Adjustment device for vehicle steering columns

Abstract

Adjustment device for steering columns of vehicles, with a length-variable and height-pivotable steering linkage (2) to which a steering element (1) is connected, with a drive unit (107) for length adjustment and with a drive unit (89) for pivoting, characterized in that the drive units (89, 107) are coupled with adjustment units (75, 76) which are arranged on a slide (14) and are adjustable relative to it, which can be moved together with the adjustment units (75, 76) by means of a drive (65).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an adjustment device for steering columns of vehicles, in particular electric vehicles, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Adjustment mechanisms are used to adapt a vehicle's steering element, such as the steering wheel, to the driver's seating position. For this purpose, the steering column can be adjusted in length and tilt. The drive units required for this require considerable installation space, which is often unavailable. Electric vehicles, in particular, have only limited installation space for the steering column adjustment mechanism.

[0003] JP 2009 101 839 A describes and illustrates an electric steering column device that drives and adjusts the steering shaft in both the tilting and telescoping directions. For this purpose, a first and a second drive element are provided, which are pivotally connected to each other. Both drive elements must work together during both the tilting and telescoping of the steering column device, as both drive elements are required for each of these positional changes.

[0004] German patent DE 10 2007 042 737 A1 specifies a steering column adjustment device designed to require as few components as possible. A characteristic feature of this steering column adjustment device is the use of only one spindle, on which both spindle nuts for the two adjustment directions are located.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of designing the generic adjustment device in such a way that it requires only a small installation space and yet ensures optimal adaptation of the steering element to the driver's position.

[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention in the generic adjustment device with the characterizing features of claim 1.

[0007] In the adjustment device according to the invention, the drive units are coupled to adjustment units. They are arranged on a carriage and can be adjusted relative to it when the steering element is adjusted. The carriage itself can be moved from a stowed position to a working position and vice versa by means of a drive. Since the drive units and the adjustment units are arranged on the carriage, they are carried along when the carriage is moved. Because the drive units and the adjustment units are provided on the carriage and can be moved into the different positions together with it, they can be arranged in a very space-saving manner. The adjustment device therefore requires only a small installation space, so that it can also be installed in small installation spaces.

[0008] The compact design is advantageously facilitated by the fact that the two adjustment units are adjustable relative to each other. This allows for easy tilt and length adjustment of the steering linkage.

[0009] In a preferred design, the adjustment units are nested within each other. This allows the overall size of the adjustment device to be further reduced.

[0010] The adjustment units are advantageously designed in an approximately U-shape. This not only allows for simple and cost-effective manufacturing of the adjustment units, but also enables easy assembly.

[0011] If the adjustment units are approximately U-shaped, then the steering linkage advantageously extends through the adjustment units. This contributes to a further reduction in installation space.

[0012] The adjustment units are advantageously nested so that their legs run parallel to each other. In a U-shaped design, the adjustment units can be easily joined by inserting one unit, with its connecting crossbar, between the legs of the other unit. This installation position is particularly advantageous for a space-saving design.

[0013] To ensure reliable yet simple adjustment of the steering linkage and thus the steering element, the adjustment units are preferably each equipped with cam guides for cam blocks and guide elements. Through the interaction of the cam guides with the cam blocks and guide elements, the steering linkage can be moved easily and reliably into the desired position.

[0014] The cam blocks are advantageously arranged on opposite sides of the steering linkage. The cam blocks preferably sit on guide elements that extend through and are guided in the cam guides of the corresponding adjustment units. The cam blocks mounted on the guide elements are then guided by the corresponding cam guide of the corresponding adjustment unit.

[0015] To allow for easy adjustment of the steering linkage's tilt, the cam guides of one adjustment unit are advantageously inclined in the direction of travel of the carriage. The greater the angle of inclination of these cam guides, the greater the steering linkage tilt angles that can be set for a given adjustment range. This makes it possible to set large tilt angles despite a compact design of the adjustment units and a short adjustment range.

[0016] While the cam guides of one adjustment unit run inclined, the cam guides of the other adjustment unit are arranged so that they extend in the vertical direction.

[0017] Advantageously, the carriage is also equipped with cam guides that extend in the carriage's direction of travel and engage with the cam blocks of the other adjustment unit. This allows the carriage to be easily moved from the working position to the storage position and vice versa. The cam guides are advantageously designed to form end stops for the carriage during its movement, as cam blocks at the ends of the guides come into contact with them. This design contributes to a compact construction.

[0018] A reliable and space-saving design is achieved when the carriage can move along guides of a bearing block. In a preferred and simple design, the bearing block guides are formed by rods that are at least partially engaged by counter-guide elements of the carriage. The rods acting as guides are simple and cost-effective components that are not only easy to install but also require minimal installation space. Since the counter-guide elements of the carriage partially engage these rods, the counter-guide elements themselves can also be designed to be simple and space-saving.

[0019] The rods of the bearing block advantageously have a circular cross-section, which ensures reliable guidance of the slide during movement.

[0020] The compact design of the adjustment device is particularly enhanced when the adjustment units and the slide feature spindle nuts that sit on threaded spindles of the drive units. The threaded spindles and spindle nuts require very little installation space. The threaded spindles allow stepless adjustment of the adjustment units and the slide, enabling them to be moved to any suitable position within the adjustment range.

[0021] The compact design is further enhanced if the threaded spindles are parallel to each other and extend in the direction of travel of the slide.

[0022] The subject matter of the application is not only defined by the subject matter of the individual patent claims, but also by all information and features disclosed in the drawings and the description. These are claimed as essential to the invention, even if they are not explicitly stated in the claims, insofar as they are novel, individually or in combination, compared to the prior art.

[0023] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the further claims, the description, and the drawings. The invention is explained in more detail with reference to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in the drawings. These show Fig. 1 in perspective view a steering column adjustment device according to the invention, Fig. 2 the steering column adjustment device in a different perspective view, Fig. 3. In perspective view, adjustment units for height adjustment of a steering system, Fig. 4 in perspective view a console with a reversing slide and stowing drive of the adjustment device according to the invention, Fig. 5 in perspective view a swivel plate of the adjustment device, Fig. 6 in perspective view a bearing block of the adjustment device, Fig. 7 a reversing slide of the adjustment device in perspective view, Fig. 8 in side view the bearing block according to Fig. 6 and the exchange sleds carried on it according to Fig. 7, Fig. 9 in perspective view an inner steering linkage of the adjustment device in a collapsed position, Fig. 10 in perspective view the inner steering system according to Fig. 9 in extended state, Fig. 11 in perspective view a rotation angle limiter of the adjustment device, Fig. 12 in perspective view an activator of the adjustment device, Fig. 13 in perspective view, one in the activator according to Fig. 12 usable drive hubs, Fig. 14 in perspective view an adjustment unit of the adjustment device used for height adjustment, Fig. 15 in perspective view an adjustment unit of the adjustment device intended for length adjustment, Fig. Figure 16 shows an electric drive for length adjustment in perspective. Fig. Figure 17 shows an electric drive for height adjustment in perspective. Fig. 18 in perspective view an electric drive as a storage drive, Fig. 19 in side view the adjustment device in stowing position, Fig. 20 in side view the adjustment device in working position, Fig. 21 in side view the adjustment device in a position in which the length adjustment is minimal and the height adjustment of the steering wheel is maximal, Fig. 22 in a representation accordingly Fig. 21 the adjustment device in a position in which the length adjustment remains minimal and the height adjustment is also minimal, Fig. 23 in side view the adjustment device in a position in which the length adjustment and the height adjustment are at their maximum, Fig. 24 in side view the adjustment device, in which the length adjustment is set to maximum and the height adjustment to minimum, Fig. 25 in perspective the adjustment units of the adjustment device in an adjustment position accordingly Fig. 21, Fig. 26 in perspective view the adjustment units according to Fig. 25 with a medium height adjustment, Fig. 27 in perspective view the adjustment units in a position according to Fig. 22, Fig. 28 in perspective view the adjustment units in a position accordingly Fig. 23, Fig. 29 in perspective view the adjustment units according to Fig. 28 in a medium height adjustment, Fig. 30 in perspective view the adjustment units in a position accordingly Fig. 24, Fig. 31 in top view the adjustment units in a position according to the Fig. 21 and Fig. 25, Fig. 32 a section through the adjustment units according to Fig. 31, Fig. 33 in top view the adjustment units according to the Fig. 24 and Fig. 30, Fig. 34 a section through the adjustment units according to Fig. 33.

[0024] The electric steering column adjustment device described below has high rigidity and a compact design, making it particularly suitable for small installation spaces. The adjustment device is suitable for semi-autonomous driving with the electric vehicle.

[0025] The adjusting device has a steering element 1 that is rotationally fixed on a steering shaft 2 ( Fig. 11) is attached. To adapt to the driver's position, the steering element 1 can be adjusted longitudinally along the steering linkage 2 and vertically across it, as will be described below.

[0026] The adjustment device is designed in such a way that the steering angle is detected and is transmitted, with the driver receiving mechanical feedback via the steering element 1. The adjustment device can be moved from a stowed position, as exemplified in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the device can be adjusted to a working position. Advantageously, the adjustment from the storage to the working position is possible without intermediate positions. The adjustment mechanism can, for example, have a length adjustment range of 60 mm and a height adjustment range of, for example, 25 mm both upwards and downwards from a neutral position.

[0027] The possible adjustment positions of the adjustment device are indicated by an adjustment field in which each point can be set.

[0028] The adjustment device is used for vehicles in which the steering is not transmitted mechanically to the steering wheels via the steering element 1, but rather electrically. To nevertheless give the driver the feeling of direct steering, the adjustment device has an activator 3 which generates a counter-torque when the steering linkage 2 is rotated by means of the steering element 1. This gives the driver the feeling of steering the vehicle's wheels mechanically.

[0029] The activator 3 has a drive unit 4, the axis 5 of which runs perpendicular to the steering column 2. The drive unit 4 accommodates a drive hub 6 ( Fig. 13), which extends perpendicular to the axis 5 of the drive unit 4 and is drive-connected to the drive unit 4. At one end, the drive hub 6 has a receiving part 7 ( Fig. 13), which is provided at the end of the drive hub 6 facing the steering element 1 and has an internal toothing 8 ( Fig. 12). A toothed shaft 9 engages in it at the free end of a steering spindle 10 of the steering linkage 2 ( Fig. 9) one.

[0030] At the other end, a mechanical rotation angle limiter 11 is located on the drive hub 6 ( Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 11), which is known per se and therefore will not be described in detail. It limits the rotation angle range of the steering element 1 or the steering spindle 10.

[0031] The activator 3 is stored on a console 12, which is located on the Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. 8 is described in more detail.

[0032] The console 12 has a bearing block 13 along which a transfer slide 14 is movable. The bearing block 13 advantageously has an approximately U-shaped cross-section with two parallel legs 15, 16, to the ends of which a guide 17, 18 is attached. This guide is advantageously formed by a round rod extending over the length of the legs 15, 16.

[0033] How Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the width of the legs 15, 16 decreases towards their free end. The diameter of the guides 17, 18 is larger than the width of the legs 15, 16 at the free end. The legs 15, 16 project longitudinally at one end beyond a base body 19, from which the legs 15, 16 extend. Advantageously, the base body 19 and the legs 15, 16 are formed integrally.

[0034] The base body 19 is designed as a profile part which gives the bearing block 13 the necessary high strength, while having only a low weight.

[0035] The base body 19 projects beyond the other end of the legs 15, 16 and thus also the guides 17, 18 in the longitudinal direction of the bearing block 13.

[0036] At the projecting end, the base body 19 is provided with two parallel tabs 20, 21, which extend longitudinally along the bearing block 13 and are positioned opposite each other at a distance from each other transversely to the longitudinal axis of the bearing block 13. The two tabs 20, 21 are identical and each has an opening 22 for receiving a pivot axis 23 ( Fig. 2, Fig. 6 and Fig. 8).

[0037] The transfer sled 14 is essentially U-shaped ( Fig. 4 and Fig. 7) It has two parallel legs 24, 25, which are connected at one end by a crossbar 26. Advantageously, the legs 24, 25 and the crossbar 26 are formed integrally. The legs 24, 25 extend from one end of the crossbar 26 and project beyond the crossbar 26 in the longitudinal direction of the transfer slide 14.

[0038] Advantageously, the height of the legs 24, 25 increases from one end of the crossbar 26 ( Fig. 4 and Fig. 7) The end faces 27, 28 of the thin, plate-shaped legs 24, 25 slope upwards accordingly. Advantageously, approximately at the level of the other end of the crossbar 26, the end faces 27, 28 transition at an obtuse angle into an end section 27a, 28a, in the area of ​​which counter-guiding elements 29, 30 are provided. These extend, for example, approximately over the length of the end face sections 27a, 28a.

[0039] The legs 24, 25 are designed in the area where they project longitudinally beyond the transverse web 26 such that their height decreases towards the free ends. In this case, the underside 31, 32 ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 7) the leg 24, 25 is designed to run obliquely to the longitudinal direction or direction of movement of the transfer slide 14.

[0040] The counter guide parts 29, 30 each have a partially circular recess 33, 34, which extends over the length of the counter guide parts 29, 30 and over a circumferential range of more than 180°. The inner diameter of the recesses 33, 34 corresponds to the outer diameter of the guides 17, 18 of the bearing block 13. The counter guide parts 29, 30 support the transfer slide 14 on the guides 17, 18 of the bearing block 13. Fig. 2 and Fig. 8) The reversing slide 14, with its counter-guide parts 29, 30, is pushed from one end onto the guides 17, 18 of the bearing block 13. Since the wall of the counter-guide parts 29, 30 extends over more than 180°, the reversing slide 14 is held on the guides 17, 28 of the bearing block 13. The counter-guide parts 29, 30 are sufficiently long to reliably move the reversing slide 14 along the bearing block 13.

[0041] The exchange slide 14 is located essentially in the area below the bearing block 13.

[0042] The legs 24, 25 of the exchange slide 14 are each provided on their facing inner sides with a shoulder 35, 36, on which the counter-guide parts 29, 30 sit ( Fig. 7) They have support elements 37, 38 extending along their length, which, in the installed position, bear against the opposing inner surfaces of the legs 24, 25 and rest with their underside on the shoulders 35, 36. The support elements 37, 38 are such that they do not project inwards beyond the shoulders 35, 36. In the area of ​​the recesses 33, 34, the counter-guide elements 29, 30 are only so wide that they do not project beyond the opposing outer surfaces of the legs 24, 25. Advantageously, the outer surfaces of the counter-guide parts 29, 30 facing away from each other lie in a plane with the outer surfaces of the legs 24, 25 facing away from each other. Likewise, the inner surfaces of the counter-guide parts 29, 30 facing each other lie advantageously in a plane with the inner surfaces of the legs 24, 25 facing each other of the exchange slide 14.

[0043] Both legs 24, 25 are each provided with a longitudinally extending cam guide 39, 40, which extends in the direction of travel of the transfer slide 14 ( Fig. 7) Both cam guides 39, 40 are at the same height and are located closer to the crossbar 26 than the counter guide parts 29, 30. In the exemplary embodiment, the cam guides 39, 40 extend from one end of the legs 24, 25 to approximately the height of one end of the counter guide parts 29, 30. The cam guides 39, 40 have openings 103, 104 in the legs 24, 25 and each has an approximately rectangular outline.

[0044] A pivot plate 41 engages between the tabs 20, 21 of the bearing block 13 and is held on the bearing block 13 by the pivot axis 23. The pivot plate 41 has a bearing part 42 ( Fig. 5), which is penetrated by a through-opening 43, through which the pivot axis 23 runs when the pivot plate 41 is mounted. Two edge sections 44, 45, which are narrower than the bearing section 42, adjoin the bearing section 42 opposite each other. The bearing section 42 projects beyond the edge sections 44, 45 on one longitudinal side. The edge sections 44, 45 extend over more than half the height of the bearing section 42 and project downwards beyond it. These projecting areas of the edge sections 44, 45 are connected to each other by an end section 46.

[0045] The swivel plate 41 is advantageously designed as a single piece. How Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the bearing part 42, the edge sections 44, 45 and the end section 46 have a common flat outer surface 47 which lies in a plane with the end faces 48, 49 of the lugs 20, 21 of the bearing block 13 when the pivot plate 41 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bearing block 13, as shown in Figure 8. Fig. 8 is shown.

[0046] The bearing part 42 has a bearing receptacle 50 for the steering spindle 10 ( Fig. 5) on. In the bearing housing 50, the steering spindle 10 is connected to a spindle section 51 ( Fig. 9) rotatably mounted, which connects axially to the toothed shaft of the steering spindle 10.

[0047] The bearing part 42 is provided on its end face with a centrally arranged recess 52, which is bounded at one end by a projection 53 extending beyond the end face of the bearing part 42. It is provided with a through-opening 54 that extends transversely to the through-opening 43.

[0048] As from Fig. As can be seen from Figure 1, the two lugs 20, 21 of the bearing block 13 are connected to each other at a distance from their end face 55 by a transverse wall 56, which extends to a transverse web 57 connecting the lugs 20, 21. The transverse wall 56 extends to the free end of the lugs 20, 21 and is provided with a recess 58 in the center, into which the projection 53 of the pivot plate 41 projects. The projection 53 and the recess 58 are designed such that a relative pivoting of the pivot plate 41 about the pivot axis 23 is possible to the required extent with respect to the bearing block 13.

[0049] The steering system 2 ( Fig. 9 and Fig. 10) has the steering spindle 10 with the end-end toothed shaft 9 and the adjoining shaft section 51. The steering spindle 10 protrudes through a torque / rotation angle sensor 59, which is axially fixed to the steering spindle 10.

[0050] The steering spindle 10 protrudes through a steering wheel hub 60, to which a sleeve tube 61 is connected. A spindle bearing for the steering spindle 10 is housed in the sleeve tube 61.

[0051] A rotary angle sensor 62 is provided at the end of the outer tube 61 facing away from the sensor 59. This sensor is connected to the end face of the outer tube 61 and is firmly attached to it, for example by means of screws 63. The steering spindle 10 projects axially beyond the sensor 62.

[0052] Steering linkage 2 is telescopic. Fig. Figure 9 shows the steering linkage 2 in its axially compressed state, in which the steering linkage 2 has its shortest length. The steering spindle 10 is inserted into the outer tube 61 and can be pushed out of the outer tube 61 until the steering linkage 2 reaches the Fig. The maximum extension length shown in section 10 has been reached. This maximum extension length is limited by a stop (not shown).

[0053] In the inserted position according to Fig. 9 the sensor 59 is only a short distance from the steering wheel hub 60. Due to this telescoping capability, the steering element 1 can be brought into the most favorable longitudinal adjustment position for the driver by adjusting its length accordingly.

[0054] The axially projecting end 64 of the steering spindle 10 beyond the sensor 62 is designed as a toothed shaft, via which the steering element 1 can be connected to the steering spindle 10 in a rotationally fixed manner ( Fig. 19).

[0055] In the installed position, the steering linkage 2 runs in the area between the bearing block 13 and the transfer slide 14. The steering spindle 10 is connected to the receiving part 7 of the activator 3 via the toothed shaft 9 and to the steering element 1 via the toothed shaft section 64. The steering spindle 10 is rotatably and axially displaceably supported in the bearing receptacle 50 of the swivel plate 41 and in the outer tube 61 in the area between its two ends.

[0056] The swap sled 14 is equipped with a storage drive 65 ( Fig. 18) displaced along the bearing block 13. The storage drive 65 has a spindle motor 66, which rotatably drives a threaded spindle 67. The axis of the spindle motor 66 is perpendicular to the axis of the threaded spindle 67.

[0057] The spindle motor 66 has a protruding tab 68 which is attached to a side surface 69 ( Fig. 4 and Fig. 6) of the bearing block 13 is attached flush against the surface. The side surface 69 is adjacent to the tab 21 of the base body 19 of the bearing block 13 ( Fig. 6) Simple positioning of the spindle motor 66 can be achieved by providing the base body 19, at least in the area of ​​the side surface 69, with an outwardly projecting shoulder 70, which serves as a contact surface for the tab 68. One edge of the tab rests on the shoulder 70 ( Fig. 4), whereby the entire stowage drive 65 is positioned opposite the bearing block 13. The tab 68 extends a short distance beside the threaded spindle 67 and is suitably attached to the side surface 69.

[0058] The threaded spindle 67 runs at a small distance next to the base body 19 along the bearing block 13.

[0059] The free end of the threaded spindle 67 is received in a rotary bearing 71, which is provided on a mounting lug 72 ( Fig. 18). The fastening tab 72 extends parallel to the threaded spindle 67 and is attached to the outside of the base body 19 of the bearing block 13 ( Fig. 4) In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening tab 72 is located near the end of the bearing block 13 furthest from the tabs 20, 21.

[0060] A spindle nut 73 sits on the threaded spindle 67, protruding over an edge of a mounting tab 74 ( Fig. 4 and Fig. 18).

[0061] The fastening tab 74 rests against an outer side of the leg 25 of the transfer slide 14 and is suitably attached to it. For example, the fastening tab 74 is provided at the level of the underside 31 of the leg 25 ( Fig. 4).

[0062] By rotating the threaded spindle 67, the reversing slide 14 is moved longitudinally along the bearing block 13 via the spindle nut 73. The counter-guide elements 29, 30 of the reversing slide 14, which sit on the guides 17, 18 of the bearing block 13, ensure reliable movement of the reversing slide 14.

[0063] The storage drive 65 is compact and consists of only a few components that can be easily attached to the bearing block 13 and the storage slide 14.

[0064] In order to be able to adjust the length and height of the steering element 1, the adjustment device has two adjustment units 75, 76 ( Fig. 14, and Fig. 15), which are nested together to save space. ( Fig. 3).

[0065] The adjusting unit 75 serves to adjust the height of the steering element 1 and is essentially U-shaped. It has two legs 77, 78, which run parallel to each other and are connected by a crossbar 79 running perpendicular to them. Advantageously, the legs 77, 78 and the crossbar 79 are formed integrally.

[0066] The adjustment units 75, 76 are located in the area between the swashplate 14 and the bearing block 13. The steering linkage 2 runs between the legs 77, 78 of the adjustment unit 75.

[0067] The two legs 77, 78 are each provided on their opposite outer sides with a cam guide 80, 81 formed in the form of a recess, which extends over the entire width of the legs 77, 78 and is at an acute angle with respect to the direction of travel of the transfer slide 14. Cam blocks 82, 83 engage in the cam guides 80, 81 ( Fig. 3), which are mounted on guide elements 86 arranged on opposite sides of the outer tube 61 of the steering system 2. The outer tube 61 is fitted with receptacles 80 ( Fig. 9 and Fig. 10) provided, in which the guide parts 86 projecting transversely from the outer tube 61 are held.

[0068] The scenery guides 80, 81 are each provided with an opening 84, 85, which extends over most of the length of the scenery guides. 80, 81 extend and their longitudinal axis runs at least parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cam guides 80, 81. The two ends of each opening 84, 85 form stops for the guide elements 86 supporting the cam blocks 82, 83 ( Fig. 3) They protrude through the openings 84, 85 and interact with the ends of the openings 84, 85 in the end positions. The guide elements 86 are guided along the longitudinal edges of the openings 84, 85.

[0069] On the underside of the crossbar 79, facing away from the legs 77, 78, there is a spindle nut 87 ( Fig. 14), which sits on a threaded spindle 88 of a drive unit 89 ( Fig. 17).

[0070] The spindle nut 87 is located in the area next to the leg 78. In the area of ​​the leg 77, on the underside of the crossbar 79, there is a guide 90 for a guide rod 91 of the drive unit 89 ( Fig. 17). The guide 90 can extend over the length of the crossbar 79 to ensure reliable guidance of the adjustment unit 75.

[0071] The adjustment unit 76 is designed for length adjustment and is also U-shaped. It has a crossbar 92 that connects two legs 93, 94 extending perpendicular to it ( Fig. 15). Advantageously, the crossbar 92 and the legs 93, 94 are formed in one piece.

[0072] The legs 93, 94 are similar to the legs 77, 78 of the adjusting unit 75 in that they are flat and each has a cam guide 95, 96 on their outer sides facing away from each other. Cam blocks 97 engage in the cam guides 95, 96 ( Fig. 3, 25 to 30), which are provided on the outer sides of the legs 77, 78 of the drive unit 75 facing away from each other and are located on the free ends of the guide parts 86.

[0073] The cam guides 95, 96 extend at a relatively large acute angle relative to the direction of movement of the transfer slide 14, approximately vertically. The cam guides 95, 96 are formed by recesses on the outer sides of the legs 93, 94. The cam guides 95, 96 are each provided with an elongated opening 98, 99, which extends almost over the entire length of the cam guides 95, 96 and whose longitudinal axis lies at least parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cam guides. The ends of the openings 98, 99 form stops for the guide elements 86, which project through the openings 88, 89.

[0074] How Fig. As further shown in Figure 15, the adjusting unit 76 is provided with cam blocks 101, 102, which are attached to the opposite outer sides of the legs 93, 94. The cam blocks 101, 102 are located at the level of the crossbar 92 and extend essentially in the direction of travel of the transfer slide 14. The cam blocks 101, 102 engage in the cam guides 39, 40 of the transfer slide 14 ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 4) The cam guides 39, 40 are each provided with an elongated opening 103, 104, which extends longitudinally along the cam guide and whose ends form stops for guide elements 100 in the end positions. The guide elements 100 project through the openings 103, 104.

[0075] A spindle nut 105 is attached to the outer side of leg 94 facing away from leg 93, which sits on a threaded spindle 106 of a drive unit 107 ( Fig. 16). It is used for longitudinal adjustment.

[0076] How Fig. Figure 3 shows that the two adjustment units 75, 76 are nested within each other, with the adjustment unit 75 for height adjustment located inside the adjustment unit 76 for length adjustment. The legs 77, 78 of the adjustment unit 75, which lie between the arms 93, 94 of the drive unit 76, are shorter in the direction of travel of the transfer slide 14 than the arms 94, 95 of the adjustment unit 76.

[0077] The drive unit 89 ( Fig. 17) has a spindle motor 108, the axis of which runs perpendicular to the axis of the threaded spindle 88.

[0078] The two adjustment units 75, 76 are connected to the transfer slide 14, so that they move together with it along the bearing block 13 when the steering column is adjusted in length. Each of the adjustment units 75, 76 has a fastening element 109, 110, by which it is connected to the transfer slide 14. The adjustment units 75, 76 can be fastened to the transfer slide 14 in any suitable manner.

[0079] The threaded spindles 67, 88, 106 of the storage drive 65 and the adjustment units 75, 76 are parallel to each other.

[0080] How Fig. Figure 17 shows that the threaded spindle 88 and the guide rod 91 of the drive unit 89 are parallel to each other. For example, the guide rod 91 is longer than the threaded spindle 88. A stop 111 for the adjustment unit 75 is mounted on the free end of the threaded spindle 88 ( Fig. 17 and Fig. 32). The stop 111 limits the maximum displacement of the Adjustment unit 75 limited.

[0081] The guide rod 91 is attached at one end to a retaining bracket 112, which is rigidly connected to the drive unit 89. The retaining bracket 112 extends transversely to the guide rod 91 and has a support 113 in the form of a recess for the threaded spindle 88. The retaining bracket 112 serves as an additional stop for the adjusting unit 75, whose spindle nut 87 sits on the threaded spindle 88. The drive unit 89 is rigidly connected to the transfer slide 14, so that it can be moved along the bearing block 13 together with it.

[0082] The drive unit 107 with the threaded spindle 106 is also firmly connected to the transfer slide 14 and can be moved along the bearing block 13 with it. How Fig. Figure 16 shows that a stop 114 for the spindle nut 105 of the adjusting unit 76 is located on the free end of the threaded spindle 106 ( Fig. 3) The threaded spindle 106 is rotatably driven by a spindle motor 115, which in the installed position is located in the area below the threaded spindle 106 ( Fig. 16).

[0083] Fig. Figure 19 shows the adjustment device in the stowage position. In this position, the stowage slide 14 is moved along the bearing block 13 by means of the threaded spindle 67 of the stowage drive 65 until the steering linkage 2 reaches its position. Fig. The position shown in section 9 is fixed.

[0084] Furthermore, the adjusting units 75, 76, by means of their drive units 89, 107, have been retracted on the transfer slide 14 to such an extent that their steering linkage 2 has a dimension of 0 in both the vertical and longitudinal directions. The cam blocks 101, 102 of the adjusting unit 76 are in their Fig. 21 left end position, in which the guide elements 100 come into contact with the corresponding left edge of the openings 103, 104 in the transfer slide 14. Furthermore, the adjusting units 75, 76 are arranged relative to each other in the direction of travel of the transfer slide 14 such that the steering linkage 2 assumes its illustrated horizontal position. In this case, the spindle nut 105 of the adjusting unit 76 has its smallest distance from a housing 117 of the drive unit 107.

[0085] Fig. Figure 20 shows the adjusting device in its working position, in which the transfer slide 14 has been moved into its end position relative to the bearing block 13 by means of the transfer drive 65. By turning the threaded spindle 67 of the transfer drive 65, the spindle nut 73 of the transfer slide 14 can be moved until it comes to rest against the stop 71. The stop 71 is attached to the bearing block 13 via the mounting bracket 72 as described. Since the drive units 89, 107 are arranged on the transfer slide 14, they are moved along with it. Since the two adjusting units 75, 76 are also arranged on the transfer slide 14, they are moved along the bearing block 13 to the same extent. The steering linkage 2 changes its length as the steering spindle 10 moves from its position according to Fig. 9 into the position according to Fig. 10 is reached. In this process, the steering spindle 10 is pulled out of the outer tube 61.

[0086] In this case, the steering element 1, which is located on the steering spindle end 64, has a large distance from the bearing block 13.

[0087] By means of the adjustment units 75, 76 it is possible to adjust the steering linkage 2 and thus the steering element 1 precisely to the driver in terms of inclination and length.

[0088] Fig. Figure 21 shows the adjustment device in a position where the length adjustment of the steering linkage 2 is minimal, but the height adjustment is maximal. In this case, the steering linkage 2 with its steering spindle 10 is inclined upwards towards the steering element 1 or the driver. In this adjustment position, the adjustment unit 75 is moved on the transfer slide 14 by means of the threaded spindle 88 of the drive unit 89 so far that the guide elements 86 of the cam blocks 82, 83 of the steering linkage 2 bear against the upper end of the openings 84, 85 of the cam guides 80, 81 of the adjustment unit 75. Fig. 32). Since the cam guides 80, 81 rise in the opposite direction of displacement 118 of the adjusting unit 75, the steering linkage 2 is pivoted upwards by moving the adjusting unit 75, whereby the pivot plate 41, in which the steering spindle 10 is mounted, is pivoted about the axis 23 ( Fig. 2, Fig. 8).

[0089] While the Fig. 21, Fig. 25, Fig. 31 and Fig. 32 the steering column 2 at maximum height adjustment in upward direction shows Fig. 26 a medium height adjustment of the steering column 2. For this purpose, the drive unit 89 ( Fig. 17) The drive unit 75 is moved via the threaded spindle 88 in the opposite direction of displacement 118. The guide elements 86 of the cam blocks 97 slide in the inclined openings 84, 85 of the cam guides 80, 81 of the drive unit 75, while the cam blocks 97 are moved downwards in the upright cam guides 95, 96 of the drive unit 76. This results in a relative displacement between the drive units 75, 76.

[0090] In the Fig. In the position shown in Figure 26, the cam blocks 97 are located approximately halfway up the cam guides 95, 96 of the drive unit 76. In this position, the steering linkage 2 runs, for example, parallel to the cross member 26 of the transfer slide 14.

[0091] With the aid of the threaded spindle 88, the adjusting unit 75 can be continuously adjusted to any desired position relative to the transfer slide 14 and to the drive unit 76, so that the steering train 2 and thus the steering element 1 can be continuously adjusted to the desired height position.

[0092] With the drive unit 89, the drive unit 75 can finally be moved against the direction of displacement 118 so far that the cam blocks 97 are located at the lower end of the cam guides 95, 96 of the drive unit 76 ( Fig. 22, Fig. 27, Fig. 33 and Fig. 34). In this position, the steering linkage 2 assumes its maximum lower tilt position with minimum length adjustment. In this position, the steering linkage 2 is ( Fig. 2) inclined obliquely downwards. This maximally downward inclined position of the steering linkage 2 is determined by the fact that the guide elements 86 of the cam blocks 97 bear against the lower edge of the obliquely running openings 84, 85 of the adjusting unit 75 ( Fig. 34).

[0093] In the adjustment positions described so far, the adjustment unit 76 is positioned with respect to the reversing slide 14 such that the cam blocks 101, 102 or their guide elements 100 bear against the edge of the openings 103, 104 of the reversing slide 14 facing away from the steering element 1. In this working position, the steering column thus has its shortest length.

[0094] By means of the drive unit 107 and its threaded spindle 106, the drive unit 76 can be moved along the displacement slide 14 in and against the direction of displacement 118. Since the adjustment units 75, 76 are guided by the guide elements 86 ( Fig. 3) are coupled to each other, during this adjustment both adjustment units 75, 76 are moved in the corresponding direction.

[0095] The Fig. 23 and Fig. Figure 28 shows the adjustment device in a working position in which a maximum length adjustment and a maximum height adjustment with respect to the steering column are set.

[0096] The drive unit 107 and its threaded spindle 106 move the adjusting unit 76 via the spindle nut 105 until the spindle nut 105 comes to rest against the end stop 114 of the threaded spindle 106. The cam blocks 101, 102 move along the cam guides 39, 40 until the guide elements 100 of the cam blocks 101, 102 come to rest against the end of the openings 103, 104 of the transfer slide 14 facing the steering element 1. The adjusting unit 76 projects beyond the transfer slide 14 ( Fig. 23 and Fig. 28). Accordingly, the steering shaft 2 also extends further beyond the transfer sled 14.

[0097] In this maximum length adjustment of the steering column, the height adjustment of the steering linkage 2 and the steering element 1 is carried out in the same way as previously described for the minimum length adjustment of the steering column.

[0098] In the position according to the Fig. 23 and Fig. 28 The steering linkage 2 is arranged at its maximum upward tilt. The cam blocks 97 are located at the upper end of the cam guides 95, 96 of the adjustment unit 76, as described.

[0099] Fig. Figure 29 shows a central position of the cam blocks 97 in the cam guides 95, 96 of the adjusting unit 76. As previously described, this central position is achieved by moving the adjusting unit 75 by means of the threaded spindle 88 of the drive unit 89 in the manner described. In this central position, the steering link 2 extends parallel to the crossbar 26 of the transfer slide 14 or to the crossbar 92 of the adjusting unit 76.

[0100] With the drive unit 89 and the threaded spindle 88, the adjusting unit 75 can be moved further so that the cam blocks 97 reach the lower position with respect to the cam guides 95, 96 of the adjusting unit 76 in the manner described ( Fig. 24, Fig. 33 and Fig. 34).

[0101] If the adjusting unit 75 is moved further by means of the drive unit 89 in the manner described, the cam blocks 97 finally reach the lower end area of ​​the cam guides 95, 96. In this case, the steering linkage 2 is arranged inclined downwards ( Fig. 24).

[0102] Since the drive units for the reversing slide 14 and the adjustment units 75, 76 each have threaded spindles, the reversing slide 14 and the adjustment units 75, 76 can be continuously adjusted to any position within their adjustment range. This allows the steering element 1 to be precisely adapted to the driver's position.

[0103] Since the adjusting units 75, 76 are attached to the reversing slide 14 and this is moved from the working position ( Fig. 20) into the stowing position ( Fig.19) can be adjusted, the steering element 1 can be easily moved into the stowing position to, for example, make it easier to get into the vehicle.

Claims

[1] Adjustment device for steering columns of vehicles, with a length-variable and height-pivotable steering linkage (2) to which a steering element (1) is connected, with a drive unit (107) for length adjustment and with a drive unit (89) for pivoting, characterized by , that the drive units (89, 107) are coupled with adjustment units (75, 76) which are arranged on a slide (14) and are adjustable relative to it, which can be moved together with the adjustment units (75, 76) by means of a drive (65). [2] Adjustment device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the adjustment units (75, 76) are adjustable relative to each other. [3] Adjustment device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the adjustment units (75, 76) are nested inside each other. [4] Adjustment device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the adjustment units (75, 76) are each U-shaped. [5] Adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the steering system (2) extends through the adjustment units (75, 76). [6] Adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the adjustment units (75, 76) are nested in such a way that their legs (77, 78; 93, 94) run parallel to each other. [7] Adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the adjustment units (75, 76) each have cam guides (80, 81; 95, 96) for cam blocks (82, 83; 97) and guide parts (86, 100). [8] Adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that the cam blocks (82, 83; 97) are arranged on opposite sides of the steering linkage (2). [9] Adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by, that the cam guides (80, 81) of one adjustment unit (75) run inclined in the direction of travel (118) of the carriage (14). [10] Adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the cam blocks (82, 83; 97) sit on guide parts (86) which are guided in cam guides (84, 85) of the other adjustment unit (76). [11] Adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that the cam guides (84, 85) of the other adjustment unit (76) run in the vertical direction. [12] Adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by , that the carriage (14) has cam guides (39, 40) which extend in the direction of travel (118) of the carriage (14) and engage in the cam blocks (101, 102) of the other adjusting device (76). [13] Adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by, that the sled (14) is movable along guides (17, 18) of a bearing block (13). [14] Adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by , that the guides (17, 18) of the bearing block are rods which are at least partially enclosed by counter guide parts (29, 30) of the slide (14). [15] Adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by , that the adjustment units (75, 76) and the slide (14) have spindle nuts (87, 105; 73) which are mounted on threaded spindles (88, 106; 67) of the drive units (89, 107; 65). [16] Adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by , that the threaded spindles (88, 106; 67) are parallel to each other and extend in the direction of travel (118) of the slide (14).

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