阅读说明：本技术 转向柱组件 (Steering column assembly ) 是由 A·比克海姆 S·黑尼施 于 2019-06-11 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于车辆的转向柱组件,其带有固定到车辆的承载元件和承载在承载元件上的接纳元件,接纳元件与方向盘设备以操作方式连接；能量吸收装置,与承载元件和接纳元件有效连接,设置有细长的吸收构件以减缩构件,减缩构件带有用于吸收构件的通道,该通道至少部分地具有与吸收构件的端部区段的至少一部分的横截面相比较小的横截面,在方向盘设备中的能量输入的限值超出的情况下,承载元件和接纳元件以纵向可调节的方式彼此联接,使得在吸收构件和减缩构件之间发生相对纵向移动,牵拉力作用在吸收构件上,通过减缩构件的通道的较小横截面使吸收构件的端部区段塑性变形,借助于能量吸收装置在相对纵向移位的情况下将接纳元件承载在承载元件上。(A steering column assembly for a vehicle with a carrier element fixed to the vehicle and a receiving element carried on the carrier element, the receiving element being operatively connected with a steering wheel arrangement; an energy absorption device, which is operatively connected to the carrier element and the receiving element, is provided with an elongated absorption member to reduce the member with a channel for the absorption member, which channel at least partially has a smaller cross section than the cross section of at least a part of the end section of the absorption member, the carrier element and the receiving element being coupled to each other in a longitudinally adjustable manner in the event of an excess of a limit value of energy input in the steering wheel arrangement, such that a relative longitudinal movement occurs between the absorption member and the reduction member, a pulling force acts on the absorption member, the end section of the absorption member is plastically deformed by the smaller cross section of the channel of the reduction member, the receiving element is carried on the carrier element by means of the energy absorption device in the event of a relative longitudinal displacement.)

1. A steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle, with a carrying element (12) fixed to the vehicle and a receiving element (14) carried on the carrying element (12), wherein the receiving element (14) is operatively connected with a steering wheel arrangement (13); an energy absorption device (16) which is operatively connected to the carrier element (12) and the receiving element (14) and which is provided with at least one elongate absorption member (24) with a passage (26) for the absorption member (24) and at least one reduction member (28) which extends through the passage (26) and which passage (26) has at least in part a smaller cross section (Q1) than a cross section (Q2) of at least a part of an end section (21) of the absorption member (24), wherein the absorption member (24) is fixed by means of the carrier element (12) or the receiving element (14) and the reduction member (28) is fixed to the other of the carrier element (12) or the receiving element (14), wherein the carrier element (12) and the receiving element (14) are fixed and loosely coupled to each other in the event of a limit value of an energy input (EC) into the steering wheel arrangement (13) being exceeded such that a relative longitudinal movement occurs between the absorption member (24) and the reduction member (28), wherein a tensile force acts on the absorption member (24) as a result of this longitudinal movement, and wherein the end section (21) of the absorption member (24) is plastically deformed in cross section (28) by the smaller passage (26) of the reduction member (28), characterized in that the receiving element (14) is carried on the carrier element (12) using the energy absorption device (16) in the event of the relative longitudinal displacement.

2. The steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the direction Vector (VA) of the longitudinal displacement of the receiving element (14) is equal or almost equal to the direction Vector (VE) of the end section (21) of the absorption member (24).

3. The steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the absorption member (24) is provided with a support element (30) at only one end of the length, wherein the support element (30) is a separate component or is an integral part of the absorption member (24).

4. The steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to claim 3, characterised in that the support element (30) is fixed to the carrier element (12) or to the receiving element (14).

5. Steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that the end section (21) of the absorption member (24) is provided with at least one first longitudinal section (22) and one second longitudinal section (23), the first longitudinal section (22) having a cross section (Q3) and the second longitudinal section (23) having a cross section (Q2), wherein the cross section (Q3) of the first longitudinal section (22) is shorter than the cross section (Q2) of the second longitudinal section (23) and the first longitudinal section (22) is directed towards the support element (30).

6. Steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that the reduction member (28) is provided with a first pocket section (29) corresponding to the first longitudinal section (22) of the absorption member (24) or the reduction member (28) is provided with a first pocket section (29) corresponding to the first longitudinal section (22) of the absorption member (24) and a second pocket section (31) corresponding to the second longitudinal section (23).

7. The steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to claim 6, characterised in that the first longitudinal section (22) of the absorption member (24) and the first pocket section (29) of the reduction member (28) form a linear bearing (35) in a longitudinal displacement of the receiving element (14) relative to the carrier element (12).

8. The steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to claim 6, characterised in that in the longitudinal displacement of the receiving element (14) relative to the carrier element (12), the second longitudinal section (23) of the absorption member (24) and the second pocket section (31) of the reduction member (28) form a linear bearing (35).

9. The steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to claim 6, characterised in that in a longitudinal displacement of the receiving element (14) relative to the carrier element (12), the first and second longitudinal sections (22, 23) of the absorption member (24) and the first and second of the pocket sections (29, 31) of the reduction member (28) form a linear bearing (35).

10. The steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the reducing member (28) has at least one reducing channel (32).

11. Steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one connecting element (15) is provided between the receiving element (14) and the steering wheel device (13), wherein the steering wheel device (13) is carried on the connecting element (15) in a manner allowing it to be twisted.

12. Steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to claim 11, characterized in that the connecting element (15) is connected to the receiving element (14) by means of a locking mechanism (40), wherein the locking mechanism (40) can adopt a locked position and an unlocked position.

13. The steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to claim 12, characterised in that the connecting element (15) is movable in height and length relative to the receiving element (14) by means of the locking mechanism (40) in the unlocked state.

14. The steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to claim 12, characterised in that the connecting element (15) is fixed to the receiving element (14) in the locked state by means of the locking mechanism (40).

15. The steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the locking mechanism (40) is mechanical or electromechanical.

16. The steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that at least two energy absorption devices (16) are provided which are symmetrically distributed about the carrier element (12).

17. The steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the carrier element (12) provides a linear guide (37) to the receiving element (14), wherein a guide length (L1) of the linear guide (37) is shorter than a guide length (L2) of the linear bearing (35).

18. The steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the absorbent member (24) is made of a room temperature-malleable material.

19. The steering column assembly (10) for a vehicle according to claim 18, characterized in that the material is in particular a steel or aluminum material or a copper material.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a steering column assembly for a vehicle with an energy absorbing device.

Background

steering column assemblies for vehicles with energy absorbing devices are known. In the event of a vehicle collision, the energy-absorbing device attenuates the impact of the driver on the steering wheel by moving the steering column in the axial direction away from the driver and into the instrument panel, and the energy-absorbing member such as the roller tape or the tear tape absorbs part of the energy of this displacement by plastic deformation.

Steering column assemblies with energy absorbing devices are particularly dedicated to vehicles with air bags in the steering wheel, which in some countries allow for non-seatbelt driving. The energy absorbing device must absorb a large portion of the force acting on the driver when the driver impacts the steering wheel or the airbag, thereby minimizing the risk of injury. Furthermore, a bearing is provided in preparation for the case where the steering wheel is moved toward the dashboard by the impact. The bearing part thus ensures that the steering wheel is moved in a predetermined direction, for example to prevent downward displacement and to constitute a danger to the legs of the driver.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to create a compact steering column assembly with an energy absorbing device which also serves as a steering wheel guide if the steering wheel moves towards the dashboard in the event of a collision.

To achieve this object, the invention provides a steering column assembly for a vehicle, with: a carrier element fixed to the vehicle, the receiving element being connected to the carrier element, wherein the receiving element is operatively connected with the steering wheel device; an energy absorption device which is operatively connected with the carrier element and the receiving element and is provided with at least one elongate absorption member and at least one reduction member with a passage for the absorption member through which the absorption member extends and which at least partially has a cross section which is smaller than the cross section of at least a part of the end section of the absorption member, wherein the absorption member is fixed by means of the carrier element or the receiving element and the reduction member is fixed to the other of the two elements, wherein, in the event of a limit value of the energy input in the steering wheel device being exceeded, the carrier element and the receiving element are coupled to one another in a longitudinally adjustable manner such that a relative longitudinal movement occurs between the absorption member and the reduction member, wherein, as a result of this longitudinal movement, a pulling force acts on the absorption member and plastically deforms the end section of the absorption member in cross section by reducing the smaller cross section of the member, wherein the receiving element is carried on the carrying element in a relative longitudinal displacement by means of the energy absorption device.

The absorbent member is pulled through the constriction, i.e. the channel in the reduction member, and is thereby plastically deformed. By this embodiment in which the absorption member is pulled through a preferably (in radial direction) completely closed constriction, the energy absorption device is constructed in an extremely simple and compact manner and is thus also produced in a cost-effective manner. If before and after a relative movement is mentioned, this means that the absorbing member is fixed and the shrinkage reduction member moves along the absorbing member, or vice versa, i.e. the absorbing member moves and the shrinkage reduction member is stationary.

In this way, in the case of at least one absorbent member being stretched, it is sufficient to hold it at one end, wherein the opposite end assigned to the end section unnecessarily has to be carried.

The channel can be formed by a preferably completely closed substrate.

The matrix can for example be attached to the entire exterior of the absorption member and penetrate these sections longitudinally in the event of a vehicle collision.

In order to ensure that the absorbent member is not torn and thus that no tension peaks occur at the beginning of the movement process, the channel continuously narrows transversely or radially to the absorbent member in the direction of the holding section opposite the end section.

In this case, a conical or curved cross-sectional shape of the channel can advantageously be realized in the cross-section.

If necessary, the absorption member itself can be designed such that it has different cross-sections or material properties at its end sections to allow adjustment of the force path development.

In order to be able to assemble the absorption member easily, it is advantageous if the absorption member in the initial state, i.e. before a vehicle collision, has a cross-section at the mounting end opposite the end section to the extent that at least the channel has a cross-section which allows it to move through the channel without plastic deformation. This means that the absorbent member initially advantageously comprises a different cross-section. The mounting end with the smaller cross section can be passed through the channel for assembly without causing deformation. A transition section is disposed between the first longitudinal section and the second longitudinal end. This transition between the two cross sections is intended in particular to avoid abrupt cross section changes.

The above-mentioned limit values for the energy input of the steering wheel arrangement are decisive for the energy absorption requirements of the energy absorption device. The limit is determined by external parameters such as driver mass, whether the driver is using a seat belt, current vehicle speed and/or delay in vehicle collision.

This means that the energy absorption requirement reflects the desired amount of energy that must be absorbed by the energy absorbing device in a vehicle collision in order to protect the driver in the most feasible way. In order to ensure a reliable operation of the steering column assembly, the above-mentioned limit values of the energy input must first be exceeded in order to cause a longitudinal displacement of the receiving element relative to the carrying element and thereby activate the energy-absorbing device, i.e. the absorbing member is plastically deformed by the shrinkage reduction member as a result of the relative longitudinal displacement. If this limit value is exceeded, a longitudinal displacement of the receiving element relative to the carrier element occurs and the energy-absorbing device is then activated, that is to say the absorbing member is plastically deformed when it is pulled through the shrinkage-reducing member and the energy is reduced as a result. However, as already described above, the direction of the longitudinal displacement is also decisive, since a longitudinal displacement of the receiving element with a component mounted thereon (such as a steering wheel device) can cause injuries to the driver. Thus, in the prior art, a further guide element is provided which determines the direction of longitudinal displacement when the receiving element has been longitudinally translated. The present invention incorporates this guide feature into the energy absorbing device. The absorption and reduction members, which are components of the energy absorption device, serve a load-bearing function in order to determine the direction of the longitudinal displacement during the longitudinal displacement of the receiving element and thus protect the driver from impacts of the receiving element and the mounted components. This embodiment of the energy absorbing device may eliminate the above-mentioned separate guiding element, which saves costs and components while maintaining the same or even improved functionality.

It can also be provided that the direction vector of the longitudinal displacement of the receiving element is the same as or almost equal to the direction vector of the end section of the absorption member. Since the absorption member is an elongated part that is pulled through the shrinkage reduction member when the energy absorption device is activated, the directional vector of the mounted absorption member provides the direction of the longitudinal displacement of the receiving element.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the absorption member is provided at only one longitudinal end with a support element, wherein the support element is embodied as a separate component or is integral with the absorption member. Since the absorbent member is used only in the pulling direction, it is necessary to ensure that the absorbent member can be safely mounted to the shrinkage reduction member and that the pulling force can be introduced into the absorbent member. For this purpose, it is advantageous if the above-mentioned support elements are provided as eyelets or flanges. For example, a form-fit connection, a substance-substance connection or a frictional connection can be used between the supporting element and the absorption member. However, it is also possible to form the support element from the absorption member, for example by a deformation process, or simply by means of mounting holes or openings.

It may also be provided that the supporting element is fixed to the carrying element or to the receiving element.

In a further embodiment, it can be provided that the end section of the absorption member is provided with at least a first longitudinal section and a second longitudinal section, the first longitudinal section being provided with a cross section and the second longitudinal section also being provided with a cross section, the cross section of the first longitudinal section being smaller than the cross section of the second longitudinal section and the first longitudinal section facing the support element. It should be noted that the cross-sections may have the same shape or different shapes. The shape can advantageously be formed as a round bar or a square bar. Shapes such as triangular cross-sections are also possible. This should not represent the final result.

Further embodiments may provide that the reduction member is provided with a first recess section (ausnehmugsabschnitt) corresponding to the first longitudinal section of the absorption member, or that the reduction member is provided with a first recess section corresponding to the first longitudinal section of the absorption member and a second recess section corresponding to the second longitudinal section.

Furthermore, it can be provided that in the case of a longitudinal displacement of the receiving element relative to the carrier element, the first longitudinal section of the absorption element and the first socket section of the reduction element form a linear bearing. Here, the length of the first longitudinal section of the absorbent member and the length of the first pocket section of the shrinkage reduction member must be formed in the following manner: the linear bearing formed in this way enables guidance and directional longitudinal displacement.

It can also be provided that, in the case of a longitudinal displacement of the receiving unit relative to the carrying element, the second longitudinal section of the absorption element and the second socket section of the reduction member form a linear bearing. This may be advantageous, since the second longitudinal section of the absorption element exhibits a larger cross-section than the first longitudinal section. This can ensure that an advantageous guiding feature is achieved in the relative longitudinal displacement of the receiving elements.

It can also be provided that, in the longitudinal displacement of the receiving element relative to the carrier element, the first and second longitudinal sections of the absorption element form a linear bearing with the first and second pocket sections of the reduction member. It is advantageous for the function of the linear bearing section to obtain as long a path of the carrier section as possible. By providing almost the entire axial length of the tapering member and the absorption member as a bearing region, a bearing section which is advantageous with regard to the longitudinal displacement of the receiving element relative to the bearing element can be obtained.

Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the reduction member is provided with at least one reduction channel. The tapering channel is primarily used for plastically deforming the cross section of the end section of the absorption member into a smaller cross section when the absorption member is pulled through the tapering member. In order to ensure the functional reliability of this plastic deformation of the absorption member, it can be advantageous for the tapering channel to have a conical shape. This can reduce or even avoid notch effects or shrinkage during plastic deformation, which can lead to material defects in the form of fracture processes of the absorbent member. The tapered form of the reduction channel presented should be taken as an example only.

It may also be provided that at least one connecting element is to be provided between the receiving element and the steering wheel device, wherein the steering wheel device is rotated to the connecting element. The connecting element contributes to forming a receptacle of a steering wheel device, which advantageously comprises at least one steering wheel and a shaft. The shaft can then be twisted in the connecting element, which is also referred to as a sleeve.

Furthermore, the connecting element can be connected to the receiving element by means of a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism can assume a locked position and an unlocked position. This embodiment is also referred to as well known steering wheel adjustment. The connecting element can be adjusted in height with the steering wheel arrangement towards the driver or away from the driver. This adjustment is advantageous if the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position. If the locking mechanism is in the locked position, the steering wheel device or the connecting element is fixed to the receiving element. The locking mechanism may be provided mechanically or electromechanically.

Furthermore, it can be advantageous if at least two energy absorption devices are provided and are distributed symmetrically with respect to the carrier element. This embodiment allows a defined longitudinal displacement of the receiving element or the associated steering wheel device to be functionally reliable.

Furthermore, the carrier element can provide the receiving element with a linear guide, wherein the guide length of the linear guide is shorter than the guide length of the linear bearing. The carrier element is advantageously carried directly on the receiving element. This means that in the standby state, i.e. without longitudinal displacement of the receiving element and with initial longitudinal displacement of the receiving element, the linear guide mainly carries the receiving element. Only when the linear guidance is finished does the linear bearing, which is formed here by the energy absorption device, achieve a linear bearing upon further longitudinal displacement of the receiving element.

Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the absorbent member is composed of a material that is extensible at room temperature. Since the absorption member should be plastically deformed during longitudinal displacement, it is necessary that the absorption member is made of a non-brittle material, i.e. of a ductile material. These materials can advantageously be steel or aluminium materials, or copper materials, to give just a few examples. The absorption member, or rather the end section of the absorption member, can also have a cross section of a different shape. For example, the end section can advantageously be embodied as a round rod or a flat rod. In the case of circular rods, end sections of 4mm to 15mm diameter have proven to be advantageous for their function as energy-absorbing means and as linear guides.

Drawings

The invention is described in more detail in the following examples.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 to 2 show a general representation of an inventive steering column assembly.

Fig. 3 to 15 show other embodiments.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a general representation of an inventive steering column assembly 10. Figure 1 shows functionally relevant components of the invention. The steering wheel device 13, which is connected to the steering wheel shaft 17 such that it cannot be rotated, is carried in the connecting element 15 such that it can be twisted. The connecting element 15 is connected to the receiving element 14 and is adjustable in height and length. The locking mechanism 40, which is not described in detail here, thus connects the connecting element 15 with the receiving element 14 in the following manner: in the locked position of the locking mechanism 40, the connecting element 15 is fixed to the receiving element 14. In the case of the locking mechanism 40 in the unlocked position, the connecting element 15 connected to the receiving element 14 can be varied in height and also in length (i.e. in axial direction). The connecting element 15 can be adjusted together with the steering wheel device 13 towards the driver or away from the driver and in height. The receiving element 14 essentially comprises a tubular part 18 and a bracket (konsole)19 fixed thereto. Wing portions 20 are formed on both sides of the bracket 19. The wings 20 are located in the carrier element 12, wherein the carrier element 12 is fixed to a vehicle, for example a crossbar not shown here. The wings 20 are axially displaceable in the carrier element 12 in the event of a longitudinal displacement of the receiving element 14 relative to the carrier element 12. Furthermore, the reduction member 28 is fixed to the carrier element 12. The reduction member 28 can also be described as a matrix (matrix). Further, the absorbent member 24 is fixed to the wing portion 20. If an energy input EC is now generated in the steering wheel arrangement 13, for example in the event of a collision in which the driver sits behind the steering wheel arrangement 13 and has his body colliding with the steering wheel arrangement 13, and thus exceeds the energy input limit, a longitudinal displacement of the receiving element 14 relative to the carrier element 12 against the force of the energy absorption device 16 takes place, the energy absorption device 16 mainly comprising the absorption member 24 and the reduction member 28. Since the receiving element 14 is also connected with the connecting element 15 and the steering wheel device 13, the entire unit is displaced longitudinally relative to the carrier element 12. Since the reduction member 28, i.e. the base body, has a smaller inner cross section than the end section 21 of the reduction member 28, the end section 21 is pulled through the reduction member 28 if the receiving element 14 is longitudinally displaced relative to the carrier element 12. This results in the end section 21 being plastically deformed into a smaller cross-section determined by the smaller cross-section of the reducing member 28. The energy required for the process of plastic deformation of the absorption member 24 is taken from the energy input EC which exceeds the limit value. This means that in the event of a collision, the EC energy input into the steering wheel arrangement 13 is at least partially absorbed by the energy absorption means 16. This allows the collision of the driver with the steering wheel arrangement to be absorbed, so that there is a lower risk of injury to the driver than if the steering wheel arrangement 13 were connected to the carrier element 12 in a manner preventing displacement. If this longitudinal displacement of the receiving element 14 relative to the carrier element 12 occurs and if the path of this longitudinal displacement is longer than the guide length L1 of the wing 20 into the carrier element 12, a further linear guide of the receiving element 14 is formed by the energy-absorbing device 16 according to the invention. Referring to fig. 9-11, the linear guiding of the energy absorbing device 16 is described in detail. It is further noted here that one direction of the longitudinal displacement VE of the receiving element 14 is defined by one direction or by the direction vector VA of the end section 21 of the reduction member 28. This means that, upon a collision, the steering wheel arrangement 13 with the receiving element 14 is moved away from the driver in the longitudinal direction, which is indicated by the direction of the end section 21 of the reduction member 28. This means that the energy absorbing device 16, which is mainly composed of the shrinkage reduction member 28 and the absorbing member 24, performs two tasks. On the one hand, the energy-absorbing device 16 performs the task of absorbing energy in the event of a collision (i.e. in the event of an energy input EC to the steering wheel arrangement) and of converting this energy into plastic deformation of the end section 21. In a further task, if in the case of a longitudinal displacement of the steering wheel arrangement 13 with the receiving element 14 relative to the carrier element 12, in particular if the wings 20 have extended the guide length L1 of the carrier element 12, the energy absorption device 16 utilizes the guide length L2 of the absorption member 24 to achieve the guiding function of the receiving element 14 and the components connected to the receiving element 14. Since the guide length L2 is greater than the guide length L1, the receiving element 14 continues to extend over the guide length L2 after it has extended over the guide length L1. This means that separate guide elements known in the art can be omitted, which saves on components and production costs.

Fig. 2 shows a side view of the steering column assembly 10 already described in fig. 1. In this fig. 2, it is easily seen that the wings 20 are fixed to the brackets 19 and thus to the receiving element 14, the carrying element 12 being housed in the receiving element 14. Not shown here is the attachment of the support element 12 to the vehicle body, advantageously to the transverse bar. If the receiving element 14 is moved towards the energy input EC, for example when the limit of the energy input EC is exceeded, the wings 20 slide along the carrier element 12 until the wings 20 are fully extended from the carrier element 12. If there is a further longitudinal displacement of the receiving element 14 towards the energy input EC, the further loading or guidance of the receiving element 14 in the longitudinal direction is determined by the energy absorption device 16, which energy absorption device 16 is mainly composed of the shrinkage reduction member 28 and the absorption member 24. The direction vector VE of the receiving element 14, i.e. the actual direction of the receiving element 14, is determined by the direction vector VA of the reduction member 28, more precisely by the end section 21 of the reduction member 28. This is advantageous for achieving a targeted longitudinal displacement of the receiving element 14 and the components connected to the receiving element 14. The end section 21 of the reduction member 28 is formed as a circular rod.

Fig. 3 and 4 show a steering column assembly 10 similar to that already described in fig. 1 and 2, but here the absorbing member 24 of the energy absorbing device 16 is not embodied as a circular rod, but as a flat rod. In this way, the channel 26 of the reduction member 28 is also designed accordingly for flat bars.

Fig. 5 and 6 show a steering column assembly 10 similar to that already described in fig. 1 to 4, but here the arrangement of the energy-absorbing device 16 is reversed from that of fig. 1 to 4. This means that the shrinkage reduction member 28 is fixed to the receiving element 14. The absorption member 24 is then fixed to the carrier element 12 by means of the support element 30. As previously described, the support elements 30 are fixed to the end sections 21 and together they form the absorbent member 24. If the longitudinal displacement of the receiving unit 14 is now carried out as already described in fig. 1 to 4, the reduction member 28 with the receiving element 14 is moved towards the energy input EC. Since the absorption member 24 is fixed by means of the carrier element 12 to the not shown vehicle body or crossbar so that it cannot be displaced, tensile stresses occur on the absorption member 24 and the end section 21 of the absorption member 24 is plastically deformed by the shrinkage reduction member 28, more precisely by the channel 26. This arrangement is advantageous because the end section 21 now extends away from the driver side. As a result, on the one hand, the end section 21 of the absorption member 24 is not a source of injury, and on the other hand, a free construction space can be created in the direction towards the driver. The actual function of the energy-absorbing device 16, i.e. on the one hand to reduce the energy placed on the steering wheel arrangement 13 in the event of a collision and on the other hand to longitudinally displace, i.e. carry, the receiving unit 14 in a defined direction, remains unchanged. Thus, the energy absorbing device 16 performs two functions, an energy absorbing and a load bearing function.

Fig. 7 and 8 show the steering column assembly 10 as already described in fig. 5 and 6, but here the end section 21 of the absorption member 24 is not designed as a circular rod, but as a flat rod.

Fig. 9, 10, and 11 are examples of the energy-absorbing device 16 each in a sectional view. Fig. 9, 10 and 11 illustrate different embodiments of how the energy-absorbing device 16 can function as a carrier for the carrier element 12 in the presence of a longitudinal displacement of the receiving element 14. Referring to fig. 9, the energy absorbing device 16 is shown as including primarily the absorbing member 24 and the reduction member 28. The absorbent member 24 is elongated, for example, into a circular rod. At one end a support element 30 is provided, which support element 30 is here fixed to the absorption member 24. As shown for example in fig. 9, the support element 30 can be connected to the absorbent member 24, for example by means of screws, rivets, welds or other known types of connection. On the other hand, in fig. 10 and 11, the support element 30 is formed by the absorbent member 24 itself after the absorbent member 24 is mounted in the shrinkage reduction member 28. Fig. 10 shows the support element 30 being formed by an upsetting process. Fig. 11 shows that the support element 30 is formed by a reshaping process of the absorbent member 24. The end section 21 extends in the axial direction to the support element 30. The end section 21 is further divided into a first longitudinal section 22 and a second longitudinal section 23. As shown here, a conically shaped transition section 27 is disposed between the first longitudinal section 22 and the second longitudinal section 23. The reduction member 28 is provided with a channel 26, which channel 26 extends into both parts. One part is the first socket section 29 and the second part is embodied as a tapered channel 32. The first recess section 29 has a cross-section Q1, wherein the first longitudinal section 22 of the absorbent member 24 extends at a cross-section Q3. The reduction channel 32 of the reduction member 28 is also tapered, corresponding to the transition section 27 of the absorption member 24. This means that the first longitudinal section 22 and the transition section 27 of the absorbent member extend for the most part into the channel 26 of the shrinkage reduction member 28. In order to be able to ensure the load-bearing in the relative longitudinal displacement by means of the energy-absorbing device 16 as described above, the first longitudinal section 22 of the absorption member 24 and the first socket section 29 of the reduction member 28 fulfill the actual load-bearing function and thus form the linear bearing 35.

Fig. 10 shows the energy absorption device 16 as already described in fig. 9, but the reduction member 28 now extends over the second longitudinal section 23 of the absorption member 24. This means that the reduction member 28 is now provided with a second pocket section 31 in addition to the first pocket section 29 and the reduction channel 32. This means that, in the case of a longitudinal displacement of the receiving element 14 relative to the carrier element 12, which is not shown here but has been described previously, the first and second longitudinal sections 22, 23 of the absorption element 24 and the first and second pocket sections 29, 31 of the shrinkage reduction member 28 form a linear bearing 35.

Fig. 11 shows an energy absorption device 16 as already described in fig. 9 and 10, but here the first pocket section 29 of the reduction member 28 is embodied shorter and thus does not fulfill a load-bearing function or only a small load-bearing function. As a result, the second evaluation section 31 of the reduction member 28 and the second longitudinal section 23 of the absorption member 24 fulfill the actual load-bearing function and thus form a linear bearing 35.

It is also noted that the embodiments in fig. 9, 10 and 11 are merely examples of the manner in which the energy-absorbing device 16 is implemented as the linear bearing 35.

Fig. 12 to 15 show another embodiment according to the present invention. These figures are intended to present a centrally located energy absorbing device 16 in the middle. For this purpose, only the essential components of the invention are shown here in fig. 12 to 15. The centrally located energy absorption device 16 again enables a reduction in components and thus a reduction in manufacturing and production costs compared to the previous embodiment with two energy absorption devices 16 arranged in parallel. A single energy-absorbing device 16, advantageously placed intermediate the carrier element 12 and the receiving element 14, fulfils the task of energy absorption in the event of an impact and the guiding function in the event of a movement of the receiving element 14 relative to the carrier element 12. It is also readily apparent here, in particular in fig. 14, that the guiding function with the guide length L2 of the energy absorption device 16 is only performed when the receiving element 14 has extended over the guide length L1 which is thereby formed by the parallel spacer members 38 fixed to the carrier element 12. It is also easy to see, in particular in fig. 13, 14 and 15, the support points 44 of the load-bearing element 12 by the absorption members 24. This also carries the absorbent member 24 to further improve the above-described guiding function of the energy absorbing device 16. The lead length of the energy-absorbing device 16 can be defined by, among other things, the length of the end section 21 of the absorbing member 24. Reference is also made to the previous statements which disclose the function of the energy absorption means 16.

Reference numerals

10 steering column assembly

12 load bearing element

13 steering wheel device

14 receiving element

15 connecting element

16 energy absorbing device

17 steering wheel shaft

18 tubular member

19 support

20 wing part

21 end segment

22 first longitudinal section

23 second longitudinal section

24 absorbent member

26 channel

27 transition section

28 reducing component

29 first pocket segment

30 support element

31 second pocket segment

32 reducing channel

35 Linear bearing

37 linear guide

38 spacer member

40 locking mechanism

44 support point

Q1 Cross section

Q2 Cross section

Q3 Cross section

L1 guide Length

L2 guide Length

EC energy input

Vector of VA direction

VE direction vector

Axis A