Abstract: An adjustable steering column may include a casing unit that rotatably supports a steering spindle part and that is mounted in a guide box in an axially sliding manner and can be axially adjusted by a motor drive. The motor drive has an electric motor secured to the guide box and drives an axially aligned threaded spindle that is mounted on the guide box in a rotatable and axially fixed manner and that engages into an adjustment nut. The adjustment nut is connected to the casing unit, is axially movable together with the casing unit relative to the guide box, and is mounted in a connection part secured to the casing unit to transmit axial forces to the casing unit. The adjustment nut may be guided between opposing inner guide surfaces of the connection part with clearance such that the adjustment nut is movable within the guide surfaces on a plane orthogonal to an axial direction.

Abstract: A steering column for a vehicle includes a support assembly configured to attach to the vehicle. An axially movable steering spindle jacket is disposed in the support assembly. A jacket housing is attached to the steering spindle jacket. The jacket housing includes a slot formed therethrough and an interior space accessible through the slot. An energy absorbing element is disposed within the interior space and is attached to the jacket housing. A motor drive assembly is configured to cause the steering spindle jacket to extend and retract axially. A length adjustment support is operatively attached to the motor drive assembly and configured to engage the energy absorbing element, wherein during an impact event movement of the steering spindle jacket relative to the length adjustment support causes a post to actuate the energy absorbing element to reduce the effects of the impact.

Abstract: A steering column for a vehicle includes a support assembly configured to attach to the vehicle. An axially movable steering spindle jacket is disposed in the support assembly. A jacket housing is attached to the steering spindle jacket. The jacket housing includes a slot formed therethrough and an interior space accessible through the slot. An energy absorbing element is disposed within the interior space and is attached to the jacket housing. A motor drive assembly is configured to cause the steering spindle jacket to extend and retract axially. A length adjustment support is operatively attached to the motor drive assembly and configured to engage the energy absorbing element, wherein during an impact event movement of the steering spindle jacket relative to the length adjustment support causes a post to actuate the energy absorbing element to reduce the effects of the impact.

Abstract: A compound energy absorption system for a steering column may include different first and second energy absorption mechanisms. The first energy absorption mechanism may involve a slide that deforms a deformation strip in a crash event. The second energy absorption mechanism may involve an energy absorbing strap and a carrier, with the energy absorbing strap being configured to bend and/or tear in a crash event. The energy absorbing strap, the carrier, the deformation strip, and the slide may be packaged compactly in series along an inner jacket tube of the steering column such that the carrier and the deformation strip move relative to the slide and a portion of the energy absorbing strap in a crash event. A pyrotechnic switch, a solenoid, or the like may selectively couple or decouple the second energy absorption mechanism depending on the severity or anticipated severity of a crash event.

Abstract: A compound energy absorption system for a steering column may include different first and second energy absorption mechanisms. The first energy absorption mechanism may involve a slide that deforms a deformation strip in a crash event. The second energy absorption mechanism may involve an energy absorbing strap and a carrier, with the energy absorbing strap being configured to bend and/or tear in a crash event. The energy absorbing strap, the carrier, the deformation strip, and the slide may be packaged compactly in series along an inner jacket tube of the steering column such that the carrier and the deformation strip move relative to the slide and a portion of the energy absorbing strap in a crash event. A pyrotechnic switch, a solenoid, or the like may selectively couple or decouple the second energy absorption mechanism depending on the severity or anticipated severity of a crash event.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column may include a casing unit that rotatably supports a steering spindle part and that is mounted in a guide box in an axially sliding manner and can be axially adjusted by a motor drive. The motor drive has an electric motor secured to the guide box and drives an axially aligned threaded spindle that is mounted on the guide box in a rotatable and axially fixed manner and that engages into an adjustment nut. The adjustment nut is connected to the casing unit, is axially movable together with the casing unit relative to the guide box, and is mounted in a connection part secured to the casing unit to transmit axial forces to the casing unit. The adjustment nut may be guided between opposing inner guide surfaces of the connection part with clearance such that the adjustment nut is movable within the guide surfaces on a plane orthogonal to an axial direction.