A bearing device for motor vehicle shafts is described, in particular for motor vehicle steering shafts. The bearing device is provided for torque transmission between an inner shaft and the hollow shaft surrounded by the inner shaft. The inner shaft and the hollow shaft each have opposing bearing grooves, in which rolling elements are received. At least one positive locking cam in radial direction is provided. A safety contour is assigned to the positive locking cam, the safety contour comprising two engagement positions for the positive locking cam. In the case of unoccupied bearing grooves the positive locking cam is rotationally movable along the safety contour between the engagement points during a torque transmission, in a manner that a defined relative movement between the inner shaft and the hollow shaft is possible, which generates both tactile feedback and acoustic feedback. Furthermore, an automotive shaft assembly is described.

A modular electric power steering system is disclosed. The system includes a tubular neck which guides a universal joint. The tubular neck has a certain bend angle. The system further includes a drive assembly that has an electric motor which is controlled by a control unit. The system additionally includes a gearbox assembly having a torque sensor and a gearbox. The system also includes a steering rod that has a shortenable tube. Further, the system includes a gearbox housing that houses the gearbox assembly. In addition, the system includes two tubular toothed rack housing halves that are shortenable. The gearbox housing is disposed between the two toothed rack housing halves. The system also includes two feet which are disposed at the respective outer end of the two toothed rack housing halves. The feet serve to fasten the power steering system to the vehicle. And the feet include a bushing for guiding the toothed rack.

An intermediate shaft assembly and method of assembly thereof. The intermediate shaft assembly includes a first shaft extending between a first end and a second end. The first shaft has a tubular wall portion with an inner surface bounding a hollow bore extending into said first end. The inner surface has a plurality of female splines and the tubular wall portion has at least one through opening. A second shaft extends between a coupling end and a connection end. The connection end has an outer surface sized for a clearance fit within the hollow bore. The outer surface has a plurality of male splines configured for an interdigitated fit with the female splines. The interdigitated fit establishes a clearance gap between the male splines and the female spines. A polymeric material at least partially fills the clearance gap and extends into the at least one through opening.

According to embodiments, it is possible to prevent vibration and gaps in a coupling structure between rotation shafts, thus allowing for reduction in noise, enhanced responsiveness, accurate steering, and a better straight driving performance.

A steering device exhibiting improved layout properties around a steering shaft. A steering device installed in a vehicle, the vehicle compartment of which is capable of tilting, has: a first steering shaft, one end of which is connected to a steering wheel; a second steering shaft positioned below the first steering shaft and in a manner such that the one end thereof connected to the other end of the first steering shaft is located above the floor section of the vehicle compartment; and a coaxial motor which applies a rotational force to the first steering shaft and is provided in a manner such that the output shaft thereof is coaxial with the first steering shaft. Furthermore, the second steering shaft is capable of telescoping, because a shaft and a cylindrical member are connected so as to be capable of sliding relative to one another in the axial direction.

A steering device exhibiting improved layout properties around a steering shaft. A steering device installed in a vehicle, the vehicle compartment of which is capable of tilting, has: a first steering shaft, one end of which is connected to a steering wheel; a second steering shaft positioned below the first steering shaft and in a manner such that the one end thereof connected to the other end of the first steering shaft is located above the floor section of the vehicle compartment; and a coaxial motor which applies a rotational force to the first steering shaft and is provided in a manner such that the output shaft thereof is coaxial with the first steering shaft. Furthermore, the second steering shaft is capable of telescoping, because a shaft and a cylindrical member are connected so as to be capable of sliding relative to one another in the axial direction.

A vehicle steering assembly that includes a housing, a pinion shaft, a seal, a protector and a dust cover. The housing defines a bore with the pinion shaft extending therethrough. The seal is disposed within the bore spaced apart from the end of the housing. The seal extends around the pinion shaft creating a seal therebetween. The housing and the pinion shaft define an annular space therebetween and between an opening at one end of the housing and the seal. The protector is fitted to the housing covering a portion of the opening and the annular space. The protector has a shaft receiving opening with the pinion shaft extending therethrough and out of the housing. The dust cover is attached to the housing completely covering the protector and the opening of the bore.

The torque transmission shaft has a shaft having a hollow tubular shape and a clamp. The shaft has a connecting portion integral with the shaft at one axial end portion, a slit extending in the axial direction in a portion on the other axial end side and opens on the other side in the axial direction, and a female serration on the inner circumferential surface of the other axial end portion. The clamp is separate from the shaft and has a non-continuous portion at one location in the circumferential direction, a pair of flange portions on both sides of the non-continuous portion, and a connecting portion connecting the pair of flange portions in the circumferential direction. The clamp is externally fitted and fixed to the other axial end portion of the shaft and reduces the diameter of the other axial end side portion of the shaft.

A steering column assembly for a vehicle includes a housing, an elongate rotatable steering column, a gear and a torque feedback motor. The elongate rotatable steering column is configured at one end for attachment of a steering wheel and is displaceable into and out of the housing along its longitudinal axis (A). The gear is rotatably mounted coaxially with the steering column within the housing and keyed with the steering column. The torque feedback motor is connected to the gear wherein the keyed connection between the steering column and the gear allows longitudinal displacement of the steering column relative to the gear.

A steering column assembly for a vehicle includes a housing, an elongate rotatable steering column, a gear and a torque feedback motor. The elongate rotatable steering column is configured at one end for attachment of a steering wheel and is displaceable into and out of the housing along its longitudinal axis (A). The gear is rotatably mounted coaxially with the steering column within the housing and keyed with the steering column. The torque feedback motor is connected to the gear wherein the keyed connection between the steering column and the gear allows longitudinal displacement of the steering column relative to the gear.