Collapsible steering column assembly

摘要

A collapsing steering column assembly for an automotive vehicle, comprising an inner column tube, a steering shaft, a tilt bracket, and a steering wheel adjustment subassembly. During a secondary impact, at least a portion of the steering wheel adjustment subassembly is adapted to detach relative to the tilt bracket by way of at least one breakaway structure and translate (e.g., at least partially longitudinally) during the impact, such as a secondary impact, for moving away from a vehicle operator.

主权项

1. A collapsing steering column assembly comprising:
a) a steering shaft support structure; b) a steering shaft that is supported for rotation at least in part by the steering shaft support structure and having a longitudinal axis; c) a bracket for at least partially carrying the steering shaft support structure and attaching the assembly within a vehicle, wherein the bracket includes a pair of generally opposing downwardly oriented walls that flank at least a portion of the steering shaft support structure: d) a securing member for fixing a secure engagement position of the steering shaft support structure relative to the bracket; and e) a breakaway structure associated with the bracket, the securing member, or both;
wherein the securing member is configured relative to the breakaway structure in a manner such that in an event of an impact exceeding a threshold load, at least a portion of the securing member breaks away from the secure engagement position by way of the breakaway structure and allows at least the portion of the steering shaft support structure, at least the portion of the securing member that breaks away, or both to translate forward;wherein the breakaway structure includes at least one breakaway insert that is operatively attached with at least one of the downwardly oriented walls when the steering shaft support structure is in the secure engagement position; andwherein one or both of the downwardly oriented walls includes a forward facing cut-out to recieve the at least one breakaway insert, and wherein the at least one breakaway insert has a length and includes a tapered portion that tapers from a forward portion toward a rearward portion and has an elongated slot adapted to receive the securing member.