Telescopic steering column for a motor vehicle cockpit arrangement and cockpit arrangement for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a telescopic steering column (1) for a motor vehicle cockpit assembly, comprising a support component (6), a telescopic unit (3) arranged on the support component (6), and a control element carrier (5) that is displaceable relative to the support component (6) by means of the telescopic unit (3). The control element carrier (5) carries a control element (2) for steering the motor vehicle and a sensor and / or actuator unit (7) coupled to the control element (2) via a drive mechanism. The telescopic unit (3) is provided as part of a telescopic unit arrangement (4) comprising several telescopic units (3) arranged parallel and spaced apart from one another. Each telescopic unit (3) engages the support component (6) on one side and the control element carrier (5) on the other, so that the control element carrier (5) is displaceably mounted on the support component (6) over each of the telescopic units (3).The invention further relates to a cockpit arrangement for a motor vehicle.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a telescopic steering column for a motor vehicle cockpit assembly, comprising a support component, a telescopic unit arranged on the support component, and a control element carrier that can be displaced relative to the support component by means of the telescopic unit. The control element on the control element includes a control element for steering the motor vehicle and a sensor and / or actuator unit coupled to the control element via a drive mechanism. The invention further relates to a cockpit assembly for a motor vehicle.

[0002] For example, the prior art includes German patent application DE 10 2022 118 784 A1. This describes a steer-by-wire steering system, preferably a vehicle with a steer-by-wire steering system, comprising a longitudinal side, a steering device, and a feedback actuator unit, wherein the steering column is mechanically connected to the feedback actuator unit and mechanically to the steering device. The steering column is formed by a hydraulic cylinder.

[0003] Furthermore, German patent application DE 10 2023 105 162 A1 discloses a telescopic steering column for a motor vehicle, comprising a base element on which a base element spindle is rotatably mounted about a base element spindle axis of rotation, and a telescopic unit guided linearly with respect to the base element, which has a telescopic unit driver having a telescopic unit driver thread engaging with a base element spindle thread of the base element spindle. It is provided that the telescopic unit has a telescopic unit spindle which is drive-connected to a transmission element coupled to the base element spindle in the tangential direction with respect to the base element spindle axis of rotation and guided freely displaceable on the base element spindle axis in the axial direction with respect to the base element spindle axis.

[0004] The object of the invention is to propose a telescopic steering column for a cockpit arrangement of a motor vehicle which has advantages over known telescopic steering columns, in particular being able to be arranged in a particularly compact manner in the direction of displacement, while at the same time having a high stiffness in order to transmit forces and / or torques acting on the control element in the direction of a steering stick without or at most with minimal deformation.

[0005] This is achieved according to the invention with a telescopic steering column for a cockpit arrangement of a motor vehicle with the features of claim 1. It is provided that the telescopic unit is part of a telescopic unit arrangement with several telescopic units arranged parallel and spaced apart from one another, wherein the telescopic units each engage on one side with the support component and on the other side with the control element carrier, so that the control element carrier is displaceably mounted on the support component over each of the telescopic units.

[0006] Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments described in the description are not limiting; rather, any variations of the features disclosed in the description, the claims, and the figures are possible.

[0007] The telescopic steering column is preferably an integral part of the cockpit assembly or the vehicle, but can of course also be separate from it, particularly until it is mounted to the cockpit assembly or the vehicle. The telescopic steering column is, for example, connected to a crossmember of the cockpit assembly, preferably rigidly or pivotably around a pivot axis to adjust the height of the control element. A display device, particularly in the form of a combination instrument, is preferably also arranged or attached to the crossmember. The display device is also preferably an integral part of the cockpit assembly.

[0008] The telescopic steering column serves to mount the control element, which is designed and configured for steering the motor vehicle. The control element is preferably connected to a steering gear via a drive mechanism and, through this, coupled to rotatably mounted wheel carriers of the motor vehicle's wheel suspension, particularly mechanically and / or electrically. The drive mechanism connection refers to any connection between the control element and the steering gear, which can be established by any means necessary. This connection ensures that a user action on the control element aimed at steering the motor vehicle results in a steering movement of the steering gear.

[0009] A purely mechanical coupling, a purely electrical coupling, or a partially mechanical and partially electrical coupling can be used. A movement of the control element, in particular a rotational movement of the control element, causes a rotational movement of the wheel carriers and thus steers the vehicle. In the case of electrical coupling, the control element is, for example, electrically connected to a steering actuator, which ultimately causes the rotational movement of the wheel carriers. The control element is preferably in the form of a steering wheel or is at least designed in the manner of a steering wheel.

[0010] The sensor and / or actuator unit is coupled to the control element in terms of drive technology. This unit can exist as a sensor unit, an actuator unit, or a combination of both. The sensor unit primarily serves to detect steering movements of the control element. Specifically, the sensor unit establishes at least a partial electrical connection between the control element and the steering gear or wheel carriers. For example, the control element may be mounted to rotate around an axis. In this case, the sensor unit detects the angle and / or speed of rotation of the control element. However, other movements of the control element may also be intended and implemented for steering the vehicle.

[0011] The actuator unit, on the other hand, serves to generate haptic feedback for the vehicle user via the control element. It is used to apply a force and / or torque to the control element, which produces this haptic feedback. In particular, the actuator unit is an electrical actuator unit and, for this purpose, has, for example, at least one electric drive, especially an electric motor, which is connected to the control element. The electric drive has, for example, a gearbox through which it, or rather the electric motor, is connected to the control element. Furthermore, several drives can be part of the actuator unit, or the electric motor can be equipped with several independently operable windings.

[0012] The telescopic steering column provides greater freedom in the arrangement of the control element. It allows for manual or, preferably, mechanical repositioning of the control element in at least one direction, which is referred to as the repositioning direction. For this purpose, the telescopic steering column incorporates a telescopic unit assembly. This assembly comprises several telescopic units, each of which engages the support component on one side and the control element on the other.

[0013] The telescopic unit assembly has at least two telescopic units, but preferably more than two, for example at least three, at least four, or at least five. The control element carrier, and thus the control element itself, is mounted on each of the telescopic units so that it can be moved in the direction of displacement. For example, the control element carrier or the control element can be adjusted by at least 240 mm, at least 300 mm, or at least 360 mm in the direction of displacement by means of the telescopic steering column.

[0014] The telescopic units are arranged parallel to each other at a distance, meaning they engage the support component and the control element carrier at a distance from each other. In contrast to a telescopic steering column design with only a single telescopic unit, this ensures high rigidity of the telescopic steering column. In particular, any torque acting on the control element carrier is reliably transferred via the telescopic steering column towards the cockpit assembly, without requiring additional support for the control element carrier or a special design of the telescopic units. Furthermore, the telescopic units can be designed with a relatively delicate profile, preventing the force and / or torque acting on the control element carrier from causing deformation of the telescopic steering column.In other words, the use of several telescopic units arranged parallel and spaced apart from each other achieves a high stiffness of the telescopic unit arrangement and thus also of the telescopic steering column.

[0015] Each of the telescopic units allows the control element carrier to be displaced relative to the support component in a specific displacement direction or along a specific displacement axis. The displacement direction or displacement axis is parallel to each other, enabling smooth movement of the control element carrier. Each telescopic unit has a longitudinal center axis, which preferably runs parallel to or corresponds to the respective displacement direction. The longitudinal center axes of the telescopic units are spaced at specific intervals. For example, these intervals are at least 35%, at least 45%, or at least 55% of the total travel of the telescopic steering column over which the control element carrier can be displaced by means of the telescopic steering column.Additionally or alternatively, the distance between the center of gravity of the sensor and / or actuator unit or a rotation axis of the control element on the one hand and the longitudinal center axes of the telescopic units on the other hand is at least 50%, at least 70%, or at least 90% of the diameter of the sensor and / or actuator unit. This achieves the aforementioned high rigidity of the telescopic steering column.

[0016] A further development of the invention provides that the telescopic units are arranged symmetrically to one another. This means, in particular, that their longitudinal axes are symmetrical to each other. For example, the telescopic units or their longitudinal axes are arranged axially symmetrically with respect to an axis of symmetry or mirror-symmetrically with respect to one or more planes of symmetry. In the case of axial symmetry, the axis of symmetry preferably corresponds to a central axis of the telescopic steering column, which runs parallel to the longitudinal axes of the telescopic units, particularly centrally between them. The symmetrical arrangement of the telescopic units enables a particularly high rigidity of the telescopic steering column and also advantageous installation space requirements.

[0017] A further development of the invention provides that each of the telescopic units comprises a telescopic segment and a further telescopic segment which is mounted to be displaceable relative to the first telescopic segment in a displacement direction, wherein the first telescopic segment is fixed in its longitudinal position on the support component and the further telescopic segment carries the control element carrier. The telescopic units thus each consist of several telescopic segments, namely at least the first telescopic segment and the further telescopic segment. The telescopic segments of each of the telescopic units are displaceable relative to each other in the displacement direction.

[0018] The telescopic segment is mounted on the support component, for example, it is rigidly attached to the support component or merely fixed in the longitudinal direction. In the latter case, the telescopic segment is preferably rotatably mounted on the support component. The control element carrier is mounted so that it can move relative to the telescopic segment. The other telescopic segment, however, carries the control element carrier, whereas it can move relative to the support component. In particular, the control element carrier is mounted to the telescopic segment and thus to the support component exclusively via the other telescopic segment. Conversely, the support component and thus the telescopic segment are mounted to the control element carrier exclusively via the other telescopic segment.

[0019] The term "carrying the control element carrier by the additional telescopic segment" means that the control element carrier is either rigidly attached to the additional telescopic segment or connected to it via at least one further telescopic segment. It is therefore not necessary for the control element carrier to be directly attached to the additional telescopic segment, although this is possible; rather, at least one additional telescopic segment can be located between the control element carrier and the additional telescopic segment. The greater the number of telescopic segments per telescopic unit, the more compact the telescopic steering column is in the direction of travel for a given travel distance. In any case, the aforementioned advantages are achieved.

[0020] A further development of the invention provides that the additional telescopic segment is a first additional telescopic segment of several additional telescopic segments, wherein at least a second additional telescopic segment of the additional telescopic segments is mounted so as to be displaceable in the direction of displacement relative to the first additional telescopic segment. Thus, it is not merely a single additional telescopic segment, but rather the additional telescopic segment is a component of several additional telescopic segments. The additional telescopic segment is therefore hereinafter also referred to as the first additional telescopic segment.

[0021] In addition to the first additional telescopic segment, at least a second additional telescopic segment is present. In principle, however, any number of additional telescopic segments can be part of the respective telescopic unit. The additional telescopic segments, in particular the first additional telescopic segment and the second additional telescopic segment, are movable relative to each other, namely in the direction of displacement. Specifically, the first additional telescopic segment is movably mounted on the first additional telescopic segment, and the second additional telescopic segment is mounted on the first additional telescopic segment.

[0022] If only the telescopic segment, the first additional telescopic segment, and the second additional telescopic segment are present, the first telescopic segment is attached to the support component, and the second additional telescopic segment is attached to the control element carrier. The first additional telescopic segment is supported on the support component via the telescopic segment, and the second additional telescopic segment is supported on the control element carrier via the telescopic segment, preferably exclusively in each case.

[0023] More generally, the telescopic segment is always attached to the support component, whereas the control element carrier is connected to or attached to the last of the subsequent telescopic segments. For example, the control element carrier is attached to the second, third, or fourth telescopic segment. The subsequent telescopic segments are mounted so that they can slide against each other and against the main telescopic segment. The multiple additional telescopic segments allow for any desired scaling of the telescopic steering column.

[0024] A further development of the invention provides that the telescopic units are designed as hydraulic telescopic units, wherein the telescopic segment of each of the telescopic units has a hydraulic cylinder and the further telescopic segment of each of the telescopic units has a hydraulic piston arranged in the hydraulic cylinder, and / or that the first further telescopic segment of each of the telescopic units has a further hydraulic cylinder and the second further telescopic segment of each of the telescopic units has a further hydraulic piston arranged in the further hydraulic cylinder.

[0025] The telescopic units are therefore implemented as hydraulically actuated telescopic units, and thus as hydraulic telescopic units. Insofar as this description refers to the telescopic segment, the subsequent telescopic segment, the first subsequent telescopic segment, or the second subsequent telescopic segment, it is understood that each of these elements is present for each of the telescopic units. The explanations thus always pertain to the elements of each of the multiple telescopic units.

[0026] The telescopic segment contains the hydraulic cylinder, and the other telescopic segment contains the hydraulic piston, both of which are movably arranged within the hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder can be pressurized with hydraulic fluid. By pressurizing the hydraulic cylinder with hydraulic fluid, the hydraulic piston can move within the cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder is designed as a double-acting hydraulic cylinder. This means that it can be pressurized with hydraulic fluid in such a way that the hydraulic piston can move in opposite directions. To extend the telescopic steering column, the hydraulic cylinder is pressurized with hydraulic fluid on one side; to retract the telescopic steering column, it is pressurized on the other side.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, the first telescopic segment has an additional hydraulic cylinder, and the second telescopic segment has an additional hydraulic piston, which is movably arranged within the additional hydraulic cylinder. This means that the first telescopic segment has both the hydraulic piston and the additional hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic piston is located within the hydraulic cylinder of the telescopic unit, while the additional hydraulic cylinder houses the additional hydraulic piston of the second telescopic segment. This additional hydraulic cylinder is also designed as a double-acting hydraulic cylinder, allowing it to be pressurized with hydraulic fluid in such a way that the additional hydraulic piston can be moved in opposite directions.

[0028] As previously explained, the telescopic steering column is infinitely scalable, allowing for, for example, a third or fourth telescopic segment. If a third telescopic segment is present, the second segment has an additional hydraulic cylinder, which houses another hydraulic piston from the third segment. Similarly, in the case of a fourth segment, the third segment also has an additional hydraulic cylinder, which accommodates another hydraulic piston from the fourth segment. The telescopic steering column can be dimensioned as needed, allowing for any number of additional telescopic segments. The same principles apply to these additional segments. Overall, this telescopic steering column offers a large adjustment range while maintaining a compact design.

[0029] A further development of the invention provides that a cylinder wall, which delimits the hydraulic cylinder, together with the hydraulic piston, delimits a cylindrical first fluid chamber and an annular second fluid chamber spaced apart from the first fluid chamber. The hydraulic cylinder is delimited by the cylinder wall, in particular in the radial direction with respect to a longitudinal center axis of the hydraulic cylinder, continuously and completely in the circumferential direction, and in the axial direction at least on one side. The cylinder wall thus forms a shell wall and a bottom wall. The hydraulic piston, which is displaceably arranged within the hydraulic cylinder, together with the cylinder wall, delimits the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber.

[0030] The two fluid chambers are spaced apart and can be pressurized with hydraulic fluid independently. For example, pressurizing the first fluid chamber with hydraulic fluid extends the telescopic steering column, while pressurizing the second fluid chamber retracts it. The first fluid chamber is cylindrical and located, for example, between the bottom wall of the hydraulic piston and the cylinder wall. The first fluid chamber is thus completely bounded radially by the cylinder wall and circumferentially. In the axial direction, the first fluid chamber is bounded by the cylinder wall on one side and by the hydraulic piston on the other.

[0031] The second fluid chamber, however, is annular. Preferably, it is bounded radially outwards by the cylinder wall and radially inwards by the hydraulic piston. In the axial direction, it is again bounded on one side by the cylinder wall and on the other by the hydraulic piston. This design, as already mentioned, constitutes a double-acting hydraulic cylinder. The specifications for the hydraulic cylinder also apply analogously to the additional hydraulic cylinder of the telescopic segment(s), if present. The described design creates a flexibly deployable telescopic steering column.

[0032] A further development of the invention provides that the support component has a first fluid connection, fluidically connected to the first fluid chamber, and a second fluid connection, fluidically connected to the second fluid chamber. The supply of hydraulic fluid to the fluid chambers is thus provided via the support component. To operate the telescopic steering column, hydraulic fluid is supplied to either the first or the second fluid connection. When the first fluid connection is supplied with hydraulic fluid, the telescopic steering column is preferably extended, namely by supplying the first fluid chambers of the telescopic units with hydraulic fluid, particularly simultaneously. To retract the telescopic steering column, hydraulic fluid is supplied to the second fluid connection.The hydraulic fluid enters the second fluid chamber(s) of the telescopic units via the second fluid channel, preferably simultaneously, thus causing the telescopic steering column to retract. The described design of the telescopic steering column achieves the advantages already explained.

[0033] A further development of the invention provides that the support component includes a first fluid channel and a second fluid channel, wherein the first fluid connection is fluidically connected to the telescopic units via the first fluid channel and the second fluid connection is fluidly connected to the second fluid channel. The first fluid channel and the second fluid channel are located in the support component. The first fluid channel is fluidically connected on one side to the first fluid connection and on the other side to the telescopic units, in particular to the first fluid chamber(s) of the telescopic units. The second fluid channel is fluidically connected on the one side to the second fluid connection and on the other side to the second fluid chamber(s) of the telescopic units.The support component therefore serves not only to support the telescopic steering column or its mounting, but also to distribute the hydraulic fluid.

[0034] A further development of the invention provides that the telescopic units are configured as spindle-drive telescopic units, wherein the telescopic segment and the subsequent telescopic segment and / or the first subsequent telescopic segment and the second subsequent telescopic segment are each connected to one another via engaged threads, in particular self-locking threads, such that a rotational movement of one of the telescopic segments causes a longitudinal displacement of at least one other of the telescopic segments. It is therefore not necessary for the displacement of the telescopic segments relative to each other to be effected hydraulically. Rather, a mechanical adjustment is also possible as an alternative.

[0035] For example, the telescopic segment is designed to be rotatably mounted on the support component around a pivot axis. The telescopic segments of the telescopic units are connected to each other via a drive mechanism, such that a rotational movement of one telescopic segment causes a rotational movement of the other telescopic segments. This drive mechanism connection is achieved through threads. Both the first and subsequent telescopic segments each have such a thread.

[0036] The thread of one telescopic segment engages with, or meshes with, the thread of another telescopic segment. The threads are designed such that the rotational movement of one of the telescopic segments causes a longitudinal displacement, particularly of the other telescopic segment. Preferably, the telescopic segments of the telescopic units are connected to a rotary drive, preferably an electric motor, for example via a gearbox, particularly a self-locking gearbox.

[0037] It can be provided that the telescopic segment and the further telescopic segment are designed such that, in a first relative position to each other in the axial direction with respect to the axis of rotation, the telescopic segment and the further telescopic segment are decoupled from each other in the direction of rotation, i.e., in the circumferential direction with respect to the axis of rotation. In the first relative position, the further telescopic segment is also preferably fixed in the direction of rotation, so that a rotational movement of the telescopic segment causes a displacement of the further telescopic segment relative to the telescopic segment in the axial direction.

[0038] The telescopic segment and the subsequent telescopic segment are designed such that when the subsequent telescopic segment reaches a second relative position that differs axially from the first relative position, it is coupled to the first telescopic segment in a drive-related manner. The rotational movement of the first telescopic segment thus also causes a rotational movement of the subsequent telescopic segment, which is the first subsequent telescopic segment. The rotational movement of the first subsequent telescopic segment, analogously to the described process, causes a displacement of the second subsequent telescopic segment.

[0039] A further development of the invention provides that the support component for adjusting the height of the control element is pivotably mounted about at least one pivot axis. The support component is mounted on the cockpit assembly or the steering column of the cockpit assembly in such a way that it can be moved, namely pivotally mounted about the pivot axis. This achieves the height adjustment of the control element. Preferably, the support component is pivotable about the pivot axis by means of an actuator, in particular an electric or hydraulic actuator. This also makes the telescopic steering column particularly flexible in its application.

[0040] A further development of the invention provides that the control element is connected by means of a force dissipation device, such that when the control element is subjected to a force exceeding a threshold force, the force dissipation device releases the control element for free displacement relative to the support component, particularly against a counterforce exerted by the force dissipation device. In the event of an accident, the force dissipation device enables the control element to move towards the support component, thus preventing injury to a vehicle occupant. The force dissipation device is located, for example, between the control element and the control element carrier or between the telescopic unit assembly and the steering column. The force dissipation device is, for example, designed as a crash flap.

[0041] Of particular importance is that in a first state of the force transmission device, the control element or the control element carrier can only be displaced by adjusting the telescopic units, whereas in a second state of the force transmission device, the control element or the control element carrier is released for displacement with respect to the support component in the displacement direction, for example for free displacement or for displacement against a counterforce caused by the force transmission device.

[0042] In the second state, a connection between the control element and the control element carrier, or a drive-related connection between the control element carrier and the support component, is at least partially severed to allow for displacement. The first state exists until the applied force exceeds the threshold force.

[0043] If this occurs, a mechanical change in the force transmission device takes place, in particular through the breaking and / or deformation of a part of the force transmission device. The force transmission device is then in its second state. Such a design of the telescopic steering column or the cockpit assembly enables a high level of safety.

[0044] The free adjustability of the control element relative to the control element carrier can also be achieved hydraulically, either additionally or alternatively. For example, the first fluid connection is opened, particularly by opening a valve, to allow hydraulic fluid to flow out of the telescopic steering column. Conversely, when the telescopic steering column is in the extended position, the first fluid connection is blocked to prevent the flow of hydraulic fluid. Subsequently, hydraulic fluid is supplied via the second fluid connection to build up a specific pressure for retracting the telescopic steering column. This pre-tensions the telescopic steering column towards its retracted position. In the event of an accident, the first fluid connection is released, allowing the telescopic steering column to retract even without further pressure buildup.

[0045] The invention further relates to a cockpit arrangement for a motor vehicle, comprising a steering column and a telescopic steering column arranged on the steering column, in particular a telescopic steering column as described in this description, wherein the telescopic steering column has a support component, a telescopic unit arranged on the support component and a control element carrier which can be moved relative to the support component by means of the telescopic unit, on which a control element serving to steer the motor vehicle and a sensor and / or actuator unit coupled to the control element in a drive-related manner are provided.

[0046] It is provided that the telescopic unit is part of a telescopic unit arrangement with several telescopic units arranged parallel and spaced apart from each other, wherein the telescopic units each engage on one side with the support component and on the other side with the control element carrier, so that the control element carrier is displaceably mounted on the support component over each of the telescopic units.

[0047] The advantages of such a design for the cockpit arrangement and the telescopic steering column have already been mentioned. Both the telescopic steering column and the cockpit arrangement incorporating the telescopic steering column can be further developed as described in this document, and reference is made to these details.

[0048] The features and combinations of features described in the description, in particular those described in the following figure description and / or shown in the figures, are not only usable in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention, in particular the scope of the claims. Thus, embodiments that are not explicitly shown or explained in the description and / or the figures, but which emerge from or can be derived from the explained embodiments, particularly within the scope of the claims, are also to be considered as encompassed by the invention.

[0049] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawing, without limiting the invention. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a telescopic steering column with a support component, a telescopic unit arranged on the support component and a control element carrier which is displaceable by means of the telescopic unit, wherein the control element carrier is in a first position, and Fig. 2 A schematic representation of the telescopic steering column with the control element carrier arranged in a second position.

[0050] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a telescopic steering column 1, by means of which a control element 2 (only indicated here) for steering a motor vehicle is mounted on a steering column (not shown here). The telescopic steering column 1 and the steering column form, for example, components of a cockpit arrangement for the motor vehicle. The telescopic steering column 1 has several telescopic units 3, which are part of a telescopic unit assembly 4. The telescopic units 3 are arranged parallel to each other and have a non-zero distance between them. A control element carrier 5 is movably mounted on a support component 6 via the telescopic units 3 of the telescopic unit assembly 4. The control element carrier 5 carries a sensor and / or actuator unit 7 with a shaft 8 to which the control element 2 is rigidly connected.The control element 2 is connected to the sensor and / or actuator unit 7 via the shaft 8 in terms of drive technology.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the support component 6 has several stiffening elements 9, which are spaced apart from one another. The telescopic steering column 1 is arranged on the steering column of the cockpit assembly via the support component 6; preferably, it is pivotally mounted on the steering column about a pivot axis. This mounting enables height adjustment of the control element 2.

[0052] The telescopic units 3 each serve to mount the control element carrier 5 on the support component 6 in a movable manner. They are preferably arranged symmetrically to one another, for example, mirror-symmetrically and / or axially symmetrically. Each of the telescopic units 3 has several telescopic segments 10, 11, 12, and 13. Telescopic segment 10 is simply referred to as a telescopic segment, and telescopic segments 11, 12, and 13 as further telescopic segments. Telescopic segment 11 is a first further telescopic segment, telescopic segment 12 a second further telescopic segment, and telescopic segment 13 a third further telescopic segment.

[0053] The telescopic segments 10, 11, 12, and 13 of each telescopic unit 3 together form a double-acting telescopic unit. This means that they can be pressurized with hydraulic fluid in such a way that the hydraulic fluid exerts either a force extending the telescopic steering column 1 or a force retracting the telescopic steering column 1. The hydraulic fluid is supplied via the support component 6. For this purpose, a first fluid connection 14 and a second fluid connection 15 are provided on this component.

[0054] In the support component 6, particularly in the stiffening elements 9, a first fluid channel 16 and a second fluid channel 17 are provided. The first fluid connection 14 to the telescopic units 3 is fluidically connected via the first fluid channel 16, and the second fluid connection 15 via the second fluid channel 17. It can be seen that the telescopic segment 10 has a hydraulic cylinder. This is rigidly attached to the support component 6, specifically to both stiffening elements 9, which are spaced apart from each other.

[0055] Telescopic segment 11 has a hydraulic piston that engages with the hydraulic cylinder of telescopic segment 10 and is movably arranged within it. Telescopic segment 11 also has a hydraulic cylinder in which a hydraulic piston of telescopic segment 12 is movably arranged. Telescopic segment 12 has a hydraulic cylinder in which a hydraulic piston of telescopic segment 13 is movably arranged. The hydraulic piston of telescopic segment 13 is ultimately rigidly connected to the control element carrier 5. This applies to each of the telescopic units 3.

[0056] The telescopic steering column 1 with the control element 2 or the control element carrier 5 is shown in a first position. In this position, the control element carrier 5 is spaced apart from the support component 6; in particular, the sensor and / or actuator unit 7 is arranged at a distance from the support component 6. For example, the sensor and / or actuator unit 7 has a distance from the support component 6 that corresponds to at least 75%, at least 100%, or at least 125% of its extent with respect to its longitudinal center axis or a rotational axis of the shaft 8.

[0057] The Fig.Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the telescopic steering column 1, with the control element 2 or the control element carrier 5 depicted in a second position. In the second position, the control element carrier 5 is arranged closer to the support component 6 than in the first position. For example, in the second position, the control element carrier 5 rests against the support component 6. Preferably, however, it is spaced apart from the support component 6. For example, the sensor and / or actuator unit 7 has a distance from the support component 6 that corresponds to a maximum of 40%, a maximum of 25%, or a maximum of 10% of its extent with respect to its longitudinal center axis or a rotational axis of the shaft 8.

[0058] In any case, the sensor and / or actuator unit 7 is arranged in overlap with the telescopic segment 10 in the second position. Accordingly, it is located, at least partially, between the stiffening elements 9. This results in a particularly compact design of the telescopic steering column 1. A further advantage of the telescopic steering column 1 in the illustrated embodiment is that, by means of the spaced-apart telescopic units 3, the control element carrier 5 is mounted with high rigidity on the support component 6. Rotation of the control element carrier 5 relative to the support component 6 is also achieved without further structural modifications. REFERENCE MARK LIST: 1 telescopic steering column 2 Control element 3 telescopic unit 4 Telescopic unit arrangement 5 control element carriers 6 Support component 7 Sensor and / or actuator unit 8 wave 9 stiffening element 10 telescopic segments 11 telescopic segment 12 telescopic segments 13 telescopic segments 14 1. Fluid connection 15 2. Fluid connection 16 1. Fluid channel 17 2. Fluid channel QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2022 118 784 A1

[0002] DE 10 2023 105 162 A1

[0003]

Claims

Telescopic steering column (1) for a cockpit arrangement of a motor vehicle, comprising a support component (6), a telescopic unit (3) arranged on the support component (6), and a control element carrier (5) which can be displaced relative to the support component (6) by means of the telescopic unit (3), on which a control element (2) serving to steer the motor vehicle and a sensor and / or actuator unit (7) coupled to the control element (2) in a drive-technical manner are provided, characterized in that the telescopic unit (3) is part of a telescopic unit arrangement (4) with several telescopic units (3) arranged parallel and spaced apart from each other, wherein the telescopic units (3) each engage on one side the support component (6) and on the other side the control element carrier (5), so that the control element carrier (5) is displaceably mounted on the support component (6) over each of the telescopic units (3). Telescopic steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that the telescopic units (3) are arranged symmetrically to each other. Telescopic steering column according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the telescopic units (3) has a telescopic segment (10) and a further telescopic segment (11) which is displaceable in a displacement direction relative to the telescopic segment (10), wherein the telescopic segment (10) is held fixedly in the longitudinal direction on the support component (6) and the further telescopic segment (11) carries the control element carrier (5). Telescopic steering column according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the further telescopic segment (11) is a first further telescopic segment (11) of several further telescopic segments (11, 12, 13), wherein a second further telescopic segment (12) of the further telescopic segments (11, 12, 13) is displaceably mounted in the displacement direction relative to the first further telescopic segment (11). Telescopic steering column according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the telescopic units (3) are designed as hydraulic telescopic units, wherein the telescopic segment (10) of each of the telescopic units (3) has a hydraulic cylinder and the further telescopic segment (11) of each of the telescopic units (3) has a hydraulic piston arranged in the hydraulic cylinder, and / or that the first further telescopic segment (11) of each of the telescopic units (3) has a further hydraulic cylinder and the second further telescopic segment (12) of each of the telescopic units (3) has a further hydraulic piston arranged in the further hydraulic cylinder. Telescopic steering column according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cylinder wall defining the hydraulic cylinder together with the hydraulic piston defines a cylindrical first fluid space and an annular second fluid space spaced apart from the first fluid space. Telescopic steering column according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support component (6) has a first fluid connection (14) which is fluidically connected to the first fluid chamber and a second fluid connection (15) which is fluidically connected to the second fluid chamber. Telescopic steering column according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first fluid channel (16) and a second fluid channel (17) are provided in the support component (6), wherein the first fluid connection (14) is fluidically connected to the telescopic units (3) via the first fluid channel (16) and the second fluid connection (15) via the second fluid channel (17). Telescopic steering column according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the telescopic units (3) are arranged as spindle drive telescopic units, wherein the telescopic segment (10) and the further telescopic segment (11, 12, 13) and / or the first further telescopic segment (11) and the second further telescopic segment (12) are each connected to each other via engaged threads, such that a rotational movement of one of the telescopic segments (10, 11, 12, 13) causes a displacement of at least one other of the telescopic segments (10, 11, 12, 13) in the longitudinal direction. Cockpit arrangement for a motor vehicle, comprising a steering column and a telescopic steering column (1) arranged on the steering column, in particular a telescopic steering column (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the telescopic steering column (1) has a support component (6), a telescopic unit (3) arranged on the support component (6) and a control element carrier (5) that can be displaced relative to the support component (6) by means of the telescopic unit (3), on which a control element (2) serving to steer the motor vehicle and a sensor and / or actuator unit (7) coupled to the control element (2) are provided, characterized in that the telescopic unit (3) is part of a telescopic unit arrangement (4) with several telescopic units (3) arranged parallel and spaced apart from each other, wherein the telescopic units (3) each engage on one side the support component (6) and on the other side the control element carrier (5),so that the control element carrier (5) is mounted on the support component (6) in a manner that allows displacement over each of the telescopic units (3).

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