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

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates to a steering shaft for a motor vehicle, comprising an outer shaft which is configured as a hollow shaft and an inner shaft which is arranged co-axially in the hollow shaft. The inner shaft can be telescoped relative to the hollow shaft in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft, and is connected to the hollow shaft in a torque-transmitting manner via at least one positively locking element. A securing apparatus with at least one stop element is attached on an end region of the hollow shaft which faces the inner shaft. A stop face is arranged in the opening cross section of the hollow shaft and faces the hollow shaft in the direction of the longitudinal axis. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Telescopic steering shafts in motor vehicles make it possible to adjust the steering column, it being possible for the steering wheel position to be set in the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft. Moreover, the steering shaft can be pushed together in the case of a crash, which effectively prevents the steering column penetrating further into the interior of the passenger compartment and leading to injuries of the occupants. This is achieved as a rule by way of the provision of two shafts which can telescope with respect to one another, namely an outer shaft which is configured as a hollow shaft in the form of a tubular hollow profile, and an inner shaft which is mounted therein such that it can be displaced in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft. The inner shaft and the hollow shaft together form a steering shaft which, by way of a telescoping relative movement of the shafts, can be shortened correspondingly by being pushed together or can be extended by being pulled out. The transmission of the torque which is introduced for steering purposes takes place via positively locking elements which engage into one another in a torque-transmitting manner, that is to say in a positively locking manner with regard to a rotation about the longitudinal axis, for example by way of a polygonal profile of the telescoping shafts or else positively locking elements which are inserted between the shafts, such as rolling bodies or the like. 
         [0003]    A telescoping steering shaft is supplied and installed in the vehicle as a completely assembled module, in which the inner shaft is mounted in the outer shaft, that is to say is pushed into its opening cross section. In addition to normal operation, in which a steering column is adjusted in a controlled manner within the provided adjustment travel in order to set the steering wheel position, a steering shaft can be pulled apart in an uncontrolled manner in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft, that is to say in the longitudinal direction, in the case of a repair of the vehicle, in the case of improper handling or in the case of transport, the inner shaft being pulled completely out of the hollow shaft and being separated from the outer shaft as a result. In the case of a safety-relevant component such as a steering column, unintentional dismantling of this type which leads to separation of the steering train has to be prevented reliably in any event. To this end, it is known to provide a securing apparatus in the form of a pulling-out limiting apparatus which limits the adjustment travel of the telescoping means and rules out a separation of the inner and outer shaft. In specific terms, to this end, a stop element is arranged in the opening cross section of the hollow shaft, which stop element comprises a stop face, the surface normal of which points in the longitudinal direction toward the hollow shaft, that is to say in the pushing-in direction of the inner shaft, as viewed from the inner shaft. The inner shaft can comprise a counterstop at its end, with a stop face which is directed counter to the stop element; in other words, its stop face engages behind the stop element with regard to the pulling-out direction. 
         [0004]    In the prior art, CN201494492U has disclosed a securing apparatus, namely a pulling-out limiting apparatus, which is configured as a cap which is plugged onto that end of the outer hollow shaft which is directed toward the inner shaft and is fixed with regard to the longitudinal direction by way of positively locking engagement into a fastening groove which is configured in the outer side of the hollow shaft. The cap has a passage for the inner shaft, which passage is smaller than the opening cross section of the hollow shaft. As a result, a stop element with a stop face is provided by the cap in that opening of the hollow shaft which is covered partially by it, with which stop face, when the inner shaft is pulled out, a counterstop which is connected to or interacts with the inner shaft comes into contact and limits the pulling-out action, for example a head or projection which is arranged at the end of the inner shaft and is of greater cross-section than the passage of the cap, or else a positively locking element which is arranged between the inner and the outer shaft, such as a rolling body arrangement. Said cap has a relatively complicated multiple-piece construction and, on account of the fastening on the outer surface, projects to the outside beyond the outer cross section of the hollow shaft, which is disadvantageous during assembly, or requires complicated machining of the outer shaft. 
         [0005]    DE 10 2009 000 432 A1 describes a securing apparatus of similar configuration. In said document, a holding cap is likewise proposed as pulling-out limiting apparatus, which holding cap is fixed in positively locking elements on the outer side of the outer shaft (hollow shaft). Said holding cap is also of multiple-piece configuration and engages around the hollow shaft from the outside. This requires corresponding machining, and the holding cap projects to the outside beyond the cross section of the outer shaft, which complicates the handling during assembly. 
         [0006]    A disadvantage of the securing apparatuses which are known in the prior art is the complicated production and the unfavorable assembly capability. 
         [0007]    In view of the problems explained in the preceding text, it is an object of the present invention to specify an improved steering shaft which comprises a securing apparatus for securing against pulling out, which securing apparatus is simple and can be assembled easily. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    In order to solve the abovementioned problem, it is proposed according to the invention that the stop element comprises at least one connector means which can be fixed from the inside in the opening cross section on the inner circumferential surface of the outer hollow shaft. 
         [0009]    One special feature of the invention is that the stop element can be fastened from the inside, that is to say to the inner circumferential face of the outer hollow shaft. The fastening takes place by way of a connector means which can be attached in the opening from the inside on the hollow shaft, with the result that the stop element is fixed reliably in the hollow shaft in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The one or more connector means can be configured, for example, on a section of the securing apparatus, which section extends in a pin-like manner in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft and the cross section of which is designed in such a way that it can be plugged into the open end of the outer hollow shaft, preferably in a positively locking manner into the opening profile. 
         [0010]    It is a substantial advantage of the invention that the stop element is accommodated in a protected manner within the outer hollow shaft. In particular, there is no cap or the like which projects beyond the outer cross section of the hollow shaft as in the prior art, with the result that the handling of a steering column is improved during assembly. By way of the fastening in the interior of the hollow shaft, the stop element is secured in an improved manner against unintentional dismantling, as a result of which the reliability of the securing apparatus is increased. 
         [0011]    The securing apparatus according to the invention can be produced with low complexity. The stop element can be configured as a type of plug with a coupling section, the outer contour of which corresponds with the inner contour of the outer hollow shaft. For assembly, the coupling section is simply plugged into the opening of the hollow shaft in the longitudinal direction of the steering shaft and is fixed. 
         [0012]    It is particularly advantageous that the connector means comprises at least one fastening element which can be introduced from the inside in a positively locking manner into a recess which is configured in an inner circumferential surface of the outer hollow shaft. A fastening element of this type can be arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the stop element, where it is directed against the inner circumferential surface of the hollow shaft. In this region, the inner circumferential surface can comprise a recess in the form of a depression, groove, opening or undercut with regard to the longitudinal direction, into which the fastening element which projects beyond the inner opening cross section of the hollow shaft engages in a positively locking manner. Secure fixing of the stop element within the hollow shaft is achieved by way of the positively locking connection in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft. Here, the configuration of the hollow shaft with a recess in its end region can be brought about simply in terms of production technology. By virtue of the fact that the at least one fastening element is situated within the hollow shaft in the assembled state, said fastening element is protected in a particularly satisfactory manner against unintentional release, as a result of which the reliability of the securing apparatus is increased. 
         [0013]    One advantageous embodiment provides that the fastening element comprises a latching lug. A latching lug is formed by way of a positively locking element which is attached on the stop element in a sprung manner and corresponds with a recess in the inner circumferential surface of the hollow shaft. In the relieved state, the positively locking element projects to the outside beyond the inner opening cross section of the hollow shaft. It can be moved to the inside counter to the spring force, with the result that it no longer projects beyond the opening cross section and the stop element can be introduced into the opening of the hollow shaft. When the recess is reached, said positively locking element latches into said recess in a positively locking manner by way of the spring force, and locks the stop element within the opening of the hollow shaft. A latching lug is particularly preferably configured in the manner of a barb, with an insertion bevel which rises to the outside counter to the insertion direction with regard to the opening cross section and is adjoined by a locking face which slopes down perpendicularly with regard to the longitudinal axis and ensures a locking action in the recess. In the case of a configuration of this type of the latching lug, the assembly can be carried out simply by virtue of the fact that the stop element is plugged into the opening of the outer hollow shaft, the latching lug being automatically stressed elastically by way of the insertion bevel and snapping into the recess when the holding position is reached. 
         [0014]    For simple production, it is advantageous that a latching lug is configured in one piece with the stop element. Here, the sprung configuration can be brought about by way of an elastically bendable tongue which is made from the material of the stop element and at the free end of which a positively locking element is integrally formed. A single-piece fabrication of this type can be realized, for example, using plastic injection molding, and in some circumstances also as a metallic formed part or sintered part. 
         [0015]    One alternative embodiment provides that the fastening element comprises a bolt element which can be inserted into a recess in the connector element in a positively locking manner with regard to the direction of the longitudinal axis. In this embodiment, a recess which corresponds with the recess in the inner circumferential surface of the outer hollow shaft is configured in the connector element. Said recess serves to receive a bolt element in a positively locking manner, which bolt element likewise engages in a positively locking manner into the corresponding recess in the hollow shaft and therefore ensures positively locking fixing of the stop element and therefore of the securing apparatus in the hollow shaft in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft. 
         [0016]    The practical realization can be carried out simply by virtue of the fact that the recess on the stop element is configured as a groove which runs at least partially around the outside of the connector element, and the recess in the opening of the hollow shaft is configured as a groove which runs around on the inside and lies opposite the groove on the stop element. The bolt element can be configured as a radially slotted spring ring or Seeger ring which, in the radially compressed, stressed state, can be introduced into the opening of the hollow shaft so as to be seated lightly on the connector element and, in the relieved state, dips into the two grooves which lie opposite one another, with the result that the grooves are fixed in a positively locking manner with regard to a relative movement in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft. The particularly simple possible shape of the stop element and the use of inexpensive standard spring rings are advantageous in this embodiment. It is advantageous, furthermore, that the positively locking fixing takes place independently of the elasticity of the material of the preferably integral main body of the stop element, which main body can additionally comprise a basic form which is simpler and easier to produce without integrated elastic elements. The safety benefits from the fact that it is practically impossible for a stop element which is secured by way of a bolt element to be dismantled without destruction, with the result that damage can be detected easily. 
         [0017]    One particularly preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the connector means comprises at least one connector element which can be inserted in a torque-transmitting manner into the opening cross section of the outer hollow shaft, and the stop element comprises a through opening, in which the inner shaft can be attached in a torque-transmitting manner with regard to rotation about the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft. By way of this configuration, in addition to the function as a pulling-out limiting apparatus, the securing apparatus according to the invention is given a further substantial safety function, namely a redundant torque coupling between the inner shaft and the outer hollow shaft. This is achieved by virtue of the fact that firstly the inner shaft is connected to the stop element in a positively locking manner, with regard to a rotation, that is to say in a torque-transmitting manner, about the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft, which stop element itself in turn is connected to the outer hollow shaft in a positively locking manner with regard to a rotation, that is to say in a torque-transmitting manner, about the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft. As a result, the stop element brings about a torque-proof connection of the inner shaft to the outer hollow shaft; it effectively acts as a rigid coupling. As a result, a replacement coupling is provided for the case where the positively locking elements which are used primarily in the steering shaft for transmitting the steering torque fail, for example in the case of a fracture of rolling bodies in steering shafts which are mounted in linear anti-friction bearings. In this way, the safety standard of a steering column is advantageously increased without additional complexity by way of a stop element according to the invention. 
         [0018]    The torque-transmitting connection can be realized by virtue of the fact that both the opening of the hollow shaft and the stop element which is introduced therein comprise a corresponding profile cross section which is continuous in the direction of the longitudinal axis, for example a rectangular (preferably square), triangular, hexagonal or octagonal polygon basic shape. Accordingly, the through opening in the stop element is adapted to the profile cross section of the inner shaft which can likewise be configured, for example, as a polygon. The basic shape of the profile cross section preferably coincides in the case of the inner and the outer shaft, but this is not absolutely necessary. As an alternative to a polygonal profile, longitudinal spline systems or the like which can be pushed into one another can also be provided as torque-transmitting elements. 
         [0019]    A stop element which serves primarily according to the invention as a pulling-out limiting apparatus can be configured as a molded plastic part, for example as a single-piece injection molded part. A high safety standard is already achieved by way of the use of suitable plastic materials and the protected arrangement and fixing according to the invention. If the additional function as a replacement coupling for the redundant transmission of the steering torque is to be optimized, in addition to high strength filled plastics, metallic materials can be used for the stop element, for example as metallic cast, formed or sintered parts. In order to achieve particularly adapted properties, different metal and plastic materials can be combined with one another, for example for satisfactory sliding properties with high strengths. 
         [0020]    A seal element which runs around along the inner contour of the through opening is preferably arranged in said through opening. The seal lies on the outer circumferential face of the inner shaft which is mounted displaceably in the through opening, and protects the steering shaft against the penetration of contaminants, foreign bodies and moisture. 
         [0021]    In one advantageous development, the stop element comprises a covering element which goes beyond the opening cross section of the outer hollow shaft and comprises an axial supporting face which can be supported against an axial end side of the outer hollow shaft. The covering element forms a type of head of the stop element according to the invention, which head cannot be introduced into the opening of the hollow shaft, but rather lies axially on the end-side axial face at the end of the hollow shaft by way of a preferably circumferential supporting face. The covering element can serve as a pushing-in limiting means for the stop element according to the invention and as a soft axial stop which comes into contact with the fork at the free end of the inner shaft when the steering shaft is pushed in completely. 
         [0022]    The connector means and the covering element can be configured in one piece, for example as an injection molded part made from plastic. 
         [0023]    One advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that at least one rolling body is arranged between the inner shaft and the outer shaft, which rolling body can roll on the outer circumferential face of the inner shaft and the inner circumferential face of the outer shaft. As a result, a steering shaft is realized which is mounted by way of linear anti-friction bearings with regard to its adjustment movement in the longitudinal direction. Here, the rolling bodies serve as positively locking elements for transmitting the torque between the inner and the outer shaft. In the case of a relative movement of the shafts, the rolling body likewise moves in the longitudinal direction and can come into contact with the stop element according to the invention in order to limit the pulling-out action. If the at least one rolling body is held in a rolling body cage, the latter can comprise a counter-surface which can be moved against the stop element. This is the axial stop face which is configured on the connector element. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    Advantageous embodiments of the invention will be described in greater detail in the following text using the drawings, in which, in detail: 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  shows a diagrammatic perspective view of a steering shaft, 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  shows a part of a steering shaft according to  FIG. 1  in the dismantled state, 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  shows a cross-sectional view of a steering shaft according to the preceding figures, 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a stop element according to the invention in a first embodiment, 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  shows a cross section through the outer hollow shaft according to  FIG. 1 , 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  shows a longitudinal section along the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft according to  FIG. 1 , 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  shows a perspective detailed view of a steering shaft in a second embodiment, 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of a stop element according to the invention in a second embodiment in the dismantled state, 
           [0033]      FIG. 9  shows a partial longitudinal section along the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft according to  FIG. 7  in the assembled state, and 
           [0034]      FIG. 10  shows a cross-sectional view of a steering shaft as in  FIG. 3  in a second embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0035]    In the various figures, identical parts are always provided with the same designations and are therefore also as a rule named or mentioned in each case only once. 
         [0036]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a diagrammatically shown steering shaft  10  which comprises an outer hollow shaft  20  and an inner hollow shaft  30  which can telescope with respect to one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis, that is to say in the longitudinal direction which is indicated by way of the double arrow. 
         [0037]    At its free end which faces away in the longitudinal direction with regard to the inner shaft  30 , the outer hollow shaft  20  comprises a fork  21  which forms a part of a universal joint, by way of which the steering shaft  10  is connected in a torque-transmitting manner to the steering train. Accordingly, at its free end which faces away in the longitudinal direction with regard to the outer shaft  20 , the inner hollow shaft  30  comprises a fork  31  which forms a part of a further universal joint, by way of which the steering shaft  10  is connected in a torque-transmitting manner to the steering train. The hollow shafts  20  and  30  are preferably produced from steel which can be satisfactorily cold worked. 
         [0038]    A stop element  70  according to the invention is inserted into the opening of the outer hollow shaft  20  in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft  10 . The inner shaft  30  is guided displaceably through the stop element  70 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 2  shows a part of the steering shaft  1  according to  FIG. 1  in an exploded illustration, in which the individual constituent parts are shown in the dismantled state. It is apparent from this that the outer hollow shaft  20  is profiled in its region which faces the inner shaft  30  and into which the inner shaft  30  can be pushed in a telescoping manner in the longitudinal direction. The profiling of the outer shaft  20  comprises grooves  22  which extend in the longitudinal direction in the inner circumferential surface  23  of the outer shaft  20 . Convexly projecting bead-like shaped-out formations  24  are configured in the outer circumferential surface  25  so as to lie opposite the grooves  22  on the outside with regard to the wall of the hollow shaft  20 . In the embodiment which is shown, both the inner shaft  30  and the outer hollow shaft  20  are configured as hollow profiles with a substantially square cross-sectional basic shape. Here, a total of four grooves  22  are arranged distributed uniformly over the circumference of the hollow shaft  20 , namely in each case in the center of one of the sides of said square cross section. The grooves  22  are configured as rolling body raceways, or more specifically as ball raceways. 
         [0040]    That end section of the inner hollow shaft  30  which faces the outer hollow shaft  20  and can be pushed into the latter in a telescoping manner, as shown in  FIG. 1 , is likewise profiled. The profiling comprises grooves  32  which extend in the longitudinal direction over a length L in the outer circumferential surface  33  of the hollow shaft  30  from the end which can be plugged into the outer hollow shaft  20 . The length L extends over that part section of the inner hollow shaft  30  which can be plugged into the outer hollow shaft  20  in the longitudinal direction. 
         [0041]    In combination with the cross-sectional illustration in  FIG. 3 , it can be seen clearly from  FIG. 2  how rolling bodies, namely balls  40 , are arranged radially between the grooves  22  and  32 . A plurality of balls  40  are arranged in each case in the longitudinal direction behind one another in the grooves  22  and  32 . Here, they are held in a sleeve  80  which is configured as a rolling body cage or ball cage  80 , such that they can be rotated freely and are at a defined spacing relative to one another. At the same time, the sleeve  80  ensures that adjacent balls  40  in the circumferential direction remain in each case in the same position with regard to the longitudinal direction. 
         [0042]    The embodiment which is shown in  FIG. 3  shows a rectangular (specifically, a square) basic cross section of the hollow shafts  20  and  30 . The grooves  22  and  32  are arranged symmetrically in each case centrally in one side of the square. 
         [0043]    A similar, further embodiment as in the illustration of  FIG. 3  is shown in  FIG. 10 . In contrast to the first embodiment, this comprises only a total of two rows of balls  40  which roll between an outer hollow shaft  201  and an inner hollow shaft  301  in grooves  22  and  32  which are situated symmetrically on two opposite sides of the square. The balls  40  are guided in an adapted sleeve  800 . In said embodiment, all embodiments for the stop element  70  or  700  can be used. 
         [0044]      FIG. 4  shows a stop element  70  according to the invention in a perspective view, to be precise as viewed obliquely from the direction of the hollow shaft  20 . The basic shape of the stop element  70  is square in accordance with the cross section of the hollow shaft  20 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0045]    The stop element  70  comprises a frame-shaped covering element  71 , with a through opening  72  and an axial supporting face  73 . A connector element  74  with a total of four connector means  75  which lie opposite one another in each case in pairs parallel to the sides  203  of the square cross section extends from the supporting face  73  in the direction of the longitudinal axis (to the bottom right toward the observer in the view which is shown). Tongue-like fastening means  76  with latching lugs  77  are arranged between the connector means  75  in the corner regions of the square. The latching lugs  77  are at a spacing R from the axial supporting face  73  in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The fastening elements  76  are of elastically sprung configuration, with the result that the latching lugs  77  which are arranged thereon can deflect inward into the cross section of the through opening  72 , which is indicated by way of the small arrow. 
         [0046]    Stop faces  78  are configured on the connector means  75  on their end sides which face the observer. 
         [0047]    The spacing A of the outer sides of the connector means  75  is slightly smaller than the inner spacing H between the sides  203  of the hollow shaft  20  which lie opposite one another. The same applies to the outer spacing of the fastening elements  76  which is slightly smaller than the inner spacing between the corner regions  204  of the hollow shaft  20 . It is possible as a result to introduce the stop element  70  with the connector element  74  into the opening of the hollow shaft  20  in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft  10 . 
         [0048]    By virtue of the fact that the latching lugs  77  project beyond the opening cross section of the hollow shaft  20  in the relieved state which is shown, they are first of all pressed inward in a sprung manner during the introduction. Recesses  205  are made in the inner circumferential face  23  of the hollow shaft  20  in the corner regions  204  at a spacing R from the end side  26 . Said recesses  205  can particularly preferably be configured as punched-out apertures, or else also as groove-like depressions, the shape and dimensions of which correspond to those of said latching lugs  77 . As soon as the latching lugs  77  reach the recesses during the introduction, they are moved outward by way of the spring force which acts, and snap into the recesses  205  in a positively locking manner. In this inserted state, the covering element  70  lies with its supporting face  73  on the end side  26  of the hollow shaft  20 . 
         [0049]    As can be gathered from  FIG. 1  and the sectional illustration of  FIG. 6 , the covering element  70  does not project outward beyond the outer cross section of the hollow shaft  20 . 
         [0050]    The circumferential cross section of the connector element  74  which is delimited substantially by way of the connector means  75  and the fastening elements  76  engages into the opening cross section of the hollow shaft  20  in a positively locking manner, or in other words in a torque-transmitting manner, with regard to a rotation about the longitudinal axis during the insertion. By virtue of the fact that the outer cross section of the inner shaft  30  likewise engages into the through opening  72  of the connector element  74  in a positively locking manner, or in other words in a torque-transmitting manner, with regard to a rotation about the longitudinal axis during the assembly of the steering shaft  10 , the connector element  74  brings about a rotationally rigid coupling between the inner shaft  30  and the outer hollow shaft  20 . 
         [0051]    It can be seen clearly in the sectional illustration of  FIG. 6  how the rolling body cage  80  comes into contact by way of a stop face  81  with the stop face  78  on the stop element  70  during the pulling-out action of the inner shaft  30  out of the hollow shaft  20  in the arrow direction, and limits the pulling-out action effectively. It is likewise conceivable to attach a stop  34  at that end of the inner shaft  30  which dips into the hollow shaft  20 , which stop  34  projects beyond the cross-sectional profile of the inner shaft  30  and comes into contact with a further stop face  82  on the rolling body cage  80  during the pulling-out operation. 
         [0052]    A second embodiment of a stop element  700  according to the invention is shown in  FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 . It comprises a covering element  710  (head) which is adjoined by a connector element  740  which comprises the shape of a polygonal tubular stub with a through opening  720 . The latter is designed with regard to shape and dimensions in such a way that it can be inserted into the opening cross section of a hollow shaft  200  in a positively locking manner, or in other words in a torque-transmitting manner, with regard to a rotation about the longitudinal axis. 
         [0053]    A groove  741  which runs around at least in sections is made in the connector element  740 , which groove  741  is at a spacing from the axial supporting face  730 . A groove  241  is made at the same spacing in the inner circumferential surface of the hollow shaft  200 . In the inserted state when the stop element  700  lies with the supporting face  730  against the end side  260  of the hollow shaft  200 , the grooves  241  and  741  lie radially opposite one another with their groove openings. 
         [0054]    A slotted spring ring  900  can be inserted into the groove  741 , and can be reduced in circumference by way of radial compression to such an extent that the connector element  740  including the stressed spring ring  900  can be introduced into the opening of the hollow shaft  200 . When the groove  741  comes into congruence with the groove  241  during the further introduction, the spring ring  900  is relieved in the radial direction and at the same time engages into the grooves  241  and  741  in a positively locking manner. As a result, the stop element  700  is locked in the hollow shaft  200  in a positively locking manner against being pulled out. In this way, the stop face  780  is securely fixed axially in the direction of the longitudinal axis. 
         [0055]    The connection of the inner shaft  300  to the outer shaft  200  by way of the stop element  700 , which connection is positively locking, or in other words torque-transmitting, with regard to a rotation about the longitudinal axis, takes place in an analogous manner to the explanation which is given above with respect to the stop element  70 . 
         [0056]    A seal element  790  can be attached on the stop element  700  or  70  for sealing the steering shaft  10  against the penetration of foreign bodies and moisture. Said seal element  790  can be inserted from outside into the stop element  700 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . Said seal element  790  engages with its inner side around the inner shaft  300  on the cross-sectional contour in a sealing manner. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 List of Designations 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 Steering shaft 
               
               
                 20, 200 
                 Outer hollow shaft 
               
               
                 201  
                 Outer hollow shaft 
               
               
                 21 
                 Fork 
               
               
                 22 
                 Groove 
               
               
                 23 
                 Inner circumferential surface 
               
               
                 24 
                 Shaped-out formations 
               
               
                 241  
                 Groove 
               
               
                 25 
                 Outer circumferential surface 
               
               
                 203  
                 Side of the square cross section 
               
               
                 204  
                 Corner region 
               
               
                 205  
                 Recess 
               
               
                 26, 260 
                 End side 
               
               
                 30, 300 
                 Inner hollow shaft 
               
               
                 301 
                 Inner hollow shaft 
               
               
                 31 
                 Fork 
               
               
                 32 
                 Groove 
               
               
                 33 
                 Outer circumferential surface 
               
               
                 34 
                 Stop 
               
               
                 40 
                 Ball 
               
               
                 70, 700 
                 Stop element 
               
               
                 71, 710 
                 Covering element 
               
               
                 72, 720 
                 Through opening 
               
               
                 73, 730 
                 Supporting face 
               
               
                 74, 740 
                 Connector element 
               
               
                 741  
                 Groove 
               
               
                 75 
                 Connector means 
               
               
                 76 
                 Fastening element 
               
               
                 77 
                 Latching lugs 
               
               
                 78, 780 
                 Stop face 
               
               
                 80, 800 
                 Rolling body cage (sleeve) 
               
               
                 81, 82  
                 Stop face 
               
               
                 900  
                 Spring ring 
               
               
                 R 
                 Spacing 73-77 
               
               
                 A 
                 Spacing 
               
               
                 H 
                 Inner spacing