Active retraction device of a motor vehicle steering column during a shock

摘要

The retraction mechanism for a steering column inside a tubular housing with a reinforcing bracket (3), chassis support member and regulator incorporates two wedges (11,12) on the regulator axle bolt (15). The wedges are connected by at least one shearing pin (10). In the event of the steering wheel air bag inflating as the result of an impact the pins (10) shear and allow the wedges to move relative to one another, moving the steering shaft into the required position. The regulator also incorporates a rack (13) on the reinforcing bracket which engages with a toothed surface (14) on the inner of the two wedges to adjust the initial position of the steering column.