Steering column module for a vehicle, steering column assembly, vehicle and method for assembling a steering column assembly

Abstract

Steering column module (1) for a vehicle, wherein the steering column module (1) is designed for mounting on a sleeve (10) of a steering column of a vehicle and can be attached to the sleeve (10) at a steering wheel-side end of the steering column and can be clamped to the sleeve (10), wherein the steering column module (1) has a housing (2) and a clamping sleeve (3), wherein the housing (2) and the clamping sleeve (3) can be slid into one another in an axial direction and are designed such that a radial clamping force can be generated by the axial sliding of the housing (2) and the clamping sleeve (3), by means of which the steering column module (1) can be clamped to the sleeve (10), wherein the housing (2) has several circumferentially distributed pressure elements (4) extending axially in the direction and resilient at least radially inwards with respect to a functional mounting state of the steering column module (1) on the outer tube (10) of a steering column, each having at least one clamping surface (4i) on its inner side that can be pressed against the outer tube (10) and at least one guide surface (4a) extending axially on its outer side, characterized by the fact that The clamping sleeve (3) has several contact surfaces (3i) distributed circumferentially on its inside, corresponding to the guide surfaces (4a) of the housing (2) and rigidly formed in the radial direction.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a steering column module for a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a steering column assembly for a vehicle, wherein the steering column assembly comprises a steering column, a steering column module attached to the steering column and a steering wheel, wherein the steering column has a casing tube and a steering spindle rotatably arranged within the casing tube relative to the casing tube, wherein the steering column module is attached to the casing tube and wherein the steering wheel, with reference to a functional installation state of the steering column assembly in a vehicle, is attached to an end of the steering spindle facing the passenger compartment by means of a steering wheel screw and is supported axially on the steering column module by means of an axial bearing.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle with a steering column arrangement as described above and to a method for assembling such a steering column arrangement.

[0004] Steering column modules, also known as steering column switch modules or switch modules (as they are sometimes called), are generally known from the prior art. They are typically located in the passenger compartment of vehicles between the steering wheel and the instrument panel and generally serve to accommodate or mount one or more actuating elements near the steering wheel, in particular steering column switches. They are generally designed to be attached to a steering column with a steering spindle and a surrounding outer tube, especially to the outer tube of the steering column.

[0005] The steering spindle is usually mounted to rotate about a longitudinal axis relative to the outer tube and is usually designed to be connected to a steering gear at a first end on the steering gear side and to be connected to a steering wheel at a second end on the steering wheel side, opposite the first end, whereby the steering wheel can usually be mounted on the steering spindle in a rotationally fixed manner and can be screwed to the steering spindle by means of a steering wheel screw arranged centrally in the area of ​​the axis of rotation of the steering spindle or the steering wheel.

[0006] Steering column modules of this type can generally be attached to the steering column by sliding or pushing them axially onto the steering column's outer tube from the steering wheel-side end of the steering column with the steering wheel removed, and then securing them to the outer tube. Various designs for steering column modules, particularly for their attachment to a steering column, are known from the prior art, for example from DE 102 59 167 B3, the generic DE 10 2007 060 631 A1 and DE 10 2013 018 149 A1. Furthermore, the following documents are known from the state of the art:

[0007] DE 11 2009 002 198 T5 describes a device for connecting a control module to a steering column by means of a carrier and a clamping sleeve. The connection is made by a combined plugging and turning motion, in which a projection on one component engages in a corresponding recess on the other component.

[0008] DE 10 2014 008 933 A1 discloses a device for fastening a steering column switch module, in which clamping is achieved by two half-shells. These half-shells are activated by an axial relative movement of the module carrier with respect to the half-shells during steering wheel assembly. In this process, inclined pressure surfaces on the carrier come into contact with the end flanges of the half-shells and press them radially against the steering column.

[0009] US patent 2016 / 247647A1 discloses a switch device with a cylindrical mounting section incorporating several elastic segments. A clamping band encloses these segments and presses them against a steering column for mounting. The contact points with the steering column are formed by thickened, outwardly convex areas at the tips of the elastic segments.

[0010] It is particularly known to fasten steering column modules by clamping them to the outer tube, wherein steering column modules that can be clamped to the outer tube generally have a housing and a mounting sleeve arranged inside the housing, which is radially compressible such that it can be clamped to the outer tube by applying a radial clamping force. It is known to design the housing and the mounting sleeve conically and as a wedge-shaped mechanism, so that when the housing and mounting sleeve are pushed together, a clamping force acting in the radial direction is generated, by which the mounting sleeve is clamped to the outer tube. In many steering column modules, the pushing together of the housing and mounting sleeve can be achieved after the steering wheel has been placed on the steering column by tightening the steering wheel bolt.Often the mounting sleeves are made of metal or designed as so-called spring cages and are therefore relatively expensive.

[0011] It is an object of the invention to provide an alternative steering column module, preferably a steering column module that is particularly cost-effective to manufacture and can also be easily attached to the steering column. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a steering column assembly with such a steering column module, a vehicle with a corresponding steering column assembly, and a method for assembling a corresponding steering column assembly.

[0012] This problem is solved by a steering column module according to the invention, by a steering column arrangement according to the invention, by a vehicle according to the invention, and by a method according to the invention, as described in the respective independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims, the description, and the figures, and are explained in more detail below.

[0013] A steering column module according to the invention is characterized in that the housing has several, i.e. at least two, circumferentially distributed pressure elements extending in the axial direction and resilient at least in the radial direction inwards with respect to a functional mounting state of the steering column module on the outer tube of a steering column, each having at least one clamping surface on its inner side that can be pressed against the outer tube and at least one guide surface extending in the axial direction on its outer side.

[0014] The inventive design of the housing with pressure elements for clamping the steering column module to the outer tube allows the housing to absorb some of the clamping forces instead of solely the mounting sleeve or clamping sleeve, thus enabling the clamping sleeve to be made smaller. In particular, the clamping sleeve can even be made of plastic in some cases, resulting in significant cost savings compared to a metal clamping sleeve.

[0015] For the purposes of the invention, the housing is understood to be the part of the steering column module which is designed to receive or attach one or more actuating elements and / or to receive one or more electronic modules.

[0016] In the context of the invention, the clamping sleeve is understood to be the component of the steering column module by means of which, together with the housing, the clamping of the steering column module to the outer tube of a steering column can be effected.

[0017] In accordance with the invention, two components are "slidable into one another" if the components can be moved translationally relative to each other along an axis, at least partially, i.e., to a certain extent, into one another and / or can be pulled apart to at least a certain extent, whereby the components in question do not necessarily have to move both simultaneously, but can also be moved translationally along the axis by sliding only one of the two components into one another or pulled apart.The invention relates to a steering column module in which the housing and the clamping sleeve can be pushed into one another and / or pulled apart axially by simultaneously moving the housing and the clamping sleeve towards or away from each other, or by moving the housing towards or away from the clamping sleeve when the clamping sleeve is fixed, or by moving the clamping sleeve towards or away from the housing when the housing is fixed. Preferably, the clamping sleeve and housing can be pushed into one another telescopically.

[0018] In one embodiment of a steering column module according to the invention, the clamping sleeve has several, i.e., at least two, contact surfaces distributed circumferentially on its inner side, corresponding to the guide surfaces of the housing and rigidly formed in the radial direction. A radial clamping force can be applied to the guide surfaces of the pressure elements of the housing via the contact surfaces of the clamping sleeve, the contact surfaces preferably being as small as possible in order to generate a large radial clamping force.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment of a steering column module according to the invention, the outer guide surfaces of the housing and the inner contact surfaces of the clamping sleeve each form a conical contact surface, i.e., a contact surface inclined to the longitudinal axis of the steering column module like a conical shell.With reference to a functional mounting state on the steering column's outer tube, a contact surface inclined like a cone to the axis of rotation of the steering spindle is formed between the housing and the clamping sleeve, so that by sliding the housing and clamping sleeve together, a clamping force acting in a radial direction can be applied to the radially inwardly spring-loaded clamping elements of the housing by means of the outer guide surfaces on the pressure elements of the housing and the inner pressure surfaces of the clamping sleeve, and the pressure elements of the housing are consequently pressed with their clamping surface against the outer tube, in particular such that the steering column module can be clamped to the outer tube.Preferably, the pressure elements of the housing can be pressed against the outer tube by means of the clamping sleeve in such a way that the steering column module can be clamped to the outer tube, wherein the pressure elements preferably each have correspondingly shaped wedge surfaces in the form of guide surfaces on their outside and the clamping sleeve preferably has corresponding pressure surfaces shaped as wedge surfaces on its inside, by means of which at least a portion of the radial clamping force required to clamp the steering column module to the outer tube can be generated when the housing and clamping sleeve are pushed together.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment of a steering column module according to the invention, the clamping sleeve also has several circumferentially distributed clamping elements that extend axially in the direction and are resilient at least radially inwards, relative to a functional mounting state of the steering column module on the steering column's outer tube. Each clamping element has at least one clamping surface on its inner side that can be pressed against the outer tube, and each guide surface on its outer side that extends radially inwards. That is, in a further advantageous embodiment of a steering column module according to the invention, the steering column module can be clamped to the outer tube both by clamping elements assigned to the housing and by clamping elements provided on the clamping sleeve. In some cases, a single clamping element may suffice.The clamping sleeve of a steering column module according to the invention can have no, a single, or multiple clamping elements. This allows the clamping force required to clamp the steering column module to the outer tube to be distributed between the housing and the clamping sleeve, thereby reducing the stress on the clamping sleeve and allowing it to be dimensioned accordingly. Consequently, with appropriate design, the clamping sleeve can be made of plastic and does not need to be made of metal, as is the case with many steering column modules known from the prior art. This allows the clamping sleeve of a steering column module according to the invention to be manufactured more cost-effectively, thus providing a more cost-effective steering column module. A further advantage is the resulting weight reduction of the steering column module.

[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment of a steering column module according to the invention, the housing of the steering column module has at least one, preferably several, contact surfaces distributed circumferentially on an inner side, corresponding to the guide surfaces of the clamping sleeve and rigidly formed in the radial direction.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment of a steering column module according to the invention, the outer guide surfaces of the clamping sleeve and the inner contact surfaces of the housing each form a conical contact surface between them, so that by sliding the housing and clamping sleeve into one another by means of the outer guide surfaces on the pressure elements of the clamping sleeve and the inner contact surfaces of the housing, a clamping force acting in a radial direction is applied to the pressure elements of the clamping sleeve which are spring-loaded in a radial direction inwards and the pressure elements of the clamping sleeve are consequently pressed with their clamping surface against the outer tube.

[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment of a steering column module according to the invention, at least one contact surface of the housing and / or at least one contact surface of the clamping sleeve and / or at least one clamping surface of a pressure element of the steering column module is formed at least partially by an inner surface of a projection extending at least partially in a radial direction inwards, preferably by the inner surface of a web extending at least partially in a radial direction inwards, in particular by the inner surface of a web extending at least partially in a radial direction inwards and at least partially in an axial direction.

[0024] Preferably, an edge surface of the projection that points radially inwards forms the inner surface. A projection in the form of a narrow, elongated rib extending also in the axial direction has proven particularly advantageous; that is, a projection shaped like a narrow rib pointing radially towards the center, the inner edge or edge surface of which forms the contact surface or clamping surface. Thus, the steering column module, in particular the housing and / or the clamping sleeve, preferably has at least one narrow, elongated, in particular rib-shaped, contact surface and / or at least one narrow, elongated, in particular rib-shaped, clamping surface.

[0025] Preferably, all contact surfaces of the housing and / or all contact surfaces of the clamping sleeve and / or all clamping surfaces of the housing and / or the clamping sleeve are formed by the inner surface of a radially inwardly extending projection and / or ridge, particularly preferably narrow and elongated. This allows sufficiently high clamping forces to be generated in a simple manner.

[0026] In a further advantageous embodiment of a steering column module according to the invention, the width of the projection is at least partially less than or equal to 4 times the wall thickness of a wall section directly adjacent to the projection in the adjacent area, wherein the width of the projection is preferably less than or equal to 3 times the wall thickness, in particular less than 2 times the wall thickness.

[0027] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of a steering column module according to the invention, the width of the projection is 0.5 to 1.5 times the wall thickness of the wall section immediately adjacent to the projection in the adjacent area, preferably 0.8 to 1.2 times the wall thickness, and more specifically 0.9 to 1.1 times the wall thickness. This is advantageous for manufacturing reasons, as large differences in wall thickness can be avoided.

[0028] In a further advantageous embodiment of a steering column module according to the invention, the axial length of the projection is at least twice the wall thickness of a wall section directly adjacent to the projection in the adjacent area, preferably at least four times the wall thickness, and in particular at least eight times the wall thickness. Narrow and elongated contact or clamping surfaces have proven advantageous for a secure clamping effect.

[0029] In a further advantageous embodiment of a steering column module according to the invention, the pressure elements of the housing and the pressure elements of the clamping sleeve interlock in a comb-like manner in the circumferential direction. This allows for a particularly space-saving design of the steering column module.

[0030] In a further advantageous embodiment of a steering column module according to the invention, the steering column module is designed such that, after the steering column module is placed on the outer tube of the steering column and a steering wheel is placed on a steering spindle, the housing and the clamping sleeve can be slid into one another by screwing the steering wheel to the steering spindle using a steering wheel screw, such that the steering column module is clamped to the outer tube, in particular with a clamping force required for secure attachment of the steering column module to the steering column of a vehicle. An axial bearing can also be arranged between the housing and the steering wheel, by means of which the steering wheel can be supported axially against the housing of the steering column module in a rotatable manner.

[0031] In a further advantageous embodiment of a steering column module according to the invention, the steering column module, preferably the clamping sleeve and / or the housing, in particular the clamping sleeve, has at least one stop element for axial support on the outer tube, in particular for supporting an axial force acting in the direction of the steering gear, with reference to a functional mounting state of the steering column module on the steering column and a functional installation state of the steering column in a vehicle. The stop element of the steering column module is preferably designed to interact with the outer tube, in particular with a further stop element arranged on the outer tube. The geometry of the stop element of the clamping sleeve is preferably designed to correspond to the outer tube, in particular to an associated further stop element arranged on the outer tube.

[0032] Preferably, the stop element of the steering column module is arranged on the underside or in the area of ​​the underside of the steering column module, in particular on the underside or in the area of ​​the underside of the clamping sleeve.

[0033] In accordance with the invention, the underside of the steering column module or clamping sleeve is defined as the side facing the steering gear, i.e., the side away from the steering wheel, of the steering column module or clamping sleeve in a functionally correct mounting state of the steering column module on a steering column of a vehicle.

[0034] Particularly preferred is at least one stop element of the steering column module or the clamping sleeve formed by a stop surface extending in a radial direction and at least one further stop element arranged on the outer tube formed by a projection extending radially outwards with a further stop surface corresponding to the stop surface of the steering column module or the clamping sleeve.

[0035] Preferably, the steering column module is designed such that at least the clamping sleeve, and in particular the entire steering column module, can be axially displaced along the outer tube towards the steering gear end of the steering column when it is fitted onto the outer tube, until at least one stop element of the steering column module abuts at least one further stop element of the outer tube. Preferably, at least one stop element is designed to support the axial forces occurring when the housing and clamping sleeve are pushed together.

[0036] In a further advantageous embodiment of a steering column module according to the invention, the housing and the clamping sleeve can be slid into one another against a restoring force acting in an axial direction, wherein the steering column module preferably has at least one spring element which is supported in particular on the one hand on the housing and on the other hand on the clamping sleeve.

[0037] Preferably, the steering column module has at least one spring element, in particular at least one helical spring. Particularly preferably, the steering column module has several spring elements arranged distributed circumferentially, in particular spring elements arranged uniformly distributed circumferentially, wherein preferably all spring elements are formed by helical springs.

[0038] By means of the restoring force generated by the spring elements when the housing and clamping sleeve are pushed together, and with a suitable design of the steering column module, particularly with appropriate dimensioning of the spring elements and a corresponding structural design of the housing and clamping sleeve, the steering column module can be removed from the steering column tube particularly easily. When the steering wheel bolt is loosened, the restoring force of the spring elements can push the housing and the clamping sleeve apart, thereby relieving the radial clamping force with which the steering column module was clamped to the steering column tube and releasing the clamping of the steering column module to the steering column tube, so that the steering column module can be removed from the steering column tube without significant effort.

[0039] Preferably, the housing and / or the clamping sleeve for each provided spring element each have at least one radially extending support surface, wherein at least one support surface of the clamping sleeve is preferably located in the area of ​​the underside of the clamping sleeve and at least one support surface in the housing is preferably located in the area of ​​the top of the housing, i.e. on the side of the housing facing the steering wheel.

[0040] For improved guidance of the spring elements when the housing and clamping sleeve are pushed together or when pushed apart, it can be advantageous if the housing and / or the clamping sleeve has a supporting wall extending in the axial direction for at least one spring element, in particular a supporting cylindrical shell segment extending in the axial direction or a supporting cylindrical wall that acts like a guide sleeve.

[0041] In a further advantageous embodiment of a steering column module according to the invention, the steering column module has at least one detent connection which prevents the housing and clamping sleeve from falling apart after they have been inserted. Preferably, the steering column module has several detent connections arranged circumferentially, in particular several detent connections arranged evenly circumferentially. This is particularly advantageous if the steering column module has at least one spring element arranged between the housing and the clamping sleeve which generates a restoring force when the housing and clamping sleeve are pushed together. By means of the detent connection, the spring elements can be held under preload accordingly, thus preventing the housing and clamping sleeve from falling apart.

[0042] Furthermore, the housing and the clamping sleeve and, if applicable, at least one spring element can be easily pre-assembled into a module by means of the at least one snap connection, which is particularly advantageous if the steering column module has at least one corresponding spring element that is supported on the housing on one side and on the clamping sleeve on the other and generates a restoring force when the housing and clamping sleeve are pushed together.

[0043] The design of the locking connection allows for easy adjustment of how far the housing and the clamping sleeve should be inserted or pushed into each other before assembly into a module.

[0044] Preferably, the locking connection has at least one locking hook on the housing and / or the clamping sleeve, which can engage behind a corresponding locking projection on the other component in such a way as to prevent the housing and clamping sleeve from falling apart. It goes without saying that the housing and clamping sleeve must not be fully pushed together during pre-assembly, as otherwise sufficient insertion is no longer possible to clamp the steering column module to the outer tube by means of a radially acting clamping force generated by pushing the housing and clamping sleeve together.

[0045] In a further advantageous embodiment of a steering column module according to the invention, the housing and / or the clamping sleeve have at least one axially extending guide groove on an inner circumferential surface, which is preferably designed to interact with at least one radial projection arranged on an outer circumferential surface of the outer tube corresponding to the guide groove and in particular to form an anti-rotation device, preferably a backlash-free anti-rotation device.

[0046] Preferably, several anti-rotation devices are provided, which are arranged in a staggered arrangement relative to each other. This means that the housing and / or the clamping sleeve preferably have several guide grooves arranged circumferentially staggered relative to each other, and the outer tube preferably has several radial projections, also arranged in a staggered arrangement relative to each other, in particular corresponding to the guide grooves of the steering column module.

[0047] The guide grooves in the steering column module and the radial projections on the outer tube are preferably arranged asymmetrically offset from each other in the circumferential direction. This makes it easy to avoid incorrect assembly of the steering column module on the outer tube and, in particular, to ensure that the steering column module is mounted in the correct rotational angular position.

[0048] Preferably, at least one guide groove and at least one associated radial projection are each elongated in the axial direction of the steering column. The longer the contact area between the projection and the guide groove in the axial direction, the greater the torques that can be absorbed.

[0049] For a circumferentially backlash-free anti-rotation device, the guide groove preferably has a rectangular or square cross-section and, in particular, a chamfer, preferably a 45° chamfer, between the groove base and the side surfaces of the groove. The associated radial projection on the outer tube is preferably elongated and also has a rectangular or square cross-section, but preferably chamfers between the side surfaces and the top surface of the projection. Particularly preferably, the radial height and width of the projection are matched to the geometry of the guide groove such that, in a functional mounting state of the steering column module on the steering column, the edges of the projection formed by the top surface and the side surfaces of the projection bear against the chamfers between the groove base and the side walls of the guide groove.This allows a secure, circumferentially backlash-free connection between the guide groove and the radial projection to be achieved in a simple manner, despite any tolerances that may occur, and thus a secure, circumferentially backlash-free connection between the steering column module and the steering column or outer tube.

[0050] Alternatively, the guide groove can have a trapezoidal cross-section with side surfaces that converge obliquely towards the base of the groove, which also allows for line contact between the edges of the projection and the guide groove, thus achieving a connection free of play in the circumferential direction.

[0051] In a further advantageous embodiment of a steering column module according to the invention, the steering column module can be locked onto the outer tube in a mounting position after being placed on the outer tube, wherein preferably the steering column module, in particular the housing and / or the clamping sleeve, has at least one locking element which, with respect to a mounting direction of the steering column module onto the outer tube, can be locked in place, in particular behind a locking projection on the outer tube.

[0052] The term "plug-in position" refers to a position of the steering column module on the steering column housing in which the module is not yet fully clamped. This means that the radial clamping force required to secure the module to the housing has not yet been reached, but the module is plugged into the housing, specifically the clamping sleeve. This prevents the steering column module from falling off the steering column into the passenger compartment until it is clamped securely to the housing.

[0053] In a further advantageous embodiment of a steering column module according to the invention, the housing and / or the clamping sleeve contains or consists of plastic. This allows for a particularly cost-effective steering column module, as well as a weight-optimized one.

[0054] A steering column arrangement according to the invention comprises a steering column module according to the invention and a vehicle according to the invention comprises a steering column arrangement according to the invention.

[0055] A method according to the invention for assembling a steering column arrangement according to the invention is characterized by the steps: - Attaching the clamping sleeve and housing of the steering column module to the outer tube of the steering column, - possibly fitting an axial bearing to the steering column, - Attaching a steering wheel to the steering spindle and - Screwing the steering wheel to the steering spindle, by screwing the steering wheel to the steering spindle using a steering wheel screw, the housing and the clamping sleeve are pushed into each other in such a way that the steering column module is clamped to the outer tube at least via the pressure elements in the housing.

[0056] In an advantageous embodiment of a method according to the invention, the clamping sleeve and the housing of the steering column module are joined together to form an assembly before being placed on the outer tube, preferably with at least one spring element in between, wherein the clamping sleeve and the housing are in particular pushed into one another and preferably secured against falling apart, in particular by means of at least one snap connection.

[0057] In a further advantageous embodiment of a method according to the invention, the housing and / or the clamping sleeve, in particular the entire steering column module, are secured against falling off the outer tube after being placed on the outer tube and preferably before being clamped to the outer tube, in particular by means of at least one snap connection.

[0058] The advantageous embodiments and their advantages presented with reference to a steering column module according to the invention also apply accordingly to a steering column arrangement according to the invention, a vehicle according to the invention and to a method according to the invention.

[0059] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. All features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown in the figures alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, provided this is technically feasible.

[0060] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to an advantageous embodiment and the accompanying drawings.

[0061] They show: Fig. 1 in exploded view a first embodiment of a steering column module according to the invention, Fig. 2a in enlarged view the steering column module according to the invention made of Fig. 1. in a pre-assembled state when attached to a steering column's outer tube in an incorrect mounting position, Fig. 2b the steering column module Fig. 2a when attaching it to the outer tube in the correct mounting position, Fig. 3 the steering column module from the Fig. 1 to 2b in enlarged view from below after the steering column module has been attached to the steering spindle, Fig. 4 the steering column module from the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 after attaching it to the steering column and locking it into place on the steering column tube, Fig. 5a a section of a housing of the steering column module from the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 in a first perspective view, Fig. 5b a section of a clamping sleeve of the steering column module according to the invention from the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 in a first perspective view, Fig. 6a the housing made of Fig. 5a in a second perspective view, Fig. 6b the clamping sleeve from Fig. 5b in a second perspective representation and Fig. 7 the steering column module from the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 in a pre-assembled state in perspective view. Fig. 8 the assembly from Fig. 7 in perspective view with a section across the clamping sleeve just below the pressure elements of the housing, Fig. 9 the assembly from the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 in perspective view in a longitudinal section in the area of ​​a contact surface of the clamping sleeve and the associated guide surface of the housing as well as Fig. 10 an enlarged section from Fig. 8 in the area of ​​the pressure element of the housing, diagonally to the upper right.

[0062] Fig. Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a steering column module 1 according to the invention in an exploded view, wherein the steering column module 1 comprises a housing 2, a clamping sleeve 3, and, in this case, a total of four spring elements 7, arranged uniformly in the circumferential direction and formed by helical springs 7. In addition to these components, a steering column module according to the invention may also comprise further components, in particular arranged electronic modules and / or actuating elements such as steering column switches or the like.

[0063] According to the invention, the steering column module 1 is designed to rest on a jacket tube 10 (see Fig. 2a, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) to be attached to a steering column for a vehicle and to be secured to the outer tube 10 and thus to the steering column by clamping. According to the invention, the housing 2 and the clamping sleeve 3 are designed such that, after the steering column module 1 has been attached to the outer tube 10, they can be pushed axially into one another to clamp the steering column module 1 onto the outer tube 10, generating a radial clamping force by means of which the steering column module 1 can be securely clamped to the outer tube 10.

[0064] The steering column module 1 is specifically designed to be mounted concentrically onto the outer tube 10, such that a longitudinal axis L of the steering column module 1 coincides with a rotation axis of a steering spindle 18 arranged inside the outer tube 10 and rotatably mounted relative to the outer tube 10, which is surrounded by the outer tube 10 (cf. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4).

[0065] At one end of the steering spindle 18, which, in relation to a functional installation state of the steering column in a vehicle, faces a passenger compartment (see Fig. 3) A steering wheel (not shown) can be attached and screwed in place using a steering wheel screw (also not shown) that is aligned with the axis of rotation of the steering spindle.

[0066] The steering column module 1 according to the invention can be attached to the steering column from the passenger compartment, wherein in a functional mounting state of the steering column module 1 on the outer tube 10 the housing 2 is facing the passenger compartment or the steering wheel and forms a steering wheel-side end 8 of the steering column module 1 and the clamping sleeve 3 is facing a steering gear-side end of the steering spindle and forms a steering gear-side end 9 of the steering column module 1.

[0067] The described steering column module 1 according to the invention can be pre-assembled into a sub-assembly, so that the housing 2 and the clamping sleeve 3 do not have to be individually and successively attached to the outer tube 10, but can be attached to the outer tube 10 together, in particular together with the coil springs 7, as a pre-assembled unit.

[0068] For pre-assembly into a common assembly, the housing 2 and the clamping sleeve 3 with the spring elements 7 between them are inserted into one another and pushed together against the restoring force generated by the coil springs 7 until the housing 2 and the clamping sleeve 3 lock together. The coil springs 7 are each supported at one end by the housing 2 and at the other end by the clamping sleeve (see Fig. 4) To guide the spring elements 7, the clamping sleeve 3 and the housing 2 each have a cylindrical sleeve-shaped wall in the area of ​​the support surfaces, on which the spring elements 7 are supported on the housing 2 and the clamping sleeve 3 respectively.

[0069] In this steering column module 1, both the housing 2 and the clamping sleeve 3 are made of plastic, in particular by plastic injection molding.

[0070] To prevent the clamping sleeve 3 and the housing 2 from falling apart, the housing 2 and the clamping sleeve 3 can be locked together. For this purpose, a total of four locking hooks 6 are provided on the clamping sleeve 3, evenly distributed around its circumference. Each of these hooks can engage behind a projection on the housing 2 (not shown), thus preventing the housing 2 and clamping sleeve 3 from falling apart.

[0071] The pre-assembled assembly enables the steering column module 1 to be attached to the outer tube 10 in a particularly simple manner, thus enabling the assembly of a steering column arrangement according to the invention in a particularly simple manner.

[0072] A steering column arrangement according to the invention comprises a steering column with a casing tube 10 and a steering spindle 18 rotatably arranged within the casing tube 10 relative to the casing tube 10, a steering column module 1 according to the invention attached to the casing tube 10 and a steering wheel, wherein the steering wheel, with reference to a functional installation state of the steering column arrangement in a vehicle, is attached to an end of the steering spindle 18 facing the passenger compartment by means of a steering wheel screw and is supported axially on the steering column module 1 via an axial bearing.

[0073] In order to secure the steering column module 1 to the outer tube 10 of the steering column in a rotationally secure manner and to correctly position the steering column module 1 circumferentially on the outer tube 10 when placing it on the outer tube 10, the outer tube 10 has several circumferentially distributed, radially outwardly extending, elongated projections 13 (see Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) Corresponding to the radial projections 13, both the clamping sleeve 3 and the housing 2 have corresponding guide grooves 16 and 20 respectively (see Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. 7), into which the radial projections 13 are inserted when the steering column module 1 is placed onto the outer tube 10. Together with the guide grooves 16 in the clamping sleeve 3 or the guide grooves 20 in the housing 2, the radial projections 13 serve essentially to absorb torques occurring, particularly due to their longitudinal extension along the outer tube 10, and to prevent the steering column module 1 from rotating on the outer tube 10.

[0074] In addition to the radial projections 13, further radial projections 11 are arranged on the outer tube 10 (see Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b, and Fig. 3), which, although they also provide anti-rotation protection in conjunction with corresponding recesses in the clamping sleeve 3, essentially serve as stop elements 11 due to their short length and radially extending surfaces 12. By means of the stop elements 11 and corresponding stop surfaces 15 on the steering column module 1, wherein the stop surfaces 15 of the steering column module 1 are located in the area of ​​the underside of the clamping sleeve 3 and also extend radially outwards, axial displacement of the steering column module 1 can be easily limited in the direction of the steering gear when the steering column module 1 is placed on the outer tube 10 and / or when the housing 2 and clamping sleeve 3 are pushed together when the steering column module 1 is clamped onto the outer tube 10. This ensures that the steering column module 1 is secured in the correct axial position on the outer tube 10.

[0075] By arranging the radial projections 11 and 13 accordingly in the circumferential direction on the outer tube 10, in particular an asymmetrical arrangement in the circumferential direction, it can be ensured that the steering column module 1 is placed on the outer tube 10 with the correct rotational angle position relative to the outer tube 10 (see Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b).

[0076] For a better understanding of how the radial projections 13 interact with the corresponding guide grooves 16 and the radial projections 11 with the clamping sleeve 3, see in Fig. Figure 3 shows a view from below of the steering column module 1 according to the invention in a state mounted on the steering column, in which it is particularly easy to see how the radial projections 13 of the outer tube 10 interact with the guide grooves 16.

[0077] The guide grooves 16 have a substantially rectangular cross-section, corresponding to the substantially rectangular radial projections 13 of the outer tube 10. The guide grooves 16 each have a 45° chamfer (not shown) between the groove base and the side walls of the groove, against which the edges of the radial projection 13 of the outer tube 10 abut. This results in a particularly simple, play-free anti-rotation device in the circumferential direction.

[0078] In order to secure the steering column module 1 against falling off after the steering column module 1 has been attached to the outer tube 10, particularly in a designated mounting position, an additional locking hook 19 is provided in the housing 2 in this embodiment of a steering column module 1 according to the invention (see Fig. 7), which is designed to engage with the outer tube 10. In this case, the locking hook 19 is designed to engage axially in a recess 17 between the two radial projections 13 provided for anti-rotation (see Fig. 4).

[0079] To clamp the steering column module 1 onto the outer tube 10 of a steering column, the housing 2 according to the invention has several, in this case eight, clamping elements 4 arranged in the circumferential direction essentially uniformly, extending in the axial direction, i.e. parallel to the longitudinal axis L, and resilient at least in the radial direction inwards, each of which has on its inner side at least one narrow, elongated clamping surface 4i that can be pressed against the outer tube 10 and formed by an inner surface of a web-shaped projection 21 (see Fig. 5a and Fig. 6a as well Fig. 8, Fig. 9 to Fig. 10) and each have an axially extending guide surface 4a on their outer side. The clamping sleeve 3 of this steering column module 1 also has several, namely six, circumferentially distributed, axially extending pressure elements 5, each of which also has on its inner side two narrow, elongated clamping surfaces 5i formed by an inner surface of a web-shaped projection 21 that can be pressed against the outer tube 10 and on its outer side at least one axially extending guide surface 5a (see Fig. 5b and Fig. 6b as well Fig. 8, Fig. 9 to Fig. 10).

[0080] Based on the Fig. 8, Fig. 9 to Fig. Figure 10 clearly shows the narrow and elongated, in particular rib-shaped, design of the contact surfaces 3i of the clamping sleeve and the clamping surfaces 4i. This shows Fig. 8 the assembly from Fig. 7 in perspective view with a section through the clamping sleeve 3 just below the pressure elements 4 of the housing, Fig. 9 the assembly from the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 in perspective view in a longitudinal section in the area of ​​a contact surface 3i of the clamping sleeve 3 and the associated guide surface 4a of the housing 2 and Fig. 10 an enlarged section from Fig. 8 in the area of ​​the pressure element 4 of the housing 2 diagonally to the upper right.

[0081] In the described embodiment of a steering column module 1 according to the invention, the width s of the individual projections 21, i.e., the webs 21, which form the contact surfaces 2i and 3i respectively and the clamping surfaces 4i and 5i of the steering column module 1, corresponds approximately to the wall thickness w of the wall section directly adjacent to the respective projection 21 in the adjacent area, see Fig. 10. The narrow, elongated design of the contact surfaces 3i allows for the generation of large radial clamping forces. Furthermore, this design avoids large differences in wall thickness, which is advantageous from a manufacturing perspective.

[0082] In order to press the clamping surfaces 4i of the housing 2 against the outer tube 10 of the steering column and thus clamp the housing 2 to the outer tube 10 and thereby secure the steering column module 1, the clamping sleeve 3 has, on an inner side, circumferentially distributed and corresponding to the guide surfaces 4a of the pressure elements 4 of the housing 2, pressure surfaces 3i arranged and formed accordingly and rigidly formed in the radial direction, each of which is formed by an inner surface of webs 21 extending radially inwards.

[0083] In order to press the clamping surfaces 5i of the clamping sleeve 3 against the outer tube 10 of the steering column and thus clamp the clamping sleeve 3 firmly to the outer tube 10, the housing 2 has, on an inner side, circumferentially distributed and corresponding to the guide surfaces 5a of the pressure elements 5 of the clamping sleeve 3, correspondingly arranged and designed pressure surfaces 2i, which are also narrow and elongated and each formed by an inner surface of a web-shaped projection.

[0084] When the housing 2 and the clamping sleeve 3 are pushed together, in particular telescopically, or the housing 2 is inserted into the clamping sleeve 3 or vice versa, the contact surfaces 3i formed by the webs 21 or projections 21 on an inner surface of the clamping sleeve 3 slide on the outer guide surfaces 4a of the pressure elements 4 of the housing 2. Due to their wedge-shaped design, which results in a conical contact surface, in particular due to the wedge-shaped design of the guide surfaces 4a and the partially wedge-shaped design of the contact surfaces 3i, especially at their lower end, a radial clamping force is generated when the housing 2 and clamping sleeve 3 are pushed together. This force causes the pressure elements 4 to be pressed with their clamping surface 4i against the outer tube 10 and thus clamped to the outer tube.

[0085] The guide surfaces 5a of the pressure elements 5 of the clamping sleeve 3 and the pressure surfaces 2i of the housing 2 are also designed such that the contact surface between them is conical, so that when the housing 2 and clamping sleeve 3 are pushed together, a clamping force acting in a radial direction is applied to the pressure elements 5 of the clamping sleeve 3, which spring inwards in a radial direction, and the pressure elements 5 of the clamping sleeve 3 are consequently pressed with their clamping surface 5i against the outer tube 10 and are also clamped to the outer tube 10.

[0086] This means that this embodiment of a steering column module 1 according to the invention can be clamped to the outer tube 10 via the pressure elements 4 of the housing 2 and additionally via the pressure elements 5 of the clamping sleeve 3.

[0087] By distributing the clamping forces between pressure elements 4, which are associated with the housing 2, and pressure elements 5, which are associated with the clamping sleeve 3, the clamping forces occurring between the housing 2 and the clamping sleeve 3 are distributed and thus do not bear the entire load on the mounting sleeve or the clamping sleeve 3, as is the case with steering column modules known from the prior art. This allows the clamping sleeve 3 to be made smaller or, instead of metal, to be made of plastic, as in this embodiment of a steering column module 1 according to the invention. The housing 2 is also made of plastic.

[0088] By means of a circumferentially comb-like toothed arrangement of the pressure elements 4, 5 of housing 2 and clamping sleeve 3, as in this embodiment of a steering column module 1 according to the invention, a particularly advantageous design can be achieved with regard to the required installation space for the pressure elements 4, 5, in particular a plurality of pressure elements 4, 5 can be provided.

[0089] As already explained at the beginning of the figure description, after the steering column module 1 has been placed on the outer tube 10 of the steering column, a steering wheel can be attached to the steering spindle 18 at the upper end 8 of the steering column or the steering shaft 18 and screwed to it, wherein the steering shaft 18 has a toothed section at its upper end corresponding to the steering wheel in order to transmit a steering movement applied via the steering wheel to the steering shaft or to transmit an applied torque (see Fig. 3).

[0090] The steering column module 1 is further designed such that the steering wheel of a steering column arrangement according to the invention can be supported in the axial direction via an axial bearing at the upper end of the steering column module 1, in particular on the housing 2.

[0091] In this case, the steering column module 1 is designed such that the housing 2 and the clamping sleeve 3 can be axially pushed into one another against the restoring force generated by the coil springs 7 when the steering wheel screw, by means of which the steering wheel is firmly connected to the steering spindle 18, is tightened, so that the radial clamping force required to clamp the steering column module 1 onto the outer tube 18 is generated to press against the pressure elements 4 of the housing 2 and the pressure elements 5 of the clamping sleeve 3.This allows a steering column arrangement according to the invention to be provided in a particularly simple manner, comprising a steering column with a casing tube 10 and a steering spindle 18 rotatably arranged within the casing tube 10 relative to the casing tube, a steering column module 1 attached to the casing tube 10, and a steering wheel, wherein, with reference to a functional installation state of the steering column arrangement in a vehicle, the steering wheel is attached to an end of the steering spindle 18 facing the passenger compartment by means of a steering wheel screw and is supported axially on the steering column module 1 via an axial bearing, preferably on the housing 2 of the steering column module, in particular at the steering wheel-side end of the steering column module 1.

[0092] When the steering wheel screw is loosened again, the spring elements 7 cause the housing 2 and the clamping sleeve 3 to be pushed apart axially. This reduces the radial clamping force and releases the steering column module 1 from the outer tube 10, so that the steering column module 1 can be removed from the outer tube 10 without significant effort after releasing the locking hook 19. The spring elements 7 thus enable easy disassembly of the steering column module or a steering column assembly according to the invention.

[0093] Naturally, numerous constructive modifications to the described embodiment are possible without departing from the content of the patent claims. Reference symbol list: 1 steering column module 2 cases 2i Contact surface of the housing 3 clamping sleeve 3i Contact surface of the clamping sleeve 4. Pressure element of the housing 4a Guide surface of a pressure element of the housing 4i Clamping surface of a pressure element of the housing 5 Pressure element of the clamping sleeve 5a Guide surface of a pressure element of the clamping sleeve 5i Clamping surface of a pressure element of the clamping sleeve 6 locking hooks 7 spring elements 8 Steering wheel-side end of the steering column module 9 Steering gear-side end of the steering column module 10 Sheathing tube 11 additional stop element on the outer tube 12 additional contact surfaces on the outer tube 13 radial projection on the outer tube 15 Stop surface on the steering column module in the area of ​​the underside of the clamping sleeve 16 guide groove 70 Recess for locking hook of the steering column module for locking the steering column module in a mounting position on the outer tube 18 Steering spindle 19 locking hooks on the steering column module for locking the steering column module in a mounting position on the steering column tube 20 Guide groove for anti-rotation device 21 Bridge L Longitudinal axis of the steering column s bridge width w wall thickness

Claims

Steering column module (1) for a vehicle, wherein the steering column module (1) is designed for mounting on a sleeve (10) of a steering column of a vehicle and can be attached to the sleeve (10) at a steering wheel-side end of the steering column and can be clamped to the sleeve (10), wherein the steering column module (1) has a housing (2) and a clamping sleeve (3), wherein the housing (2) and the clamping sleeve (3) are axially slidable into one another and are designed such that a radial clamping force can be generated by the axial sliding of the housing (2) and the clamping sleeve (3), by means of which the steering column module (1) can be clamped to the sleeve (10), wherein the housing (2) has several circumferentially distributed clamping elements, extending axially and at least radially inwards with respect to a functional mounting state of the steering column module (1) on the sleeve (10) of a steering column. has spring-loaded pressure elements (4),each having at least one clamping surface (4i) on its inner side that can be pressed against the casing tube (10) and at least one guide surface (4a) extending in the axial direction on its outer side, characterized in that the clamping sleeve (3) has several contact surfaces (3i) distributed circumferentially on its inner side, corresponding to the guide surfaces (4a) of the housing (2) and rigidly formed in the radial direction. Steering column module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer guide surfaces (4a) of the housing (2) and the inner pressure surfaces (3i) of the clamping sleeve (3) each form a conical contact surface between them, so that by sliding the housing (2) and clamping sleeve (3) into one another, a clamping force acting in a radial direction is applied to the pressure elements (4) of the housing (2) which are resilient in a radial direction by means of the outer guide surfaces (4a) on the pressure elements (4) of the housing (2) and the inner pressure surfaces (3i) of the clamping sleeve (3), and the pressure elements (4) of the housing (2) are consequently pressed with their clamping surface against the outer tube (10), in particular in such a way that the steering column module (1) can be clamped onto the outer tube (10). Steering column module (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping sleeve (3) has at least one, preferably several, circumferentially distributed clamping elements (5) extending in the axial direction and resilient at least in the radial direction inwards with respect to a functional mounting state of the steering column module on the outer tube (10) of the steering column, each having at least one clamping surface (5i) on its inner side that can be pressed against the outer tube (10) and at least one guide surface (5a) extending in the axial direction on its outer side. Steering column module (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (2) has at least one, preferably several, contact surfaces (2i) arranged corresponding to the guide surfaces (5a) of the clamping sleeve (3) and rigidly formed in the radial direction on its inner side distributed in the circumferential direction. Steering column module (1) according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the outer guide surfaces (5a) of the clamping sleeve (3) and the inner pressure surfaces (2i) of the housing each form a conical contact surface between them, so that by sliding the housing (2) and clamping sleeve (3) into one another, a clamping force acting in a radial direction is applied to the pressure elements (5) of the clamping sleeve (3) which are spring-loaded in a radial direction by means of the outer guide surfaces (5a) of the pressure elements (5) of the clamping sleeve (3) and the inner pressure surfaces (2i) of the housing (2), and the pressure elements (5) of the clamping sleeve (3) are consequently pressed with their clamping surface against the outer tube (10). Steering column module (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one contact surface (2i) of the housing (2) and / or at least one contact surface (3i) of the clamping sleeve (3) and / or at least one clamping surface (4i, 5i) of a pressure element (4, 5) of the steering column module (1) is formed at least partially by an inner surface of a projection (21) extending at least partially in a radial direction inwards, preferably by the inner surface of a web (21) extending at least partially in a radial direction inwards, in particular by the inner surface of a web (21) extending at least partially in a radial direction inwards and at least partially in an axial direction. Steering column module (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that a width (s) of the projection (21) is at least partially less than or equal to 4 times the wall thickness (w) of a wall section directly adjacent to the projection (21) in the adjacent area, wherein the width (s) of the projection (21) is preferably less than or equal to 3 times the wall thickness (w), in particular less than 2 times the wall thickness (w). Steering column module (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the width (s) of the projection (21) is 0.5 times to 1.5 times the wall thickness (w) of the wall section directly adjacent to the projection (21) in the adjacent area, preferably 0.8 times to 1.2 times the wall thickness (w), in particular 0.9 times to 1.1 times the wall thickness (w). Steering column module (1) according to at least one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the length of the projection (21) in the axial direction is at least 2 times the wall thickness (w) of a wall section directly adjacent to the projection (21) in the adjacent area, preferably at least 4 times the wall thickness (w), in particular at least 8 times the wall thickness (w). Steering column module (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure elements (4) of the housing and the pressure elements (5) of the clamping sleeve (3) interlock in a comb-like manner in the circumferential direction. Steering column module (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steering column module (1) is designed such that, after the steering column module (1) is placed on the outer tube (10) of the steering column and a steering wheel on a steering spindle, the housing (2) and the clamping sleeve (3) can be slid into one another by screwing the steering wheel to the steering spindle by means of a steering wheel screw in such a way that the steering column module (1) is clamped onto the outer tube (10), in particular with a clamping force required for a secure fastening of the steering column module to the steering column of a vehicle. Steering column module (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steering column module (1), preferably the clamping sleeve (3) and / or the housing (2), in particular the clamping sleeve (3), has at least one stop element (15) for axial support on the outer tube (10), in particular for supporting an axial force acting in the direction of the steering gear, with reference to a functional mounting state of the steering column module (1) on the steering column. Steering column module (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (2) and the clamping sleeve (3) can be slid into one another against a restoring force acting in an axial direction, wherein the steering column module (1) preferably has at least one spring element (7) which is supported in particular on the one hand on the housing (2) and on the other hand on the clamping sleeve (3). Steering column module (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 13, characterized in that the steering column module (1) has at least one locking connection which prevents the housing (2) and clamping sleeve (3) from falling apart after the housing (2) and clamping sleeve (3) have been inserted into each other. Steering column module (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (2) and / or the clamping sleeve (3) has at least one axially extending guide groove (16, 20) on an inner circumferential surface, which is preferably designed to cooperate with a radial projection (13) arranged on an outer circumferential surface of the outer tube corresponding to the guide groove and in particular to form an anti-rotation device. Steering column module (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steering column module (1) can be locked in a mounting position on the outer tube (10) after being placed on the outer tube (10), wherein preferably the steering column module (1), in particular the housing (2) and / or the clamping sleeve (3), has at least one locking element (19) which can be locked on the outer tube (10) with respect to a mounting direction of the steering column module (1) on the outer tube (10), in particular behind a locking projection (13) on the outer tube (10). Steering column module (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (2) and / or the clamping sleeve (3) contains or consists of plastic. Steering column assembly for a vehicle, wherein the steering column assembly comprises a steering column, a steering column module (1) attached to the steering column and a steering wheel, wherein the steering column comprises a outer tube (10) and a steering spindle (18) rotatably arranged within the outer tube (10) relative to the outer tube (10), wherein the steering column module (1) is attached to the outer tube (10) and wherein, with reference to a functional installation state of the steering column assembly in a vehicle, the steering wheel is attached to an end of the steering spindle (18) facing the passenger compartment by means of a steering wheel screw and is supported axially on the steering column module (1) by means of an axial bearing, characterized in that the steering column module (1) is designed according to at least one of claims 1 to 17. Vehicle with a steering column arrangement, characterized in that the steering column arrangement is designed according to claim 18. Method for assembling a steering column assembly according to claim 18 with a steering column module (1) designed according to at least one of claims 1 to 17, characterized by the steps: - placing the clamping sleeve (3) and housing (2) of the steering column module (1) onto the outer tube (10) of the steering column, - optionally placing an axial bearing onto the steering column, - placing a steering wheel onto the steering spindle (18) and - screwing the steering wheel to the steering spindle (18), wherein by screwing the steering wheel to the steering spindle (18) using a steering wheel screw, the housing (2) and the clamping sleeve (3) are pushed into one another in such a way that the steering column module (1) is clamped to the outer tube (10) at least via the pressure elements (4) in the housing (2). Method according to claim 20, characterized in that the clamping sleeve (3) and the housing (2) of the steering column module (1) are joined together to form an assembly before being placed on the outer tube (10), preferably with at least one spring element (7) in between, wherein the clamping sleeve (3) and the housing (2) are pushed into each other, in particular up to a mounting position, and are preferably secured against falling apart, in particular by means of at least one snap connection. Method according to claim 21, characterized in that the housing (2) and / or the clamping sleeve (3), in particular the entire steering column module (1), is secured against falling off the outer tube (10) after being placed on the outer tube (10) and preferably before being clamped to the outer tube (10), in particular by means of at least one snap connection.

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