Adjustment drive for a steering column and steering column for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an adjustment drive (5) for a steering column (1) and to a steering column for a motor vehicle. The adjustment drive (5) comprises a threaded spindle (52) having an external thread which engages with a corresponding internal thread of a spindle nut (51), wherein the thread flanks (56) of the external thread and the thread grooves of the internal thread have corresponding axially sliding thread flanks (57) which support against one another. In order to improve lubrication and reduce friction and wear, the invention proposes that at least one thread flank (57) comprises at least one recessed lubricant uptake (58).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an adjustment actuator for a steering column of a motor vehicle, the adjustment actuator comprising a threaded spindle having an external thread that engages with a corresponding internal thread of a spindle nut, wherein the thread teeth of the external thread and the thread grooves of the internal thread have corresponding threaded sides that slide axially and support each other. Furthermore, the invention includes a steering column having such an adjustment actuator. Background Technology

[0002] The motorized, adjustable steering column is held to the vehicle chassis by a support mechanism in its forward region along the direction of travel. In the rear region facing the driver's position, a steering input device is arranged for the manual input of steering commands, such as steering commands to a steering wheel that can rotate about a longitudinal axis. The steering wheel may be mounted on a steering spindle, which is housed in an actuator that allows the steering spindle to rotate about the longitudinal axis. The actuator is housed in a housing unit, also known as a guide box, housing tube, or box-type rocker arm, allowing the actuator to move retractably in a longitudinal direction determined by the longitudinal axis, thereby achieving longitudinal adjustment of the steering input device relative to the driver's position.

[0003] The height adjustment of the steering input device can be achieved by mounting the actuator or housing unit that holds the actuator transversely to the longitudinal axis such that the actuator or housing unit can pivot upward and downward relative to the vehicle chassis.

[0004] In the prior art, it is known how to provide a motorized adjustment actuator with a drive unit having a drive motor, which is typically connected to a spindle drive via a transmission device. The spindle drive includes a threaded spindle that engages with a spindle nut. Since the drive unit, threaded spindle, and spindle nut can be driven against each other to rotate about the spindle axis, the threaded spindle and spindle nut can move towards or away from each other in a translational manner in the direction of the spindle axis, depending on the direction of rotation. In one configuration, a so-called rotary spindle drive, the threaded spindle can be driven by a drive unit that rotates about the spindle axis of the threaded spindle. This drive unit is fixedly connected to an actuator or support unit, and the threaded spindle engages with a spindle nut, which is fixedly mounted on an adjustable support unit or actuator in a rotational manner about the spindle axis. The threaded spindle is axially supported against a support unit or actuator, i.e., in the direction of the spindle axis, and the spindle nut is correspondingly supported against the actuator or support unit, such that the rotational drive of the threaded spindle causes translational movement of the support unit and actuator relative to each other. In an alternative configuration known as a plunger-type spindle drive, the threaded spindle is immovably coupled to the support unit or actuator in terms of rotation about the spindle axis, and the spindle nut is rotatable, but is correspondingly fixedly mounted on the actuator or support unit in the direction of the spindle axis. As in the first configuration, the threaded spindle is axially supported against the support unit or actuator in the direction of the spindle axis, and the spindle nut is correspondingly supported against the actuator or support unit, such that the threaded spindle can be translated in the direction of the spindle axis by a drive unit. In both configurations, the adjustment drive has a motorized, driveable spindle drive acting between the support unit and the actuator, which can move the actuator relative to the support unit. Such a regulating driver is described, for example, in DE 10 2017 207 561A1.

[0005] To achieve longitudinal movement of the actuator in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the spindle drive of the adjustment driver can be arranged between the actuator and the housing unit, the housing unit accommodating the actuator in a longitudinally movable manner in the axial direction, the housing unit being connected to the support unit, and the spindle axis being oriented approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0006] For height adjustment, an adjustment drive can be arranged between the support unit and the actuator mounted on the support unit in a height-adjustable manner.

[0007] The length and height of the motor can be adjusted individually or in combination on the steering column.

[0008] In a spindle drive, the threaded sides that abut against each other axially—namely, the tooth flanks of the external thread of the threaded spindle and the corresponding groove flanks of the internal thread—are pressed together by axial force and slide relative to each other during circumferential movement. To reduce friction loss and wear, a lubricant, typically grease, is introduced to reduce friction. The lubricant adheres to the threaded spindle and the spindle nut. In this way, during the movement to adjust the steering wheel position, the sliding contact areas on the threaded sides are adequately lubricated almost throughout the entire service life. For example, more frequent adjustments occur in autonomous driving mode because the steering column moves from the operating position to the retracted position when switching between manual and autonomous driving modes, and conversely, from the retracted position to the operating position when switching between autonomous and manual driving modes. This automatic adjustment is also implemented in regular driving operations to improve comfort when getting in and out of the vehicle.

[0009] Due to frequent use, lubricant may be discharged from the threaded sides during direct frictional contact between the threaded teeth and the corresponding threaded grooves, and accumulate at different locations on the spindle drive. This can impair lubrication and may result in increased friction and wear.

[0010] In view of the above problems, one problem proposed by the present invention is to improve lubrication and reduce friction and wear. Summary of the Invention

[0011] This problem is solved according to the invention by an adjusting drive having features in one aspect and a steering column according to another aspect. Advantageous modifications will be presented through other aspects of the invention.

[0012] In an adjustment actuator for a steering column of a motor vehicle—the adjustment actuator comprising a threaded spindle having an external thread that engages with a corresponding internal thread of a spindle nut, wherein the thread teeth of the external thread and the thread groove of the internal thread have corresponding threaded sides that slide axially and support each other—according to the invention, at least one threaded side comprises at least one recessed lubricant receiving portion.

[0013] The external thread has at least partially helical, spirally wound thread teeth, which have tooth flanks as thread flanks on both of its axial surfaces. The internal thread has groove flanks on both sides in the axial direction, corresponding to the thread flanks. Depending on the direction of motion, the friction pair is loaded with an axial adjusting force of the adjusting actuator in the contact area of ​​the corresponding thread flanks. The thread flanks constructed according to the invention may have tooth flanks and / or groove flanks.

[0014] According to the present invention, the lubricant absorbing portion, also known as the lubricant absorbing recess, can be formed as a recess or concave recess, for example, in the form of a lubricant cavity or valley. During thread engagement, in the contact area where the tooth flank and the groove flank can slide into contact, the lubricant absorbing portion is introduced into the surface of the thread flank, also called the side surface. Because the lubricant absorbing portion can be at least partially filled with lubricant, it forms an open lubricant reservoir, i.e., a lubricant storage container, located in the contact area of ​​the thread flank.

[0015] One advantage of this invention is that a larger reserve of lubricant can be stored in the lubricant reservoir, from which the lubricant can be directly dispensed into the contact area between the threaded sides, where the threaded sides come into contact with each other frictionally. Because the lubricating film is relatively thin in the contact area and is replaced only by lubricant extruded through axial loading, the lubricant retained in the lubricant reservoir according to the invention can preferably ensure sufficiently durable lubrication of the spindle drive throughout its service life. This is also applicable to applications where steering column movement is particularly frequent, such as steer-by-wire steering columns for autonomous driving operations or other automatic comfort functions. In this way, friction and wear are effectively reduced, thereby ensuring long-term trouble-free operation.

[0016] During operation, the lubricant reservoir is filled with lubricant, preferably grease. The lubricant can have a suitablely high viscosity so that, under normally expected operating conditions, a sufficient but not excessive amount of lubricant can always enter the contact area from the lubricant reservoir. Lubricant filling can preferably occur during the assembly of the adjusting drive, thereby ensuring long-term trouble-free operation.

[0017] Advantageously, the lubricant receiving portion is formed axially open at one end, thereby creating a concave recess or groove that has an opening only towards the contact area of ​​the threaded side. This opening is covered or closed during threaded engagement by threaded sides that are axially positioned opposite each other and slide against the opening in the contact area. For example, the lubricant receiving portion formed in the tooth flank is covered by a corresponding grooved side. This ensures that the lubricant can reliably and gradually enter between the threaded sides.

[0018] It can be configured that multiple lubricant reservoirs are formed on the threaded side each time. For example, the multiple lubricant reservoirs can be distributed circumferentially along the entire length of the threaded spindle, which can engage with the spindle nut during movement, with each of the multiple lubricant reservoirs spaced apart from each other. This ensures a uniform and reliable distribution of the lubricant.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the lubricant receiving portion includes an elongated lubrication groove. This lubrication groove forms an open lubrication channel, which can be shaped as a channel or groove in the threaded side. An advantage here is that, due to its elongated shape in the circumferential and / or radial directions, the lubricant can be distributed over a larger contact area. The lubricant can also be distributed along the interior of the lubrication groove, resulting in more uniform and reliable lubrication even under heavy operating loads.

[0020] An advantageous modification of the aforementioned embodiment is that at least a portion of the lubrication groove is helical in shape. In the helical direction, the lubrication groove extends radially toward the longitudinal axis of the spindle or thread. The lubrication groove can be formed in an arcuate shape extending radially from the inside out, similar to the thread groove of a flat thread, in the helical axial surface formed by the thread side. On an external thread, the lubrication groove preferably extends from the base circle of the external thread corresponding to the core diameter of the external thread on the thread spindle to the tooth tip corresponding to the outer diameter of the external thread, i.e., extending along the radial height of the thread teeth. Similarly, the lubrication groove can extend in the internal thread of the spindle nut from the base circle of the thread groove in the groove side, i.e., extending radially inward from the outer diameter in an arcuate shape, preferably extending far to the inner diameter of the internal thread, i.e., extending along the radial height of the thread groove. One advantage is that the thread groove can provide lubricant to a larger circumferential and radial portion of the contact surface. Another advantage is that when the thread spindle and the spindle nut rotate relative to each other in a given direction of rotation, the lubricant is delivered radially in the lubrication groove, similar to the working principle of a screw pump. Depending on the direction of rotation and the orientation of the helical shape, the lubricant can be pumped radially from the inside to the outside, or from the outside to the inside. This allows for optimized lubricant distribution. In particular, lubricant that has been radially expelled from the contact area during operation can be brought back through the helical lubrication grooves for lubrication in the contact area. In this way, lubricant loss can be reduced, and durable, optimized lubrication can be achieved.

[0021] The helical orientation can preferably be such that the lubrication groove extends in a portion of the circumference at a radial height of less than 360° in the thread teeth or grooves. In this way, two or more lubrication grooves can preferably be arranged at a certain interval in the circumferential direction per revolution. Here, each lubrication groove can be formed in a manner similar to a helical arm.

[0022] Preferably, multiple helical lubrication grooves can be distributed along the entire length of the external thread and / or internal thread.

[0023] Furthermore, it may be advantageous to form two helical lubrication grooves in opposite directions. For example, the first lubrication groove may extend helically from the inside out during one turn of rotation, such as clockwise, while the other, opposite lubrication groove extends from the outside in the same direction of rotation. During the relative rotation of the threaded spindle and spindle nut in a given direction of rotation, lubricant can be delivered from the inside out to one lubrication groove and simultaneously from the outside in to the other, opposite lubrication groove. In this way, lubricant that has flowed radially inward and radially outward from the contact area can be brought back to the contact area, thereby further optimizing lubrication.

[0024] Oppositely oriented lubrication grooves can be formed on the thread teeth or thread grooves, or on the thread teeth opposite to the corresponding thread grooves. In particular, it is conceivable and possible that oppositely oriented lubrication grooves are arranged on the tooth flanks and groove flanks that are in sliding contact with each other.

[0025] The lubricant receiving portion can be arranged on one or two tooth flanks of the threaded teeth and / or one or two groove flanks of the threaded grooves. Because, according to the invention, the lubricant receiving portion can optionally be implemented only on the threaded teeth or in the threaded grooves, or on both the threaded teeth and the threaded grooves, the lubricant distribution can be adapted to specific requirements. Additionally, the lubricant receiving portion can optionally be provided on one or both axial sides of the threaded grooves and threaded tooth flanks. In this way, further optimization of the lubricant distribution becomes possible, for example, to retain the lubricant in the region of the internal thread.

[0026] The configuration of the tooth tip, defined by the preferably cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the thread spindle, is preferably smooth along the length of the thread spindle and has no radial recesses, etc. In this way, excessive lubricant can be prevented from radially accumulating on the outer side of the thread side between the tooth tip and the bottom of the thread groove.

[0027] Preferably, the threaded spindle and / or spindle nut may comprise plastic. At least a portion of the threaded spindle in the region of the threaded teeth may be formed of plastic, and / or the spindle nut may also be formed in the region of the threaded grooves. This allows for advantageous sliding characteristics. It is advantageous to produce from a thermoplastic polymer during plastic injection molding. This makes it possible to easily incorporate a lubricant-absorbing portion during manufacturing. For example, the lubrication groove can be formed in the threaded teeth or threaded grooves by means of a relatively simple-designed molding die, thereby allowing easy forced removal of the finished injection-molded part from the injection mold, which, according to the invention, can theoretically be designed to be exactly as simple as the prior art without a lubricant-absorbing portion.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, the threaded spindle and / or spindle nut may be made of metallic material. The threaded spindle may be at least partially formed of metallic material in the region of the threaded teeth, and / or the spindle nut may be formed, for example, at least partially formed of steel or non-ferrous metal in the region of the threaded grooves.

[0029] Threaded spindles and / or spindle nuts may include a core made of a metal material, which is at least partially coated with plastic in areas of the tooth flanks or groove sides. For example, such a metal core may be overmolded with a thermoplastic polymer in the threaded areas. In this way, good rigidity with low friction can be achieved.

[0030] In this way, material pairing optimized for friction and wear can be achieved between the abutting threaded sides, preferably a metal / plastic combination or a plastic / plastic combination.

[0031] To achieve automatic adjustment, a motorized drive unit is preferably provided, which is connected to a threaded spindle or spindle nut such that the threaded spindle and spindle nut are driven to rotate relative to each other. The drive unit includes an electric motor, which is connected to the threaded spindle or spindle nut, for example via a worm gear, for rotational drive. Electrical actuation of the motor via the vehicle's control unit enables automatic adjustment.

[0032] In a steering column for a motor vehicle—the steering column has a support unit that can be mounted on a vehicle chassis and supports an actuator via the support unit, in which a steering spindle is rotatably mounted, and the steering column has an adjustment drive comprising: a threaded spindle that is externally threaded into a spindle nut; and a drive unit coupled to the threaded spindle or spindle nut such that the threaded spindle and spindle nut can be rotatably driven relative to each other, wherein the adjustment drive is connected to the support unit or the actuator—according to the present invention, the adjustment drive is constructed according to one embodiment or a combination thereof described above.

[0033] Due to the configuration of one or more adjustment drives according to the invention, reliable and maintenance-free operation can be achieved during the service life of the steering column, and especially when frequent adjustments occur.

[0034] To adapt to a given condition, the adjustment drive can be constructed in a known manner as a rotary spindle drive or a plunger spindle drive.

[0035] Advantageously, the steering column according to the invention is constructed as a steer-by-wire steering column. This relates to an electric steering input device in which manual steering is not mechanically connected to the wheel being steered, but rather cooperates with an angle sensor or torque sensor that detects the manually input steering command and thereby generates an electrical control signal, which is applied to a steering adjuster that, by means of an electric adjustment actuator, establishes the steering deflection of the wheel corresponding to the steering command. Such a steering system can preferably be used in automatically operated vehicles. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Advantageous embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail below with the aid of the accompanying drawings. Specifically, the drawings show:

[0037] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the steering column according to the present invention.

[0038] Figure 2 Observed from different angles Figure 1 Another perspective view of the steering column according to the present invention.

[0039] Figure 3 The adjustment driver according to the present invention is shown in a schematic three-dimensional illustration.

[0040] Figure 4 The threaded spindle according to the present invention is shown in a three-dimensional diagram.

[0041] Figure 5 The threaded spindle according to the present invention is shown in an enlarged three-dimensional illustration.

[0042] Figure 6 Representation of the threaded spindle according to the invention in a partial view taken by the longitudinal axis. Detailed Implementation

[0043] In the various figures, the same parts are always given the same figure reference numerals and are therefore usually named or mentioned only once.

[0044] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the steering column 1 according to the invention is shown, which is viewed from the lower left at the rear end in the direction of travel of the vehicle (not shown), wherein, on the right side of the view, the steering wheel (not shown) remains in the operating area. Figure 2 The steering column 1 is shown in a view taken from the opposite side, i.e., from the upper left.

[0045] The steering column 1 includes a support unit 2, which is formed as a bracket and has a fastening device 21 in the form of a mounting hole for mounting on a vehicle chassis (not shown). The support unit 2 holds an actuator 3, which is housed in a housing unit 4—also called a guide box or box-type rocker arm.

[0046] The actuator 3 includes a housing 31, in which a steering spindle 32 is rotatably mounted about a longitudinal axis L. The steering spindle 32 extends axially in the longitudinal direction, i.e., in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. At the rear end, a fastening section 33 is formed on the steering spindle 32, at which a steering wheel (not shown) can be mounted.

[0047] The actuator 3 is housed in the housing unit 4 and is retractably movable in the direction of the longitudinal axis L in order to achieve longitudinal adjustment and to position the steering wheel connected to the steering spindle 32 back and forth in the longitudinal direction relative to the support unit 2, as indicated by the double arrow parallel to the longitudinal axis L.

[0048] The housing unit 4 is mounted in the rotating support 22 on the support unit 2, allowing the housing unit 4 to rotate about a horizontal rotation axis S transverse to the longitudinal axis L. In the rear region, the housing unit 4 is connected to the support unit 2 via an adjusting rod 41. By rotating the adjusting rod 41, the housing unit 4 can rotate relative to the support unit 2 about the horizontal rotation axis S in the installed state, allowing the steering wheel mounted on the fastening section 33 to move in the vertical direction H, as indicated by the double arrows.

[0049] A first adjusting actuator 5 for longitudinally moving the actuator 3 relative to the housing unit 4 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L includes a spindle actuator having a spindle nut 51. A threaded spindle 52 extending along the threaded axis G of the spindle axis is engaged in the spindle nut 51, that is, the threaded spindle 52 is screwed into the corresponding internal thread of the spindle nut 51 through its external thread. The threaded axis G extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L.

[0050] The spindle nut 51 is mounted in a support housing 53, which is securely connected to the housing unit 4, and the spindle nut 51 is rotatable about the threaded axis G. In the direction of the threaded axis G, the spindle nut 51 is axially supported on the support housing 53 abutting against the housing unit 4. The adjusting drive 5 is correspondingly a so-called plunger-type spindle drive.

[0051] The threaded spindle 52 is connected to the actuator 3 via a transmission element 34 through a fastening element 54 formed at its rear end. The threaded spindle 52 is fixed in the direction of the axis G or the longitudinal axis L and is stationary in the direction of rotation about the axis G. The so-called plunger-type spindle drive is achieved by a spindle nut 51 that is driven in a rotary manner and a threaded spindle 52 that is stationary in the direction of rotation.

[0052] The transmission element 34 extends from the actuator 3 through the slotted through opening 42 in the housing unit 4. In order to move the steering column 1 in the longitudinal direction, the transmission element 34 can move freely in the longitudinal direction in the through opening 42.

[0053] The adjustment driver 5 includes an electric drive motor 55 that can drive the spindle nut 51 to rotate relative to the stationary threaded spindle 52 about axis G. In this way—depending on the direction of rotation of the drive motor 55—the threaded spindle 52 can be translated relative to the spindle nut 51 in the direction of the thread axis G, such that the actuator 3 connected to the threaded spindle 52 can be moved accordingly relative to the housing unit 4 connected to the spindle nut 51 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L.

[0054] exist Figure 1 It can also be noted how the second adjustment drive 6 is mounted on the steering column 1 for movement in the vertical direction H. The adjustment drive 6 includes a spindle nut 61 in which a threaded spindle 62 is engaged. The threaded spindle 62 is movably mounted about axis G in a support housing 63, which is fastened to and axially supported against housing unit 4, and the threaded spindle 62 can be optionally rotatably driven by an electric drive motor 65 in two rotational directions about axis G. Therefore, the adjustment drive 6 is a so-called rotary spindle drive.

[0055] The spindle nut 61 is fixedly mounted on the adjusting rod 41 in terms of rotation about its threaded axis. The adjusting rod 41 is rotatably mounted on the support unit 2 about the rotating support member, and the other arm of the adjusting rod 41 is connected to the housing unit 4 through the other end.

[0056] By rotating the threaded spindle 61, the spindle nut 61 can be moved relative to the threaded spindle 52 in a translational manner—depending on the rotation direction of the drive motor 65—so that the housing unit 4 connected to the spindle nut 41 via the adjusting rod 41 and the actuator 3 received in the housing unit 4 can be moved up and down relative to the support unit 2 in the vertical direction H, as indicated by the double arrows.

[0057] Figure 3 The adjustment drive 5, constructed as a plunger-type spindle drive, is shown in an enlarged view. Figure 4 An enlarged view shows the individually released threaded spindle 51 according to the invention, and Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 Further magnified detail images.

[0058] The threaded spindle 51 has helically wrapped threaded teeth 56. These threaded teeth 56 have two axial threaded flanks 57, thus forming tooth flanks. Figure 5 The threaded side 57 facing the observer has a plurality of lubrication grooves 58, which, in the sense of the present invention, form a channel-shaped concave lubricant absorption portion.

[0059] The lubrication grooves 58 are spaced apart by a distance U, measured across the outer diameter of the thread spindle 51 in the circumferential direction. In the example shown, all the lubrication grooves 56 distributed on the longitudinal extension of the thread spindle have the same distance U. However, it is also conceivable and possible to set different distances U.

[0060] The tooth tip 590, defined by the cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the threaded spindle 51, has no radial recess.

[0061] Figure 6 A schematic axial partial view of the peripheral portion of the tooth flank 57 is shown. Here, the helical orientation of the arcuate shape of the lubrication grooves 58 can be seen. In other words, the lubrication grooves 58 are shaped like helical arms, and each of these lubrication grooves 58 has a spacing U in the circumferential direction—as shown in the diagram. Figure 5 As indicated in the diagram. In the example shown, the lubrication groove 58 extends from the tooth root 591 to the tooth tip 590 along the entire radial height of the thread tooth 56. In the orientation of these lubrication grooves 58, the lubrication grooves 58 are radially curved from the inside to the outside in a counterclockwise arc.

[0062] When the drive 5 is installed and ready for operation, the lubrication groove 58 is at least partially filled with lubricant, preferably grease.

[0063] In the sense of this invention, it can also be in Figure 4 and Figure 5 A lubrication groove 58 or other shape of lubricant absorption part is formed on the axial tooth side 57 facing away from the observer.

[0064] Additionally or alternatively, substantially similar lubrication grooves 58 may be formed in the groove side of the threaded groove of the internal thread of the spindle nut 51, which are not shown here.

[0065] The threaded spindle 52 and spindle nut 51 can be formed of metal and / or plastic. Advantageously, the threaded spindle 52 is formed of plastic, preferably of a thermoplastic polymer, at least in the region of the tooth flanks 57 of the threaded teeth 56. This can be formed as an injection molded part, for example, for overmolding of a metal core. The lubrication groove 58 can preferably be recessed into the tooth flanks 57 during plastic injection molding.

[0066] List of reference numerals

[0067] 1 Steering column

[0068] 2 Support Units

[0069] 21 Fastening device

[0070] 22 Rotary support components

[0071] 3 actuators

[0072] 31 shell tube

[0073] 32 steering spindle

[0074] 34 transmission components

[0075] 4 shell units

[0076] 41 Adjusting rod

[0077] 42 through openings

[0078] 5, 6 Adjust the driver

[0079] 51, 61 spindle nuts

[0080] 52 and 62 threaded spindles

[0081] 53, 63 Support Housing

[0082] 54 Fastening Components

[0083] 55, 65 drive motor

[0084] 56 thread teeth

[0085] 57-tooth side

[0086] 58 Lubrication Grooves

[0087] 590 tooth tip

[0088] 591 tooth base

[0089] L longitudinal axis

[0090] H vertical direction

[0091] G threaded shaft

[0092] U-spacing

Claims

1. An adjustment actuator (5) for a steering column (1) of a motor vehicle, the adjustment actuator (5) comprising a threaded spindle (52) having external threads, the external threads engaging with a corresponding internal thread of a spindle nut (51), wherein, The thread teeth (56) of the external thread and the thread groove of the internal thread have corresponding axially sliding thread sides (57), which abut against each other for support. Its features are, At least one of the threaded side faces (57) includes at least one recessed lubricant receiving portion (58); the lubricant receiving portion (58) includes an elongated lubrication groove (58), the lubrication groove (58) having at least a partial helical shape.

2. The regulating driver according to claim 1, characterized in that, The threaded side includes the tooth side (57) of the thread tooth (56) and / or the groove side of the thread groove.

3. The adjustment actuator according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The lubricant absorption section (58) is formed to be axially open at one end.

4. The adjustment actuator according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, Multiple lubricant receiving portions (58) are formed in one thread side (57) at a time.

5. The regulating driver according to claim 4, characterized in that, The two lubrication grooves (58) are spiral-shaped in opposite directions.

6. The adjustment actuator according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The lubricant receiving portion (58) is arranged on one or two tooth sides (57) of the threaded tooth (56) and / or on one or two groove sides of the threaded groove.

7. The adjustment actuator according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The threaded spindle (52) and / or the spindle nut (51) are made of plastic.

8. The adjustment actuator according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The threaded spindle (52) and / or the spindle nut (51) are made of metal.

9. The adjustment actuator according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The lubricant absorption section (58) is filled with lubricant.

10. The adjustment driver according to claim 9, characterized in that, The lubricant absorption section (58) is filled with grease.

11. The regulating actuator according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The threaded spindle (52) or the spindle nut (51) is connected to an automated drive unit (55) so that the threaded spindle (52) and the spindle nut (51) can be driven to rotate relative to each other.

12. A steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, the steering column (1) having a support unit (2) mountable on a vehicle chassis and supporting an actuator (3) therein, in which a steering spindle (37) is rotatably mounted, and the steering column having an adjustment actuator (5, 6) comprising: A threaded spindle (52) is engaged in a spindle nut (51) by an external thread; and a drive unit (55) connected to the threaded spindle (52) or the spindle nut (51) such that the threaded spindle (52) and the spindle nut (51) can be driven to rotate relative to each other, wherein the adjustment driver (5, 6) is connected to the support unit (2) or the actuator (3). Its features are, The regulating actuators (5, 6) are constructed according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The steering column according to claim 12, characterized in that, The adjusting drives (5, 6) are configured as rotary spindle drives or plunger spindle drives.

14. The steering column according to any one of claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The steering column is a steer-by-wire type.

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