Bearing cup kit for a steering column and steering column having a bearing cup kit

Abstract

The invention relates to a bearing cup kit for a steering column, comprising a bearing cup and a fastening element, wherein the bearing cup has a bearing cup portion for at least partially receiving a rolling bearing and a retaining portion extending radially outwardly from the bearing cup portion, wherein the bearing cup portion has a first and a second opening side, the first opening side having a collar extending radially inwardly, and wherein the fastening element is connected to the bearing cup such that the fastening element fixes the rolling bearing received by the bearing cup portion in axial direction with respect to the bearing cup. The invention further relates to a steering column comprising a shroud tube in which a steering shaft is received by a rolling bearing to be rotatable, wherein the rolling bearing is arranged in the bearing cup portion of a bearing cup and the bearing cup is supported against an inner wall of the shroud tube by the retaining portion, wherein the fastening element is connected to the bearing cup such that the rolling bearing is fixed in axial direction with respect to the bearing cup.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a bearing cup kit for a steering column, having a bearing cup, wherein the bearing cup has a bearing cup portion for receiving a rolling bearing and a retaining portion extending radially outwardly from the bearing cup portion, wherein the bearing cup portion has a first and a second open side, the first open side having a collar extending radially inwardly. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle, having a sleeve tube and a steering shaft, wherein the steering shaft is supported by a rolling bearing and is arranged rotatable in the sleeve tube. BACKGROUND

[0002] Intermediate parts which can be arranged between the bearing supporting the steering shaft and the sleeve tube are known from the prior art. For example, DE 199 51 388 A1 describes a tolerance ring which can be arranged in a steering column bearing. The tolerance ring comprises a retaining protrusion, an opening for the passage of the shaft, and a wall portion, wherein the wall portion encloses the outer side of the bearing received by the front of the tolerance ring. The tolerance ring has two retaining lugs on the wall portion which are supported in a sprung manner on the outer ring of the bearing when the tolerance ring is pushed into the bearing module, such that a radially outwardly directed resetting force acts on the respective retaining lug. Furthermore, a bearing retainer is known from US 2008 / 0025655 A1, wherein the wall portion of the bearing retainer encloses a bearing which has been introduced on its outer side. When the bearing is inserted into the bearing holder, the wall in contact with the bearing deforms in order to fasten the bearing within the bearing holder. Furthermore, the retaining portion elastically yields and deforms when the bearing holder is inserted into the cavity, such that the bearing holder is fastened in the cavity, too, extending from the wall portion.

[0003] Furthermore, DE 10 2021 203 356 A1 describes a bearing cup for a steering column, wherein the bearing cup comprises a base portion having an opening for the passage of the shaft and a wall portion. In this case, the bearing cup is designed to receive a rolling bearing, such that the wall portion at least partially encloses an outer element of the received rolling bearing and the base portion of the bearing cup at least partially covers one side of the received rolling bearing. The bearing cup further comprises a retaining portion extending radially outwardly from the wall portion, wherein the retaining portion is designed to be supported against an inner wall of a tube in order to arrange the bearing cup in the tube. SUMMARY

[0004] It follows that the object of the invention is to provide an improved possibility for the arrangement of a bearing in a tube, in particular for a rolling bearing in a sleeve tube of a steering column. In the process, it will be advantageously achieved to make the assembly in the sleeve tube of a steering column easy and the installation in the sleeve tube of a steering column simple, and a reliable arrangement of the bearing will be achieved.

[0005] To solve this problem, a bearing cup kit and a steering column according to the invention are proposed. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the description and represented in the drawings.

[0006] The proposed solution envisages a bearing cup kit for a steering column, comprising a bearing cup and a fastening element, wherein the bearing cup has a bearing cup portion for at least partially receiving a rolling bearing and a retaining portion extending radially outwardly from the bearing cup portion, wherein the bearing cup portion has a first open side and a second open side, the first open side having a collar extending radially inwardly, and wherein the fastening element is connected to the bearing cup, in particular in such a way that the fastening element connected to the bearing cup fixes the rolling bearing received by the bearing cup portion in axial direction with respect to the bearing cup. The bearing cup kit advantageously has a connection device in order to connect the fastening element to the bearing cup at the second open side of the bearing cup portion.

[0007] The proposed solution envisages a bearing cup kit for a steering column, comprising a bearing cup and a fastening element, wherein the bearing cup has a bearing cup portion for at least partially receiving a rolling bearing and a retaining portion extending radially outwardly from the bearing cup portion, wherein the bearing cup portion has a first open side and a second open side, the first open side having a collar extending radially inwardly, and wherein the bearing cup kit has a connection device in order to connect the fastening element to the bearing cup at the second open side of the bearing cup portion, in particular in such a way that the fastening element connected to the bearing cup fixes the rolling bearing received by the bearing cup portion in axial direction with respect to the bearing cup.

[0008] If the bearing is received by the bearing cup, in particular pressed into the bearing cup portion, and the fastening element is connected to the bearing cup, the fastening element connected to the bearing cup advantageously prevents the bearing from being able to fall out of the bearing cup portion or from being able to be displaced with respect to the bearing cup portion. The design of the bearing cup itself is advantageously such that it is easily introduced into a tube, in particular into a sheath tube of a steering column. The retaining portion is advantageously designed to be supported against an inner wall of the tube in order to arrange the bearing cup in the tube, and the retaining portion can in particular be designed in the form of a retaining ring. By adapting the retaining portion of the bearing cup, the same rolling bearing can advantageously be inserted into different tubes, which can in particular have different inner tube diameters. More advantageously, the retaining portion provides a sufficiently rigid support.

[0009] The bearing cup part has in particular a base part with an opening for the passage of the shaft, wherein the base part is advantageously formed by a collar extending radially inwards from the bearing cup part. In this case, the bearing cup is advantageously designed to receive the rolling bearing in such a way that the wall part at least partially encloses an outer element of the received rolling bearing, which surrounds the rolling bearing in particular in an annular manner, and the base part of the bearing cup at least partially covers one side of the received rolling bearing. In particular, it is provided that the wall part is designed in the form of a cylindrical housing. The embodiment of the bearing cup makes it possible for the rolling bearing to be advantageously easily inserted, in particular pressed, into the receiving region formed by the base part and the wall part. In particular, the bearing cup and the fastening element are configured differently. In particular, the bearing cup and the fastening element do not have a symmetrical design. In particular, the fastening element and the bearing cup have different geometrical shapes. More particularly, the fastening element does not have a retaining part. In the case of the bearing cup assembly being introduced into the tube, the bearing cup assembly is in this case advantageously supported only by the retaining part of the bearing cup and advantageously not by the fastening element against the inner wall of the tube. The outer dimensions of the fastening element, in particular the diameter of the fastening element, are advantageously smaller in the radial direction than the outer dimensions of the bearing cup.

[0010] The fastening element advantageously also has a base part and also a wall part, the base part having an opening for the passage of the shaft, wherein the base part is advantageously formed by a collar extending radially inwards. The fastening element is advantageously designed to secure the rolling bearing received by the bearing cup in such a way that the wall part of the fastening element partially encloses an outer element of the already received rolling bearing, which surrounds the rolling bearing in particular in an annular manner, and the base part of the fastening element at least partially covers the side of the rolling bearing which is not received by the bearing cup. In particular, it is provided that the wall part is designed in the form of a cylindrical housing. The wall part advantageously also has a connecting part by means of which the fastening element can be connected to the bearing cup. In particular, it is provided that the fastening element has an annular contour. In particular, the fastening element can be designed in the manner of a cover for the bearing cup.

[0011] According to an advantageous refinement of the bearing cup assembly, the fastening element has a form-fit element and the bearing cup has a form-fit recess as a connecting device of the bearing cup assembly. In this case, the form-fit element advantageously engages with the form-fit recess when the fastening element is connected to the bearing cup.

[0012] In an advantageous refinement, it can be provided that the form-fit element is provided by means of a reshaping operation, for example by means of a swing riveting, caulking or ultrasonic welding. The reshaping operation is thus advantageously carried out after the fastening element is positioned relative to the bearing cup and the form-fit element is thus formed.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the connecting device as a bearing cup assembly is such that the bearing cup has a form-fit element and the fastening element has a form-fit recess, wherein in this case the form-fit element is advantageously also engaged with the form-fit recess when the fastening element is connected to the bearing cup. The form-fit element and the form-fit recess advantageously allow a fixed connection to be formed between the bearing cup and the fastening element, such that the bearings received by the bearing cup are advantageously prevented from being able to fall out of the bearing cup part or even more effectively prevented from being able to be displaced with respect to the bearing cup part. More advantageously, the form-fit element and the form-fit recess are designed in such a way that the bearing head and the fastening element can be separated from one another again in a non-destructive manner, preferably also without the use of tools.

[0014] This is particularly advantageous for the fastening element which can be clamped to the bearing cup, especially in terms of making assembly simpler. A further advantageous embodiment of the bearing cup assembly provides that the form-fit element is designed as a latching lug, in particular an elastic latching lug, and the form-fit recess is designed as a receiving slot for the latching lug.

[0015] In particular, it is provided that the holding portion of the bearing cup comprises the connecting device of the bearing cup. In particular, it is provided that the holding portion has form-fit recesses, which are in particular distributed at an equidistant spacing over the holding portion.

[0016] Further advantageously, the fastening element has a connecting portion, wherein the connecting portion advantageously has the connecting device of the fastening element, in particular a form-fit element. In this case, the form-fit element is advantageously arranged on the holding portion in a manner corresponding to the form-fit recess.

[0017] A further advantageous embodiment envisages that the fastening element has a receiving portion for, in particular in such a way that the rolling bearing is received completely by the bearing cup and the fastening element connected to the bearing cup, and the rolling bearing is fixed in the axial direction with respect to the bearing cup by the fastening element. In this way, the fastening element can also advantageously help to protect the rolling bearing from foreign bodies and contaminants.

[0018] According to a further advantageous embodiment, provision is made such that the bearing cup is a one-piece integral component and is advantageously made of a metallic material. In this case, the configuration as a one-piece integral component advantageously makes handling of the bearing cup easier. If the bearing cup is made of a metallic material, this bearing cup is advantageously robust and is advantageously suitable for absorbing relatively large forces without suffering any damage. The bearing cup is advantageously made of a lightweight metal, in particular aluminum. In particular, the bearing cup can also be made of steel or sheet metal. In particular, provision is made such that the bearing cup is a deep-drawn stamped component. Thus, the bearing cup can advantageously be produced in a cost-effective manner.

[0019] On the other hand, the fastening element is advantageously made of plastic and is particularly advantageous in terms of production in this respect. The fastening element is advantageously also a one-piece integral component. In particular, the fastening element can be an injection-molded part. In particular when the bearing cup is made of a metallic material and the fastening element is made of plastic, it is advantageous for the bearing cup, as a connecting device, to have a form-fitting recess, in particular a groove, and for the fastening element to have a form-fitting element, in particular a latching lug. This is because, by this embodiment, a weight advantage is produced. Furthermore, the latching lug can be formed directly from plastic in an elastic manner.

[0020] In an advantageous refinement, provision is made such that the fastening element and the bearing cup are designed as a one-piece component. This component is preferably formed in a retaining portion or in a wall portion and comprises at least one retaining tongue projecting inward. In this case, the at least one retaining tongue advantageously forms a pull-out type fastening device for the rolling bearing, such that after the rolling bearing has been pressed into the bearing cup, it cannot be removed from the bearing cup without requiring greater force. The at least one retaining tongue is advantageously designed to be resilient. The at least one retaining tongue is advantageously inclined with respect to the fitting direction. In this way, when the rolling bearing is subjected to a force in the bearing cup which is opposite to the fitting direction, the at least one retaining tongue wedges into the rolling bearing, which is advantageously inserted into the bearing cup by means of the outer side face of the outer ring (outer element) of the rolling bearing. Thus, a fixed and secure seating of the rolling bearing in the bearing cup is advantageously achieved. According to an advantageous embodiment, the fastening element and the bearing cup are thus designed together as a single one-piece component according to an advantageous embodiment, wherein the fastening element is advantageously designed in a retaining portion or a wall portion of the bearing cup, in particular in the form of a plurality of retaining tongues, which are preferably oriented radially inward and are more advantageously oriented in the direction of the first opening side of the bearing cup.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment, provision is made such that the retaining portion of the bearing cup comprises a pull-out fastening. This pull-out fastening advantageously prevents a bearing cup which has been introduced into the tube in the direction of assembly from being moved in the opposite direction to the direction of assembly. The direction of assembly is the direction in which the bearing head is introduced into the tube. In particular, provision is made such that the outer contour of the retaining portion forms the pull-out fastening. The retaining portion of the bearing cup advantageously comprises at least one retaining tongue, in particular a plurality of retaining tongues. In this case, the at least one retaining tongue advantageously forms the pull-out fastening. The at least one retaining tongue is advantageously designed to be resilient. The at least one retaining tongue is advantageously inclined with respect to the direction of assembly. As a result, the at least one retaining tongue of the bearing cup inserted into the tube advantageously wedges against the inner tube wall of the tube when the bearing cup is subjected to a force in the tube which is opposite to the direction of assembly. In this way, a secure and reliable assembly of the bearing cup in the tube is advantageously achieved.

[0022] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the application, the retaining portion of the bearing cup has radially outwardly directed stabilizing elements at the outer end of the retaining portion. The stabilizing elements are advantageously designed to be subjected to forces which act radially on the bearing cup arranged in the tube. In this way, the bearing action in the radial direction is advantageously further improved. In particular, provision is made such that the retaining portion comprises at least three stabilizing elements. The stabilizing elements are advantageously inclined with respect to the direction of assembly, but preferably less steeply than the retaining tongues. In particular, provision can also be made such that the stabilizing elements are not inclined and in particular lie completely on the plane spanned by the retaining portion.

[0023] The stabilizing elements and the retaining tongues of the retaining portion are advantageously arranged in an alternating manner, in particular in a regular alternating manner. In particular, the number of retaining tongues can exceed the number of stabilizing elements in this case. In particular, the ratio of retaining tongues to stabilizing elements can be greater than 1 : 1, in particular greater than 1.4: 1, in particular 2: 1 or greater than 2: 1.

[0024] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the application, the bearing cup comprises a rolling bearing damping limiter. As a result, the damping provided by the rolling bearings introduced into the bearing cup is advantageously limited. It is particularly important in a steering system for the bearing to have a good damping action, so that an impact on the steering column can be damped. However, a good responsiveness of the components to such a damping action is usually associated with a relatively long damping path. However, a longer damping path can result in the steering shaft having a greater deflection than desired. By means of the rolling bearing damping limiter provided by the bearing cup, the damping path is advantageously reduced and, as a result, an excessive deflection of the steering shaft can advantageously be prevented.

[0025] More advantageously, the bearing cup comprises a shoulder which is designed to form a distance with a predefined counter-shoulder which can be formed by the steering shaft or by the inner ring of the rolling bearing and which is designed to limit the deflection of the steering shaft. In particular, the shoulder of the bearing cup can also be formed by a radially inwardly extending collar of the bearing cup part. In this case, the bearing cup is advantageously designed in such a way that a distance is formed between the collar and the contact surface facing the collar in the case in which the rolling bearing is arranged on the shaft in an unloaded state and is received by the bearing cup. This distance is advantageously smaller than the maximum possible damping path of the received rolling bearing. In this way, a rolling bearing damping limiter is advantageously provided which advantageously prevents an excessive deflection of the steering shaft.

[0026] In order to use the bearing cup assembly, in particular, it is provided that the bearing is mounted in the bearing cup in a pre-assembly phase, wherein the bearing is received by the bearing cup part. In this case, however, the bearing cup part must have such dimensions that the bearing is completely enclosed by the bearing cup part. It can be provided that the bearing is pressed into the bearing cup part. As soon as the bearing has been mounted in the bearing cup, the bearing cup and the fastening element are immediately connected to one another, in particular in such a way that the fastening element is clinched into the retaining portion of the bearing cup, which is designed as a retaining ring. In particular, the retaining ring has for this purpose a corresponding recess and the fastening element has a corresponding lug, so that after the fitting the lug can engage with the recess and advantageously form an undercut. In this way, the fastening element is advantageously fixedly connected to the bearing cup. As soon as a press-out force is achieved between the bearing and the retaining portion, the fastening element advantageously receives the remaining force and ensures that the requirements are met. In other words, as soon as a maximum retaining force has been achieved between the retaining portion of the bearing cup and the bearing, the fastening element is advantageously designed to receive the required remaining force.

[0027] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a further proposed steering column comprises a sleeve tube in which a steering shaft is received in a rotatable mounted manner by means of a rolling bearing, wherein the rolling bearing is arranged in a bearing cup part of a bearing cup, and the bearing cup is supported against the inner wall of the sleeve tube by means of a retaining portion, wherein a fastening element is connected to the bearing cup, in particular so that the rolling bearing is fixed in the axial direction with respect to the bearing cup. In particular, it is provided that the bearing cup and the fastening element are a bearing cup assembly according to the invention. In this respect, the bearing cup and the fastening element in particular have the features described above in a separate or combined manner.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment of the steering column, the bearing cup comprises a shoulder which is located at a defined distance from a counter-shoulder which is formed by the steering shaft or by the inner ring of the rolling bearing, wherein the shoulder is designed with a defined spacing to limit the deflection of the loaded steering shaft. This is particularly the case in the event of a steering wheel lock being fastened and high torques being introduced into the steering shaft. By limiting the deflection, it is advantageously possible to prevent the locking bolt from jumping out of the locking bolt receiving groove of the steering shaft or to jump over the latching star wheel mounted on the steering shaft.

[0029] An advantageous embodiment also envisages that the proposed steering column rolling bearing comprises rolling bodies, an inner ring, an outer element and at least one damping element. In this case, the outer element, in particular an external ring, in particular an outer ring, which surrounds the rolling bearing, is advantageously fixed by the bearing cup and positioned in the axial direction with respect to the bearing cup by the fastening element. The geometry of the bearing cup retaining ring advantageously provides radial support for the inner ring of the rolling bearing. The rolling bearing is advantageously designed in such a way that the inner ring can perform a damping movement in the radial direction relative to the outer element upon application of a force, wherein the damping movement is limited by the rolling bearing damping limiter provided by means of the bearing cup. In particular, in this case, the contact surface is arranged such that it is opposite the collar of the bearing cup at a distance in the unloaded state, wherein the collar forms a shoulder against which the contact surface can rest as a counter-shoulder upon application of a load. The counter-shoulder is advantageously formed by the steering shaft portion of the steering shaft. According to an advantageous embodiment variant of this aspect, the counter-shoulder is formed by a portion of the inner ring of the rolling bearing. The inner ring of the rolling bearing advantageously protrudes beyond the outer element of the rolling bearing at least on the side facing the base portion of the bearing cup, in particular laterally, with an inner ring portion, wherein the counter-shoulder is formed by the inner ring portion. In this case, the inner ring portion is advantageously turned towards, in particular curved towards, the collar of the bearing cup. The distance between the shoulder formed by the collar and the counter-shoulder formed by the steering shaft portion or the portion of the inner ring means that the damping movement of the rolling bearing is permitted, but advantageously only up to the point at which the shoulder comes into contact with the counter-shoulder. The damping path provided by the rolling bearing is thus advantageously limited, and the deflection of the steering shaft of the steering column is also advantageously limited as a result. In particular, in the case of a steering wheel lock being fastened which comprises a locking bolt receiving groove or a latching star wheel of the steering shaft, by limiting the deflection of the steering shaft, it is possible to prevent the locking bolt from jumping out of the locking bolt receiving groove of the steering shaft or to prevent jumping over the latching star wheel mounted on the steering shaft.

[0030] In particular, it is provided that the distance present between the shoulder formed by the collar and the counter-shoulder formed by a portion of the steering shaft or the inner ring is smaller than the vertical distance from the center point of one of the rolling bodies to the inner diameter of the damping element, the damping element, in particular a rubber ring, bearing against the outer ring of the rolling bearing. In this case, it has proven advantageous that on the one hand a sufficient damping action is achieved and on the other hand a deflection of the steering shaft is sufficiently prevented.

[0031] A further advantageous embodiment of the steering column envisages that the steering shaft has a latching star wheel with a plurality of points to interact with the steering wheel lock, wherein the distance, thus in particular the distance between the shoulder formed by the collar and the counter-shoulder formed by a portion of the steering shaft or the inner ring, is designed to be smaller than the height of the points of the latching star wheel.

[0032] With the proposed steering column, it is advantageously possible to implement a method for preventing the locking bolt from jumping out of the locking bolt receiving recess in the steering shaft fastened with the steering wheel lock or for preventing the latching star wheel arranged on the steering shaft from jumping over the securing element of the steering wheel lock. In particular, a method is thus also proposed for preventing the locking bolt from jumping out of the locking bolt receiving recess in the steering shaft fastened with the steering wheel lock or for preventing the latching star wheel mounted on the steering shaft fastened with the steering wheel lock from jumping over when a torque is applied to the steering shaft, wherein the steering shaft is mounted in a rolling bearing having an inner ring and an outer element, which in particular surrounds the rolling bearing in an annular manner, wherein the rolling bearing is arranged in a bearing cup connected to the fastening element in a jacket tube. In this case, the bearing cup and the fastening element are advantageously designed as a bearing cup set according to the invention. When the rolling bearing is arranged in the bearing cup, the outer element of the rolling bearing is fixed by the bearing cup relative to the jacket tube and the rolling bearing is positioned by the fastening element in the axial direction relative to the bearing cup. Due to the applied torque, the steering shaft displaces the inner ring radially relative to the outer element, wherein the displacement is limited by the fact that a shoulder of the bearing cup, in particular a shoulder formed by a collar of the bearing cup, comes into contact with a counter-shoulder, which is opposite to the shoulder and is formed by a contact surface, in particular before an over-jump can occur. In this case, the counter-shoulder is advantageously formed by a portion of the steering shaft or the inner ring of the rolling bearing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] Further advantageous details, features and embodiment details of the invention are explained in greater detail in connection with the exemplary embodiments depicted in the drawings. In the drawings:

[0034] Figure 1An exemplary embodiment of a bearing cup assembly and a rolling bearing designed according to the application is shown in a first perspective view;

[0035] Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of a bearing cup assembly and a rolling bearing designed according to the application is shown in a second perspective view; Figure 1

[0036] Figure 3 An exemplary embodiment of a steering column designed according to the application is shown in a perspective view;

[0037] Figure 4 Details from a steering column according to the application are shown in a sectional view; Figure 3

[0038] Figure 5 A sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of a bearing cup assembly designed according to the application is shown, in which the bearing cup and the fastening element are connected and the rolling bearing is pressed in;

[0039] Figure 6 A perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a bearing cup assembly and a rolling bearing designed according to the application is shown; and

[0040] Figure 7 A sectional view of a bearing cup assembly and a rolling bearing designed according to the application according to an exemplary embodiment from Figure 6 is shown, in which the bearing cup and the fastening element are connected in one piece, in a one-piece embodiment.

[0041] In the different figures, identical parts are generally provided with identical reference numerals and are therefore described only in connection with one of the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] In Figure 1 a perspective view, an exemplary embodiment of a bearing cup assembly 100 and a rolling bearing 10 designed according to the application is depicted, the bearing cup assembly 100 comprising a bearing cup 1 and a fastening element 50. Figure 2 The same exemplary embodiment is shown from different viewing angles. The bearing cup 1 and the fastening element 50 in this exemplary embodiment have a structure which is rotationally symmetrical about the axis L. The bearing cup 1 in this exemplary embodiment is a one-piece, integral component made of a metal material, and the fastening element 50 is a one-piece, integral component made of plastic.

[0043] ​​The bearing cup 1 comprises a bearing cup portion 40 which is designed to receive the rolling bearing 10, wherein the rolling bearing 10 in this case does not need to be completely received by the bearing cup portion 40. The bearing cup 1 has a retaining portion 5 which extends radially outwards from the bearing cup portion 40. The bearing cup portion 40 also has a first open side 41 and a second open side 42, wherein the bearing cup portion 40 has a wall portion 4 between the first open side 41 and the second open side 42 which in this exemplary embodiment is designed as a cylindrical lateral surface. At the first open side 41, the bearing cup 1 comprises a collar 9 which extends radially inwards, wherein the base portion 2 is formed in particular by the collar 9. In this case, the base portion 2 and the wall portion 4 of the bearing cup 1 form a receiving region for the rolling bearing 10. Although the base portion 2 can in particular have a planar design, as is shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the base portion 2 can also be non-planar, in particular at the transition to the wall portion 4, and in particular have a certain degree of curvature. Furthermore, the base portion 2 of the bearing cup 1 comprises an opening 3 on the first open side 41 through which the shaft can pass. In the retaining portion 5 of the bearing cup 1, the bearing cup 1 has shape-fit recesses 45 which are designed as receiving slots, which are introduced into the retaining portion 5 in a uniformly distributed manner along a circular path.

[0044] The fastening element 50 has a receiving portion 52 which is formed by a base portion 53 and a wall portion 54, the base portion 53 having an opening 56 for the passage of the shaft. The wall portion 54 is designed as a cylindrical lateral surface which begins at the outer end of the base portion 53. In this exemplary embodiment, the wall portion 54 of the fastening element 50 has a thinner design than the wall portion 4 of the bearing cup 1. In particular, the wall portion 54 of the fastening element 50 can be half as wide as the wall portion 4 of the bearing cup 1. In particular, the fastening element 50 comprises a collar 59 which extends radially inwards. On the side of the fastening element 50 which faces away from the collar 59, the fastening element 50 has a connecting portion 51 which has shape-fit elements 55 which are designed as latching lugs, which are uniformly distributed on the connecting portion 51, corresponding to the shape-fit recesses 45.

[0045] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the bearing cup 1, the fastening element 50 and the rolling bearing 10 cooperate with one another in such a way that the rolling bearing 10 can be pressed into the receiving region of the bearing cup 1. When the rolling bearing 10 is pressed into the receiving region, in other words is arranged in the bearing cup 1, the wall portion 4 partially encloses the outer element 11 of the rolling bearing 10 on the outside, wherein, as is shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the outer element 11 can be designed as an annular sleeve. In this case, the base portion 2 of the bearing cup 1 partially covers one of the two sides 13 of the rolling bearing 10. The fastening element 50 is connected to the bearing cup 1 on the second open side 42 of the bearing cup portion 40, i.e., connected to the bearing cup 1 in such a way that the form-fitting element 55 of the fastening element 50 is introduced into the form-fitting recess 45 of the bearing cup 1. Because the form-fitting element 55, designed as a latch lug, has an elastic design, it is slightly pressed outward when it is fitted into the form-fitting recess 45, and once the form-fitting element 55 is fully fitted, a buckle is formed, thus forming a safety means to prevent loss. The fastening element 50 and the bearing cup 1 are then fixedly connected to each other, wherein the rolling bearing 10 received by the bearing cup portion 40 is fixed by the fastening element 50 with respect to the bearing cup 1 in the axial direction 34. In this case, the wall portion 54 of the fastening element 50 connected to the bearing cup 1 partially surrounds the outer element 11 of the received rolling bearing 10. The base portion 53 of the fastening element 50 also partially covers the side portion 13 of the rolling bearing 10 that is not received by the bearing cup 1. Figure 5 The image shows a bearing cup assembly 100, including a rolling bearing 10, interconnected in this manner.

[0046] In this configuration, the bearing cup 1 of the bearing cup assembly 100 can be arranged in a tube, particularly in the sheath tube of the steering column, together with the connected fastening element 50 and the received rolling bearing 10. In this configuration, the retaining portion 5 advantageously forms a diameter-enlarged portion for the rolling bearing 10, allowing the rolling bearing 10 to be inserted into tubes with different inner diameters. Through the retaining portion 5, the bearing cup 1 or the interconnected bearing cup assembly 100 can be supported against the inner wall of the tube. For this purpose, Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the retaining portion 5 has, at its outer end, an alternating stabilizing element 8 and a retaining tongue 7 designed as a pull-out fastening device 6, wherein the stabilizing element 8 and the retaining tongue 7 terminate at the same distance from the axis 34. The bearing cup 1 is advantageously designed such that, when the rolling bearing 10 is pressed into the bearing cup 1, the retaining portion 5 is pressed such that the retaining tongue 7 and the stabilizing element 8 extend further outward along the inner wall direction of the tube.

[0047] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the bearing cup 1 comprises two retaining tongues 7, which are arranged next to one another and then followed by a stabilizing element 8, then again two retaining tongues 7 and another stabilizing element 8, etc., wherein the retaining portion 5 comprises a total of eight stabilizing elements 8 and sixteen retaining tongues 7 arranged in a star shape. In this case, the number of retaining tongues 7 and stabilizing elements 8 can vary in particular depending on the size of the bearing cup 1. The stabilizing elements 8 are oriented radially outward and have bearing surfaces at their ends, against which the bearing cup 1 can rest against the inner wall of the tube, wherein the stabilizing elements 8 are designed to be subjected to forces acting on the bearing cup via the tube, in particular when the bearing cup 1 is introduced into the tube. The forces caused by the stabilizing elements 8 do not act on the rolling bearing 10 or at least only to a relatively small extent.

[0048] In Figure 1 and Figure 2 the exemplary embodiment shown, the retaining tongues 7 and the stabilizing elements 8 are inclined with respect to the fitting direction 30, along which the rolling bearing 10 is fitted into the bearing cup 1, in particular by virtue of the curvature of the retaining tongues 7 and the stabilizing elements 8. The retaining tongues 7 are designed to be somewhat elastically yielding. If a force is applied to the bearing cup 1 introduced into the tube in the opposite direction to the fitting direction 30, the retaining tongues 7 act like barbs and prevent the bearing cup 1 from moving in this direction. In this case, this locking effect is enhanced since the retaining tongues 7 tend to straighten further.

[0049] With reference to Figures 3 to 5 , an example of a steering column 20 designed in accordance with the application is explained in more detail below. In this exemplary embodiment, the steering column 20 is designed as a manually adjustable steering column. However, it can in particular also be provided such that the steering column has an electrically adjustable design or also a non-adjustable design.

[0050] Figure 3 The steering column 20 shown in Fig. 1 comprises a first sheath tube 21 and a second sheath tube 22, wherein the first sheath tube 21 can be telescopically inserted into or extended out of the second sheath tube 22 in order to adjust the length of the steering column 20. For this purpose, the fixed lever 27 of the steering column 20 has to be released. In addition, the second sheath tube 22 is arranged above the articulation 29 and on the carrier unit 26 in the region of the fixed lever articulation, by means of which the steering column 20 can be arranged on a body part of a motor vehicle. When the fixed lever 27 is released, the steering column 20 can additionally be height-adjusted due to the oblong hole, which is partially obscured by the fixed lever 27 in Fig. 1. Figure 3

[0051] ​The steering column 20 further comprises a steering shaft 23. In this case, the steering shaft 23 is arranged so as to be able to rotate within the first and second sheath tubes 21, 22, wherein at an end 28 of the steering shaft 23 a steering handling device, in particular a steering wheel, can be arranged. In this case, the steering shaft 23 is supported by a rolling bearing 10, wherein the rolling bearing 10 is arranged in a bearing cup 1 and is fastened by a fastening element 50 connected to the bearing cup 1 in order to prevent the rolling bearing 10 from falling out or being displaced relative to the bearing cup 1. In this case, the bearing cup 1 with the rolling bearing 10 and the fastening element 50 connected to the bearing cup 1 is inserted into the first sheath tube 21. In this case, the rolling bearing 10 is surrounded by the bearing cup sleeve 100 which is connected to the bearing cup 1. In this case, the bearing cup sleeve 100 is inserted into the first sheath tube 21. Figure 4 The arrangement of the bearing cup 1 together with the rolling bearing 10 inserted into the bearing cup 1 and the fastening element 50 connected to the bearing cup 1 in the first sheath tube 21 is shown in detail in a cross-sectional view in Figure 5 In another view, the rolling bearing 10 surrounded by the connected bearing cup sleeve 100 is shown without the steering shaft 23 and without the first sheath tube 21.

[0052] In this exemplary embodiment, the rolling bearing 10 comprises an inner ring 12, a plurality of rolling bodies 14, a first outer ring 17 and a second outer ring 18. In this case, the outer rings 17, 18 are held by a damping element 16 which is supported against the sleeve-shaped outer element 11. In this exemplary embodiment, the damping element 16 is formed by two rubber rings. In this case, the damping element 16 allows a damped movement 33 of the inner ring 12 in the radial direction 32 relative to the outer element 11 up to a maximum damping path. Thus, forces exerted on the guide shaft 23 in the radial direction are damped. The inner ring 12 of the rolling bearing 10 protrudes laterally beyond the outer element 11 with the inner ring portion 15. The rolling bearing 10 is pressed into the bearing cup 1.

[0053] The bearing cup 1 comprises a wall portion 4 and a base portion 2 adjacent to the wall portion 4, the base portion 2 having an opening 3 and a collar 9 delimiting the opening 3, wherein the steering shaft 23 passes through the opening 3. The base portion 2 partially covers the side portion 13 through which the rolling bearing 10 is introduced into the bearing cup 1. The wall portion 4 of the bearing cup 1 partially encloses the outer element 11 of the received rolling bearing 10 and thereby fixes the outer element 11 of the rolling bearing 10 relative to the first sheath tube 21. The holding portion 5 of the bearing cup 1 adjacent to the wall portion 4, which extends radially outwardly from the wall portion 4, is supported against the inner wall 24 of the first sheath tube 21. At the outer end of the holding portion 5, the holding portion 5 has a stabilizing element 8 and a holding tongue 7 as means for preventing it from being pulled out. The holding portion 5 with the stabilizing element 8 and the holding tongue 7 can in particular be as referred to in Figure 1 and Figure 2is designed as described. In this case, the tongue 7 holds the bearing cup 1 fast in order to prevent a movement opposite to the fitting direction 30. The fastening element 50, which is fixedly connected to the bearing cup 1 by means of a joint, is used in particular as described with reference to the exemplary embodiment according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The rolling bearing 10 is thereby also fixed in the axial direction against the bearing cup 1. The bearing cup sleeve 100 thereby fastens the rolling bearing 10 in order to prevent an unintentional falling out of the rolling bearing 10 or in order to prevent a change in the position of the rolling bearing 10.

[0054] Furthermore, the bearing cup 1 of the bearing cup sleeve 100 and the rolling bearing 10 are adapted to one another in such a way that the collar 9 and the inner ring portion 15, which is bent towards the collar 9, are opposite one another. In this case, the collar 9 forms a shoulder and the inner ring portion 15 forms a counter-shoulder, which are opposite one another at a distance 31. In this case, this distance 31 is smaller than the maximum damping path, which is technically prescribed by the rolling bearing 10. In particular, the distance 31 is smaller than the vertical distance from the midpoint of one of the rolling bodies 14 to the inner diameter of the damping element 16.

[0055] In a variant, which is not depicted, it is also possible for the inner ring 12 of the rolling bearing 10 to not protrude laterally beyond the outer element 11 and, in contrast to the protrusion laterally beyond the outer element 11, for the steering shaft portion 25 to form a counter-shoulder, which is arranged at a distance 31 from the collar 9.

[0056] If a force is now exerted on the steering shaft 23 in such a way that the inner ring 12 of the rolling bearing 10 moves in the radial direction 32 relative to the outer element 11 of the rolling bearing 10 in the form of a damped movement, which is not technically limited by the rolling bearing 10, but rather by the shoulder formed by the collar 9 and the counter-shoulder formed by the inner ring portion 15, which meet one another. In this way, the deflection of the steering shaft 23 is also limited. In this case, the fastening element 50, which is connected to the bearing cup 1, also prevents the rolling bearing 10 from leaving the receiving area of the bearing cup 1 completely or partially when a force is exerted on the rolling bearing 10.

[0057] Limiting the deflection of the steering shaft 23 is particularly advantageous as a means of protecting the steering shaft 23, which is secured by means of a steering wheel lock. In the case of a motor vehicle, the steering wheel lock serves as a safety means in order to prevent the motor vehicle from being started without authorization. In order to circumvent this safety means, it is sometimes attempted to overcome the steering wheel lock by exerting a high torque on the steering wheel 23.

[0058] In this case, reference is made to Figures 3 to 5The illustrated steering column 20 is suitable for a method of preventing damage to the steering shaft 23 and for a method of preventing overcoming of the steering wheel lock. Depending on the embodiment of the steering wheel lock, in this case a method can be provided which is designed to prevent the locking bolt from jumping out of the locking bolt receiving recess of the steering shaft 23 to which the locking bolt is bolted in the case of a torque being applied to the steering shaft 23, or to prevent the locking star wheel mounted on the steering shaft 23 bolted with the steering wheel lock from being jumped over. In this case, the steering shaft 23, in particular as described with reference to the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 5 The steering shaft 23, in particular as described with reference to the exemplary embodiment shown in

[0059] In Figure 6 A perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of the bearing cup sleeve 100 and the rolling bearing 10 designed according to the application is shown in Figure 7 An exemplary embodiment of the bearing cup sleeve 100 and the rolling bearing 10 designed according to the application is shown in cross-section in Figure 6 In

[0060] In Figure 6 and Figure 7In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, two retaining tongues 7 are always arranged side by side, followed by a stabilizing element 8, followed again by two retaining tongues 7 and another stabilizing element 8, etc. In this case, the number of retaining tongues 7 and stabilizing elements 8 can vary in particular depending on the size of the bearing cup 1. The stabilizing elements 8 point radially outwards and have a bearing surface at their end, against which the bearing cup 1 can be supported against the inner wall of the tube, wherein the stabilizing elements 8 are designed to be subjected to forces acting on the bearing cup in particular via the tube when the bearing cup 1 is introduced into the tube. The forces caused by the stabilizing elements 8 do not act on the rolling bearing 10 or at least only to a very small extent. All aspects relating to the retaining tongues 7 and stabilizing elements 8 of the other exemplary embodiments can be transferred to Figure 6 and Figure 7 the exemplary embodiments in

[0061] In this exemplary embodiment, the bearing cup 1 and the fastening elements 50 designed as retaining tongues 56 are designed as one-piece integral components which are formed as stamped and formed parts from a metal material. The fastening elements 50, each comprising a retaining tongue 56 projecting inwards substantially in the radial direction 32, are formed in the retaining portion 5. The fastening elements 50 can also comprise more than one retaining tongue 56. The fastening elements 50 or the retaining tongues 56 are arranged to be uniformly distributed over the entire circumference.

[0062] The retaining tongues 56 form a fastening device which prevents the rolling bearing 10 from being removed, so that once the rolling bearing 10 has been pressed in, it cannot be removed from the bearing cup 1 without greater force expenditure. The retaining tongues 56 have a flexible design and are inclined with respect to the fitting direction, wherein the maximum description diameter formed by the retaining tongues 56 before pressing in is smaller than the outer diameter of the outer element 11 of the rolling bearing 10. Thus, when the rolling bearing 10 is subjected to a force in the bearing cup 1 which is opposite to the fitting direction, the retaining tongues 56 wedge into the rolling bearing 10, which is inserted into the bearing cup 1 by the outer lateral surface of the outer ring 11 of the rolling bearing 10. A fixed and reliable fitting of the rolling bearing 10 in the bearing cup 1 is thus achieved.

[0063] The exemplary embodiments depicted in the figures and explained in connection with these figures serve to illustrate the application and not to limit the application.

[0064] List of reference signs

[0065] 1 bearing cup

[0066] 2 base portion

[0067] 3 opening

[0068] 4 wall portion

[0069] 5 retaining portion

[0070] 6 pull-out fastening device

[0071] 7 retaining tongue

[0072] 8 stabilizing element

[0073] 9 collar (shoulder)

[0074] 10 rolling bearing

[0075] 11 outer element (outer ring)

[0076] 12 inner ring (counter-shoulder)

[0077] 13 side of the rolling bearing (10)

[0078] 14 rolling body

[0079] 15 inner ring portion

[0080] 16 damping element

[0081] 17 first outer ring

[0082] 18 second outer ring

[0083] 20 steering column

[0084] 21 first sheath tube

[0085] 22 second sheath tube

[0086] 23 steering shaft

[0087] 24 inner wall of the first sheath tube (21)

[0088] 25 steering shaft portion

[0089] 26 carrier unit

[0090] 27 fixing rod

[0091] 28 end of the steering shaft (23) for receiving a steering processing device

[0092] 29 articulation

[0093] 30 fitting direction

[0094] 31 distance

[0095] 32 radial direction

[0096] 33 damped movement

[0097] 34 axial direction

[0098] 40 bearing cup portion

[0099] 41 first opening side

[0100] 42 second opening side

[0101] 45 form-fit recess

[0102] 50 fastening element

[0103] 51 connecting portion

[0104] 52 receiving portion

[0105] 53 base portion

[0106] 54 wall portion

[0107] 55 form-fit element

[0108] 56 retaining tongue

[0109] 59 collar

[0110] 100 bearing cup kit

[0111] L longitudinal axis

Claims

1. A bearing cup kit (100) for a steering column (20), the bearing cup kit (100) comprising a bearing cup (1) and a fastening element (50), wherein, The bearing cup (1) has a bearing cup portion (40) for at least partially receiving a rolling bearing (10) and a retaining portion (5) extending radially outwardly from the bearing cup portion (40), wherein the bearing cup portion (40) has a first open side (41) and a second open side (42), the first open side (41) has a collar (9) extending radially inwardly, and wherein the fastening element (50) is connected to the bearing cup (1) in such a way that it fixes the rolling bearing (10) received by the bearing cup portion (40) in the axial direction (34) with respect to the bearing cup (1); The bearing cup kit (100) has a connection device for connecting the fastening element (50) to the bearing cup (1) at the second open side (42) of the bearing cup portion (40); as the connection device of the bearing cup kit (100), the fastening element (50) has a form-fit element (55) and the bearing cup (1) has a form-fit recess (45), wherein the form-fit element (55) engages with the form-fit recess (45) when the fastening element (50) is connected to the bearing cup (1).

2. The bearing cup kit (100) of claim 1, wherein, As the connection device of the bearing cup kit (100), the bearing cup (1) has a form-fit element and the fastening element (50) has a form-fit recess, wherein the form-fit element engages with the form-fit recess when the fastening element (50) is connected to the bearing cup (1).

3. The bearing cup kit (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The form-fit element (55) is designed as a latching lug and the form-fit recess (50) is designed as a receiving slot for the latching lug.

4. The bearing cup kit (100) according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The retaining portion (5) comprises the connection device of the bearing cup (1).

5. The bearing cup kit (100) of any one of claims 1-2, wherein, The fastening element (50) has a connection portion (51), wherein the connection portion (51) has the connection device of the fastening element (50).

6. The bearing cup kit (100) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 2, characterized in that The fastening element (50) has a receiving portion (52) for partially receiving the rolling bearing (10) in such a way that the rolling bearing (10) received by the bearing cup kit (100) is completely received by the bearing cup (1) and the fastening element (50) connected to the bearing cup (1) and fixed by the fastening element (50) in the axial direction (34) with respect to the bearing cup (1).

7. The bearing cup kit (100) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 2, characterized in that, The bearing cup (1) is a one-piece integral component.

8. The bearing cup kit (100) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 2, characterized in that, The bearing cup (1) is made of a metal material and / or the fastening element (50) is made of plastic.

9. The bearing cup kit (100) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 2, characterized in that, The retaining portion (5) and / or the fastening element (50) comprises at least one retaining tongue (7, 56).

10. The bearing cup kit (100) according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 2, characterized in that, The bearing cup (1) comprises a shoulder (9) designed to form a distance (31) with a predefined counter-shoulder, which can be formed by a steering shaft (23) or an inner ring (12) of the rolling bearing (10), and to limit the deflection of the steering shaft (23).

11. A steering column (20) comprising a shroud tube (21) in which a steering shaft (23) is rotatably mounted by means of rolling bearings (10), wherein The rolling bearing (10) is arranged in a bearing cup portion (40) of the bearing cup (1) and the bearing cup (1) is supported against an inner wall (24) of the jacket tube (21) by a retaining portion (5), characterized in that a fastening element (50) is connected to the bearing cup (1) such that the rolling bearing (10) is fixed in axial direction (34) with respect to the bearing cup (1).

12. A steering column (20) according to claim 11, characterised in that The bearing cup (1) and the fastening element (50) are designed in the form of a bearing cup assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. A steering column (20) according to claim 12, characterised in that The bearing cup (1) comprises a shoulder (9) located at a defined distance (31) from a counter-shoulder formed by the steering shaft (23) or an inner ring (12) of the rolling bearing (10), wherein the shoulder (9) is designed to limit the deflection of the loaded steering shaft (23) at the defined distance (31).

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