| 摘要 |
According to a first aspect the invention provides a steering column assembly comprises a first support bracket that is secured to a fixed part of the vehicle, a second support bracket that is secured to the first support bracket by at least one frangible connector, a shroud, and an energy absorbing device that acts between the first and the second support bracket and which in the event of a collapse deforms to absorb energy and at least partially control the collapse of the steering column assembly. The energy absorbing device comprises a laminated strap having discrete first and second layers, each formed from a separate elongate strip of material that is free to slide over the other strip along a major portion of its length, a portion of the laminated strap being coiled into a spiral, a free end portion of the laminated strap passing through passing through an opening in the second support bracket or the shroud, the free end of a first one of the strips having an opening through which a fastener passes that secures the laminated strap to the first support bracket, and the free end of a second one of the straps being connected to the first strip in a region distal from the free end of the first strip. In the event of a collapse of the steering column assembly the upper column moves relative to the first support bracket which causes the strap to be pulled through the opening whilst at the same time unwinding the coil, thereby controlling the collapse of the upper column assembly. |
