STEERING COLUMN SUPPORT ASSEMBLY

摘要

A support member joined to a steering column to hold the column from below has planar opposite side portions formed in their rear ends closer to the steering handle with elongated grooves for passing bolts for anchoring the support member to the vehicle body. A frame-shaped energy absorbing member having a deformation promoting aperture punched therein to form zigzag substantial portions in parallel to the axis of the column is provided between the support member and the vehicle body. The absorbing member is partially formed with weak portions and is secured at its front end to the front portion of the support member and anchored to the vehicle body by the bolts. When the absorbing member is subjected to load less than a specified value and acting axially of the column upon the displacement of the support member toward the steering gear in the event of collision of the vehicle, the absorbing member undergoes plastic deformation while if the load is greater, the absorbing member is breakable at the weak portions. The absorbing member has curved projections producing a saturated spring action on the support member and on the vehicle body against the axial fastening force of the bolts, permitting the friction between the support member and the absorbing member also to absorb the energy of collision.