Abstract: A bearing assembly for a rotary shaft machine, the assembly comprising a ball or rotary bearing mounted between a bearing support and the shaft, the bearing comprising an outer ring and an inner ring between which rolling elements are interposed, the outer ring being held rigidly to the support, the inner ring and the shaft being slidable relative to each other, the bearing assembly further comprising at least one washer mounted between the inner ring and a shoulder of the shaft and exerting force between the inner ring and the shoulder tending to move them apart to take up operating slack, wherein the washer presents a flat annulus and a plurality of trapezium-shaped resilient tabs extending radially from the annulus, each presenting a portion that is inclined relative to the plane of the annulus and each being terminated by an end flat parallel to the plane of the annulus.

Abstract: The end surface 2c of the press-fit portion 2c of the axle 2 is machined with high precision to serve as a reference surface for measuring the negative bearing clearance upon completion of the assembly. The inner ring 3 is press-fitted on the press-fit portion 2c of the axle 2 and is fixed in position by the nut 6 screwed on the threaded portion 2d of the axle 2. In this axle bearing assembly, the inner ring 3 abuts against the shoulder portion 2d of the axle 2 with no clearance defined therebetween, and the negative bearing clearance is assured.

Abstract: A pressurized bearing assembly for turbomachines like gas turbine engines wherein pressurized oil is used to apply an axial force to the outer bearing race of a ball bearing assembly. The force is transmitted through the race to the ball bearings and to the inner race of the bearing assembly, and is further transmitted, via the engine shaft, to the bearings of another, axially spaced apart bearing assembly. The force moves the balls in both assemblies into line-on-line running contact with their respective bearing races, and minimizes vibration in the assemblies.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel or pedal crank hub with a bearing preload device in which an axle end cap that is attached to the end of an axle extending through the hub and supported on a bearing assembly is used for preloading the hub bearing assembly together with a split compression ring. For adjusting the preload on the hub bearing assembly, the compression ring is expanded or contracted causing a beveled surface of the compression ring to act on a bevel of either an annular circumferential flange of the axle end cap or a spacer disposed between the compression ring and the circumferential flange of the axle end cap.

Abstract: An improved supporting arrangement for a bearing in an electric motor is provided for preventing the development of fretting corrosion. The electric motor comprises a housing, the housing including a longitudinal axis and bores at either end thereof so that the bores are aligned to the longitudinal axis, a rotating shaft extending along the longitudinal axis through the bores, and bearings for rotationally supporting the rotating shaft at either end thereof, the bearings being provided within the respective bores.

Abstract: First and second radial actuating clamps provide selective radial engagement with a housing for preloaded bearings. An axial actuator, retained between the first and second radial actuating clamps, provides selective expansion and contraction of the axial distance between the first and second radial actuator clamps. A method for adjusting the preload of preloaded bearings mounted within a housing is also disclosed. The method includes alternate clamping and unclamping of two radial actuating clamps against the housing while an axial actuator expands and contracts the axial distance between the radial actuating clamps.

Abstract: The spindle ends of an axle of conventional design are provided with either right hand or left hand threads to receive respective axle nuts in combination with special lock ring fasteners. A nut of standard configuration used for tapered roller bearing adjustment and hereafter described as the adjustment nut is threaded into position having torque applied to it in a controlled manner to achieve specific preload bearing pressure against the inner race of the outer wheel bearing through a washer whose internal tab projects into the spindle keyway after which a threaded lock ring is rotated into contact with the adjustment nut. Having achieved positive positioning of the threaded lock ring in bearing contact with the adjustment nut, a retainer is installed to secure the lock ring in position on the threads of the axle spindle preventing further rotational movement.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for a vehicle wheel having a wheel driving ring having a flange for coupling a vehicle wheel at one end, a cylindrical knuckle supporting the wheel driving ring, a pair of counterbored outer rings mounted in the knuckle with their thicker ends facing each other, balls received in two rows of ball raceways formed on the counterbored outer rings and two rows of ball raceways formed in the outer periphery of the wheel driving ring, two diametrically divided spacers inserted between the pair of counterbored outer rings for keeping the balls preloaded, the knuckle having a flange provided on its inner periphery at one end thereof to prevent axial movement of the counterbored outer rings. A retaining ring is pressed against the inner periphery of the knuckle at the other end and at the same time pressed against the thinner end of one of the counterbored outer rings to axially urge the one of the counterbored rings.

Abstract: A double-row ball bearing comprises an axle (1) and a sleeve (2). In such ball bearing: a pre-load is axially applied to one of a short straight tube type inner ring (6) which is mounted on the axle (1) and a short straight tube type outer ring (10) which is mounted in a sleeve (2); and the inner ring (6) is fixed to the axle (1) or the outer ring (10) is fixed to the sleeve (2), in a condition in which the pre-load is applied.

Abstract: A preloaded rolling bearing unit of the double row type has a pair of inner rings which have a raceway formed on a peripheral face at a location displaced in the axial direction from a central portion thereof, a first cylindrical portion axially protruding by a relatively large amount from one side of the raceway, and a second cylindrical portion axially protruding by a relatively small amount from the other side of the fourth raceway, whereby when the inner ring is engaged with an outer ring, the first cylindrical portion is positioned on an axially inner side of the bearing unit and the second cylindrical portion is positioned on an axially outer side of the bearing unit.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for an automotive vehicle has a bearing which supports the steering shaft and a spring wedge unit for supporting the bearing. The spring wedge unit is in the form of an integral one-piece ring of flexible resilient material, preferably urethane, and encircles the shaft. The ring has an annular wedge and an integral annular spring flange. The wedge has a cylindrical radially inner surface in bearing contact with the shaft, and a conical radially outer surface providing a radially inner support for the bearing. The spring flange is tapered and abuts a tapered portion of the shaft under pressure which resiliently flexes the spring flange and resists axial movement of the ring to dampen vibration and suppress noise.

Abstract: The invention relates to a friction false twist unit for crimping synthetic filament yarns, the friction element shafts of which are movable with a radial play, and which are influenced in their movement by friction dampers.

Abstract: In a zero-clearance radial ball bearing, two outer bearing race sections (4, 5) made by non-cutting methods together support an outer race (2) while between it and a concentric inner race (3) run bearing balls (1). Against the first bearing race section (4) bears a sleeve section (7) which circumferentially and axially surrounds the second race section (5). A spring component (10) pressing the two race section (4, 5) together acts between the sleeve section (7) and the second bearing race sections (5) in such a way that the balls (1) run with zero clearance. In order to improve the rigidity of such a radial ball bearing and especially the sleeve section (7), it is proposed that the two axial ends of the sleeve section (7) project axially beyond the balls (1).

Abstract: In a rotary screw machine, a shaft journal (7) of one of the rotors (6) is mounted in main thrust bearings (9, 10) and a balancing thrust bearing (11 ), the latter being located outermost on the shaft journal (7). The main thrust bearings (9, 10) are clamped towards the low pressure end of the machine. The balancing thrust bearing (11) is affected by a thrust balancing device for counter-acting the gas forces on the rotor (6), thereby reducing the force that has to be transferred by the main thrust bearing.

Abstract: A spindle unit which can offset any displacement of the spindle due to thermal expansion and which can adjust the preload on the bearings according to the revolving speed of the spindle. Between the outer casing and the spindle are provided a high-rigidity elastic member and a pressure chamber connected to an oil pressure control valve. A displacement sensor provided at the end of the spindle and a tachometer are connected to the pressure control valve. As the revolving speed of the spindle increases, oil pressure is introduced into the pressure chamber to reduce the preload. By reducing the preload, the spindle moves axially, thus offsetting its displacement due to thermal expansion.

Abstract: A scroll-type compressor has a crankshaft connected to the rotor of an electric motor for causing an orbiting motion of an orbiting scroll member and having a main shaft formed at one end thereof and supported by a main bearing, an orbiting drive shaft formed on the side of an orbiting end plate opposite to an orbiting scroll wrap and received in an eccentric bearing disposed at an eccentricity in the main shaft, a rolling type upper bearing supporting the end of the crankshaft opposite to the main shaft, and a lift limiting plate fixed to the lower surface of the upper bearing to prevent excessive lift of the crankshaft. A step is formed on the crankshaft between a portion of a greater diameter at which the crankshaft is connected to the rotor, and a portion of a smaller diameter at which the crankshaft is received in the upper bearing.

Abstract: In bicycles that have the front fork and handle bars attached to a steering tube that rotates within a frame mounted head tube, a bearing system wherein a compression ring slides over and about the steering tube to trap the bearing against the head tube. Lock nuts surround the tapered compression ring so that when they are threaded together they squeeze the ring against the steering tube. Threads or barbs on the inside of the ring dig into the steering tube to resist movement away from the bearing and allow the ring to be moved against the bearing and establish a proper bearing end load. Further tightening of the lock nuts holds the ring permanently in place.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting face-to-face angular contact bearings to ensure eload control. Face-to-face angular contact paired bearings have inner races and outer races. The inner races of the bearings are fitted on an element to be supported such as a shaft. The outer races of the bearings are fitted in a bearing housing with a first gap .DELTA.1 therebetween. Preloading of the bearings is achieved by inserting preload springs between external surfaces of the outer races and respective bearing housing surf aces. A second gap .DELTA.2 may also be provided between the bearing housing and the external surface of one of the outer races to prevent a change in preload due to thermal gradients.

Abstract: A journal includes a lower cap engaged on a head tube, a bearing engaged on the lower cap, a ring engaged on the bearing and having a tapered surface formed in an inner peripheral portion, a upper cap having an annular groove formed in the lower portion, a tapered surface formed in the annular groove of the upper cap and engaged with the tapered surface of the ring. The upper cap applies a downward and radially outward force against the ring when the upper cap moves toward the lower cap such that lower cap, the bearing, the ring and the upper cap can be stably retained in place.

Abstract: The rotary machine includes an automatically-retracting axial abutment system mounted between the rotary shaft of the machine and its case, the abutment system having a displaceable abutment portion that is prevented from rotating, a rotary abutment portion mounted on the displaceable abutment portion by means of a bearing suitable for transmitting axial forces to the displaceable abutment portion, a very stiff flexible device connecting the displaceable abutment portion to the case in such a manner as to enable the displaceable abutment portion to move through a small amplitude in translation along the axis of the rotary shaft, and an axial thrust transmission member for transmitting thrust from the rotary shaft to the rotary abutment portion, the thrust transmission member being shaped to be in contact between the rotary shaft and the displaceable abutment portion when the machine is at rest, and to drive the rotary abutment portion via purely static friction when the machine is rotating and is exerting axi

Abstract: In a scroll-type compressor, the revolving motion drive shaft 16, formed on the revolving end plate 12 at the side opposite to the revolving swirl blades 11, is fitted in an eccentric bearing eccentrically disposed inside of the main shaft of the crank shaft 6. The crank shaft 6 is connected to the rotor of the electric motor and is supported at the end portion thereof opposite to the main shaft by an upper bearing of a rolling type. Above the upper bearing, a rise preventing plate 24 for preventing the crank shaft 6 from excessively rising upwards is arranged in a fixed manner. The crank shaft 6 is so shaped as to have a stepped portion where the diameter of the shaft portion mounting the rotor 5 becomes stepwise greater than that of the shaft portion fitted in the upper bearing 21. Between the stepped portion and the inner race of the upper bearing 21 is provided an elastic member 26 which can be wave shaped.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for detecting, in a machine, the position of contact of two rollers of parallel axes of which at least one is mounted mobile. This device is characterized in that it comprises an elastic member mounted so as to undergo, during contacting of the two rollers, a deformation, limited by a bearing, further to the relative displacement of two elements mobile with respect to each other, and means for measuring this deformation.

Abstract: A journal for a frame fork of a bicycle including a sleeve engaged on the frame fork and a bearing engaged in an upper portion and a lower portion respectively, the frame fork including an outer thread formed on an upper end, a member threadedly engaged on the upper end of the frame fork and pressing against one of the bearings, and a cut laterally formed in the member such that the member is separated into two portions, a bolt engaged in an aperture formed in the member and perpendicular to the cut for coupling the two portions together.

Abstract: A rolling bearing, in particular for steering columns of automotive vehicles, comprising rolling elements in the form of balls arranged between an inner ring and another ring, and a tolerance ring made of a polymeric material which is at least partially surrounded by the inner ring and is pressed axially against the inner ring in the direction of the balls by a spring, characterized in that the spring (7, 17) is made of a polymeric material.

Abstract: A shaft is supported in a housing by single row, deep-groove, radial ball bearings having diametral clearances which will permit axial displacement between their inner and outer races, abutment faces which are located with respect to the shaft and housing respectively engage the inner and outer races respectively of the bearings so as to take up play which results from the diametral clearances, abutment elements which engage the respective inner races can coact with the housing as a result of increase in the aforesaid axial displacements, to provide a braking effect between the shaft and the housing.

Abstract: A main bearing device for a bent axis type axial piston pump/motor constructed such that respective sums of a thrust load and a radial load, in other words, respective total loads acting on first and second bearings, respectively, disposed in a tandem arrangement in the axial direction of the main bearing device becomes uniform. The main bearing device has a first bearing (8) and a second bearing (9) that are disposed in the tandem arrangement through inner and outer wheel seats (10, 11) and a gap defined within the range of 10 to 30.mu. is formed between the inner side end surface (12) of the outer race (8b) of the first bearing (8) and the inner side end surface (13) of the outer wheel seat.

Abstract: An electromagnetic rotating adjuster that has a servomotor with a can-shaped rotor, which is supported by means of a shaft via a first roller bearing and a second roller bearing, in which the disposition of the roller bearings in the one piece housing is inaccessible. For axial fixation of one second roller bearing, a spring washer is disposed in a second bearing opening and the second roller bearing is pressed against it, the outer race of the bearing having a detent groove on its circumference which groove is engaged by resilient detent tongues of a detent ring, supported in an annular groove of the housing. This assures secure fixation of the second roller bearing in the axial direction in a way that both suits the needs of large-scale mass production and is economical. The electromagnetic rotating adjuster may be used in control of the idling air in internal combustion engines. The resilient tongues and washer facilitate removal, as well as installation, of the rotor assembly.

Abstract: Spacer rings of a form-memory alloy, alternatively known as memory metals, are used in the form-locking or fastening of bearings on shafts and in housings. Radial or axial expansion when the critical A.sub.S temperature of the alloy is exceeded results in firm clamping in the direction concerned. The use of alloys with a one-way characteristic allows the bearing, after heating, to remain in operable condition at all operating temperatures.

Abstract: A bearing isolator assembly (70) suitable for use with tapered bearings (20) is provided. The bearing isolator assembly comprises a retaining member (72), a radial wave spring (74) and a separate axial wave spring (76).

Abstract: An apparatus including a shaft, with a first and a second angular contact bearing axially disposed along the shaft to provide support for the shaft in a first and a second axial direction, respectively. The second axial direction is substantially opposite the first axial direction. A preload device exerts a preload force onto the angular contact bearings, which place the angular contact bearings into a maximum preload condition. An actuator device, acting in opposition to the preload device, reduces preload from the maximum preload condition to a desired preload condition. The preload device and the actuator device act directly through an axial displaceable race of the angular contact bearing, instead of through the rolling elements of the bearing.

Abstract: A self-adjusting assembly for wheel bearings for an automotive vehicle in which the wheel of the vehicle is rotatably mounted on a spindle supported by an inner and outer wheel bearing, the self-adjusting assembly providing selective pressure on the outer wheel bearing to maintain its position by way of a threaded self-adjusting nut threadedly mounted onto the spindle or axle, a nonrotatable fixed washer mounted on the spindle, a biasing element positioned between the threaded self-adjusting nut and fixed washer, the biasing element engaging the self-adjusting nut and the fixed washer in order to provide inward pressure on the outer wheel bearing once the outer locking nut is secured to the spindle.

Abstract: In space vehicles, mechanisms such as ball bearings (14, 14') are subject to an initial preload or prestress enabling them to withstand the vibrations caused by the launch and without leading to any clearance or play. A member (34) made from a shape memory material e.g. makes it possible under the effect of its elongation, to release said preload when the vehicle is in the operational mode. The control of the release can take place by means of a heating resistor (36), whose energization leads to the member (34) clearing its shape change temperature.

Abstract: A bearing structure for motors is provided, wherein a rotary shaft is supported by a pair of rolling bearings for rotation with respect to a housing, said rotary shaft being mounted on said pair of rolling bearings for slidable movement in the axial direction thereof.

Abstract: An adjusting nut for axially positioning a rotatable member on a shaft relative to the housing includes an annular nut member with two opposed radial slots dividing the annular nut into thick and thin cantilevered portions. The thin cantilevered portion is resiliently axially displaceable relative to the thick portion. An actuating screw in a threaded through hole axially through the center of the cantilevered portion can be tightened to clamp the adjusting nut threads onto threads in the housing.

Abstract: A bearing mounting with self-compensation for thermal expansion. A rotor is mounted in a housing by way of a first bearing having an outer race mounted in the housing and an inner race mounted on the rotor. The inner and outer races are relatively axially movable. A second bearing is mounted on an end of the rotor. A resilient member maintains the inner race in engagement with the outer race in response to relative axial movement between the inner and outer races due to varying thermal expansion rates between the housing and the rotor.

Abstract: A bearing and bearing load maintaining device which provides the stiffness of a duplex set, that is, a hard preload when new, but which maintains the required internal load over an extended life to preserve alignment precision in spite of wear or differential thermal expansion. The latter is provided by a compliant spring preload configuration which takes effect only after the bearing begins to wear or otherwise unloads due to differential thermal expansion. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a flanged bearing which applies a hard preload against an outer sleeve which in turn abuts a more conventional bearing. The outer sleeve is provided with at least one recess or shoulder at an end face. The bearing set is assembled with a spring such as a wave spring positioned in the recess or annular space at one end face of the outer sleeve.

Abstract: A spindle unit adapted to be used for miniature motors and miniature rotors.

Abstract: A composite motion guide unit comprises a single shaft having ball screw groove and a ball spline groove in an outer peripheral surface thereof in an overlapped manner, a nut mounted on the shaft through a number of balls, and a spline outer sleeve mounted on the shaft through a number of balls. The composite motion guide unit is incorporated in a housing, as a composite motion guide device, in which the nut and the spline outer sleeve are rotatably mounted through respective pairs of support bearings incorporating a number of balls, and the nut and said spline outer sleeve are independently driven through power transmission members. The balls interposed between the nut and the shaft are pre-loaded in an axial direction thereof, balls incorporated in the support bearing in support of the nut are pre-loaded, and balls interposed between the spline outer sleeve and the shaft are pre-loaded in a substantially rotating direction thereof.

Abstract: In an air control device including a body, an air passage formed in the body, a throttle valve disposed in the air passage for controlling an air quantity flowing in the air passage, a throttle shaft for mounting the throttle valve and extending across the air passage, and a pair of first and second ball bearings mounted in the body for rotatably supporting the throttle shaft; a supporting structure of the throttle valve including a first shoulder formed in the body; a first stopper fixed to the body; an inner ring of the first ball bearing engaged by interference fit with the throttle shaft; an outer ring of the first ball bearing engaged by clearance fit with the body, the outer ring being fixedly sandwiched between the first shoulder and the first stopper under the condition where a thrust is applied to the outer ring in an axial direction of the throttle shaft; a second shoulder formed in the body; a second stopper engaged by interference fit with the body; an inner ring of the second ball bearing engaged

Abstract: A housing (1) of a rotary machine comprises a low-pressure side (2) and a high-pressure side (3), working-fluid inlet and outlet channels, and at least one rotor (7), which when the machine is working is urged by a working fluid towards the low-pressure side (2). The rotor includes a thrust balancing arrangement (15, 16) for relieving the load on the thrust bearings (11) of the machine, through the medium of an auxiliary bearing (17) and in dependence on pressure fluid supplied to the thrust balancing arrangement, the pressure of which fluid is contingent on the operating conditions of the machine. A relatively large part of the axial load is taken-up by an auxiliary thrust bearing (17), which is readily replaceable. The auxiliary bearing (17) is mounted on an outermost part of the rotor journal shaft (18), on the high-pressure side (3) of the rotor, between a detachable locking device (27) for the auxiliary bearing (17) and the thrust balancing arrangement.

Abstract: In a drive device for pumps consisting of a pump impeller mounted in a pump chamber, a pump cover covers the pump chamber and has an extension and a bore passing from the pump chamber to the outside. A shaft is connected at its inner end to the pump impeller and at its outer end in a torsion-proof manner by way of a coupling element to a drive wheel. A bearing supports the shaft and drive wheel in the housing bore and extension respectively. The coupling element is formed by an external edge rigidly connected to the drive wheel and covers the outer bearing and the extension laterally on the outside. A cover plate with a center section connects in a torsion-proof manner to the shaft, and is adjusted to elastically adjust the cover plate relative to the pump cover either inward toward the pump chamber or outward away from the pump chamber, thereby providing for automatic adjustment of the radial and axial load-supporting bearings means to remove their play.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting two bearings supporting a shaft within a housing, each bearing having an inner race secured to the shaft and an outer race, the arrangement comprising two annular membrane-shaped spacer members having a high radial stiffness and a predetermined axial flexibility, the spacer members having an outer edge and an inner edge, the inner edge of each spacer member being secured to the outer race of a respective bearing and the outer edge of each spacer member being secured within the housing, both spacer members being subjected to a predetermined amount of axial deformation with respect to their unstressed condition, whereby the spacer members exert a precisely determined axial preload onto said outer races of the bearings.

Abstract: A motor for rotating a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a magneto-optical disk comprises an armature concentrically secured to a center shaft affixed to the base frame of a disk drive unit. A rotor frame is rotatably supported in a cantilever fashion on a free end of the center shaft by a pair of bearings. The rotor frame is cup-shaped with a depending cylindrical sidewall encircling the outer peripheral surface of the armature. The sidewall includes a disk support that projects outwardly from the sidewall. A permanent magnet secured inside the sidewall interacts with magnetic fields produced by the armature. The cantilever support makes it easier to bring armature leads through a hole in the mounting frame as a part of the manufacturing process.In an alternate embodiment, the center shaft is shortened so that the lower bearing on the shaft rests upon the frame. The cup-shaped rotor is mounted on the bearings with a hub having a depending cylindrical wall mounted on the lower bearing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device by which the pedal crank bearings of a bicycle may have the grease replaced without disassembly of the mechanism. The invention is to be installed into existing bicycle crank bearing assemblies.

Abstract: A low-friction, low-play bearing system for use in a carriage coupling drive system for a pen plotter including a moving carriage slidably mounted on a shaft between the ends of and carrying a U-shaped pen-carrying yoke in combination therewith for sliding motion along the shaft and rotary motion about the shaft. A pair of annular ball-bearing thrust bearings are disposed over the shaft between respective ends of the U-shaped yoke and the moving carriage. An annular bias spring such as a wave spring is disposed over the shaft between the moving carriage and one of the thrust bearings to create a longitudinal expansion force resisting play between the moving carriage and the U-shaped yoke.

Abstract: In order to assure in a simple manner and with the smallest axial mounting space, a low-noise bearing support having little radial unbalance, two axial ball bearings (2, 3) are provided with a firm fit relative to the rotor shaft (1) and mutually braced axially by an interposed spring washer. Advantageously, ball bearing (3) next to the open end face of the bearing hole is designed as a stationary bearing with a press lift between its inner ring (31) and the rotor shaft (1) as well as between its outer ring (32) and the bearing hole.

Abstract: A rotating, conductive, heat transfer device is provided. The device includes an outer race having an axis, an inner race coaxial with the outer race, and a plurality of bearing balls disposed in a radial direction between the inner race and the outer race. The device also includes a plurality of separators disposed alternately in a peripheral direction between the bearing balls. The device has a first track and a second track, supported by the inner race, for supporting the separators. The inner race has a first, fixed, inner ring portion with a first bearing surface, and has a second, separable, inner ring portion with a second bearing surface. The outer race has a third bearing surface, disposed in a radial direction opposite to the first bearing surface. The outer race also has a fourth bearing surface, disposed in a radial direction opposite to the second bearing surface. The first and second and third and fourth bearing surfaces are in contact with a spherical surface of each bearing ball.

Abstract: A variable stiffness bearing utilizing piezoelectric means for applying a variable preload force to the bearing. The preferred embodiment employs piezoelectric wafers having alternating power and ground connections to the wafers to allow the wafers to distort in direct proportion to the potentials applied. Increased potentials result in greater distortion, more preload force, and a stiffer bearing.

Abstract: A height-adjustable steering column for motor vehicles which is retractable and extendible by means of a drive motor, comprises an inner steering spindle assembly of axially telescoping parts, of which an upper one is connected with the steering wheel, as well as a jacket tube in which an axially displaceable part of the steering spindle assembly is rotatable and is arranged axially displaceable in a housing inside the jacket tube. A coupling member drivable by the drive motor is axially non-displaceable relative to the housing and has a drive pinion which engages in a serration on the circumference of the jacket tube.

Abstract: An apparatus including a shaft, with a first and a second angular contact bearing axially disposed along the shaft to provide support for the shaft in a first and a second axial direction, respectively. The second axial direction is substantially opposite the first axial direction. A preload device exerts a preload force onto the angular contact bearings, which place the angular contact bearings into a maximum preload condition. An actuator device, acting in opposition to the preload device, reduces preload from the maximum preload condition to a desired preload condition. The preload device and the actuator device act directly through an axial displaceable race of the angular contact bearing, instead of through the rolling elements of the bearing.