Steering column for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, the steering column comprising an adjustment unit (3) having a steering spindle (31) rotatably supported in a housing unit (30) about a longitudinal axis (L) extending therein, wherein the housing unit (30) has an upper housing (33) capable of extending and retracting in the longitudinal direction relative to a lower housing (34) and includes an energy absorption device (5), wherein the energy absorption device (5) has an energy absorption element (51) connected to one of the housings (34) and a cutting mechanism (52) connected to the other housing (33), wherein the cutting mechanism (52) is configured and arranged to cut the energy absorption element (51) in the event of a collision when the housings (33, 34) are relatively displaced. In order to achieve improved response characteristics of the energy absorption device and reduced manufacturing and assembly costs, the present invention proposes that the cutting mechanism (52) be securely fixed in the longitudinal direction to one of the housings (33).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle, the steering column comprising an adjustment unit having a steering spindle rotatably supported in a housing unit about a longitudinally extending longitudinal axis, wherein the housing unit has an upper housing capable of extending and retracting in the longitudinal direction relative to a lower housing and includes an energy absorption device having an energy absorption element connected to one of the housings and a cutting mechanism connected to the other housing, wherein the cutting mechanism is configured and arranged to cut the energy absorption element when the housings move relative to each other in the event of a collision. Background Technology

[0002] The housing unit, together with the steering spindle rotatably supported therein, forms the steering column adjustment unit for inputting manual steering commands via a steering wheel mounted on the driver's side of the steering spindle at its rear end relative to the direction of travel. The housing unit can be directly or indirectly fixed to the vehicle body by means of a support unit.

[0003] To adjust the steering wheel position relative to the driver's position and to absorb energy in the event of a collision, it is known to design the adjustment unit to be telescopic in the longitudinal direction. The length-adjustable housing unit thus has at least one upper housing on the driver's side, away from the vehicle body, and a lower housing on the vehicle body side, telescopically opposite it. In such a telescopic device, for example, the lower housing can be inserted into the upper housing, and in this case is also referred to as an inner housing or inner sleeve, wherein the upper housing thus forms an outer housing or outer housing unit. Preferably, the outer housing can be adjustably held within a support unit.

[0004] It is known that, by means of a clamping device that can be selectively positioned in a fixed or loosened position, two housings are fixed longitudinally relative to each other in the fixed position, and, if necessary, the adjusting unit is fixed relative to the supporting unit, while in the loosened position, at least one housing is allowed to shift relative to the other housing and the supporting unit. Alternatively, relative adjustment and fixing can be performed by means of at least one adjusting drive device, which, for example, can have at least one screw drive that can be driven by an electric motor.

[0005] To improve passenger safety during vehicle collisions (so-called crash situations), it is known to connect energy-absorbing devices between housings, also known as collision systems. In a crash situation, if an object impacting the steering wheel at high speed exerts a force exceeding a predetermined limit on the steering wheel, the two housings, at their fixed positions with the adjusting device, are also pushed together relative to each other in the longitudinal direction. At least one energy-absorbing element of the energy-absorbing device, such as a deformable portion, undergoes plastic deformation. Here, the kinetic energy introduced into the adjusting unit in the longitudinal direction is absorbed, that is, converted into deformation work, thereby controlling the braking of the object impacting the steering wheel and reducing the risk of injury.

[0006] In the prior art, WO 2013 / 153374 A1 describes a steering column with the aforementioned features, wherein the energy absorption device has an energy-absorbing element securely mounted on the lower housing, which, in the event of a collision, is cut by a cutting mechanism configured as a planer when energy is absorbed, as the support unit moves relative to the lower housing together with the upper housing. The planer is supported on the support unit by clamping bolts of a clamping device, which holds the upper housing by force-fitting clamping. The disadvantage is that the response of the energy absorption device depends on the disengagement of the support unit from the vehicle body and also on the various current adjustment positions of the clamping bolts. The functional coupling between the clamping bolts and the planer is therefore unfavorable. Furthermore, the planer on the clamping device involves relatively complex manufacturing and assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the aforementioned problems, the object of the present invention is to achieve improved response characteristics of the energy absorption device and reduced manufacturing and assembly costs.

[0008] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by the steering column of the present invention.

[0009] In a steering column for a motor vehicle, therein is an adjustment unit having a steering spindle rotatably supported in a housing unit about a longitudinally extending longitudinal axis, wherein the housing unit has an upper housing that is longitudinally extendable relative to a lower housing, and the housing unit includes an energy absorption device having an energy absorption element connected to one of the housings and a cutting mechanism connected to the other housing, wherein the cutting mechanism is configured and arranged to cut the energy absorption element when the housings are relatively displaced upon impact, and according to the invention, the cutting mechanism is securely fixed to one housing in the longitudinal direction.

[0010] The cutting mechanism is preferably arranged on the upper housing, which is configured as an outer shell or a sleeve. It has a cutting element. The lower sleeve is supported on the vehicle body and can be configured as an inner shell or a sleeve, which is telescopically inserted into the outer shell. According to the invention, the cutting mechanism is immovably mounted on the upper housing in the longitudinal direction, for example, connected to the outer shell. In the event of a collision, the upper housing moves in the longitudinal direction toward the lower housing supported on the vehicle body and moves out of its normal adjustment range, wherein the cutting element fixed on the upper housing according to the invention engages with the energy-absorbing element fixed on the lower housing, and continuously cuts the energy-absorbing element in the longitudinal direction while absorbing kinetic energy, for example, by raising chips along its longitudinal side.

[0011] According to the invention, the cutting mechanism is preferably directly connected to a housing, preferably to an upper housing. Here, a direct connection is provided between the cutting mechanism, such as a cutting element or a cutting unit having at least one cutting edge. This direct connection is designed as a rigid connection, characterized in particular by the fact that no displacement or adjustment occurs between the housing (preferably the upper housing) and the cutting mechanism under any possible operating conditions.

[0012] Preferably, the housing unit is held by a support unit that can be mounted onto the vehicle body.

[0013] A simple and functionally reliable structure can be achieved through a non-indirect, direct connection between the cutting mechanism and the housing, such as a form-fit and / or material-fit connection, preferably an inseparable, rigid connection to the upper housing. This reduces manufacturing and assembly costs compared to clamping devices mounted on the support unit in the prior art. Another advantage is improved functional reliability, which can be achieved through the response of the energy absorption device in a collision scenario, independent of the structure of the support unit and its interaction with the housing. This optimizes the introduction and transfer of collision energy. Furthermore, it is advantageous to achieve a space-saving, compact structure through a simpler design.

[0014] An advantageous implementation is that the cutting mechanism is constructed integrated with the housing, preferably with the upper housing. This integrated construction means that the cutting mechanism is integrated into the housing as a single piece or as a single unit. For example, the cutting element can be constructed as a single unit with the housing, for example, by the material of the housing body, such as the outer shell, for example, by deformation of a sheet metal forming piece, such as one made of steel, or by forming in a casting, for example, made of aluminum or magnesium alloy. This advantageously reduces manufacturing and assembly costs.

[0015] Alternatively, the cutting mechanism can be fixed to the casting or sheet metal part, for example, through form-fitting and / or material-fitting connections, preferably non-removably fixed to the casting or sheet metal part, for example, through fixing mechanisms such as rivets, welding, etc. While this may increase component and assembly costs, it provides additional functional adaptation possibilities, such as optimizing the construction of the cutting element independent of the housing material.

[0016] As another possibility for optimization, partial hardening or reinforcement of the cutting mechanism within the cutting element area can be considered, for example, by applying a hard coating, localized thermosetting, compaction, or similar methods.

[0017] In one advantageous embodiment, the cutting mechanism has a longitudinally extending groove surrounding an energy-absorbing element, and at least one cutting element is disposed within the groove. The groove has a radially open cross-section, which faces forward at its end sides, i.e., longitudinally toward the lower housing. In an upper housing constructed as an outer shell, the groove extends from the edge of a front opening, and a lower housing constructed as an inner shell is retractably inserted into the front opening. The energy-absorbing element is mounted on the lower housing, for example, protruding radially outward from the inner shell, such that upon impact, the energy-absorbing element is forced into the groove from the front through the end-side opening and engages in a cutting engagement with at least one cutting element protruding inward into the groove cross-section. Because the cross-section of the energy-absorbing element is larger than the cross-section of the empty groove between the cutting elements, the energy-absorbing element is continuously scraped longitudinally by one or more cutting elements upon entering the groove. This groove can be integrated into the upper housing with particularly small structural costs. Furthermore, a particularly space-saving and compact structural configuration can be achieved. Furthermore, the reaction force and cutting force acting on the cutting element during cutting can be reliably supported and absorbed within the groove located between the groove walls surrounding the energy-absorbing element. This is particularly advantageous compared to the prior art, where the cutting force can act radially between the housings and deform the housings, thereby adversely affecting cutting and therefore adversely affecting energy absorption.

[0018] The groove can be defined as having groove walls that are circumferentially opposed to each other, wherein a cutting element is arranged on at least one groove wall. In the event of a collision, the energy-absorbing element enters from its front end into the groove cross-section located between the groove walls (also referred to as the inner wall of the groove, or simply the inner wall). A cutting element is provided on at least one, preferably on each of two groove walls, and these cutting elements are circumferentially opposed to each other. In the event of a collision, the energy-absorbing element is forced through the spaces between the cutting elements and is scraped in the formation of chips. The cutting forces acting in the circumferential and longitudinal directions can be reliably supported by the groove walls.

[0019] By using cutting elements circumferentially opposed to each other in a groove, energy-absorbing elements are forced to pass through them during cutting and are symmetrically supported from both sides and cut uniformly. Therefore, bending or deviating of the energy-absorbing elements due to cutting forces can be prevented, thereby advantageously improving functional reliability compared to the asymmetrical arrangement on one side in the prior art.

[0020] One or more cutting elements may preferably be arranged on the front edge of the groove at the end side, wherein the edge itself may form the cutting element and may be integrally constructed with the upper housing.

[0021] Preferably, the energy-absorbing element has a tab-like protrusion. The protrusion forms a tab that extends longitudinally and projects radially from the inner housing in the front region near the vehicle body. In the event of a collision, the tab can move from the front into a groove in the upper housing. This protrusion can be implemented with minimal structural cost.

[0022] The aforementioned protrusion preferably has outer walls that are circumferentially opposed to each other, and these outer walls are preferably substantially parallel to each other and oriented parallel to the inner wall of the groove.

[0023] Advantageously, the energy-absorbing element can be specified to have at least one outwardly projecting, longitudinally extending deformable rib. One or more deformable ribs can be provided, projecting transversely from the energy-absorbing element in the longitudinal direction, for example, from one or more sidewalls circumferentially to such an extent that the deformable ribs are respectively opposite to the cutting element in the longitudinal direction. In the event of a collision, the deformable rib is struck by the cutting element and separated from the energy-absorbing element by a cutting mechanism. The cross-section separated by the cutting mechanism in the event of a collision, i.e., the so-called separation cross-section, can be predefined in the deformable rib by its geometry and dimensions. In this way, the required cutting work and thus the energy absorption characteristics can be adjusted for specific applications at low cost.

[0024] The deformable ribs can preferably be integrally constructed with the energy-absorbing element. For example, one or more deformable ribs can be arranged on one or more outer walls of the tab-like protrusions of the energy-absorbing element.

[0025] It is possible that the deformable rib has a cross-section that remains constant along its longitudinal extension or a cross-section that varies along its longitudinal extension. The cross-section of the deformable rib represents the separation cross-section or cutting cross-section to be cut by the cutting mechanism. Separation cross-sections that are the same in length produce constant energy absorption. By varying the cross-section, for example by the width of the deformable rib increasing forward in length, it is possible to achieve a gradually increasing cutting force and a correspondingly increased energy absorption along the length.

[0026] The variable cross-section can be constructed, for example, linearly or nonlinearly increased or decreased, or locally differently along the longitudinal direction.

[0027] A similar effect of energy absorption can be achieved by having the total cross-section of the energy-absorbing element be the same in its longitudinal direction or by designing it to be variable.

[0028] An advantageous embodiment of the invention specifies that the energy-absorbing element is made of plastic. It may be made of plastic, for example, a thermoplastic polymer such as polyoxymethylene or polyetheretherketone, in the region provided for cutting or separation by a cutting mechanism, at least partially or partially.

[0029] Preferably, it is a one-piece plastic part, preferably a plastic injection molded part, which can be constructed with great freedom in terms of shape and size and can be manufactured economically.

[0030] Energy-absorbing elements made of plastic can advantageously work in conjunction with cutting mechanisms that incorporate metal cutting elements. The significantly higher hardness of the metal material compared to the plastic ensures controlled and reliable cutting with correspondingly determined energy absorption in all cases. This facilitates the integrated, e.g., integral, construction of the cutting mechanism with the housing, allowing the housing to be made of cast aluminum or similar materials without functional disadvantages.

[0031] For the use of energy-absorbing elements made of plastic, the aforementioned design of a cutting mechanism with grooves is particularly advantageous. Through the grooves, the relatively soft energy-absorbing element can be guided and held radially and circumferentially in the event of impact during cutting, thereby avoiding uncontrolled deflection or compression that could potentially adversely affect the cutting process. This facilitates controlled cutting and, therefore, contributes to measured energy absorption.

[0032] Preferably, the clamping device is attached to the support unit and configured such that the clamping device can switch between a fixed position and a released position, wherein in the fixed position the housing unit is fixed relative to the support unit, and in the released position the housing unit is adjustable relative to the support unit.

[0033] Therefore, it is stipulated that a clamping device is installed and constructed on the support unit, which can selectively enter a fixed position to clamp the housing unit to the support unit, and can enter a released position to adjust the housing unit relative to the support unit. In the released position, at least one housing can be telescopically adjusted relative to another housing to adjust the length of the steering column. Here, one of the housings, such as the upper outer housing, can be adjusted relative to the support unit, while the lower inner housing is supported relative to the vehicle body. In the fixed position, the upper sleeve is clamped by the support unit and simultaneously by the lower sleeve. The clamping device has a manually or motor-driven clamping part in a manner known per se, which radially presses the outer sleeve together and forcefully clamps it onto the inner sleeve. The clamping force is also used to forcefully clamp the housing unit to the support unit, for example by clamping the outer housing between two opposing sidewalls.

[0034] As one embodiment described above, the clamping device may have a clamping shaft that passes transversely to the longitudinal axis through the support unit and the upper housing, and interacts with the lifting device. The clamping shaft can be rotated manually or by a motor to apply a clamping or locking force to the lifting device, which releasably clamps the housings together and clamps the housing unit to the support unit. For example, the support unit has two sidewalls that project downwards transversely to the longitudinal direction and accommodate the housing unit, preferably the upper sleeve, between these two sidewalls, through which the clamping shaft passes. In the fixed position, the lifting device, supported on the outer sidewalls, applies a clamping force via the clamping shaft, clamping the sidewalls to the outer housing, which is also through which the clamping shaft passes and clamps itself to the inner housing. This arrangement enables simple and reliable switching between the fixed and released positions, for example, manually by manipulating a clamping rod mounted on the clamping shaft.

[0035] Unlike the prior art where the cutting mechanism is supported on the support unit via a clamping shaft, according to the present invention, it is directly connected to the upper housing. In other words, according to the present invention, the cutting mechanism is separate from the clamping shaft and can therefore be spaced apart from the clamping shaft in the longitudinal direction.

[0036] An advantageous embodiment can be achieved by having an outer sleeve with a clamping groove that opens longitudinally. This clamping groove is a longitudinal groove in the outer housing, whose opposing groove edges are loaded relative to each other in the circumferential direction when clamped by a clamping device, thereby securing the outer housing to the inner housing. It can be specified that this clamping groove may have or form the groove of the aforementioned cutting mechanism. This dual function advantageously simplifies the design of the steering column.

[0037] The lower housing may have an inner housing or be configured as an inner housing, such as an inner sleeve, which is inserted into the upper housing, which is configured as an outer housing. The upper housing may be configured as an outer sleeve or a guide box, for example.

[0038] One possible design of the invention is that the support unit has a detachable fixing mechanism for mounting on the vehicle body. For this purpose, the support unit may, for example, have a rearward-opening elongated hole in which a sliding cartridge for fixing to the vehicle body is disposed. When a predetermined limit force, in the event of a collision, is exceeded as a so-called impact force due to an object colliding with the steering wheel, the sliding cartridge slides out of the elongated hole, and the support unit separates forward and moves together with the housing unit in which it is fixed by means of a clamping device. This movement is controlled by an energy-absorbing device according to the invention. Since the cutting mechanism is directly fixed to the upper housing according to the invention, the energy absorption performance is independent of the holding force of the clamping device, thereby improving functional reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Advantageous embodiments of the invention will now be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show in detail:

[0040] Figure 1 The steering column according to the invention is shown in a schematic perspective view.

[0041] Figure 2 It shows that according to Figure 1 Another perspective view of the steering column.

[0042] Figure 3 A different perspective view shows the results based on Figure 1 and Figure 2 Enlarged detail image of the steering column.

[0043] Figure 4 The view from below shows the system in its normal operating state before the collision. Figure 1 The steering column,

[0044] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 The view during a collision.

[0045] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 The view after the collision. Detailed Implementation

[0046] In different accompanying drawings, the same parts are always given the same reference numerals, and therefore are usually named or mentioned only once each.

[0047] Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The steering column 1 according to the invention is shown in different perspective views.

[0048] The steering column 1 includes a support unit 2 that can be fixed to the body of a motor vehicle (not shown), and the adjustment unit 3 is held by the support unit 2. Figure 1 This shows a view taken from a rear-up angle in the mounting position within a motor vehicle. Figure 2 This shows a view taken from a downward angle.

[0049] The adjustment unit 3 includes a housing unit 30 in which the steering main shaft 31 is rotatably supported about its longitudinal axis L extending in the longitudinal direction. The steering main shaft 31 is located rearward relative to the direction of travel. Figure 1 The right end section of the middle finger has a connecting section 32 for mounting a steering wheel (not shown).

[0050] The housing unit 3 has an upper housing 33 located away from the vehicle body, also referred to as the outer housing. A lower housing 34, also referred to as the inner housing, is housed within the upper housing in a longitudinally telescoping manner, as schematically indicated by double arrows. The lower housing 34 has a flange 36 at its front end near the vehicle body, which can be connected to the vehicle body and can be supported in the longitudinal direction.

[0051] The upper housing 33 is housed between two downwardly projecting sidewalls 21 of the support unit 2.

[0052] The clamping device 4 has a clamping shaft 41 that passes transversely to the longitudinal axis L through two side walls 21. The clamping shaft is externally supported on one side wall 21 by a lifting transmission device 42 and externally supported on the other side wall 21 by a support 43. By manually operating the clamping rod 44 mounted on the clamping shaft 41, the lifting transmission device 42 applies a clamping stroke in the direction of the clamping shaft 41, thereby adjusting the fixed position. In this fixed position, the upper housing 33 is clamped between the side walls 21, and by the clamping force applied thereby, the upper housing 33 is also forcefully clamped onto the lower housing 34.

[0053] The clamping force applied to the side wall 21 is released by the opposite operation of the clamping rod 44. In this released position of the clamping device 4, the upper housing 33 can move back and forth relative to the support unit 2 in the longitudinal direction to adjust the steering wheel position, as indicated by the double arrows. Here, the clamping shaft 41 slides back and forth guided in the longitudinal groove 35 of the upper housing 33.

[0054] The clamping shaft 41 passes through the vertical height adjustment slot 22 in the side wall 21, so that the clamping shaft can be adjusted relative to the support unit 2 in the height direction H together with the upper housing 33 for the height adjustment of the adjustment unit 2, as shown by the double arrow.

[0055] According to the invention, the energy absorption device 5 (which is in) Figure 3 (As shown in the enlarged view) It has an energy absorption element 51 and a cutting mechanism 52.

[0056] The energy-absorbing element 51 is configured as a protrusion or tab extending longitudinally and radially outward from the lower housing 34. This energy-absorbing element is preferably made of plastic, and preferably integrally constructed, for example, as a plastic injection molded part. According to the invention, the energy-absorbing element 51 is directly and immovably connected to the lower housing 34 in the longitudinal direction, for example, by a form-fit and / or material-fit connection, which can be non-releasable, for example, by riveting, welding, bonding, etc.

[0057] In the example shown, the cutting mechanism 52 is integrally constructed on the upper housing 33, which is preferably made of a metal material that is harder than the plastic of the energy absorption element 51, and includes, for example, a metal casting made of aluminum, magnesium, etc., as shown. Alternatively, a sheet metal molded part, for example, made of steel plate, may be provided.

[0058] The cutting mechanism 52 includes a groove 53 extending in the longitudinal direction, which is aligned with the tab of the energy absorption element 51 in the longitudinal direction and is open at its front end facing the tab.

[0059] The slot 53 has two cutting elements 54 on its two front edges in the region of its opening facing the energy absorption element 51. The cutting elements 54 extend substantially radially and are circumferentially opposed to each other, wherein they have cutting edges spaced approximately by the width of the slot 53. The cutting elements 54 are preferably integrally formed with the upper housing 33 and have cutting edges, for example, formed on a metal casting or sheet metal part.

[0060] The circumferential spacing of the cutting elements 54 (also known as the blade spacing) corresponds to the groove width of the slot 53 and is less than the circumferential width of the energy absorbing elements 61 (also known as the protrusion or tab width).

[0061] The energy-absorbing element 51 may have deformable ribs 55 extending longitudinally on its outer side in the circumferential direction, the deformable ribs being... Figure 3 As can be seen, it protrudes beyond the cutting element 54 in the circumferential direction. The deformable rib 55 can preferably be integrally formed on the energy absorbing element 51. Alternatively, the deformable rib 55 can also be omitted, wherein the width of the tab of the energy absorbing element 51 is at least partially greater than the blade spacing of the cutting element 54.

[0062] In addition to the functions described above in the energy absorption device 5, the groove 53 also serves as a compensating element when the upper housing 33 is clamped onto the lower housing 34 in a force-fit manner.

[0063] exist Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The image shows the steering column 1 in different states from the same bottom-view perspective. Figure 4 The image shows the normal operating state before the collision. Figure 5 The diagram shows the torque reception state during a collision, and from this, Figure 6 The image shows the moment of the collision or a short time after the collision.

[0064] The support unit 2 is designed to detach from the vehicle body in the event of a collision. For this purpose, a sliding box 23 is provided, having a fixed opening 24 through which a fixing bolt (not shown) for connection to the vehicle body passes. The sliding box 23 is arranged in a rearwardly open sliding groove 25 and is fixed therein by friction fit, such that when a collision force C is applied longitudinally to the steering shaft 31 by a colliding object, the sliding box 23 can slide rearward from the support unit 2 in the longitudinal direction, as indicated by the arrow. Thus, the support unit 2 can be released forward from the vehicle body and can move forward together with the upper housing 33. Figure 4 In the view, this motion under the condition of impact force C acting from the left is drawn by an arrow on the left side of the upper housing 33.

[0065] from Figure 4 Starting from the upper housing 33, the upper housing 33 moves forward relative to the lower housing 34, that is, to the left in the figure. Here, the energy-absorbing element 51 moves longitudinally into the gap 53 between the two cutting elements 54. The energy-absorbing element 51 is wider than the blade spacing, therefore, it engages with the cutting elements 54 in a cutting motion, and as the relative movement proceeds, chips 56 are continuously separated laterally away from the bending in front of the cutting mechanism 52 on both sides. If the deformable rib 55... Figure 3 As shown in the configuration, they are stripped from the energy absorption element, that is, separated in a chip-like manner while absorbing kinetic energy.

[0066] Figure 5 The initial cutting was Figure 6 This is shown as a continuous state. If sufficient kinetic energy has been consumed, then... Figure 6 The final state after the collision is shown.

[0067] The level of energy absorption can be predetermined by the degree of cutting, the size of the energy absorption element 51, the size of the deformable rib 55 if necessary, the material pairing of the deformable element 51 and the cutting mechanism 52, the cutting edge geometry of the cutting element 54 and / or other parameters.

[0068] Here, the advantage of the present invention is that the cutting mechanism 52 does not depend on the adjustment state of the clamping device 4 and is not connected to the clamping shaft 41.

[0069] The energy absorption device 5 according to the invention can, in principle, be implemented in all structural forms of the steering column 1, which has a lower housing 34 adjustable in the longitudinal direction relative to the upper housing 33. The upper housing 33 can be designed as an outer shell as shown in the exemplary embodiment, and the lower housing can be designed as an inner shell, or vice versa. The clamping device 4 can also be omitted or replaced by other structural forms, or a motor-driven adjustment drive can be provided. It is also conceivable and possible that the upper housing 33 is constructed as an inner shell, and / or that the energy absorption element 51 on the upper housing 33 and the cutting mechanism 52 on the lower housing 34 are also present.

[0070] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0071] 1 Steering column

[0072] 2 support units

[0073] 21 sidewalls

[0074] 22 Height Adjustment Slots

[0075] 23 Sliding Box

[0076] 24 Fixed openings

[0077] 25 sliding groove

[0078] 3 adjustment units

[0079] 30 housing units

[0080] 31 steering spindle

[0081] 32 connecting sections

[0082] 33 Upper Shell 33 (Outer Shell)

[0083] 34 Lower shell 34 (inner shell)

[0084] 35 longitudinal groove

[0085] 36 flange

[0086] 4 clamping devices

[0087] 41 clamping shaft

[0088] 42 Lifting transmission device

[0089] 43 supports

[0090] 44 clamping rod

[0091] 5. Energy Absorption Device

[0092] 51 Energy Absorption Element

[0093] 52 Cutting Mechanism

[0094] 53 slots

[0095] 54 Cutting Components

[0096] 55 deformable ribs

[0097] 56 chips

[0098] L longitudinal axis

[0099] H-height direction

[0100] C Collision Force

Claims

1. A steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising an adjustment unit (3) having a steering spindle (31), which is rotatably supported in a housing unit (30) about its longitudinally extending longitudinal axis (L), wherein The housing unit (30) has an upper housing (33) that is telescopic relative to the lower housing (34) in the longitudinal direction and includes an energy absorption device (5), wherein the energy absorption device (5) has an energy absorption element (51) connected to the lower housing (34) and a cutting mechanism (52) connected to the upper housing (33), wherein the cutting mechanism (52) is configured and arranged to cut the energy absorption element (51) when the upper housing (33) moves relative to the lower housing (34) in the event of a collision, characterized in that the cutting mechanism (52) is securely fixed to the upper housing (33) in the longitudinal direction; the cutting mechanism (52) has a groove (53) extending in the longitudinal direction, the energy absorption element (51) being able to be surrounded by the groove (53), and at least one cutting element (54) is arranged in the groove.

2. A steering column according to claim 1, wherein The cutting mechanism (52) is integrated with the upper housing (33).

3. A steering column according to any one of the preceding claims 1-2, characterized in that The upper shell (33) has a casting or sheet metal part.

4. A steering column according to any one of claims 1-2, characterised in that The groove (53) has groove walls that are circumferentially opposite each other, wherein a cutting element (54) is provided on at least one of the groove walls.

5. A steering column according to any one of the preceding claims 1-2, characterised in that The energy absorption element (51) has tab-shaped protrusions.

6. The steering column according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The energy-absorbing element (51) has at least one outwardly protruding deformable rib (55) extending in the longitudinal direction.

7. The steering column according to claim 6, characterized in that, The deformable rib (55) has a cross-section that remains constant in its longitudinal extension or a cross-section that varies in its longitudinal extension.

8. The steering column according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The energy absorption element (51) is made of plastic.

9. The steering column according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The housing unit (30) is held by a support unit (2) that can be mounted on the vehicle body.

10. The steering column according to claim 9, characterized in that, The clamping device (4) is mounted on the support unit (2) and configured such that the clamping device can switch between a fixed position and a released position, wherein in the fixed position the housing unit (30) is fixed relative to the support unit (2), and in the released position the housing unit (30) is adjustable relative to the support unit (2).

11. The steering column according to claim 10, characterized in that, The clamping device (4) has a clamping shaft (41) that passes through the support unit (2) and the upper housing (33) transversely to the longitudinal axis (L), and the clamping shaft cooperates with the lifting device (42).

12. The steering column according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The upper housing (33) has a clamping groove that is open in the longitudinal direction.

13. The steering column according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The lower housing (34) has an inner housing that is inserted into the upper housing (33), which is configured as an outer housing.

14. The steering column according to claim 9, characterized in that, The support unit (2) has a detachable fixing mechanism (23, 25) for mounting on the vehicle body.

Images