Deformation device for a steering column

US7422240B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ZF Lenksysteme Nacam GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Kay-Uwe Grams · Emstek, DE
• Herniu Michalski · Brinkum, DE
• Burkhard Schafer · Ganderkesee, DE
• Rainer Schmidt · Nuremberg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 14, 2005
• Grant date: Sep 9, 2008
• Expiry date: Jun 13, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16F7/127
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A deformation device, especially for the steering column of a motor vehicle. The deformation device comprises a deformation tube (2), which can be deformed in a defined manner, as well as a deforming cone (1) associated with the deformation tube (2). The deformation device has at the deforming cone (1) at least one elevation (13, 28) or recess, whose edges (8) engage edges (9) of at least one impression (23, 25) or recess (10), whose shape corresponds to the elevation of the cone or the recess of the cone at the cone-side end of the deformation tube (2), in a positive (material blocking) manner, as a result of which essentially any desired high torque can be transmitted between the deformation tube (2) and the deforming cone (1) without any change in the good behavior in a collision. The design of deformation devices, especially for steering lines of motor vehicles, can be substantially simplified and despite the improvement in product quality that is made possible, considerable cost savings are achieved in the manufacture of steering line components for motor vehicles.