Safety steering column with a deforming element

Claim 1

In a safety steering column of the type having a deforming element inserted between a first steering column part connected to a steering gear mechanism for a vehicle and a second steering column part coaxial with the first and mounting a steering wheel for the vehicle, said deforming element connecting the steering column parts in a torsionally rigid manner and being responsive to impact forces occurring in the direction of the steering column axis, the improvement wherein the deforming element is formed from a flat rectangular piece of material which is bent widthwise so as to have a zig-zag longitudinal cross-section generally in the shape of a Z or M, said bends in the element symmetrically defining end legs normal to the steering column axis which are welded to adjoining surfaces of the respective steering column parts, inclined legs continuing obliquely from the end legs, and at least one intermediate leg connecting the inclined legs and intersecting the steering column axis at an acute angle thereto, and wherein the length of the at least one intermediate leg in relation to the other legs of the element, the transverse extension of the element from bend to bend on opposite sides of the steering column axis, and the angle of the at least one intermediate leg to the steering column axis are selected such that the element has both a long deformation path and the property of symmetrical deformation in which the steering column parts move toward each other and remain substantially coaxial upon application of impact forces on the steering column.