Adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle

US10807631B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• ZF Automotive Germany GmbH · DE
• ZF Automotive UK Limited

Inventors

• Markus Lingemann · Bochum, DE
• Guido Liesenfeld · Neuss, DE
• Petr Masinsky · Mysliboř, CZ

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 22, 2016
• Grant date: Oct 20, 2020
• Expiry date: Jul 22, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B62D1/185
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle, having a console unit which is vehicle-fixed or articulated to the vehicle, a steering shaft bearing unit which is arranged in the console unit and is axially displaceable relative to the console unit, and a mechanism mounted to the console unit and provided for adjusting and fixing in place the axial length of the steering column. This mechanism, when in an open condition, enables an axial relative displacement between the console unit and the steering shaft bearing unit, and, when in a locked condition, it axially fixes the steering shaft bearing unit in place at the console unit. The steering column further has an energy absorbing unit which, in the locked condition of the mechanism for adjusting the axial length of the steering column, allows an axial displacement of the steering shaft bearing unit relative to the console unit, accompanied by an absorption of energy, the energy absorbing unit being mounted to the console unit.