Thyssenkrupp Presta Ag

Thyssen Krupp Ag

Thyssenkurpp Ag

Alexander Weselý

Hansjoerg Sulser

Daniel Kreutz

Christian Pichonnat

Hansjörg Sulser

Bryce Welch

Markus Bialek

Wolfgang Xander

An energy absorption device for a steering column for a motor vehicle includes an energy absorption element for absorbing energy by a relative movement between at least two components of the steering column in a crash situation, and at least one arresting element for arranging in a blocking position for blocking the relative movement.

Energy absorption device for a steering column, steering column and method for operating a steering column

A steering column may have a steering spindle jacket that is disposed within a support assembly. An outer steering spindle may include a spline hub portion and may be disposed within the steering spindle jacket. An inner steering spindle may be disposed within the outer steering spindle and may include a spline shaft portion configured to permit axial movement and prevent rotation of the outer steering spindle when the spline hub portion and the spline shaft portion are engaged. In a deployed state the spline shaft and the spline hub portions may be engaged, and in a stowed state the spline shaft and the spline hub portions may be free of engagement. A base disposed in the support assembly engages the spline hub portion in the stowed state to prevent rotation of the outer steering spindle.

Stowable steering column

A steering column may include a steering spindle that is surrounded by a casing tube and is connected to a steering wheel, a guide clamp in which the casing tube is guided displaceably along a longitudinal axis of the steering spindle. The guide clamp may be mounted pivotably about a pivot axis in a holding part that is connectable to a chassis of the motor vehicle. The position of the casing tube may be adjustable relative to the holding part, and a blocking device may be arranged between the casing tube and the holding part. The blocking device may comprise a threaded rod engaged with a spindle nut. The spindle nut may be mounted in a rolling bearing. Rolling bodies of the rolling bearing may be at least partially surrounded by a magnetorheological fluid, and the blocking device may comprise an electromagnet.

Adjustable steering column having at least one MRF actuator

A steering column for a motor vehicle may include a steering column tube in which a steering spindle is mounted rotatably about a longitudinal axis. The steering column tube is fastened to a carrier connected to a vehicle chassis so that in normal operation the steering column tube is retained non-displaceably on the carrier, but is displaceable along the longitudinal axis in a crash event where a force that acts on the steering spindle exceeds a threshold value. An energy-absorption device may comprise a bending element that is connected to the carrier and the steering column tube and may be deformed in a crash event as a result of the longitudinal displacement of the steering column tube, thereby absorbing part of the energy of the steering column tube. The bending element may be at least partially surrounded by an insertion body, which prevents the binding element from contacting adjacent structural elements and deforms together with the bending element in a crash event.

Growing community of inventors

Fishers, IN, United States of America

Alexander Weselý