Steering column assembly

Abstract

A steering column assembly for a vehicle, comprising a load-bearing element fixed to the vehicle and a receiving element carried on the load-bearing element, wherein the receiving element is operatively connected to a steering wheel device; an energy absorbing device, operatively connected to the load-bearing element and the receiving element, wherein an elongated absorbing member is provided to reduce the member, wherein the reducing member has a channel for the absorbing member, wherein the channel at least partially has a cross-section that is smaller than the cross-section of at least a portion of an end section of the absorbing member, wherein when a limit value of energy input into the steering wheel device is exceeded, the load-bearing element and the receiving element are connected to each other in a longitudinally adjustable manner, so that a relative longitudinal movement occurs between the absorbing member and the reducing member, a pulling force acts on the absorbing member, and the end section of the absorbing member is plastically deformed by the smaller cross-section of the channel of the reducing member, and the receiving element is carried on the load-bearing element under relative longitudinal displacement by means of the energy absorbing device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a steering column assembly for a vehicle with an energy absorbing device. Background Art

[0002] Steering column assemblies for vehicles with energy absorbing devices are known. In the event of a vehicle collision, the energy absorbing device attenuates the impact of the driver on the steering wheel by moving the steering column in an axial direction away from the driver and into the instrument panel, and an energy absorbing component such as a roller strap or tear strap absorbs part of the energy of this displacement by plastic deformation.

[0003] The steering column assembly with energy absorption device is particularly dedicated to vehicles with an airbag in the steering wheel. The energy absorption device must absorb most of the force acting on the driver when the driver impacts the steering wheel or the airbag, so that the risk of injury is minimized. In addition, a load-bearing portion is provided in case the steering wheel moves towards the instrument panel due to the impact. The load-bearing portion thus ensures that the steering wheel moves in a predetermined direction, thereby preventing, for example, downward displacement and danger to the driver's legs. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the invention is to create a compact steering column assembly with an energy absorption device, wherein the energy absorption device also serves as a guide for the steering wheel if the steering wheel moves towards the instrument panel in the event of a collision.

[0005] To achieve this object, a steering column assembly for a vehicle is invented, the steering column assembly having: a load-bearing element fixed to the vehicle, a receiving element being connected to the load-bearing element, wherein the receiving element is operatively connected to a steering wheel device; an energy absorbing device, which is operatively connected to the load-bearing element and the receiving element and is provided with at least one elongated absorbing member and at least one reducing member, the reducing member having a channel for the absorbing member, the absorbing member extending through the channel and the channel at least partially having a smaller cross section than the cross section of at least a part of the end section of the absorbing member, wherein the absorbing member is provided with a The invention relates to a steering wheel device in which the receiving element is fixed to a supporting element or a receiving element, and the reduction member is fixed to the other of the two elements, the supporting element or the receiving element, wherein, when a limit value of energy input in the steering wheel device is exceeded, the supporting element and the receiving element are connected to each other in a longitudinally adjustable manner, so that a relative longitudinal movement occurs between the absorption member and the reduction member, wherein as a result of this longitudinal movement, a tensile force acts on the absorption member and, due to the smaller cross-section of the reduction member, an end section of the absorption member is plastically deformed in the cross-section, wherein the receiving element is supported on the supporting element in a relative longitudinal displacement by means of the energy absorption device.

[0006] The absorption member is pulled through the constriction, i.e. the channel in the reduction member, and thereby plastically deformed. By this embodiment in which the absorption member is pulled through a preferably (in radial direction) completely closed constriction, the energy absorption device is constructed in an extremely simple and compact manner and thereby also produced in a cost-effective manner. If relative movement is mentioned before and after, this refers to whether the absorption member is fixed and the reduction member moves along the absorption member, or vice versa, i.e. the absorption member moves and the reduction member is stationary.

[0007] In this way, in the event that the at least one absorbent member is stretched, it is sufficient to hold it at one end, wherein the opposite end assigned to the end section does not necessarily have to be loaded.

[0008] The channel can be formed by the preferably completely closed main body.

[0009] The matrix can, for example, be attached to the entire exterior of the absorbent member and penetrate the sections longitudinally in the event of a vehicle impact.

[0010] In order to ensure that the absorption member is not torn and thus that no tension peaks occur at the beginning of the movement process, the channel narrows continuously transversely or radially to the absorption member in the direction of the holding section opposite the end section.

[0011] In this case, a conical shape or an arc-shaped cross-sectional shape of the channel can advantageously be achieved in cross section.

[0012] If necessary, the absorption member itself can be designed so as to have different cross-sections or material properties in its end sections to allow adjustment of the force path development.

[0013] In order to be able to easily assemble the absorbing member, it is advantageous if the absorbing member in the initial state, i.e. before a vehicle collision, has a cross section at the mounting end opposite the end section to the extent that at least the channel has a cross section that allows it to move through the channel without plastic deformation. This means that the absorbing member advantageously initially comprises different cross sections. The mounting end with the smaller cross section can be passed through the channel for assembly without causing deformation. A transition section is provided between the first longitudinal section and the second longitudinal end. This transition section between the two cross sections is particularly intended to avoid abrupt cross-sectional changes.

[0014] The energy absorption requirement of the energy absorption device is determined by the limit value of the energy input of the steering wheel device, which is determined by external parameters such as the quality of the driver, whether the driver is wearing a seat belt, the current vehicle speed and / or the delay of the vehicle collision.

[0015] This means that the energy absorption requirement reflects the desired amount of energy that must be absorbed by the energy absorption device in a vehicle collision in order to protect the driver in the most feasible way. In order to ensure that the steering column assembly operates reliably, the above-mentioned limit value of the energy input must first be exceeded in order to cause a longitudinal displacement of the receiving element relative to the load-bearing element and thereby activate the energy absorption device, i.e., a plastic deformation of the absorption member by the reduction member caused by the relative longitudinal displacement. If this limit value is exceeded, there is a longitudinal displacement of the receiving element relative to the load-bearing element and the energy absorption device is then activated, more precisely, the absorption member undergoes plastic deformation when it is pulled through the reduction member and the result is energy reduction. However, as already described above, the direction of the longitudinal displacement is also decisive, because a longitudinal displacement of the receiving element with a component mounted thereon, such as a steering wheel device, can cause damage to the driver. Therefore, in the prior art, a further guide element is provided, which determines the direction of the longitudinal displacement when the receiving element has been longitudinally translated. The present invention combines this guide feature in the energy absorption device. The absorption member and the reduction member as components of the energy absorption device perform a load-bearing function in order to determine the direction of the longitudinal displacement during the longitudinal displacement of the receiving element and thus protect the driver from impacts with the receiving element and the mounted components. This embodiment of the energy absorption device makes it possible to eliminate the above-mentioned separate guide element, which saves costs and components while maintaining the same or even improved functionality.

[0016] It can also be provided that the direction vector of the longitudinal displacement of the receiving element is identical or nearly equal to the direction vector of the end section of the absorbing member. Since the absorbing member is an elongated part that is pulled through the reduction member when the energy absorbing device is activated, the direction vector of the mounted absorbing member provides the direction of the longitudinal displacement of the receiving element.

[0017] Furthermore, it can be provided that the absorption member is provided with a support element at only one longitudinal end, wherein the support element is embodied as a separate component or is integral with the absorption member. Since the absorption member is used only in the pulling direction, it is necessary to ensure that the absorption member can be safely mounted on the reduction member and that pulling forces can be introduced into the absorption member. For this purpose, it is advantageous if the above-mentioned support element is designed as an eyelet or a flange. For example, a form-fitting connection, a material-material connection or a friction connection can be used between the support element and the absorption member. However, it is also possible to form the support element from the absorption member, for example by a deformation process or simply by means of a mounting hole or opening.

[0018] It can also be provided that the supporting element is fixed to the carrier element or to the receiving element.

[0019] In a further embodiment, it can be provided that the end section of the absorbent member is provided with at least a first longitudinal section and a second longitudinal section, the first longitudinal section being provided with a cross section and the second longitudinal section also being provided with a cross section, the cross section of the first longitudinal section being smaller than the cross section of the second longitudinal section and the first longitudinal section facing the support element. It should be noted that the cross sections can have the same shape or different shapes. The shape can advantageously be formed as a round rod or a square rod. Shapes such as a triangular cross section are also possible. This should not represent the final result.

[0020] Further embodiments may provide that the reduction element is provided with a first recess section corresponding to the first longitudinal section of the absorption element or that the reduction element is provided with a first recess section corresponding to the first longitudinal section of the absorption element and a second recess section corresponding to the second longitudinal section.

[0021] Furthermore, it can be provided that in the case of a longitudinal displacement of the receiving element relative to the carrier element, the first longitudinal section of the absorption element and the first recess section of the reduction element form a linear bearing. Here, the length of the first longitudinal section of the absorption element and the length of the first recess section of the reduction element must be formed in such a way that the linear bearing formed thereby allows guidance and a directed longitudinal displacement.

[0022] It can also be proposed that in the case of a longitudinal displacement of the receiving unit relative to the carrier element, the second longitudinal section of the absorption element and the second recess section of the reduction member form a linear bearing. This can be advantageous because the second longitudinal section of the absorption element presents a larger cross section than the first longitudinal section. This can ensure advantageous guiding features in the relative longitudinal displacement of the receiving element.

[0023] It can also be provided that, in the longitudinal displacement of the receiving element relative to the carrier element, the first and second longitudinal sections of the absorption element form a linear bearing with the first and second recess sections of the reduction element. It is advantageous for the function of the linear bearing that a path for the bearing that is as long as possible is available. By providing almost the entire axial length of the reduction element and the absorption element as the bearing region, a bearing that is advantageous for the longitudinal displacement of the receiving element relative to the carrier element can be obtained.

[0024] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the reduction member is provided with at least one reduction channel. The reduction channel serves primarily to plastically deform the cross section of the end section of the absorption member into a smaller cross section when the absorption member is pulled through the reduction member. In order to ensure the functional reliability of this plastic deformation of the absorption member, it can be advantageous if the reduction channel has a conical shape. This can reduce or even avoid notch effects or shrinkages during the plastic deformation, which can lead to material defects in the form of fracture processes of the absorption member. The proposed conical form of the reduction channel should only be taken as an example.

[0025] It can also be provided that at least one connecting element is to be arranged between the receiving element and the steering wheel device, wherein the steering wheel device is rotated to this connecting element. The connecting element contributes to forming a receiving part of the steering wheel device, which advantageously comprises at least one steering wheel and a shaft. The shaft can then be twisted in the connecting element, which is also called a sleeve.

[0026] In addition, the connecting element can be connected to the receiving element by means of a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism can adopt a locked position and an unlocked position. This embodiment is also referred to as the well-known steering wheel adjustment. The connecting element can be adjusted towards the driver or away from the driver and in height with the steering wheel device. If the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position, this adjustment is advantageous. If the locking mechanism is in the locked position, the steering wheel device or the connecting element is fixed to the receiving element. The locking mechanism can be provided mechanically or electromechanically.

[0027] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if at least two energy absorption devices are provided and distributed symmetrically with respect to the carrier element. This embodiment allows a defined longitudinal displacement of the receiving element or of an associated steering wheel device to be functionally reliable.

[0028] Furthermore, the load-bearing element can provide a linear guide for the receiving element, wherein the guide length of the linear guide is shorter than the guide length of the linear support. The load-bearing element is advantageously supported directly on the receiving element. This means that in the standby state, i.e. without longitudinal displacement of the receiving element and in the case of an initial longitudinal displacement of the receiving element, the linear guide primarily carries the load of the receiving element. Only when the linear guidance ends does the linear support formed here by the energy absorption device realize linear bearing in the case of a further longitudinal displacement of the receiving element.

[0029] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the absorption member consists of a material that is ductile at room temperature. Since the absorption member should be plastically deformed during the longitudinal displacement, it is necessary that the absorption member is made of a non-brittle material, i.e. a ductile material. These materials can advantageously be steel materials or aluminum materials, or copper materials, just to give some examples. The absorption member, or more precisely, the end sections of the absorption member can also have cross-sections of different shapes. For example, the end sections can advantageously be implemented as round rods or flat rods. In the case of using round rods, end sections with a diameter of 4 mm to 15 mm have proven to be beneficial for their function as energy absorption devices and linear guides. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The invention is described in more detail in the following examples.

[0031] In the attached figure:

[0032] Figure 1 to Figure 2 The overall expression of the inventive steering column assembly is shown.

[0033] Figures 3 to 15 Other embodiments are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Figure 1 A general representation of the inventive steering column assembly 10 is shown. Figure 1The functionally relevant components of the present invention are shown. The steering wheel device 13 connected to the steering wheel shaft 17 so that it cannot be rotated is carried in the connecting element 15 so that it can be twisted. The connecting element 15 is connected to the receiving element 14 and is adjustable in height and length. The locking mechanism 40, which is not described in detail here, thus connects the connecting element 15 to the receiving element 14 in the following form: in the locking position of the locking mechanism 40, the connecting element 15 is fixed to the receiving element 14. In the case where the locking mechanism 40 is in the unlocked position, the connecting element 15 connected to the receiving element 14 can be changed in height and also in length (i.e. in the axial direction). The connecting element 15 can be adjusted towards the driver or away from the driver and in height together with the steering wheel device 13. The receiving element 14 mainly includes a tubular member 18 and a bracket (konsole) 19 fixed to the tubular member. Wings 20 are formed on both sides of the bracket 19. The wing 20 is located in the carrier element 12, wherein the carrier element 12 is fixed to the vehicle, for example to a crossbar not shown here. The wing 20 can be axially moved in the carrier element 12 in the case of a longitudinal displacement of the receiving element 14 relative to the carrier element 12. In addition, a reduction member 28 is fixed to the carrier element 12. The reduction member 28 can also be described as a matrix. In addition, an absorption member 24 is fixed to the wing 20. If now, for example, an energy input EC is generated in the steering wheel device 13 in a collision situation in which the driver sits behind the steering wheel device 13 and his body collides with the steering wheel device 13 and thus exceeds the energy input limit, the receiving element 14 overcomes the force of the energy absorption device 16 and is longitudinally displaced relative to the carrier element 12, and the energy absorption device 16 mainly includes the absorption member 24 and the reduction member 28. Since the receiving element 14 is also connected to the connecting element 15 and the steering wheel device 13, the entire unit is longitudinally displaced relative to the carrier element 12. Since the reduction member 28, i.e. the base body, has a smaller internal cross-section than the end section 21 of the reduction member 28, the end section 21 is pulled through the reduction member 28 if the receiving element 14 is longitudinally displaced relative to the carrier element 12. This leads to a plastic deformation of the end section 21 to a smaller cross-section determined by the smaller cross-section of the reduction member 28. The energy required for the process of plastic deformation of the absorption member 24 is taken from the energy input EC which exceeds the limit value. This means that in the event of a collision, the EC energy input into the steering wheel device 13 is at least partially absorbed by the energy absorption device 16. This allows the collision of the driver with the steering wheel device to be absorbed, so that there is a lower risk of injury to the driver than if the steering wheel device 13 is connected to the carrier element 12 in a manner that prevents displacement.If this longitudinal displacement of the receiving element 14 relative to the carrier element 12 occurs and if the path of this longitudinal displacement is longer than the guide length L1 of the wing 20 into the carrier element 12, according to the invention, a further linear guidance of the receiving element 14 is provided by the energy absorption device 16. Ref. Figures 9 to 11 , in which the linear guidance of the energy-absorbing device 16 is described in detail. It should also be noted here that one direction of the longitudinal displacement VE of the receiving element 14 is specified by one direction or by the direction vector VA of the end section 21 of the reduction component 28. This means that, in the event of a collision, the steering wheel device 13 moves with the receiving element 14 away from the driver in the longitudinal direction indicated by the direction of the end section 21 of the reduction component 28. This means that the energy-absorbing device 16, which is mainly composed of the reduction component 28 and the absorption component 24, performs two tasks. On the one hand, the energy-absorbing device 16 performs the task of absorbing energy in the event of a collision (i.e. in the event of an energy input EC to the steering wheel device) and converting this energy into a plastic deformation of the end section 21. In another task, if the steering wheel device 13 and the receiving element 14 are longitudinally displaced relative to the carrier element 12, in particular if the wing 20 has extended the guide length L1 of the carrier element 12, the energy absorption device 16 uses the guide length L2 of the absorption member 24 to realize the guiding function of the receiving element 14 and the components connected to the receiving element 14. Since the guide length L2 is greater than the guide length L1, the receiving element 14 continues to extend over the guide length L2 after the receiving element has extended over the guide length L1. This means that the separate guide element known in the art can be omitted, which saves components and production costs.

[0035] Figure 2 Shows that already Figure 1 A side view of the steering column assembly 10 described in FIG. Figure 21 , it can be easily seen that the wing 20 is fixed to the bracket 19 and thus to the receiving element 14, in which the carrier element 12 is accommodated. Not shown here is that the carrier element 12 is fixed to the vehicle body, advantageously to the crossbar. If the receiving element 14 is moved towards the energy input EC, for example when a limit value of the energy input EC is exceeded, the wing 20 slides along the carrier element 12 until the wing 20 is completely extended from the carrier element 12. If there is a further longitudinal displacement of the receiving element 14 towards the energy input EC, the further bearing or guidance of the receiving element 14 in the longitudinal direction is determined by the energy absorption device 16, which consists essentially of the reduction member 28 and the absorption member 24. The direction vector VE of the receiving element 14, i.e. the actual direction of the receiving element 14, is determined by the direction vector VA of the reduction member 28, more precisely by the end section 21 of the reduction member 28. This is advantageous for achieving a targeted longitudinal displacement of the receiving element 14 and of the components connected to the receiving element 14. The end section 21 of the reduction member 28 is formed as a round rod.

[0036] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Shown with Figure 1 and Figure 2 The steering column assembly 10 similar to that described in FIG. 1 is described above, but here the absorption member 24 of the energy absorption device 16 is not implemented as a round rod, but as a flat rod. In this way, the channel 26 of the reduction member 28 is also designed accordingly according to the flat rod.

[0037] Figure 5 and Figure 6 Shown with Figures 1 to 4 A similar steering column assembly 10 has been described in the previous section, but here the energy absorbing device 16 is arranged in the same manner as in the previous section. Figures 1 to 4 On the contrary, they are arranged inversely. This means that the reduction member 28 is fixed to the receiving element 14. The absorption member 24 is then fixed to the carrier element 12 by means of the support element 30. As described before, the support element 30 is fixed to the end section 21, and they together form the absorption member 24. If now as already described in Figures 1 to 42 . If the longitudinal displacement of the receiving unit 14 is carried out as described in , the reduction member 28 moves with the receiving element 14 towards the energy input EC. Since the absorption member 24 is fixed to the vehicle body or the crossbar (not shown) by means of the support element 12 so that it cannot be displaced, tensile stresses occur on the absorption member 24 and the end section 21 of the absorption member 24 is plastically deformed by the reduction member 28, more precisely by the channel 26. This arrangement is advantageous because the end section 21 now extends away from the driver's side. As a result, on the one hand, the end section 21 of the absorption member 24 cannot be a source of injury, and on the other hand, free construction space can be generated in the direction towards the driver. The actual function of the energy absorption device 16, namely, on the one hand, reducing the energy placed on the steering wheel device 13 in the event of a collision and on the other hand, the longitudinal displacement of the receiving unit 14 in a defined direction, i.e., carrying it, remains unchanged. Therefore, the energy absorption device 16 still realizes two functions, which are energy absorption and carrying functions.

[0038] Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 1 and 2. However, the end section 21 of the absorption member 24 is not designed as a round rod, but as a flat rod.

[0039] Fig. 9 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 are examples of energy absorbing devices 16 , each of which is a cross-sectional view. Fig. 9 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 Different embodiments are illustrated of how the energy-absorbing device 16 can function as a carrier for the carrier element 12 in the event of a longitudinal displacement of the receiving element 14 . Fig. 9 , shows an energy absorbing device 16 which mainly comprises an absorbing member 24 and a reducing member 28. The absorbing member 24 is, for example, elongated as a round rod. A support element 30 is provided at one end, which is fixed to the absorbing member 24. Fig. 9 As shown in , the support element 30 can be connected to the absorption member 24, for example, by means of screws, rivets, welding or other known types of connections. Fig.10 and Fig.11 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , the support element 30 is formed by the absorbent member 24 itself after the absorbent member 24 has been mounted in the reduction member 28 . Fig.10 The support element 30 is shown formed by an upset forging process. Fig.11The support element 30 is shown to be formed by a reshaping process of the absorption member 24. The end section 21 extends to the support element 30 in the axial direction. The end section 21 is further divided into a first longitudinal section 22 and a second longitudinal section 23. As shown here, a conically shaped transition section 27 is arranged between the first longitudinal section 22 and the second longitudinal section 23. The reduction member 28 is provided with a channel 26, which extends into two parts. One part is a first recess section 29, and the second part is implemented as a reduction channel 32. The first recess section 29 has a cross section Q1, wherein the first longitudinal section 22 of the absorption member 24 extends with a cross section Q3. The reduction channel 32 of the reduction member 28 is also conical, corresponding to the transition section 27 of the absorption member 24. This means that the first longitudinal section 22 of the absorption member and the majority of the transition section 27 extend into the channel 26 of the reduction member 28. In order to ensure load bearing during relative longitudinal displacements by the energy absorption device 16 as described above, the first longitudinal section 22 of the absorption element 24 and the first recess section 29 of the reduction element 28 perform the actual load bearing function and thus form a linear bearing 35 .

[0040] Fig.10 As shown in Fig. 9 , but the reduction member 28 now extends over the second longitudinal section 23 of the absorption member 24. This means that the reduction member 28 is now also provided with a second recess section 31 in addition to the first recess section 29 and the reduction channel 32. This means that in the case of a longitudinal displacement of the receiving element 14 relative to the carrier element 12, which is not shown here but has been described previously, the first and second longitudinal sections 22, 23 of the absorption element 24 and the first and second recess sections 29, 31 of the reduction member 28 form a linear bearing 35.

[0041] Fig.11 As shown in Fig. 9 and Fig.10 1 and 2, but here the first recess section 29 of the reduction member 28 is shorter and thus does not perform a load-bearing function or only performs a small load-bearing function. As a result, the second evaluation section 31 of the reduction member 28 and the second longitudinal section 23 of the absorption member 24 perform the actual load-bearing function and thus form a linear support 35.

[0042] Also note that Fig. 9 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 The embodiment in FIG. 3 is merely an example of a way of implementing the energy absorption device 16 as a linear bearing 35 .

[0043] Figures 12 to 15Another embodiment according to the invention is shown. These figures are intended to present the energy absorbing device 16 centrally positioned in the middle. For this purpose, here Figures 12 to 15 Only the essential components of the invention are shown. Compared with the previous embodiment with two energy absorbers 16 arranged in parallel, the centrally placed energy absorber 16 can once again reduce the number of components and thus the manufacturing volume and production costs. The single energy absorber 16 advantageously placed between the carrier element 12 and the receiving element 14 performs the task of absorbing energy in the event of an impact and the guiding function in the event of a movement of the receiving element 14 relative to the carrier element 12. It is also easy to see here that, in particular, Fig.14 In the embodiment, the guiding function with the guide length L2 of the energy absorbing device 16 is only performed when the receiving element 14 has been extended over the guide length L1 formed here by the parallel spacer members 38 fixed to the carrier element 12. It is also easy to see that, in particular Fig.13 , Fig.14 and Fig.15 , the support point 44 of the absorption member 24 against the load-bearing element 12. This also carries the absorption member 24 in order to further improve the above-mentioned guiding function of the energy absorption device 16. The guiding length of the energy absorption device 16 can be defined, among other things, by the length of the end section 21 of the absorption member 24. Reference is also made to the previous statements which have already disclosed the function of the energy absorption device 16.

[0044] Reference numerals

[0045] 10 Steering column assembly

[0046] 12 Load-bearing elements

[0047] 13 Steering wheel equipment

[0048] 14 Receiving components

[0049] 15 Connecting elements

[0050] 16Energy absorption device

[0051] 17 Steering wheel shaft

[0052] 18 Tubular parts

[0053] 19 Bracket

[0054] 20 Wing

[0055] 21 End section

[0056] 22 first longitudinal section

[0057] 23 second longitudinal section

[0058] 24 Absorption member

[0059] 26 channels

[0060] 27 Transition Section

[0061] 28 Reduction Components

[0062] 29 first recess section

[0063] 30 Support elements

[0064] 31 Second recess section

[0065] 32 Reduction Channels

[0066] 35 Linear support

[0067] 37 Linear guide

[0068] 38 Spacer member

[0069] 40 Locking mechanism

[0070] 44 support points

[0071] Q1 cross section

[0072] Q2 cross section

[0073] Q3 cross section

[0074] L1 guide length

[0075] L2 guide length

[0076] EC Energy Input

[0077] VA direction vector

[0078] VE direction vector

[0079] A axis

Claims

1. A steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle, the steering column assembly having: a load-bearing element (12) fixed to the vehicle and a receiving element (14) carried on the load-bearing element (12), wherein the receiving element (14) is operatively connected to a steering wheel device (13); an energy absorbing device (16), the energy absorbing device being operatively connected to the load-bearing element (12) and the receiving element (14), and the energy absorbing device being provided with at least one elongated absorbing member (24) and at least one reducing member (28), the reducing member having a channel (26) for the absorbing member (24), the absorbing member (24) extending through the channel (26), and the channel (26) at least partially having a cross section (Q1) that is smaller than a cross section (Q2) of at least a part of an end section (21) of the absorbing member (24), wherein: The absorbing member (24) is fixed by means of the supporting element (12) or the receiving element (14), and the reducing member (28) is fixed to the other of the two elements, the supporting element (12) or the receiving element (14), wherein the supporting element (12) and the receiving element (14) are fixed to each other and loosely connected in the event that a limit value of the energy input (EC) into the steering wheel device (13) is exceeded so that a relative longitudinal displacement occurs between the absorbing member (24) and the reducing member (28), wherein as a result of this longitudinal displacement, a tensile force acts on the absorbing member (24), and wherein the end section (21) of the absorbing member (24) is plastically deformed in cross section by the smaller channel (26) of the reducing member (28), characterized in that in the event of the relative longitudinal displacement, the receiving element (14) is supported on the supporting element (12) using the energy absorbing device (16).

2. The steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The direction vector (VA) of the longitudinal displacement of the receiving element (14) is equal to or almost equal to the direction vector (VE) of the end section (21) of the absorbent member (24).

3. The steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The absorbent member (24) is provided with a support element (30) at only one end of its length, wherein the support element (30) is either a separate component or an integral part of the absorbent member (24).

4. The steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that: The supporting element (30) is fixed to the carrying element (12) or to the receiving element (14).

5. The steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that: The end section (21) of the absorption member (24) is provided with at least a first longitudinal section (22) and a second longitudinal section (23), the first longitudinal section (22) having a cross section (Q3), and the second longitudinal section (23) having a cross section (Q2), wherein the cross section (Q3) of the first longitudinal section (22) is shorter than the cross section (Q2) of the second longitudinal section (23), and the first longitudinal section (22) faces the supporting element (30).

6. The steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that: The reduction member (28) is provided with a first recess section (29) corresponding to the first longitudinal section (22) of the absorption member (24), or the reduction member (28) is provided with a first recess section (29) corresponding to the first longitudinal section (22) of the absorption member (24) and a second recess section (31) corresponding to the second longitudinal section (23).

7. The steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that: In a longitudinal displacement of the receiving element (14) relative to the carrier element (12), the first longitudinal section (22) of the absorption member (24) and the first recess section (29) of the reduction member (28) form a linear bearing (35).

8. The steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that: In the longitudinal displacement of the receiving element (14) relative to the carrier element (12), the second longitudinal section (23) of the absorption member (24) and the second recess section (31) of the reduction member (28) form a linear bearing (35).

9. The steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that: In a longitudinal displacement of the receiving element (14) relative to the carrier element (12), the first and second longitudinal sections (22, 23) of the absorption member (24) and the first and second recess sections (29, 31) of the reduction member (28) form a linear bearing (35).

10. The steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The reduction member (28) has at least one reduction channel (32).

11. The steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: At least one connecting element (15) is arranged between the receiving element (14) and the steering wheel device (13), wherein the steering wheel device (13) is supported on the connecting element (15) in a manner that allows it to be twisted.

12. The steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to claim 11, characterized in that: The connecting element (15) is connected to the receiving element (14) by means of a locking mechanism (40), wherein the locking mechanism (40) can adopt a locked position and an unlocked position.

13. The steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to claim 12, characterized in that: The connecting element (15) is movable in height and length relative to the receiving element (14) by means of the locking mechanism (40) in an unlocked position.

14. The steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to claim 12, characterized in that: The connecting element (15) is fixed to the receiving element (14) in the locking position by means of the locking mechanism (40).

15. A steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterised in that The locking mechanism (40) is mechanical or electromechanical.

16. The steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: At least two energy absorption devices (16) are provided which are distributed symmetrically with respect to the support element (12).

17. A steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that: The carrier element (12) provides a linear guide (37) for the receiving element (14), wherein a guide length (L1) of the linear guide (37) is shorter than a guide length (L2) of the linear bearing (35).

18. The steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The absorbent member (24) is made of a material that is extensible at room temperature.

19. The steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to claim 18, characterized in that: The material is a steel material, an aluminum material, or a copper material.

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