Zf Lenksysteme Gmbh

Gerhard Seitz

Martin Budaker

G&uuml;nter Dieterle

An adjustable steering column having two locating couplings which are arranged opposite one another and have, in each case, two coupling parts able to be brought in contact, a pressure element being arranged between the mutually corresponding, medial coupling parts belonging to different couplings, while the two other outer coupling parts are interconnected by a tension element. A sturdy, cost-effective, functionally reliable retention of the couplings is attained, in that; the pressure element is a bending spring which, with mutually opposite ends in an expanded state, pushes the medial coupling parts away from each other and in the direction of the appertaining outer coupling parts, while in a compressed state, the distance between the ends is shortened by bending; and engaging between the ends is an actuating device by which, on the one hand, the bending is able to be produced for releasing the coupling, and on the other hand, the coupling of the locating coupling is able to be produced by reducing the bending.

Adjustable steering column

A steering column support includes a bearing block with guide rail and a guide part for the steering column, the guide part having a slide section. A sliding block, sliding in the guide rail, is arranged between the slide section and guide rail. A high efficiency factor, inexpensive production and freedom from play may be ensured by the following features without reworking/adjustment: the sliding block is made of flexible material and is dimensioned such that it compensates for the play between the slide section and the guide rail; the slide section and the guide rail are made of sheet-steel molded parts; the sliding block is surrounded by one of the parts in such a way that an additional securing and retention in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail is dispensable; the slide section and the guide rail intermesh in such a way that a mutual emergency guidance without derailment remains, even if the sliding block is destroyed; and the sliding block is swing-mounted in the slide section.

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Munich, Georgia

Gerhard Seitz