Blocking sleeve for a steering column

p0001The invention relates to a locking sleeve for a steering shaft of a steering system of a motor vehicle and a steering system, as described in the preambles of claims 1 and 9. FIG.

p0002It is necessary for steering systems for motor vehicles, that they are equip with a device for required blocking a rotational movement of a steering shaft, to prevent an unwanted startup of a motor vehicle by locking the steering angle of the steering system. To this end a more than feasible in a release or blocking position locking member of the steering lock is associated with a blocking sleeve rigidly attached to the steering shaft in engagement, so due to the locked against rotation steering shaft an effective anti-theft device for the vehicle is provided. In order to avoid damaging the steering lock or the steering shaft by a violent rupture due to an unacceptably high, resting against the steering shaft torque devices to lock steering systems are known in the art, which have a resilient rotational block with a torque limiter. In these devices, the steering shaft can slip relative to the locking sleeve beyond a certain limit torque, whereby deformation or breakage of the steering shaft or the steering lock is prevented.

p0003Such a device is known for example from <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="EP0204621A"><text>EP 0204621</text></patcit> B1. In this a device for blocking the rotation torque limitation for a motor vehicle steering column is described, which consists of a mounted on the steering spindle sleeve, in whose outer surface recesses for receiving a locking bar of a steering lock for locking said steering spindle are cut. Furthermore, deformable means are provided which determine the value of the rotation of said steering shaft relative to the sleeve to be overcome frictional load. The sleeve is mounted on the steering shaft with a terminal voltage of at least one of the two parts, the sleeve and column, until the exceeding of the elastic limit of the material from which it is made causes the deformation, in which case the rest voltage will remain constant and only the remaining elasticity of the the material from which the deformed part, and depends on the side in contact with the said deformed part of the length of the other part.

p0004The disadvantage here is that during the installation of a pre-packaged, hollow profile-like or tubular sleeve on the steering shaft, which is accomplished by sliding the sleeve to the steering shaft, due to the arising from the terminal voltage between the sleeve and the steering shaft frictional a mutual material abrasion occurs at the contact surfaces. Thus, the surface quality is affected on the steering shaft and the sleeve, for example by scoring and reduces the strength of the frictional engagement between the sleeve and the steering shaft. A reproducibility of substantially the same bond strengths between the steering shaft and sleeve is not possible due to the uncontrollable material abrasion.

p0005From the <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="DE10012323A1"><text>DE 100 12 323 A1</text></patcit> is an anti-theft seal for the steering spindle of a motor vehicle described detachably by application of force. The security collar is formed by a profile provided with a pipe section, which is pushed by force to the steering shaft and is provided with grooves. The grooves define on the outside raised and recessed portions which are suitable to cooperate with a bolt of a lock mechanism of the steering spindle and provide these on the inside with respect to the recessed portions at the outside of the contact surfaces with the steering spindle is.

p0006The disadvantage here is that when pushing the antitheft collar to the steering shaft in turn carried a material abrasion on the contact surfaces and a reduction of the surface quality and bonding strength resulting therefrom.

p0007In the <patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="WO0202377A1"><text>WO 02/02377 A1</text></patcit> describes an overload protection at a joint compound and a method for producing the fuse rating. The overload protection consists of an outer joint part with a through-opening, in particular a sleeve, and a cylindrical inner joint part applied with a torque, in particular a steering spindle, wherein the parts are frictionally connected to each other. When exceeding a maximum permissible frictional force corresponding torque value, the friction and the inner joint part in the compound dissolves slips. The assembly of the outer joint member or the sleeve is effected such that the inner joint part, ie the steering shaft, is aufgeweitert plastically and is pressed under expansion of the elastic spring-back outer joint part. Thus, a particular device and a complicated process for the expansion of the steering spindle in the connection portion is necessary, the method used corresponds to the partial internal high pressure deformation by means of high fluid pressure.

p0008In addition, required by the automotive industry, that during a test cycle, in which the steering wheel with locked steering lock replaced alternately several times, eg 5 times, is rotated 360 ° to the left and right, the resilient rotational block blocked or lowers the torque at 100Nm. This places special demands on the device for torque limitation.

p0009A locking sleeve for a steering shaft of a steering system of a motor vehicle is also known from <patcit id="pcit0004" dnum="US5937500A"><text>US 5,937,500 A</text></patcit> known which forms a arranged on the steering spindle sleeve body, which is mounted on the latter by joint deformation to the steering shaft and having circumferentially spaced-apart latching recesses which can be brought into engagement with an adjustable between a release and locking position locking member of the steering system. The deformation determines the frictional engagement between the sleeve body and the steering shaft, the locking sleeve blocks the steering spindle to the occurrence of a limit torque against rotation and the steering spindle with respect to the blocking sleeve slips in the limit torque is exceeded. Otherwise, it may be provided between the sleeve body and the steering shaft a friction reducing material such as a plastic coating on the sleeve body or on the steering shaft.

p0010Finally revealed the <patcit id="pcit0005" dnum="US2202909A"><text>US 2,202,909 A</text></patcit> a sleeve body made from a planar sheet-metal blank by stamping and forming, which is connected by a parting line extending in a connecting member non-detachably to form a closed hollow profile.

p0011Object of the invention is to provide a locking sleeve, which can be easily mounted on a steering shaft of a steering system. The blocking sleeve is to be used advantageously in a steering system of a motor vehicle.

p0012The object of the invention is achieved by the features in claim. 1 The advantage is that the lubrication pockets are in the bearing section of the locking sleeve to be mounted on the steering shaft with a lubricant filled or wetted, whereby the sliding friction between the outer surface of the steering shaft and bearing surface of the locking sleeve is substantially reduced, the formation of fretting corrosion between the under high surface pressure prevents friction partners blocking sleeve / steering shaft and pushing the locking sleeve is facilitated to the steering shaft. A mutual material abrasion or galling between blocking sleeve and the steering shaft can thus be greatly reduced or prevented, so that the surface quality on the steering shaft after Aufschiebevorgang on Aufschiebelänge is only slightly affected, and the strength of the frictional connection to the mounting position of the blocking sleeve on the steering spindle is not impaired by damage to the surfaces in frictional connection area. Furthermore, a rep is roduzierbarkeit the bonding strength of said frictional given since the uncontrollable factor of uneven material abrasion invisible to the steering shaft when sliding the locking sleeve. Another advantage is that even after durchlaufenem cycle, ie after about 5 made ​​steering wheel turns each in clockwise or anticlockwise direction, a friction of sufficient strength between the blocking sleeve and the steering shaft can be constructed so that the friction in a motor vehicle in operation befindlicher steering system corresponding limit torque value is only triggered when exceeding a maximum frictional force.

p0013The claims 2 to 7 describe advantageous and adapted to the specific application configurations of the lubrication pockets in the bearing section.

p0014According to the embodiments according to claims 2 and 3, a simpler and more effective construction of the inner region is reached in the storage section for storing and dispensing a lubricant, so that on the one hand to the steering shaft, the contact surfaces are wetted with a lubricant during the pushing on of the blocking sleeve and on the other hand the support surface in the bearing portion is sufficiently large so that they can enter into a frictional engagement with the steering shaft, which has a sufficient strength in the assembly position.

p0015The stated in claim 4 features are advantageous in that the lubrication pockets over a larger peripheral region are on the inside by an angled course of the lubrication pockets relative to the longitudinal central axis of the sleeve body in the bearing portion effective, and a wetting of a circumferential segment at the inner side, which is larger than a width of the lubrication pockets, is made possible.

p0016For example, may be formed on the support surface by the profile valleys of the real roughness of the support surface according to claim 6, the lubrication pockets, so in accordance with roughened or smoothed regions of the support surface can be increased or decreased with the steering column trainees friction coefficient.

p0017By a distribution of the lubrication pockets around the circumferential contour in accordance with claim 7, the bearing portion on the inner side or the steering shaft to the outer surface when pushed over a large area, in particular in its entirety, are wetted with the lubricant, whereby the push-on, or mounting operation of the blocking sleeve is improved.

p0018Another advantage is the embodiment defined in claim 8, as diverse and flexible structures of the sleeve body of one or more parts to be joined are made possible by the continuous separating gap. The connecting member is preferably by a weld, such as laser or plasma welding, in particular without additional material, is formed.

p0019The object of the invention is also achieved by the features in claim. 9 An advantage here is that in the steering system an effective overload protection for the steering column and the steering lock is provided, whose construction and installation through the locking sleeve with the advantages described above is simplified.

p0020The invention will be explained in the following with reference to embodiments schematically illustrated in the drawings.

p0021Show it:<dl id="dl0001"><dt>Fig. 1</dt><dd>a blocking sleeve according to the invention in a perspective oblique view;</dd><dt>FIG. 2</dt><dd>the locking sleeve after <figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1</figref>, In section along line II-II; </dd><dt>Fig. 3</dt><dd>the locking sleeve after <figref idrefs="f0001">Fig. 1</figref> in longitudinal section;</dd><dt>Fig. 4</dt><dd>a further embodiment of a blocking sleeve according to the invention in a perspective oblique view;</dd><dt>Fig. 5</dt><dd>the locking sleeve after <figref idrefs="f0002">Fig. 4</figref> in longitudinal section;</dd><dt>Fig. 6</dt><dd>the locking sleeve after <figref idrefs="f0002">Fig. 4</figref> in cross section;</dd><dt>Fig. 7</dt><dd>a further embodiment of the steering shaft attached to a blocking sleeve in longitudinal section;</dd><dt>Fig. 8</dt><dd>a further embodiment of the fixed to the steering spindle blocking sleeve in longitudinal section;</dd><dt>Fig. 9</dt><dd>a further embodiment of a steering shaft attached to a blocking sleeve in cross-section and half-sectional view about a horizontal axis of symmetry;</dd><dt>Fig. 10</dt><dd>the locking sleeve after <figref idrefs="f0003">Fig. 9</figref> in longitudinal section;</dd><dt>Fig. 11</dt><dd>a possible variant embodiment of a steering spindle mounted on this blocking sleeve in longitudinal section;</dd><dt>Fig. 12</dt><dd>a further embodiment of a blocking sleeve in a perspective oblique view;</dd><dt>Fig. 13</dt><dd>the locking sleeve after <figref idrefs="f0005">Fig. 12</figref> in front view according to arrow XIII in <figref idrefs="f0005">Fig. 12</figref>;</dd><dt>Fig. 14</dt><dd>a further embodiment of a blocking sleeve in a perspective oblique view; </dd><dt>Fig. 15</dt><dd>a further embodiment of a blocking sleeve in a perspective oblique view;</dd><dt>Fig. 16</dt><dd>which is arranged on a steering spindle blocking sleeve after <figref idrefs="f0006">Fig. 15</figref> and a locking member of the steering system in longitudinal section;</dd><dt>Fig. 17</dt><dd>a first embodiment of an array of mounted in bearing portion lubricant pockets a blocking sleeve partially shown;</dd><dt>Fig. 18</dt><dd>a second embodiment of an array of mounted in bearing portion lubricant pockets a blocking sleeve partially shown;</dd><dt>Fig. 19</dt><dd>a third embodiment of an array of mounted in bearing portion lubricant pockets a blocking sleeve partially shown;</dd><dt>Fig. 20</dt><dd>a fourth embodiment of an array of mounted in bearing portion lubricant pockets a blocking sleeve partially shown;</dd><dt>Fig. 21</dt><dd>a fifth embodiment of an array of mounted in bearing portion lubricant pockets a blocking sleeve partially shown;</dd><dt>Fig. 22</dt><dd>a variant of an arrangement of a mounted in the bearing section, known lubricious structure of a locking sleeve shown partially;</dd><dt>Fig. 23</dt><dd>the blocking sleeve with the known sliding structure cut along the line XXIII-XXIII in <figref idrefs="f0007">Fig. 22</figref>;</dd><dt>Fig. 24-27</dt><dd>each represents a step of a possible process sequence for producing a blocking sleeve;</dd><dt>FIG. 25a to 25d</dt><dd>each represents a step of a possible process sequence for the production of recesses or dimples at a strode; </dd><dt>FIG. 26a and 26b</dt><dd>in each case a process step of a possible process sequence for manufacturing a hollow section of a platinum-type blank;</dd><dt>Fig. 28-31</dt><dd>each represents a step of a second is a process flow for the production of a further embodiment of a locking sleeve;</dd><dt>FIG. 29a to 29c</dt><dd>each represents a step of a possible process sequence for producing recesses in a blank;</dd><dt>Fig. 32 to 34</dt><dd>each a step of a third possibility of a process sequence for producing a further embodiment of a locking sleeve;</dd><dt>Fig. 35 to 38</dt><dd>each a step to a fourth possibility of a process sequence for producing a further embodiment of a blocking sleeve.</dd></dl>

p0022By way of introduction it is noted that in the embodiments variously described the same parts with the same reference numbers or the same component names, whereby the disclosures contained throughout the description can be transferred analogously to the same parts with the same reference numbers or same component names. Also, the positions chosen for purposes of the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., relate to the drawing specifically being described and illustrated, and are appropriately transferred to the new position when another position.

p0023In the <figref idrefs="f0001">FIGS. 1-3</figref> is a possible embodiment of a blocking sleeve 1 for a steering shaft 2 of a steering system 3 of a motor vehicle or a showing of a footprint on wheels to moving vehicle. A sleeve body 4 of the blocking sleeve 1 has a plurality of recesses 5 which are disposed on an outer side 6 of the sleeve body. 4

p0024The blocking sleeve 1 and the sleeve body 4 is formed of a hollow profile-like manner in the manufactured state, in cross-section, extends at an inner side 7 of the sleeve body 4 along a longitudinal central axis 8 of a through hole. 9 The passage opening 9 is delimited in at least one bearing portion 10 which extends at least over a part of a sleeve length 11 from a supporting surface 12th A peripheral contour 13 of the support surface 12 is formed corresponding to a circumferential contour 14 on an outer surface 15 of the steering shaft 2, the peripheral contours 13, 14 extend preferably circular. The bearing portion 10 thus forms preferably of an annular and cylindrical portion of the sleeve body. 4 However, it is also a polygonal, in particular rectangular, configuration of the hollow profile-like cross-section of the blocking sleeve 1 are possible, wherein the bearing portion 10 may correspond with the supporting surface 12 of a desired contour shape, in particular a contour of an outer periphery of the steering shaft 2, and / or in the section of the sleeve length 11 outside of the bearing portions 10, the blocking sleeve 1 regardless of the cross-sectional shape in the bearing portions 10, or it may be accordingly formed as a square, for example, square or triangular, hollow cross section.

p0025in in <figref idrefs="f0001">FIGS. 1-3</figref> illustrated embodiment, the sleeve body 4 has two bearing sections 10 which are respectively formed at end-face, mutually remote end regions 16, 17 of the sleeve body. 4 The two bearing sections 10 run in each case of end edges 18, 19 in the end regions 16, 17 on a pad width 20 toward the opposite end portion 16; 17 of the sleeve body 4. For example, extend the bearing portions 10 by 5% to 50%, especially 10 to 30% of the sleeve length 11, whereby it is also possible that the bearing portions 10 are formed over the entire sleeve length 11 (see<figref idrefs="f0005">Fig. 14</figref>).

p0026As in <figref idrefs="f0001">FIG. 2</figref> shown in broken lines, the through hole 9 of the sleeve body 4 in mounted on the steering shaft 2 position is penetrated by the latter, wherein the bearing sections 10 rest against the shell body 4 with its internal support surface 12 on the outer surface 15 of the steering shaft 2 under the action of a contact pressure and the support surfaces 12 with the outer surface 15 form a frictional connection over the support width 20th

p0027The recesses 5 on the outside 6 of the sleeve member 4 are provided with a locking member 21 of the steering gear 3 can be engaged, whereby the locking member 21 can be moved into a release or blocking position. The locking member 21 is part of a steering lock mechanism 22 of the steering gear 3, wherein the locking member 21 is mounted according to the illustrated double arrow 23 adjustable in longitudinal lock 22 and a release position in which the locking member 21 is disengaged from the locking recesses 5 and a locking position, in which the locking member 21 engages in at least one of the recesses 5, is determined by the steering lock 22nd On the construction of the steering lock 22 will not go into detail at this point, since the structure and operation of such blocking or locking devices for automotive steering systems are already known from the prior art.

p0028It is now the support surfaces 12 provided in the bearing portions 10 having preferably a plurality of dimples 24 which are recessed in the supporting surfaces 12 and which are adapted to receive a lubricant or it is the support surface 12 at or between a slidable structure (see <figref idrefs="f0007">Fig. 22</figref> us 23) formed on the inside 7 of the sleeve body 4 in the storage section 10 below. Those inside lying on the bearing portion 10 areas in which the dimples 24 are arranged, have a relation to the supporting surface 12 offset towards the outside 6 boundary surface 25, which enclose a respective lubrication pocket 24th In particular, the boundary faces 25 are displaced in the annular or cylindrical bearing portions 10 relative to the support surface 12 in the radial direction to the longitudinal central axis 8 to the outside. The different types of bearing portions 10 with dimples 24 and the sliding structure later in the course of<figref idrefs="f0004 f0007">Fig. 17 to 23</figref> described in detail.

p0029The recesses 5 of the in <figref idrefs="f0001">FIGS. 1-3</figref> Embodiment of a blocking sleeve 1 shown are in each case arranged between two adjacent, provided on the outside 6 of the sleeve member 4 cantilevers 26th The recesses 5 is noted in general that these 27 form part of a profiled or structured surface on the outside 6 of the sleeve body. 4 The projections 26 are opposite to these surrounding flat areas on the surface 27 formed projecting or raised on the outside 6 of the sleeve body. 4 the projections 26 jump in a cylindrical or ring-shaped sleeve body 4 essentially radially to its longitudinal central axis 8 over a height 28, which is for example 3 to 5 mm, in particular about 4.5 mm, relative to the rest, the outer surface 27 in front.

p0030In each case a detent recess 5 is thus formed between two adjacent projections 26, the recesses 5 are bounded by opposed stop surfaces 29a, 29b of two projections 26, 30b of the projections 26 are arranged respectively at the longitudinal side regions 30a. The projections 26 extend longitudinally along a parallel to the longitudinal central axis 8 of the sleeve body 4 extending extension axis 31 over a length 32. A detent width 33 of the recess 5, which extends between the opposite abutment surfaces 29a, 29b, is determined by a width 34 of the protrusions 26 and the number of arranged over the circumference on the outside 6 of the sleeve body 4 projections 26. the locking width 33 is dimensioned so that the locking member 21, in particular a locking pin 35, can protrude into the recess 5 and preferably without play or with little tolerance is form-fitting limited by the stop surfaces 29a, 29b, if the locking member 21 of the steering lock 22 is in the locked position. The locking pin 35 has this particular mutually parallel locking surfaces 36a, 36b on which rest in its blocking position on the stop surfaces 29a, 29b.

p0031The projections 26 have a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape or peripheral contours, wherein the stop surfaces 29a, 29b to a respective projection 26 to one another for this purpose at an angle 37 which converges preferably pointed toward the inside 7 of the sleeve body. 4 A radial axis 38 along which the projections extend over the height 28 is directed normal to the longitudinal center axis 8 of the sleeve body. 4 The projections 26 each have a top surface 39 which is normal or inclined to the radial axis 38 and is spaced by the height 28 of the surrounding surface 27, with the stop surfaces 29a, 29b of the projections 26 of the of the top surface 39 in the direction radial axis 38 toward the passage opening 9 mutually rejuvenating extend according to the angle 37th The abutment surfaces 29a, 29b extend to a projection 26 at such an angle 37 to one another that the distanced from each other on the catch width 33 and opposing abutment surfaces 29a, 29b parallel to each other of two adjacent projections 26th Such parallel arrangement of the abutment surfaces 29a, 29b allows the use of locking pins 35 with parallel locking surfaces 36a, 36b, such as those used in the prior art in an advantageous manner.

p0032It should be noted that the projections 26 may also have other cross-sectional shapes, for example, the stop surfaces 29a, 29b of a projection 26 parallel or at an angle 37, the blunt widens toward the inside 7 of the sleeve body 4, extend, whereby the projections 26 may have rectangular or any truncated cross-sectional shapes.

p0033The recess 5 is 26 U-shaped or trough-shaped design in cross section with trapezoidal protrusions, wherein as noted above, this may also have a truncated cone or trapezoidal or rectangular cross-sectional shape. It must only be ensured that the locking member with its locking surfaces 36a, 36b can be brought to the stop surfaces 29a, 29b to rest without play or virtually without play.

p0034The sleeve length 11 thus consists of the over the length 32 extending projections 26 and the at least part of the remaining sleeve length 11 engaging bearing portions 10 with the support surfaces 12th As shown embodiment according to, respectively, a cavity 40 within the projections 26 are arranged extending in the form of a recess 41 from the inner side 7 of the hollow body 4 in the direction of its outer side 6, the recess 41 of a groove on the inner side 7 and a trough with a interior surface 42 extends. An inner contour of the recess 41 on the inner surface 42 and the outer contour of the projection 26 are preferably uniformly formed with the projections 26 may have for example the shape of a U or C-profile or the like. The projections 26 can thus have a trapezoidal hollow profile cross section. A wall thickness 43 of the sleeve body 4 may have in the area of ​​the cavity 40 having projections 26 and the remaining sleeve body 4 a uniform dimension. The wall thickness 43 of the sleeve body 4 is for example between 0.3 and 5 mm, particularly 0.5 to 3 mm, preferably 1 to 2mm. Depending of the production process applied to the hollow projections 26 may 43 from the rest of sleeve body 4 be lower in particular because of material stretching their wall thickness, for example, the wall thickness 43 of the projections 26 between 1/4 and 3/4, in particular between 1/3 and 2 / 3 or approximately in the range of half the wall thickness 43 of the remaining sleeve body. 4

p0035Sleeve body 4 is preferably formed from a unitary material, in particular steel, Aluminiurn or from a suitable metallic alloy. It is possible that the sleeve body is formed by a 4 for example by means of pressure forming, in particular extrusion, manufactured, jointless pipe profile into which the corresponding recesses 5 are attached. Preferably, the sleeve member 4 is, however, formed from a shaped platinum-like blank, which is brought into a hollow-profile-like shape and is connected by means of a connecting element 44, which is mounted in a parting line 45 between two longitudinal side edges 46 and 47 to form a closed hollow profile as is described in detail later.

p0036In the <figref idrefs="f0002">FIGS. 4-6</figref> is shown for a steering shaft 2 of a steering system 3 a further embodiment of a blocking sleeve. 1 The sleeve body 4 again has recesses 5 on the outside 6, wherein the recesses are 5 limited by the closed stop face 29th

p0037The recesses 5 are in accordance with the embodiment shown in cutouts 48, 4 share a lying in the passage opening 9 interior of the sleeve body to the outside. The cutouts 48 are as over the entire wall thickness 43 of the sleeve body 4 extending material breakthroughs, extend longitudinally for example, an elongated hole rectangular or oval shape along the axis of extension 31, formed.

p0038As shown, the recesses 5 are enclosed by circular webs 49, which extend over a 50 degree radial or in an oblique direction to the longitudinal central axis 8 along the radial axis 38 of the hollow body 4 towards the interior of the sleeve body. 4 One the cut 48 limiting peripheral edge 51 is preferably closed on its periphery and in particular oval, circular, rectangular or the like. Formed, so that the recess 5 along slit-like runs in the sleeve body 4.

p0039The hollow-profile-like sleeve body 4 has a Part 52 sleeve length 11 to a preferred ENTIRE widening 53 or bulge. In a cylindrical sleeve body 4, a diameter 54 of the expander 53 is greater relative to a diameter 55 at the out of the subsection 52 regions, with non-cylindrical widening 53 the Linearabmaße are designed accordingly. The opposite the widening 53 radially to the longitudinal central axis 8 of recessed portions are at least partly formed by the bearing portions 10, the inner side 12 having the support surfaces for frictionally receiving the steering spindle 2 on the sleeve body. 4 The cutouts 48 are arranged in the part of portion 52 in an extending around the periphery of sleeve body 4 series, wherein the axis of extension 31, along which the slot-like recesses 5 extend preferably parallel to the longitudinal central axis 8 of the sleeve body. 4

p0040On the tube body 4 internally lying end faces 56 of the circular ridges 49 are preferably such designed that the plane passing through the passage opening 9 steering spindle 2 at these supports or a slight gap between the outer surface 15 of the steering shaft 2 and the end faces is formed 56th The end faces 56 are therefore preferably by an enveloping body 57, in particular an enveloping cylinder is limited, which has the peripheral contour 14 of the steering shaft 2 in the region of the widening 53rd The end faces 56 are thus formed extending respectively along the circumference of the enveloping body 57th Advantageous are a configuration in which Hüllkörperdurchmesser 58 the inner diameter 59 corresponds to the region of the bearing sections 10 or slightly larger than the inner diameter 59, so that a projecting through the through opening 9 of the steering spindle 2 is supported in the part portion 52 on the outer surface 15 by the end faces 56 becomes. The outer surface 15 of the steering shaft 2 facing end faces 56 may thus define a deflection or a deflection of the steering shaft 2 from a central longitudinal axis 8 parallel normal position.

p0041In the longitudinal slot-like recesses 5 can in the mounted on the steering shaft 2 state of the blocking sleeve 1 turn, a locking member 21 of a steering column lock 22 engage, thus positioning of the steering spindle 2 against rotation takes place of the same. This may include locking surfaces 36a, 36b at least 21 abut the locking member is formed as a locking pin 35 over parts of the stop surface 29 area, or only with the peripheral edge 51 of the cutout 48 over a partial circumference or fully in contact. Opposing stop faces 29a, 29b of the slot-shaped recesses 5, as illustrated, for example, in the direction of the interior of the sleeve body 4 according to the angle acute-37 or be arranged at an obtuse angle to each other to extend or taper or parallel.

p0042In general, by molding circulating webs 49, the stop surface 29a, 29b relative to the otherwise purely on the wall thickness 43 extending surface increases, so that the surface pressure between the latter and the locking surfaces 36a, 36b of the locking pin can be reduced and reaches a stiffening of the slit-like recess 5 becomes. Appropriately, the circulation webs 49 formed by reshaping of lying to the cutouts 48 areas, and this without cutting through widen or compress these areas towards the interior of the sleeve body 4 is carried out.

p0043In the <figref idrefs="f0003">Fig. 7</figref> 2 is arranged blocking sleeve 1 illustrated another embodiment of a steering system or a steering shaft 3. only one bearing section 10 is connected via the sleeve length 11 of the sleeve body 4 in this case formed, whose inner bearing surface 12 with the outer surface 15 of the steering shaft 2 forms a friction lock. The bearing portion 10 is at a first end portion 16 of the two mutually remote end regions 16, 17 of the sleeve member 4, wherein this bearing section 10 is attached with a terminal voltage at the steering shaft the second The other end portion 17 is preferably arranged at a distance free fitting of internal, resulting from a deformation of the material stresses on another area of ​​the outer surface 15 of the steering shaft 2, or with a slight gap therefrom.

p0044The steering shaft 2, in the illustrated embodiment a first spindle diameter 60a and a further spindle diameter 60b, the larger spindle diameter 60b tapers by a shoulder 61 on the small spindle diameter 60a radially towards the longitudinal center line. 8 Sleeve body 4 is located in the bearing portion 10 with the inner diameter 59a of the steering shaft 2 in the area of ​​the first, smaller diameter 60a with the clamping voltage, and it extends the remaining sleeve body 4 in the direction of the longitudinal central axis 8 through the heel 61 of the steering spindle 2 away to additional, larger spindle diameter 60b the attachment of the blocking sleeve 1 takes place via an overlap area 63. on the steering shaft 2 preferably exclusively via the bearing portion 10. in the relation to the inner diameter 59a of the bearing portion 10 via a shoulder 62 formed over the partial section 52 extending widening 53 on sleeve body 4, the recesses 5 are attached. The hollow-profile-like sleeve body 4 is cylindrical over the portion of section 52 is substantially, whereby polygonal cross-sectional shapes of the sleeve body 4 in the sub-portion 52 are also possible. In general, or the bearing portions 10 with respect to the remaining part of portion 52 are formed with the widening 53 as a circumferential, ring-like collars.

p0045With an in <figref idrefs="f0003">Fig. 7</figref> illustrated steering gear 3 is the bridging of a shoulder 61 of a steering spindle 2 is possible, wherein the sleeve body 4 in the overlapping area 63 can be supported on the steering spindle 2 to its stabilization. The blocking sleeve 1 can be at least partially, as in the<figref idrefs="f0001 f0002">FIGS. 1-6</figref> be formed as described.

p0046In the <figref idrefs="f0003">Fig. 8</figref> is a further embodiment of a blocking sleeve 1 which is attached to a steering shaft the second The sleeve body 4 once again has a bearing portion 10 in the first end portion 16 which frictionally bears against the outer surface 15 of the steering shaft 2 via the supporting surface 12, wherein in the storage portion 10 of sleeve body 4 prevails an internal voltage or terminal voltage. The sleeve body 4 has the opposite the collar-like bearing portion 10 having the inner diameter 59a radially extended expansion 53, which runs over the Part 52 towards the longitudinal center line. 8 In the area of ​​this widened several locking recesses 53 5 are arranged, in turn, now, which are realized in the form of slit-like openings on the material wall thickness of the sleeve body 43 4th From the outer surface 27 each extends a peripheral web 49 of the extent 50 in the radial direction along the radial axis 38 toward the interior of the sleeve body 4. The interior of the sleeve body 4 facing peripheral edge 51 and the abutment surface 29 of the circular rib 49 in this case have an open contour on. The peripheral web 49 thus encloses only a portion of the slot-like recess. 5

p0047In the <figref idrefs="f0003">FIGS. 9 and 10</figref> is a further embodiment of a blocking sleeve 1 which is attached to a steering shaft the second The recesses 5 are again formed by cutouts 48, which are enclosed by a respective circulating catwalk 49th The peripheral edge 51 and abutment surface 29, which delimit the cut-out 48, have a closed contour.

p0048The circulating webs 49 extending in from the interior or the through hole 9 of the sleeve body 4 facing away from the direction substantially parallel to the course of the normal to the longitudinal central axis 8 extending radial axis 38. The end face 56 and the peripheral edge 51 are thus to the extent of 50 relative to the surrounding outer surface 27 of the sleeve body 4 distances. The cutout 48 the limiting stop surface 29 is preferably parallel to the radial axis 38. The remaining areas on the sleeve body 4 outside the circulating fin 49 have a planar, in particular cylindrical outer surface 27.

p0049Outside of a portion 64 of the sleeve length 11, in the running along the longitudinal central axis 8 of the peripheral web 49 is arranged with the inner catch recess 5, the bearing portions 10 may be formed with the inner support surface 12th

p0050lying at about the circumference of the hollow profile-like sleeve body 4 respectively between two adjacent orbital ridges 49 or recesses 5 intermediate regions 65 is respectively arranged at least a running nose 66th The outer top face 67 of the barrel nose 66 lies substantially on a, the side edges of the end faces 56 of the circulation webs 49 tangent to the enveloping circle 68, wherein the enveloping circle 68 is concentric to the longitudinal center axis 8 of the sleeve body. 4 A nose width 69 is sized so that widths 70, 71 of adjacent to each overflow tab 66 intermediate spaces 72, 73 are smaller in the intermediate region 65 as a locking pin width 73 of the locking pin 35, which extends between the locking surfaces 36a, 36b. Undesired clicking of the locking pin 35 in the intermediate area 65 between two adjacent circumferential webs 49 can be prevented.

p0051It should be noted at this point that it is of course possible in the intermediate region 65 interstices 71; provide 72 whose widths 71; At least 72 of the locking pin width 73 meet to provide additional locking positions on the periphery of the sleeve body. 4 It is also possible to provide arrangements for enhancing the circulation webs 49, for example as shown in dashed lines 44 through the inside attached to the abutment surface 29 of the circulating fin 49 beads 74th

p0052Another possible embodiment of a steering system 3 to the steering shaft 2 and the fix on this blocking sleeve 1 is in <figref idrefs="f0004">Fig. 11</figref> shown. At each of the two end regions 16, 17 of the blocking sleeve 1 while a bearing portion 10 is formed, which enters in each case with the supporting surface 12 on the outer surface 15 of the steering shaft 2 is a frictional connection. The assembly of the locking sleeve of the steering shaft 2 is effected by pushing or pulling the direction shown by arrow in accordance with the 75th The steering shaft 2 has a first region having the first, smaller diameter 60a, and the further region with the other, larger diameter 60b, whereby between these areas of the shoulder is formed 61st The first, smaller diameter 60a of the steering shaft 2 is dimensioned such that this the internal diameter 59a of the blocking sleeve 1 in the bearing portion 10 is at least slightly smaller, so that the support surface 12 of the blocking sleeve 1 with the outer surface 15 of the steering shaft 2 in the area with the smaller diameter 60a with not available when pushing or pulling in direct contact or a sliding contact with a low coefficient of sliding friction is. A frictional connection between the blocking sleeve 1 and the steering shaft 2 is formed only in the region of the steering spindle 2 with the larger diameter 60b. A material abrasion on the support surface 12 and the outer surface 15 can be avoided over a wide range, or at least minimized.

p0053In the <figref idrefs="f0005">FIGS. 12 and 13</figref> is shown a further embodiment of the blocking sleeve 1, wherein the locking recesses 5 are arranged in each case between two adjacent protrusions 26 on the outside 6 of the sleeve body. 4 The projections 26 are in a similar way as in the<figref idrefs="f0001">FIGS. 1-3</figref> described below, formed in particular each having the internal cavity 40th

p0054In the illustrated embodiment, however, a pitch angle 80 by which the juxtaposed strip-like projections 26 on the outer circumference or surface 27 of the sleeve body 4 distanced from each other, lower, so a far larger number of projections 26 around the circumference of the outer side 6 of the sleeve body 4 is arranged. According to the in<figref idrefs="f0001">FIGS. 1-3</figref> Variant shown is the pitch angle 80 ° 45, in the in <figref idrefs="f0005">FIGS. 12 and 13</figref> Variant shown is that less than 45 °. Possible pitch angle 80 can assume values ​​between 5 and 60 °, especially between 10 and 45 °.

p0055The configured as locking pin 35 locking member 21 of the steering lock 22 of the steering gear 3 is formed in the locking position to simultaneously engage in multiple recesses. 5 For this purpose, the locking pin 35 a plurality of locking teeth 81, which protrude in the locking position in the catch recess. 5 Each locking tooth 81 has two locking surfaces 36a, 36b, which delimit with the respective the recess 5 stop surfaces 29a 29b contact. In the embodiment shown, the large number of projections 26 and the engagement in the locking recesses 5 by a plurality of locking teeth 81 is advantageous since a reduction in the height 28 of the projections 26 and the distribution of supporting force, which is proportional to one over the steering shaft 2 torque transmitted , it is possible to stop surfaces 29a, 29b multiple projections. For this purpose, the projections 26 and the recesses 5 are formed on the outside 6 of the sleeve body 4, for example, in the manner of a spline-like or notch-tooth-like profile. Compared with a locking profiling with, for example six or eight projections 26 lying between the locking recesses 5, the height 28 of the projections 26 can thus to a half, in particular one third, preferably a quarter be reduced. Thus, in the locking position of the locking bolt only a small angle of rotation of the steering shaft 2 for snapping into the recesses 5 is necessary 35, whereby the GH or ease of use of a steering system is improved 3. Furthermore, the preparation of the projections 26 of the locking profiling can be simplified, as later in the course of<figref idrefs="f0009">Fig. 28-30</figref> will be described.

p0056A further embodiment of a blocking sleeve 1 is in <figref idrefs="f0005">Fig. 14</figref> shown. The support surface 12 with the lubrication pockets 24 and of the slidable structure on the inside 7 of the sleeve body 4 in this case runs continuously over the entire sleeve length 11. The projections 26 are formed of solid material, without internal cavities. The projections 26 extend strip- or tooth-shaped along its axis of extension 31 over the length 32 at the outer side 6 of the shell body 4. The strip-shaped protrusions 26 may be mounted on the outside on the cylindrical or annular sleeve body 4, for example via a connecting element, by removal of material are formed to form the recesses 5, or formed in a primary shaping process in one piece with the rest of the sleeve body. 4 Preferably, the sleeve body 4 is formed of a profiled blank or sheet metal part, to the contoured surface of the blank 26, the projections or recesses are 5 forms. The profiled surface of the blank may be formed, for example in the form of a serration. A method for producing a blocking sleeve 1 consists of a profiled blank is in the course of<figref idrefs="f0010">Fig. 32 to 34</figref> described in detail.

p0057By in <figref idrefs="f0005">Fig. 14</figref> Embodiment shown, it is of advantage that the projections 26 may extend on the outside over the entire sleeve length 11 of the sleeve member 4 and the inside on the sleeve member 4, regardless of the projections 26 a structure, in particular the supporting surface 12 with the lubrication pockets 24 and of the slidable structure, formed can be. It is therefore possible that the bearing section 10 is formed with the supporting surface 12 over the entire sleeve length eleventh Since the inboard bearing section 10 and the outer-side projections 26 at least some overlap with the length 32 on the sleeve length 11 or the same, the sleeve length 11 or the weight of the locking sleeve can be 1 reduced advantageously.

p0058A further embodiment of a blocking sleeve 1 or steering gear 3 is in the <figref idrefs="f0006">FIGS. 15 and 16</figref> shown. On the outside 6 of the sleeve member 4, a sprocket 84 is provided, having detent recesses disposed between the teeth 85 5th The recesses 5 are represented by the abutment surfaces 29a, 29b 30b of the teeth is limited on the longitudinal side regions 30a, 85th The ring gear 84 is formed in the manner of a bevel wheel and form the teeth 85 a fully extending, preferably fine spur or helical gearing to the sleeve body 4 out, so that a tooth or locking profile is provided for the positive interaction with the locking member 21st It is for this purpose at the case body 4, in turn, the radial to its longitudinal central axis 8 of expansion 53 is formed, which extends over the part of portion 52 of sleeve length 11, wherein the widening 53 advantageously has a triangular or trapezoidal hollow cross-section. On at least one running at an angle 86 to the surrounding outside edge 6 of the widening 53, the teeth 85 of the ring gear 84 are formed by projections and recesses, which extend longitudinally along the axis of extension 31st The inner side 7 of the sleeve body 4 can be formed deeper in the region of the widening 53 with respect to the surrounding regions, wherein the widening 53 is preferably produced without cutting, by bulging, drawing or bending the material of the sleeve body 4 in the radial direction to the longitudinal central axis of the eighth

p0059This in <figref idrefs="f0006">Fig. 16</figref> illustrated locking member 21 is axially along the longitudinal central axis 8 of the blocking sleeve 1 and the concentric steering spindle 2 - according to the direction shown by an arrow 87 - displaceably formed, wherein the locking member 21 has a preferably cone-wheel-toothed ring 88, which covers the ratchet teeth 81st The locking member 21 is about the central longitudinal axis 8 and formed rotationally coupled in the release position out of engagement with the recesses 5 of the blocking sleeve 1 and not to the steering shaft the second For transfer of the locking member 21 in the locking position 21 (in<figref idrefs="f0006">Fig. 16</figref> shown in dashed lines) there is an engagement of the ring gear 88 of the lock member 21 with the ring gear 84 of the blocking sleeve 1, whereby the locking teeth 81 of the locking member 21 engage positively in the recesses 5 of the blocking sleeve first The outer ring gear 84 of the locking member 21 and the internal gear ring 81 of the locking sleeve 1 must work together in in the manner of a bevel gear pair, wherein in the rotation rigid blocking member 21 blocks the steering spindle 2 in the case of a torque application against rotation. The axially displaceable locking member 21 is to be noted that this is disposed inside a guide box of a steering system 3, not shown, and is supported on this, and such slide-like locking members 21 are known with conical toothing of the prior art.

p0060In <figref idrefs="f0006">Fig. 15</figref> is another way of an embodiment of the inner side 7 of the hollow profile-like sleeve body 4 shown in which the latter is formed in the bearing portion 10 at least over a partial region of the support surface 12 through the sliding structure 89, which in more detail in the course of <figref idrefs="f0007">Figs. 22 and 23</figref> is described.

p0061Among the in the <figref idrefs="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004 f0005 f0006">Fig. 1-16</figref> -Described embodiments should be noted that the sleeve body 4 is in at least one connecting area 82 undetachably to an at least partially closed hollow profile, which is formed from one or a plurality of parts connected via a extending in the parting line 45 connecting element 44th The dividing line 45 extends in each case between two opposing longitudinal side edges 46, 47 which are spaced at a gap width 83 of each other.

p0062The connecting element 44 is preferably formed by a weld seam, for which purpose in particular a laser or plasma welding can be used because of the low-distortion connection process. The connecting element may further by an adhesive layer, a solder connection or the like. Be formed, wherein such a connection method from the prior art are known.

p0063To the sleeve member 4 is to be noted in general that this can consist of a single part to be joined, as shown in the FIG., The latter having a hollow-profile-like shape, in particular an at least partially cylindrical or annular shape and in the connecting region 82, the dividing line 45 on sleeve length 11 runs continuously. However, it is also possible that the sleeve body 4 is formed from a plurality of interconnected in connection areas 82 to form a closed hollow profile parts to be joined. Each joining part is undetachably connected to two connecting portions 82 via a connecting element 44 with the adjacent joint parts.

p0064In the <figref idrefs="f0004 f0007">Fig. 17 to 23</figref> is in each case a partial region of the blocking sleeve 1 is shown, in which the at least one bearing portion extends 10th

p0065In general, it should be noted the bearing section 10, that the inner side has in the region of the through hole 9, the supporting surface 12, which is attached to the outer surface 15 of the steering shaft 2 by friction or fastened, as already described above. The frictional engagement between the support surface 12 and the outer surface 15 is achieved in that the sleeve body 4 is mounted in the bearing section 12 with a terminal voltage at the steering shaft the second It is possible that this clamping voltage is generated by deformation of at least one of the two adjacent parts, ie, sleeve body 4 or the steering shaft 2, in the area of ​​the bearing portion 10 so that in the deformed part of an internal stress, in particular tensile stress is caused. It is for instance possible to manufacture the terminal voltage of the sleeve body 4 to the outer surface 15 of the steering shaft 2 by expanding said opposite the support surface 12 inside the steering shaft 2, or a shrink-fitting of bearing portion 10th

p0066In a preferred embodiment, however, the generation of the terminal voltage is effected by plastic deformation of the bearing portion 10 of the sleeve body 4 in a normal on the longitudinal central axis 8 of the sleeve body 4 direction, the steering shaft 2 remains unchanged with the outer surface 15 in shape. To this end, the inner diameter 59a is in the bearing section 10 on the sleeve body 4 in its original form, ie in the non-plastically expanded state, at least dimensioned slightly smaller than a spindle diameter 60a of the steering shaft 2. The original form of the bearing portion 10 of the locking sleeve 1 describes the form in which the blocking sleeve 1 is present as molded, loose item and has not yet been applied or slid onto the steering shaft. 2

p0067When pushing the locking sleeve 1 to the steering shaft 2 now follows in at least the areas in which a frictional connection between the support surface 12 and outer surface 15 is to be formed, the deformation of the bearing portion 10 to the exceeding of the elastic limit of the material from which the bearing portion 10 consists. In the blocking position of the blocking member 21 - that is at the locked blocking sleeve 1, and thus prevent rotation of stationary steering shaft 2 - a torque upon rotation of a steering wheel on the steering shaft 2 is generated, wherein an equal torque through the reverse resistance to the engaging in the recess 5 of the blocking sleeve 1 locking member 21 counteracts. The bonding strength of the frictional engagement between the pressed-on to the outer surface 15 of the steering shaft 2 supporting surface 12 in the bearing portion 10 of the blocking sleeve 1 is dimensioned such that the frictional engagement solves corresponding limit torque value if it exceeds a maximum frictional force and slip through the steering shaft 2 in the compound. The bonding strength and the limit torque value of the frictional connection is determined by the coefficient of static friction, and the effective contact area of ​​this compound, which is determined by the contact width 20, the inside diameter 59a and the area ratio of the depth in the support surface 12 lubricating pockets 24th This limit torque value is for example in the range of 50 to 300 Nm, in particular about 100 to 200 Nm.

p0068It should be noted the inner diameter 59a of the bearing portion 10 of the lock shell 1, that this in its original form against the spindle diameter 60a, 60b of the steering shaft 2 has an undersize of, for example 0.1 to 1 mm, in particular 0.2 to 0.7 mm, preferably 0 having 3 mm to 0.5 mm, so that occurs at mounting or sliding of the blocking sleeve 1 to the steering shaft 2, a plastic deformation of the bearing portion 10 in radial direction on its longitudinal center axis. 8

p0069To now permit a pushing or pulling the locking sleeve 1 to the steering shaft 2, without substantial material galling of material takes place on the support surface 12 of the bearing portion 10 or the outer surface 15 of the steering spindle 2 against the supporting surface 12, are preferably a plurality of dimples 24 recessed or it is the per se known sliding structure 89 is provided with the support surface 12 inside the sleeve body. 4 These dimples 24 are each adapted to receive a lubricant, said friction-reducing lubricants as lubricating oils, greases or solid lubricants can be used, in particular, synthetic high-performance adhesive lubricants. By arranged in the lubricating pockets 24 Lubricants occurs when pushing the locking sleeve 1 to the steering shaft 2, a wetting of the abutting support surface 12 and outer surface 15, whereby the sliding properties are improved or at Aufschiebevorgang the coefficient of friction between the supporting surface 12 and the outer surface is reduced 15 , An undesired abrasion of material which has a damage to the contact surfaces by the formation of grooves or the like result can be prevented, and the connection strength of the frictional connection in the assembly position of the locking sleeve 1 on the steering shaft 2 can essentially be predetermined and reproduced.

p0070Alternate embodiments for the arrangement of the dimples 24 in the support surface 12 in the bearing section 10 are in the <figref idrefs="f0004 f0007">Fig. 17 to 21</figref> shown, wherein the inner side 7 of the sleeve body 4 has a ribbing or profiling or perforation in the bearing portions 10th The lubrication pockets 24 enclosing boundary surface 25 can have a circular arc-shaped, triangular, rectangular or trapezoidal or similar cross-sectional contours. A depth of the dimples 24, on the boundary surface 25 of the dimples 24 is recessed from the support surface 12 is, for example, 0.05 to 1 mm, in particular 0.1 to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.1 to 0.3 mm. The introduction of the dimples 24 in the support surfaces 12 can be carried out in a non-cutting process archetype or by cutting material removal, for example, pushing, milling or the like.

p0071The dimples 24 may be distributed uniformly or symmetrically on the circumferential contour 13 of the support surface 12, in each case mutually adjacent dimples same distance 78 from each other distant. Of course, a non-uniform or asymmetrical distribution of the lubrication pockets 24 in the peripheral contour 13 of the support surface 12 is possible. Furthermore, it is possible that in the case of two bearing portions 10 on the sleeve body 4, which are respectively disposed in one of the end regions 16 17, extend to each other in each case similarly the lubrication pockets 24 in the support surfaces 12, or the lubricating pockets 24 differ in the support surfaces 12 to each other extend, in particular against the same or mirrored to each other are arranged in the support surface 12th

p0072When in <figref idrefs="f0004">Fig. 17</figref> shown embodiment 24 are each formed by groove-like or groove-like depressions which are transverse to the longitudinal central axis 8 of the locking sleeve 1 over the entire contact width 20 along its longitudinal axis 77 at an angle 76 the lubrication pockets. In the<figref idrefs="f0004">Fig. 18</figref> is a second possible embodiment variant of an arrangement of the dimples 24 are shown on the supporting surface 12, whereby the lubrication pockets 24 extend parallel to the longitudinal central axis 8 of the sleeve body 8 along the longitudinal axis 77th The<figref idrefs="f0004">Fig. 19</figref> shows a third variant of a possible arrangement of the dimples 24 in the support surface 12, said each as more legged, jagged grooves are formed. Each of the legs 79a, 79b extends in an obtuse or acute angle 76 to the longitudinal center axis 8 of the sleeve body 1. In<figref idrefs="f0004">Fig. 20</figref> is a fourth possible embodiment of the dimples 24 are shown in the support surface 12, wherein each angled according to the angle 76 to the longitudinal center axis 8 of the sleeve body 1 extend, and each two adjacent lubricant pockets extend in mutually obtuse or acute angle with this 24th In the<figref idrefs="f0007">Fig. 21</figref> A fifth possible embodiment of an arrangement of the dimples 24 are shown on the support surface 12, wherein the lubrication pockets 24 are formed in the support surface 12 as a round and / or elliptical depressions irregularly over the bearing portion 12 over the periphery of the sleeve body 4 on the inside 7 are arranged distributed.

p0073There is further the possibility that the lubrication pockets 24 in the support surface 12, designed in the form of microstructures, for example irregular, very small pits. A further possibility is that the lubrication pockets 24 in the newly formed supporting surface 12 is formed by lying between profile peaks profile troughs of the actual profile of the support surface 12, wherein the real profile or surface roughness has a mean roughness depth of from 0.2 to 200 microns ,

p0074In the <figref idrefs="f0007">Figs. 22 and 23</figref> is a sixth possible embodiment of one configuration of the inner side 7 of the sleeve body 4 shown in the bearing section 12, in which the sleeve body 4 is formed on the inner side 7 in the bearing section 10 at least over a partial region by the per se known sliding structure 89, on which the supporting surface 12 is formed or adjacent to the support surface extends 12th The slidable structure 89 is preferably integral, in particular non-releasably connected to the sleeve body 4 and it makes this a lying on the inside 7 of the sleeve body 4 sliding layer in the bearing section 10 from.

p0075The slidable structure 89 can be formed by a two-dimensionally applied to the sleeve body 4 coating, in particular a metal coating or the like, or are applied extensively in the manufacture on the inside 7 of the sleeve body 4 in the storage section 10 below. The material of the coating is selected such that a the contiguous material pairing between the steering shaft 2 and blocking sleeve 1 forms a low friction coefficient. According to another embodiment, a slidable structure be 89 provided on the inside 7 of the sleeve body 4, which is produced by a surface finishing process, for example, thermally or chemically curing, phosphating, nitriding, so that the sliding structure 89 a refined support surface forms 12th

p0076There is further the possibility that the steering shaft 2 has a coating or surface treated, for example, that the steering spindle 2 has a friction-reducing, in cooperation with the blocking sleeve 1 sliding layer with the outer surface 15 in the Aufschiebeabschnitt for the blocking sleeve 1 and / or the steering shaft 2 in the region an attachment point of the blocking sleeve 1 having an in cooperation with the blocking sleeve 1 friction-friction layer.

p0077It should be noted that one of the <figref idrefs="f0004 f0007">Fig. 17 to 23</figref> Variants in combination with one of the embodiments of a blocking sleeve 1, as this in the illustrated <figref idrefs="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004 f0005 f0006">Fig. 1-16</figref> above have been described, may be formed, that is, the bearing portions 10 of the sleeve body 4 in <figref idrefs="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004 f0005 f0006">Fig. 1-16</figref>As in one of the in <figref idrefs="f0004 f0007">Fig. 17 to 23</figref> is described, can be formed.

p0078A stand-alone solution to the object of the invention relates to a steering system of a motor vehicle 3, the 22 includes the steering lock with the convertible to release or blocking position locking member 21 and the steering shaft 2 with the arranged on this blocking sleeve. 1 As described above, the blocking sleeve 1 is mounted with a terminal voltage for producing a frictional connection in the storage section 10 of the blocking sleeve 1 on the steering shaft 2, the locking member 21 5 of the blocking sleeve 1 form liquid engages preferably in the blocking position of the locking recesses. Thus, in the blocking position of the blocking member 21 blocks the steering spindle 2 and is secured against rotation with respect to the case of a torque to the steering shaft 2, which exceeds the limit torque value, the frictional engagement between the steering shaft 2 and bearing portion 10 of the sleeve body 4 dissolves and the steering shaft 2 appearance blocking sleeve 1 in a twisting motion on the principle of a slipping clutch slips.

p0079In the <figref idrefs="f0008 f0009 f0010 f0011">Fig. 24-38</figref> are possible variations of procedures for preparing the plurality of locking recesses 5 for a locking member 21 of the steering gear 3 having blocking sleeve 1, which may be configured as described above, is shown. Here, at least one the recesses 5-tasting, platinum-like blank 90, in particular sheet metal part 91, hollow profile-like by forming a cross-section, in particular tubular, sleeve body 4 is formed with at least one parting line 45 and the sleeve body 4 at each parting line 45 a via a connecting element 44 to closed hollow profile connected.

p0080In the <figref idrefs="f0008 f0010">Fig. 24-27</figref> is a first example of a process flow for producing the blocking sleeve 1 is illustrated for steering systems 3, wherein the blocking sleeve 1 is preferred in accordance with the in <figref idrefs="f0001">FIGS. 1-3</figref> or 12 and 13 shown and described embodiments is formed. Here, the blocking sleeve 1, a plurality of recesses 5 is mounted on the sleeve body 4, with which the locking member 21 of the steering gear 3 can be engaged and it is formed at least one hollow profile-like, in particular cylindrical bearing portion 10 of the sleeve length 11, which at frictionally or with a terminal voltage the steering shaft 2 of the steering gear 3 is attached.

p0081In <figref idrefs="f0008">Fig. 24</figref> is a platinum-like blank 90, in particular sheet metal part 91, shown, which is formed planar or planar on the inner side or outer side 7. 6 It is now possible, in accordance with in a first process step<figref idrefs="f0008">Fig. 24</figref> the platinum-type panel 90, the projections are formed 26, the projections 26 preferably juxtaposed distances in a row over a cut length 92 of the blank 90, each at a constant distance 93 over the cut length 92 of one another, are arranged. Over a part of a cutting width of 94, which is preferably of the sleeve width 11 of the manufactured blocking sleeve 1 equivalent, extending the at least one bearing portion 10, and this over the entire cutting length 92, in particular along the longitudinal side edges 95, 96, runs. The projections 26 are formed over the height 28 perpendicular to the outer surface 6 of the blank 90th The shapes of the protrusions 26 is preferably carried out in a non-cutting shaping process, such as this the<figref idrefs="f0008">FIG. 25a to 25c</figref> is shown in detail.

p0082Here, the platinum-type panel 90, according to a first forming <figref idrefs="f0008">Fig. 25a</figref> placed in a on the cutting width 94 continuous waveform, the waveform such as a sine wave or serration or rectangular shape corresponds. The inner and outer side 6, 7 of the corrugated blank 90 thus has raised or recessed areas lying between these, wherein after in the depressed regions or bulges on the inner side 7 in a further forming step<figref idrefs="f0008">Fig. 25b</figref> the projections 26 are formed toward the outside. 6 The shaping of the projections 26 is effected for example by deep drawing, wherein a corresponding deep-drawing die consists of a punch and a die, and the production of the final form of the projections can be carried out in multiple passes. For deep-drawing tool, which is not shown in detail, it should be noted that the stamp in the form of a contour varying Spreizdomes or the die can be formed in the manner of a contour varying Spreizmatrize with which undercutting forms of projections 26, for example, the illustrated trapezoidal protrusions 26, produced are, with such deep-drawing tools of the prior art are known and will be discussed at this point not dwell on this.

p0083The preparation of a waveform in accordance with process step <figref idrefs="f0008">Fig. 25a</figref> and only then following final drawing of the projections 26 is advantageous since a lesser degree of deformation to the final production of the trapezoidal shape or rectangular shape of the projections 26 is required by the already preformed, recessed areas on the corrugated panel 90, thereby cracking in areas with very high deformation , in particular the bending radii are avoided.

p0084In the process step <figref idrefs="f0008">Fig. 25c</figref> is the corrugated portion of the longitudinal side edges 95, 96, to be in which the bearing portions 10 formed, in turn reshaped into a planar or planar shape. This is done for example by Eben Eben Press or presses exclusively in the area of ​​the longitudinal side edges 95, 96 in the later bearing sections 10th

p0085In a further process step <figref idrefs="f0008">Fig. 25d</figref> can be carried out the attachment area of ​​the dimples 24 or the known sliding structure 89 on the inside 7 of the bearing portions 10, and this in the case of the dimples 24 by example by cutting of material, in particular by milling, slotting, erosion or the like., or without cutting can be carried out archetypes and in the case of the slidable structure 89 by applying a coating, in particular sheet metal coating, or machining of the support surface 12 may be done in a surface treatment method and surface treatment method. However, it is also possible that the lubrication pockets 24 or the slidable structure 89 in an earlier process step, for example at the panel 90 by platinum-type<figref idrefs="f0004">Fig. 19</figref>Or a subsequent process step, for example at the hollow profile-like sleeve body 4 according <figref idrefs="f0007">Figs. 21 and 22</figref>be attached.

p0086In a further, not shown, process step after production of the lubrication pockets 24 in the support surface 12, an introduction or application of a lubricant, in particular lubricating oil or grease or solid lubricant, carried out by wetting or filling of the lubricating pockets 24 thereto.

p0087In the process step <figref idrefs="f0008">Fig. 26</figref> takes place the deformation of the platinum-type panel 90 in the hollow profile-like, in particular tubular sleeve body 4. The forming in the hollow profile-like shape of the sleeve body 4, which is preferably substantially cylindrical in shape, can be carried out by rolling of the blank 90 around a mandrel to the through hole 9 in the inside the sleeve body 4 is formed and in the bearing portions 10, an annular or cylindrical shape is produced. The curling of the platinum-type blank for the hollow profile-like sleeve body 4 can be effected in a plurality of forming or bending paced, as shown schematically in<figref idrefs="f0010">FIG. 26a and 26b</figref> is shown. So the platinum-type panel 90 can be brought into a U-shape or arc-like shape and are in one or more further shaping steps, the blank 90 formed into a cylindrical or circular, the mandrel enclosing form, in a first shaping of Einrollvorganges. Tools for such a rolling-up are known from the prior art, in particular the Dor n and be used by a drive, in particular wedge drive, for the automated production of the mandrel surrounding shape of the sleeve body. 4 The hollow-profile-like sleeve body 4, according to carrying out process step<figref idrefs="f0008">Fig. 26</figref> the dividing line 45, which extends between two opposite longitudinal side edges 46, 47th

p0088In a further method step according to <figref idrefs="f0008">Fig. 27</figref> is carried out the attachment of the connecting element 44 in the joint 45, so that the sleeve body 4 is non-detachably connected via the connecting member 44 to form a closed profile. The connecting element 44 may in a well-known from the prior art welding method, in particular laser or plasma welding can be attached, wherein this can be done with or without an additive material to be introduced. Furthermore, it is possible that in the connecting region 82, a layer of adhesive or solder joint or the like. Is attached. The connecting portion 82 with the connecting element 44 in this case has a higher strength, for example, higher by 100 to 400%, in particular 200 to 300% tensile strength and yield strength than the material from which the rest of sleeve body 4 is formed. Depending on the process carried out in laser welding or plasma welding without filler material necking the wall thickness 43 of the sleeve body 4 in the connecting region 82 by fitting the connector 44. The material of the sleeve body 4 is preferably selected from a group of materials, wherein the material of the weld in the solidified state after structural changes in connecting region 82 has a higher yield strength and tensile strength than the remaining material of the sleeve body 4 and the base material, as has already been described above. The strength of the weld produced by laser or plasma welding compared to the remaining sleeve body 4 thereby percentage or relatively higher than the strength reduction caused by the Reduced wall thickness 43 in the connecting area. A break in the connection zone 82 can be in plastic deformation in the bearing section 10 of the sleeve body 4 thus prevented. For example, the yield strength of the blocking sleeve 1 out of the connecting region approximately 250 N / mm2 and the yield point of a connecting element formed as a weld seam 44 about 700 N / mm2.

p0089Before attaching the connecting element 44 in the parting line 45 may be a plastic expansion of the sleeve body 4 in the area of ​​the longitudinal side edges 46, 47 take place in radial direction to the longitudinal central axis 8, wherein said enlarged portion, for example, 0.1 to 0.5 mm, in particular ca . 0.3 mm, is deformed radially outwardly. Now, if the connecting element 44 arranged in the parting line 45, it is possible that this extends into the passage opening 9 radially inwardly beyond the longitudinal side edge 46, 47, and this particularly when welds - due to the welding process in the direction of the passage opening 9 expiring melt - may be the case. By a peripheral contour 13 of the bearing portion 10, which is not perfectly cylindrical and runs centrically to the central longitudinal axis 8, due to the slightly enlarged portion in the connecting region 82, these protruding portions of the connecting element can be taken up on the inside 7 of the flared portion in the additionally formed intermediate space, whereby the steering shaft 2 can pass freely in the passage opening. 9 A post in the connecting region 82, for example, a grinding of the weld thus advantageously is not necessary.

p0090Another possible process sequence for manufacturing a blocking sleeve 1 is in the <figref idrefs="f0009">Fig. 28-31</figref> shown, wherein the blocking sleeve 1 is preferred in accordance with the in <figref idrefs="f0002">FIGS. 4-6</figref> illustrated and described embodiments is formed. The platinum-type panel 90, in particular sheet metal part 91, as in accordance with<figref idrefs="f0009">Fig. 28</figref> illustrated, according to one process step <figref idrefs="f0009">Fig. 29</figref> provided with the recesses. 5 This takes place in a separation process, in particular hole process by 90 extending material breakthroughs 97 are cut through the wall thickness 43 of the platinum-type blank, as in<figref idrefs="f0009">Fig. 29a</figref> shown. This material breakthroughs 97 are distanced by the distance 93 from each other about the cut length 92 are arranged parallel to one another in a row. In a further method step according to<figref idrefs="f0009">Fig. 29b</figref> the surrounding material to the openings 97 at the areas platinum-type panel 90 are each formed into a circulation of the webs 49th The forming of the orbital ridges 49 is made by bending or expanding the lying to the material cut-outs areas, so be formed according to the illustrated embodiment, the circulating webs 49 limited recesses 5 with the inner stop face 29th The peripheral edge 51 and stop surface 29 may have an oval, circular or rectangular, which recess 5 limiting, closed contour or an open contour. The forming of the orbital ridges 49 can be carried out or carried out by bending single, tab-like circulation ridges 49 while maintaining the wall thickness 43 due to material stretching while reducing the wall thickness of the blank 43 90th

p0091In a further process step <figref idrefs="f0009">Fig. 29c</figref> 53 can be carried out the shaping of the flare on the blank 90, for which purpose the lying to the widening 53 bearing portions 10 of the cutting width to be 94 is reset with respect to the widening 53, in particular by retraction of the bearing sections 10 or bulging of the widening 53 of the shoulder 62 is formed. Thus a trough-like, recessed course of the expansion 53 is formed on the inside 7 of the blank 90 over a portion of the blank width 94, wherein the widening 53 extends continuously over the cutting length 92nd

p0092In the process step <figref idrefs="f0009">Fig. 30</figref> , the preparation of the hollow-profile-like sleeve body 4 by rolling, and this process analogous to the in <figref idrefs="f0008">Fig. 26</figref> may be as described. In<figref idrefs="f0009">Fig. 31</figref> is non-detachably connected via the connecting member 44 of the open about the dividing line 45 sleeve body 4 to form a closed hollow body 4, which operation, as shown in <figref idrefs="f0008">Fig. 27</figref> described, can take place.

p0093In the <figref idrefs="f0010 f0011">Fig. 32 to 37</figref> is another way of a process flow for producing the blocking sleeve 1, in particular according to <figref idrefs="f0005">Fig. 14</figref> is formed, shown. It is in this case, as in<figref idrefs="f0010">Fig. 32</figref> shown, a platinum-like cutting member 90 used which at its outer side a profiling comprising 6 and 98 is formed planar or planar on its inside 7th By using an already profiled sheet metal part 91 as rod 90 producing recesses 5 can be omitted, since they are already formed between the projections 26 of the profiling 98th It may eg be 91 used with a notch-tooth-like profiling 98 a sheet metal part. Thus, it is possible that the bearing portion 10 is formed over the entire cutting width 94 and the entire Hülserllänge 11, wherein for this purpose on the support surface 12 at the inside 7 of the blank 90 and sleeve body 4, the recessed in the supporting surface 12 lubricating pockets 24 or the are arranged in a known lubricious structural 89th

p0094Such, profiled panel 90, according to one process step <figref idrefs="f0010">Fig. 33</figref> or a method step according to <figref idrefs="f0011">Fig. 37</figref> are made into a closed, hollow profile-like sleeve body 4, wherein the rolling-up operation according to <figref idrefs="f0008">Fig. 26</figref> or disposing of the connecting element 44 according to <figref idrefs="f0011">Fig. 37</figref> can take place.

p0095The <figref idrefs="f0011">Fig. 35 to 38</figref> show a further possibility of a process sequence for producing the blocking sleeve 1, in particular in accordance with <figref idrefs="f0006">FIGS. 15 and 16</figref> is formed. The platinum-type panel 90 after<figref idrefs="f0011">Fig. 35</figref> is in this case in a first method step <figref idrefs="f0011">Fig. 36</figref> provided with the arranged between teeth 85 locking recesses 5 on the outside 6, extending over the length 32 over a portion of the cutting width 94 so that a tooth or latching profile formed with one formed by the teeth 85 spur or helical gearing on the panel 90 becomes. The teeth 85 can by cutting material removal, for example by milling, are formed on the outside 6, so that the tooth or latching profile preferably runs only on the outside 6 over the entire cutting length 92 and the inside 7 of the blank 90 is planar formed. There is also the use of an already profiled sheet metal part 91, as shown in<figref idrefs="f0010">Fig. 32</figref> described, are possible.

p0096In another process step <figref idrefs="f0011">Fig. 37</figref> , the preparation of the widening 53 with the teeth 85 of the blank 90 over the partial section 52 of the blank width 94, whereby this can be done for example in a drawing process. The teeth 85 and recesses 5 are on at least one of the inclined to the surrounding areas at an angle 86 edges of the widening 53, said widening 53 advantageously has a triangular or trapezoidal cross-section hollow. In further method steps the preparation of the hollow-profile-like sleeve body 4, as well as the attachment of the connecting element 44 in the parting line 45 and disposing the lubricating pockets 24 or the per se known sliding structure 89, whereby this can be effected analogously to the above description. After forming the hollow profile-like sleeve body 4 that includes the full circumferential ring gear 84 which is formed in the manner of a inner bevel gear a Kegelradpaarung as in<figref idrefs="f0006">FIGS. 15 and 16</figref> described.

p0097Generally, it is noted for producing the blocking sleeve 1 that these preferred mechanical and automated to a corresponding device is performed.

p0098For the record, it is noted that for a better understanding of the structure of the blocking sleeve 1 and the steering gear 3 it and its constituent part not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

p0099<dl id="dl0002" compact="compact"><dt>1</dt><dd>blocking sleeve</dd><dt>2</dt><dd>steering shaft</dd><dt>3</dt><dd>steering system</dd><dt>4</dt><dd>sleeve body</dd><dt>5</dt><dd>recess</dd></dl><dl id="dl0003" compact="compact"><dt>6</dt><dd>outside</dd><dt>7</dt><dd>inside</dd><dt>8th</dt><dd>Central longitudinal axis</dd><dt>9</dt><dd>Through hole</dd><dt>10</dt><dd>bearing section</dd></dl><dl id="dl0004" compact="compact"><dt>11</dt><dd>sleeve length</dd><dt>12</dt><dd>supporting surface</dd><dt>13</dt><dd>peripheral contour</dd><dt>14</dt><dd>peripheral contour</dd><dt>15</dt><dd>outer surface</dd></dl><dl id="dl0005" compact="compact"><dt>16</dt><dd>end</dd><dt>17</dt><dd>end</dd><dt>18</dt><dd>end edge</dd><dt>19</dt><dd>end edge</dd><dt>20</dt><dd>support width</dd></dl><dl id="dl0006" compact="compact"><dt>21</dt><dd>locking member</dd><dt>22</dt><dd>steering lock</dd><dt>23</dt><dd>double arrow</dd><dt>24</dt><dd>lubrication pocket</dd><dt>25</dt><dd>boundary surface</dd></dl><dl id="dl0007" compact="compact"><dt>26</dt><dd>projections</dd><dt>27</dt><dd>surface</dd><dt>28</dt><dd>height</dd><dt>29a</dt><dd>stop surface</dd><dt>29b</dt><dd>stop surface</dd><dt>30a</dt><dd>Longitudinal side region</dd><dt>30b</dt><dd>Longitudinal side region</dd></dl><dl id="dl0008" compact="compact"><dt>31</dt><dd>extension axis</dd><dt>32</dt><dd>length</dd><dt>33</dt><dd>Rest width</dd><dt>34</dt><dd>width</dd><dt>35</dt><dd>locking pin</dd></dl><dl id="dl0009" compact="compact"><dt>36</dt><dd>locking surface</dd><dt>36a</dt><dd>locking surface</dd><dt>37</dt><dd>angle</dd><dt>38</dt><dd>radial axis</dd><dt>39</dt><dd>deck area</dd><dt>40</dt><dd>cavity</dd></dl><dl id="dl0010" compact="compact"><dt>41</dt><dd>deepening</dd><dt>42</dt><dd>palm</dd><dt>43</dt><dd>Wall thickness</dd><dt>44</dt><dd>connecting element</dd><dt>45</dt><dd>parting line</dd></dl><dl id="dl0011" compact="compact"><dt>46</dt><dd>Longitudinal side edge</dd><dt>47</dt><dd>Longitudinal side edge</dd><dt>48</dt><dd>neckline</dd><dt>49</dt><dd>peripheral web</dd><dt>50</dt><dd>extent</dd></dl><dl id="dl0012" compact="compact"><dt>51</dt><dd>peripheral edge</dd><dt>52</dt><dd>part</dd><dt>53</dt><dd>widening</dd><dt>54</dt><dd>diameter</dd><dt>55</dt><dd>diameter</dd></dl><dl id="dl0013" compact="compact"><dt>56</dt><dd>face</dd><dt>57</dt><dd>Covering body</dd><dt>58</dt><dd>Hüllkörperdurchmesser</dd><dt>59a</dt><dd>Inner diameter</dd><dt>59b</dt><dd>Inner diameter</dd><dt>60a</dt><dd>Spindle diameter</dd><dt>60b</dt><dd>Spindle diameter</dd></dl><dl id="dl0014" compact="compact"><dt>61</dt><dd>paragraph</dd><dt>62</dt><dd>paragraph</dd><dt>63</dt><dd>overlap region</dd><dt>64</dt><dd>part</dd><dt>65</dt><dd>intermediate region</dd></dl><dl id="dl0015" compact="compact"><dt>66</dt><dd>running nose</dd><dt>67</dt><dd>apical surface</dd><dt>68</dt><dd>enveloping circle</dd><dt>69</dt><dd>nose width</dd><dt>70</dt><dd>width</dd></dl><dl id="dl0016" compact="compact"><dt>71</dt><dd>width</dd><dt>72</dt><dd>clearance</dd><dt>73</dt><dd>Locking pin width</dd><dt>74</dt><dd>Beading</dd><dt>75</dt><dd>arrow</dd></dl><dl id="dl0017" compact="compact"><dt>76</dt><dd>angle</dd><dt>77</dt><dd>longitudinal axis</dd><dt>78</dt><dd>distance</dd><dt>79a</dt><dd>leg</dd><dt>79b</dt><dd>leg</dd><dt>80</dt><dd>pitch angle</dd></dl><dl id="dl0018" compact="compact"><dt>81</dt><dd>locking tooth</dd><dt>82</dt><dd>connecting portion</dd><dt>83</dt><dd>gap width</dd><dt>84</dt><dd>sprocket</dd><dt>85</dt><dd>tooth</dd></dl><dl id="dl0019" compact="compact"><dt>86</dt><dd>angle</dd><dt>87</dt><dd>arrow</dd><dt>88</dt><dd>sprocket</dd><dt>89</dt><dd>A lubricious structure</dd><dt>90</dt><dd>cutting</dd></dl><dl id="dl0020" compact="compact"><dt>91</dt><dd>Blechteil</dd><dt>92</dt><dd>cutting length</dd><dt>93</dt><dd>distance</dd><dt>94</dt><dd>cutting width</dd><dt>95</dt><dd>Longitudinal side edge</dd></dl><dl id="dl0021" compact="compact"><dt>96</dt><dd>Longitudinal side edge</dd><dt>97</dt><dd>Material Breakthrough</dd><dt>98</dt><dd>profiling</dd></dl>