Abstract: A support mechanism for a collapsible steering column assembly having a rake adjustment is provided. The steering column assembly includes a mounting bracket and a column jacket pivotably attached to the mounting bracket for rotation about a rake axis. The support mechanism includes a rod pivotably coupled to the column jacket and a clamp pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket and interconnecting the rod and the mounting bracket. The clamp permits movement of the rod therethrough during collapse of the steering column assembly in only one direction, and is offset from the rake axis. Accordingly, the clamp prevents backward movement of the rod therethrough, thereby preventing rotation of the column jacket about the rake axis post collapse of the steering column assembly to support the column jacket in an elevated position.

Abstract: To provide a steering device from which good operation feeling can be obtained in tilt and telescoping adjustments, and whose configuration is very simple. The cylindrical part formed in a pair of shock absorber members is inserted in the two end openings of an axial through hole formed in the axial direction of a collar member, flanges of the shock absorber members are slidably inserted into adjustment elongated holes formed on both sides in the width direction of a movable bracket, the movable bracket is arranged between fixed support side plates formed on both sides in the width direction of a fixed bracket. A bolt is passed through adjustment holes formed in the fixed support side plates, the adjustment elongated holes, the collar member, and the shock absorber members to be freely tightened as required.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle includes a setting unit displaceable in at least one displacement direction for setting the position of the steering column, a holding unit nondisplaceable into this displacement direction, a securement device, in the opened state of which the setting unit (4) is displaceable with respect to the holding unit for setting the position of the steering column and in the closed state of which the setting unit (4) is secured in position by the securement device, and a crash blocking device, which is displaceable between a passive state and an active state. The blocking device raises an additional holding force against a displacement of the setting unit with respect to the holding unit into at least one displacement direction.

Abstract: A steering column (10) includes a steering column member (12) connectable with a steering wheel (16) and rotatable to turn steerable vehicle wheels. A mounting bracket (40) connects the steering column (10) to a vehicle frame. A support (30), through which the steering column member (12) extends, is connected with the mounting bracket (40). The support (30) supports the steering column member (12) for rotation about a longitudinal axis (32) of the steering column member and is movable relative to the mounting bracket (40). A locking mechanism (60) applies a force to lock the support (30) in any one of the plurality of positions relative to the mounting bracket (40). A release mechanism (70) reduces the force applied by the locking mechanism (60) in response to a sensed vehicle condition.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes an upper jacket and a lower jacket partially disposed within said upper jacket. A bushing is disposed between the upper jacket and the lower jacket. The upper jacket and the lower jacket are collapsible along a longitudinal axis in response to a collision event. A first roller mechanism and a second roller mechanism are mounted to the upper jacket near a forward end and a rearward end of the bushing respectively for engaging the lower jacket in rolling engagement. The first and second roller mechanisms resist a resultant force caused by a bending moment created by a transverse load applied to a distal end of the upper jacket to minimize an increase in a sliding frictional force between the bushing and the lower jacket.

Abstract: A shock absorbing steering device for vehicle includes an intermediate shaft that couples a steering shaft and a steering gear. The intermediate shaft includes a hollow accordion portion allowed to undergo plastic deformation. The accordion portion has plural pairs of crest portions and trough portions disposed alternately in an axial direction. At least in a part of the accordion portion in the axial direction, a depth from apexes of the crest portions to bottoms of the trough portions includes a first depth corresponding to a part of the accordion portion in a circumferential direction and a second depth corresponding to a rest part of the accordion portion in the circumferential direction. The first depth and the second depth are different from each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicular collision energy absorbable steering column coupled to a steering shaft. The steering column comprises shaped wires deformable to absorb a collision load in a vehicle collision, a cylindrical hollow outer tube, a cylindrical hollow inner tube having on its interior circumferential surface mounting grooves to secure the wires, and a distance bracket that is formed of a hollow tubular member having an outer tube joint at one end and an inner tube joint at the opposite end and has a pair of fastening flanges shaped into two spaced opposing plates formed on the outer circumferential surfaces of the tubular member for receiving the wires so that the distance bracket may collapse in the axial direction in the event of a vehicle collision through deforming the wires.

Abstract: A vehicle steering apparatus includes a jacket for rotatably supporting a steering shaft, and an electric motor. The electric motor includes an annular rotor arranged coaxially with the steering shaft and rotating together with the steering shaft. The jacket includes a tubular upper jacket and a tubular lower jacket that are fitted into each other and are moved axially relative to each other in the collision of a vehicle. An annular space surrounding the steering shaft is provided radially inside the rotor. A part of the upper jacket enters the annular space in the collision of the vehicle.

Abstract: Crash behavior is to be made variable in an application-dependent manner in a crash-protected steering device. For this purpose, the steering device of this type is provided with a piezoelectric actuator for a controllable reduction in a presettable crash or release force.

Abstract: Disclosed is an impact absorption steering apparatus, which includes: a mounting bracket for supporting an outer tube so as to fix the outer tube in a chassis of a vehicle; and a plate bracket which has one opened side and another side assembled with the mounting bracket, the plate bracket enclosing the outer tube, wherein the plate bracket is fixedly assembled with the mounting bracket, at least one protuberance is formed at an inner side of a guide part of the mounting bracket, and at least one groove is formed at each end of both sides of the plate bracket in such a manner that the groove corresponds to the protuberance.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus includes a steering assisting electric motor having a motor housing for accommodating an annular rotor and an annular stator. The rotor and the stator are disposed coaxially with a steering shaft. The motor housing is supported by a support member mounted to a vehicle body member. A shock applied to a steering member when the motor vehicle crashes is absorbed by the relative movement between the motor housing and the support member.

Abstract: Since a fixed piece 7 is attached to a fixed bracket 1 by means of bolts BT, BT, the impact force by which sliding of a skid bracket 2 is started can be arbitrarily set by adjusting tightening force of the bolts BT, BT.

Abstract: Decoupler deflector devices and systems for automobile steering systems are provided. A decoupler deflector device in an automobile steering system can be connected to an upper intermediate shaft (“I-shaft”) portion or an I-shaft joint. The decoupler device can be adapted to contact a lower I-shaft portion and rotate the upper I-shaft portion downwardly such that the upper I-shaft portion does not interfere with a collapsing steering column when subjected to loading from an automobile driver during a front-end collision impact event. The decoupler device can comprise a first end portion coupled to an upper I-shaft portion and an I-shaft joint; and a second end portion spaced apart from the first end portion to contact a lower I-shaft portion and rotate the upper I-shaft portion. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.

Abstract: An energy absorbing steering column includes a first cylindrical member for rotatably supporting a steering shaft of a vehicle, the first cylindrical member including a first press-fit portion formed on an outer surface thereof, a second cylindrical member for normally supporting the first cylindrical member at a predetermined position, the second cylindrical member including a first supporting portion formed on an inner surface thereof, and a metallic elastic bush provided between the first press-fit portion and the first supporting portion for applying elastic force in a radial direction to restrict an axial movement of the first cylindrical member relative to the second cylindrical member. The metallic elastic bush allows the axial movement of the first cylindrical member relative to the second cylindrical member when a load applied to the steering shaft is equal to or larger than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A retractable steering mechanism includes a steering wheel, a steering column connected to the steering wheel, a telescopic device connected to steering column, a connector for connecting the telescopic device to two front wheels of the vehicle. A first cover is connected to the vehicle. A second cover is connected to the first cover and includes at least two slots defined therein. A shell is used to house the steering column so that the steering column is rotational but not movable in the shell. The shell includes at two bosses formed thereon and movably disposed in the slots. A moving unit is provided between the vehicle and the shell and operable, in a car accident, to retract and tilt the shell due to the bosses moving in the slots.

Abstract: A structure of a vehicle instrument panel area, which is capable of sufficiently ensuring a frontward displacement of a steering column adapted to be displaced frontwardly in response to an impact load applied thereto frontwardly, even under a condition that a column cover is disposed to overlap with a meter unit when viewed in an axial direction of the steering column. A meter unit 3 is attached to an instrument panel 1 through brittles portions 31g, 31g, 33g, 33g, in such a manner as to allow the attachment therebetween to be released when a column cover 5 is brought into contact with the meter unit 3.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a steering column assembly defining a longitudinal axis that is adjustable along at least one of a tilting and telescoping path of adjustment. The apparatus also includes a locking device associated with the steering column assembly to selectively lock and unlock steering column with respect to the at least one of tilting and telescoping paths of adjustment. The locking device includes a lever arm mounted to the steering column assembly for rotation about a rotation axis. The lever arm includes a cam surface. The locking device also includes a lock member having a cam follower surface engaged with the cam surface to move between locked and unlocked positions in response to rotation of the lever arm. The lock member is spaced from the rotation axis along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The invention provides a steering column assembly for a vehicle. The steering column assembly includes a steering column operable to adjustably support a steering wheel in the vehicle. The steering column is moveable along a path for collapsing movement relative to a vehicle in response to an impact situation. The steering column assembly also includes an energy absorber for dissipating energy associated with the collapsing movement of the steering column along the path. The energy absorber includes an anvil fixedly disposed relative to one of the steering column and the path. The energy absorber also includes a strap drawable over the anvil and substantially fixedly disposed relative to the other of the steering column and the path. The steering column assembly also includes a second strap fixedly disposed relative to one of the steering column and the path for dissipating energy associated with the collapsing movement of the steering column along the path.

Abstract: In an impact absorbing type steering column apparatus for a vehicle in which two columns are fitted to each other in such a manner that an upper column, while being moved to the front part of the vehicle with respect to a lower column, absorbs the impact energy at a secondary collision of the vehicle, a bush is fixedly fitted to at least one of the outer peripheral side of the upper column and the inner peripheral side of the lower column in the fitting portion between the two columns.

Abstract: A steering shock absorbing apparatus for motor vehicle according to the invention comprises a first universal joint for interconnecting a first end of an intermediate shaft and a steering shaft, and a second universal joint for interconnecting a second end of the intermediate shaft and an input shaft of a steering gear. The intermediate shaft includes a hollow bellows portion having slant convexes and slant concaves alternating with each other. A line interconnecting the joint centers of the first and second universal joints is tilted to the center axis of the intermediate shaft at a predetermined angle. At motor vehicle collision, a bending moment derived from an impact force of the collision is exerted on the intermediate shaft because the line is tilted. As a result, the intermediate shaft is bucklingly contracted at the bellows portion thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides an energy absorbing apparatus for a steering column. The energy absorbing apparatus includes a first member having a telescoping end and a side wall. The energy absorbing apparatus also includes a second member having a telescoping end and a side wall. The second member is disposed for collapsing telescoping movement with the first member. The energy absorbing apparatus also includes a bushing extending annularly between the first member and the second member. The bushing is fixed to one of the first member and the second member. The energy absorbing apparatus also includes at least one projection integrally formed with the bushing and extending longitudinally and radially along the side wall of the one of the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A shock-absorption steering device includes a steering shaft connected to a steering wheel, a column housing for housing and supporting the steering shaft, the steering shaft and the column housing making a telescopic movement in order to absorb an impact energy, the column housing comprised of a first tube and a second tube, a first tube portion formed at the second tube fitted into the first tube, a second tube portion formed at the second tube so that a space is formed between the first tube and the second tube, a plate formed so as to extend in a longitudinal direction of the column housing, one end portion of the plate being bent and fixed to the second tube portion, the other end of the plate not being fixed; and the plate pulled into the space by a predetermined bending load according to a movement of the second tube.

Abstract: Steering column for a motor vehicle with a rotatably supported steering spindle (1), a supporting unit (4) supporting the steering spindle (1) and a mounting unit (5) for securing the steering spindle (1) on the chassis of the motor vehicle, the supporting unit (4) in the event of a crash being displaceable with respect to the mounting unit (5), and an energy absorption device (18) acting between the supporting unit (4) and mounting unit (5) for the energy absorption in the displacement of the supporting unit (4) with respect to the mounting unit (5) in the event of a crash being provided, characterized in that at least one energy absorption part (34) of the energy absorption device (18) deformable in the displacement of the supporting unit (4) with respect to the mounting unit (5) is composed of a magnetorheological elastomer and that the energy absorption device (18) includes a means for the generation of a magnetic field, by means of which the energy absorption part (34) composed of the magnetorheologic

Abstract: The invention includes a steering column assembly positionable in a vehicle. The invention also includes a connecting device releaseably attachable to the vehicle. The connecting device is moveable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration to selectively lock the steering column assembly with respect to the vehicle. The invention also includes a first energy absorber disposed between the connecting device and the steering column assembly. The first energy absorber is selectively engageable to dissipate energy. For example, the first energy absorber is engaged to dissipate energy in response to relative movement between the connecting device and the steering column assembly when the connecting device is in the locked configuration. The first energy absorber is disengaged with respect to dissipating energy in response to relative movement between the connecting device and the steering column assembly when the connecting device is in the unlocked configuration.

Abstract: A shock absorbing steering apparatus for motor vehicle includes an intermediate shaft including first and second ends. The intermediate shaft includes a hollow bellows portion having convexes and concaves alternating with each other. The convexes include at least one slant convex. A plane including a ridge line of the slant convex is tilted to a perpendicular plane perpendicular to a center axis of the intermediate shaft. As a result, a part of an axial force exerted on the intermediate shaft at a motor vehicle collision is converted to a bending force on the intermediate shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system including a steering column, a keying member, and a squib. The steering column includes a first steering column section longitudinally slidably connected to a second steering column section. The keying member locates the first and second steering column sections at a fixed longitudinal position relative to each other. The squib is located relative to the keying member to exert a force on the keying member when the squib is initiated to thereby allow the first and second steering column sections to longitudinally slide relative to each other to shorten a length of the steering column.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle includes a steering spindle, a jacket unit bearing the steering spindle, a bracket unit, mountable on the chassis of the motor vehicle, with at least one side jaw, which extends laterally of the jacket unit and bears the jacket unit (3), an openable and closable securement device which includes a clamp bolt penetrating elongated holes in the jacket unit and in the at least one side jaw, as well as at least one bracing part penetrated by the clamp bolt. The at least one bracing part is implemented in the form of a substantially planar plate.

Abstract: The invention proposes an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle with a setting part displaceable in at least one setting direction for setting the position of the steering column, a holding part nondisplaceable in this setting direction and a securement device, in the opened state of which the setting part is displaceable with respect to the holding part for setting the position of the steering column, and in the closed state of which the setting part is secured in place by the securement device.

Abstract: A steering column device for a vehicle which includes: a steering column jacket; a detachable bracket detachably attached to an attachment bracket for supporting the steering column jacket; a tearable first energy absorbing member having one end fixed to the attachment bracket and the other end fixed to the detachable bracket; a tearable second energy absorbing member having one end fixed to the detachable bracket and the other end engageable with the attachment bracket; and an engaging device for engagement between the second energy absorbing member and the attachment bracket. The engaging device leaves the second energy absorbing member unengaged with the attachment bracket under a low-impact load condition, and has the second energy absorbing member engaged with the attachment bracket under a high-impact load condition.

Abstract: A shock absorbing steering device for vehicle includes an intermediate shaft that couples a steering shaft and a steering gear. The intermediate shaft includes a hollow accordion portion allowed to undergo plastic deformation. The accordion portion has plural pairs of crest portions and trough portions disposed alternately in an axial direction. At least in a part of the accordion portion in the axial direction, a height from bottoms of the trough portions to apexes of the crest portions is set relatively high in one of first and second parts of the accordion portion opposing in a radial direction and relatively low in the other one of the first and second parts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a snap-on lower bracket (14, 14a) and bearing support for supporting a collapsible steering shaft in a vehicle. The invention includes a lower steering column jacket (12, 12b) defining a depression and a bracket (14, 14a) defining a tab that cooperates with the depression. For example, when the lower steering column jacket (12, 12b) and the support bracket (14, 14a) are engaged with respect to one another, the tab engages the depression in a snap-fit relationship. The snap-fit relationship provides sufficient strength to maintain the position of the lower steering column jacket (12, 12b) relative to the vehicle during normal vehicle handling. In the event of an impact situation, the lower steering column jacket (12, 12b) can move in response to the driver impacting the steering wheel and urge the tab out of engagement with the depression.

Abstract: A safety steering column which is adjustable in its axial direction whereby pyrotechnically driven steering column retraction is provided for a positioning of a safety steering column in its axial direction, to move it away from the driver in case of an accident. Furthermore, a safety system incorporating such a safety steering column and a motor vehicle so equipped that can distinguish between different drivers regarding weight, size and belted condition; the system providing alternative safety measures depending on the driver's needs for protection.

Abstract: A shock absorbing steering apparatus for use in a vehicle, including a steering column to be fixed to a portion of a body of the vehicle such that the steering column is releasable from the body of the vehicle and movable in a forward direction of the vehicle in the event of a secondary collision of an occupant of the vehicle upon a collision of the vehicle, and wherein one of the steering column and the portion of the vehicle body includes a mounting portion, while the other of the steering column and the portion of the vehicle body includes a holding portion. The steering apparatus further includes an impact energy absorbing member to be mounted on the mounting portion.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly preferably has a collapsible steering shaft that extends rotatably along a centerline and a collapsible column that houses and co-extends with the shaft. The column preferably has inner and outer jackets that retract axially to collapse the column. An energy absorbing device has a member engaged between the inner and outer jackets and controls the collapse of the column generally via a high load stage and a low load stage of operation. The member is preferably elongated axially having a distal end that is looped over and spaced radially outward from the remainder of the member. The distal end is attached disengagably to the outer jacket via a pin received in a hole in the distal end and a fuse engaged operably to the pin and attached to the outer jacket.

Abstract: If a component of a high collision load obliquely upward of the vehicular front at a secondary collision time acts on a steering column 3, the column-side brackets 25a and 25b provided at the vehicular front side portions of the steering column move obliquely upward of the vehicle front against the fastening force of fastening means 27. However, the uppermost portions of the column-side brackets abut against a stopper 34, which is mounted on the lower face of a flange 26a (or an abutting portion 26a1) of a vehicle body side bracket 26, thereby to absorb a component of a collision load while the stopper being elastically deformed.

Abstract: In an energy absorbing steering system including a steering shaft to which a steering member is coupled, and a steering column that rotatably supports the steering shaft, at least one of the steering shaft and the steering column includes an impact absorbing portion that contracts when a load equal to or higher than a predetermined value is applied, and the impact absorbing portion includes a first impact absorbing portion having a first impact absorption load, and a second impact absorbing portion having a second impact absorption load different from the first impact absorption load.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle includes an outer jacket, an inner shaft that is received in and rotatable relative to the outer jacket, and an energy absorbing bracket. The energy absorbing bracket includes a mounting portion rigid attached to the vehicle and a body portion extending from the mounting portion. The outer jacket is rigidly attached to the body portion and the body portion is deformable to absorb energy in response to movement of the outer jacket. A tab is connected to one of the body portion and the mounting portion and abuts the outer jacket for applying a resistive force against movement of the outer jacket. The tab releases the resistive force in response to a predetermined collapsing force to allow the outer jacket to move while the body portion of the energy absorbing bracket deforms to absorb energy from the outer jacket.

Abstract: An impact absorption type steering column apparatus for a vehicle is constructed such that a steering column is moved forwardly of the vehicle with respect to a car body sided member when a secondary collision happens. An outer peripheral surface of the steering column is fitted with a metallic ring that engages with the car body sided member to absorb impact energy while frictionally sliding on the steering column moving forwardly of the vehicle, when the secondary collision happens.

Abstract: A steering column assembly has a bracket situated fixed on a vehicle, and a rotatable steering column, which has a column jacket and a steering shaft mounted therein. The steering column has modifiable tilt and length and a clamping mechanism for fixing the steering column. The steering column is connected via a bracket slide to a bracket. The bracket slide is displaceably mounted on the bracket, and an energy absorbing element is situated to absorb energy during a displacement of the bracket slide in relation to the bracket.

Abstract: An automotive steering column apparatus has an inner column rotatably supporting a steering shaft, an outer column holding the inner column while rotatably embracing the inner column, a vehicle body side bracket having a vehicle body mount portion which can be mounted on a vehicle body and a pair of left and right facing flat plate portions which extend substantially vertically and disposed in such a manner as to surround the outer column, a clamping mechanism for changing a width of the pair of facing flat plate portions and changing a width of an inner circumferential surface of the outer column in connection with a change in the width of the pair of facing flat portions, and a shear ring mounted on at least either the inner circumferential surface of the outer column or an outer circumferential surface of the inner column. A shear permissive projection is provided on the shear ring.

Abstract: A steering assembly for a vehicle comprising: a fixed guide portion; a movable steering column portion which is arranged to move relative to the fixed portion to permit a collapse of the steering column assembly; and at least one bearing element which is located between the fixed guide portion and the movable steering column portion and provides a bearing surface upon which the movable portion can slide relative to the guide portion in which the bearing element is able to articulate relative to the guide portion. The bearing element may provide longitudinal guidance to the movable portion in the event of a collapse or reach adjustment.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a steering column having a selectively collapsible structure that enables said column to collapse in the event of an impact force resulting from a vehicle crash. An adaptive energy absorbing device is associated with said column and operates in a first condition to absorb a first level of energy of the collapsing column and in a second condition to absorb a second level of energy of the collapsing column. The assembly includes a telltale detection device that is associated with the adaptive energy absorbing device and is responsive to a change in condition of the energy absorbing device prior to a collapse event to provide a signal to a user of the condition of the energy absorbing device.

Abstract: There is provided a collapsible steering apparatus, which includes a steering column having a movable part capable of moving upon collision of a vehicle. The main part of a bracket is fixed to the movable part. Extended pieces are extended from the main part, and each extended piece is folded back into a U shape to superimpose the extension end of the bent extended piece on the main part. A fixing member is inserted into each insertion hole of the main part and of the extension end of the extended piece, and is fixed to a vehicle body member. As a result, the extension end is fixed to the vehicle body member. The insertion hole of the main part includes an open part for allowing the fixing member to come off upon collision. Upon collision, the main part of the bracket and the base end of the extended piece move along with the movable part. As a result, the base end and the extension end of the extended piece move relative to each other to deform the extended piece to absorb the impact of the collision.

Abstract: A shear capsule for an energy absorbing steering column assembly of a vehicle has a pin projecting along a centerline and from a preferably stationary bracket generally of the vehicle chassis. The pin extends along a centerline through a deformation member being or connected to a support of the steering column assembly and to a distal end that connects to a fastener. The fastener is preferably a threaded nut that exerts an axial compressive force upon the bracket through a portion of the spring clip and another axially directed force to the resiliently flexible fingers of the spring clip through the deformation member. Upon a forward directed force placed upon the assembly with respect to the vehicle and during a vehicle collision, the deformation member plastically deforms thereby releasing the steering column assembly from the bracket and preferably with the pin, spring clip and fastener remaining as one rigid and non-compliant element attached to the bracket.

Abstract: Disclosed is a steering column of a vehicle having a collision energy absorbing apparatus. The steering column includes: a hollow tube having a steering shaft disposed in the hollow tube; a plate bracket surrounding an outer peripheral surface of the tube and having guide grooves formed on a top part of the plate bracket; a reinforcing member for reinforcing and supporting the plate bracket, the reinforcing member being coupled to the tube and being provided within the plate bracket; and a mounting bracket having impact-absorbing guide members inserted in the guide grooves and fixing holes formed on both sides of the mounting bracket for fixing the mounting bracket to a chassis.

Abstract: Disclosed is an impact absorption steering apparatus, which includes: a mounting bracket for supporting an outer tube so as to fix the outer tube in a chassis of a vehicle; and a plate bracket which has one opened side and another side assembled with the mounting bracket, the plate bracket enclosing the outer tube, wherein the plate bracket is fixedly assembled with the mounting bracket, at least one protuberance is formed at an inner side of a guide part of the mounting bracket, and at least one groove is formed at each end of both sides of the plate bracket in such a manner that the groove corresponds to the protuberance.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a steering wheel suspension system to reduce the risk of injury to the driver in connection with a vehicle collision, wherein the system includes a steering wheel axle (1), a steering wheel shaft (3) in which the steering wheel axle (1) is rotatably carried, a steering wheel (7) arranged at one end of the steering wheel axle (1) and a knee bar (20).

Abstract: An energy absorbing steering apparatus for a vehicle includes a support member for supporting a steering column by detachably attaching the steering column to a vehicle body and an energy absorption apparatus for relatively movably supporting the steering column relative to the vehicle body in a frontward direction of the vehicle body. The energy absorbing steering apparatus is designed for absorbing impact energy applied to the steering column.

Abstract: A deformation device, especially for the steering column of a motor vehicle. The deformation device comprises a deformation tube (2), which can be deformed in a defined manner, as well as a deforming cone (1) associated with the deformation tube (2). The deformation device has at the deforming cone (1) at least one elevation (13, 28) or recess, whose edges (8) engage edges (9) of at least one impression (23, 25) or recess (10), whose shape corresponds to the elevation of the cone or the recess of the cone at the cone-side end of the deformation tube (2), in a positive (material blocking) manner, as a result of which essentially any desired high torque can be transmitted between the deformation tube (2) and the deforming cone (1) without any change in the good behavior in a collision.

Abstract: A steering column apparatus includes: a stationary column member; a movable column member whose one end is supported on the stationary column member nonrotatably about a center axis and movably along the center axis; a column head disposed on the other end of the movable column member; a wheel shaft supported rotatably on the column head; a column clamp for clamping and unclamping the movable column member with respect to the stationary column member at two or more points which are spaced along the center axis of the movable column member; and a control lever whose operation lever end is positioned in the vicinity of a steering wheel and which is capable of operating the column clamp.