Steering column for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing unit (3) in which a steering spindle (4) is mounted in a rotatable manner about a longitudinal axis (L), and in which the housing unit (3) comprises at least two housing tubes (31, 32, 33) which can be adjusted relative to one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) and are telescopically guided in one another, an intermediate element (32, 7, 70) which is arranged between the housing tubes (31, 32, 33) and can be displaced longitudinally, and a positioning device for positioning the intermediate element (32, 7, 70) relative to the housing tubes (31, 32, 33) in the longitudinal direction. In order to allow smaller installation spaces and reduced manufacturing and installation costs, the positioning device (8) proposed by the invention comprises elongate guide tracks (81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 88) which are arranged on the housing tubes (31, 32, 33) and the intermediate element (32, 7, 70) and cooperate in such a way that the guide tracks position the housing tubes (31, 32, 33) and the intermediate element (32, 7, 70) relative to one another in a defined manner.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] The present invention relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle, the steering column comprising: a housing unit in which a steering spindle is mounted such that the steering spindle is rotatable about a longitudinal axis extending in a longitudinal direction, the housing unit having at least two telescopically guided housing tubes adjustable relative to each other in a longitudinal direction, an intermediate element disposed between the housing tubes and movable in a longitudinal direction, and the housing unit having a positioning device for positioning the intermediate element relative to the housing tubes in a longitudinal direction.

[0002] A steering column for a motor vehicle has a steering shaft with a steering spindle mounted in a housing unit such that the steering spindle can rotate about its longitudinal axis to a driver-facing rear end (in the direction of travel). A steering wheel for introducing steering commands via the driver is attached to the steering column. The housing unit is held by a mounting unit fastened to the vehicle body, and the position of the steering wheel relative to the vehicle body is adjusted by adjusting the housing unit relative to the mounting unit.

[0003] In cases where the steering wheel can be adjusted longitudinally relative to the driver's position, i.e., along the longitudinal axis or axially along the longitudinal axis, longitudinal adjustment in the case of a general-purpose steering column can be achieved through the telescopic configuration of the housing unit and the steering spindle. Furthermore, in the event of a collision, the steering column can be pushed together longitudinally, effectively preventing the steering column from penetrating the passenger compartment and causing injury to the occupants.

[0004] The shell unit has at least two shell tubes, wherein at least one inner shell tube (also referred to as the inner shell tube or inner shell) extends coaxially into at least one outer shell tube (also referred to as the outer shell tube or outer shell) and is telescopically guided in the at least one outer shell tube in a longitudinal direction defined by the direction of the longitudinal axis. The shell unit and therefore the steering column can be correspondingly shortened or lengthened by telescopically pushing the shell tubes together or pulling them apart in the longitudinal direction.

[0005] The design of the shell unit is known, wherein one or more intermediate elements are arranged movably relative to the shell tube in the longitudinal direction between the outer shell tube and the inner shell tube. In other words, the outer shell tube and the inner shell tube are located at the front and rear ends of the shell unit, or the outer shell tube and the inner shell tube are located at the rear and front ends of the shell unit.

[0006] For example, a multiple telescopic device for increasing the adjustment range can be formed of three or more shell tubes, with at least one additional intermediate shell tube, which can form a general-purpose intermediate element, telescopically coaxially arranged between the inner and outer shell tubes. Such a type of multiple telescopic device is described in the prior art, for example in DE102017221004A1.

[0007] It is also known that sliding units or anti-friction bearing units are arranged coaxially between two adjacent shell tubes. For example, an anti-friction bearing unit of this type, described in DE102017221004A1, includes a rolling element cage arranged coaxially with respect to the shell tubes and in which rolling elements, such as balls or rollers, are mounted that can roll between the shell tubes. Thus, a linear anti-friction bearing system is formed, enabling smooth operation, adjustment, low clearance, and flexural rigidity support. Alternatively, a linear sliding unit, for example as a sliding sleeve, can be provided coaxially attached between the shell tubes. This type of anti-friction bearing unit or sliding unit, which can be arranged between an outer shell tube, an inner shell tube, and / or an intermediate shell tube, is also capable of telescoping relative to at least one shell tube and can therefore form a general-purpose intermediate element.

[0008] Here, the rolling elements are held between the housing and tube by rolling friction and sliding friction, so when the housing is adjusted, the anti-friction bearing unit is driven in the adjustment direction. However, due to slippage between the rolling elements and the housing, the anti-friction bearing unit can slide in an undefined manner and can move relative to the housing. Therefore, especially after repeated adjustments of the steering column, the anti-friction bearing unit can present different positions in the axial direction relative to the housing in the same set position of the steering column. Disadvantageously, the housing unit can have different stiffness in the same set position depending on the position of the anti-friction bearing unit. Furthermore, when adjusting the housing, if the anti-friction bearing unit moves and supports against the end stop and stops before reaching the end position, the required adjustment force will increase unfavorably, and therefore the rolling elements cannot roll further during adjustment. Similarly, in the case of the sliding unit, slippage can occur relative to the housing, and therefore, the positioning of the sliding unit may become undefined.

[0009] A similar problem arises with the intermediate shell tube in the case of multiple telescopic devices. When telescopic adjustment is performed between the outer and inner shell tubes, the intermediate shell tube is driven longitudinally by friction and can move longitudinally in an undefined manner relative to either the outer or inner shell tube at an intermediate position. Therefore, the intermediate shell tube can present different longitudinal positions relative to the shell tubes at the same set position of the steering column. Consequently, the stiffness of the steering column is also compromised.

[0010] DE102015216326A1 discloses a latching device by which an intermediate shell tube and an inner shell can be releasably coupled to each other to hold the intermediate shell tube and the inner shell in a predetermined position relative to each other. However, a drawback of this solution is that in the unlatched state, the intermediate shell tube can move freely relative to the inner shell; therefore, the shell tubes must first move completely together so that the latching device can be switched to the latched state.

[0011] In view of the above problems, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved positioning device for intermediate elements. Summary of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by the steering column of the present invention.

[0013] With regard to a steering column for a motor vehicle, the steering column includes a housing unit in which a steering spindle is mounted such that the steering spindle can rotate about a longitudinal axis extending in the longitudinal direction. The housing unit has at least two telescopically guided housing tubes that can be adjusted relative to each other in the longitudinal direction, an intermediate element disposed between the housing tubes that can move in the longitudinal direction, and the housing unit has a positioning device for positioning the intermediate element relative to the housing tubes in the longitudinal direction. The positioning device according to the invention includes an elongated guide rail disposed on the housing tubes and the intermediate element and interacting with each other such that the elongated guide rail positions the housing tubes and the intermediate element relative to each other in a defined manner.

[0014] The guide rail is constructed and designed such that it forms a shape-fitting guide device that acts for the relative movement between the shell tubes in the longitudinal direction, thus positioning the shell tubes and intermediate elements relative to each other in a defined manner in the longitudinal direction.

[0015] The positioning device according to the invention has an arrangement of guide devices with mechanically shaped fits that interact with each other, and by means of these guide devices, the respective telescopic elements, including the shell tube and at least one intermediate element, are precisely positioned relative to each other in the longitudinal direction in each adjusted state of the telescopic arrangement. In other words, the relative movement of the telescopic elements can be synchronized during pulling apart or pushing together. The elongated guide rail can be synonymously referred to as a guide rail element or a slotted guide.

[0016] The guide rail may have, for example, an elongated recessed opening, such as a guide groove or guide slot, or alternatively or additionally, the guide rail may have an elongated protrusion, such as a guide web, guide rail, or guide protrusion.

[0017] In a favorable improvement, the guide rails can be arranged to extend at an angle relative to each other and relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0018] In another advantageous improvement, at least one guide body can be guided on a guide rail such that the guide body positions the shell tube and intermediate element relative to each other in a defined manner.

[0019] The guide body is guided in a form-fitting manner along the longitudinal direction of the guide track, thus forming a type of slotted guide. In this case, the guide body can move along the guide track in a way that it is guided on or within the guide track, for example, it can slide along the guide track. For example, the guide body can have a guide protrusion, such as a guide journal or guide pin, which engages in a corresponding guide groove or guide recess in such a way that the guide protrusion is laterally held in the guide groove or guide recess in a form-fitting locking manner relative to the longitudinal direction, and the guide protrusion can move in a form-fitting guiding manner along the longitudinal direction. Alternatively or additionally, the guide body can have a recess into which the protrusion of the guide track can correspondingly engage.

[0020] Each guide rail on the telescopic element, i.e., the shell tube or intermediate element, is oriented in an inclined, i.e., non-parallel manner with a relative angle greater than 0° and less than 180° relative to the longitudinal axis and to the guide rail on another telescopic element. Here, the guide rails can have straight or curved routes. In the case where the shell tube or intermediate element has a polygonal cross-section, the guide rails can be arranged or constructed on a generally planar side surface, thus extending correspondingly parallel to a longitudinal plane parallel to the longitudinal axis. In the case of a circular cross-section, the guide rails can have a helical configuration with a lead defined by the inclination.

[0021] Due to the fact that the guide body engages with and is simultaneously guided into the corresponding guide rails of the shell tube and intermediate element—that is, guided in a form-fitting manner on at least three guide rails—a form-fitting connection is thus created between all the shell tubes and intermediate elements. In this way, only a limited relative positioning of the shell tubes and intermediate elements relative to each other is possible, permitted by the form-fitting guide mechanism. Here, the coupled or synchronized movement path is defined by the possible co-positioning of all the form-fitting guide mechanisms between the telescopic elements. For each adjustment state of the shell unit in the longitudinal direction, the precise relative positioning of the shell tubes and intermediate elements is defined by different inclination angles. This gives the shell unit the advantage of defined, constant stiffness.

[0022] A particular advantage of the present invention is that the slotted guide element formed by the guide rail and the guide body can be achieved with very little manufacturing and assembly complexity, has a simple construction and reliable operation.

[0023] Another advantage is that the guide rail can have a space-saving configuration, for example, as a guide groove or guide channel that can preferably be formed and directly integrated into the shell tube in one piece. The aforementioned guide protrusions, webs, bulges, etc., can also have a space-saving configuration and can be integrally molded as one piece, for example, by plastically reshaping the walls of the shell tube and intermediate elements. Therefore, the positioning device according to the invention is particularly suitable for telescopic shell units for the defined positioning of one or more intermediate shell tubes relative to the outer shell tube and inner shell tube, and alternatively or additionally for the defined positioning of one or more anti-friction bearing units or sliding units relative to the shell tube. The anti-friction bearing unit includes a coaxial rolling element cage that completely or at least partially encloses the shell tube, and the rolling elements are rotatably mounted or rotatably received in the rolling element cage. The sliding unit includes, for example, a coaxial sliding sleeve that completely or at least partially encloses the shell tube and is made of a satisfactory smooth material, such as plastic.

[0024] In each case, at least one guide rail can be arranged on each shell tube of the multiple telescopic arrangement, i.e., the outer shell tube, the inner shell tube, and the intermediate shell tube, or multiple telescopic intermediate shell tubes can be set as intermediate elements. If the rolling element or sliding unit is arranged as an intermediate element between the outer shell tube and the inner shell tube, the rolling element or sliding unit can also have a guide rail even in the case of multiple telescopic devices.

[0025] The positioning device according to the invention can preferably be implemented on a shell unit having more than two telescopic intermediate elements, such as an intermediate shell tube and / or rolling elements or sliding units. Due to the advantageous low installation space requirement according to the invention, the synchronous positioning of two anti-friction bearing units and an intermediate shell tube mounted between the two anti-friction bearing units relative to the outer and inner sleeves can be achieved with very little complexity, for example, in a telescopic arrangement with five or more telescopic elements.

[0026] One advantageous embodiment may be configured such that the guide rail has an open guide groove through which the guide body extends laterally relative to the longitudinal axis. The guide groove can be constructed with minimal manufacturing complexity as an elongated slotted opening or orifice radially continuous about the longitudinal axis within the wall of the shell or intermediate element. A guide body, configured as a guide pin or guide journal and capable of sliding along the guide groove, can be inserted through the guide groove. Due to the fact that a single guide body extends through the guide grooves of at least two adjacent telescopic elements, two slotted guides can also be easily coupled to each other. The guide body can also penetrate the guide grooves of two, three, four, or more telescopic elements without additional complexity, for example, penetrating the guide grooves of the shell and / or rolling elements or sliding units. In this way, even with the aid of a compact positioning unit of simple construction, all telescopic elements in a multi-telescopic arrangement can be precisely positioned relative to each other, and the relative telescopic movements can be synchronized.

[0027] The guide body can be configured to be mounted in a floating manner within the guide slots. The guide body penetrates the guide slots of two, three, or more telescopic elements, each telescopic element comprising a shell tube and an intermediate element. The guide body is held in each guide slot within its opening, allowing it to move along a range. In this way, the guide body connects to the telescopic elements, but in the process, the guide body can move relative to each individual telescopic element, i.e., it is mounted in a floating manner. The guide body may include, for example, guide pins or guide journals that penetrate the guide slots and extend inwardly from the inner shell tube and outwardly from the outer shell tube, the guide pins or guide journals having a head extending beyond the width of the end of the guide slot, etc., and thus, the guide pins or guide journals are held in the guide slots and secured against detachment. The head can be manufactured, for example, by riveting, crimping, or other cold-working methods. This type of arrangement can advantageously be achieved in a small size and in a simple and reliable manner in terms of manufacturing and assembly.

[0028] It can be configured such that the guide rails intersect in the overlapping portion, and the guide body is arranged in the overlapping portion. According to the invention, guide rails inclined at varying degrees intersect on their routes in the overlapping portion, which is arranged in a defined manner along the longitudinal direction, i.e., according to the adjustment state of each telescopic element. The relative positioning is also clearly defined by the fact that the guide body explicitly determines the position of the overlapping portion relative to each telescopic element. This arrangement can be achieved particularly simply, compactly, and reliably due to the fact that the guide rails are constructed as guide slots overlapping in the overlapping region, forming a continuous opening region that passes through all the telescopic elements guided on each other, i.e., the shell tube and intermediate elements. The guide body is guided through all the guide slots in this opening region and is mounted in a floating manner within the guide slots, thus creating a form-fitting connection of all the telescopic elements.

[0029] Advantageously, the guide body penetrates three, four, or more guide slots and is mounted in a floating manner within these slots. Therefore, a large number of shell tubes and intermediate elements can be precisely positioned relative to each other in a spatially compact manner with minimal complexity, and can move synchronously.

[0030] It can be configured such that the guide body is held on the shell tube or intermediate element, preventing it from moving longitudinally. In this case, the guide body is preferably movable laterally relative to the longitudinal direction. With the remaining telescopic elements being telescopically adjusted, the telescopic arrangement on which the guide body cannot move longitudinally is held to some extent in a central position. The guide body can be movably mounted, for example, as a guide pin or guide journal, in a guide groove perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0031] An advantageous embodiment may be configured such that at least two guide rails are arranged distributed on the outer periphery, and preferably evenly distributed. For example, guide rails configured as guide grooves can be formed in the walls of the shell tube and intermediate elements so that they are positioned opposite to each other about the longitudinal axis. Thus, the telescopic element is symmetrically held and guided, and uneven loading, tilting, etc., are prevented.

[0032] The steering column according to the invention can have at least two, preferably three, telescopic housings, with rolling elements or sliding units inserted between them. In the case of this type of multiple telescopic device, a particularly large adjustment ratio can be achieved between the maximum adjustment position pushed together and the maximum adjustment position removed, which is advantageous, for example, in the case of a retractable steering column used for autonomous driving operations. The positioning of all housings and intermediate elements can be synchronized by the positioning device according to the invention.

[0033] To adjust the steering column, a motorized adjustment actuator can be provided, which is connected to the housing tubes to allow adjustment of the housing tubes relative to each other, at least in the longitudinal direction. The inner housing tube can be retracted and extended relative to the outer housing tube in the longitudinal direction via the motorized adjustment actuator. The adjustment actuator may include a spindle actuator having a spindle nut arranged on a threaded spindle and a drive motor, by which the threaded spindle and the spindle nut can be rotatably driven relative to each other. This type of adjustment actuator is known in principle in the prior art and is considered reliable and robust. Here, the spindle nut is attached to one housing tube, i.e., the inner or outer housing tube, such that the spindle nut cannot be displaced in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and the spindle nut is attached to another housing tube, i.e., the outer or inner housing tube, which can extend and retract relative to the first housing tube. The spindle nut or threaded spindle is driven rotatably by an electric actuation motor via a suitable mechanism, such as a worm gear or belt mechanism. Thus, the threaded spindle or spindle nut, which is fixed relative to each other in terms of rotation, moves translationally along the longitudinal axis of the spindle, and the inner shell tube retracts or extends axially relative to the outer shell tube according to the relative rotation direction.

[0034] The housing unit, together with the steering spindle mounted therein, forms the actuation unit. The actuation unit can be held in a mounting unit that can be connected to the vehicle body. It can be configured such that the actuation unit is mounted on the mounting unit such that it can pivot vertically about a pivot axis positioned laterally relative to the longitudinal axis, i.e., orthogonal to the axial direction. Height adjustment can be achieved by pivoting about this type of horizontal pivot axis, in which case the height of the steering wheel attached to the rear end of the steering spindle can be set relative to the driver's position.

[0035] Height adjustment can be performed manually. In particular, for automatic retraction of the steering column during autonomous driving, it is advantageous to connect an electric height adjustment drive to the mounting unit and the actuation unit, by which the actuation unit can be moved relative to the mounting unit about a pivot axis. As described above for longitudinal adjustment, the height adjustment drive itself is also known and can be implemented, for example, as a spindle drive driven by an electric motor.

[0036] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle, the steering column comprising a housing unit in which a steering spindle is mounted such that the steering spindle is rotatable about a longitudinal axis extending in a longitudinal direction. The housing unit has at least two telescopically guided housing tubes adjustable relative to each other in a longitudinal direction, at least one intermediate element disposed between the housing tubes and movable in a longitudinal direction, and the steering column includes a position detection device for detecting the relative position of the housing tubes. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for measuring the adjustment state of a steering column for a motor vehicle.

[0037] Automatic maneuvering adjustment of the steering column based on individual steering wheel position data is possible because the position of the steering wheel in the vehicle's interior compartment is determined and stored according to the steering column's adjustment state. For this purpose, as known, for example from DE102019108466A1, the longitudinal setting of the steering column is detected by measuring the relative position of the outer and inner housing tubes using a position detection device, and determining the current length of the housing unit based on this relative position. The length of the housing unit can be electrically measured as a length measurement and can be stored because suitable electric position sensors are attached to the outer and inner housing tubes. If desired, the steering column can preferably be automatically maneuvered to the stored position. Therefore, high driving comfort can be achieved by automatically and selectively retracting the steering column or moving it to an ergonomic operating position during entry or exit, or in the case of autonomous driving.

[0038] Measuring the relative position of the outer and inner shell tubes is both inconvenient and complex, especially in the case of a multi-telescopic steering column with a relatively large adjustment stroke and in the case of one or more intermediate elements telescopically arranged between the outer and inner shell tubes.

[0039] In view of the above problems, the object of the present invention is to enable improved position detection in the case of a multi-telescopic steering column.

[0040] According to the invention, this objective is achieved by a steering column having the features described below.

[0041] For a steering column used in a motor vehicle, the steering column includes a housing unit in which a steering spindle is mounted such that the steering spindle can rotate about a longitudinal axis extending in the longitudinal direction. The housing unit has at least two telescopically guided housing tubes that can be adjusted relative to each other in the longitudinal direction, at least one intermediate element disposed between the housing tubes that can move in the longitudinal direction, and the steering column includes a position detection device for detecting the relative position of the housing tubes. According to the invention, positioning devices are arranged on the housing tubes and the intermediate element, and the positioning devices interact with the housing tubes and the intermediate element such that the housing tubes and the intermediate element are positioned relative to each other in a defined manner. The relative position of the intermediate element relative to the housing tube or another intermediate element can be detected by the position detection device.

[0042] According to the invention, the steering column has a positioning device, also known as a synchronization device, with which a position detection device interacts. Through the positioning device, the relative extensional movements of the shell tube and one or more intermediate elements in the longitudinal direction are synchronized with each other, i.e., form-fittingly connected, preferably mechanically connected. In the case of relative positioning of the shell tubes, i.e., particularly the relative positioning of the outer shell tube at one end of the shell unit relative to the inner shell tube at the other end of the shell unit, form-fitting positioning occurs, i.e., form-fitting guided positioning of one or more intermediate elements occurs, i.e., a clearly defined relative positioning of one or more intermediate elements relative to the shell tube, or, if present, relative to another intermediate element in the longitudinal direction.

[0043] The position detection device is not (as in the prior art) exclusively attached to the shell tube, i.e., to both the outer and inner shell tubes, but preferably interacts directly with the intermediate element. Therefore, the position detection device provides a position measurement that specifies the position of the intermediate element relative to the shell tube, i.e., the outer or inner shell tube, in the longitudinal direction, or, if at least two or more intermediate elements are present, the position measurement specifies the position of one intermediate element relative to another intermediate element in the longitudinal direction.

[0044] Since the intermediate element is always precisely positioned relative to the shell tube via a shape-fitting positioning device, the relative position of the outer shell tube and the inner shell tube can be precisely determined based on the position measurement value, which is specifically related to the length measurement value that specifies the length setting of the shell unit, and therefore also specifies the length setting of the steering column.

[0045] The relative position of the shell tube can be simply calculated based on position measurements and taking into account the gear ratio of the positioning device, which specifies the ratio of the movement of the intermediate element to the movement of the shell tube. Therefore, the length measurement for a specified steering column length adjustment can be determined based on the position of the intermediate element. For this purpose, the positioning device can have an electronic evaluation device or can be connected to such an electronic evaluation device, which starts from the positioning measurements, calculates and outputs the length measurement, which can be fed to further evaluation and processing devices. The evaluation device can preferably be constructed and configured to determine the relative position of the shell tube based on the measured relative position of the intermediate element.

[0046] One advantage of this invention is that the position of the intermediate element relative to the shell tube or another intermediate element moves only a small fraction of the overall adjustment of the outer and inner shell tubes, which is determined by the transmission ratio of the positioning device. For example, with a transmission ratio of 2:1, the intermediate element is always located at the center between the end shell tubes, so the intermediate element moves at most half of the overall adjustment during adjustment. Therefore, the measurement range of the position detection device in the longitudinal direction can be smaller than that in the prior art, thus enabling a compact and low-cost implementation.

[0047] Another advantage is that the position detection device does not need to act on the housing tube (as in the prior art), which can be adjusted into the vehicle interior compartment to which the steering input device is attached. It is advantageous to achieve a body-side attachment that optimizes the mounting space between the housing tube and the intermediate element located in the vehicle interior compartment, thus the position detection device protrudes less into the vehicle interior compartment and occupies less mounting space.

[0048] Preferably, the position detection device may have sensor elements corresponding to each other and arranged on the intermediate element and the shell tube or another intermediate element. It is preferable to use sensor elements that output absolute position or length measurements as measurements corresponding to the position of the intermediate element relative to the shell tube or another element, which, according to the invention, specify the spacing in the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, an incremental encoder that detects relative adjustment or a similar relative measurement encoder may be used.

[0049] The sensor element can preferably be configured as a capacitor, inductor, or resistor. Non-contact electrical measurement methods can preferably be used. Advantages include high robustness and measurement accuracy, ease of integration into electronic measurement and evaluation systems, and a small overall design. This type of sensor element is commercially available and includes, for example, elongated, strip-shaped, or track-shaped measurement transducers and corresponding measurement pickups, and the sensor element outputs absolute or relative length measurements in a manner dependent on the relative arrangement in the longitudinal direction. This type of sensor can be attached to intermediate elements and housings in a simple manner and can be incorporated into a housing unit. Alternatively, optical or acoustic sensors or sensors operating according to other measurement principles can also be considered.

[0050] It can be configured such that a first sensor element is disposed on the inner side of the shell tube or intermediate element, and a second sensor element corresponding to the first sensor element is disposed on the outer side of the adjacent shell tube or intermediate element in a telescopic arrangement, in a manner allocated to the first sensor element. Therefore, an advantageously compact overall design can be achieved. Furthermore, the sensor element can be integrated into the shell unit in a protected manner.

[0051] The intermediate element may include a telescopic element, such as at least one intermediate shell tube, and additionally or alternatively, may include at least one bearing unit arranged such that the bearing unit can move longitudinally between the two shell tubes. The intermediate element may be, for example, a telescopic anti-friction bearing unit or a sliding unit.

[0052] The intermediate element can preferably be a tubular configuration with a circular or non-circular cross-section. The non-circular cross-section can be, for example, triangular, square, hexagonal, octagonal, or polygonal. In the case of this type of polygonal profile, the sensor element according to the invention can preferably be arranged in the region of sidewalls that extend in a planar manner and are generally flat. Therefore, a structural combination with a simple construction can be achieved. Furthermore, a clear and reliable orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis is ensured because the non-circular cross-section is fixed in a form-fitting locking manner to prevent rotation without any other measures.

[0053] It can be configured that the position detection device has a third sensor element and a fourth sensor element that interacts with the third sensor element. Due to this type of configuration, the position detection device can have a redundant configuration, thus reducing the security against failure of the position detection device.

[0054] In other advantageous improvements, the first and second sensor elements can be configured to use different measurement methods relative to the third and fourth sensor elements; in other words, these sensor elements have measurement methods that differ from each other and are based on different measurement principles. This can further enhance safety against faults.

[0055] Preferably, a motorized adjustment actuator for adjusting the steering column can be provided, which acts on the housing tubes, preferably on the inner and outer housing tubes, or on one housing tube and an intermediate element, or on two intermediate elements, so as to adjust the housing tubes relative to each other in the longitudinal direction. The inner housing tube can be retracted and extended relative to the outer housing tube in the longitudinal direction by the motorized adjustment actuator.

[0056] An adjustment drive may include a spindle drive having a spindle nut disposed on a threaded spindle and a drive motor, by which the threaded spindle and the spindle nut are rotatably driven relative to each other. This type of adjustment drive is well known in the prior art and is considered reliable and robust. Here, the spindle nut is attached such that it cannot be displaced along the longitudinal axis to a housing tube, i.e., an inner housing tube or an outer housing tube, and the threaded spindle is attached to another housing tube that can extend or retract relative to one housing tube, an outer housing tube, or an inner housing tube. Alternatively, the spindle drive may also act on an intermediate element that is shape-fitted to a housing tube. The spindle nut or threaded spindle is rotatably driven by an electric actuating motor via a suitable mechanism, such as a worm gear or belt mechanism, thus moving the spindle nut or threaded spindle, which is stationary in rotation relative to each other, in a translational direction along the longitudinal axis of the spindle, and causing the inner housing tube to retract or extend axially relative to the outer housing tube depending on the direction of relative rotation.

[0057] The adjustment of the adjustment actuator can also be detected by means of a position detection device according to the invention, the adjustment corresponding to the adjustment of the telescopic element connected to the adjustment actuator. For example, the position detection device can be arranged on the adjustment actuator or can be configured such that the position detection device is combined with the adjustment actuator.

[0058] In an advantageous improvement, the position detection device can be integrated into a control unit configured to actuate the adjustment drive.

[0059] The housing unit, together with the steering spindle mounted therein, forms the actuation unit. The actuation unit can be held in a mounting unit that can be connected to the vehicle body. It can be configured such that the actuation unit is mounted on the mounting unit such that it can pivot vertically about a pivot axis positioned laterally relative to the longitudinal axis, i.e., orthogonal to the axial direction. Height adjustment can be achieved by pivoting about this type of horizontal pivot axis, in which case the height of the steering wheel attached to the rear end of the steering spindle can be set relative to the driver's position.

[0060] Height adjustment can be performed manually. Specifically, for automatic retraction of the steering column in autonomous driving mode, it is advantageous to connect an electric height adjustment drive to the mounting unit and the actuation unit, by which the actuation unit can be moved relative to the mounting unit about a pivot axis. As described above for longitudinal adjustment, the height adjustment drive itself is also known and can be implemented, for example, as a spindle drive driven by an electric motor.

[0061] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for measuring the adjustment state of a steering column for a motor vehicle, the steering column comprising a housing unit in which a steering spindle is mounted such that the steering spindle is rotatable about a longitudinal axis extending in the longitudinal direction, the housing unit having at least two telescopically guided housing tubes adjustable relative to each other in the longitudinal direction, and at least one intermediate element disposed between the housing tubes and movable in the longitudinal direction; wherein a length measurement related to the adjustment state is determined based on the relative positions of the housing tubes, and in this method, according to the invention, it is set up such that…

[0062] Position the shell and intermediate elements relative to each other in a defined manner, and

[0063] The position measurement value is obtained by measuring the relative position of the intermediate element with respect to the shell tube or another intermediate element using a position detection device.

[0064] The length measurement is calculated based on the measured location.

[0065] As explained above regarding the steering column according to the invention, the housing and one or more intermediate elements are form-fitted together in the longitudinal direction. The steering column may preferably have a positioning device by which the housing and intermediate elements are positioned relative to each other in a defined and form-fitted manner.

[0066] As described above with respect to the steering column according to the present invention, the position measurement value can be measured by the steering column position detection device.

[0067] The position measurement value can preferably be input into the evaluation unit, i.e., it can be transmitted to the evaluation unit, which calculates and outputs the length measurement value based on the measured position measurement value. Considering the transmission ratio of the positioning device, the calculation can be performed as described above.

[0068] The steering column can preferably be adjusted using a motorized adjustment drive. Here, the adjustment drive can be actuated via a control unit connected to the evaluation unit so that the steering column is automatically set to a defined adjustment state based on length measurements.

[0069] In a favorable improvement, the position determined by the position detection device can be compared with the position determined according to parameters of the adjustment driver, such as the measurement increment step, Hall count, etc., which depend on the adjustment. If the determined positions deviate from each other, an error message is output.

[0070] With regard to a steering column for a motor vehicle, the steering column includes a housing unit in which a steering spindle is mounted such that the steering spindle can rotate about a longitudinal axis extending in the longitudinal direction. The housing unit has at least two telescopically guided housing tubes that can be adjusted relative to each other in the longitudinal direction, an intermediate element disposed between the housing tubes that can move in the longitudinal direction, and the housing unit has a positioning device for positioning the intermediate element relative to the housing tubes in the longitudinal direction. The positioning device may include an elongated guide rail disposed on the housing tubes and the intermediate element and interacting with each other such that the elongated guide rail positions the housing tubes and the intermediate element relative to each other in a defined manner.

[0071] The guide rail is set and constructed such that it forms a shape-fitting guide that acts for the relative movement between the shell tubes in the longitudinal direction. Thus, the shell tubes and intermediate elements are positioned relative to each other in a defined manner in the longitudinal direction, i.e., they move synchronously.

[0072] The positioning device according to the invention has an arrangement of mechanically shaped guides that interact with each other, and through these guides, the respective telescopic elements, including the shell tube and at least one intermediate element, are precisely positioned relative to each other in the longitudinal direction in each adjusted state of the telescopic arrangement. In other words, the relative movement of the telescopic elements can be synchronized during pulling apart or pushing together. The elongated guide rail can be synonymously referred to as a guide rail element or a slotted guide.

[0073] The guide rail may have, for example, an elongated recess or opening, such as a guide groove or guide slot, or alternatively or additionally, an elongated protrusion, such as a guide web, guide rail, or guide protrusion.

[0074] In a favorable improvement, the guide rails can be arranged to extend at an angle relative to each other and relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0075] In another advantageous improvement, at least one guide body can be guided on a guide rail such that the guide body positions the shell tube and intermediate element relative to each other in a defined manner.

[0076] The guide body is guided in a form-fitting manner along the longitudinal direction of the guide track, thus forming a type of slotted guide. In this case, the guide body can move along the guide track in a way that it is guided on or within the guide track, for example, it can slide along the guide track. For example, the guide body can have a guide protrusion, such as a guide journal or guide pin, which engages in a corresponding guide groove or guide recess in such a way that the guide protrusion is laterally held in the guide groove or guide recess in a form-fitting locking manner relative to the longitudinal direction, and the guide protrusion can move in a form-fitting guiding manner along the longitudinal direction. Alternatively or additionally, the guide body can have a recess into which the protrusion of the guide track can correspondingly engage.

[0077] Each guide rail on the telescopic element, i.e., the shell tube or intermediate element, is oriented in an inclined, i.e., non-parallel manner with a relative angle greater than 0° and less than 180° relative to the longitudinal axis and to the guide rail on another telescopic element. Here, the guide rails can have straight or curved routes. In the case where the shell tube or intermediate element has a polygonal cross-section, the guide rails can be arranged or constructed on a generally flat side surface, thus extending correspondingly parallel to a longitudinal plane parallel to the longitudinal axis. In the case of a circular cross-section, the guide rails can have a helical configuration with a lead defined by the inclination.

[0078] Due to the fact that the guide body engages with and is simultaneously guided into the corresponding guide rails of the shell tube and the intermediate element, i.e., guided in a form-fitting manner on at least three guide rails, a form-fitting connection is thus created between all the shell tubes and the intermediate elements. In this way, only a limited relative positioning of the shell tubes and intermediate elements relative to each other is possible, permitted by the form-fitting guides. Here, the path of motion for connection or synchronization is defined by the possible common positioning of all intermediate guides between the telescopic elements. For each adjustment state of the shell unit in the longitudinal direction, the precise relative positioning of the shell tubes and intermediate elements is defined by different inclination angles. This gives the shell unit the advantage of defined, constant stiffness.

[0079] A particular advantage of the present invention is that the slotted guide formed by the guide rail and the guide body can be implemented with little manufacturing and assembly complexity, has a simple construction, and is reliable during operation.

[0080] Another advantage is that the guide rail can have a space-saving configuration, for example, as a guide groove or guide channel that can preferably be formed and directly integrated into the shell tube as a single piece. Protruding guide protrusions, webs, bulges, etc., can also have a space-saving configuration and can be integrally formed as a single piece, for example, by plastically reshaping the walls of the shell tube and intermediate elements. Therefore, the positioning device according to the invention is particularly suitable for telescopic shell units for the defined positioning of one or more intermediate shell tubes relative to the outer shell tube and inner shell tube, and alternatively or additionally for the defined positioning of one or more anti-friction bearing units or sliding units relative to the shell tube. The anti-friction bearing unit may include a coaxial rolling element cage that completely or at least partially encloses the shell tube and the rolling elements are rotatably mounted or rotatably received in the rolling element cage. The sliding unit includes, for example, a coaxial sliding sleeve that completely or at least partially encloses the shell tube and is made of a satisfactory sliding material, such as plastic.

[0081] In each case, at least one guide rail can be arranged on each shell tube of the multiple telescopic arrangement, i.e., the outer shell tube, the inner shell tube, and the intermediate shell tube, and multiple telescopic intermediate shell tubes can also be set as intermediate elements. If the rolling element unit or sliding element is arranged as an intermediate element between the outer shell tube and the inner shell tube, the rolling element unit or sliding element can also have a guide rail even in the case of multiple telescopic arrangements.

[0082] The positioning device according to the invention can preferably be implemented on a shell unit having more than two telescopic intermediate elements, such as an intermediate shell tube and / or rolling element units or sliding elements. Due to the advantageous low installation space requirement according to the invention, the synchronous positioning of two anti-friction bearing units and an intermediate shell tube mounted between the two anti-friction bearing units relative to the outer shell tube and inner shell tube can be performed with very little complexity, for example, a telescopic arrangement with five or more telescopic elements.

[0083] One advantageous embodiment involves a guide rail with an open guide slot through which a guide body extends laterally relative to the longitudinal axis. The guide slot can be constructed with minimal manufacturing complexity as an elongated slotted opening or orifice that is radially continuous about the longitudinal axis within the wall of the shell or intermediate element. A guide body, configured as a guide pin or guide journal and capable of sliding along the guide slot, can be inserted through it. Due to the fact that a single guide body extends through the guide slots of at least two adjacent telescopic elements, two slotted guides can be easily coupled to each other. The guide body can also penetrate the guide slots of two, three, four, or more telescopic elements, for example, through the guide slots of the shell and / or rolling elements or sliding units, without additional complexity. In this way, all telescopic elements in a multi-telescopic arrangement can be precisely positioned relative to each other, even with the aid of a compact positioning unit of simple construction, and the relative telescopic movements can be synchronized.

[0084] The guide body can be configured to be mounted in a floating manner within the guide slots. The guide body penetrates the guide slots of two, three, or more telescopic elements, each telescopic element comprising a shell tube and an intermediate element. The guide body is held in each guide slot within its opening, allowing it to move along a range. In this way, the guide body connects to the telescopic elements, but is mounted such that it can move relative to each individual telescopic element, i.e., it is mounted in a floating manner. The guide body may include, for example, a guide pin or guide journal penetrating the guide slot, having a head extending beyond the width of the end of the guide slot, extending inward from the inner shell tube and outward from the outer shell tube, thus holding the guide pin or guide journal within the guide slot and securing it against detachment. The head can be manufactured, for example, by riveting, crimping, or other cold-working methods. This type of arrangement can advantageously be achieved in a small size and is simple and reliable in manufacturing and assembly.

[0085] It can be configured such that the guide rails intersect in the overlapping portion, and the guide body is arranged in the overlapping portion. According to the invention, guide rails inclined to varying degrees overlap in the route of the overlapping portion of the guide rails, which is arranged in a defined manner along the longitudinal direction, i.e., according to the adjustment state of each telescopic element. The relative positioning is also clearly defined by the fact that the guide body explicitly determines the position of the overlapping portion relative to each telescopic element. This arrangement can be achieved particularly simply, compactly, and reliably due to the fact that the guide rails are constructed as guide slots overlapping in the overlapping region, forming an opening region through which all telescopic elements, i.e., the shell tube and the intermediate tube, are guided on each other. The guide body is guided through all the guide slots in this opening region and is mounted in a floating manner within the guide slots, thus creating a form-fitting connection of all telescopic elements.

[0086] Advantageously, the guide body penetrates two, three, or more guide slots and is mounted in a floating manner within these slots. Therefore, a large number of shell tubes and intermediate elements can be precisely positioned relative to each other in a spatially compact manner with minimal complexity, and can move synchronously.

[0087] It can be configured such that the guide body is held on the shell tube or intermediate element, preventing it from moving longitudinally. Preferably, the guide body is mounted such that it can move laterally relative to the longitudinal direction. When the remaining telescopic elements are adjusted for extension and retraction, the telescopic elements on which the guide body cannot move longitudinally are held to some extent in an intermediate position. The guide body can be movably mounted, for example, as a guide pin or guide journal, in a guide groove perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0088] An advantageous embodiment may involve arranging at least two guide rails distributed along the outer periphery, preferably evenly. For example, guide rails configured as guide grooves can be formed in the walls of the shell and intermediate elements, such that the guide rails are positioned opposite to each other about the longitudinal axis. Thus, the telescopic element is symmetrically held and guided, and uneven loading, tilting, etc., are prevented.

[0089] The steering column according to the invention can have at least two, preferably three, telescopic housings, with rolling element units or sliding units inserted between the housings. In the case of this type of multiple telescopic device, a particularly large adjustment ratio can be achieved between the maximum adjustment position pushed together and the maximum adjustment position pulled apart, which is advantageous, for example, in the case of a retractable steering column for autonomous driving operation. The positioning of all housings and intermediate elements can be synchronized by the positioning device according to the invention.

[0090] All the aforementioned features of the steering column according to the invention can be combined. In this case, the positioning device can include an elongated guide rail arranged on the housing tube and the intermediate element and interacting with each other such that the elongated guide rail, incorporating all the aforementioned features of the steering column, positions the housing tube and the intermediate element relative to each other in a defined manner. In this case, the positioning device can be arranged on the housing tube and the intermediate element and interact with them such that the housing tube and the intermediate element are positioned relative to each other in a defined manner. The relative position of the intermediate element relative to the housing tube or another intermediate element can be detected by a position detection device. In other words, a combination of guide rail and position detection device is conceivable and possible. Attached Figure Description

[0091] Figure 1A schematic perspective view of the steering column according to the invention is shown.

[0092] Figure 2 Another 3D diagram shows the results based on Figure 1 The steering column,

[0093] Figure 3 a to Figure 3 e is shown in a schematic partial cross-sectional view according to Figure 1 The steering column,

[0094] Figure 4 a to Figure 4 e with Figure 3 A similar approach is used, with a partial sectional view showing the steering column in a state of coordinated movement adjustment.

[0095] Figure 5 It shows according to Figure 1 The steering column is based on Figure 3 A schematic side view of the device in its adjusted state.

[0096] Figure 6 As shown Figure 5 The steering column in the middle is based on Figure 4 A schematic side view of the retracted adjustment state.

[0097] Figure 7 and Figure 1 The same view shows the steering column of the second embodiment.

[0098] Figure 8 shows an enlarged detailed view of the steering column according to Figure 7 in a pulled-out view.

[0099] Figure 9 A schematic perspective view shows a steering column according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] Figure 10 Another 3D diagram shows the results based on Figure 9 The steering column,

[0101] Figure 11 a to Figure 11 e is shown in a schematic partial cross-sectional view according to Figure 9 The steering column,

[0102] Figure 12 a to Figure 12 e with Figure 11 A similar approach is used, with a partial sectional view showing the steering column in a state of coordinated movement adjustment.

[0103] Figure 13 It shows according to Figure 9 The steering column is based on Figure 11 A schematic side view of the device in its adjusted state, and

[0104] Figure 14 As shown in Figure 13 The steering column in the middle is based on Figure 12 A schematic side view of the retracted adjustment state. Detailed Implementation

[0105] In different accompanying drawings, identical parts are always given the same reference numerals, and are therefore usually named or mentioned only once in each case.

[0106] Figure 1 A steering column 1 according to the invention, viewed obliquely from the rear relative to the direction of travel, is shown. The steering column 1 has an actuation unit 2. The actuation unit 2 includes a housing unit 3 having an outer housing tube 31, an intermediate housing tube 32, and an inner housing tube 33, collectively designated as housing tubes 31, 32, and 33. As indicated by double arrows, the housing tubes 31, 32, and 33 are arranged coaxially within each other such that these housing tubes can be telescoped in a longitudinal direction corresponding to the axial direction of the longitudinal axis L. Here, the intermediate housing tube 32 forms an intermediate element in the sense of the invention.

[0107] The steering spindle 4 is mounted in the housing unit 3 such that the steering spindle 4 can rotate about the longitudinal axis L. The steering spindle 4 has a connector portion 41 located at its rear end for attaching a steering wheel (not shown).

[0108] The housing unit 3 is held in a two-part mounting unit 5, which has an open-shaped fastening device 51 for attachment to the vehicle body (not shown).

[0109] The adjusting drive 6 has a spindle drive with a spindle nut 61 and a threaded spindle 62 screwed into the spindle nut 61. The spindle nut 61 and the threaded spindle 62 can be driven to rotate relative to each other by an electric motor 63. The threaded spindle 62 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis L and is connected to the inner shell tube 33, and the spindle nut 61 is supported on the outer shell tube 31 in a longitudinal direction corresponding to the axial direction of the longitudinal axis L via the adjusting drive 6. The threaded spindle 62 and the spindle nut 61 move together or separately depending on the direction of rotation by means of the relative rotation of the motor 63, so that the inner shell tube 33 retracts into or extends out of the outer shell tube 31 in the axial direction along the longitudinal axis L, as indicated by the double arrows. Therefore, longitudinal adjustment is achieved, through which the steering wheel attached to the connector portion 41 can be moved forward to a retracted position, in which the inner shell tube 33 and the intermediate shell tube 32 move in the outer shell tube 31, i.e., descend forward, or move to an operating position in the operating area, in which the shell tubes 31, 32 and 33 move separately from each other.

[0110] As an alternative, the spindle nut 61 can be supported on the inner shell tube 33, and the threaded spindle 62 can be supported on the outer shell tube 31.

[0111] Figure 1 The steering column 1 is shown in an adjusted position in the operating position, in which the intermediate shell tube 32 and the inner shell tube 33 are moved rearward (to the right in the figure) at least partially out of the outer shell tube 31 in the longitudinal direction relative to the direction of travel of the motor vehicle. Therefore, the steering wheel attached to the connector portion 41 is located in the operating area to input steering commands. Figure 2 The same adjustment state is shown, but due to the different viewing angle, the inner shell tube is pulled out to the left.

[0112] To improve clarity, Figure 3 Shell unit 3 is shown separately in a perspective view, and shell unit 3 is positioned according to... Figure 1 The adjustment state. In each component Figure 3 In a, 3b, 3c, 3d and 3e, the various component parts of shell tubes 31, 32 and 33 are cut off and omitted, and in each case, other views inside shell unit 3 are exposed.

[0113] exist Figure 3 In b, the outer casing tube 31 is partially omitted. Figure 3 As can be seen in b, the anti-friction bearing unit 7 is coaxially arranged between the shell tube 31 and the shell tube 32. This anti-friction bearing unit 7 can move telescopically relative to the shell tube 31 and the shell tube 32 in the longitudinal direction and represents an intermediate element in the sense of the present invention. The anti-friction bearing unit 7 has a sleeve-shaped rolling element cage 71, which is constructed as a roller cage in the example shown. A plurality of rollers 72 are rotatably held in the roller cage as rolling elements in each case, and are positioned in a row parallel to the longitudinal axis L in each case. The rollers 72 roll on the outer side of the outer shell tube 31, that is, on the inner surface of the outer shell tube 31, and on the inner side of the intermediate shell tube 32, that is, on the outer surface of the intermediate shell tube 32. Therefore, a linear anti-friction bearing system is formed between the shell tube 31 and the shell tube 32 in the longitudinal direction.

[0114] exist Figure 3 In section c, the anti-friction bearing unit 7 is partially cut out and omitted, exposing the intermediate shell tube 32 with guide groove 83. Figure 3 A view of the hidden outer portion of the rolling element cage 71 in b.

[0115] exist Figure 3 In section d, the intermediate shell tube 32 is partially omitted. Figure 3As can be seen in d, the second anti-friction bearing unit 70 is coaxially arranged between the intermediate shell tube 32 and the inner shell tube 33. This second anti-friction bearing unit 70 is, in principle, constructed similarly to the anti-friction bearing unit 7 and represents an intermediate element that can be telescopically moved relative to the shell tubes 32 and 33 in the longitudinal direction, in the sense of this invention. The anti-friction bearing unit 70 has a sleeve-shaped rolling element cage 73, in which a plurality of rollers 72 are rotatably held as rolling elements in each case, and in each case positioned in a row parallel to the longitudinal axis L. The rollers 72 roll on the outer side of the intermediate shell tube 32, i.e., on the inner surface of the intermediate shell tube 32, and on the inner side of the inner shell tube 33, i.e., on the outer surface of the inner shell tube 33. Therefore, a linear anti-friction bearing system is formed between the shell tubes 32 and 33 in the longitudinal direction.

[0116] exist Figure 3 In section e, the anti-friction bearing unit 70 is partially omitted, exposing the inner shell tube 33. Figure 3 A view of the hidden outer portion of the rolling element cage 73 in d.

[0117] Figure 4 a to Figure 4 e shows shell unit 3 and its connection to Figure 3 a to Figure 3 The perspective view in figure e shows the same adjustment state as the retracted position, in which the inner shell tube 33 extends to its maximum extent (to the left in the figure) into the intermediate shell tube 32, and the intermediate shell tube 32 is lowered into the outer shell tube 31. Therefore, the shell unit 3, and thus the steering column 1, is shortened to its maximum extent in the longitudinal direction, so that the steering wheel can be retracted outside the operating area, for example, during automatic driving operation.

[0118] From Figure 3 a to Figure 3 The operating position shown in e is retracted into a telescopic shape. Figure 4 a to Figure 4 In the retracted position shown in e, the rolling element cages 71, 73, 73 of the shell tubes 31, 32, 33 and the anti-friction bearing units 7, 70 move telescopically relative to each other in the longitudinal direction, and therefore they can also be generally referred to as telescopic elements 31, 32, 33, 7, 70, with the intermediate shell tube 32 and the anti-friction bearing units 7 and 70 being intermediate elements in the sense of the present invention.

[0119] The positioning device 8 according to the invention has continuous guide grooves 81, 82, 83, 84, and 85 that are radially open relative to the longitudinal axis L, serving as elongated guide rails. Guide groove 81 is arranged in the outer casing tube 31, guide groove 82 is arranged in the rolling element cage 71 of the anti-friction bearing unit 7, guide groove 83 is arranged in the intermediate casing tube 32, guide groove 84 is arranged in the rolling element cage 73 of the anti-friction bearing unit 70, and guide groove 85 is arranged in the inner casing tube 32. A guide pin 86 forms a guide body that extends through all guide grooves 81, 82, 83, 84, and 85, that is, it extends laterally through all guide grooves 81, 82, 83, 84, and 85 in the radial direction relative to the longitudinal direction L. Here, the guide pin 86 is installed such that it can slide along the longitudinal direction in the guide grooves 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, and is radially held and fixed in the groove opening. Therefore, the guide pin 86 is mounted in a floating manner relative to each of the telescopic elements 31, 32, 33, 7, 70.

[0120] exist Figure 5 The diagram schematically illustrates the arrangement and orientation of guide grooves 81, 82, 83, 84, and 85 in the open adjustment state in the operating position. Shell tubes 31, 32, and 33 are schematically shown in a transparent manner, and the anti-friction bearing cages 71 and 73 are not visible except for the guide grooves 82 and 84 constructed in the anti-friction bearing cage, so as to maintain clarity. Figure 6 The collapsed positions, pushed together, are shown in the same view.

[0121] Guide groove 81 is longer and flatter with respect to the longitudinal axis L than guide groove 82, which in turn is flatter with respect to the longitudinal axis L than guide groove 83, which is located perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis L in the intermediate shell tube 32. Guide grooves 84 and 85 are mirror images of guide grooves 82 and 81, arranged with inverse algebraic signs of inclination with respect to the longitudinal axis L.

[0122] All guide slots 81, 82, 83, 84, and 85 intersect or overlap in a common overlapping portion through which guide pin 86 passes. Guide pin 86 forms a slotted guide with each of guide slots 81, 82, 83, 84, and 85. These slotted guides are connected to each other in a form-fitting manner by a common guide pin 86, meaning that guide pin 86 can only move simultaneously relative to all guide slots 81, 82, 83, 84, and 85. Therefore, the housing tubes 31, 32, and 33 and the anti-friction bearing units 7 and 70 are explicitly positioned relative to each other in a form-fitting manner in the longitudinal direction at each adjustment position passed through during adjustment. This results in synchronized linear movement.

[0123] If the inner shell tube 33 is moved along the direction of the outer shell tube 31 from... Figure 5 The operating position shown is adjusted so that the inner shell tube 33 can be moved longitudinally. Figure 6 In the collapsed position shown, it is as follows: Figure 5 As indicated by the arrows, guide pin 86 slides along all guide slots 81, 82, 83, 84, 85. During adjustment, the relative positioning in each adjustment position is clearly defined until the retracted position is reached, in which guide pin 86 supports against the other end of guide slots 81, 82, 83, 84, 85 in the example shown.

[0124] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the overall design of the modified version. In this case, instead of the guide groove 81, two parallel, inwardly projecting guide protrusions 87 are constructed on the inner side of the housing tube 31, for example, by means of an integrally formed web or a formed protrusion. An elongated guide groove 88 is formed between the guide protrusions 87 as a guide track. The guide pin 86, which projects radially outward from the guide groove 82 of the anti-friction bearing unit 7, is guided in a linear sliding manner within the guide groove 88. Except that the guide groove 88 does not have a continuous opening like the guide groove 82 of the first embodiment, the configuration and method of operation can be exactly the same as or similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0125] In addition, such as in Figure 2 As can be seen, a motorized actuator 60 can be provided, which can have a similar configuration to the actuator 6 that serves as the spindle drive, and is arranged between the housing unit 3 and the mounting unit 5, so that it can be adjusted in the height direction H.

[0126] In the example shown, two positioning units 8 are arranged on opposite sides of the shell unit 3 relative to the longitudinal axis L. Here, guide slots 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, and 88 can be arranged in a mirror-inverted manner with respect to the longitudinal axis L.

[0127] The positioning device 8 according to the invention can also be implemented without the anti-friction bearing units 7, 70, so that the shell tubes 31, 32, 33 slide directly telescopically inside each other.

[0128] More than one intermediate shell tube 32 can also be arranged between the outer shell tube 31 and the inner shell tube 33, for example, two, three or more intermediate shell tubes 32. Here, the anti-friction bearing unit 7 can be inserted between the intermediate shell tubes.

[0129] Instead of the anti-friction bearing units 7 and 70, a sliding unit (not shown here) can also be implemented. The sliding unit may have a sliding body instead of a rolling body 72, for example, a sliding sleeve made of plastic or the like instead of a rolling body cage 71.

[0130] In Figures 1 to 6 In the same view, Figures 9 to 14 A steering column according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown, with the same reference numerals used for components that function exactly the same.

[0131] and Figure 1 Same, Figure 9 A steering column 1 according to the invention, viewed obliquely from the rear relative to the direction of travel, is shown. The steering column 1 has an actuation unit 2. The actuation unit 2 includes a housing unit 3 having an outer housing tube 31, an intermediate housing tube 32, and an inner housing tube 33, collectively referred to as housing tubes 31, 32, and 33. The housing tubes 31, 32, and 33 are arranged coaxially within each other such that they can be telescoped in a longitudinal direction corresponding to the axial direction of the longitudinal axis L, as indicated by the double arrows. Here, the intermediate housing tube 32 forms an intermediate element in the sense of the invention.

[0132] The steering spindle 4 is mounted in the housing unit 3 such that the steering spindle 4 can rotate about the longitudinal axis L. The steering spindle 4 has a connector portion 41 located at the rear end of the steering spindle 4 for attaching a steering wheel (not shown).

[0133] The housing unit 3 is held in a two-part mounting unit 5, which has an open-type fastening device 51 for attaching to the vehicle body (not shown), for example, using screws.

[0134] The adjusting drive 6 has a spindle drive with a spindle nut 61 and a threaded spindle 62 screwed into the spindle nut 61. The spindle nut 61 and the threaded spindle 62 can be driven to rotate relative to each other by an electric motor 63. The threaded spindle 62 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis L and is connected to the inner shell tube 33, and the spindle nut 61 is supported on the outer shell tube 31 in a longitudinal direction corresponding to the axial direction of the longitudinal axis L via the adjusting drive 6. By means of the relative rotation of the motor 63, the threaded spindle 62 and the spindle nut 61 move together or separately depending on the direction of rotation, so that the inner shell tube 33 retracts into or extends out of the outer shell tube 31 in the axial direction along the longitudinal axis L, as indicated by the double arrows. Therefore, longitudinal adjustment is achieved, through which the steering wheel attached to the connector portion 41 can be moved forward to a retracted position, in which the inner shell tube 33 and the intermediate shell tube 32 move in the outer shell tube 31, i.e., descend forward, or move to an operating position in the operating area, in which the shell tubes 31, 32 and 33 have moved away from each other.

[0135] As an alternative, the spindle nut 61 can be supported on the inner shell tube 33, and the threaded spindle 62 can be supported on the outer shell tube 31.

[0136] Figure 9 The steering column 1 is shown in an adjusted position in the operating position, in which the intermediate shell tube 32 and the inner shell tube 33 are moved rearward (to the right in the figure) at least partially out of the outer shell tube 31 in the longitudinal direction relative to the direction of travel of the motor vehicle. Therefore, the steering wheel attached to the connector portion 41 is located in the operating area for inputting steering commands. Figure 10 The same adjustment state is shown, but due to the different viewing angle, the inner shell tube is pulled out to the left.

[0137] The position detection device 9 according to the invention has a sensor element 91 attached to the housing tube 31. As shown, the sensor element 91 may have a strip-like shape that extends in the longitudinal direction. The sensor element 91 is connected to the evaluation unit 99 by means of signal transmission, for example by means of a cable.

[0138] To improve clarity, Figure 11 Shell unit 3 is shown separately in a perspective view, and shell unit 3 is positioned according to... Figure 9 The adjustment state. In each component Figure 11 In a, 11b, 11c, 11d and 11e, the various parts of the shell tubes 31, 32 and 33 are cut out and omitted, exposing the corresponding other views inside the shell unit 3.

[0139] exist Figure 11 In part b, the outer casing tube 31 is partially omitted. Figure 11 As can be seen in b, the anti-friction bearing unit 7 is coaxially arranged between the shell tube 31 and the shell tube 32. This anti-friction bearing unit 7 can move telescopically relative to the shell tube 31 and the shell tube 32 in the longitudinal direction and represents an intermediate element in the sense of the present invention. The anti-friction bearing unit 7 has a sleeve-shaped rolling element cage 71, which is constructed as a roller cage in the example shown. A plurality of rollers 72 are rotatably held in the roller cage as rolling elements in each case, and are positioned in a row parallel to the longitudinal axis L in each case. The rollers 72 roll on the outer side of the outer shell tube 31, that is, on the inner surface of the outer shell tube 31, and on the inner side of the intermediate shell tube 32, that is, on the outer surface of the intermediate shell tube 32. Therefore, a linear anti-friction bearing system is formed between the shell tube 31 and the shell tube 32 in the longitudinal direction.

[0140] exist Figure 11As shown in b, sensor element 92 is arranged on rolling element cage 71, which represents an intermediate element that can extend and retract relative to housing tube 31. This sensor element 92 corresponds to sensor element 91 of position detection device 9. If, during adjustment of steering column 1, rolling element cage 71 moves longitudinally relative to housing tube 31, sensor element 92 moves simultaneously longitudinally relative to sensor element 91. Since sensor elements 91 and 92 are configured as an electronic transmitter / receiver pair, for example, an electronic transmitter / receiver pair used in capacitive electronic position measurement methods, the relative positioning of rolling element cage 71 relative to housing tube 31 can be determined by means of electronic evaluation. For this purpose, sensor elements 91 and 92 are connected to a suitable electronic evaluation unit (not shown here). The position measurement value is determined in the evaluation unit based on the electronic measurement value of sensor elements 91 and 92, and the length measurement value is calculated based on this position measurement value. This length measurement corresponds to the longitudinal spacing between the shell tubes 31 and 33, and can be used to determine the position of the steering input device attached to the steering spindle 4, such as the position of the steering wheel in the vehicle's interior compartment.

[0141] As shown, the elongated sensor element 91 can be arranged approximately parallel to the guide groove 81 or approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis L. The important point here is simply to enable the determination of the relative position of the rolling element cages 71 on the shell tube 31 in the longitudinal direction. For example, a commercially available length measurement system can be used for the position detection device 9, thereby ensuring a compact overall design and reliable operation.

[0142] exist Figure 11 In section c, the anti-friction bearing unit 7 is partially cut out and omitted, freely exposing the intermediate shell tube 32 with guide groove 83. Figure 11 A view of the hidden outer portion of the rolling element cage 71 in b.

[0143] exist Figure 11 In section d, the intermediate shell tube 32 is partially omitted. Figure 11As can be seen in section d, the second anti-friction bearing unit 70 is coaxially arranged between the intermediate shell tube 32 and the inner shell tube 33. This second anti-friction bearing unit 70 is, in principle, constructed similarly to the anti-friction bearing unit 7 and represents an intermediate element capable of telescoping longitudinally relative to the shell tubes 32 and 33 in the sense of the present invention. The anti-friction bearing unit 70 has a sleeve-shaped rolling element cage 73 in which a plurality of rollers 72 are rotatably held as rolling elements in each case. In each case, the plurality of rollers 72 are positioned in a row parallel to the longitudinal axis L. The rollers 72 roll on the outer side of the intermediate shell tube 32, i.e., on the inner surface of the intermediate shell tube 32, and on the inner side of the inner shell tube 33, i.e., on the outer surface of the inner shell tube 33. Therefore, a linear anti-friction bearing system is formed longitudinally between the shell tubes 32 and 33.

[0144] exist Figure 11 In section e, the anti-friction bearing unit 70 is partially omitted, exposing the inner shell tube 33. Figure 11 A view of the hidden outer portion of the rolling element cage 73 in d.

[0145] Figure 12 a to 12e show shell unit 3 and its relation to... Figure 11 a to Figure 11 The perspective view in figure e shows the same adjustment state as the retracted position, in which the inner shell tube 33 extends to its maximum extent (to the left in the figure) into the intermediate shell tube 32, and the intermediate shell tube 32 is lowered into the outer shell tube 31. Therefore, the shell tube 3, and thus the steering column 1, is shortened to its maximum extent in the longitudinal direction, so that the steering wheel can be retracted outside the operating area, for example, during automatic driving operation.

[0146] From Figure 11 a to Figure 11 The operating position shown in e is retracted into a telescopic shape. Figure 12 a to Figure 12 In the retracted position shown in e, the rolling element cages 71 and 73 of the shell tubes 31, 32, 33 and the anti-friction bearing units 7 and 70 move telescopically relative to each other in the longitudinal direction, and therefore they can also be generally referred to as telescopic elements 31, 32, 33, 7 and 70, with the intermediate shell tube 32 and the anti-friction bearing units 7 and 70 being intermediate elements in the sense of the present invention.

[0147] The positioning device 8 according to the invention has continuous guide grooves 81, 82, 83, 84, and 85 that are radially open relative to the longitudinal axis L, serving as elongated guide rails. Guide groove 81 is arranged in the outer shell tube 31, guide groove 82 is arranged in the rolling element cage 71 of the anti-friction bearing unit 7, guide groove 83 is arranged in the intermediate shell tube 32, guide groove 84 is arranged in the rolling element cage 73 of the anti-friction bearing unit 70, and guide groove 85 is arranged in the inner shell tube 32. A guide pin 86 forms a guide body that extends through all guide grooves 81, 82, 83, 84, and 85, that is, it extends laterally through all guide grooves 81, 82, 83, 84, and 85 in the radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis L. Here, the guide pin 86 is installed such that it can slide along a longitudinal direction in the guide grooves 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, and is radially held and fixed in the groove opening. Therefore, the guide pin 86 is mounted in a floating manner relative to each of the telescopic elements 31, 32, 33, 7, 70.

[0148] In one particular implementation, the second sensor element may be formed by or connected to the guide pin 86 such that the second sensor elements cannot move relative to each other, i.e., they move together.

[0149] exist Figure 13 The diagram schematically illustrates the arrangement and orientation of guide grooves 81, 82, 83, 84, and 85 in the open adjustment state of the operating position. Shell tubes 31, 32, and 33 are schematically shown in a transparent manner, and the anti-friction bearing cages 71 and 73 are not visible except for the guide grooves 82 and 84 constructed in the anti-friction bearing cage, so as to maintain clarity. Figure 14 The collapsed positions, pushed together, are shown in the same view.

[0150] Guide groove 81 is longer and inclined in a flat manner relative to the longitudinal axis L than guide groove 82, and guide groove 82 is inclined in a flat manner than guide groove 83, which is located perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L in the intermediate shell tube 32. Guide grooves 84 and 85 are arranged in a mirror image of guide grooves 82 and 81, with inverse algebraic signs inclined relative to the longitudinal axis L.

[0151] All guide slots 81, 82, 83, 84, and 85 intersect or overlap in a common overlapping portion through which guide pin 86 passes. Guide pin 86 forms a slotted guide with each of guide slots 81, 82, 83, 84, and 85. These slotted guides are connected to each other in a form-fitting manner by a common guide pin 86, meaning that guide pin 86 can only move simultaneously relative to all guide slots 81, 82, 83, 84, and 85. Therefore, the housing tubes 31, 32, and 33 and the anti-friction bearing units 7 and 70 are explicitly positioned relative to each other in a form-fitting manner in the longitudinal direction at each adjustment position passed through during adjustment. This results in synchronized linear movement.

[0152] If the inner shell tube 33 is moved along the direction of the outer shell tube 31 from... Figure 13 The operating position shown is adjusted so that the inner shell tube 33 can be retracted in the longitudinal direction. Figure 14 The collapsible position shown is as follows: Figure 13 As indicated by the arrows, guide pin 86 slides along all guide slots 81, 82, 83, 84, 85. During adjustment, the relative position is clearly defined in each adjustment position until the retracted position is reached, in which guide pin 86 supports against the other end of guide slots 81, 82, 83, 84, 85 in the example shown.

[0153] Instead of the guide groove 81, two parallel, inwardly projecting guide protrusions 87 can be constructed on the inner side of the outer casing tube 31, for example, by means of an integrally formed web or a formed protrusion. An elongated guide groove 88 forms a guide track between the guide protrusions 87. The guide pin 86, which projects radially outward from the guide groove 82 of the anti-friction bearing unit 7, is guided in a linear sliding manner within the guide groove 88. Except that the guide groove 88 does not have a continuous opening like the guide groove 82 of the first embodiment, the configuration and method of operation can be exactly the same as or similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0154] In addition, such as in Figure 10 As can be seen in all the illustrated embodiments, a motorized actuator 60 can be provided, which can be configured as a spindle drive similar to the actuator 6 and arranged between the housing unit 3 and the mounting unit 5, so that it can be adjusted in the height direction H.

[0155] In the example shown, the positioning unit 8 is arranged on the opposite side of the shell unit 3 relative to the longitudinal axis L. Here, the guide slots 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, and 88 can be arranged in a mirror-inverted manner with respect to the longitudinal axis L.

[0156] The positioning device 8 according to the invention can also be implemented without the anti-friction bearing units 7, 70, so that the shell tubes 31, 32, 33 slide directly telescopically between each other.

[0157] More than one intermediate shell tube 32 can also be arranged between the outer shell tube 31 and the inner shell tube 33, for example, two, three or more intermediate shell tubes 32. Here, the anti-friction bearing unit 7 can be inserted between the intermediate shell tubes.

[0158] Instead of the anti-friction bearing units 7 and 70, a sliding bearing unit (not shown here) can also be implemented. The sliding bearing unit may have a sliding element instead of a rolling element 72, for example, a sliding sleeve made of plastic or the like instead of a rolling element cage 71. Alternatively, the sliding bearing unit may also approximate the shape of a rolling element cage 11, but without rolling elements, and can be constructed as a sliding sleeve of a satisfactory smooth material, such as plastic.

Claims

1. A steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, the steering column (1) comprising a housing unit (3) in which a steering spindle (4) is mounted such that the steering spindle (4) is rotatable about a longitudinal axis (L) extending in a longitudinal direction, the housing unit (3) having at least two telescopically guided housing tubes (31, 32, 33) adjustable relative to each other in the longitudinal direction, an intermediate element disposed between the housing tubes (31, 32, 33) movable in the longitudinal direction, and the housing unit (3) having a positioning device for positioning the intermediate element relative to the housing tubes (31, 32, 33) in the longitudinal direction. Its features are, The positioning device (8) includes an elongated guide rail arranged on the shell tubes (31, 32, 33) and the intermediate element and interacting with each other such that the guide rail positions the shell tubes (31, 32, 33) and the intermediate element relative to each other in a defined manner.

2. The steering column (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide rails extend at an angle relative to each other and relative to the longitudinal axis (L).

3. The steering column (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one guide body (86) is guided on the guide rail such that the guide body (86) positions the shell tubes (31, 32, 33) and the intermediate element relative to each other in a defined manner.

4. The steering column (1) according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The guide rail includes a guide recess or a guide protrusion (87).

5. The steering column (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The guide rail has guide grooves (81, 82, 83, 84, 85), and the guide body (86) extends laterally through the guide grooves relative to the longitudinal axis (L).

6. The steering column (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The guide body (86) is installed in the guide slots (81, 82, 83, 84, 85) in a floating manner.

7. The steering column (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The guide rails intersect in the overlapping portion, and the guide body (86) is arranged in the overlapping portion.

8. The steering column (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The guide body (86) is held on the shell tube (32) or intermediate element such that the guide body (86) cannot move along the longitudinal direction.

9. The steering column (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The guide body (86) is mounted such that the guide body (86) can move laterally relative to the longitudinal direction.

10. The steering column (1) according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, At least two guide rails are arranged to be distributed on the outer perimeter.

11. The steering column (1) according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The intermediate element has a coaxial anti-friction bearing unit (7, 70) or sliding unit that is capable of telescoping relative to the shell tube.

12. The steering column (1) according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The intermediate element has an intermediate shell tube (32).

13. A steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, the steering column (1) comprising a housing unit (3) in which a steering spindle (4) is mounted such that the steering spindle (4) is rotatable about a longitudinal axis (L) extending in a longitudinal direction, the housing unit (3) having at least two telescopically guided housing tubes (31, 33) adjustable relative to each other in the longitudinal direction, at least one intermediate element disposed between the housing tubes (31, 33) movable in the longitudinal direction, and the steering column (1) comprising a position detection device (9) for detecting the relative position of the housing tubes (31, 33). Its features are, Positioning devices (8) are arranged on the shell tubes (31, 33) and the intermediate element, and the positioning devices (8) interact with the shell tubes (31, 33) and the intermediate element to position the shell tubes (31, 33) and the intermediate element relative to each other in a defined manner, and the relative position of the intermediate element relative to the shell tubes (31, 33) or another intermediate element can be detected by the position detection device (9).

14. A method for measuring the adjustment state of a steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, the steering column (1) comprising a housing unit (3) in which a steering spindle (4) is mounted such that the steering spindle (4) is rotatable about a longitudinal axis (L) extending in a longitudinal direction, the housing unit (3) having at least two telescopically guided housing tubes (31, 33) adjustable relative to each other in the longitudinal direction, and at least one intermediate element disposed between the housing tubes (31, 33) movable in the longitudinal direction; wherein, The length measurement associated with the adjusted state is determined based on the relative positions of the shell tubes (31, 33). Its features are, Position the shell tubes (31, 33) and the intermediate element relative to each other in a defined manner, and The position measurement value is obtained by measuring the relative position of the intermediate element with respect to the shell tube (31, 33) or another intermediate element using the position detection device (9), and The length measurement is calculated based on the measured position.

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