Patent ID: 8689659
Filing Date: 2014-04-08
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. A steering column for a motor vehicle, comprising: a jacket unit which rotatably supports a section of a steering spindle adjoining a steering wheel-side end of the steering spindle; a support unit securable on a chassis of the vehicle, by which the jacket unit is supported; a clamping mechanism having an opened state in which a position of the jacket unit can be adjusted at least in a longitudinal direction of the steering column relative to the support unit so as to permit a length adjustment of the steering column, and a closed state in which the position of the jacket unit is secured, wherein in the event of a vehicle crash the jacket unit is displaceable relative to the support unit in a displacement direction which is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the steering column; at least one absorption element arranged to act between the jacket unit and the support unit so as to absorb energy during the displacement of the jacket unit relative to the support unit in the event of the vehicle crash; and at least one switching unit which comprises a housing, an actuator arranged in the housing, and a switching piece, the switching piece being switchable by the actuator between a passive and an active switched position, wherein in the active switched position of the switching piece, the switching piece engages an engagement region of one of the absorption element, the jacket unit and the support unit so as to effect an additional energy absorption during the displacement of the jacket unit relative to the support unit in the event of the vehicle crash by an energy-absorbing displacement between the switching piece and at least one section of the absorption element in the engagement region of the absorption element, or between the switching piece and the jacket unit in the engagement region of the jacket unit, or between the switching piece and the support unit in the engagement region of the support unit, such that a magnitude of the energy absorbed during the displacement of the jacket unit relative to the support unit in the event of the vehicle crash is greater in the active switched position than in the passive switched position of the switching piece, wherein the housing of the switching unit is secured in position on the absorption element itself in the active as well as in the passive switched position of the switching piece, wherein during the displacement of the jacket unit relative to the support unit in the event of the vehicle crash, a first section of the absorption element is held nondisplaceably relative to one of the jacket unit and the support unit, and a second section of the absorption element is held nondisplaceably relative to the other of the jacket unit and the support unit, and wherein in the active switched position, the switching piece projects through an opening in the second section and engages the first section.