STEERING SHAFT FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a steering shaft for a motor vehicle, comprising an outer shaft which is configured as a hollow shaft and an inner shaft which is arranged coaxially in the hollow shaft. The inner shaft can be telescoped relative to the hollow shaft in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft, and is connected to the hollow shaft in a torque-transmitting manner via at least one positively locking element. A securing apparatus with at least one stop element is attached on an end region of the hollow shaft which faces the inner shaft. A stop face is arranged in the opening cross section of the hollow shaft and faces the hollow shaft in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

Claims

1. A steering shaft for a motor vehicle, the steering shaft comprising: an outer shaft which is configured as a hollow shaft; and an inner shaft which is arranged coaxially in the hollow shaft, wherein the inner shaft is configured to be telescoped relative to the hollow shaft in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the steering shaft, and is connected to the hollow shaft in a torque-transmitting manner via at least one positively locking element; a securing apparatus with at least one stop element which is attached on that end region of the hollow shaft which faces the inner shaft, and has a stop face which is arranged in the opening cross section of the hollow shaft and faces the hollow shaft in the direction of the longitudinal axis; and wherein the stop element comprises at least one connector means which can be fixed from the inside in the opening cross section on the inner circumferential surface of the outer hollow shaft.

2. The steering shaft as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one connecting means comprises at least one fastening element which can be introduced from the inside in a positively locking manner into a recess which is configured in an inner circumferential surface of the outer hollow shaft.

3. The steering shaft as claimed in claim 2, wherein the fastening element comprises a latching lug.

4. The steering shaft as claimed in claim 2, wherein the fastening element comprises a bolt element which can be inserted into a recess in the connector element in a positively locking manner with regard to the direction of the longitudinal axis.

5. The steering shaft as claimed in claim 2 wherein the connector means comprises at least one connector element which can be inserted in a torque-transmitting manner into the opening cross section of the outer hollow shaft, and the stop element comprises a through opening, in which the inner shaft can be attached in a torque-transmitting manner with regard to rotation about the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft.

6. The steering shaft as claimed in claim 5, further comprising: a seal element which runs around along the inner contour of the through opening is arranged in said through opening.

7. The steering shaft of claim 1 wherein the stop element comprises a covering element which goes beyond the opening cross section of the outer hollow shaft and comprises an axial supporting face which can be supported against an axial end side of the outer hollow shaft.

8. The steering shaft as claimed in claim 7, wherein the connector means and the covering element are configured in one piece.

9. The steering shaft of claim 1 wherein at least one rolling body is arranged between the inner shaft and the outer shaft, which rolling body can roll on the outer circumferential surface of the inner shaft and the inner circumferential surface of the outer shaft.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Advantageous embodiments of the invention will be described in greater detail in the following text using the drawings, in which, in detail:

[0025] FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic perspective view of a steering shaft,

[0026] FIG. 2 shows a part of a steering shaft according to FIG. 1 in the dismantled state,

[0027] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a steering shaft according to the preceding figures,

[0028] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a stop element according to the invention in a first embodiment,

[0029] FIG. 5 shows a cross section through the outer hollow shaft according to FIG. 1,

[0030] FIG. 6 shows a longitudinal section along the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft according to FIG. 1,

[0031] FIG. 7 shows a perspective detailed view of a steering shaft in a second embodiment,

[0032] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a stop element according to the invention in a second embodiment in the dismantled state,

[0033] FIG. 9 shows a partial longitudinal section along the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft according to FIG. 7 in the assembled state, and

[0034] FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a steering shaft as in FIG. 3 in a second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In the various figures, identical parts are always provided with the same designations and are therefore also as a rule named or mentioned in each case only once.

[0036] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a diagrammatically shown steering shaft 10 which comprises an outer hollow shaft 20 and an inner hollow shaft 30 which can telescope with respect to one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis, that is to say in the longitudinal direction which is indicated by way of the double arrow.

[0037] At its free end which faces away in the longitudinal direction with regard to the inner shaft 30, the outer hollow shaft 20 comprises a fork 21 which forms a part of a universal joint, by way of which the steering shaft 10 is connected in a torque-transmitting manner to the steering train. Accordingly, at its free end which faces away in the longitudinal direction with regard to the outer shaft 20, the inner hollow shaft 30 comprises a fork 31 which forms a part of a further universal joint, by way of which the steering shaft 10 is connected in a torque-transmitting manner to the steering train. The hollow shafts 20 and 30 are preferably produced from steel which can be satisfactorily cold worked.

[0038] A stop element 70 according to the invention is inserted into the opening of the outer hollow shaft 20 in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft 10. The inner shaft 30 is guided displaceably through the stop element 70.

[0039] FIG. 2 shows a part of the steering shaft 1 according to FIG. 1 in an exploded illustration, in which the individual constituent parts are shown in the dismantled state. It is apparent from this that the outer hollow shaft 20 is profiled in its region which faces the inner shaft 30 and into which the inner shaft 30 can be pushed in a telescoping manner in the longitudinal direction. The profiling of the outer shaft 20 comprises grooves 22 which extend in the longitudinal direction in the inner circumferential surface 23 of the outer shaft 20. Convexly projecting bead-like shaped-out formations 24 are configured in the outer circumferential surface 25 so as to lie opposite the grooves 22 on the outside with regard to the wall of the hollow shaft 20. In the embodiment which is shown, both the inner shaft 30 and the outer hollow shaft 20 are configured as hollow profiles with a substantially square cross-sectional basic shape. Here, a total of four grooves 22 are arranged distributed uniformly over the circumference of the hollow shaft 20, namely in each case in the center of one of the sides of said square cross section. The grooves 22 are configured as rolling body raceways, or more specifically as ball raceways.

[0040] That end section of the inner hollow shaft 30 which faces the outer hollow shaft 20 and can be pushed into the latter in a telescoping manner, as shown in FIG. 1, is likewise profiled. The profiling comprises grooves 32 which extend in the longitudinal direction over a length L in the outer circumferential surface 33 of the hollow shaft 30 from the end which can be plugged into the outer hollow shaft 20. The length L extends over that part section of the inner hollow shaft 30 which can be plugged into the outer hollow shaft 20 in the longitudinal direction.

[0041] In combination with the cross-sectional illustration in FIG. 3, it can be seen clearly from FIG. 2 how rolling bodies, namely balls 40, are arranged radially between the grooves 22 and 32. A plurality of balls 40 are arranged in each case in the longitudinal direction behind one another in the grooves 22 and 32. Here, they are held in a sleeve 80 which is configured as a rolling body cage or ball cage 80, such that they can be rotated freely and are at a defined spacing relative to one another. At the same time, the sleeve 80 ensures that adjacent balls 40 in the circumferential direction remain in each case in the same position with regard to the longitudinal direction.

[0042] The embodiment which is shown in FIG. 3 shows a rectangular (specifically, a square) basic cross section of the hollow shafts 20 and 30. The grooves 22 and 32 are arranged symmetrically in each case centrally in one side of the square.

[0043] A similar, further embodiment as in the illustration of FIG. 3 is shown in FIG. 10. In contrast to the first embodiment, this comprises only a total of two rows of balls 40 which roll between an outer hollow shaft 201 and an inner hollow shaft 301 in grooves 22 and 32 which are situated symmetrically on two opposite sides of the square. The balls 40 are guided in an adapted sleeve 800. In said embodiment, all embodiments for the stop element 70 or 700 can be used.

[0044] FIG. 4 shows a stop element 70 according to the invention in a perspective view, to be precise as viewed obliquely from the direction of the hollow shaft 20. The basic shape of the stop element 70 is square in accordance with the cross section of the hollow shaft 20, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0045] The stop element 70 comprises a frame-shaped covering element 71, with a through opening 72 and an axial supporting face 73. A connector element 74 with a total of four connector means 75 which lie opposite one another in each case in pairs parallel to the sides 203 of the square cross section extends from the supporting face 73 in the direction of the longitudinal axis (to the bottom right toward the observer in the view which is shown). Tongue-like fastening means 76 with latching lugs 77 are arranged between the connector means 75 in the corner regions of the square. The latching lugs 77 are at a spacing R from the axial supporting face 73 in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The fastening elements 76 are of elastically sprung configuration, with the result that the latching lugs 77 which are arranged thereon can deflect inward into the cross section of the through opening 72, which is indicated by way of the small arrow.

[0046] Stop faces 78 are configured on the connector means 75 on their end sides which face the observer.

[0047] The spacing A of the outer sides of the connector means 75 is slightly smaller than the inner spacing H between the sides 203 of the hollow shaft 20 which lie opposite one another. The same applies to the outer spacing of the fastening elements 76 which is slightly smaller than the inner spacing between the corner regions 204 of the hollow shaft 20. It is possible as a result to introduce the stop element 70 with the connector element 74 into the opening of the hollow shaft 20 in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft 10.

[0048] By virtue of the fact that the latching lugs 77 project beyond the opening cross section of the hollow shaft 20 in the relieved state which is shown, they are first of all pressed inward in a sprung manner during the introduction. Recesses 205 are made in the inner circumferential face 23 of the hollow shaft 20 in the corner regions 204 at a spacing R from the end side 26. Said recesses 205 can particularly preferably be configured as punched-out apertures, or else also as groove-like depressions, the shape and dimensions of which correspond to those of said latching lugs 77. As soon as the latching lugs 77 reach the recesses during the introduction, they are moved outward by way of the spring force which acts, and snap into the recesses 205 in a positively locking manner. In this inserted state, the covering element 70 lies with its supporting face 73 on the end side 26 of the hollow shaft 20.

[0049] As can be gathered from FIG. 1 and the sectional illustration of FIG. 6, the covering element 70 does not project outward beyond the outer cross section of the hollow shaft 20.

[0050] The circumferential cross section of the connector element 74 which is delimited substantially by way of the connector means 75 and the fastening elements 76 engages into the opening cross section of the hollow shaft 20 in a positively locking manner, or in other words in a torque-transmitting manner, with regard to a rotation about the longitudinal axis during the insertion. By virtue of the fact that the outer cross section of the inner shaft 30 likewise engages into the through opening 72 of the connector element 74 in a positively locking manner, or in other words in a torque-transmitting manner, with regard to a rotation about the longitudinal axis during the assembly of the steering shaft 10, the connector element 74 brings about a rotationally rigid coupling between the inner shaft 30 and the outer hollow shaft 20.

[0051] It can be seen clearly in the sectional illustration of FIG. 6 how the rolling body cage 80 comes into contact by way of a stop face 81 with the stop face 78 on the stop element 70 during the pulling-out action of the inner shaft 30 out of the hollow shaft 20 in the arrow direction, and limits the pulling-out action effectively. It is likewise conceivable to attach a stop 34 at that end of the inner shaft 30 which dips into the hollow shaft 20, which stop 34 projects beyond the cross-sectional profile of the inner shaft 30 and comes into contact with a further stop face 82 on the rolling body cage 80 during the pulling-out operation.

[0052] A second embodiment of a stop element 700 according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9. It comprises a covering element 710 (head) which is adjoined by a connector element 740 which comprises the shape of a polygonal tubular stub with a through opening 720. The latter is designed with regard to shape and dimensions in such a way that it can be inserted into the opening cross section of a hollow shaft 200 in a positively locking manner, or in other words in a torque-transmitting manner, with regard to a rotation about the longitudinal axis.

[0053] A groove 741 which runs around at least in sections is made in the connector element 740, which groove 741 is at a spacing from the axial supporting face 730. A groove 241 is made at the same spacing in the inner circumferential surface of the hollow shaft 200. In the inserted state when the stop element 700 lies with the supporting face 730 against the end side 260 of the hollow shaft 200, the grooves 241 and 741 lie radially opposite one another with their groove openings.

[0054] A slotted spring ring 900 can be inserted into the groove 741, and can be reduced in circumference by way of radial compression to such an extent that the connector element 740 including the stressed spring ring 900 can be introduced into the opening of the hollow shaft 200. When the groove 741 comes into congruence with the groove 241 during the further introduction, the spring ring 900 is relieved in the radial direction and at the same time engages into the grooves 241 and 741 in a positively locking manner. As a result, the stop element 700 is locked in the hollow shaft 200 in a positively locking manner against being pulled out. In this way, the stop face 780 is securely fixed axially in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0055] The connection of the inner shaft 300 to the outer shaft 200 by way of the stop element 700, which connection is positively locking, or in other words torque-transmitting, with regard to a rotation about the longitudinal axis, takes place in an analogous manner to the explanation which is given above with respect to the stop element 70.

[0056] A seal element 790 can be attached on the stop element 700 or 70 for sealing the steering shaft 10 against the penetration of foreign bodies and moisture. Said seal element 790 can be inserted from outside into the stop element 700, as shown in FIG. 9. Said seal element 790 engages with its inner side around the inner shaft 300 on the cross-sectional contour in a sealing manner.

TABLE-US-00001 List of Designations 10 Steering shaft 20, 200 Outer hollow shaft 201  Outer hollow shaft 21 Fork 22 Groove 23 Inner circumferential surface 24 Shaped-out formations 241  Groove 25 Outer circumferential surface 203  Side of the square cross section 204  Corner region 205  Recess 26, 260 End side 30, 300 Inner hollow shaft 301 Inner hollow shaft 31 Fork 32 Groove 33 Outer circumferential surface 34 Stop 40 Ball 70, 700 Stop element 71, 710 Covering element 72, 720 Through opening 73, 730 Supporting face 74, 740 Connector element 741  Groove 75 Connector means 76 Fastening element 77 Latching lugs 78, 780 Stop face 80, 800 Rolling body cage (sleeve) 81, 82  Stop face 900  Spring ring R Spacing 73-77 A Spacing H Inner spacing