Steering column esp. for motor vehicles has energy absorption element with stepped or continuously variable characteristic

摘要

A vehicle has an energy absorption element (2) between the steering column (1) and a body-fastened part (3). The element has a stepped or continuously variable characteristic. It consists of a folded metal plate (4) with varying width and/or thickness in direction of action. The characteristic is defined by varying material properties. The plate is positioned in the central plane of the steering column, and may be integral with a steering column tube.