Steering column for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising an inner sleeve (31) of an actuating unit (3) which is received in a telescopically adjustable manner in the longitudinal direction axially with respect to a longitudinal axis (L) in a passage (43) of an outer sleeve (4), wherein at least one sliding element (7) is fixed to the outer sleeve (4), on which the inner sleeve (31) is slidably mounted. In order to enable improved support and sliding function, the invention proposes that the sliding element (7) be designed as a tubular segment elongated in the longitudinal direction.

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle, comprising an inner shell of an actuating unit which is received in a telescopically adjustable manner in the longitudinal direction with respect to a longitudinal axis in a passage of an outer shell, wherein at least one sliding element is fixed to the outer shell, on which the inner shell is slidably mounted, wherein the sliding element is designed in a tubular segment shape and is elongated in the longitudinal direction.

[0002] Such an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle has an actuating unit with a steering spindle rotatably mounted about its longitudinal axis. A steering wheel for manual steering commands is attached to the rear end of the steering spindle, facing the driver. The actuating unit is housed in an adjustable sleeve, which is held by a support unit attached to the vehicle body. Adjusting the sleeve allows the steering wheel position relative to the vehicle body to be set.

[0003] Longitudinal adjustment, in which the steering wheel can be adjusted longitudinally, i.e., in the direction relative to the driver's position along the longitudinal axis, is made possible in a steering column of this type by a telescopic design of the housing and the steering spindle. Furthermore, in the event of a crash, the steering column can be collapsed longitudinally, effectively preventing it from intruding into the passenger compartment and causing injury to the occupants.

[0004] The steering column assembly comprises at least two sheaths, which are also referred to as sheath tubes. An inner sheath, also called the inner sheath tube or inner sheath tube, extends coaxially into a passage of an outer sheath, also called the outer sheath tube or outer sheath tube, and is guided within it in a longitudinally telescoping manner. By pushing the inner and outer sheaths together or extending them, the steering column can be adjusted accordingly in the longitudinal direction.

[0005] The casings are usually made of metal. To enable low-backlash linear bearing and smooth adjustment, it is known, for example, from EP 2 990 300 B1, to insert a sliding element between the inner and outer casings. This element is fixed inside the opening of the outer casing and rests in sliding contact on the outer surface of the inner casing.

[0006] The known sliding element reduces friction. However, a disadvantage is that the support of the inner sleeve and the sliding guide may be insufficient under high operating stress over the service life of the steering column.

[0007] A steering column of the type mentioned above is known from FR 3 101 060 A1.

[0008] In light of the problems described above, one object of the present invention is to enable improved support and sliding function. Such an improved solution is particularly needed in electrically adjustable steering columns, where the longitudinal adjustment of the steering wheel position is electrically achieved by an electromechanical actuator between the inner and outer sleeves, and where robust support and sliding guidance of the inner sleeve over its entire service life are especially important. Description of the invention

[0009] This problem is solved according to the invention by the steering column with the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments result from the dependent claims.

[0010] In a steering column for a motor vehicle, comprising an inner shell of an actuating unit which is received in a telescopically adjustable manner in the longitudinal direction with respect to a longitudinal axis in a passage of an outer shell, wherein at least one sliding element is fixed to the outer shell on which the inner shell is slidably mounted, wherein the sliding element is designed as a tubular segment elongated in the longitudinal direction, it is provided according to the invention that the sliding element has a fastening element and an injection-molded plastic part on its outer side, and furthermore has a fastening element with a spring-loaded detent element as well as a demolding recess adjacent to the fastening element.

[0011] At least one sliding element is arranged in a radial gap between the outer surface of the inner shell and an inner surface in the passage of the outer shell, and is fixed to the outer shell longitudinally and circumferentially. The sliding element has at least one sliding surface on its radially inward-facing inner side, which is in sliding contact with the outer surface of the inner shell and supports it in a longitudinally sliding manner. On its radially outward-facing outer side, the sliding element has a support surface with which it bears against the inner surface of the passage.

[0012] The tubular sliding element comprises a tube or hollow profile section with an arcuate cross-section adapted to the radial gap between the inner and outer shells. By definition, the sliding element has an axial length (i.e., measured longitudinally) and a circumferential width. The width can be specified by the angular segment measured around the longitudinal axis or as the arc segment relative to the outer circumference of the inner shell or the inner circumference of the opening in the outer shell.

[0013] By designing the sliding element as a tube segment, its support and guidance function can be optimized with relatively little design and construction effort. For example, increasing the length during operation allows transverse loads and tilting moments acting on the inner shell to be reliably transferred from the inner shell to the outer shell. The surface support can advantageously increase the natural frequency of the steering column. Furthermore, expanded options are available regarding the design and arrangement of the sliding surfaces on the sliding element, allowing the sliding properties to be defined and optimized to meet specific requirements.

[0014] It is preferred that the sliding element is designed in a basic shape corresponding to that of a hollow cylinder segment. The basic shape of the sliding element, which is arranged in the radial gap between the inner and outer shells, essentially corresponds to a cylindrically bent tube segment. This segment has at least one radially inner sliding surface, preferably with an internally cylindrical curvature, which is in sliding contact with an outer surface of the inner shell that is at least partially cylindrical. The opening of the outer shell can preferably have a cylindrical inner surface, at least partially, against which the sliding element is radially supported outwards by an outer support surface that is also at least partially cylindrical.

[0015] The hollow cylindrical, tube segment-shaped design allows for advantageous planar sliding guidance of a cylindrical inner shell tube.

[0016] An advantageous embodiment provides for several sliding elements to be arranged distributed around the circumference. A plurality of at least two, or alternatively three or more, sliding elements can be arranged distributed around the circumference with respect to the longitudinal axis. This allows the overall sliding surface to be increased and the absorption of lateral forces to be as independent as possible from their direction of action.

[0017] Another advantageous embodiment provides that, in addition to the at least one sliding element distributed around the circumference, at least one compression spring element is arranged to press the inner sleeve against the at least one sliding element. The compression spring element contains a pre-tensioned spring component, which can be designed, for example, as a leaf spring or a coil spring, and which exerts a compressive force on the inner sleeve directly or indirectly via other components. This compressive force presses the inner sleeve against the sliding element(s), thus generating a compressive force (as a reaction force) that is then exerted back onto the inner sleeve via the sliding elements. This ensures that the inner sleeve is always subjected to compressive force in various directions by all the sliding and compression spring elements distributed around its circumference, thereby guaranteeing high rigidity of the overall assembly forming the steering column.By compressing the spring component, any potential wear of the sliding element(s) over the service life can be compensated, ensuring that the pressure forces distributed around the circumference on the inner shell and thus the stiffness of the steering column are maintained throughout its entire service life.

[0018] The term "distributed around the circumference" refers to a distribution along a 360° arc around the circumference of the inner and outer surfaces of the steering column, i.e., along a circle that encircles the longitudinal axis (and is perpendicular to it). The angles between any two adjacent elements can be equal or different. For example, three elements with equal angles of 120° to each other can be distributed around the circumference. Alternatively, they can be distributed such that two elements are arranged at an angle of 90° to each other, and the third element has an angle of 135° to each of the other two. These angles refer to the line of action of the compressive force exerted by the respective element on the inner surface.

[0019] It is further advantageous to provide a pressure spring element on the underside of the inner shell. The underside refers to the angular area along the circular arc described above, around the circumference of the inner and / or outer shell, which, when installed in the vehicle, forms an angle of no more than ±10° downwards to the direction of gravity. This arrangement has the advantage that the weight load does not cause any undesirable lateral forces to act on the pressure spring element.

[0020] Preferably, each of the sliding elements has a width that is less than half its circumference, corresponding to an angular segment of less than 180°. More than one sliding element may be provided.

[0021] It is particularly preferred that exactly three sliding and / or pressure spring elements are provided, each extending in the circumferential direction over approximately one third of the circumferential arc, corresponding to a respective angular segment or division angle of 120° with a possible deviation of + / -10°.

[0022] It is advantageous for the length of a sliding element to be greater than its width. The length is defined as the axial dimension of the pipe segment measured in the longitudinal direction. This is preferably greater than the circumferential width. In this way, a sliding element is designed as a strip elongated axially along the longitudinal axis.

[0023] The relatively greater axial length ensures stable support against lateral forces and enables robust guidance as well as an overall stiffer steering column. The comparatively smaller width allows for a defined bearing arrangement, for example, a clearly defined three-sided guide between preferably exactly three sliding and / or pressure elements distributed around the circumference.

[0024] It is preferred that the length be at least 1.5 times the width. It is particularly preferred that the length be at least twice the width.

[0025] A sliding element may be designed to have a contact surface extending over a partial area. This contact surface, also referred to as the sliding surface, is located on the inner surface facing radially towards the inner shell. It is smaller than the total area of ​​the sliding element, which is defined by its length and width, and is situated within this total area. It is designed such that the sliding element is in sliding contact with the inner shell exclusively via this contact surface. For this purpose, a contact surface may be located on a projection or area extending radially inwards from the sliding element. In other words, the contact or sliding surface defines a specific area within the sliding element where the actual sliding guidance takes place.

[0026] It is possible for each sliding element to have one or more contact surfaces. By arranging multiple contact surfaces, the sliding and support properties can be adjusted within wide limits. For example, it is possible to implement a multi-point bearing on a sliding element to better compensate for tolerances, to variably adjust the sliding behavior, or to create a spatially defined support. In this way, it is possible to optimize the operating characteristics and expand the range of applications simply by designing the sliding element(s).

[0027] In the aforementioned embodiment, it is possible to arrange two contact surfaces on a sliding element at a distance in the longitudinal and / or circumferential direction. This makes it possible, for example, to realize two longitudinally spaced three-point or three-surface bearings by means of a single sliding element or a single row of sliding elements distributed around the circumference, which may, for example, consist of exactly three sliding elements distributed around the circumference. This allows for a clear spatial orientation and support of the inner shell relative to the outer shell with minimal structural effort.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, it is possible to arrange two or more contact surfaces on a sliding element at circumferential intervals. This allows, for example, three contact surfaces to be distributed around the circumference of two sliding elements to create a three-point or three-surface bearing arrangement.

[0029] As a further development, it is possible for a contact surface to have indentations. These indentations are incorporated into an area of ​​the contact surface that lies flat against the outer surface of the inner sleeve and can, for example, consist of continuous or interrupted grooves, cup-like depressions, or the like. The direction of the indentations can be either radial, extending outwards from the longitudinal axis (or equivalently, in a direction normal to the surface of the contact surface), or it can be parallel to a demolding direction if the sliding element is manufactured using a demolding tool (e.g., an injection mold). The indentations can extend over the entire contact surface or a partial area.

[0030] The molded areas can hold lubricants, such as grease or similar substances. This allows them to serve as lubricant reservoirs during operation, ensuring effective lubrication and thus smooth adjustment.

[0031] The indentations can be straight or curved. Straight indentations can form a pattern of parallel and / or intersecting lines, which may be spaced equally or partially apart. The lines can be oriented longitudinally (parallel to the longitudinal axis), transversely, or obliquely to the longitudinal axis.

[0032] Either all lines can have the same orientation, or there can be two groups of lines with two different orientations. In the latter case, the lines can form a net-like pattern, similar to a tire tread. In such a case, the two groups can be oriented at two different angles, creating a diamond-shaped pattern. Such an arrangement of straight indentations can be particularly advantageous because the indentations can then distribute lubricant very effectively around the circumference and also have a dirt-removing effect (the edges of the indentations can act like scrapers).

[0033] It is advantageous for a sliding element to be supported against the outer shell, at least partially, by a form-fit connection on its radial outer surface. Because the outer surface is cylindrical, at least partially, and has the same radius as the passage, the sliding element can bear against it over a flat area. This ensures stable radial positioning and fixation of the sliding element.

[0034] It may preferably be provided that the sliding element rests against the outer shell over its entire longitudinal extent and is supported against it.

[0035] It may also be preferably provided that the sliding element has an axially oriented longitudinal ridge on its radial outer surface, which engages positively against a corresponding recess in the outer shell. This ensures stable positioning and fixation of the sliding element to the outer shell not only in the radial direction but also in the circumferential direction.

[0036] It is preferred that a sliding element is at least partially made of plastic. The sliding element can consist of a single piece of plastic or it can be an assembly of several components, wherein at least the part comprising the contact surface(s) is made of plastic. Preferably, a plastic with good sliding properties can be used, for example, polyamide, polytetrafluoroethylene, or the like. This allows a low-friction contact pair to be formed with a metallic surface of the inner sleeve, which can, for example, be made of steel.

[0037] The sliding element is a plastic injection-molded part made of a thermoplastic polymer. This enables efficient manufacturing. In particular, the sliding element, including the fasteners and sliding surfaces with molded recesses, can be supplied as a single piece. It is also possible to injection-mold plastic onto a carrier element made of a different material in the area of ​​a contact surface.

[0038] An alternative version of the invention provides that the sliding element has a fastening element on its outer surface. The fastening element is preferably designed so that it can be secured to a corresponding fastening element on the outer shell. It can, for example, have one or more radially outwardly projecting positive locking elements that can engage in corresponding recesses or openings formed on the inside of the passage. This creates a positive locking effect in both the longitudinal and circumferential directions, so that the radially inwardly sliding element, supported against the inner shell, is positively locked on all sides.

[0039] The fastening element can have a spring-loaded detent or similar feature that snaps into a corresponding detent recess on the outer shell. The detent has an undercut geometry that, once engaged in the detent recess, ensures a permanent fixation of the sliding element to the outer shell. "Permanent" in this context means that the fixation can only be released by active manual intervention or with a suitable tool. This ensures, for example, that the sliding elements can be installed even without an inner shell in the opening of the outer shell, and that the installed sliding elements cannot fall out uncontrollably when the inner shell is removed (e.g., during servicing).

[0040] Such snap-on or locking elements are known in principle and allow for simple, preferably tool-free assembly, and offer secure fixing.

[0041] According to the invention, the sliding element comprises an injection-molded plastic part and further includes a fastening element with a spring-loaded detent element and a demolding recess adjacent to the fastening element. Since the detent element has an undercut geometry, this can complicate the demolding of the injection-molded part and / or necessitate a more complex injection mold with multiple demolding directions. To avoid this, a demolding recess can be provided adjacent to the fastening element, which is designed as a through hole through the sliding element body, with the hole facing the undercut area of ​​the detent element from the rear.This makes it possible to design the injection mold as a simple open / close tool and to design the mold parting line in such a way that the undercut surface of the locking element lies in the parting line, so that easy demolding of the injection molded part is possible.

[0042] Multiple fastening elements can be provided if required.

[0043] It is advantageous for a fastening element to be arranged between two contact surfaces, each extending over a portion of the sliding element. In the embodiment described above, the sliding element has two or more separate contact surfaces, with the sliding contact occurring only on these surfaces. It is advantageous for the sliding element to be fixed to the outer shell outside of these contact surfaces. This ensures that the function of the contact surfaces cannot be affected by holding forces acting on the fastening elements. A substantially symmetrical arrangement, for example in the space between two longitudinally spaced contact surfaces, can be particularly advantageous in this respect.

[0044] It is advantageous that a motorized adjustment drive is arranged between the inner and outer shells. The inner shell has an actuating unit for inputting manual steering commands, preferably with a steering wheel rotatable about the longitudinal axis. This steering wheel can be adjusted longitudinally by adjusting the inner shell relative to the outer shell. The motorized adjustment drive can comprise a linear drive known per se, for example, a spindle drive or the like, which acts longitudinally between the adjustable shells. Description of the drawings

[0045] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Specifically, they show: Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of a steering column according to the invention, Fig. 2a a longitudinal section through the steering column according to Fig. 1, Fig. 2b a longitudinal section similar Fig. 2a, where the actuator is hidden here, Fig. 3 a detailed view from Fig. 2a or 2b, Fig. 4 a cross-section QQ through the steering column according to Fig. 2a, Fig. 5 a detailed view from Fig. 4, Fig. 6 a sliding element according to the invention in a perspective view, Fig. 7 the sliding element according to Fig. 6 in another perspective view, Fig. 8 a detailed view of Fig. 7. Embodiments of the invention

[0046] In the various figures, identical parts are always marked with the same reference symbols and are therefore usually only named or mentioned once.

[0047] Fig. Figure 1 shows a steering column 1 according to the invention in a schematic perspective view from the top right obliquely to the rear end, in relation to the direction of travel of a vehicle not shown.

[0048] The steering column 1 comprises a support unit 2 which has fastening means 21 in the form of fastening holes for attachment to a vehicle body (not shown).

[0049] The outer shell 4 of a shell unit, also called a guide box or box rocker, is held by the support unit 2 and contains an actuating unit 3.

[0050] The actuating unit 3 has an inner casing 31 (shell tube) in which a steering spindle 32 is rotatably mounted about a longitudinal axis L, which extends axially in the longitudinal direction, i.e., in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. At the rear end, a mounting section 33 is formed on the steering spindle 32, to which a steering wheel (not shown) can be attached.

[0051] The inner shell 31 is telescopically displaceable in the outer shell 4 of the shell unit in the direction of the longitudinal axis L to enable longitudinal adjustment of the steering wheel connected to the steering spindle 32, in order to be able to position the steering wheel connected to the support unit 2 forwards and backwards in the longitudinal direction, as indicated by the double arrow parallel to the longitudinal axis L.

[0052] The outer shell 4 is pivotally mounted in a pivot bearing 22 on the support unit 2 about a horizontal pivot axis S lying transversely to the longitudinal axis L. At the rear, it is connected to the support unit 2 via an actuating lever 41. By rotating the actuating lever 41 using an adjusting drive 65, the outer shell 4 can be pivoted relative to the support unit 2 about the pivot axis S, which is horizontal in the installed state. This allows for the vertical adjustment H of a steering wheel attached to the mounting section 33, as indicated by the double arrow.

[0053] An adjustment drive 5 for longitudinal adjustment of the actuating unit 3 relative to the outer shell 4 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L has a spindle drive with a spindle nut 51 into which a threaded spindle 52 extending along its spindle axis G engages, i.e., its external thread is screwed into the corresponding internal thread of the spindle nut 51. The spindle axis G runs essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis L.

[0054] The spindle nut 51 is rotatably mounted about the spindle axis G in a drive housing 53 of a drive unit 55, which is fixedly connected to the outer shell 4. In the direction of the spindle axis G, the spindle nut 51 is axially supported on the outer shell 4 via the drive unit 55.

[0055] The threaded spindle 52 is connected to the inner shell 31 of the actuating unit 3 via a transmission element 34 and a fastening element formed at its rear end, the ball joint 54. This connection is fixed in the direction of the axis G or the longitudinal axis L and is also fixed with respect to rotation about the axis G. The rotatable spindle nut 51 and the threaded spindle 52, which is fixed with respect to rotation, constitute a so-called plunge spindle drive.

[0056] The transmission element 34 extends from the actuating unit 3 through a slot 42 in the outer casing 4. To adjust the steering column 1 longitudinally, the transmission element 34 can be moved freely along the slot 42 in the longitudinal direction.

[0057] The adjusting drive 5 has a drive unit 55 with an electric actuator motor, by which the spindle nut 51 can be rotated relative to the axis G1 relative to the stationary threaded spindle 52 relative to the drive housing 53. This allows the threaded spindle 52 to be displaced translationally relative to the spindle nut 51 in the direction of the spindle axis G, depending on the direction of rotation of the actuator motor, so that the inner shell 31 of the adjusting device 3, connected to the threaded spindle 52, is adjusted relative to the outer shell 4, connected to the spindle nut 51, in the direction of the longitudinal axis L.

[0058] Fig. Figure 2a shows a longitudinal section through the steering column 1 along the longitudinal axis L. Fig. In the same view, in 2b, the actuator 3 is omitted. Fig. Figure 3 shows an enlarged detail view of Fig. 2a or 2b. Fig. 4 shows a cross-section QQ from Fig. 2a, and Fig. 5 an enlarged detail view from it.

[0059] In Fig. 2a shows how the inner shell 31 of the actuating unit 3 is telescopically adjustable in a passage 43 of the outer shell 4 in the longitudinal direction, as indicated by the double arrow.

[0060] In Fig. In 2b, the actuating unit 3 is omitted, so that the inside of the passage 43 is visible. This allows one of the sliding elements 7 arranged in the outer casing 4 to be seen.

[0061] From the cross-section QQ in Fig. 4 can be seen that the inner shell 31 is cylindrical on the outside, and the passage 43 of the outer shell 4 is adapted to it and is cylindrical on the inside.

[0062] In the example shown, a total of two sliding elements 7 designed according to the invention and a pressure spring element 8 are fixed radially inwards in the passage 43 on the outer shell 4, and are arranged in a triangular arrangement distributed approximately evenly around the circumference.

[0063] The pressure spring element 8 is in the installation position according to Fig. 4 from below in sliding contact against the outer surface of the inner mantle 31, as in Fig. Figure 3 shows this arrangement. Due to this arrangement on the underside of the inner shell 31, the pressure spring element 8 can directly and centrally absorb the weight forces of the inner shell 31 and thus does not require any further lateral support. The pressure spring element 8 contains a spring element 81 designed as a leaf spring, which exerts a compressive force on the inner shell 31 via two sliding shoes 82 and is supported on the outer shell 4 via a support element 83.

[0064] The two sliding elements 7 are arranged in the radial gap between the inner shell 31 and the outer shell 4, offset from each other by approximately 120° with respect to the longitudinal axis L and from the pressure spring element 8. They are identical in design, as shown in the illustrations in Fig. 6, Fig. 7 and Fig. 8.

[0065] The in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 Each individually shown sliding element 7 is designed as a one-piece plastic part, preferably as a plastic injection molded part. Fig. Figure 6 shows a view of the radially outward-facing outer surface 71, and Fig. 7 to the radially inward-facing inner side 72.

[0066] The sliding element 7 has a length A measured in the longitudinal direction and a width B measured in the circumferential direction. The length A is significantly greater than the width B, preferably at least 1.5 times, particularly preferably at least twice as large.

[0067] According to the invention, the sliding element 7 has a tubular segment-shaped basic form, which in the example shown is designed as a hollow cylindrical profile segment. The curvature of the inner surface 72 is adapted to the outer radius of the inner shell 31. Furthermore, the curvature of the outer surface 71 is adapted to the inner radius of the outer shell 4. In addition, the outer surface 71 has an additional bead 711. A corresponding recess 712 is provided in the outer shell 4, into which the bead 711 fits, so that overall a positive-locking support of the sliding element 7 against the outer shell 4 is provided. This is shown in Fig. 5 recognizable, in which the installation position according to Fig. 4 is shown enlarged.

[0068] The sliding element 7 has two contact surfaces 73, which are formed separately and each have a length X in the longitudinal direction and a width Y in the circumferential direction, each of which is smaller than the length A and the width B of the sliding element 7. Accordingly, each contact surface 73 extends over a partial area of ​​the sliding element 7. The two contact surfaces 73 are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction and project radially inwards from the inner side 72.

[0069] The sliding elements 7 are in sliding contact exclusively in the area of ​​the contact surfaces 73 with the outside of the inner mantle 31.

[0070] The contact surfaces 73 can optionally be provided with indentations 74, which in the example shown have cross-shaped grooves. These are in Fig. 8 shown in an enlarged detail view.

[0071] Fastening elements 75 project radially outwards from the outer surface 71, which have spring-loaded detent elements and can engage or snap into corresponding detent receptacles 44, for example continuous detent openings, in a form-fitting manner, as shown in Fig. 5 is recognizable. The positive locking is achieved through an undercut geometry or undercut 751 on the locking element or on the fastening element 75, which is supported on a shoulder 441 of the locking receptacle.

[0072] The sliding element 7 is designed as an injection-molded part and, despite the undercut geometry 751 present on the fastening elements 75, can be manufactured by a simple and cost-effective open / close tool without lateral slides or ejectors, since it has demolding recesses 76 adjacent to the fastening elements 75, through which pins contained in the tool can form the undercut geometry from the rear side of the sliding element 7 from the inside.

[0073] The fastening elements 75 are arranged longitudinally between the contact surfaces 73, as shown in Fig. 2a and Fig. 7 is recognizable. Reference symbol list 1 Steering column 2 carrying units 21 Fasteners 22 swivel bearings 3 Actuator 31 Inner jacket 32 Steering spindle 33 Fastening section 34 Transmission element 4 Outer jacket 41 adjusting levers 42 slots 43rd round 44 Rastaufnahme Paragraph 441 5 Adjustment drive 51 Spindle nut 52 threaded spindle 53 Drive housings 54 Rod end (fastening element) 55 Drive unit (actuator) 65 Adjustment drive 7 sliding element 71 Outside 711 bead 712 Recess in the outer shell 72 Inside 73 Contact area 74 Shaping 75 Fastening element 751 Undercut geometry, undercut 76 Demolding recess 8 Pressure spring element 81 Spring element 82 ice skate 83 Support element L Longitudinal axis S swivel axis H Altitude G Spindle axis A Length of the sliding element 7 B Width of the sliding element 7 X Length of contact area 73 Y Width of contact area 73

Claims

[1] Steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising an inner shell (31) of an actuating unit (3) which is received in a telescopically adjustable manner in the longitudinal direction axially with respect to a longitudinal axis (L) in a passage (43) of an outer shell (4), wherein at least one sliding element (7) is fixed to the outer shell (4) on which the inner shell (31) is slidably mounted, wherein the sliding element (7) is designed in a tubular segment shape and is elongated in the longitudinal direction characterized by , that the sliding element (7) has on its outer side (71) a fastening element (75) and an injection-molded plastic part, and furthermore a fastening element (75) with a spring-loaded detent element as well as a demolding recess (76) adjacent to the fastening element. [2] Steering column according to claim 1, characterized by , that several sliding elements (7) are arranged distributed around the circumference. [3] Steering column according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that in addition to the at least one sliding element (7) distributed around the circumference, at least one pressure spring element (8) is arranged to press the inner shell (31) against the at least one sliding element (7). [4] Steering column according to claim 3, characterized by , that a pressure spring element (8) is arranged on the underside of the inner mantle (31). [5] Steering column according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the length (A) of a sliding element (7) is greater than its width (B). [6] Steering column according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a sliding element (7) has a contact surface (73) extending over a partial area. [7] Steering column according to claim 6, characterized by , that on a sliding element (7) two contact surfaces (73) are arranged at a distance in the longitudinal direction and / or in the circumferential direction. [8] Steering column according to any one of the preceding claims 6 to 7, characterized by, that a contact surface (73) has indentations (74). [9] Steering column according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a sliding element (7) is supported on its radial outer side (71) at least partially in a form-fitting manner against the outer shell (4). [10] Steering column according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a sliding element (7) is at least partially made of plastic. [11] Steering column according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the sliding element (7) comprises a plastic injection-molded part made of a thermoplastic polymer. [12] Steering column according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the sliding element (7) has a fastening element (75) on its outer side (71). [13] Steering column according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a fastening element (75) is arranged between two contact surfaces (73), each of which extends over a partial area of ​​the sliding element (7). [14] Steering column according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a motorized adjustment drive (5) is arranged between the inner shell (31) and the outer shell (4).

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