Patent ID: 6776251
Filing Date: 2004-08-17
Classification: B60R,Y10T

Abstract:
A device for locking a steering column of a vehicle, comprising:a force-loaded locking member; a control device configured to adjust the locking member relative to the steering column between a locking position preventing rotation of the steering column and a release position allowing rotation of the steering column; wherein the locking member is comprised of one or more clamping jaws having a substantially smooth friction surface without a surface pattern; a substantially smooth counter friction surface without a surface pattern provided on the circumference of the steering column; a force generator connected to the control device, wherein the force generator is configured to exert in a locking situation, where the locking member is in the locking position, a clamping force onto the locking member directed against the counter friction surface and is configured to turn off the clamping force in a release situation where the locking member is in the release position, the locking member being subjected to a constant release force counteracting the clamping force and acting to push the friction surface away from the counter friction surface.