Locking device for an adjustable steering column assembly

A locking device for an adjustable steering column assembly for a motor vehicle, with an actuating element and a damping device,

• wherein the locking device comprises at least one open position and at least one closed position, wherein in the open position a steering column is released for a longitudinal adjustment and/or a tilt adjustment, and in the closed position the steering column is locked for the longitudinal adjustment and/or the tilt adjustment,
• wherein the actuating element is adapted to move the locking device between the closed and the open positions, wherein the actuating element has a first position which corresponds to the closed position of the locking device, and a second position which corresponds to the open position of the locking device, movement of the actuating element from the first position toward the second position including a first partial section of movement, a middle partial section of movement, and a last partial section of movement,
• wherein the damping device has a first damping element and a second damping element, wherein the first damping element is attached to the actuating element, and the second damping element is attached to a frame part, wherein the first or second damping element is rotatably mounted relative to the other of the first or second damping element,
• wherein the first and second damping elements each have a coupling section, wherein the coupling sections are engaged with each other during the middle partial section of the movement of the actuating element from the first position to the second position, and
• wherein a relative rotation of the first and the second damping elements is damped by deformation of at least one of the first and the second damping elements and by friction only during the middle partial section of the movement of the actuating element from the first position to the second position.