Steering column support structure of a vehicle
US5685564A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 13, 1995 |
| Grant date | Nov 11, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 13, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D1/197
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A steering column is supported on a rear support portion provided on a steering hanger and on a front support portion provided on a steering pivot connected to the steering hanger, and a steering shaft provided at its rear end with a steering wheel is rotatably supported by the steering column. Opposite ends of a connection member are pivotally supported at a dashboard lower member and the steering pivot by pins. If the dashboard lower member is retreated by a frontal collision of a vehicle, the steering pivot and the front support portion are raised upward by a load transmitted through the connection member, and the upper end of the steering column is turned in a rearward and downward direction about the rear support portion. With this arrangement, it is possible to prevent the steering wheel from being turned in an upward and forward direction, and an air bag can reliably be operated to protect the vehicle driver during the collision.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.