Steering column for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising an inner shell (31) of an actuating unit (3), said inner shell being received in a channel (43) of an outer shell (4) so as to be axially adjustable in a telescopically telescopic manner in a longitudinal direction relative to a longitudinal axis (L), at least one sliding element (7) being fixed to the outer shell (4), the inner shell (31) being slidably mounted on the sliding element (7). In order to allow an improved bearing and sliding function, the invention proposes that the sliding element (7) is designed in the form of a tube section that is elongated in the longitudinal direction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle, comprising an inner housing of an actuation unit, which is received in a passage of an outer housing in a telescopic manner adjustable in a longitudinal direction with respect to a longitudinal axis, at least one sliding element being fixed to the outer housing, the inner housing being slidingly mounted on the sliding element. BACKGROUND

[0002] Such an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle comprises an actuation unit having a steering spindle mounted in a rotatable manner about its longitudinal axis, a steering wheel for introducing a manual steering command, which is attached at an end of the spindle which is located rearward in the direction of travel and which faces the driver. The actuation unit is received in an adjustable housing unit, which is held by a carrier unit fastened to the vehicle body. Adjustment of the housing unit allows the position of the steering wheel with respect to the vehicle body to be set.

[0003] Longitudinal adjustment, in which the steering wheel can be adjusted in a longitudinal direction, i.e. in a longitudinal direction given by the longitudinal axis, rearward or forward with respect to the position of the driver, can be achieved by a telescopic configuration of the housing unit and the steering spindle. Furthermore, in the event of a crash, the steering column can be pushed together in the longitudinal direction, whereby penetration of the interior of the passenger compartment by the steering column and resulting injury to the occupants is effectively avoided.

[0004] The housing unit has at least two housings, which are also referred to synonymously as housing tubes. The inner housing, also referred to as inner housing tube, projects coaxially into a passage of the outer housing, also referred to as outer housing tube, and is guided in the longitudinal direction in a telescopic manner in the passage. The steering column can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction by pushing the inner housing and the outer housing together or pulling them apart, respectively.

[0005] The housings are usually made of metal. In order to allow a low-play linear bearing system and a smooth running adjustment, it is known, for example from EP 2990 300 B1, to insert a sliding element between the inner housing and the outer housing. The sliding element is fixed on the inner side in the passage of the outer housing and in sliding contact against the outer surface of the inner housing.

[0006] The known sliding element can reduce friction. However, the disadvantage is that the bearing and sliding guidance of the inner housing can be insufficient over the service life of the steering column in the case of high stresses during operation.

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned problems, it is an object of the present application to achieve an improved support and sliding function. In particular in the case of an electrically adjustable steering column, in which the longitudinal adjustment of the steering wheel position is electrically effected by means of an electric adjustment drive between an inner housing and an outer housing, and in which a firm support and sliding guide for the inner housing over the service life is of particular importance, an improved solution is particularly desirable. SUMMARY

[0008] According to the application, this object is achieved by a steering column having the features of the main aspect. Advantageous refinements are presented by the additional aspects.

[0009] In the case of a steering column for a motor vehicle, the steering column comprises an inner housing of an actuation unit, which is received in a passage of an outer housing in a telescoping manner in the longitudinal direction with respect to a longitudinal axis in order to be axially adjustable, at least one sliding element is fixed to the outer housing, the inner housing is slidingly mounted on the sliding element, it is provided according to the application that the sliding element is designed in the form of a tube section which is elongated in the longitudinal direction.

[0010] The at least one sliding element is arranged in a radial gap between an outer surface of the inner housing and an inner surface in the passage of the outer housing and is fixed to the outer housing in the longitudinal direction and in the circumferential direction. On a radially inwardly oriented inner side of the sliding element, the sliding element has at least one sliding surface which is in sliding contact with the outer surface of the inner housing and slidingly supports said outer surface in the longitudinal direction. On a radially outwardly oriented outer side of the sliding element, the sliding element has a support surface for supporting the sliding element against the inner surface of the passage.

[0011] The tube section-like sliding element according to the application has a tubular or hollow profile portion with an arc-shaped cross section which is adapted to the radial gap between the inner housing and the outer housing. By definition, the sliding element has an axial, i.e. in the longitudinal direction, measured length and a width measured in the circumferential direction. The width can be indicated by an angular portion measured about the longitudinal axis or as an arc-shaped portion with respect to the outer circumference of the inner housing or the inner circumference of the passage of the outer housing.

[0012] The design as a tube section makes it possible to optimize the support and guide function of the sliding element with relatively little constructional and structural outlay. For example, transverse loads and tilting moments acting on the inner housing during operation can be reliably transmitted from the inner housing to the outer housing by increasing the length. The area support can advantageously increase the natural frequency of the steering column. In addition, there are more extensive possibilities for use in terms of the configuration and arrangement of the sliding surfaces on the sliding element, whereby the sliding properties can be specified in a defined manner and optimized with respect to the respective requirements.

[0013] It is preferred that the sliding element is formed in a basic shape which corresponds to the basic shape of the hollow cylindrical section. The basic shape of the sliding element arranged in the radial gap between the inner housing and the outer housing substantially corresponds to the cylindrical curved tube section. The sliding element has at least one sliding surface which is arranged radially on the inside, which is preferably internally cylindrically curved, and which is in sliding contact with the at least partially cylindrical outer surface of the inner housing. The passage of the outer housing can preferably at least partially have a cylindrical inner surface against which the sliding element is radially outwardly supported by means of an also at least partially cylindrical outer support surface.

[0014] The hollow cylindrical tube section-like design makes it possible to achieve an advantageous area sliding guidance for the cylindrical inner housing tube.

[0015] An advantageous embodiment provides for a plurality of sliding elements to be arranged distributed over the circumference. The plurality, at least two, alternatively also three or more, sliding elements can be arranged distributed over the circumference with respect to the longitudinal axis. In this way, the size of the sliding surface can be increased overall and the transverse forces can be taken up very substantially independently of their direction of action.

[0016] A further advantageous embodiment provides that, in addition to the at least one sliding element, at least one pressing spring element for pressing the inner housing against the at least one sliding element is arranged distributed over the circumference. The pressing spring element comprises a spring part under preloading, which can be designed, for example, as a leaf spring or a coil spring, and exerts a compression force on the inner housing directly or indirectly via a further part, so that the inner housing is pressed against the sliding element or the plurality of sliding elements by the compression force and the compression force, as a counterforce, in turn, is exerted on the inner housing via the sliding element. This ensures that the compression force is always applied to the inner housing in various directions of action by all the sliding elements and pressing spring elements distributed over the circumference thereof and thus ensures a high stiffness of the overall construction of the steering column. Deflection of the spring part makes it possible to compensate for any wear of the sliding element or the plurality of sliding elements over the service life, the result of which is that the compression force distributed over the circumference on the inner housing and thus the stiffness of the steering column can be ensured over the entire service life.

[0017] The expression "distributed over a circumference" relates to a distribution over a circumference of the inner shell or the outer shell of the steering column, that is to say over a 360° arc of a circle which surrounds (and is orthogonal to) the longitudinal axis, wherein the pitch angle between two adjacent elements can in each case be of identical size or can also be different. For example, three elements can be distributed over a circumference with three identical pitch angles of 120° in each case relative to one another, but three elements can also be distributed, for example, such that two elements are arranged at an angle of 90° relative to one another and the third element has a respective pitch angle of 135° relative to the other two elements. In each case, the angles relate to the lines of action of the compression forces acting on the inner shell from the respective elements.

[0018] It is advantageous if, furthermore, press spring elements are arranged on the lower side of the inner shell. Lower side means an angular region along the above-described arc of a circle, along the circumference of the inner shell and / or the outer shell, which has an angle of not more than + / - 10° downwards relative to the direction of the force of gravity in the mounted state in the vehicle. This arrangement has the advantage that a weight load does not cause any undesired laterally acting lateral forces in the press spring elements.

[0019] Preferably, each of the sliding elements has a width which is less than half of the circumference, corresponding to an angular portion of less than 180°. More than one sliding element can also be provided.

[0020] It is particularly preferred if exactly three sliding elements and / or press spring elements are provided, which each extend over approximately one third of the circumferential arc in the circumferential direction, corresponding to a respective angular portion or pitch angle of 120° with a possible deviation of + / - 10°.

[0021] It is advantageous if the length of the sliding elements is greater than the width of the sliding elements. The length is defined as the axial dimension of the tube section measured in the longitudinal direction. This is preferably greater than the width measured in the circumferential direction. In this way, the sliding elements are designed as strips which are axially elongated in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0022] The relatively large axial length ensures an anti-tilt bearing against lateral forces and allows a durable guide and a generally more rigid steering column. The relatively small width relative to the axial length allows a defined bearing arrangement, for example a clearly defined three-sided guide between exactly three sliding elements and / or press spring elements which are preferably distributed over a circumference.

[0023] It is preferred if the length corresponds to at least 1.5 times the width. It is particularly preferred if the length corresponds to at least twice the width.

[0024] It can be preferred that the sliding element has a contact surface which extends over a sub-area. The contact surface, synonymously also referred to as sliding surface, is arranged on an inner side of the inner housing which is directed radially against the inner housing. The contact surface is smaller than the total area of the sliding element given by its length and width and is arranged within this total area. The contact surface is formed such that the sliding element is in sliding contact with the inner housing only via the contact surface. To this end, the contact surface can be arranged on a protrusion or region which protrudes radially inward from the sliding element. In other words, the contact surface or sliding surface represents a defined surface portion over the range of the sliding element which enables the actual sliding guidance.

[0025] Each sliding element can form one or more contact surfaces. The arrangement of multiple contact surfaces makes it possible to adjust the sliding and bearing properties in a wide range. For example, a multi-point bearing system can be implemented on the sliding element in order to be able to better compensate tolerances, to adjust the sliding behavior in a variable manner or to implement a spatially limited bearing, for example. In this way, it is possible to optimize the operating properties and expand the use possibilities by means of the configuration of one or more sliding elements alone.

[0026] In the aforementioned embodiments, it can be provided that two contact surfaces are arranged on the sliding element at a distance in the longitudinal direction and / or in the circumferential direction. Thus, for example, two three-point or three-sided bearings which are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction can be implemented by means of separate sliding elements or a single row of sliding elements which are attached distributed over the circumference, for example, can be formed by exactly three sliding elements distributed over the circumference. In this way, a clear spatial orientation and bearing of the inner housing relative to the outer housing can be achieved with less structural outlay.

[0027] Additionally or as an alternative, two or more contact surfaces can be arranged spaced apart in the circumferential direction on the sliding element. Thus, for example, three contact surfaces can be arranged distributed over the circumference on two sliding elements in order to implement a three-point or three-sided bearing system.

[0028] As an improvement, the contact surface can have a recess. The recess is introduced into the region of the contact surface which lies against the outer side of the inner housing over the region and can have, for example, a continuous or interrupted groove, a bowl-shaped recess or the like. The direction of the recess can be radially outward as seen from the longitudinal axis, or synonymously in the direction normal to the surface of the contact surface, or, if the sliding element is produced by means of a mold which involves demolding, for example an injection mold, the direction of the recess can be parallel to the demolding direction. The recess can extend over the entire contact surface or a sub-area.

[0029] The recess can receive lubricant, such as grease. Therefore, the recess can act as a lubricant reservoir during operation to ensure effective lubrication and thus ensure smooth operation.

[0030] The recess can be straight or curved. For example, a straight recess can form a pattern of parallel and / or intersecting lines, with all or some of the lines having the same spacing relative to each other. The lines can be oriented in a longitudinal direction (i.e., parallel to the longitudinal axis) or a transverse direction, or the lines can be oriented obliquely relative to the longitudinal direction.

[0031] All lines can have the same orientation, or there can be two groups of lines with two different orientations. In the latter case, the lines can form a grid pattern, for example, similar to a tire profile. In this case, the two groups can be oriented, for example, in two different directional inclinations, resulting in the formation of a diamond pattern. This arrangement of the straight recesses can be particularly advantageous because the recesses can then distribute the lubricant particularly well on the circumference and can also produce a dirt-removing effect (the edges of the recesses can act as scrapers).

[0032] Advantageously, the sliding element is at least partially supported against the housing in a form-fitting manner on its radially outer portion. Because the outer portion is at least partially cylindrical and has the same radius as the channel, the sliding element can be positioned regionally against the outer portion. Therefore, stable radial positioning and fixation of the sliding element can be ensured.

[0033] Preferably, the sliding element is positioned against the housing in a region and supported against the housing substantially over its entire longitudinal range.

[0034] Alternatively, the sliding element may be preferably configured such that it has an axially oriented longitudinal convex portion on its radially outer side, which is supported by a corresponding recess in the housing in a form-fitting manner. Therefore, the positioning and fixation of the sliding element on the housing can be stably ensured not only in the radial direction but also in the circumferential direction.

[0035] Preferably, the sliding element is at least partially formed of plastic. The sliding element can consist of a one-piece plastic component or can be an assembly of multiple components, at least including a contact surface made of plastic. Plastics with good sliding properties, such as polyamide, polytetrafluoroethylene, etc., can preferably be used. This allows for the formation of a low-friction friction pair with the metal surface of the inner shell, which can be made of, for example, steel.

[0036] Advantageously, the sliding element has an injection-molded plastic component composed of a thermoplastic polymer. This allows for efficient manufacturing. In particular, the sliding element, including a fastening device and a sliding surface with molded recesses, can be configured as a single piece. In the area of ​​the contact surface, the plastic can also be molded onto a load-bearing element composed of a different material.

[0037] Preferably, the sliding element has fastening elements on its outer side. The fastening elements are preferably designed to be secured to a corresponding fastening device on the housing. For example, the fastening element may have one or more radially outwardly projecting form-fitting elements that engage in corresponding cutouts or openings formed in the inner side of the channel. This allows for form-fitting engagement acting in both longitudinal and circumferential directions, resulting in the radially inwardly sliding sliding element, supported by the inner housing, being held in a form-fitting manner on all sides.

[0038] The fastening element may have a resilient latching element in a corresponding latching receiver that can snap into the housing. The latching element has an undercut geometry that ensures the sliding element is permanently secured to the housing after snapping into the latching receiver; "permanent" means that the fixation can only be released by active manual intervention or by using a suitable tool. In this way, for example, it is ensured that the sliding element can be installed in the housing's channels even in the absence of an inner housing, and that the installed sliding element will not fall out uncontrollably when the inner housing is removed (e.g., during maintenance).

[0039] Such snap-fit ​​or latching elements are known in principle and allow for simple, preferably tool-free, installation, while providing reliable fixation.

[0040] Particularly preferably, the sliding element has an injection-molded plastic part, and the sliding element also has a fastening element with an elastic latching element and a release slit adjacent to the fastening element. Because the latching element has an undercut geometry, this can make demolding of the injection-molded portion difficult and / or require a more expensive injection mold with multiple demolding directions. To avoid this, a release slit adjacent to the fastening element can be provided, designed as a continuous hole through the sliding element body, the hole pointing from the rear towards the undercut region of the latching element. This allows the injection mold to be designed for simple opening and closing, and for the mold to separate such that the undercut surface of the latching element lies in the parting plane, making simple demolding of the injection-molded portion possible.

[0041] Multiple fastening elements can be provided as needed.

[0042] Advantageously, the fastening elements are arranged between two contact surfaces, each extending over a sub-region of the sliding element. In the embodiment further described above, the sliding element has two or more separate contact surfaces, with sliding contact existing only at these surfaces. Advantageously, the sliding element is secured to the housing outside these contact surfaces. This ensures that the function of the contact surfaces is not affected by the retaining forces acting on the fastening elements. For example, a substantially symmetrical arrangement in the intermediate space between two longitudinally spaced contact surfaces may be particularly advantageous in this regard.

[0043] Advantageously, a motor adjustment actuator is arranged between the inner and outer housings. The inner housing has an actuation unit for inputting manual steering commands, preferably by means of a steering wheel capable of rotating about a longitudinal axis. This can be adjusted by adjusting the inner housing in the longitudinal direction relative to the outer housing. The motor adjustment actuator may have a linear actuator, such as a spindle actuator, which is known per se and engages longitudinally between the adjustable housings. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, specifically:

[0045] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the steering column according to the present invention is shown.

[0046] Figure 2a It shows crossing according to Figure 1 The longitudinal section of the steering column,

[0047] Figure 2b It shows something similar to Figure 2a The longitudinal section conceals the actuation unit.

[0048] Figure 3 Showing from Figure 2a and Figure 2b Detailed view,

[0049] Figure 4 It shows crossing according to Figure 2a The cross-section of the steering column is QQ.

[0050] Figure 5 Showing from Figure 4 Detailed view,

[0051] Figure 6 A perspective view of the sliding element according to the present invention is shown.

[0052] Figure 7 It shows that according to Figure 6 Another perspective view of the sliding element.

[0053] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 Detailed view. Detailed Implementation

[0054] In each of the accompanying figures, the same parts always have the same figure labels, and therefore will usually be named or mentioned only once in each case.

[0055] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the rear end of the steering column 1 according to the invention is shown from the upper right, relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle (not shown).

[0056] The steering column 1 includes a support unit 2 having fastening devices 21 in the form of fastening openings for attachment to a vehicle body (not shown). The support unit 2 holds the housing 4 of the housing unit, also referred to as a guide box or box-type control arm, and receives the actuation unit 3.

[0057] The actuation unit 3 has an inner tube 31 (shell tube), and a steering spindle 32 is rotatably mounted in the inner tube 31 about a longitudinal axis L. The steering spindle extends axially in the longitudinal direction, i.e., along the longitudinal axis L. A fastening portion 33 is formed at the rear end of the steering spindle 32, to which a steering wheel (not shown) can be attached.

[0058] To achieve longitudinal adjustment, the inner shell 31 is received in the outer shell 4 of the shell unit and can be moved in a telescoping manner along the longitudinal axis L so that the steering wheel connected to the steering spindle 32 can be positioned forward and backward relative to the carrier unit 2 in the longitudinal direction, as indicated by the double-headed arrow parallel to the longitudinal axis L.

[0059] The housing 4 is mounted on the support unit 2 in a pivot bearing 22 so that it can pivot about a horizontal pivot axis S transverse to the longitudinal axis L. In the rear region, the housing 4 is connected to the support unit 2 via an actuating rod 41. Due to the rotational movement of the actuating rod 41 by means of the adjusting drive 65, the housing 4 can pivot relative to the support unit 2 about the horizontally positioned pivot axis S in the installed state, thereby allowing adjustment of the steering wheel attached to the fastening part 33 in the height direction H, as indicated by the double-headed arrow.

[0060] The adjustment driver 5, used for longitudinally adjusting the actuation unit 3 relative to the housing 4 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, has a spindle driver with a spindle nut 51. A threaded spindle 52 extending along its spindle axis G engages in the spindle nut 51, and the external thread of the threaded spindle is thus screwed into the corresponding internal thread of the spindle nut 51. The spindle axis G extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L.

[0061] The spindle nut 51 is rotatably mounted in the drive housing 53 of the drive unit 55 about the spindle axis G, and the drive housing is fixedly connected to the outer housing 4. In the direction of the spindle axis G, the spindle nut 51 is axially supported on the outer housing 4 via the drive unit 55.

[0062] By means of a fastening element, namely a coupling head 54, formed at the rear end of the threaded spindle 52, the threaded spindle 52 is specifically connected to the inner housing 31 of the actuation unit 3 via a transmission element 34 in a manner fixed in the direction of axis G or longitudinal axis L and stationary relative to rotation about axis G. A so-called plunger-type spindle drive is realized due to the spindle nut 51 that can be driven to rotate and the threaded spindle 52 that is stationary relative to rotation.

[0063] The transmission element 34 extends from the actuation unit 3 through the slot 42 in the housing 4. In order to adjust the steering column 1 in the longitudinal direction, the transmission element 34 can move freely in the slot 42 in the longitudinal direction.

[0064] The adjustment driver 5 has a drive unit 55 with an electric actuation motor, and the spindle nut 51 can be driven by the drive unit 55 to rotate relative to the axis G1, relative to the stationary threaded spindle 52, and relative to the drive housing 53. Therefore, the threaded spindle 52 can be shifted relative to the spindle nut 51 in a translational manner along the spindle axis G according to the rotation direction of the actuation motor, so that the inner housing 31 of the actuation device 3 connected to the threaded spindle 52 is adjusted relative to the outer housing 4 connected to the spindle nut 51 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L.

[0065] Figure 2a A longitudinal section is shown passing through the steering column 1 along the longitudinal axis L. Figure 2b In the same view, actuation unit 3 is omitted. Figure 3 It shows Figure 2a and Figure 2b A magnified, detailed view. Figure 4 Showing from Figure 2a The cross-section of QQ, and Figure 5 Showing from Figure 4 A magnified, detailed view.

[0066] Figure 2a The inner shell 31 of the actuation unit 3 is shown to be received in the channel 43 of the outer shell 4 so as to be adjustable in a nested telescoping manner in the longitudinal direction, as indicated by the double-headed arrow.

[0067] exist Figure 2b The actuation unit 3 has been omitted, resulting in a clear view of the inner side of the channel 43. Therefore, one of the sliding elements 7 arranged in the housing 4 can be seen.

[0068] fromFigure 4 The cross-section QQ shows that the inner shell 31 has an outer cylindrical shape, and the channel 43 of the outer shell 4 has an inner cylindrical shape that is compatible with the outer cylindrical shape.

[0069] In the example shown, a total of two sliding elements 7 and one pressing spring element 8, designed according to the present invention, are fixed to the housing 4 in a radially inward orientation in the channel 43 and are attached in a triangular arrangement that is approximately evenly distributed on the circumference.

[0070] According to Figure 4 In the installation position, the pressing spring element 8 is placed from below to slide against the outer surface of the inner shell 31, such as... Figure 3 As illustrated in the diagram. Due to this arrangement on the lower side of the inner shell 31, the press spring element 8 can directly and centrally bear the weight of the inner shell 31, and therefore no further lateral support is required. The press spring element 8 includes a spring element 81 designed as a leaf spring, which applies compressive force to the inner shell 31 via two sliding shoes 82 and is supported on the outer shell 4 via support elements 83.

[0071] Two sliding elements 7 are arranged in the radial gap between the inner shell 31 and the outer shell 4, offset relative to the pressing spring element 8 and about 120° off from each other about the longitudinal axis L. Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The illustration shows that the two sliding elements 7 have the same form.

[0072] In each case respectively Figure 6 and Figure 7 The sliding element 7, illustrated in an exposed manner, is designed as a one-piece plastic part, preferably as an injection-molded plastic part. Figure 6 A view of the radially outward-oriented outer portion 71 is shown, and Figure 7 A view of the radially inwardly oriented inner portion 72 is shown.

[0073] The sliding element 7 has a length A measured in the longitudinal direction and a width B measured in the circumferential direction. The length A is significantly greater than the width B, preferably at least 1.5 times larger than the width B, and particularly preferably at least twice as large.

[0074] According to the invention, the sliding element 7 has a basic tubular segment shape, which in the illustrated example is designed as a hollow cylindrical profile segment. The curvature of the inner portion 72 is adapted to the outer radius of the inner shell 31. Furthermore, the curvature of the outer portion 71 is adapted to the inner radius of the outer shell 4. In addition, the outer portion 71 also has an additional convex round portion 711. A corresponding recess 712 is provided in the outer shell 4, and the convex round portion 711 is nested into the recess 712, thereby providing a form-fit support for the sliding element 7 against the outer shell 4. This allows for… Figure 5 As seen in the middle, Figure 5 The diagram is shown in enlarged form according to Figure 4 The installation location.

[0075] The sliding element 7 has two contact surfaces 73, each formed separately and each having a length X in the longitudinal direction and a width Y in the circumferential direction, wherein the length X and width Y are independently smaller than the length A and width B of the sliding element 7. Therefore, each contact surface 73 extends over a sub-region of the sliding element 7. The two contact surfaces 73 are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction and project radially inward from the inner portion 72.

[0076] The sliding element 7 only makes sliding contact with the outer side of the inner shell 31 in the area of ​​the contact surface 73.

[0077] The contact surface 73 may optionally be provided with recesses 74, which, in the illustrated example, have grooves extending in a cross-shaped manner. These recesses 74... Figure 8 The enlarged detailed view is shown in the image.

[0078] Protruding radially outward from the outer side 71 is a fastening element 75, which has a resilient latching element and can be latched or snapped into a corresponding latch receiving portion 44, such as a continuous latch opening, in a form-fitting manner. Figure 5 As seen in the image. The form-fit engagement is caused by the undercut geometry or undercut portion 751 on the latch element or fastening element 75, which is supported on the shoulder portion 441 of the latch receiving portion.

[0079] The sliding element 7 is designed as an injection-molded part, and although there is an undercut geometry 751 on the fastening element 75, the sliding element 7 can be produced by a simple and cost-effective mold opening and closing without lateral sliding or ejector parts, because the sliding element has a demolding cut 76 adjacent to the fastening element 75, through which a pin housed in the mold passes from the inside of the sliding element 7, and the undercut geometry can be formed from the rear side.

[0080] Fastening elements 75 are arranged longitudinally between contact surfaces 73, such as...Figure 2a and Figure 7 What I saw in the video.

[0081] List of reference numerals

[0082] 1. Steering column

[0083] 2. Bearing Unit

[0084] 21 Fastening devices

[0085] 22 Pivot bearings

[0086] 3 Actuation Unit

[0087] 31 Inner Shell

[0088] 32 Steering spindle

[0089] 33 Fastening parts

[0090] 34 Transmission Components

[0091] 4. Outer shell

[0092] 41 Actuating rod

[0093] 42 slots

[0094] 43 channels

[0095] 44. Latch receiving section

[0096] 441 Shoulder

[0097] 5. Adjust the driver

[0098] 51 Spindle Nut

[0099] 52 Threaded Spindle

[0100] 53 Drive Housing

[0101] 54. Connector (Fastening Component)

[0102] 55 Drive Unit (Actuation Motor)

[0103] 65 Adjust the driver

[0104] 7 Sliding element

[0105] 71. Outer side

[0106] 711 Convex part

[0107] 712 Recess in the outer casing

[0108] 72 Inner side

[0109] 73 Contact Surface

[0110] 74 recess

[0111] 75 Fastening components

[0112] 751 Undercut geometry, undercut portion

[0113] 76 Demolding cut

[0114] 8. Pressing spring element

[0115] 81 Spring Components

[0116] 82 Sliding Boots

[0117] 83 Support elements

[0118] L longitudinal axis

[0119] S Pivot axis

[0120] H (height direction)

[0121] G spindle axis

[0122] The length of sliding element 7

[0123] B. Width of sliding element 7

[0124] X Length of contact surface 73

[0125] The width of the Y contact surface 73

Claims

1. A steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, the steering column (1) comprising an inner housing (31) of an actuation unit (3), the inner housing (31) being received in a channel (43) of an outer housing (4) and axially adjustable in a collapsing manner relative to a longitudinal axis (L), wherein at least one sliding element (7) is fixed to the outer housing (4), and the inner housing (31) is slidably mounted on the sliding element (7). Its features are, The sliding element (7) is designed in the form of a tube section that extends in the longitudinal direction.

2. The steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple sliding elements (7) are arranged to be distributed on the circumference.

3. The steering column according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, In addition to at least one of the sliding elements (7), at least one pressing spring element (8) for pressing the inner shell (31) against at least one of the sliding elements (7) is arranged in a circumferential manner.

4. The steering column according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pressing spring element (8) is arranged on the lower side of the inner shell (31).

5. The steering column according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The length (A) of the sliding element (7) is greater than the width (B) of the sliding element (7).

6. The steering column according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The sliding element (7) has a contact surface (73) extending over the sub-region.

7. The steering column according to claim 6, characterized in that, Two contact surfaces (73) are arranged on the sliding element (7) at a distance along the longitudinal direction and / or along the circumferential direction.

8. The steering column according to any one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that, The contact surface (73) has a recess (74).

9. The steering column according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The sliding element (7) is supported at least partially against the housing (4) on the radially outer side (71) of the sliding element (7) in a form-fitting manner.

10. The steering column according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The sliding element (7) is at least partially made of plastic.

11. The steering column according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The sliding element (7) has an injection-molded plastic component made of a thermoplastic polymer.

12. The steering column according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The sliding element (7) has a fastening element (75) on its outer side (71).

13. The steering column according to claim 12, characterized in that, The sliding element (7) has an injection-molded plastic component, and the sliding element (7) also has a fastening element (75) with an elastic latching element and a demolding cut (76) adjacent to the fastening element.

14. The steering column according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, Fastening elements (75) are arranged between two contact surfaces (73) that extend over a sub-region of the sliding element (7).

15. The steering column according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, An active adjustment actuator (5) is arranged between the inner shell (31) and the outer shell (4).

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