STEERING COLUMN FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE

The invention relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle, comprising: an actuating unit (2) with a steering shaft (3) mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis (L) in an outer steering column (2a); a support unit (1) which can be connected to the body of the motor vehicle and in which the actuating unit (2) can be accommodated; a securing mechanism (5) which can be moved between a release position, in which the actuating unit (2) can be released and displaced relative to the support unit (1) for adjustment, and a securing position, in which the actuating unit (2) is fixed in relation to the support unit (1) until a predefined release force is attained; and an actuating element (8) which is coupled to the securing mechanism (5) and designed to move between the release position and the securing position. The actuating element (8) can be shifted between different operating positions: an adjusting operating position, in which the securing mechanism is moved into the release position, the actuating unit being displaced in relation to the support unit along an adjustment path and the length of said adjustment path being limited by a limiting element; a securing operating position, in which the securing mechanism is moved into the securing position, the actuating unit being displaceable in relation to the support unit once a predefined release force has been exceeded, cancelling the limiting of the adjustment path; and a stowage operating position, in which the securing mechanism is moved into the securing position and the actuating unit is displaceable in relation to the support unit, cancelling the limiting of the adjustment path.