| 摘要 |
<p>An energy absorbing device (10) for a collapsible steering column (20) has a plurality of plastically deformable straps (12) each with one end connected to the steering column (20) and an opposite end (22) bent around an anvil (24) connected to stationary vehicle support structure (26). When the steering column (20) collapses, the straps (12) unwind from the anvils (24), thereby resisting steering column collapse and absorbing energy. One or more of the straps (12) may be cut in two by a knife ( 40) at the time of the collision, thereby removing it from the energy absorbing system (116). In another form of the invention, an energy absorbing strap (106) extends around a piston (116) which has two or more different size anvils (122, 124, 126). The piston (116) is axially movable in a cylinder (114) to positions surrounding one or another of the anvils (122, 124, 126). The strap (106) is drawn over the anvil (122) it surrounds when the steering column (20) collapses, thereby resisting collapse of the steering column (120) and absorbing a certain amount of energy depending on the size of the anvil (122).</p> |
