BEARING ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A bearing arrangement may be used to mount a worm shaft meshing with a worm wheel in a housing of an electromechanical power steering system. The bearing arrangement comprises a first rotary bearing, a second rotary bearing, and a pivoting ring. The first rotary bearing is configured to permit a pivoting movement of the worm shaft. The pivoting ring comprises a first pivoting ring component and a second pivoting ring component and is configured to act resiliently between the second rotary bearing and the housing. The second rotary bearing is at least partially arranged between the first pivoting ring component and the second pivoting ring component. The first pivoting ring component has two first points, with respect to which the first pivoting ring component is configured resiliently. The second pivoting ring component has two second points, with respect to which the second pivoting ring component is configured resiliently.

Claims

1.-23. (canceled)

24. A bearing arrangement for mounting a worm shaft meshing with a worm wheel in a housing of an electromechanical power steering system, the bearing arrangement comprising: a first rotary bearing configured to permit a pivoting movement of the worm shaft; a pivoting ring that includes a first pivoting ring component and a second pivoting ring component and is configured to act resiliently between the second rotary bearing and the housing; and a second rotary bearing at least partially disposed in the pivoting ring between the first pivoting ring component and the second pivoting ring component, wherein the first pivoting ring component includes two first points with respect to which the first pivoting ring component is configured resiliently, wherein the second pivoting ring component includes two second points with respect to which the second pivoting ring component is configured resiliently.

25. The bearing arrangement of claim 24 wherein the two first points form a first axis and the two second points form a second axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis are not congruent.

26. The bearing arrangement of claim 24 wherein the two first points and the two second points are in each case sprung supporting points.

27. The bearing arrangement of claim 24 wherein the pivoting ring is configured to form a pivot axis.

28. The bearing arrangement of claim 27 wherein the pivoting ring is configured such that the pivot axis extends orthogonally to a radial vector of the worm wheel.

29. The bearing arrangement of claim 27 wherein the pivoting ring is configured such that the pivot axis is formed by the two first points and the two second points.

30. The bearing arrangement of claim 27 wherein the pivoting ring via the two first points and the two second points changes a position of the pivot axis based on a direction of rotation of the worm shaft.

31. The bearing arrangement of claim 27 wherein the pivoting ring via the two first points and the two second points changes a position of the pivot axis based on an amount of load torque to be overcome.

32. The bearing arrangement of claim 24 wherein the second rotary bearing includes an outer ring that forms a shoulder or a step, wherein at least one of the first pivoting ring component or the second pivoting ring component is disposed on the shoulder or the step.

33. The bearing arrangement of claim 32 wherein the shoulder or the step serves as a mechanical stop for at least one of the first pivoting ring component or the second pivoting ring component.

34. The bearing arrangement of claim 24 wherein the second rotary bearing includes an outer ring that forms a shoulder, wherein the pivoting ring holds the shoulder in a form-fitting manner.

35. The bearing arrangement of claim 24 wherein the pivoting ring comprises a slotted ring as the first pivoting ring component and a sleeve-shaped element as the second pivoting ring component.

36. The bearing arrangement of claim 35 wherein a first radially inner slot in a shape of an arc of a circle and a second radially outer slot in a shape of an arc of a circle are formed in the slotted ring, wherein the first radially inner slot and the second radially outer slot are partially superimposed in a circumferential direction to produce a first partial circular ring and a second partial circular ring, wherein the first partial circular ring and the second partial circular ring are connected by two webs as the two first points.

37. The bearing arrangement of claim 35 wherein the sleeve-shaped element comprises a disk-shaped portion with a central recess and a wall portion that is connected to the disk-shaped portion at a radially outer edge thereof and extends in an axial direction of the worm shaft, wherein tongues are formed in the disk-shaped portion as the two second points, wherein the tongues each extend in the axial direction of the worm shaft.

38. The bearing arrangement of claim 37 wherein the tongues are positioned such that an axis connecting the tongues passes through a longitudinal axis of the worm shaft.

39. The bearing arrangement of claim 37 wherein the tongues oppose one another in a circumferential direction.

40. The bearing arrangement of claim 24 wherein the pivoting ring comprises a first receiving unit with a central recess as the first pivoting ring component and a second receiving unit with a central recess as the second pivoting ring component, wherein the first receiving unit and the second receiving unit each comprise an annular element and a spring unit for spring mounting acting in an axial direction, wherein the spring unit in each case forms the two first points and the two second points.

41. The bearing arrangement of claim 40 wherein the pivoting ring comprises a supporting element with a central recess, wherein the supporting element is configured to receive the spring unit of one of the receiving units.

42. The bearing arrangement of claim 40 wherein the annular element of the first receiving unit has moldings running in a tangential direction for receiving the respective spring unit.

43. The bearing arrangement of claim 42 wherein the annular element of the second receiving unit has moldings running in a radial direction for receiving the respective spring unit.

44. The bearing arrangement of claim 40 wherein each spring unit comprises an elastomer cushion.

45. The bearing arrangement of claim 41 wherein at least one of the first pivoting ring component, the second pivoting ring component, or the supporting element has anti-twist protection.

46. An electromechanical power steering system with a drive module that comprises a drive motor, a housing, a worm gear, and a bearing arrangement, wherein the worm gear comprises a worm shaft with a worm shaft axis of rotation and a worm wheel with a worm wheel axis of rotation, wherein the worm shaft is mounted in the bearing arrangement of claim 24.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0038] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing, in which, in detail

[0039] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of an electromechanical power steering system configured according to the invention in a schematic perspective illustration,

[0040] FIG. 2 shows a drive module for an electromechanical power steering system configured according to the invention in a schematic perspective illustration,

[0041] FIG. 3 shows an abstract exemplary embodiment of a bearing arrangement configured according to the invention in a greatly simplified diagram,

[0042] FIGS. 4a-d show a first embodiment of a bearing arrangement configured according to the invention in various illustrations,

[0043] FIGS. 5a-d show a second embodiment of a bearing arrangement configured according to the invention in various illustrations, and

[0044] FIGS. 6a-e show a third embodiment of a bearing arrangement configured according to the invention in various illustrations.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0045] In the various figures, identical parts are always provided with the same reference signs and are therefore generally only named or mentioned once in each case.

[0046] FIG. 1 shows an electromechanical power steering system in a schematic perspective illustration.

[0047] The electromechanical power steering system comprises a steering column 1 and a steering gear 2. The steering column 1 comprises a steering spindle 3, with a steering wheel 4 fastened at the end of the steering spindle facing the driver. The steering wheel 4 may also be referred to as a steering handle. The steering gear 2 comprises a steering pinion 5, a steering rack 6 and two steering tie rods 7. The steering pinion 5 and the steering rack 6 are in engagement with each other. The steering gear 2 serves for converting steering commands which can be produced by rotations of the steering wheel 4 into corresponding rotations of steered vehicle wheels 8.

[0048] The steering pinion 5 is mechanically coupled in a known manner by a kinematic connection to the steering rack 6, the respective steering tie rod 7 and the respective steered vehicle wheel 8. The steering command can thus be transmitted from the steering wheel 4 to the respective steered vehicle wheels 8, namely from the steering spindle 3 to the steering gear 2 by mechanical coupling and within the steering gear 2 likewise by mechanical coupling. For the assisted steering, the steering pinion 5 is driven here by the drive module 11.

[0049] The electromechanical power steering system can alternatively be configured as a steer-by-wire steering system, not illustrated in the figures, and therefore the steering command is transmitted from the steering wheel 4 to the respective steered vehicle wheels 8, namely from the steering spindle 3 to the steering gear 2 by electric coupling and within the steering gear 2 by mechanical coupling. The electric coupling can be configured in the form of a data transmission device, for example a data cable.

[0050] In this exemplary embodiment, a drive module 9 and the drive module 11 are shown in the electromechanical power steering system for the power-assisted steering. The drive module 9 and the drive module 11 here each comprise, not explicitly illustrated in FIG. 1, a drive motor, a housing, a worm gear with a worm shaft and a worm wheel, wherein the worm shaft is mounted in a bearing arrangement.

[0051] In general, in an electromechanical power steering system, a drive module can be attached to the steering column 1 or can have a power-assisted drive 31 coupled to the steering shaft 10 at the steering pinion 5. The drive modules 9, 11 can be constructed identically here. An auxiliary torque can be coupled into the steering spindle 3 and/or the steering pinion 5 by the drive module 9, 11 in order to assist the driver in the steering work.

[0052] In particular, however, it is provided that the electromechanical power steering system has only a drive module 9 or a drive module 11, in particular at one of the positions shown in FIG. 1.

[0053] An exemplary embodiment of a drive module 9 is explained in more detail here with reference to FIG. 2. The bearing arrangement of the drive module 9 can be configured in particular as explained with reference to the exemplary embodiments according to FIG. 3 to FIG. 6e. The drive module 11 can be correspondingly constructed.

[0054] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a drive module 9, 11 for an electromechanical power steering system in a schematic perspective illustration, comprising a worm gear 10 and a drive motor 11.

[0055] The worm gear 10 comprises a worm shaft 12, not illustrated in FIG. 2, with a worm shaft axis of rotation 13 and a worm wheel 14 with a worm wheel axis of rotation 15. The worm shaft axis of rotation 13 is the longitudinal axis of the worm shaft 12. The worm shaft 12, also referred to as a worm, is surrounded by a housing element 16 and a housing cover 17 of the worm gear 10 for protection against dirt and foreign bodies. The worm shaft 12 is supported by a bearing arrangement, not illustrated in FIG. 2, wherein the bearing arrangement can be configured in particular as explained with reference to FIG. 4a to FIG. 6e.

[0056] The drive motor 11 drives the worm shaft 12 which is mounted rotatably about the worm shaft axis of rotation 13. The worm shaft 12 is in engagement with the worm wheel 14. When the worm shaft 12 rotates, the worm wheel 14 therefore rotates about the worm wheel axis of rotation 15. An output shaft 18 is connected to the worm wheel 14 for conjoint rotation and rotates together with the worm wheel 14 about the worm wheel axis of rotation 15.

[0057] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a bearing arrangement in a greatly simplified diagram.

[0058] The bearing arrangement comprises the worm shaft 12 which is mounted rotatably about the worm shaft axis of rotation 13. The worm shaft 12 is supported at its first axial end by a first rotary bearing 19 and at its second axial end by a second rotary bearing 20. The first rotary bearing 19 is configured so as to permit a defined pivoting movement of the worm shaft 12. The second rotary bearing 20 is configured as a pivoting rotary bearing by the second rotary bearing 20 being arranged within a pivoting ring, not illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0059] For a better overall view, two separate load cases are jointly illustrated in FIG. 3, namely load case A and load case B. The load cases differ from each other by mutually opposed directions of rotation of the worm shaft 12.

[0060] In load case A, a tooth force F.sub.A,1 acts at the point of the engagement between the worm shaft 12 and the worm wheel 14, not illustrated in FIG. 3, in the direction of the second rotary bearing 20. The tooth force F.sub.A,1 brings about a bearing reaction force F.sub.A,2. This results in a reaction torque which pushes or pivots the worm shaft 12 in the direction of the worm wheel 14.

[0061] In load case B, a tooth force F.sub.B,1 acts at the point of the engagement between the worm shaft 12 and the worm wheel 14 in the direction of the first rotary bearing 19. The tooth force F.sub.B,1 brings about a bearing reaction force F.sub.B,2. This likewise results in a reaction torque which pushes or pivots the worm shaft 12 in the direction of the worm wheel 14.

[0062] FIG. 4a shows a first embodiment of a bearing arrangement configured according to the invention in a sectional illustration together with a partial section.

[0063] The bearing arrangement is configured as a fixed and floating mounting and comprises a first rotary bearing 19 forming the floating bearing, a second rotary bearing 20 forming the fixed bearing, and a pivoting ring 21. The two rotary bearings 19, 20 are each configured as rolling ball bearings. The first rotary bearing 19 is fixed at its outer ring 45 in the direction of the worm shaft axis of rotation 13 and is free from fixings at its inner ring in the direction of the worm shaft axis of rotation 13, and therefore the first rotary bearing 19 cannot absorb any forces acting in the direction of the worm shaft axis of rotation 13, but can exclusively absorb radial forces. The first rotary bearing 19 is configured so as to permit a defined pivoting movement of the worm shaft 12.

[0064] The bearing arrangement serves for mounting the worm shaft 12 meshing with the worm wheel 14 in a housing 22 of an electromechanical power steering system. The pivoting ring 21 is configured so as to receive the second rotary bearing 20 in a form-fitting manner. Specifically, the second rotary bearing 20 is held at its outer ring 45 in the direction of the worm shaft axis of rotation 13 by the pivoting ring 21 by a shoulder 46, which is formed integrally in the outer ring 45 of the second rotary bearing 20, being received in a form-fitting manner by the pivoting ring 21. The inner ring of the second rotary bearing 20 is fixed in the direction of the worm shaft axis of rotation 13 by the inner ring being pressed against a shoulder formed in the worm shaft 12 by a securing element 23 which can be screwed onto the end of the worm shaft 12. The second rotary bearing 20 can absorb forces and radial forces acting in the direction of the worm shaft axis of rotation 13.

[0065] The pivoting ring 21 comprises a slotted ring 24 as a first pivoting ring component and a sleeve-shaped element 25 as a second pivoting ring component, wherein the sleeve-shaped element 25 has a central recess.

[0066] The sleeve-shaped element 25 comprises a disk-shaped portion with a central recess and a wall portion which is connected to the disk-shaped portion at the radially outer edge thereof and extends in the direction of the worm shaft axis of rotation 13. The wall portion is configured as a raised edge. The disk-shaped portion and the wall portion have approximately the same wall thickness.

[0067] FIG. 4b shows the bearing arrangement from FIG. 4a in a side view.

[0068] Tongues 26 are formed in the disk-shaped portion of the sleeve-shaped element 25 as two second points, wherein the tongues 26 each extend in the direction of the worm shaft axis of rotation 13. The slotted ring 24 and the sleeve-shaped element 25 are arranged directly adjacent to each other or lying directly against each other in the direction of the worm shaft axis of rotation 13.

[0069] The pivoting ring 21 is configured to act resiliently between the second rotary bearing 20 and the housing 22. For this purpose, the sleeve-shaped element 25 of the pivoting ring 21 is supported on the axial end of the worm shaft 12 facing away from the second rotary bearing 20 at a securing ring 27, which is configured as a snap ring or bore securing ring, in the direction of the worm shaft axis of rotation 13. The securing ring 27 is embedded or fixed in the opening of the housing 22 in a form-fitting manner.

[0070] The pivoting ring 21 is configured so as to form a pivot axis. The worm shaft 12 is pivotable about the pivot axis toward the worm wheel 14 by means of the bearing arrangement. The position or spatial position or orientation of the pivot axis is dependent on the direction of rotation of the worm shaft 12, that is to say on the load direction and on the amount of the load torque. The dependency of the position of the pivot axis on the direction of rotation is realized as follows.

[0071] In the one load case, that is to say during the one direction of rotation of the worm shaft 12, the second rotary bearing 20 is pushed against the sleeve-shaped element 25 by the geometry of the meshing teeth of the worm shaft 12 and of the worm wheel 14, wherein the sleeve-shaped element 25 has a spring action which corresponds to the geometrical configuration thereof and which in turn brings about a reaction torque which presses or pivots the worm shaft 12 in the direction of the worm wheel 14. This load case corresponds to load case A according to FIG. 3.

[0072] In the other load case, that is to say during the other direction of rotation of the worm shaft 12, the second rotary bearing 20 is pushed in the axial direction of the worm shaft 12 against the slotted ring 24 by the geometry of the meshing teeth of the worm shaft 12 and of the worm wheel 14, wherein the slotted ring 24 has a spring action which corresponds to the geometrical configuration thereof and which in turn brings about a reaction torque which pushes or pivots the worm shaft 12 in the direction of the worm wheel 14. This load case corresponds to load case B according to FIG. 3.

[0073] The load dependency, that is to say the dependency on the amount of the load torque, of the sleeve-shaped element 25 is implemented by the elasticity or flexibility of the tongues 26. The greater the amount of the load torque, the greater is the elastic deformation of the tongues 26 and the greater is the restoring spring force brought about by the tongues 26.

[0074] The pivoting of the worm shaft 12 serves to reduce the gearing play between the worm shaft 12 and the worm wheel 14. The pivot axis runs orthogonally to the radial vector of the worm wheel 14.

[0075] The tongues 26 of the sleeve-shaped element 25 are positioned in such a manner that the axis 28 connecting the tongues 26, also referred to as a support point axis or as a second axis, is different from an axis passing through the worm shaft axis of rotation 13, that is to say runs excentrically, i.e. does not run through the center point of the worm wheel 14, i.e. does not run through the worm shaft axis of rotation 13. The tongues 26 are oriented in a mutually opposed manner in the circumferential direction.

[0076] The pivoting ring 21 is configured in such a manner that the pivot axis is formed by sprung support points which correspond in particular to the two first points of the first pivoting ring component and to the two second points of the second pivoting ring component. The position of the pivot axis thereby changes depending on the load. The sprung support points are formed by the tongues 26 of the sleeve-shaped element 25. The tongues 26 form a punctiform support contact between the sleeve-shaped element 25 and the second rotary bearing 20. The tongues 26 are elastically deformable and thus have a spring action in the direction of the worm shaft axis of rotation 13. The punctiform support contacts are displaced depending on the forces acting in the direction of the worm shaft axis of rotation 13, that is to say on the axial forces. Each tongue 26 forms a support point. The two tongues 26 therefore form the support point axis 28, i.e. in particular the second axis which is formed by the two second points.

[0077] FIG. 4c shows the bearing arrangement from FIG. 4a in a further side view. In comparison to the side view according to FIG. 4b, for the sake of better clarity the securing ring 27 and the sleeve-shaped element 25 are not illustrated, and therefore there is a free view of the slotted ring 24, i.e. the first pivoting ring component.

[0078] A first radially inner slot 29 in the shape of an arc of a circle and a second radially outer slot 30 in the shape of an arc of a circle are formed in the slotted ring 24. The first slot 29 and the second slot 30 are partially superimposed in the circumferential direction such that a first partial circular ring 31 and a second partial circular ring 32 are produced. The first partial circular ring 31 and the second partial circular ring 32 are connected by two webs 33. The webs 33 are in particular the two first points of the first pivoting ring component. The two webs 33 each form a material tapering between the first partial circular ring 31 and the second partial circular ring 32 such that the first partial circular ring 31 and the second partial circular ring 32 are pivotable about an axis 34 connecting the two webs 33, also referred to as a tapering point axis 34 or as the first axis. The maximally possible stroke for the sleeve-shaped element 25 is determined by the distance to the shoulder 46 and, for the slotted ring 24, by the distance between the support in the housing 22 and the second partial circular ring 32 of the ring 24.

[0079] The load dependency of the slotted ring 24 is realized by the elasticity or flexibility of the webs 33 and thus in particular by the two first points of the first pivoting ring component. The greater the amount of the load torque, the greater is the elastic deformation of the webs 33 and the greater is the restoring spring force brought about by the webs 33.

[0080] The profile or the spatial position or the orientation of the pivot axis is dependent on the respective profiles or spatial positions or orientations of the support point axis 28 and of the tapering point axis 34, and thus in particular on the second axis formed by the two second points of the second pivoting ring component and the first axis formed by the two first points of the first pivoting ring component.

[0081] In the case without load, that is to say when the worm shaft 12 is not rotating, the pivot axis of the pivoting ring 21 runs parallel to the support point axis 28 and to the tapering point axis 34 and also centrally between the support point axis 28 and the tapering point axis 34.

[0082] In the case with load, that is to say when the worm shaft 12 is rotating, the pivot axis of the pivoting ring 21 likewise runs parallel to the support point axis 28 and to the tapering point axis 34. However, the pivot axis then does not run centrally between the second axis 28 and the first axis 34, but rather runs closer to the support point axis 28 formed by the two tongues 26, i.e. the second axis 28, or closer to the tapering point axis 34 formed by the two webs 33, i.e. the first axis 34, depending on the direction of rotation of the worm shaft 12 and on the amount of the load torque that is to be overcome. Specifically, the pivot axis runs closer to the support point axis 28, that is to say further away from the tapering point axis 34, when the tooth forces are directed towards the sleeve-shaped element 25. This corresponds to load case A according to FIG. 3. By contrast, the pivot axis runs closer to the tapering point axis 34, that is to say further away from the support point axis 28, when the tooth forces are directed towards the slotted ring 24. This corresponds to load case B according to FIG. 3.

[0083] FIG. 4d shows the bearing arrangement from FIG. 4a in an illustration exploded along the worm shaft axis of rotation 13.

[0084] The sleeve-shaped element 25 comprises anti-twist protection 35. The anti-twist protection 35 ensures that the sleeve-shaped element 25 does not twist relative to the other structural elements over the course of the operating period. This ensures that the pivot axis maintains its designated spatial position. The anti-twist protection 35 is configured as a molding extending in the radial direction. The anti-twist protection 35 is formed integrally with the sleeve-shaped element 25. Alternatively, the anti-twist protection 35 can also be configured as a separate component which is connectable to the sleeve-shaped element 25.

[0085] FIG. 5a shows a second embodiment of a bearing arrangement configured according to the invention in a sectional illustration. This second embodiment is basically constructed analogously to the first embodiment according to FIGS. 4a-d. To avoid repetitions, parts and structural elements corresponding to the first embodiment are therefore considered to be correspondingly described at this juncture.

[0086] FIG. 5b shows the bearing arrangement from FIG. 5a in a side view.

[0087] The tongues 26, i.e. in particular the two second points, of the sleeve-shaped element 25, i.e. in particular of the second pivoting ring component, are positioned in such a manner that the support point axis 28 connecting the two tongues 26, i.e. in particular the second axis 28 formed by the two second points, is an axis passing through the worm shaft axis of rotation 13, that is to say runs centrally, i.e. runs through the center point of the worm wheel 14, i.e. runs through the worm shaft axis of rotation 13.

[0088] FIG. 5c shows the bearing arrangement from FIG. 5a in a further side view. In comparison to the side view according to FIG. 5b, for the sake of better clarity the securing ring 27 and the sleeve-shaped element 25 are not illustrated, and therefore there is a free view of the slotted ring 24, i.e. in particular the first pivoting ring component.

[0089] Two webs 33, i.e. in particular two first points of the first pivoting ring component, are formed in the slotted ring 24, analogously to the slotted ring of the first embodiment. The two webs 33 each form a material tapering between the first partial circular ring 31 and the second partial circular ring 32 such that the first partial circular ring 31 and the second partial circular ring 32 are pivotable about the tapering point axis 34 connecting the webs 33, i.e. in particular about the first axis 34 formed by the two first points.

[0090] Owing to the fact that the support point axis 28 formed by the two tongues 26, i.e. in particular the second axis 28, runs centrally and that the pivot axis of the pivoting ring 21 is dependent on the support point axis 28, i.e. in particular on the second axis 28, and on the tapering point axis 34, i.e. in particular the first axis 34, the pivot axis of the pivoting ring 21 of the second embodiment runs differently from the pivot axis of the pivoting ring 21 of the first embodiment according to FIGS. 4a-d.

[0091] FIG. 5d shows the bearing arrangement from FIG. 5a in an illustration exploded along the worm shaft axis of rotation 13.

[0092] FIG. 6a shows a third embodiment of the bearing arrangement according to the invention in a sectional illustration together with a partial section. For the sake of better clarity, the worm shaft 13 is not illustrated.

[0093] The third embodiment of the bearing arrangement according to the invention is basically constructed similarly to the first and second embodiment according to FIGS. 4a-d and 5a-d. To avoid repetitions, parts and structural elements corresponding to the first and second embodiment are therefore considered to be correspondingly described at this juncture.

[0094] In contrast to the first two embodiments, the pivoting ring 21 according to the third embodiment comprises a first receiving unit 36 with a central recess as the first pivoting ring component and a second receiving unit 37 with a central recess as the second pivoting ring component. The first receiving unit 36 and the second receiving unit 37 each comprise an annular element 38 and a spring unit 39 for the spring mounting acting in the axial direction, that is to say in the direction of the worm shaft axis of rotation 13. The spring units 39 each comprise two separate elastomer cushions. The elastomer cushions here in particular in each case form the two first points of the first pivoting ring component and the two second points of the second pivoting ring component.

[0095] The second rotary bearing 20 is connected to the first receiving unit 36 and to the second receiving unit 37 by the outer ring of the second rotary bearing 20 at both axial ends in each case having a step bounded by an axially central shoulder for the axial stop. The two steps are configured to receive the first receiving unit 36 and the second receiving unit 37.

[0096] The pivoting ring 21 furthermore comprises a supporting element 40 with a central recess, wherein the supporting element 40 is configured so as to receive the spring unit 39 of the second receiving unit 37.

[0097] FIG. 6b shows the bearing arrangement from FIG. 6a in a sectioned perspective illustration with a partial section, wherein, for better clarity, the worm shaft 13 is not illustrated.

[0098] FIG. 6c shows the bearing arrangement from FIG. 6a in a side view.

[0099] The annular element 38 of the first receiving unit 36 has moldings 41 running in the tangential direction for receiving the associated spring unit 39. The moldings 41 of the annular element 38 of the first receiving unit 36 form a first molding point axis 42 which corresponds in particular to the first axis 42 formed by the two first points of the first pivoting ring component.

[0100] The annular element 38 of the second receiving unit 37 has moldings 43 running in the radial direction for receiving the associated spring unit. The moldings 43 of the annular element 38 of the second receiving unit 37 form a second molding point axis 44 which corresponds in particular to the second axis 44 formed by the two second points of the second pivoting ring component.

[0101] The profile or the spatial position or the orientation of the pivot axis of the pivoting ring 21 is dependent on the respective profiles or spatial positions or orientations of the first molding point axis 42 and of the second molding point axis 44, i.e. in particular on the first axis 42 formed by the two first points of the first pivoting ring component and on the second axis 44 formed by the two second points of the second pivoting ring component.

[0102] In the case without load, that is to say when the worm shaft 12 is not rotating, the pivot axis runs parallel to and centrally between the first axis 42 and the second axis 44, i.e. in particular between the molding point axes 42, 44.

[0103] In the case with load, that is to say when the worm shaft 12 is rotating, the pivot axis of the pivoting ring 21 likewise runs parallel to the first and second molding point axis 42, 44. However, the pivot axis then does not run centrally between the two axes 42, 44, but rather runs closer to the second molding point axis 44 formed by the second receiving unit 37 or closer to the first molding point axis 42 formed by the first receiving unit 36 depending on the direction of rotation of the worm shaft 12 and on the amount of the load torque that is to be overcome. Specifically, the pivot axis runs closer to the second molding point axis 44, that is to say further away from the first molding point axis 42, when the tooth forces are directed toward the second receiving unit 37. This corresponds to load case A according to FIG. 3. By contrast, the pivot axis runs closer to the first molding point axis 42, that is to say further away from the second molding point axis 44, when the tooth forces are directed toward the first receiving unit 37. This corresponds to load case B according to FIG. 3. The exact profile of the pivot axis is dependent on the geometrical configuration of the respective spring units 39 and on the properties of the material used for the respective spring units 39.

[0104] FIG. 6d shows the bearing arrangement from FIG. 6a in a perspective illustration without the housing.

[0105] FIG. 6e shows the bearing arrangement from FIG. 6a in an illustration exploded along the worm shaft axis of rotation 13.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0106] 1 Steering column [0107] 2 Steering gear [0108] 3 Steering spindle [0109] 4 Steering wheel [0110] 5 Steering pinion [0111] 6 Steering rack [0112] 7 Steering tie rod [0113] 8 Vehicle wheel [0114] 9 Drive module [0115] 10 Worm gear [0116] 11 Drive module [0117] 12 Worm shaft [0118] 13 Worm shaft axis of rotation [0119] 14 Worm wheel [0120] 15 Worm wheel axis of rotation [0121] 16 Housing element [0122] 17 Housing cover [0123] 18 Output shaft [0124] 19 First rotary bearing [0125] 20 Second rotary bearing [0126] 21 Pivoting ring [0127] 22 Housing [0128] 23 Securing element [0129] 24 Slotted ring [0130] 25 Sleeve-shaped element [0131] 26 Tongue [0132] 27 Securing ring [0133] 28 Support point axis (second axis) [0134] 29 First slot [0135] 30 Second slot [0136] 31 First partial circular ring [0137] 32 Second partial circular ring [0138] 33 Web [0139] 34 Tapering point axis (first axis) [0140] 35 Anti-twist protection [0141] 36 First receiving unit [0142] 37 Second receiving unit [0143] 38 Annular element [0144] 39 Spring unit [0145] 40 Supporting element [0146] 41 Molding [0147] 42 First molding point axis (first axis) [0148] 43 Molding [0149] 44 Second molding point axis (second axis) [0150] 45 Outer ring [0151] 46 Shoulder [0152] 47 Electric motor [0153] F.sub.A,1 Tooth force [0154] F.sub.A,2 Bearing reaction force [0155] F.sub.B,1 Tooth force [0156] F.sub.B,2 Bearing reaction force