21. It is attached to the support bracket 21 by being fixed to the front end portion. In this attached state, the engaging device 25 has the deforming action pin 25b that passes through the upper wall portion 21d of the support bracket 21 and faces the proximal end portion of the slit hole 23f of the bending plate 23 so as to be able to advance and retract. The deformation action pin 25b may have a stepped shape that gradually tapers like the deformation action pin 25b1 shown in FIG. 9 (a), or gradually like the deformation action pin 25b2 shown in FIG. 9 (b). The taper shape may be tapered.

  In the engagement device 25, when the solenoid 25a is energized, the deforming action pin 25b moves forward and enters the slit hole 23f of the bending plate 23. When the solenoid 25a is in a non-energized state, the deforming action pin 25b is moved upward. It moves backward from the slit hole 23 f of the bending plate 23. In the engagement device 25, the solenoid 25a is energized as the engine starts, and is kept energized when the driver H does not wear the seat belt, and is de-energized when the driver H wears the seat belt. It should be noted that the energization / non-energization of the solenoid 25a can also be carried out with the setting reversed.

  In the steering device 10a supported by the second support mechanism 20b having such a configuration, when the driver H moves forward and interferes with the steering wheel 17 during a frontal collision of the vehicle, the steering shaft 12 and the steering column 11 are supported. Move forward together with the bracket 21.

  As a result, the support pin 22 constituting the support mechanism 20b that supports the steering column 11 relatively moves rearward in the long hole 21b of the support bracket 21 with a force corresponding to the impact force. During the relative movement of the support pin 22, the support pin 22 deforms the bending plate 23 so as to extend its bent state and absorbs impact energy. For this reason, the impact energy of the driver H on the steering wheel 17 is absorbed by the action of the support mechanism 20b, and the impact force of the driver H on the steering wheel 17 is reduced.

  Thus, in the support mechanism 20b, when the driver H is not wearing the seat belt, the solenoid 25a constituting the engagement device 25 is in an energized state, and the deforming action pin 25b is a bent plate 23 as shown in FIG. It is in the state which entered into the slit hole 23f. For this reason, the bending plate 23 is extended and deformed from the deformation action pin 25b as a base point, and at this time, the deformation action pin 25b moves relative to the bending plate 23 and has both side edges of the slit hole 23f. Deform the part.

  For this reason, when the driver's H is not wearing the seat belt, the support pins 22 that move relatively rearward at the time of impact are deformed by extending the bending plate 23, and at the same time, both side edges of the slit hole 23 f are deformed by the bending plate 23. The deformation acting force is applied. Therefore, the amount of impact energy absorbed by the support mechanism 20b is large.

  On the other hand, when the driver H wears the seat belt, the solenoid 25a constituting the engagement device 25 is in a non-energized state, and the deforming action pin 25b is retracted upward from the slit hole 23f of the bending plate 23. I'm leaving. For this reason, the bending plate 23 does not receive a deformation action from the deformation action pin 25b. Accordingly, the amount of impact energy absorbed by the support mechanism 20b is smaller than that when the driver H is not wearing the seat belt.

  In the support device 25, the amount of current applied to the solenoid 25a when the driver H is not wearing the seat belt is set to the steering column when the vehicle collides based on whether the driver H wears the seat belt, the vehicle speed, the physique of the driver H, or the like. It is possible to control by the magnitude of the predicted impact force predicted to be received by the driver H from the side. Thereby, when the above-described predicted impact force is large, the protruding length of the deforming action pin 25b is lengthened, and in the deforming action pin 25b1 shown in FIG. The deformable pin 25b2 shown in FIG. 9B can be engaged with the hole 23f, and a thick tapered portion can be engaged with the slit hole 23f. Therefore, in this case, the amount of impact energy absorbed by the support mechanism 20b can be increased.

  10 and 11 show a third support mechanism 20c (support mechanism of the third embodiment) which is a first support mechanism. The third support mechanism 20c is based on the first support mechanism 20a, and is different in that a handling device 26 is provided instead of the engagement device 24 of the first support mechanism 20a. Therefore, in the 3rd support mechanism 20c, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to these same components and the same component as the 1st support mechanism 20a, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Thus, the handling device 26 employed in the third support mechanism 20c includes a fixed pin 26a, a movable pin 26b, and a solenoid 26c coupled to the movable pin 26b. The fixing pin 26a is attached to the front portion of the side wall portion 21a of the support member 21 and is positioned in a bridge shape. The solenoid 26c is attached to the outside of the one side wall 21a of the support member 21, and holds the movable pin 26b from the side of the one side wall 21a so as to advance and retreat. . The fixed pin 26a is positioned at the front lower bent portion 23a1 of the upper wall portion 23a of the bent plate 23, and the movable pin 26b can be advanced and retracted to the rear upper bent portion 23a2 of the upper wall portion 23a of the bent plate 23. Is located.

  The movable pin 26b protrudes when the solenoid 26c is energized, and is positioned at the rear upper bent portion 23a2 of the upper wall portion 23a of the bending plate 23. When the solenoid 25a is not energized, the movable pin 26b moves backward and the upper bent portion It is separated from 23a2. The solenoid 26c is energized as the engine starts, and is kept energized when the driver H does not wear the seat belt, and is de-energized when the driver H wears the seat belt. It should be noted that the energization / non-energization of the solenoid 26c can be carried out with the setting reversed.

  In the steering device 10a supported by the third support mechanism 20c having such a configuration, when the driver H moves forward and interferes with the steering wheel 17 during a frontal collision of the vehicle, the steering shaft 12 and the steering column 11 are supported. Move forward together with the bracket 21.

  As a result, the support pin 22 constituting the support mechanism 20c that supports the steering column 11 relatively moves rearward in the long hole 21b of the support bracket 21 with a force corresponding to the impact force. During the relative movement of the support pin 22, the support pin 22 deforms the bending plate 23 so as to extend its bent state and absorbs impact energy. For this reason, the impact energy of the driver H on the steering wheel 17 is absorbed by the action of the support mechanism 20c, and the impact force of the driver H on the steering wheel 17 is reduced.

  Thus, in the support mechanism 20c, when the driver H does not wear the seat belt, the solenoid 26c constituting the handling device 26 is in an energized state, and the movable pin 26b protrudes as shown in FIGS. Thus, it is located at the upper bent portion 23a2 of the bent plate 23. For this reason, the bending plate 23 is extended and deformed with respect to the movable pin 26b as a base point, and the movable pin 26b and the fixed pin 26a handle the bending plate 23 at this time.

  As a result, when the driver's H is not wearing the seat belt, the support pin 22 that moves rearward at the time of impact is deformed by extending the bending plate 23. At the same time, the bending plate 23 has both the fixed pin 26a and the movable pin 26b. The handling force is received from. Therefore, the amount of impact energy absorbed by the support mechanism 20c is large.

  On the other hand, when the driver H wears the seat belt, the solenoid 26c constituting the handling device 26 is in a non-energized state, and the movable pin 26b is separated from the upper bent portion 23a2 of the bent plate 23. For this reason, the bending plate 23 is deformed by being extended toward the rear of the vehicle with the fixed pin 26a as a base point. At this time, the handling force is not received from the movable pin 26b, and the acting force is applied only from the fixed pin 26a. Will receive. Therefore, the amount of impact energy absorbed by the support mechanism 20c is smaller than that when the driver H is not wearing the seat belt.

  FIG. 12 shows a fourth support mechanism 20d (support mechanism of the fourth embodiment) which is a first support mechanism. The fourth support mechanism 20d has the first support mechanism 20a as a basic configuration, but employs two bending plates 23A and 23B having different thicknesses as the bending plate, and a deformation characteristic variable device 27. This is different from the first support mechanism 20a. Therefore, in the 4th support mechanism 20d, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to these same components and the same component as the 1st support mechanism 20a, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Therefore, in the support mechanism 20d, the bending plates 23A and 23B have different deformation characteristics, the bending plate 23A is thick and has high deformation characteristics, and the bending plate 23B is thick. Is thin and has low deformation characteristics. Both the bending plates 23A and 23B are bent in the same manner as the bending plate 23, and are arranged on the support bracket 21 in a state of being parallel to each other. However, the arc-shaped bending portions 23g1 and 23b1 are arranged in the middle portion of the upper side wall portion 23a. 23g2 is formed. It should be noted that the deformation characteristics of the bending plates 23A and 23B can be made different by making the widths and materials of the bending plates 23A and 23B different.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, the deformation characteristic varying device 27 includes an electric motor 27a, a screw shaft 27b integrated with an output shaft of the motor 27a, and a nut member screwed onto the screw shaft 27b so as to be able to advance and retract. 27c. The motor 27a is attached to the outer surface of one side wall portion 21a of the support bracket 21, and the screw shaft 27b passes through the side wall portion 21a so as to be rotatable, on the bent portions 23g1 and 23g2 of the bent plates 23A and 23B. It extends. The nut member 27c is screwed with the screw shaft 27b in an eccentric state, and is positioned to engage with either or both of the bent portions 23g1 and 23g2 of the bent plate 23. The nut member 27c can also be implemented with a non-circular cross section.

  In the deformation characteristic varying device 27, the motor 27a is driven depending on whether or not the driver H wears the seat belt, and basically the nut member 27c is selectively set to one of the bent portions 23g1 and 23g2 of the bent plate 23. When the driver H does not wear the seat belt, as shown in FIG. 14B, the nut member 27c is positioned at the bent portion 23g1 of the bent plate 23A which is thick and has high deformation characteristics. When the driver H wears the seat belt, as shown in FIG. 14A, the nut member 27c is positioned at the bending portion 23g2 of the bending plate 23B which is thin and has low deformation characteristics.

  Therefore, in the support mechanism 20d, when the driver's H is not wearing the seat belt, the support pin 22 that relatively moves rearward at the time of impact is deformed by extending the bending plates 23A and 23B, and at the same time, thick and deformable. The bending force acting by the nut member 27c is applied to the high bending plate 23A. As a result, the amount of impact energy absorbed when the driver H does not wear the seat belt becomes large.

  On the other hand, when the driver's H wears the seat belt, the support pin 22 that moves relatively rearward at the time of impact is deformed by extending the bending plates 23A and 23B, and at the same time, the bending plate 23B is thin and has low deformation characteristics. The bending deformation acting force by the nut member 27c is applied, and as a result, the amount of shock energy absorbed when the driver H wears the seat belt is smaller than that when the driver H does not wear the seat belt. It becomes.

  In the support mechanism 20d, by controlling the drive of the motor 27a, the nut member 27c is straddled across the bent portions 23g1, 23g2 of the bent plates 23A, 23B as shown in FIG. Can be positioned. In this state, both the bent plates 23A and 23B can be bent and deformed simultaneously by the nut member 27c, so that the amount of impact energy absorbed can be further increased. In the case of a driver with a large physique (see driver Hr in FIG. 1), the drive of the motor 27a is controlled so as to be in the state of FIG. 14 (c) and the state of FIG. 14 (a) or (b). You may do it.

  FIG. 15 shows a fifth support mechanism 20e (support mechanism of the fifth embodiment) which is a first support mechanism. The fifth support mechanism 20e has the first support mechanism 20a as a basic configuration, but uses a slide pin device 28 instead of the engagement device of the first support mechanism 20a as the deformation characteristic varying means. This is different from the first support mechanism 20a. Therefore, in the 5th support mechanism 20e, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to these same components and the same component as the 1st support mechanism 20a, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Thus, the slide pin device 28 constituting the support mechanism 20e includes a wedge-shaped slide pin (slide plate) 28a having a substantially right triangle in side view, and an inclined support member 28b that slidably holds the slide pin 28a. The slide pin 28a is configured by a drive means (not shown) that moves the slide pin 28a back and forth. The drive means may be an electrical means that is advanced or retracted by a solenoid or a mechanical means that is pushed back by a cable.

  The slide pin 28a is positioned orthogonally in contact with the lower surface of the upper side wall portion 23a of the bending plate 23, and in an initial state when the driving means is not operated, as shown in FIG. When the driver H wears the seat belt, the upper wall portion 23a moves forward perpendicularly with respect to the upper wall portion 23a of the bending plate 23 to locally lift the upper wall portion 23a to form a convex portion 23h. As shown in FIG. 15 (c), it moves backward by a predetermined amount with respect to the upper wall portion 23a of the bending plate 23.

  In the steering device 10a supported by the fifth support mechanism 20e having such a configuration, when the driver H moves forward and interferes with the steering wheel 17 during a frontal collision of the vehicle, the steering shaft 12 and the steering column 11 are supported. Move forward together with the bracket 21.

  As a result, the support pin 22 constituting the fifth support mechanism 20e that supports the steering column 11 relatively moves rearward in the long hole 21b of the support bracket 21 with a force corresponding to the impact force. During the relative movement of the support pin 22, the support pin 22 deforms the bending plate 23 so as to extend its bent state and absorbs impact energy. For this reason, the impact energy of the driver H on the steering wheel 17 is absorbed by the action of the fifth support mechanism 20e, and the impact force of the driver H on the steering wheel 17 is reduced.

  Thus, the support mechanism 20e is in a state similar to the initial state shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B when the driver H does not wear the seat belt, and the bending plate 23 is based on the slide pin 28a. As shown in FIG. 17, the slide pin 28a deforms the bending plate 23 that moves relative to the same convex shape as the convex portion 23h. As a result, when the driver's H is not wearing the seat belt, the support pin 22 that is relatively moved rearward at the time of impact is deformed by extending the bending plate 23, and at the same time, the bending plate 23 is subjected to the deformation acting force from the slide pin 28a. receive. Accordingly, the amount of impact energy absorbed by the support mechanism 20e is large.

  On the other hand, when the driver H wears the seat belt, the slide pin 28a is retracted by a predetermined amount with respect to the upper side wall portion 23a of the bending plate 23 by the operation of the driving means. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16, the bending plate 23 does not receive any deformation force from the slide pin 28a and is deformed by being extended rearward. Therefore, the amount of shock energy absorbed by the support mechanism 20e is smaller than that when the driver H is not wearing the seat belt.

  18 to 22 show a sixth support mechanism 20f (support mechanism of the sixth embodiment) which is a first support mechanism. The sixth support mechanism 20f has the first support mechanism 20a as a basic configuration, and uses a pin interference device 29 instead of the engagement device 24 of the first support mechanism 20a as a deformation characteristic variable means. It is different from the first support mechanism 20a. Therefore, in the sixth support mechanism 20f, the same components and the same components as those in the first support mechanism 20a are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Thus, the pin interference device 29 employed in the sixth support mechanism 20f includes a first and second solenoids 29a and 29b and a support plate 29c that is rotatably supported at the tip of the plunger 29a1 of the first solenoid 29a. A spring 29a2 for biasing the support plate 29c in the direction in which the plunger 29a1 protrudes, a pair of long guide pins 29d1, 29d2 implanted in the support plate 29c, and a pair of interference pins 29e1, short 29e2 and a support pin 29f that is connected to the second solenoid 29b and advances and retreats through the long hole 29c1 of the support plate 29c.

  One guide pin 29d1 is located on the upper front side of the support plate 29c, and the other guide pin 29d2 is located on the center rear side of the support plate 29c. Further, the interference pins 29e1 and 29e2 are positioned at upper and lower portions between the guide pins 29d1 and 29d2 in the support plate 29c. The support plate 29c is in the forward movement position (see FIG. 20A) when the first solenoid 29a is not energized, and moves backward when the first solenoid 29a is energized (see FIG. 21A). . Further, the support pin 29f is in the forward position when the second solenoid 29b is not energized, and is fitted in the long hole 29c1 of the support plate 29c. When the second solenoid 29b is energized, the support pin 29f moves backward. Retreat from the long hole 29c1.

  The bending plate 23 moves while being guided by the guide pins 29d1 and 29d2 on the upper side wall portion 23a. However, when the support plate 29c is in the advanced position, as shown in FIG. 20, both the interference pins 29e1 and 29e2 are moved. Faces the movement path of the bending plate 23 and guides the moving bending plate 23 while interfering with it. When the support plate 29c is in the retracted position, as shown in FIG. 21, the interference pins 29e1 and 29e2 are retracted from the movement path of the bending plate 23 and interfere with the bending plate 23 that moves. Never do.

  In the steering device 10a supported by the sixth support mechanism 20f having such a configuration, when the driver H moves forward and interferes with the steering wheel 17 during a frontal collision of the vehicle, the steering shaft 12 and the steering column 11 are supported. Move forward together with the bracket 21.

  As a result, the support pin 22 constituting the sixth support mechanism 20f that supports the steering column 11 relatively moves rearward in the long hole 21b of the support bracket 21 with a force corresponding to the impact force. During the relative movement of the support pin 22, the support pin 22 deforms the bending plate 23 so as to extend its bent state and absorbs impact energy. For this reason, the collision energy of the driver H with respect to the steering wheel 17 is absorbed by the action of the sixth support mechanism 20f, and the impact force of the driver H with respect to the steering wheel 17 is reduced.

  Thus, in the support mechanism 20f, the bending deformation action by the pin interference device 29 increases the amount of absorption of impact energy, but the bending deformation action by the pin interference device 29 controls the energization of the solenoids 29a and 29b. As appropriate, it is changed.

  That is, when the first solenoid 29a is not energized, the support plate 29c is in the advanced position, and the guide pins 29d1, 29d2 and the interference pins 29e1, 29e2 are all exposed to the movement path of the bending plate 23 as shown in FIG. Not. For this reason, the bending plate 23 is greatly bent and deformed by the interference pins 29e1 and 29e2 during the relative movement thereof. On the other hand, when the first solenoid 29a is energized, the support plate 29c is in the retracted position, and the interference pins 29e1 and 29e2 are retracted from the movement locus of the bending plate 23 as shown in FIG. There is no interference with the bending plate 23. Therefore, the bending plate 23 is slightly bent and deformed by the guide pins 29d1 and 29d2 as shown by the broken lines in FIG.

  These bending deformation actions are changed by energization control with respect to the second solenoid 29b. That is, when the second solenoid 29b is not energized, the support pin 29f protrudes and fits into the long hole 29c1 of the support plate 29c. For this reason, the support plate 29c is in a fixed state with its rotation restricted. Therefore, both guide pins 29d1, 29d2 and both interference pins 29e1, 29e2 are located in the state of FIG. 20B or FIG.

  On the other hand, when the second solenoid 29b is energized, the support pin 29f is retracted and is retracted from the long hole 29c1 of the support plate 29c. For this reason, the support plate 29c can be turned around the plunger 29a1 of the first solenoid 29a after the rotation restriction is released. For this reason, when the bending plate 23 is extended and deformed, the support plate 29c rotates as shown by the phantom line in FIG. 22, and is a vertical line between the guide pins 29d1 and 29d2 and between the interference pins 29e1 and 29e2. Increase the tilt angle with respect to the direction.

As a result, the bending deformation between the guide pins 29d1 and 29d2 and between the interference pins 29e1 and 29e2 is smaller than that in the case where the rotation of the support plate 29c is restricted. The amount of absorption is also reduced. Table 1 shows the magnitude relationship of the amount of shock energy absorbed by the support mechanism 20f by energization control of the solenoids 29a and 29b. In Table 1, SOL1 and SOL2 indicate the first solenoid 29a and the second solenoid 29b, and the EA load indirectly indicates the amount of absorption of impact energy.

  As is apparent from Table 1, the support mechanism 20f can form various modes with different amounts of absorption of impact energy by energization control of the solenoids 29a and 29b. For this reason, in the support mechanism 20f, whether or not the driver H wears the seat belt can be determined by performing energization control on both the solenoids 29a and 29b so that an appropriate combination with different amounts of absorption of impact energy can be achieved. In this case, the amount of shock energy absorbed is optimized, and the size of the driver H is detected (detected by the seating seat position detection sensor 93 or the weight sensor in FIG. 1 provided in the driver's seat), the vehicle speed, etc. In consideration of the above, the absorption amount of impact energy can be optimized.

  23 and 24 show a steering device that employs a seventh support mechanism 30a (support mechanism of the seventh embodiment) that is a second support mechanism. The steering device 10b includes a steering column 11 and a steering shaft 12 inserted through the steering column 11. The steering shaft 12 is supported in the steering column 11 so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction.

  In the steering device 10b, the front of the steering column 11 is supported by a part of the vehicle body via a lower support bracket 15 so as to be detachable forward, and the middle portion of the steering column 11 is an upper support bracket 13 and a pair of left and right Is supported by a part of the vehicle body via the seventh support mechanism 30a. Both the seventh support mechanisms 30a are arranged on the left and right with the steering device as the center.

  Each seventh support mechanism 30a includes an energy absorbing plate 31 and a handling clip 32 in the same manner as the known support mechanism disclosed by the present applicant in JP-A-8-295249, and in addition to these, the deformation characteristics. A variable device 33 is provided. In this state, in the steering device 10b, the front end portion of the steering shaft 12 is connected to the steering link mechanism (see reference numeral 16 in FIG. 1), and the airbag (see reference numeral 18 in FIG. 1) is attached to the rear end portion of the steering shaft 12. A steering wheel (see reference numeral 17 in FIG. 1) incorporating the reference is assembled.

  As shown in FIG. 25, the energy absorbing plate 31 is attached to the vehicle body by inserting the bolt 13a for attaching the upper support bracket 13 functioning as a breakaway bracket to the vehicle body through the bolt insertion hole 31a on the rear end side. . The handling clip 32 has a curved pressing portion 32 a and is fixed to the upper support bracket 13 while being placed on the energy absorbing plate 31. As a result, the handling clip 32 sandwiches the energy absorbing plate 31 up and down with the upper support bracket 13 and deforms by handling the energy absorbing plate 31 in the length direction during relative movement with the energy absorbing plate 31 at the time of a vehicle collision. Let

  In the steering device 10b supported by the seventh support mechanisms 30a, when the driver H moves forward and interferes with the steering wheel 17 in the event of a frontal collision of the vehicle, the steering shaft 12 and the steering column 11 are connected to the upper support bracket. 13 and move forward. As a result, the energy absorbing plate 31 constituting both the seventh support mechanisms 30 a that support the steering column 11 moves relative to the handling clip 32. At the time of relative movement of the energy absorbing plate 31, the handling clip 32 gradually deforms the energy absorbing plate 31 in the length direction to absorb impact energy. For this reason, the collision energy with respect to the steering wheel 17 of the driver | operator H is absorbed by the effect | action of the 7th support mechanism 30a, and the impact force with respect to the steering wheel 17 of the driver | operator H is relieved.

  Accordingly, the seventh support mechanism 30 a includes the deformation characteristic varying device 33. As shown in FIG. 25, the deformation characteristic varying device 33 is rotatably attached to the upper support bracket 13 and is positioned at left and right portions of the energy absorbing plate 31 in the width direction, and a pair of sector gears 33a and 33b and each sector gear 33a. , 33b and a pair of handling pins 33c, 33d standing on the left and right portions in the width direction of the energy absorbing plate 31, and an electric motor 33e for rotating both sector gears 33a, 33b. A pinion 33f provided on the output shaft is engaged with one sector gear 33a so as to be able to transmit power. Further, the sector gears 33a and 33b are meshed with each other and rotate in directions opposite to each other by the drive of the motor 33e.

  FIG. 25A shows an initial state of the seventh support mechanism 30a. In this initial state, the handling pins 33c and 33d of the deformation characteristic varying device 33 are placed on the side edges of the energy absorbing plate 31. When the driver H wears the seat belt 91 as illustrated in FIG. 1, the motor 33e rotates by a predetermined amount so that the sector gears 33a and 33b are engaged with the arc-shaped recesses 31b and 31c provided. The handling pins 33c and 33d are rotated by a predetermined amount, and are retracted from the arc-shaped recesses 31b and 31c provided at the side edges of the energy absorbing plate 31.

  Thus, in the support mechanism 30a, when the driver's H is not wearing the seat belt, the support mechanism 30a is in the same state as the initial state shown in FIG. 25 (a). Both side portions are deformed by the handling action of 33c and 33d. As a result, when the seat belt of the driver H is not worn, the energy absorbing plate 31 that relatively moves rearward at the time of impact is deformed by the handling clip 32 as shown in FIG. The both side edges receive deformation acting force by the handling action of both handling pins 33c and 33d. Therefore, the amount of absorption of impact energy in the support mechanism 30a is large.

  On the other hand, when the driver H wears the seat belt, both the handling pins 33c and 33d are retracted from the arc-shaped recesses 31b and 31c provided on the side edges of the energy absorbing plate 31 by driving the motor 33e. Both the handling pins 33 c and 33 d do not give a handling force to each side edge of the energy absorbing plate 31.

  For this reason, the energy absorbing plate 31 does not receive any deformation action from both the handling pins 33c and 33d, and is extended and deformed rearward. Therefore, the amount of impact energy absorbed by the support mechanism 30a is smaller than that when the driver H is not wearing the seat belt.

  FIG. 26 shows a support mechanism 30b (support mechanism of the eighth embodiment which is a second support mechanism) obtained by modifying the seventh support mechanism 30a. In the support mechanism 30b, as the energy absorbing plate, an energy absorbing plate 34 having a shape in which the left and right widths gradually increase forward from the sandwiched portions of the handling pins 33c and 33d is employed. If such an energy absorbing plate 34 is employed, it is possible to gradually increase the amount of impact energy absorbed by gradually increasing the handling force by the handling pins 33c and 33d while the energy absorbing plate 34 is relatively moved.

  27 and 28 show a steering device that employs a ninth support mechanism 120 (support mechanism of the ninth embodiment), which is a third support mechanism. The steering device includes a steering column 111 and a steering shaft 112 inserted through the steering column 111, and the steering shaft 112 is supported in the steering column 111 so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction.

  In the steering apparatus, the rear of the steering column 111 is supported by a part of the vehicle body (not shown) via the upper support bracket 113, and the front of the steering column 111 is supported by the vehicle body via the ninth support mechanism 120. Is supported by a portion (not shown). In the state where the steering apparatus is assembled to a vehicle, the front end portion of the steering shaft 112 is connected to a steering link mechanism (see reference numeral 16 in FIG. 1), as in the embodiment shown in FIG. A steering wheel (see reference numeral 17 in FIG. 1) incorporating an airbag (see reference numeral 18 in FIG. 1) is assembled to the rear end portion of the steering shaft 112.

  The upper support bracket 113 is a bracket that is assembled to a part of the vehicle body and supports the steering column 111 so that it can be broken forward. When a predetermined load acts on the steering column 111 toward the front of the vehicle, The steering column 111 can be detached and moved forward. Further, the upper support bracket 113 is provided with a lock mechanism of a tilt mechanism, and reference numeral 114 denotes an operation lever for operating the lock mechanism to perform a lock operation and an unlock operation.

  Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 29 to 31, the ninth support mechanism 120 includes a support bracket 121 that is a support member, a support pin 122, a first bent plate 123 that is a first energy absorbing member, and a second energy. It is comprised by the 2nd bending plate 124 which is an absorption member, and the engaging device 125 which is an engagement / disengagement means.

  The support bracket 121 has a gate shape and is horizontally long when viewed from the front-rear direction. A long hole 121b extending obliquely upward from a portion slightly ahead of the central portion to the rear is opposed to the side wall portions 121a facing each other. Is formed. The long hole 121b connects the circular hole 121b1 that is the base end (front end), the belt-like hole 121b2 that extends obliquely upward from the circular hole 121b1, and the both holes 121b1 and 121b2. The band-shaped hole 121b2 is formed with a width W that is substantially the same as the diameter of the circular hole 121b1. The support bracket 121 is fixed to an upper portion of the outer periphery of the steering column 111 at the lower end portions of the left and right side wall portions 121a.

  The support pin 122 is assembled to a bracket (not shown) provided in a part of the vehicle body through the long hole 121b of the support bracket 121. In the state assembled to the bracket, the support pin 122 is interposed via the support bracket 121. Thus, the front end portion of the steering column 111 is supported by a part of the vehicle body so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction. Further, the support pin 122 is positioned in an inserted state through the circular hole 121b1 in the long hole 121b of the support bracket 121 in the initial position, and moves over the narrow portion 121b3 by relative movement (relative movement) with the support bracket 121. To move backward in the belt-like hole 121b2.

  The first bent plate 123 is formed by bending a plate having a predetermined width by approximately 360 degrees, and is opposed to the upper wall portion 123a and the lower wall portion 123b facing each other with a predetermined distance therebetween, and both the wall portions 123a and 123b. Are formed by an arcuate wall portion 123c that connects the two, and a standing wall portion 123d that rises orthogonally from the tip of the lower wall portion 123b. The first bent plate 123 is welded and fixed to the support bracket 121 in a state where the first bent plate 123 is positioned by a plurality of pins 121c planted so as to surround the outer periphery of the circular hole 121b1 of the long hole 121b in the side wall 121a of the support bracket 121. The support pin 122 is enclosed in the support bracket 121, the upright wall portion 123d is positioned on the front side of the support pin 122, and the arc-shaped wall portion 123c is formed in a strip shape of the long hole 121b on the rear side of the support pin 122. The holes 121b2 are crossed and routed.

  The second bent plate 124 is formed by bending a plate having a predetermined width by approximately 360 degrees and being slightly larger than the first bent plate 123. The second bent plate 124 has an upper side wall portion 124a and a lower side wall facing each other while maintaining a predetermined interval. A portion 124b and an arcuate wall portion 124c that connects both the wall portions 124a and 124b. An engagement hole 124d is formed in the front end portion of the lower wall portion 124b. The second bent plate 124 is disposed inside the support bracket 121 in a state where the second bent plate 124 is detachably fitted to the outer periphery of the first bent plate 123 and overlapped.

  The engagement device 125 includes a solenoid 125a and an engagement pin 125b that advances and retreats by energization of the solenoid 125a. The engagement device 125 is disposed on the front side inside the support bracket 121, and the engagement pin 125b is a second bent plate. It is located opposite to the engagement hole 124d of 124. In this engagement device 125, when the solenoid 125a is energized, the engagement pin 125b protrudes and enters and engages with the engagement hole 124d of the second bent plate 124. When the solenoid 125a is not energized, the engagement pin 125b is It retracts and retreats from the engagement hole 124d of the second bent plate 124 to be in a disengaged state.

  Therefore, when the solenoid 125a is energized, the front end of the second bent plate 124 is fixed to the support bracket 121, and when the solenoid 125a is not energized, the front end of the second bent plate 124 is detached from the support bracket 121. The solenoid 125a is energized when the engine is started, and is worn by a sensor 92 provided on the driver's seat belt 91 as in the embodiment shown in FIG. In the same manner as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, when the driver H wears the seat belt 91, the electric control device ECU maintains the energized state in the same manner as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. The electric control unit ECU is deenergized. It should be noted that energization / non-energization of the solenoid 125a can be carried out with the setting reversed.

  In the steering device including the ninth support mechanism 120 having such a configuration, when the driver H moves forward and interferes with the steering wheel 17 at the time of a frontal collision of the vehicle, the steering shaft 112 and the steering column 111 are moved forward. . As a result, the support pin 122 of the support mechanism 120 that supports the steering column 111 relatively moves through the long hole 121b of the support bracket 121 to the rear of the vehicle with a force corresponding to the impact force. During the relative movement of the support pin 122, the support pin 122 deforms the first bent plate 123 so as to extend its bent state and absorbs impact energy. For this reason, the collision energy with respect to the steering wheel 17 of the driver | operator H is absorbed by the effect | action of the 9th support mechanism 120, and the impact force with respect to the steering wheel 17 of the driver | operator H is relieved.

  By the way, in the support mechanism 120, when the driver H is not wearing the seat belt (when the predicted impact force predicted to be received by the driver H from the steering column side is large), the solenoid 125a constituting the engagement device 125 is used. Is in an energized state, and as shown in FIG. 29, the engaging pin 125 b enters the engaging hole 124 d of the second bent plate 124. For this reason, the second bending plate 124 is fixed to the support bracket 121. Further, when the driver H wears the seat belt (when the predicted impact force predicted to be received by the driver H from the steering column side is small), the solenoid 125a constituting the engagement device 125 is in a non-energized state, The engagement pin 125b is retracted from the engagement hole 124d of the second bent plate 124. For this reason, the second bent plate 124 is in a state of being detached from the support bracket 121.

  For this reason, when the driver's H is not wearing the seat belt, the support pin 122 that relatively moves rearward in the event of a collision is deformed by extending the first bent plate 123 as shown in FIG. 30, and at the same time, the second bent plate. 124 is extended and deformed. For this reason, the amount of impact energy absorbed by the support mechanism 120 is large. On the other hand, when the driver H wears the seat belt, the support pin 122 that relatively moves rearward in the event of a collision is deformed by extending the first bent plate 123 as shown in FIG. The amount of impact energy absorbed is smaller than that when the driver H is not wearing the seat belt.

  In this way, the support mechanism 120 has a function of varying the amount of collision energy absorbed depending on whether or not the driver H wears the seat belt (according to the predicted impact force predicted to be received by the driver H from the steering column side). And is configured by effectively utilizing a support mechanism that is indispensable for supporting the steering device on a part of the vehicle body. For this reason, the support mechanism 120 can be configured at a low cost with a relatively simple configuration, and the steering device can be prevented from having a complicated structure, and an increase in cost can be significantly suppressed.

  32 to 34 show a tenth support mechanism 130 (support mechanism of the tenth embodiment) which is a third support mechanism. Similar to the ninth support mechanism 120, the support mechanism 130 functions to support the front side of the steering column 111 on a part of the vehicle body.

  The support mechanism 130 includes a pair of left and right support brackets 131 that are support members, support pins 132, a bending plate 133 that is an energy absorbing member, a cam 134, an electric motor 135 that is a driving means, and a cam 134 and an electric motor 135. The fixed bracket 136 is supported.

  Each support bracket 131 has a side wall 131a, and a long hole 131b extending obliquely upward from the front part to the rear is formed in the side wall 131a. The long hole 131b includes a circular hole 131b1 which is a base end (front end) and a belt-like hole 131b2 extending obliquely upward from the circular hole 131b1 to the rear. The circular hole 131b1 is a belt-like hole. The diameter is larger than the width of 131b2. Each support bracket 131 is fixed to an upper part of the outer periphery of the steering column 111 at the lower end portion thereof.

  The support pins 132 are assembled to a fixed bracket 136 that is fixed to a part of the vehicle body in a state of passing through the long holes 131b of the respective support brackets 131, and in a state that the support pins 132 are assembled to the fixed bracket 136, both A front end portion of the steering column 111 is supported by a part of the vehicle body via the support bracket 131 so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction. In addition, the support pin 132 is positioned in the circular hole 131b1 in the long hole 131b of the support bracket 131 in the initial position, and moves backward in the belt-like hole 131b2 by relative movement with the support bracket 131.

  The bent plate 133 is formed by bending a plate having a predetermined width approximately 360 degrees, and connects the upper wall portion 133a and the lower wall portion 133b that are opposed to each other while maintaining a predetermined interval, and connects these wall portions 133a and 133b. Arc-shaped wall part 133c to be formed, and standing wall part 133d that rises perpendicularly from the front end part of lower side wall part 133b. The bent plate 133 is disposed between the support brackets 131 in a state of being fixed to the upper end portion of the outer periphery of the steering column 111 by the lower side wall portion 133b, and a cam 134, which will be described later, provided at an intermediate portion of the support pin 132. And the arc-shaped wall portion 133c passes through the rear side of the cam 134 and crosses the belt-like hole portion 131b2 of the long hole 131b.

  The cam 134 is a rectangular block whose front and rear ends have an arc shape, and is rotatably mounted on the outer periphery of the support pin 132. In this cam 134, as shown in FIG. 34, the width W2 between the two opposing surfaces is slightly smaller than the diameter of the circular hole 131b1 in the long hole 131b of each support bracket 131, and the long hole 131b. The width is larger than the width of the belt-like hole 131b2. Further, the width W1 between the other surfaces facing each other is formed to be slightly smaller than the width of the belt-like hole 131b2 in the long hole 131b of each support bracket 131.

  The electric motor 135 rotates the cam 134 to change the width of the elongated hole 131b opposite to the width of the band-shaped hole 131b2 to a larger or smaller width, and is formed at the tip of the output shaft 135a as shown in FIG. It is connected to the side surface of the cam 134 by a hawk-like connecting portion 135b. The electric motor 135 is energized when the driver H engages / disengages the seat belt, rotates a predetermined amount, and rotates the cam 134 by approximately 90 degrees. The cam 134 is rotated in the direction shown in FIG. 34B when the driver H wears the seat belt.

  In the steering device supported by the tenth support mechanism 130 having such a configuration, when the driver H moves forward and interferes with the steering wheel during a frontal collision of the vehicle, the steering shaft 112 and the steering column 111 are moved forward. Move. As a result, the support pin 132 that constitutes the support mechanism 130 that supports the steering column 111 moves relative to the rear of the long hole 131b of the support bracket 131 integrally with the cam 134 with a force corresponding to the impact force. When the support pin 132 and the cam 134 are moved relative to each other, the cam 134 deforms the bent plate 133 so as to extend its bent state and absorbs impact energy. For this reason, the impact energy of the driver H on the steering wheel is absorbed by the action of the support mechanism 130, and the impact force of the driver H on the steering wheel is reduced.

  By the way, in the tenth support mechanism 130, when the driver H is not wearing the seat belt, the cam 134 is rotated in the direction shown in FIG. The cam 134 integrated with the moving support pin 132 deforms the bent plate 132 and gradually deforms and moves the upper and lower edges of the belt-like hole 131b2 in the long hole 131b, so that the amount of shock energy absorbed is large. It becomes. On the other hand, when the driver H wears the seat belt, the cam 134 is rotated in the direction shown in FIG. 34 (b) by the drive of the electric motor 135. The integrated cam 134 deforms the bending plate 132, but does not pass through the band-shaped hole 131b2 in the long hole 131b and does not deform the upper and lower side edges of the band-shaped hole 131b2, and the amount of shock energy absorbed is small. It will be a thing.

  Thus, like the ninth support mechanism 120, the support mechanism 130 collides depending on whether the driver H wears the seat belt (according to the predicted impact force predicted to be received by the driver H from the steering column side). The energy absorption amount has a variable function, and is configured by effectively using a support mechanism that is indispensable for supporting the steering device on a part of the vehicle body. For this reason, also in the said support mechanism 130, there exists an effect similar to the 9th support mechanism 120. The support mechanism 130 is configured such that the cam 134 is rotated approximately 90 degrees by the electric motor 135, but is configured such that the cam 134 is rotated in multiple stages, for example, approximately 45 degrees or approximately 90 degrees by the electric motor 135. It is also possible to carry out.

  In the first support mechanism 20a of each of the above embodiments, the solenoid 24a is employed as the drive means, the second support mechanism 20b employs the solenoid 25a as the drive means, and the third support mechanism 20c employs the solenoid 26c as the drive means, The fourth support mechanism 20d employs an electric motor 27a as drive means, the sixth support mechanism 20f employs solenoids 29a and 29b as drive means, and the seventh support mechanism 30a and the eighth support mechanism 30b use electric motors as drive means. In the ninth support mechanism 120, the solenoid 125a is used as the drive means, and in the tenth support mechanism 130, the electric motor 135 is used as the drive means. However, these drive means may be changed as appropriate. It is.

  In each of the above embodiments, the energy absorption characteristics of the variable energy absorption mechanism (the energy absorption mechanism having the deformation characteristic variable means) included in each support mechanism are configured to change depending on whether the driver wears the seat belt. However, the energy absorption characteristics of variable energy absorption mechanisms (energy absorption mechanisms having deformation characteristic variable means) included in each support mechanism vary depending on whether the driver is wearing a seat belt and the position of the driver's seat. (Specifically, when the seating seat position when the driver is not wearing the seat belt is ahead and behind the set position, the seating seat position is larger than the amount of energy absorbed when the seating seat position is at the set position). It is also possible to configure and implement as described above.

  In this case, the driver H does not wear the seat belt is detected by the sensor 92 illustrated in FIG. 1, and the seating seat position of the driver H is detected by the seating seat position detection sensor 93 illustrated in FIG. . Therefore, the two sensors 92 and 93 shown in FIG. 1 indicate that the driver is not wearing the seat belt and the seating seat position is at the set position (the driver H of the standard physique shown by the solid line in FIG. 1) that the driver is not wearing the seat belt and that the seating seat position is ahead of the set position (the driver Hf having a small physique indicated by the phantom line in FIG. 1) 1) that the driver is not wearing the seat belt, and that the driver is not wearing the seat belt and that the seating seat position is behind the set position (the driver with a large physique indicated by the phantom line in FIG. 1) It is possible to detect that Hr is not wearing a seat belt.

  Therefore, in this case, when the driver does not wear the seat belt and the seating seat position is at the set position, the above-described effects obtained when the driver wears the seat belt in each support mechanism (impact energy absorption by the support mechanism). When the driver is not wearing the seat belt and the seating seat position is forward or backward from the set position, the driver's seat is provided in each of the above support mechanisms. The same effect as that obtained when the belt is not worn (the impact energy absorbed by the support mechanism is large) can be obtained.

  As a result, the airbag 18 mounted on the steering wheel 17 sufficiently exhibits its function at the time of a frontal collision of the vehicle when the driver Hf having a small physique shown by the phantom line in FIG. 1 is not wearing the seat belt. Even when not, the impact force on the steering wheel 17 of the driver Hf having a small physique is appropriately mitigated by the operation of each support mechanism. Further, in the event of a frontal collision of the vehicle when the large-sized driver Hr shown by the phantom line in FIG. 1 is not wearing the seat belt, the function of the airbag 18 provided on the steering wheel 17 and each support mechanism By the operation of, the impact force on the steering wheel 17 of the driver Hr having a large physique (impact force greater than the impact force received by the driver H having the standard physique) is mitigated accurately.

  In the support mechanism of each of the above embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the steering wheel 17 is equipped with the airbag 18, and the impact energy is also generated when the airbag 18 is activated during a frontal collision of the vehicle. Therefore, the amount of energy absorption obtained by the variable energy absorption mechanism provided on the steering column side or the vehicle body side in the support mechanism can be set small, and the energy absorption mechanism can be reduced in size (the vehicle longitudinal direction). That is, it is possible to reduce the size in the relative movement direction.

It is a schematic side view of a driver's seat including a steering device equipped with a first support mechanism. It is a top view of the steering device equipped with the 1st support mechanism. It is a side view of the steering device. It is a principal part vertical side view of a 1st support mechanism. It is the top view (a) of the bending plate which comprises a 1st support mechanism, and the vertical front view (b) which follows the bb line of the same figure. It is the side view (a) which shows the initial state of the engaging apparatus which comprises a 1st support mechanism, and the side view (b) which shows an operation state. It is a top view of a 2nd support mechanism. It is a side view of a 2nd support mechanism. It is a side view (a) and (b) which show the initial state of each engagement device which can be adopted with the 2nd support mechanism. It is a partial fracture top view of the 3rd support mechanism. It is a partially broken side view of a 3rd support mechanism. It is a principal part vertical side view of a 4th support mechanism. It is a perspective view of the bending plate which comprises a 4th support mechanism. It is a top view (a), (b), and (c) which shows the operation state of the handling device which constitutes the 4th support mechanism. It is the vertical side view (a) which shows the initial state in a 5th support mechanism, the vertical front view (b) in the bb line | wire of the same figure, and the vertical front view (c) in the state which retracted the slide pin. It is the vertical side view (a) which shows the state at the time of the energy absorption amount minimum in a 5th support mechanism, and the vertical front view (b) in the bb line | wire of the same figure. It is the vertical side view (a) which shows the state at the time of the energy absorption amount maximum in a 5th support mechanism, and the vertical front view (b) in the bb line of the same figure. It is a principal part vertical side view of a 6th support mechanism. It is a perspective view which shows the pin interferometer which comprises a 6th support mechanism. It is the side view (a) which shows the state at the time of the energy absorption amount maximum in the same pin interference apparatus, and the arrangement state figure (b) of a pin. It is the side view (a) which shows the state at the time of the energy absorption amount minimum in the same pin interference apparatus, and the arrangement state figure (b) of a pin. It is a front view which shows the rotation state of the support plate which comprises the same pin interference apparatus. It is a top view of the steering device equipped with the 7th support mechanism concerning the present invention. It is a side view of the steering device. It is the top view (a) which shows the initial state in a 7th support mechanism, and the top view (b) which shows an operation state. It is an initial state top view which shows the modification (8th support mechanism) of a 7th support mechanism. It is a top view of the steering device equipped with the 9th support mechanism. It is a side view of the steering device. It is an expanded vertical side view of the 9th support mechanism along the AA line of FIG. It is a vertical side view which shows the operation state at the time of seat belt non-wearing of the 9th support mechanism. It is a vertical side view which shows the operation state at the time of seat belt wearing of a 9th support mechanism. It is a bottom view of the 10th support mechanism. It is a vertical side view along the BB line of FIG. It is the vertical side view (a) which shows the operating state at the time of seat belt non-wearing of the 10th support mechanism, and the vertical side view (b) which shows the operating state at the time of seat belt wearing.

Explanation of symbols

10a, 10b ... Steering device, 11 ... Steering column, 12 ... Steering shaft, 13 ... Upper support bracket, 13a ... Bolt, 14 ... Operation lever, 15 ... Lower support bracket, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 20f ... Support mechanism, 21 ... support bracket, 21a ... side wall portion, 21b ... long hole, 21b1 ... circular hole portion, 21b2 ... band-like hole portion, 21b3 ... narrow portion, 21c ... hanging pin, 21d ... upper wall portion, 22 ... Support pins, 23, 23A, 23B ... bent plate, 23a ... upper side wall part, 23a1 ... lower side bent part, 23a2 ... upper side bent part, 23b ... lower side wall part, 23c ... arcuate wall part, 23d ... standing wall part, 23e1, 23e2 ... groove, 23e3 ... engagement hole, 23e4 ... notched groove, 23f ... slit hole, 23g1,23g2 ... bent Part, 23h ... convex portion, 24 ... engagement device, 24a ... solenoid, 24b ... shearing action pin, 25 ... engagement device, 25a ... solenoid, 25b (25b1, 25b2) ... deformation action pin, 26 ... handling device, 26a ... fixed pin, 26b ... movable pin, 26c ... solenoid, 27 ... deformation variable device, 27a ... electric motor, 27b ... screw shaft, 27c ... nut member, 28 ... slide pin device, 28a ... slide pin, 28b ... support member 29 ... Pin interference device, 29a, 29b ... Solenoid, 29c ... Support plate, 29c1 ... Slot, 29d1, 29d2 ... Guide pin, 29e1, 29e2 ... Interference pin, 29f ... Support pin, 30a, 30b ... Support mechanism, 31 ... Energy absorbing plate, 31a ... Bolt insertion hole, 31b, 31c ... Arc-shaped recess, 32 ... Handling clip 33 ... Deformation characteristic variable device, 33a, 33b ... Sector gear, 33c, 33d ... Handling pin, 33e ... Electric motor, 33f ... Pinion, 91 ... Seat belt, 92 ... Sensor, 93 ... Seating seat position detection sensor, ECU ... Electric control Device 111 111 Steering column 112 Steering shaft 113 Upper support bracket 114 Operation lever 120 Ninth support mechanism 121 Support bracket 121a Side wall 121b Long hole 121b1 Circular hole 121b2 ... strip-shaped hole part, 121b3 ... narrow part, 121c ... latch pin, 122 ... support pin, 123 ... first bent plate, 123a ... upper side wall part, 123b ... lower side wall part, 123c ... arcuate wall part, 123d: Standing wall portion, 124: Second bent plate, 124a: Upper side wall portion, 124b: Lower side Wall part, 124c ... arc-shaped wall part, 124d ... engagement hole, 125 ... engagement device, 125a ... solenoid, 125b ... engagement pin, 130 ... tenth support mechanism, 131 ... support bracket, 131a ... side wall part, 131b ... long hole, 131b1 ... circular hole part, 131b2 ... band-like hole part, 132 ... support pin, 133 ... bending plate, 133a ... upper side wall part, 133b ... lower side wall part, 133c ... arc-shaped wall part, 133d ... standing wall part , 134, cam, 135, electric motor, 135a, output shaft, 135b, connecting portion, 136, fixed bracket.

Claims (4)

A steering device support mechanism for supporting a steering column that rotatably supports a steering shaft in a circumferential direction on a part of a vehicle body includes an energy absorption mechanism provided on at least one of the steering column side and the vehicle body side, When the seating seat position when the driver's seat belt is not worn is ahead of the set position, the energy absorption amount of the energy absorption mechanism is the energy when the seating seat position when the driver's seat belt is not worn is at the set position. It is larger than the amount absorbed ,
The energy absorbing mechanism is attached to a part of the vehicle body through a support member fixed to the steering column and a long hole extending in the front-rear direction provided in the support member, and the steering column is mounted via the support member. A support pin that is supported by a vehicle body, an energy absorbing member that is provided on the support member and that can be deformed by the support pin when the support pin relatively moves in the elongated hole, and a deformation acting amount on the energy absorbing member is changed. The deformation characteristic varying means includes a deformation characteristic varying means that reduces the amount of deformation applied to the energy absorbing member when the driver's seating seat position is at the set position, and the driver's seating seat position is ahead of the set position. A steering mechanism support mechanism characterized in that it sometimes functions to be large . A steering device support mechanism for supporting a steering column that rotatably supports a steering shaft in a circumferential direction on a part of a vehicle body includes an energy absorption mechanism provided on at least one of the steering column side and the vehicle body side, When the seating seat position when the driver's seat belt is not worn is ahead of the set position, the energy absorption amount of the energy absorption mechanism is the energy when the seating seat position when the driver's seat belt is not worn is at the set position. It is larger than the amount absorbed,
The energy absorbing mechanism includes an energy absorbing member that is assembled on the vehicle body side and moves relatively in the length direction of the steering column; and the energy absorbing member that is provided on the steering column side and moves relative to the energy absorbing member. Deformation means for deforming, and deformation characteristic variable means for changing the amount of deformation action of the deformation means on the energy absorbing member by operating according to the seating seat position of the driver, A steering mechanism support mechanism characterized in that the amount of deformation acting on a member functions to be small when the driver's seating seat position is at the set position and to be larger when the driver's seating seat position is ahead of the set position . A steering device support mechanism for supporting a steering column that rotatably supports a steering shaft in a circumferential direction on a part of a vehicle body includes an energy absorption mechanism provided on at least one of the steering column side and the vehicle body side, When the seating seat position when the driver's seat belt is not worn is ahead of the set position, the energy absorption amount of the energy absorption mechanism is the energy when the seating seat position when the driver's seat belt is not worn is at the set position. It is larger than the amount absorbed,
The energy absorbing mechanism is attached to a part of the vehicle body through a support member fixed to the steering column and a long hole extending in the front-rear direction provided in the support member, and the steering column is mounted via the support member. A support pin that is supported by a vehicle body; and first and second energy absorbing members that are provided on the support member and can be deformed by the support pin when the support pin relatively moves in the elongated hole. The first energy absorbing member is deformed when the driver's seating seat position is at the set position, and when the driver's seating seat position is ahead of the set position, the first and second energy absorbing members are A steering device support mechanism that functions to deform both at the same time . The steering device support mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the steering wheel assembled to the steering shaft is equipped with an airbag .

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