Steering column clamping bracket and adjustment device

Abstract

Steering column clamping bracket for a longitudinally adjustable and / or height-adjustable steering column (12), comprising at least one clamping jaw (22) that defines a channel (28) for the steering column (12) extending in the direction of the steering axis of the steering column (12), and a pressure piece (46) associated with the clamping jaw (22), wherein the clamping jaw (22) has an inner surface (44) facing the channel (28), wherein the pressure piece (46) has a pressure section (48) extending along the inner surface (44) of the clamping jaw (22) and a mounting section (50) angled relative to this, with at least one mounting point (54) by means of which the pressure piece (46) is pivotably mounted relative to the inner surface (44), wherein two opposing clamping jaws (22) are provided, characterized in that the two opposing clamping jaws (22) are coupled to each other by a connecting web (24) and together with this form a U-shape train,wherein the clamping jaws (22) have a principal extension direction (R) directed away from the connecting web (24), and that the at least one fastening point (54) defines a pivot axis (S) which is substantially parallel to the principal extension direction (R).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a steering column clamping bracket for a longitudinally and / or vertically adjustable steering column with the features of the preamble of claim 1 and to an adjusting device with such a steering column clamping bracket.

[0002] Such a steering column clamp support for longitudinally adjustable and height-adjustable steering columns is known from US 2012 / 0 297 917 A1.

[0003] Another steering column clamp support is known from WO 2016 / 004 167 A1.

[0004] Known steering column clamp supports usually have a spring plate or a pressure piece to guide the steering column or the steering column housing guiding the steering column in the bracket after the clamping device has been released and to prevent unwanted play.

[0005] These pressure pieces are attached, for example, by welding, to the inside of the steering column clamp support, i.e., the side facing the steering column. If the welds are poorly executed, they can lead to damage to the surface of the steering column housing and produce scratching and / or squeaking noises.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a steering column clamping bracket and an adjusting device which have little play, which cause only minimal wear on the steering columns and which do not generate any undesirable noise.

[0007] The problem is solved by a steering column clamp support for a longitudinally adjustable and / or height-adjustable steering column with the features of claim 1 and by an adjustment device with the features of claim 12. The steering column clamp support has at least one clamping jaw that delimits a channel for the steering column, which extends essentially in the direction of the steering axis of the steering column, and a pressure piece associated with the clamping jaw. The clamping jaw has an inner side facing the channel. The pressure piece has a pressure section running along the inner side of the clamping jaw and a fastening section angled thereto, with at least one fastening point, by means of which the pressure piece is pivotably fastened relative to the inner side.

[0008] The inside is the side of a component facing the channel, and the outside is the side facing away from the channel. The pressure piece can be a separate component from the clamping jaw and is, for example, attached only via the mounting section to the steering column clamp support.

[0009] The fastening section can be directly connected to the pressure section, and the fastening section can be partially curved. For example, the pressure piece can be designed to be spring-loaded relative to the clamping jaw.

[0010] Because the fastening section is angled relative to the pressure section, the fastening point is away from the pressure section, so that bumps, projections or the like caused by the fastening points do not protrude into the channel for the steering column and thus cannot damage the steering column or parts of the steering column.

[0011] In other words, the fastening points are offset from the surface of the pressure section that comes into contact with the steering column or the steering column housing.

[0012] According to the invention, two opposing clamping jaws are provided, which are coupled to one another by a connecting web and together form a U-shape, wherein the clamping jaws have a main extension direction directed away from the connecting web. The at least one fastening point defines a pivot axis that runs essentially parallel to the main extension direction. The U-shape is realized in particular in the section of the steering column clamp support. In this way, the pressure piece rests evenly against the steering column or the steering column housing along the main extension direction, thereby preventing point loading and thus wear of the steering column housing.

[0013] For example, the fastening takes place at the end of the fastening section facing away from the pressure section, which increases the range of movement of the pressure piece.

[0014] The inner side and the thrust section can have a similar contour, in particular, they are congruent with each other. This allows the inner side to support the thrust section evenly under load, reducing the point load on the steering column or steering column housing.

[0015] Preferably, a slot is formed in the inner side and in the pressure section, with the slots at least largely aligned with each other, allowing a guide pin of the steering column to be guided in a controlled manner. The slots can run essentially in the main extension direction of the clamping jaws and be slightly curved.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, at least one spacer element is provided on the clamping jaw, which protrudes inwards over the inside and which rests against the outside of the pressure piece, whereby the play of the steering column clamping support can be manually adjusted after installation.

[0017] Preferably, the spacer element is provided in the region of the longitudinal edge of the inner side facing away from the fastening section and / or the pivot axis in order to be able to adjust the pressure piece precisely.

[0018] In order to implement a spacer element cost-effectively, the spacer element can be a screw that extends through the clamping jaw and rests against the outside of the pressure piece.

[0019] In one design variant, the spacer element has an adjusting screw and a bracket with two legs and a base, whereby the legs extend through openings in the clamping jaw, protrude into the channel and rest on the outside of the pressure piece, whereby the adjusting screw extends through the base and engages the outside of the clamping jaw. The length of the section of the legs that protrudes beyond the inside into the channel can be adjusted using the adjusting screw. The bracket can be subjected to an outward force by a spring element, in particular a spring washer between the base and the clamping jaw. This simplifies the resetting of the spacer element. In this way, the contact force can be distributed across several points on the pressure piece using a single adjusting screw in order to ultimately achieve the most even load possible on the steering column or steering column housing.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, the clamping jaw has a support portion to which the fastening portion is attached, in particular welded, thereby spatially separating the inner side and the fastening point. If the fastening portion is welded, the weld points or the weld seam can define the pivot axis.

[0021] To keep the overall length of the steering column clamp support short, the clamping jaw and / or the pressure piece can be L-shaped in cross-section with a long leg and a short leg, with the inner side or pressure section located on the long leg and the support section or fastening section located on the short leg. The short section can extend outward from the long section.

[0022] Preferably, the two clamping jaws are mirror-symmetrical, which increases the clamping jaws' effect. A second pressure piece can also be assigned to the second clamping jaw, but this is not mandatory. In particular, the slots of the clamping jaws are aligned.

[0023] The object is further achieved by an adjusting device for longitudinal and / or height adjustment of a steering column, with a steering column clamping support according to the invention, a steering column housing which is at least partially provided in the channel of the steering column clamping support, and a clamping device which has a tension bolt which extends through the steering column housing and the steering column clamping support.

[0024] Embodiments and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, to which reference is made. In the drawings: - Fig. 1 an exploded view of an adjusting device according to the invention together with a steering column clamping support according to the invention, - Fig. 2 a perspective front view of a steering column clamping support according to the invention, - Fig. 3 a rear view of the steering column clamp bracket according to Fig. 2, - Fig. 4 a side view of the steering column clamp bracket according to Fig. 2, - Fig. 5 a section of the steering column clamp support along the line VV of the Fig. 4, - Fig. 6 a steering column clamping support according to a second embodiment in a perspective front view, - Fig. 7 the steering column clamp bracket Fig. 6 on average, - Fig. 8a a section through a clamping jaw including pressure piece of the steering column clamping support according to Fig. 2 or Fig. 6, and - the Fig. 8b and Fig. 8c Sections through a clamping jaw including pressure piece of further embodiments of steering column clamping supports according to the invention.

[0025] In Fig. 1 shows an adjusting device 10 for longitudinal and / or height adjustment of a steering column 12 of a vehicle (not shown), in particular a passenger car.

[0026] The adjustment device 10 has a steering column clamping support 14, a steering column housing 16, a clamping device 18 and a telescopic tube 20.

[0027] The steering column clamping support 14 has two opposing, mirror-symmetrical clamping jaws 22 and a connecting web 24 via which the clamping jaws 22 are connected to one another.

[0028] The clamping jaws 22 are fixed to the vehicle and can spring against the connecting web 24.

[0029] The clamping jaws 22 each have a slot 26, wherein the slots 26 are aligned with one another.

[0030] A channel 28 is formed between the two clamping jaws 22, which is laterally bounded by the clamping jaws 22 and the connecting web 24. The steering column housing 16 can be inserted into the channel 28.

[0031] The steering column housing 16 has a cuboid section 30 in which the telescopic tube 20 is at least partially received, wherein the steering shaft 32 extends through the telescopic tube 20 and thus through the cuboid section 30.

[0032] In the cuboid section 30, a longitudinal slot 34 is provided, the longitudinal axis of which extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the slots 26 of the clamping jaws 22 and is partially aligned with the slots 26.

[0033] The clamping device 18 has a tension bolt 35, a lever 36, and several locking members 38 that can be actuated by the lever 36. A precise design of the clamping device 18 is described, for example, in German patent application DE 10 2013 107 728 A1, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0034] In the assembled state, the telescopic tube 20 is inserted into the steering column housing 16, wherein the steering column housing 16 is arranged in the channel 28.

[0035] In the assembled state of the adjusting device 10, the tension bolt 35 of the clamping device 18 extends both through the slots 26 of the clamping jaws 22 and through the longitudinal slots 34 of the steering column housing 16.

[0036] The steering column 12 can be fixed in a position by means of the clamping device 18. To do this, the lever 36 is actuated, whereby the clamping jaws 22 are pressed together along the tension bolt 35 by the locking members 38.

[0037] If the lever 36 is actuated again in the other direction, the clamping jaws 22 are released from the steering column housing 16 and the steering column 12 can then be adjusted in its longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0038] In the Fig. 2 to Fig. 5 shows the steering column clamp bracket 14 in detail.

[0039] As in Fig. 5, the connecting web 24 together with the clamping jaws 22 form a U-shape, wherein the clamping jaws 22 have a main extension direction R which is directed away from the connecting web 24. The main extension direction R runs in the embodiment shown with respect to the Fig. 2 to Fig. 7 so upwards.

[0040] The direction perpendicular to the main extension direction R and perpendicular to the extension of the connecting web 24 is referred to below as channel direction K.

[0041] The channel 28 is thus the area within the U-shape and runs essentially in channel direction K (in Fig. 4 (horizontally).

[0042] The clamping jaws 22 each have a wing section 40 and a support section 42.

[0043] The clamping jaws 22 are made in one piece, for example they are produced by bending the support section 42 relative to the wing section 40.

[0044] The clamping jaws 22 are each fastened to the connecting web 24 by their wing sections 40, wherein the wing sections 40 each have an inner side 44 facing the channel 28.

[0045] At the end facing away from the support section 42, the wing sections 40 have a longitudinal edge 45 which can extend substantially in the main extension direction R.

[0046] The wing sections 40 can extend in the channel direction K from the support section 42 beyond the connecting web 24, as shown in particular in Fig. 4. This allows the longitudinal edges 45 of the wing sections 40 to spring against the connecting web 24 and the support section 42.

[0047] The support sections 42 of the clamping jaws 22 are angled relative to the wing sections 40 or the inner sides 44 and extend outwards from the channel 28.

[0048] In the main extension direction R, the support sections 42 do not extend to the connecting web 24 and are therefore shorter than the wing sections 40 when viewed in the main extension direction R.

[0049] In the embodiment shown, the support sections 42 and the connecting web 24 are located in the same area in the channel direction K.

[0050] The clamping jaws 22 thus have an L-shape in a section along the channel direction K, with the support section 42 forming the short leg and the wing section forming the long leg ( Fig. 8a).

[0051] The steering column clamping support 14 has on one of the clamping jaws 22 a pressure piece 46 which is separate from the clamping jaw 22 and which is made, for example, from a thin sheet metal and is therefore elastic.

[0052] The pressure piece 46 has a pressure section 48 and a fastening section 50, which can merge into one another.

[0053] The pressure section 48 runs on the inner side 44 of the wing section 40 and has a substantially similar contour to the wing section 40.

[0054] In the embodiment shown, the pressure section 48 partially projects beyond the wing section 40, wherein the projecting sections slightly encompass the wing section 40, in particular the longitudinal edge 45 of the wing section 40.

[0055] Likewise, the pressure piece 46 has a slot 52 in the pressure section 48, which is aligned with the slot 26 of the clamping jaw 22. The slots 26, 52 are almost congruent and slightly curved.

[0056] The fastening section 50 adjoins the pressure section 48 on the same side in the channel direction K as the support section 42 adjoins the wing section 40, and extends outwardly from the pressure section 48 or from the channel 28.

[0057] In the embodiment shown, the fastening section 50 is angled by 90° relative to the pressure section 48, so that the pressure piece 46 also has an L-shape in a section along the channel direction K. The fastening section 50 forms the small leg and the pressure section 48 forms the large leg of the L-shape.

[0058] The fastening section 50 thus rests on the carrier section 42 and is fastened at its end facing away from the pressure section 48 to the carrier section 42, ie to the clamping jaw 22 (see Fig. 3).

[0059] The fastening takes place at a fastening point 54, for example by welding. In the embodiment shown, the fastening point 54 is a weld seam that extends along the main extension direction R.

[0060] The fastening point 54 is the only fastening of the pressure piece 46 to the clamping jaw 22, so that the pressure piece 46 can be pivoted relative to the clamping jaw 22, in particular relative to the inner side 44.

[0061] The pivot axis S is formed by the fastening point 54 and runs parallel to the main extension direction R.

[0062] In the embodiment shown, the pressure piece 46, in particular the pressure section 48, is resilient relative to the inner side 44.

[0063] In order to be able to change the minimum distance between the inner side 44, in particular the longitudinal edge 45, and the pressure section 48 of the pressure piece 46, the clamping jaw 22 has at least one spacer element 56. The spacer element 56 can be provided in the region of the longitudinal edge 45.

[0064] In the embodiment shown, two spacer elements 56 are provided, which are designed as screws 58. The screws 58 extend through threaded holes in the wing section 40. The threaded holes are arranged in the region of the longitudinal edge 45.

[0065] In this way, the greatest possible distance is achieved between the fastening point 54 and the spacer element 56.

[0066] In the main extension direction R, the screws 58 and the threaded holes 60 are spaced apart from each other.

[0067] The spacer elements 56, more precisely the screws 58, protrude from the inner side 44 and thus protrude into the channel 28. Since the pressure section 48 of the pressure piece 46 largely covers the inner side 44, the spacer elements 56 rest against the outer side of the pressure section 48. Thus, by screwing the screws 58 in and out, the minimum distance between the inner side 44 of the wing section 40 and the pressure piece 46 on the longitudinal edge 45 can be adjusted.

[0068] In the assembled state of the adjustment device 10, a contact surface forms between the pressure section 48 and the steering column housing 16, whereby the steering column housing 16 is guided by the pressure piece 46, more precisely by the pressure section 48. This guidance also exists when the clamping device 18 is released, i.e., the wing sections 40 are not pressed against the steering column housing 16.

[0069] The pressure section 48 is flat on its inner side and has no protrusions or unevenness that could damage the steering column housing 16. The uneven fastening point 54 is provided on the fastening section 50 or the support section 42, which is away from the contact surface. Thus, there is no risk of the uneven fastening point 54 damaging the steering column housing 16. This also reduces noise generation.

[0070] In the Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 shows another embodiment of a steering column clamp bracket 14 according to the invention, which essentially corresponds to the first embodiment. Therefore, only the differences will be discussed below, and identical and functionally equivalent parts are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0071] The steering column clamp support 14 of the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment only in the design of the spacer element 56.

[0072] In the second embodiment, the spacer element 56 comprises a bracket 62 having a base 64 and two legs 66.

[0073] The legs 66 extend through openings 70 or grooves on the longitudinal edge 45 of the wing section 40, similar to the screws 58 in the first embodiment. Accordingly, they rest against the outer side of the pressure piece 46.

[0074] An adjusting screw 72 extends through the base 64 of the bracket 62 and engages a thread 74 on the wing section 40.

[0075] Between the base 64 and the wing section 40, a spring element 76 is also provided, which applies a force to the bracket 62 away from the wing section 40. In the embodiment shown, the spring element 76 is designed as a spring washer that surrounds the adjusting screw 72.

[0076] The adjusting screw 72 can be used to adjust the length of the sections of the legs 66 that extend beyond the inner side 44. In this way, the minimum distance between the inner side 44 and the pressure section 48 can be adjusted.

[0077] In the two described embodiments, only one of the clamping jaws 22 has a pressure piece 46. Of course, the steering column clamp support 14 of both embodiments can have two pressure pieces 46, each of which is assigned to one of the clamping jaws 22.

[0078] The clamping jaws 22 can be designed completely mirror-inverted, so that all features of one clamping jaw 22 can also be found on the other clamping jaw.

[0079] In the Fig. 8a to Fig. 8c schematically shows various sections along the channel direction K perpendicular to the main extension direction R of one of the clamping jaws 22 together with the pressure piece 46.

[0080] The Fig. The section shown in Figure 8a corresponds to the two previously described embodiments. Both the clamping jaw 22 and the pressure piece 46 are L-shaped, so that the support section 42 or the fastening section 50 is angled by 90° from the wing section 40 or the pressure section 48.

[0081] It is also conceivable that the L does not have a sharp corner, but is rounded.

[0082] In the Fig. 8b and Fig. Figure 8c shows further possible embodiments of the clamping jaws 22 and the pressure piece 46. The clamping jaws 22 and the pressure piece 46 of the previously described embodiments can also be easily formed with such cross-sections.

[0083] In the embodiment according to Fig. 8b, the clamping jaw 22 is flat, so that the wing section 40 and the support section 42 lie in one plane.

[0084] However, the fastening point 54 between the pressure piece 46 and the clamping jaw 22 is provided on the outside of the support section 42. Accordingly, the fastening section 50 is angled relative to the pressure section 48 such that it has a U-shaped region.

[0085] The U-shaped area surrounds the edge of the support section 42 facing away from the wing section 40.

[0086] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8c, the support section 42 and the wing section 40 do not form an angle with each other, but are arranged offset from each other.

[0087] In this case, the fastening section 50 is similar to the embodiment according to Fig. 8a is angled by 90°, or describes, in Fig. 8c indicated by dots, an S-shape.

[0088] All of the arrangements of the fastening point 54 shown ensure that the fastening point 54 is formed away from the pressure section 48 and thus from the contact surface.

Claims

[1] Steering column clamp support for a longitudinally adjustable and / or height-adjustable steering column (12), with at least one clamping jaw (22) which delimits a channel (28) for the steering column (12), which extends in the direction of the steering axis of the steering column (12), and a pressure piece (46) associated with the clamping jaw (22), wherein the clamping jaw (22) has an inner side (44) facing the channel (28), wherein the pressure piece (46) has a pressure section (48) running along the inner side (44) of the clamping jaw (22) and a fastening section (50) angled thereto with at least one fastening point (54) by means of which the pressure piece (46) is pivotally fastened relative to the inner side (44), wherein two opposing clamping jaws (22) are provided, characterized byin that the two opposing clamping jaws (22) are coupled to one another by a connecting web (24) and together with this form a U-shape, wherein the clamping jaws (22) have a main extension direction (R) which is directed away from the connecting web (24), and in that the at least one fastening point (54) defines a pivot axis (S) which runs substantially parallel to the main extension direction (R). [2] Steering column clamping bracket according to claim 1, characterized by that the fastening takes place at the end of the fastening section (50) facing away from the pressure section (48). [3] Steering column clamping bracket according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the inner side (44) and the pressure section (48) have a similar contour and are congruent to each other. [4] Steering column clamping bracket according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat a slot (26, 52) is formed in each of the inner side (44) and in the pressure section (48), wherein the slots (26, 52) are at least largely aligned with one another. [5] Steering column clamping bracket according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one spacer element (56) is provided on the clamping jaw (22), which protrudes inwards beyond the inner side (44) and which bears against the outer side of the pressure piece (46). [6] Steering column clamping bracket according to claim 5, characterized by that the spacer element (56) is provided in the region of the longitudinal edge (45) of the inner side (44) which faces away from the fastening section (50) and / or the pivot axis (S). [7] Steering column clamping bracket according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by that the spacer element (56) is a screw (58) which extends through the clamping jaw (22) and bears against the outside of the pressure piece (46). [8] Steering column clamping bracket according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by in that the spacer element (56) has an adjusting screw (72) and a bracket (62) with two legs (66) and a base (64), wherein the legs (66) extend through openings (70) in the clamping jaw (22), protrude into the channel (28) and bear against the outside of the pressure piece (46), wherein the adjusting screw (72) extends through the base (64) and engages the outside of the clamping jaw (22), and wherein the length of the section of the legs (66) which protrudes beyond the inside (44) into the channel (28) can be adjusted by means of the adjusting screw. [9] Steering column clamping bracket according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the clamping jaw (22) has a support portion (42) to which the fastening portion (50) is fastened or welded. [10] Steering column clamping bracket according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the clamping jaw (22) and / or the pressure piece (46) is L-shaped in cross-section with a long leg and a short leg, wherein the inner side (44) and / or the pressure section (48) are provided on the long leg and the support section (42) or the fastening section (50) are provided on the short leg. [11] Steering column clamping bracket according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the two clamping jaws (22) are mirror-symmetrical. [12] Adjusting device for longitudinal and / or height adjustment of a steering column (12), with a steering column clamping support (14) according to one of the preceding claims, a steering column housing (16) which is at least partially provided in the channel (28) of the steering column clamping support (14), and a clamping device (18).

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