Device for connecting a steering column to a steering gear housing

A device for operably coupling a steering column to a steering gear housing, the device comprising:

• a shaft defining an axis of insertion and having an insertion end portion and a clamping portion situated proximal to the insertion end portion,
• a clamping collar comprising two arms arranged relative to one another so as to define a cavity configured to receive and guide the shaft into a position of engagement with the clamping collar, the cavity including an entry zone and a coupling zone positioned such that upon insertion, the shaft enters the entry zone first, the entry zone and the coupling zone each defining an aperture presenting a diameter orthogonal to the axis of insertion of the shaft, and each of the two arms including structure defining a hole positioned orthogonally to the axis of insertion of the shaft when the clamping collar and shaft are in engagement, and
• a clamping screw passing through and engaging the structure defining the holes of each arm and tightenable to a set torque, thereby securing the shaft in a fixed position relative to the clamping collar,
• wherein the size of the aperture of the entry zone of the clamping collar cavity is larger than the size of the aperture of the coupling zone, so as to inhibit tightening of the clamping screw to the set torque when the insertion end portion is inserted only in the entry zone, and not in the coupling zone, the aperture of the entry zone vertically offset in relation to the aperture of the coupling zone,
• wherein the aperture of the coupling zone is shaped and sized to conform to an outer surface of the shaft when the clamping screw is tightened to the set torque, and
• wherein a portion of an internal surface of the entry zone formed by a portion of the two arms presents an entry zone bearing surface and a portion of an internal surface of the coupling zone presents a coupling zone bearing surface such that the entry zone bearing surface is arranged as an extension of the coupling zone extension surface, such that the entry zone bearing surface and the coupling zone surface are oriented for guiding the insertion portion of said shaft into said position of engagement with the clamping collar and contacting and supporting the shaft when the clamping screw is tightened to the set torque.