An electric powered recirculating ball assembly includes a shaft having a plurality of sector teeth extending therefrom. The assembly also includes an eccentric sleeve defining a bore containing a portion of the shaft, the eccentric sleeve comprising an upper sleeve segment and a lower sleeve segment that are separate components, the eccentric sleeve defining an opening that the sector teeth extend through.

A planetary roller screw drive for an actuator of a rear-axle steering system of a motor vehicle, including a planetary roller support which accommodates the planetary rollers and is connected to a drive sleeve for rotation therewith, which drive sleeve is driven rotatably about the screw spindle and is mounted rotatably on a machine part by an axial angular contact roller bearing which is arranged coaxially with respect to the drive sleeve and of which the rollers are in rolling contact with angled-bearing raceways which are inclined with respect to a plane arranged transversely with respect to the axis of rotation of the drive sleeve.

A planetary roller screw drive for an actuator of a rear-axle steering system of a motor vehicle, including a planetary roller support which accommodates the planetary rollers and is connected to a drive sleeve for rotation therewith, which drive sleeve is driven rotatably about the screw spindle and is mounted rotatably on a machine part by an axial angular contact roller bearing which is arranged coaxially with respect to the drive sleeve and of which the rollers are in rolling contact with angled-bearing raceways which are inclined with respect to a plane arranged transversely with respect to the axis of rotation of the drive sleeve.

A system for estimating torque in a locked vehicle system may include a locking mechanism comprising a stiff material. The system may further include a controller configured to estimate an amount of torque in the locked vehicle system based on a deformation of the stiff material.

A joint structure includes first and second engagement members, and an elastic member. The first engagement member includes a first body and a first engagement claw. The second engagement member includes a second body and a second engagement claw. The elastic member is disposed between the first and second engagement portions in a circumferential direction. When a relative rotation angle between the first and second engagement members is less than a predetermined angle, the first and second engagement claws are not in direct contact with each other in the circumferential direction, and a rotational force is transmitted through the elastic member while the elastic member is being elastically deformed. When the relative rotation angle is equal to the predetermined angle, the first and second engagement claws are in direct contact with each other in the circumferential direction.

A joint structure includes first and second engagement members, and an elastic member. The first engagement member includes a first body and a first engagement claw. The second engagement member includes a second body and a second engagement claw. The elastic member is disposed between the first and second engagement portions in a circumferential direction. When a relative rotation angle between the first and second engagement members is less than a predetermined angle, the first and second engagement claws are not in direct contact with each other in the circumferential direction, and a rotational force is transmitted through the elastic member while the elastic member is being elastically deformed. When the relative rotation angle is equal to the predetermined angle, the first and second engagement claws are in direct contact with each other in the circumferential direction.

A steering mechanism having a piezoelectric element to adjust component clearance and preload based on steering inputs, road inputs, and time in service. The piezoelectric element positioned in the steering mechanism for electric adjustment so that the clearance and preload can be adjusted electrically in response to steering inputs, road inputs, and time in service. This arrangement allows for low preload and low friction when the vehicle is being driven over smooth road conditions. When a rough road condition is detected both clearance and preload can be electrically increased to minimize noise. The disclosed inventive concept may find application in a variety of steering mechanisms to minimize or eliminate NVH when the vehicle is driven over rough surfaces. Without limitation, the piezoelectric element may be provided in rack and pinion electric power assisted steering systems or in worm and wheel (steering column) electric power assisted steering systems.

A steering mechanism having a piezoelectric element to adjust component clearance and preload based on steering inputs, road inputs, and time in service. The piezoelectric element positioned in the steering mechanism for electric adjustment so that the clearance and preload can be adjusted electrically in response to steering inputs, road inputs, and time in service. This arrangement allows for low preload and low friction when the vehicle is being driven over smooth road conditions. When a rough road condition is detected both clearance and preload can be electrically increased to minimize noise. The disclosed inventive concept may find application in a variety of steering mechanisms to minimize or eliminate NVH when the vehicle is driven over rough surfaces. Without limitation, the piezoelectric element may be provided in rack and pinion electric power assisted steering systems or in worm and wheel (steering column) electric power assisted steering systems.

A recirculating-ball steering system for transmitting a steering movement to a steering arm, includes: a housing having a steering piston arranged inside the housing, wherein the steering piston includes a ball screw drive and is displaceable along its longitudinal axis, and an electrical actuator for assisting the movement of the steering piston. Also described is a vehicle having the recirculating-ball steering system.

A recirculating-ball steering system for transmitting a steering movement to a steering arm, includes: a housing having a steering piston arranged inside the housing, wherein the steering piston includes a ball screw drive and is displaceable along its longitudinal axis, and an electrical actuator for assisting the movement of the steering piston. Also described is a vehicle having the recirculating-ball steering system.