CN112918544A - Adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle - Google Patents
Adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CN112918544A CN112918544A CN202011400492.5A CN202011400492A CN112918544A CN 112918544 A CN112918544 A CN 112918544A CN 202011400492 A CN202011400492 A CN 202011400492A CN 112918544 A CN112918544 A CN 112918544A
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- steering column
- rack
- collision
- tube
- limiting element
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- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 21
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 17
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000010008 shearing Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000018109 developmental process Effects 0.000 description 6
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007765 extrusion coating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D1/00—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle
- B62D1/02—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle vehicle-mounted
- B62D1/16—Steering columns
- B62D1/18—Steering columns yieldable or adjustable, e.g. tiltable
- B62D1/19—Steering columns yieldable or adjustable, e.g. tiltable incorporating energy-absorbing arrangements, e.g. by being yieldable or collapsible
- B62D1/192—Yieldable or collapsible columns
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D1/00—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle
- B62D1/02—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle vehicle-mounted
- B62D1/16—Steering columns
- B62D1/18—Steering columns yieldable or adjustable, e.g. tiltable
- B62D1/181—Steering columns yieldable or adjustable, e.g. tiltable with power actuated adjustment, e.g. with position memory
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D1/00—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle
- B62D1/02—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle vehicle-mounted
- B62D1/16—Steering columns
- B62D1/18—Steering columns yieldable or adjustable, e.g. tiltable
- B62D1/183—Steering columns yieldable or adjustable, e.g. tiltable adjustable between in-use and out-of-use positions, e.g. to improve access
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D1/00—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle
- B62D1/02—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle vehicle-mounted
- B62D1/16—Steering columns
- B62D1/18—Steering columns yieldable or adjustable, e.g. tiltable
- B62D1/185—Steering columns yieldable or adjustable, e.g. tiltable adjustable by axial displacement, e.g. telescopically
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Steering Controls (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to an adjustable steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising: a steering column body (10); a steering column tube (12), in particular a crash tube, arranged in a longitudinally displaceable manner relative to the steering column body (10); a drive device (14) arranged on the column tube (12) for adjusting the steering column (1), having an electric motor (14 a) and a pinion (14 c) connected to an output shaft (14 b) of the electric motor (14 a), said pinion being in engagement with a rack (16) fixed to the column body (10); an energy-absorbing element (18) for absorbing crash energy acting in the axial direction on the steering column (1), which is fastened to the steering column body (10) at a first longitudinal axial end section (18 a) and to the toothed rack (16) at a second longitudinal axial end section (18 b), wherein the energy-absorbing element (18) is designed to absorb crash energy acting on the steering column (1) by deformation, said crash energy generating an axial movement of the steering column tube (12); and a collision stroke limiting element (22) which is designed to limit the collision stroke of the steering column tube (12) relative to the steering column body (10).
Description
Technical Field
The invention relates to an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle.
Background
Typically, steering columns in passenger vehicles can be adjusted in height and length either manually or electrically. In particular, the longitudinal adjustment is often performed as a telescopic tube between a housing which performs a swiveling movement for the height adjustment and a telescopic tube, which is often referred to as a crash tube or guide tube.
Furthermore, some steering columns have a so-called easy-entry function which enables the steering column body of the steering column to be moved in as deeply as the adjustment range of the steering column allows. The adjustment range of the steering column typically has a stroke of 25mm to 35 mm.
DE 102008060225B 4 discloses an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle, which steering column has a steering column body for supporting a rotatable steering shaft, a clamping mechanism for achieving a stepless adjustability of the steering shaft in the longitudinal direction of the steering column body, and an energy-absorbing mechanism for moving the steering shaft in an energy-consuming manner in an accident.
However, within the scope of the use of autonomous driving operation of a vehicle, it is desirable to allow a large adjustment range of the steering column on the one hand, so that the steering column and the steering device mounted thereon can be lowered as far as possible in the dashboard or in the interior space lining of the vehicle during autonomous driving operation of the vehicle, and on the other hand to maintain the function of the steering column, so that the energy absorption mechanism for moving the steering shaft in an energy-consuming manner in an accident is present both in the nominal position of the steering column, i.e. in the manual driving mode of the motor vehicle, and during the adjustment of the steering column.
Disclosure of Invention
The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved steering column arrangement for a motor vehicle, which allows an extended adjustability of the steering column and furthermore provides an effective energy absorption mechanism in the event of a crash, which energy absorption mechanism can fulfill its function in different operating modes of the steering column.
The object is achieved by an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle having the features of claim 1.
The invention provides an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle, comprising: a steering column body; a steering column tube, in particular a crash tube, arranged in a longitudinally displaceable manner relative to the steering column body; and a drive device arranged on the steering column tube for adjusting the steering column, the drive device having a motor and a pinion connected to an output shaft of the motor, the pinion being in engagement with a rack fixed to the steering column body.
The adjustable steering column furthermore has an energy-absorbing element for absorbing crash energy acting in the axial direction on the steering column, which is fastened to the steering column body at a first longitudinal end section and to the toothed rack at a second longitudinal end section.
The energy-absorbing element is designed to absorb, by deformation, impact energy acting on the steering column, which impact energy produces an axial movement of the steering column tube.
In addition, the adjustable steering column has a collision travel limiting element, which is designed to limit the collision travel of the steering column tube relative to the steering column body. The idea of the invention is to provide a mechanism which on the one hand allows axial adjustment of the steering column and on the other hand enables effective energy absorption in the event of a crash in combination with a defined limitation of the crash stroke of the steering column tube.
The energy-absorbing element can advantageously absorb the impact energy acting on the steering column or the steering column tube in the event of an impact. Furthermore, the collision travel of the steering column tube relative to the steering column body can be limited in an advantageous manner by means of the collision travel limiting element, so that a predefined collision travel of the steering column tube relative to the steering column body is allowed depending on the position of the steering column tube relative to the steering column body.
Advantageous embodiments and developments emerge from the dependent claims and from the description with reference to the figures.
According to a preferred further development, it is provided that the energy-absorbing element is formed by a sheet metal strip which, in the mounted state of the steering column in the motor vehicle, is fastened with a first longitudinal axial end section to the upper side of the steering column body, wherein the energy-absorbing element is designed to roll around an, in particular rounded, end section of the steering column body during the axial movement of the steering column tube and of a rack connected to the steering column tube by means of a pinion, which is caused by the impact energy.
In this way, an effective energy absorption of the crash energy acting on the steering column tube of the steering column can be achieved in an advantageous manner.
According to a further preferred refinement, it is provided that the sheet metal strip has a constant cross section along its length for producing a constant energy absorption effect or a variable cross section for producing a variable energy absorption effect during the axial movement of the column tube, wherein a first longitudinal section of the sheet metal strip arranged adjacent to the toothed rack has a smaller cross section than a second longitudinal section of the sheet metal strip arranged adjacent to the upper side of the column body with respect to the variable cross section.
The sheet metal strip can thus advantageously be provided with a constant energy absorption as required or with a variable energy absorption depending on the configuration of the sheet metal strip.
According to a further preferred development, it is provided that the toothed rack is encapsulated by plastic extrusion, wherein the plastic extrusion of the toothed rack has at least one opening on both sides of the toothed rack, into which opening a pin fixed to the steering column body is inserted. The toothed rack can thus be fixed to the steering column body in an advantageous manner by fixing by means of the plastic extrusion coating and the pin.
According to a further preferred refinement, it is provided that the pin inserted into at least one opening arranged on both sides of the toothed rack is designed to: in the event of a vehicle collision, the load introduced into the steering column and the rack connected thereto is sheared when a predetermined threshold value, in particular greater than or equal to 3kN, is exceeded.
By such a configuration of the shearable pin, the rack can be decoupled from the steering column body in the event of a vehicle collision and thus the rack can be moved relative to the steering column body in an advantageous manner. The rack thus moves together with the axial movement of the steering column tube or the crash tube due to its engagement with the pinion.
According to a further preferred refinement, it is provided that the collision path limiting element is fastened to the steering column body, in particular to a lower side of the steering column body which is present in the mounted state of the steering column in the motor vehicle, wherein the collision path limiting element is fastened to the steering column body on both sides of the toothed rack, and wherein the collision path limiting element has a stop section with at least one stop element which can be inserted into at least one opening formed in the toothed rack.
Since the impact path limiting element can be inserted into at least one opening formed in the rack, it is advantageously possible to generate an impact path of the steering column tube when the rack is decoupled from the steering column body in the event of a vehicle impact.
According to a further preferred development, it is provided that in a first axial end position of the steering column, in particular in the completely extended position, at least one stop element of the impact travel limiting element is disengaged or partially engaged with the toothed rack. As a result, on the one hand, an axial adjustment of the steering column tube can be achieved in the normal operation of the steering column and, on the other hand, a collision path of the rack and the steering column tube connected thereto can be achieved in the event of a collision.
According to a further preferred refinement, it is provided that the collision path limiting element is in contact with the steering column in an intermediate position of the steering column in which the pinion of the drive is arranged substantially in the middle of the rack, wherein the collision path limiting element has at least one projection on the underside facing the steering column. The projection is advantageously designed to lift the impact travel limiting element in such a way that it comes into contact with the toothed rack.
According to a further preferred refinement, it is provided that the steering column tube has a bevel on an axial end section, which bevel is designed to lift the stop section of the collision path limiting element during an axial movement of the steering column tube in the direction of the collision path limiting element in such a way that the at least one stop element is inserted into at least one opening formed in the rack.
The provision of the beveled axial end section of the steering column advantageously achieves this in that: the limiting element, in particular the projection provided on the underside of the limiting element, is moved in the axial movement of the steering column tube relative to the rack or the steering column body.
According to a further preferred refinement, it is provided that the collision path limiting element is in the second axial end position of the steering column, in particular in the fully retracted position, that the stop section of the collision path limiting element is arranged between the rack and the steering column and that the at least one stop element is completely engaged with the rack.
In the normal adjusting operation of the steering column, the lifting of the collision path limiting element and the insertion of the locking element into the toothed rack have no effect on the adjustment of the steering column. In the event of a crash of the vehicle, however, the insertion of the stop element into the opening of the rack advantageously makes it possible to achieve an effective limitation of the crash stroke of the steering column tube of the adjustable steering column.
According to a further preferred development, it is provided that the rack is movable with the movement of the steering column connected to the rack when the pin is sheared, wherein the collision path limiting element is designed to: the impact travel of the steering column tube is limited by the movement of the projection of the impact travel limiting element along the inclined surface of the steering column tube when the stop section of the impact travel limiting element is lifted and the at least one stop element is inserted into the at least one opening formed in the toothed rack.
The projection of the impact travel limiting element can thus advantageously allow an easy insertion of the stop element into the opening formed in the toothed rack.
According to a further preferred development, it is provided that the locking torque of the electric machine is greater than a load torque introduced into the steering column and the rack connected thereto in the event of a vehicle collision, in particular greater than or equal to 3 kN.
The design of the electric machine advantageously makes it possible to achieve this by: the collision energy can be efficiently transmitted to the rack via the pinion through the steering column tube due to the locking torque of the motor. In response thereto, shearing of the pin for fastening the toothed rack to the steering column body takes place and thus axial movement of the toothed rack relative to the steering column body is released.
The described embodiments and modifications can be combined with one another as desired.
Further possible configurations, improvements and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention not explicitly mentioned above and described below with regard to the exemplary embodiments.
Drawings
The accompanying drawings should be included to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention. The drawings illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and aspects of the invention.
Other embodiments and many of the mentioned advantages result from the view of the figures. The illustrated elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Wherein:
fig. 1 shows a longitudinal sectional view of an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
fig. 2 shows a schematic illustration of the underside of the steering column body, which is present in the mounted state of the adjustable steering column in the motor vehicle, together with the toothed rack fastened thereto, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
fig. 3 shows a longitudinal section of an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle in a first position during an adjusting operation of the steering column, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
fig. 4 shows a schematic illustration of an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle in a second position during an adjusting operation of the steering column, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
fig. 5 shows a longitudinal section of an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle in a third position during an adjusting operation of the steering column, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
fig. 6 shows a longitudinal section through an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle in a fourth position during an adjusting operation of the steering column, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 7 shows an enlarged detailed view of the underside of the steering column body of an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
fig. 8 shows a longitudinal section of an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle in a first position in the event of a vehicle collision, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
fig. 9 shows a longitudinal section of an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle in a second position in the event of a vehicle collision, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
fig. 10 shows a longitudinal section of an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle in a third position in the event of a vehicle collision, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 11 shows an enlarged detailed view of a schematic view of the underside of the steering column body, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and is
Fig. 12 shows an enlarged detailed view of the underside of the steering column body together with a schematic representation of the collision travel of the steering column tube limited by the collision travel limiting element, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally identical elements, components or assemblies, unless stated to the contrary.
Detailed Description
Fig. 1 shows a longitudinal sectional view of an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
The adjustable steering column 1 for a motor vehicle has a steering column body 10 and a steering column tube 12 arranged in a longitudinally displaceable manner relative to the steering column body 10. The column tube 12 is a crash tube in the present embodiment. Alternatively or additionally, the crash tube can be guided in a sleeve.
Furthermore, the adjustable steering column 1 has a drive 14 arranged on the steering column tube 12 for adjusting the steering column 1. The drive device 14 has a motor 14a and a pinion 14c connected to an output shaft 14b of the motor 14 a. The pinion 14c is fitted to a rack 16 fixed to the steering column body 10.
The positioning of the motor 14a and the output shaft 14b in fig. 1 is of a symbolic nature only. As an alternative to the illustrated arrangement of the electric motor 14a and the output shaft 14b, they can also be arranged in the extension of the pinion 14c, for example, perpendicularly to the illustrated cross section.
Furthermore, the pinion 14c is inserted into a recess of the steering column 12, which is substantially circular or circular-segment-shaped in cross section. This ensures that the pinion moves together with the steering column tube 12 during the axial movement of the steering column tube 12 relative to the steering column body 10.
In addition, the adjustable steering column 1 has an energy absorption element 18 which absorbs the impact energy acting on the steering column 1 in the axial direction. The energy-absorbing element 18 is fastened to the steering column body 10 at a first longitudinal end section 18a and to the toothed rack 16 at a second longitudinal end section 18 b. Furthermore, the energy absorption element 18 is designed to absorb, by deformation, the impact energy acting on the steering column 1, which impact energy produces an axial movement of the steering column tube 12.
Furthermore, the adjustable steering column 1 has a collision travel limiting element 22, which is designed to limit the collision travel of the column tube 12 relative to the column body 10.
The energy absorption element 18 is formed in the present embodiment by a sheet metal strip. The sheet metal strip is fixed to the upper side 10a of the steering column body 10 with a first longitudinal axial end section 18a in the mounted state of the steering column in the motor vehicle. The energy-absorbing element 18 is designed to roll around the, in particular rounded, end section 10b of the steering column body 10 during the axial movement of the steering column tube 12 and the rack 16 connected to the steering column tube 12 via the pinion 14c, which is caused by the collision energy.
In addition, the sheet metal strip has a constant cross section along its length for producing a constant energy absorption effect. Alternatively, the sheet metal strip can have a variable cross section, for example along its length, for generating a variable energy absorption effect in the axial movement of the steering column tube 12.
In terms of the variable cross section, a first longitudinal end section 18a of the sheet metal strip arranged adjacent to the toothed rack 16a has a smaller cross section than a second longitudinal section 18b of the sheet metal strip arranged adjacent to the upper side 10a of the column body 10. This ensures that the initial energy absorption effect is small and the subsequent energy absorption effect is high.
The locking torque of the electric motor 14a is greater than the load torque introduced into the steering column 12 and the rack connected to the steering column 12 in the event of a vehicle collision, in particular greater than or equal to 3 kN.
Fig. 2 shows a schematic illustration of the underside of the steering column body, which is present in the mounted state of the adjustable steering column in the motor vehicle, together with the toothed rack fastened thereto, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
The toothed rack 16 is encapsulated by plastic extrusion. The plastic extruded envelope 24, 25 of the toothed rack 16 has openings 24a, 24b on both sides of the toothed rack 16, into which respective pins 26a, 26b fixed to the steering column body 10 are inserted.
The pins 26a, 26b inserted into the openings 24a, 24b arranged on both sides of the rack 16 are configured for: in the event of a vehicle collision, the load introduced into the steering column 12 (not shown in fig. 2) and the rack 16 connected to the steering column 12 is sheared when it exceeds a predetermined threshold value, in particular greater than or equal to 3 kN.
The collision path limiting element 22 is fastened to the steering column body 10, in particular to a guide rail 11 of the steering column body 10, which guide rail is arranged on the lower side 10c in the mounted state of the steering column 1 in the motor vehicle.
The collision stroke limiting element 22 is fixed to the steering column body 10 on both sides of the rack bar 16.
Furthermore, the impact travel limiting element 22 has a stop section 28 with a plurality of stop elements 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d, which can be inserted into openings 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d formed in the toothed rack 16. The collision path limiting element 22 is fork-shaped in the present exemplary embodiment.
The rack 16 is movable in response to movement of the column tube 12 to which it is connected when shearing the pins 26a, 26 b.
Furthermore, the collision path limiting element 22 is designed to: when the stop section 28 of the crash stroke limiting element 22 is lifted and a plurality of stop elements 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d are inserted into openings 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d formed in the toothed rack 16, the crash stroke of the steering column tube 12 is limited by the movement of the projection 22a of the crash stroke limiting element 22 along the inclined surface 12c (not shown in fig. 2) of the steering column tube 12.
Fig. 3 shows a longitudinal section through the adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle in a first position during an adjusting operation of the steering column according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
In this illustration, the column tube 12 is shown in a first axial end position 12a, in particular in a completely removed position, in the normal and/or adjusting operation of the steering column.
The plurality of stop elements 28a, 28b of the crash stroke limiting element 22 are disengaged from the rack 16 in the current position of the steering column 12. Alternatively, the plurality of latching elements 28a, 28b (further latching elements 28a, 28b are not shown in the present illustration) can be in partial engagement with the toothed rack 16.
Fig. 4 shows a schematic illustration of the adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle in a second position during an adjusting operation of the steering column according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
The crash stroke limiting element 22 is shown in the present illustration in the center position 12b of the steering column 12. In the intermediate position 12b of the steering column 12, the pinion 14c of the drive 14 is arranged substantially in the middle of the rack 16.
The collision path limiting element 22 comes into contact with the steering column tube 12 in the current position of the steering column tube 12. Furthermore, the crash stroke limiting element 22 has at least one projection 22a on the underside facing the steering column 12.
The steering column tube 12 has a bevel 12c at an axial end section. The inclined surface 12c is designed to lift the stop section 28 of the crash stroke limiting element 22 in the axial movement of the column tube 12 toward the crash stroke limiting element 22 in such a way that the plurality of stop elements 28a, 28b (the stop elements 28c, 28d are not shown in the present illustration) are inserted into openings designed in the rack.
Fig. 5 shows a longitudinal section through the adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle in a third position during an adjusting operation of the steering column, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
In the present illustration, the steering column tube 12 is moved slightly further in the axial direction of the steering column 1 than in the illustration shown in fig. 4. The projection 22a formed on the underside of the crash stroke limiting element 22 has already moved along the inclined surface 12c of the steering column 12 in the current position of the steering column 12, so that the crash stroke limiting element 22, in particular the stop section 28 of the crash stroke limiting element 22, is arranged substantially parallel to the toothed rack 16 and the plurality of stop elements 28a, 28b are inserted into openings formed in the toothed rack 16.
Fig. 6 shows a longitudinal section through the adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle in a fourth position during an adjusting operation of the steering column, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
In the present illustration, the impact travel limiting element 22 is shown in the second axial final position 12d of the steering column tube 12, in particular in the fully retracted position.
The stop section 28 of the collision path limiting element 22 is arranged between the toothed rack 16 and the steering column 12. The plurality of stop elements 28a, 28b are completely in engagement with the toothed rack 16.
Fig. 7 shows an enlarged detail view of the underside of the steering column body of the adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
As can be seen, the toothed rack 16 has two rows of openings spaced apart from one another, which extend in the axial direction of the toothed rack 16.
The stop elements 28a, 28b are inserted into the openings 16a, 16b of the toothed rack. The stop elements 28c, 28d are inserted into the openings 16c, 16d of the toothed rack 16. The stop elements 28a to 28d are each configured in the shape of a hook and have a predetermined inclination in the direction of the end section 10b of the steering column body 10. As a result, the latching elements 28a to 28b are secured after insertion into the openings 16a to 16d in the toothed rack 16, in order to prevent unintentional uncoupling from the toothed rack 16.
Fig. 8 shows a longitudinal section through the adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle in a first position in the event of a vehicle collision according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
In the present illustration, the steering column 1 is shown in a vehicle collision in which collision energy acts in the axial direction on the steering column 1, in particular on the steering column tube 12. In the illustration shown, the toothed rack 16 is also fastened to the steering column body 10 by means of plastic extruded profiles 24, 25 and pins (not shown in fig. 8) inserted through corresponding openings of the plastic extruded profiles.
Fig. 9 shows a longitudinal section through the adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle in a second position in the event of a vehicle collision according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
In the present illustration, the pins inserted into the respective openings of the plastic extruded structures 24, 25 have been sheared off as a result of a load introduced into the steering column tube 12 and the rack connected to the steering column tube 12 by a vehicle collision, which load exceeds a predetermined threshold value, in particular greater than or equal to 3 kN.
The rack 16 is thus moved together with the steering column tube 12 in the axial direction, in particular along the steering column body 10, as a result of the axial movement of the steering column tube 12, as a result of the connection of the rack 16 to the steering column tube 12 by means of the pinion 14 c.
At the same time, the energy-absorbing element 18, which is formed by a metal band, rolls during the axial movement of the toothed rack 16 relative to the steering column body 10. The first longitudinal axial section 18a of the energy absorption element 18 is fixed to the upper side 10a of the steering column body 10 and the second longitudinal axial end section 18b is fixed to the toothed rack 16. The energy-absorbing element 18 rolls around the, in particular rounded, end section 10b of the steering column body 10 and, by its deformation, absorbs the crash energy acting on the steering column 1.
In the present position of the steering column 10, the collision path limiting element 22 is arranged on an axial end section of the steering column 10, on which the inclined surface 12c is formed. In the present illustration, the latching portion 28 with its latching elements 28a, 28b has been partially lifted in the direction of the toothed rack 16, so that the latching elements 28a, 28b are in partial engagement with the toothed rack 16.
Fig. 10 shows a longitudinal section through the adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle in a third position in the event of a vehicle collision according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
In the present illustration, the column tube is moved further in the axial direction of the steering column 1 by a predetermined distance, so that the stop elements 28a, 28b of the impact travel limiting element 22 (and also further stop elements 28c, 28d, which are not shown in fig. 10) are inserted into the openings of the rack. The collision stroke limiting element 22 thus effectively limits the collision stroke of the steering column tube 12 relative to the steering column body 10, so that no further axial movement of the steering column tube 12 relative to the steering column body 10 is possible or the steering column tube 12 is locked.
Fig. 11 shows an enlarged detailed view of a schematic view of the underside of the steering column body, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
The enlarged detailed view relates to the illustration in fig. 9, in which the stop elements 28a to 28d of the stop section 28 of the limiting element 22 are already arranged adjacent to the openings 16a to 16d of the toothed rack 16 and there is already an engagement of the stop elements 28a to 28d with parts of the openings 16a to 16d of the toothed rack 16 or alternatively the stop elements 28a to 28d are also spaced apart from the openings 16a to 16d of the toothed rack 16.
Fig. 12 shows an enlarged detailed view of the underside of the steering column body together with a schematic representation of the collision travel of the steering column tube limited by the collision travel limiting element, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
The illustration in fig. 12 is an enlarged detail view of the illustration of the adjustable steering column 1 shown in fig. 10, in which the plurality of stop elements 28a to 28d are inserted into the plurality of openings 16a to 16d of the rack 16 and the crash stroke of the steering column tube 12 is thereby limited by the crash stroke limiting element 22.
Claims (12)
1. An adjustable steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, having:
a steering column body (10);
a steering column tube (12), in particular a crash tube, arranged in a longitudinally displaceable manner relative to the steering column body (10);
a drive device (14) arranged on the column tube (12) for adjusting the steering column (1), having an electric motor (14 a) and a pinion (14 c) connected to an output shaft (14 b) of the electric motor (14 a), said pinion being in engagement with a rack (16) fixed to the column body (10);
an energy-absorbing element (18) for absorbing crash energy acting in the axial direction on the steering column (1), which is fastened to the steering column body (10) at a first longitudinal axial end section (18 a) and to the toothed rack (16) at a second longitudinal axial end section (18 b), wherein the energy-absorbing element (18) is designed to absorb crash energy acting on the steering column (1) by deformation, said crash energy generating an axial movement of the steering column tube (12); and
a collision travel limiting element (22) configured to limit a collision travel of the steering column tube (12) relative to the steering column body (10).
2. Adjustable steering column according to claim 1, characterized in that the energy absorption element (18) is formed by a sheet metal strip which, in the mounted state of the steering column (1) in a motor vehicle, is fixed with the first longitudinal axial end section (18 a) on the upper side (10 a) of the steering column body (10), wherein the energy absorption element (18) is designed to roll around the in particular rounded end section (10 b) of the steering column body (10) in the collision energy-induced axial movement of the steering column tube (12) and a rack (16) connected to the steering column tube (12) by means of a pinion (14 c).
3. An adjustable steering column according to claim 2, characterized in that the sheet metal strip has a constant cross section along its length for producing a constant energy absorption effect or a variable cross section for producing a variable energy absorption effect in the axial movement of the column tube (12), wherein a first longitudinal section (18 a) of the sheet metal strip arranged adjacent to the toothed rack (16) has a smaller cross section in terms of variable cross section than a second longitudinal section (18 b) of the sheet metal strip arranged adjacent to the upper side (10 a) of the column body (10).
4. Adjustable steering column according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the toothed rack (16) is plastic extrusion-wrapped, wherein the plastic extrusion-wrapped structure (24, 25) of the toothed rack (16) has at least one opening (24 a, 24 b) on both sides of the toothed rack (16), into which a pin (26 a, 26 b) fixed on the steering column body (10) is inserted.
5. Adjustable steering column according to claim 4, characterized in that the pins (26 a, 26 b) inserted into at least one opening (24 a, 24 b) arranged on both sides of the rack (16) are configured for: the load introduced into the steering column (12) and a rack (16) connected to the steering column (12) in the event of a vehicle collision is sheared when a predetermined threshold value, in particular greater than or equal to 3kN, is exceeded.
6. Adjustable steering column according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the collision travel-limiting element (22) is fixed on the steering column body (10), in particular on a lower side (10 c) of the steering column body (10) which is present in the mounted state of the steering column (1) in a motor vehicle, wherein the collision travel-limiting element (22) is fixed on the steering column body (10) on both sides of a toothed rack (16), and wherein the collision travel-limiting element (22) has a stop section (28) with at least one stop element (28 a, 28b, 28c, 28 d) which can be inserted into at least one opening (16 a, 16b, 16c, 16 d) formed in the toothed rack (16).
7. The adjustable steering column according to claim 6, characterized in that in a first axial end position (12 a), in particular in a completely extended position, of the steering column tube (12) at least one stop element (28 a, 28b, 28c, 28 d) of the impact travel limiting element (22) is disengaged or in partial engagement with the toothed rack (16).
8. The adjustable steering column according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the collision path limiting element (22) is in contact with the steering column tube (12) in an intermediate position (12 b) of the steering column tube (12), in which the pinion (14 c) of the drive device (14) is arranged substantially in the middle of the rack (16), wherein the collision path limiting element (22) has at least one projection (22 a) on the lower side facing the steering column tube (12).
9. The adjustable steering column according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steering column tube (12) has a bevel (12 c) on an axial end section, which bevel is designed to lift the stop section (28) of the crash stroke limiting element (22) in the axial movement of the steering column tube (12) in the direction of the crash stroke limiting element (22) in such a way that the at least one stop element (28 a, 28b, 28c, 28 d) is inserted into at least one opening (16 a, 16b, 16c, 16 d) formed in the toothed rack (16).
10. The adjustable steering column according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the collision stroke limiting element (22) is in a second axial end position (12 c), in particular in a completely moved-in position, of the steering column tube (12), the stop section (28) of the collision stroke limiting element (22) is arranged between a rack (16) and the steering column tube (12) and the at least one stop element (28 a, 28b, 28c, 28 d) is completely in engagement with the rack (16).
11. Adjustable steering column according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the rack (16) is movable with the movement of a column tube (12) connected to the rack (16) when shearing the pin (26 a, 26 b), wherein the collision stroke-limiting element (22) is configured for: the collision path of the steering column tube (12) is limited by the movement of the projection (22 a) of the collision path limiting element (22) along the inclined surface (12 c) of the steering column tube (12) when lifting the stop section (28) of the collision path limiting element (22) and inserting the at least one stop element (28 a, 28b, 28c, 28 d) into the at least one opening (16 a, 16b, 16c, 16 d) formed in the toothed rack (16).
12. Adjustable steering column according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking torque of the electric machine (14 a) is greater than the load torque introduced into the steering column tube (12) and the rack (16) connected to the steering column tube (12) in the event of a vehicle collision, in particular greater than or equal to 3 kN.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE102019219008.1 | 2019-12-05 | ||
| DE102019219008.1A DE102019219008A1 (en) | 2019-12-05 | 2019-12-05 | Adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN112918544A true CN112918544A (en) | 2021-06-08 |
| CN112918544B CN112918544B (en) | 2024-03-15 |
Family
ID=75962223
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN202011400492.5A Active CN112918544B (en) | 2019-12-05 | 2020-12-04 | Adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CN (1) | CN112918544B (en) |
| DE (1) | DE102019219008A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20240017762A1 (en) * | 2022-07-12 | 2024-01-18 | Steering Solutions Ip Holding Corporation | Translating power adjustable steering column with geared rack for an absolute sensor |
| FR3141670A1 (en) * | 2022-11-07 | 2024-05-10 | Robert Bosch Automotive Steering Vendôme | STEERING COLUMN WITH LOCK |
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| DE2409208A1 (en) * | 1973-03-01 | 1974-09-05 | Cam Gears Ltd | STEERING COLUMN ARRANGEMENT |
| CN201268330Y (en) * | 2007-03-08 | 2009-07-08 | 德尔菲技术公司 | Retractable steering tube column component |
| CN103587571A (en) * | 2012-08-16 | 2014-02-19 | 万都株式会社 | Steering column for vehicle |
| CN105984484A (en) * | 2015-03-19 | 2016-10-05 | 株式会社山田制作所 | Steering apparatus |
| WO2017125311A1 (en) * | 2016-01-19 | 2017-07-27 | Thyssenkrupp Presta Ag | Electrically length-adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle |
-
2019
- 2019-12-05 DE DE102019219008.1A patent/DE102019219008A1/en active Pending
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2020
- 2020-12-04 CN CN202011400492.5A patent/CN112918544B/en active Active
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE2409208A1 (en) * | 1973-03-01 | 1974-09-05 | Cam Gears Ltd | STEERING COLUMN ARRANGEMENT |
| CN201268330Y (en) * | 2007-03-08 | 2009-07-08 | 德尔菲技术公司 | Retractable steering tube column component |
| CN103587571A (en) * | 2012-08-16 | 2014-02-19 | 万都株式会社 | Steering column for vehicle |
| CN105984484A (en) * | 2015-03-19 | 2016-10-05 | 株式会社山田制作所 | Steering apparatus |
| WO2017125311A1 (en) * | 2016-01-19 | 2017-07-27 | Thyssenkrupp Presta Ag | Electrically length-adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20240017762A1 (en) * | 2022-07-12 | 2024-01-18 | Steering Solutions Ip Holding Corporation | Translating power adjustable steering column with geared rack for an absolute sensor |
| US11999408B2 (en) * | 2022-07-12 | 2024-06-04 | Steering Solutions Ip Holding Corporation | Translating power adjustable steering column with geared rack for an absolute sensor |
| FR3141670A1 (en) * | 2022-11-07 | 2024-05-10 | Robert Bosch Automotive Steering Vendôme | STEERING COLUMN WITH LOCK |
| WO2024099899A1 (en) * | 2022-11-07 | 2024-05-16 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Steering column with a lock |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CN112918544B (en) | 2024-03-15 |
| DE102019219008A1 (en) | 2021-06-10 |
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