Steering column for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising an adjustment unit (2), a securing device (4) and a limiting device which cooperates with the securing device, wherein the securing device (4) has a tensioning bolt (5) which can be selectively brought into a securing position, in which the adjustment unit (2) is secured relative to a support unit (3), or into a release position, in which the adjustment unit (2) can be adjusted relative to the support unit (3), by rotation, wherein the limiting device has limiting elements (63) which are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction and which cooperate with a stop section (51) of the tensioning bolt (5). In order to achieve a compact design and greater design freedom, it is proposed according to the invention that a stop carrier (6) is arranged on the adjustment unit (2), which has the limiting elements (63) and is sectionally spaced apart from the adjustment unit (2), wherein the stop section (51) of the tensioning bolt (5) is arranged between the stop carrier (6) and the adjustment unit (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle, the steering column comprising an adjustment unit, a steering shaft rotatably supported within the adjustment unit about a longitudinal axis extending in the longitudinal direction, and the adjustment unit being accommodated within a support unit in a longitudinally adjustable manner. The steering column includes a fixing device and a limiting device acting therewith. The fixing device has a tension bolt rotatably supported on the support unit and selectively positioned in a fixed or released position by rotation. In the fixed position, the adjustment unit is fixed relative to the support unit, and in the released position, the adjustment unit is adjustable relative to the support unit. The limiting device has at least one limiting element that interacts with a stop section of the tension bolt such that in the released position, the stop section is positioned in a limited position, in the limited position, the stop section abuts against the limiting element in the longitudinal direction, and in the fixed position, the stop section is positioned in a pass position, in the pass position, the stop section is continuously adjustable in the longitudinal direction beyond the at least one limiting element. Background Technology

[0002] In this adjustable steering column, the longitudinal adjustment of the steering wheel position is achieved by adjusting the adjustment unit in the longitudinal direction relative to a support unit fixed to the vehicle body in an adjustment direction given by the longitudinal axis, wherein the steering wheel is attached to the rear end of the steering shaft on the driver's side, and the steering shaft is supported in the adjustment unit in a manner that allows it to rotate about the longitudinal axis.

[0003] To allow for releasable fixing of the adjustment position, a fixing device is provided. This device has a tension bolt supported on a support unit. The tension bolt can be manually adjusted, or motorized, about its tension axis to selectively adjust to a loose or fixed position. During driving, the adjustment is made to the fixed position, where the adjustment unit is tensioned to the support unit to fix the steering wheel position, for example, by being clamped between the side walls of the support unit via a feed mechanism or tensioning mechanism acting in conjunction with the tension bolt. For adjustment, the tension bolt is rotated to the loose position, thereby releasing the tension, allowing the adjustment unit, along with the steering wheel, to be adjusted relative to the support unit.

[0004] The maximum possible adjustment stroke is limited by a limiting device, so that when the fixing device is in the released position, the adjustment unit will not be adjusted beyond a preset stop relative to the support unit during longitudinal adjustment. In the event of a collision, when a body impacts the steering wheel at high speed, the holding force of the fixing device fixed in the fixed position is overcome by the high impact force introduced therein, and the adjustment unit moves forward relative to the support unit. Here, an energy absorption device can be provided between the adjustment unit and the support unit to generate braking that is preferably as uniform as possible.

[0005] In order to achieve the most uniform energy absorption and braking along the adjustment direction over the longest possible collision distance in the collision scenario, it is known to provide so-called active limiting devices, such as those described, for example, in JP 2021 160676 A.

[0006] The known limiting device has two longitudinally spaced limiting elements externally mounted on the adjusting unit, limiting the possible adjusting stroke. A tensioning bolt rotatably supported in the support unit has a non-circular stop section that occupies a limiting position in the released position, where it abuts against the limiting elements in the longitudinal direction. In the fixed position, the stop section rotates to a passing position, where it passes over the limiting elements, allowing the adjusting unit to move longitudinally beyond the limiting elements relative to the support unit. Thus, a longer impact stroke relative to the adjusting stroke is achieved in the fixed position.

[0007] In known limiting devices, the limiting element is directly mounted externally on the regulating unit. A drawback is that there is no structural space within the limiting device area available for integrating the energy absorption device between the support unit and the regulating unit. This necessitates a larger structural space and limits design possibilities.

[0008] Another drawback of the known device is that the tensioning bolt experiences angular momentum upon reaching the end stop after contacting the limiting element, thereby pressing the tensioning bolt into a fixed position. Therefore, it is possible that the limiting device, after reaching the end position, will be in an undefined, partially fixed state due to this angular momentum.

[0009] In view of the above problems, the object of the present invention is to achieve a more compact structure and greater design freedom. Furthermore, potentially disruptive angular momentum should be avoided. Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by the steering column of the present invention.

[0011] This invention relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle, the steering column including an adjustment unit, a steering shaft rotatably supported within the adjustment unit about a longitudinal axis extending in the longitudinal direction, and the adjustment unit being accommodated within a support unit in a longitudinally adjustable manner. The steering column includes a fixing device and a limiting device acting therewith, wherein the fixing device has a tension bolt rotatably supported on the support unit and selectively positioned in a fixed or loosened position by rotation. In the fixed position, the adjustment unit is fixed relative to the support unit, and in the loosened position, the adjustment unit is adjustable relative to the support unit. The limiting device... The device has at least one, typically two, longitudinally spaced limiting elements that interact with a stop section of the tensioning bolt, such that in the released position the stop section is placed in a limited position, in the limited position the stop section can abut against the limiting element in the longitudinal direction, and in the fixed position the stop section is placed in a passing position, in the passing position the stop section can be continuously adjusted in the longitudinal direction beyond the limiting element. According to the invention, a stop carrier is mounted on the adjusting unit, the stop carrier having the limiting elements and being segmentally spaced from the adjusting unit, wherein the stop section of the tensioning bolt is arranged between the stop carrier and the adjusting unit.

[0012] The following description always refers to an assembly having two limiting elements spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. This also includes embodiments having only one limiting element constructed according to the invention.

[0013] The stop carrier according to the invention has an elongated section extending longitudinally and oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis, which is transverse to the longitudinal axis, that is, spaced from the adjusting unit in a radially outward direction about the longitudinal axis. Restricting elements are arranged on this spaced-out section of the stop carrier such that they extend into the intermediate space formed between the stop carrier and the adjusting unit. In other words, the restricting elements protrude toward the adjusting unit, i.e., point radially inward relative to the longitudinal axis. A tensioning bolt, rotatably supported about its transverse longitudinal axis relative to the supporting unit, passes transversely through this intermediate space, allowing the stop section to cooperate with the restricting elements. Here, the restricting elements are arranged radially outward about the tensioning bolt according to the invention.

[0014] In the released position, by allowing the stop section, which is placed in the restricted position, to abut against the limiting element, the possible adjustment stroke of the tension bolt between the stop carrier and the adjusting unit is limited, and thus the adjustment of the adjusting unit relative to the support unit is limited. In the fixed position, the tension bolt, subsequently placed in the pass position, can move unimpeded longitudinally through the intermediate space between the stop carrier and the adjusting unit, such that in the event of a collision, the adjusting unit can move relative to the support unit beyond the conventional adjustment stroke limited by the limiting element.

[0015] The advantage of the arrangement according to the invention is that the limiting element is not arranged directly on the outside of the regulating unit as in the prior art, allowing for the installation of, for example, an energy absorption device in that area instead of a limiting element. This expands structural possibilities and enables optimal matching with the available structural space.

[0016] Another advantage is that the adjustment stroke can be adapted by simply modifying the stop carrier without changing the structure of the adjustment unit.

[0017] Furthermore, it is advantageous that when the stop section is stopped against the limiting element of the adjusting unit externally arranged on the stop carrier, no angular momentum is introduced that would compress the tensioning bolt into a fixed position. This avoids uncertain intermediate positions that could lead to undesirable clicking noise and improves operation.

[0018] In addition to the above arrangement, it can be further specified that a damping element, such as a damping element having an elastomer, spring, or the like, is constructed on one of the limiting elements. In this way, the tactile sensation of noise formation and modulation can be improved.

[0019] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the tensioning bolt is positioned in a defined manner relative to the adjustment unit transversely to the longitudinal axis in the intermediate space and is held in a loosely fitted shape.

[0020] Advantageously, the limiting elements can be integrally constructed with the stop carrier. For example, they can be constructed as shaped protrusions, or longitudinally extending recesses can be constructed on the stop carrier, the end sidewalls of which have or form the limiting elements.

[0021] Preferably, the stop carrier can be provided as a separately manufactured component, such as a casting or sintered part, which is connected to the adjustment unit, for example by means of a detachable or non-detachable connection.

[0022] Preferably, the limiting elements protrude from the stop carrier toward the adjusting unit. The limiting elements protrude radially inward from spaced-apart sections, i.e., toward the longitudinal axis, into the intermediate space between the stop carrier and the adjusting unit. Here, they have stop surfaces transverse to the longitudinal axis. The tensioning bolt extends between the stop section and the adjusting unit. Here, the stop section is constructed such that the tensioning bolt can abut against the limiting element in the longitudinal direction in the loosened position and can pass beside the limiting element in the longitudinal direction in the fixed position. Specifically, the tensioning bolt can abut against the limiting element in the collision direction (generally forward in the driving direction) in the loosened position and can pass beside the limiting element in the collision direction in the fixed position.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, the stop carrier can be configured as a stop frame. The stop frame can be substantially L-shaped and have a connecting section that can be connected to an adjustment unit, with a section having a limiting element projecting from this connecting section parallel to the longitudinal axis. This embodiment can be provided at a low cost and allows for simple installation. The stop frame can be a metal molded part or a plastic molded part, such as an extrusion, casting, sintering, or injection molding.

[0024] Advantageously, the stop section has a non-circular cross-section. The non-circular cross-section of the tension bolt about the tension axis allows it to abut against the limiting element eccentrically from the area protruding from the tension bolt in the released position. To adjust the fixed position, this eccentric area can be pivoted radially inward, i.e., toward the longitudinal axis away from the limiting element, by rotating the tension bolt relative to the spaced-apart section of the stop carrier. This allows the tension bolt to pass unimpeded longitudinally through the limiting element within the region of reduced cross-section. This results in a limiting device that is structurally simple and functionally reliable.

[0025] A non-circular cross-section can preferably be achieved by having a flattened or protruding portion in the stop section. The tensioning bolt can, for example, have a cylindrical basic cross-section in the stop section with at least one flattened portion, wherein the basic cross-section can abut against the limiting element, and in the region of the flattened portion, the cross-section is reduced to the point that the limiting element is not contacted. For example, a substantially D-shaped cross-section can be constructed using the flattened portion. In the fixed position, the flattened portion is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis by rotation of the tensioning bolt relative to the limiting element, thereby allowing the stop section to pass beside the limiting element. To adjust the release position, the flattened portion is rotated away from the limiting element, thereby allowing the tensioning bolt to abut against the limiting element with a relatively large basic cross-section. Advantageously, the stop section with one or more flattened portions can be manufactured with minimal cost, preferably as a single piece with the tensioning bolt, and the stop section is compact and functionally reliable.

[0026] Alternatively, a smaller basic cross-section can be provided, having at least one protrusion, cam, etc., eccentrically projecting from the tensioner, wherein the basic cross-section can pass through the limiting element in the longitudinal direction. In the fixed position, the protrusion rotates away from the limiting element, so that the smaller basic cross-section can pass through the limiting element. In the released position, the protrusion is oriented transversely to the stop carrier, so that it can stop on the limiting element.

[0027] Advantageously, a support element is connected to the support unit, the support element being form-fitted to at least partially surround the stop carrier. The support element is fixed relative to the tension bolt transversely to the tension axis and at least partially surrounds the stop carrier on its outer side away from the adjustment unit. For adjustment and in the event of a collision, the stop carrier can move longitudinally between the support element and the tension bolt. Transversely to the longitudinal direction, the stop carrier is form-fitted to the support element relative to the tension bolt, viewed outward from the longitudinal axis. The resulting advantage is that, for example, in the event of a collision or due to malfunction, large lateral forces acting on the tension bolt and / or the stop carrier are reliably absorbed, and the stop carrier cannot deviate outward from the tension axis. This ensures the function of the limiting device even under extreme operating conditions.

[0028] Advantageously, a defined gap can be set between the support element and the stop carrier during normal operation. In this way, the relative adjustment of the two elements, which may occur when adjusting the steering column, can be carried out without the generation of additional friction or noise. If the limiting device is subjected to high loads, these elements, especially the stop carrier, undergo elastic deformation, which subsequently causes a form fit between the stop carrier and the support element.

[0029] In one practical implementation, the support element and the support unit can be integrally formed. The tension bolt can be rotatably supported in the support element, wherein the distance between the area supporting the stop carrier and the tension bolt is fixed. Thus, the stop carrier is guided and supported transversely to the tension bolt in a defined manner. For example, the support element can be constructed in the form of a support angle, wherein one arm supports the tension bolt and another arm, angled relative to that arm, shaped to surround and support the stop carrier. This allows for a functionally reliable and compact structure.

[0030] Preferably, the steering column may have an energy-absorbing device. The energy-absorbing device is arranged in action between the support unit and the adjustment unit, preferably between the tension bolt and the adjustment unit, and has at least one energy-absorbing element. When the adjustment unit and the support unit move relative to each other due to a high impact force in a collision, the holding force of the fixing device in a fixed position can be overcome, thereby allowing the adjustment unit to move relative to the support unit. The energy-absorbing element absorbs kinetic energy through plastic deformation and / or friction and controllably brakes the movement of the adjustment unit relative to the support unit. Examples of energy-absorbing elements include, for example, bending or fracture elements, machinable elements, or the like. An advantage of this invention is that such an energy-absorbing element can be arranged between the tension bolt and the adjustment unit where, in the prior art, a limiting element is arranged. This expands structural possibilities.

[0031] Advantageously, the tension bolt is operatively connected to the energy-absorbing device, such that at least one energy-absorbing element is coupled in a fixed position and decoupled in a released position. By operating the tension bolt, the energy-absorbing element can be selectively coupled or decoupled, thereby activating or deactivating the energy-absorbing device accordingly. In the fixed position, the energy-absorbing device is activated and the energy-absorbing element can absorb energy in the event of a collision. In the released position, the energy-absorbing element is decoupled and thus deactivated, allowing the steering column to adjust without any force acting on the energy-absorbing element.

[0032] The aforementioned embodiment can be implemented in such a way that a locking element is operatively connected to a tensioning bolt, and in a fixed position, the locking element can engage with a connecting element attached to an adjusting unit, wherein at least one energy-absorbing element is disposed between the tensioning bolt and the locking element and / or between the connecting element and the adjusting unit. In the released position, the locking element disengages, allowing the adjusting unit to move and adjust relative to the supporting unit with respect to the connecting element without applying force to the energy-absorbing element. In the fixed position, the energy-absorbing element is coupled due to the engagement of the locking element with the connecting element, such that in the event of a collision, when the adjusting unit and the supporting unit move relative to each other, the energy-absorbing element plastically deforms while absorbing energy.

[0033] The locking element preferably has a form-fitting element, such as a locking hook, a Zahnstein, etc., which engages in a fixed position with a corresponding mating form-fitting element of the engaging element on the adjusting unit to form an effective form fit in the adjusting direction. Here, the locking element is operatively connected to the tensioning bolt such that it is released from engagement with the engaging element when the tensioning bolt is rotated from the fixed position to the released position. In the released position, the adjusting unit can be adjusted relative to the support unit within an adjusting stroke defined by the limiting element. By rotating the tensioning bolt in the opposite direction from the released position to the fixed position, the adjusting unit is tensioned relative to the support unit, and the locking element engages with the engaging element. Therefore, the energy-absorbing element is activated to absorb energy in the event of a collision.

[0034] The locking element may, for example, have a locking hook mounted on the tension bolt, which can engage with the rack or similar of the engagement element by rotation of the tension bolt to form a form fit that functions in the longitudinal direction.

[0035] Suitable provisions stipulate that the tensioning bolt and tensioning device work together. The tensioning device is configured to convert the rotation of the tensioning bolt into a clamping feed. The clamping feed acts on the support device to releasably tension the adjusting unit and the support unit. To generate the clamping feed, the tensioning bolt may work in conjunction with a feed mechanism, which may have threads, wedges, tilting pins, or the like in a manner known per se. Operation can be performed manually via a tensioning rod mounted on the tensioning bolt. Alternatively, a motor-driven rotary actuator may be provided.

[0036] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the limiting device may be constructed as described above only in the collision direction, i.e., in the longitudinal direction pointing forward in the travel direction, by means of a tension bolt and a stop carrier. In the opposite longitudinal direction, i.e., rearward in the opposite direction of travel, a fixed stop may be constructed, which restricts movement regardless of the rotational position of the tension bolt. This arrangement is particularly advantageous in the case of a rear-end collision, i.e., when a sudden, high momentum transfer to the vehicle occurs from behind, because it limits the reduction in the distance between the driver and the steering column due to the inertia of the steering column.

[0037] Alternatively, in one embodiment, the limiting device may be configured in two directions, namely forward and backward in the direction of travel, by means of a tensioning bolt and a stop carrier as described above, and additionally, a limiting device for restricting backward movement in the direction of travel may be configured regardless of the position of the tensioning bolt. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Advantageous embodiments of the invention will now be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Details are shown below:

[0039] Figure 1 The steering column according to the invention is shown in a schematic perspective view.

[0040] Figure 2 It shows according to Figure 1 Another view of the steering column.

[0041] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 Enlarged detail image,

[0042] Figure 4 It shows according to Figure 1 A schematic partial view of the support unit of the steering column.

[0043] Figure 5 It shows according to Figure 1 Another schematic, separate partial view of the steering column support unit.

[0044] Figure 6 The following is shown: the fixing device is in the loosened position. Figure 1 A schematic side view of the steering column limiting device.

[0045] Figure 7 This shows the fixing device in a fixed position, such as Figure 6 The view in the middle. 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 and Figure 2 The steering column 1 according to the invention is shown in different perspective views, i.e., in Figure 1 The image is shown tilted forward from the upper left in the installation position along the direction of travel, while... Figure 2 It is shown tilted from bottom to back in the opposite direction of travel.

[0048] The steering column 1 has an adjustment unit 2, and the steering shaft 21 is supported in the adjustment unit 2 in such a way that it can rotate about a longitudinal axis L extending in the longitudinal direction. The steering shaft 21 has a fixed section 22 at its rear end for attaching a steering wheel (not shown here).

[0049] As indicated by the double arrows, the adjustment unit 2 is adjustablely housed in the support unit 3 in the longitudinal direction. The support unit 3 has a fixing member 31, such as a fixing opening, for attaching the steering column 1 to the vehicle body (not shown).

[0050] The adjustment unit 2 is housed between the two downward-pointing sidewalls 32 of the support unit 3.

[0051] The fixing device 4 has a tension bolt 5, which is rotatably supported on the support unit 3 about a tension axis S transverse to the longitudinal axis L and passes through the two side walls 32. A tensioning rod 41 is mounted on the tension bolt 5 to enable manual rotation of the tension bolt, as indicated by the circular arrow.

[0052] The tensioning bolt 5 cooperates with the feed mechanism 42, which may have a thread, wedge plate device, or tilting pin device or the like in a manner known per se. The feed mechanism 42 and the tensioning bolt 5 are supported from the outside on two side walls 32 such that when the fixing device is brought to the fixed position by manual rotation of the tensioning bolt 5, the two side walls move toward each other. Here, the adjusting unit 2 is tensioned between the side walls 32 in a force-fit manner and fixed relative to the support unit 3. By reverse rotation of the tensioning bolt 5, the fixing device 5 can be brought to the loosened position, whereby the tension is released, thereby releasing the adjusting unit 2 and allowing it to be adjusted in the longitudinal direction.

[0053] A stop carrier 6 according to the invention is fixed to the adjusting unit 2. This stop carrier is constructed as an L-shaped stop frame and has a connecting section 61 that can be connected to the adjusting unit 2. Extending from this connecting section is a long section parallel to the longitudinal axis L, which is transverse to the longitudinal direction, that is, radially spaced from the adjusting unit 2 about the longitudinal axis L. For example, in... Figure 2 As can be seen, the tensioning bolt 5 passes between the spaced-out section 62 and the adjusting unit 2, or in other words, is arranged in the radial intermediate space between the stop carrier 6 and the adjusting unit 2.

[0054] The tensioning bolt 5 is arranged relative to the support unit 3 in the following manner: Figure 4 The diagram is shown schematically, with the remaining components omitted for better overview. Figure 5 The same view is shown, in which the orientation of the stop carrier 6 relative to the tension bolt 5 is also shown.

[0055] exist Figure 4 As can be seen, the tensioning bolt 5 has a non-circular stop section 51, which has a flattened portion 52 with a cylindrical basic cross-section. This forms a basically D-shaped cross-section there.

[0056] As from Figure 5 As can be seen, the spaced-out sections 62 of the stop carrier 6 are arranged radially outward relative to the tension bolt 5 in the region of the stop section 51.

[0057] Two limiting elements 63 are arranged on the stop carrier 6, which extend radially inward from the spaced-apart section 62 toward the longitudinal axis L, that is, pointing outward of the adjustment unit 2 in the intermediate space between the stop carrier 6 and the adjustment unit 2.

[0058] To clarify the function of the limiting device formed by the tension bolt 5 and the stop carrier 6 together, Figure 6 The loosened position of the fixing device 4 is shown in a schematic side view transverse to the longitudinal axis L, while... Figure 6 The released position is shown in the same view.

[0059] exist Figure 6 and Figure 7 It can be clearly seen how the stop section 51 is arranged in the intermediate space between the stop carrier 6 and the adjustment unit 2. Here, the section 62 of the stop carrier 6 is radially arranged on the outside relative to the tension bolt 5 when viewed from the longitudinal axis L.

[0060] Figure 6The released position is shown. Here, the flattened portion 52 is transverse to the longitudinal axis L. The basic cross-section in the stop section 51 is sized such that the tension bolt 5 can abut against the protruding limiting element 63 in the longitudinal direction, as indicated by the positioning of the tension bolt 5 drawn in dashed lines. Thus, the adjustment stroke V is limited in the longitudinal direction, within which the adjustment unit 2, together with the stop carrier 6, can be adjusted relative to the tension bolt 5 and therefore relative to the support unit 3.

[0061] exist Figure 7 The fixed position is shown in the figure. Here, by rotating the tension bolt 5, the flattened portion 52 is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis L and thus parallel to the section 62 of the stop carrier 6. As a result, the tension bolt 5 can move past the limiting element 63 in the longitudinal direction, as shown by the dashed line on the left side of the figure. In this way, in the event of a collision, the adjusting unit 2 and the supporting unit 3 can perform relative movement exceeding the adjusting stroke V, thereby providing a correspondingly longer collision stroke.

[0062] In order to absorb energy in the event of a collision, an energy absorption device 7 can be installed. Figure 3 As shown, the energy absorption device has an energy absorption element 71, such as a curved bar. The energy absorption element 71 is connected at one end to the adjustment unit 2 and at the other end to a connecting element 72. As shown, the connecting element 72 may include a rack with teeth extending transversely to the longitudinal direction. A corresponding locking element 73 is provided on the tension bolt 5 with a locking hook. This locking hook can be released from the tension bolt 5 by rotation. Figure 5 The released position is moved into the fixed position, wherein the locking hook engages with the teeth of the engaging element 72 to form a form fit that functions in the longitudinal direction. Thus, the energy-absorbing element 71 is coupled between the support unit 3 and the adjusting unit 2 in the fixed position, thereby activating the energy-absorbing device 7. In the event of a collision, the energy-absorbing element in the fixed position plastically deforms while absorbing kinetic energy to facilitate controlled movement of the adjusting unit 2.

[0063] exist Figure 5 In the released position shown, the locking element 73 disengages from the engaging element 72, thereby deactivating the energy absorption device 7, and the adjusting unit 2 can be adjusted relative to the supporting unit 3 within the adjustment range V without exerting a force on the energy absorption element 71.

[0064] The support element 8, in the form of a support angle, loosely fits around the stop carrier 6, as in... Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As can be seen in the image. Thus, the stop carrier 6 can move through in the longitudinal direction and is supported transversely to the longitudinal direction relative to the tension bolt 5.

[0065] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0066] 1 Steering column

[0067] 2 Adjustment Unit

[0068] 21 steering shaft

[0069] 22 fixed sections

[0070] 3 support units

[0071] 31 Fixed components

[0072] 32 sidewalls

[0073] 4 Fixing devices

[0074] 41 tension bars

[0075] 42 feed mechanism

[0076] 5 tension bolts

[0077] 51 Stop Section

[0078] 52 flattened part

[0079] 6. Stop carrier

[0080] 61 connecting section

[0081] Section 62

[0082] 63 Limiting elements

[0083] 7 Energy Absorption Device

[0084] 71 Energy Absorption Element

[0085] 72 Connecting elements

[0086] 73 Locking element

[0087] 8 Supporting elements

[0088] L longitudinal axis

[0089] S-tension axis

Claims

1. A steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising an adjustment unit (2), a steering shaft (21) rotatable about a longitudinal axis (L) extending in the longitudinal direction, the adjustment unit being accommodated in a support unit (3) for longitudinal adjustment, and the steering column comprising a fixing device (4) and a limiting device acting in conjunction with the fixing device. The fixing device (4) has a tensioning bolt (5) rotatably supported on the support unit (3). The tensioning bolt can be selectively placed in a fixed position or a loose position by rotation. In the fixed position, the adjusting unit (2) is fixed relative to the support unit (3), and in the loose position, the adjusting unit (2) can be adjusted relative to the support unit (3). in, The limiting device has at least one limiting element (63) that works in conjunction with a stop section (51) of the tensioning bolt (5) such that, in the released position, the stop section (51) is placed in a limiting position, in which the stop section can abut against the limiting element (63) in the longitudinal direction, and in the fixed position, the stop section (51) is placed in a passing position, in which the stop section can be continuously adjusted beyond the limiting element (63) in the longitudinal direction. Its features are, A stop carrier (6) is placed on the adjustment unit (2), the stop carrier having the limiting element (63) and being spaced apart from the adjustment unit (2) in sections, wherein the stop section (51) of the tension bolt (5) is arranged between the stop carrier (6) and the adjustment unit (2).

2. The steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting element (63) protrudes from the stop carrier (6) toward the adjustment unit (2).

3. The steering column according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The stop carrier (6) is configured as a stop frame.

4. The steering column according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The stop section (51) has a non-circular cross-section.

5. The steering column according to claim 4, characterized in that, The stop section (51) has a flattened portion (52) or a protrusion.

6. The steering column according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The support element (8) is connected to the support unit (3), and the support element is shaped to surround the stop carrier (6).

7. The steering column according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The steering column has an energy absorption device (7).

8. The steering column according to claim 7, characterized in that, The tensioning bolt (5) is operatively connected to the energy absorption device (7), such that at least one energy absorption element (71) is coupled in a fixed position and decoupled in a loose position.

9. The steering column according to claim 8, characterized in that, The locking element (73) is operatively connected to the tensioning bolt (5), and the locking element is capable of engaging with the engagement element (72) disposed on the adjusting unit (2) in a fixed position, wherein at least one energy absorption element (71) is arranged between the tensioning bolt (5) and the locking element (73) and / or between the engagement element (72) and the adjusting unit (2).

10. The steering column according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The tensioning bolt (5) works together with the tensioning device (42).

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