Patent · US Expired

Impact-absorbing steering column apparatus

US7240922B2 · kind B2 · utility

4Cited by
11References
25Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 19, 2003
Grant dateJul 10, 2007
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 7, 2024

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB62D1/195
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Collision-energy-absorbing means of an impact-absorbing steering column apparatus includes guide slots 31a1 and 31b1, guide slots 31a2 and 31b2, and transition portions 31a3 and 31b3, as well as energy-absorbing members 36 and 37, so as to change absorption load for secondary collision energy. A collar 42 plastically deforms the energy-absorbing member 36 or 37, thereby absorbing secondary collision energy of an occupant in the event of a collision of a vehicle. The guide slots 31a1 and 31b1, the guide slots 31a2 and 31b2, and the transition portions 31a3 and 31b3 change an absorption load for secondary collision energy dependently on the direction of a secondary collision of the occupant with the steering system.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.