JPS6452578A - Steering wheel - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To achieve the increase in absorption of impact energy, in a steering wheel in which an impact energy absorber is arranged in the steering pad part, by allowing the fracture of a given load fracture lockedly engaged part and also the diametrical enlarging deformation of a ring-part core iron, when an impact force is applied. CONSTITUTION:At the time of vehicle collision or the like, when an impact force F is added to a ring part 14 in the horizontal direction, the deforming arm part 17a of a deforming member 17 is subjected to plastic deformation, so that the ring part 14 is deformed to be in a nearly vertical position. If an impact force is further added, although respective spoke part core irons 13a would be subjected to plastic deformation, before it happens, respective shear pins 27 break, and then respective core irons 13a are turned in the clockwise direction around a connecting axis 26. Thus, the ring part core iron 14a is partially enlarged in diameter, and further a base plate 21 is raised, and a fragile member 22 is contracted. Thereafter, the impact energy absorber 29 inside a pad 18 is subjected to plastic deformation (state IV) by an impact force, and after passing through the process like this, the impact force can be effectively absorbed.