Steering system for vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a steering system, in particular a steering-by-wire system, for a vehicle, comprising a linearly movable rack and a detection device (16) for detecting the position of the rack, the detection device (16) comprising a housing (18) in which a rotatable gear shaft (20) is mounted, said gear shaft having a toothing in engagement with the rack, the detection device (16) has a sensor module, which comprises a housing cover (26), at least one magnetic sensor, a plug connector for electrically connecting the at least one magnetic sensor, and a rotor (32), which is in a rotationally fixed engagement with the gear shaft (20), said sensor module being a pre-assembled unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a steering system for a vehicle, in particular to a steer-by-wire system. Background Art

[0002] In such systems, a drive motor is provided for adjusting the steering angle at the wheels of the vehicle, which drives the rack.

[0003] In a steer-by-wire system, there is no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the rack. The position of the steering wheel is detected electronically, and the corresponding movement of the rack is achieved by means of a drive motor.

[0004] To determine the steering angle, there are detection devices that include sensors for indirectly detecting the steering angle based on the position of the rack or based on the rotational position of a gear shaft meshing with the rack. These sensors are usually installed together with the gear shaft in today's systems in a housing, which is also called a "pinion tower".

[0005] The detection device is complex in its assembly. In particular, the sensor, the housing cover and the cable harness for connecting the sensor are handled separately. In particular, the connector of the cable harness is complex because it needs to be guided through an opening in the housing and electrically connected to the circuit board. Summary of the invention

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a steering system having a detection device for detecting the position of a toothed rack, which detection device can be assembled particularly easily.

[0007] The object is achieved according to the invention by a steering system for a vehicle, in particular a steer-by-wire system, comprising a linearly movable toothed rack and a detection device for detecting the position of the toothed rack, the detection device comprising a housing in which a rotatable toothed shaft is mounted, the toothed shaft having a toothing that is engaged with the toothed rack, and the detection device having a sensor module, the sensor module comprising a housing cover, at least one magnetic sensor, a plug connector for electrically connecting the at least one magnetic sensor, and a rotor that is in rotationally fixed engagement with the toothed shaft, the sensor module being a preassembled unit. In other words, the sensor module is preassembled to form a fully assembled module.

[0008] This means that the sensor module can be handled as a single unit, so that the assembly of the detection device is simplified overall.

[0009] A further advantage is that the sensor module can be easily replaced as a unit if necessary.

[0010] In the event of damage to the cable harness, it can be detached from the plug connector, so that only the cable harness, rather than the entire sensor module, needs to be replaced.

[0011] The electrical connection is also particularly simple via a plug connector. No wiring is required within the test device during assembly.

[0012] Furthermore, the use of a plug connector increases the flexibility with regard to different cable lengths, since only the cable harness has to be adapted or replaced for this purpose, and the sensor module and its electrical connections do not have to be changed.

[0013] The steering system according to the invention is therefore optimized both with regard to the initial assembly of the steering system and with regard to the maintenance of the steering system.

[0014] The magnetic sensor is provided, in particular, to detect a rotational position of the rotor and to determine the position of the toothed rack using this rotational position.

[0015] The rotor is, for example, an injection-molded plastic component, while the gear shaft is preferably a metal component.

[0016] For example, the plug connector is integrated in the housing cover. That is, the plug connector is formed in one piece with the housing cover. As a result, an opening in the housing through which a cable for the connection between the sensor and the controller was previously required can be omitted. In this way, not only is the processing of the housing omitted, but also the need for sealing the cable lead-through is omitted, which on the one hand reduces costs and on the other hand increases robustness against environmental influences such as liquids or the like.

[0017] Instead of a plug connector integrated in the housing cover, a cable tail can be provided, at the free end of which a plug connector is attached.

[0018] In this connection, the cable tail has the same advantages as a plug connector integrated in the housing cover.

[0019] However, an integrated plug connector has the further advantage over a cable tail that it is particularly robust and the possibility of damage during assembly is minimized.

[0020] The gear shaft has, for example, a further toothing spaced axially apart from the one toothing, the one toothing engaging with the toothed rack, the rotor engaging with the further toothing. In this way, the rotor is securely in rotationally fixed engagement with the gear shaft, so that a rotation of the gear shaft during a displacement of the toothed rack results in a rotation of the rotor.

[0021] For example, the rotor has a sleeve-shaped section, on the inner side of which there are a plurality of axially extending ribs, which engage with the teeth of the gear shaft and taper toward the gear shaft. In other words, the effective inner diameter of the rotor tapers in the axial direction toward the upper side of the sensor, i.e., in a direction away from the gear shaft. Due to the taper of the ribs toward the lower end, or due to the larger effective inner diameter at the lower end of the rotor, it is possible for the two components to slide against each other more easily. In particular, a certain error compensation can be achieved. In addition, due to the shape of the ribs (the ribs correspondingly widen in the direction away from the gear shaft, i.e., in the axial direction toward the top), an increased clamping force is achieved when the components are joined together.

[0022] The effective inner diameter of the rotor is measured in particular between the ribs, ie for example from rib tip to rib tip.

[0023] The effective inner diameter is, for example, between 9 and 12 mm. In particular, the inner diameter is smaller by less than 0.5 mm, preferably less than 0.3 mm, at the lower end facing the gear shaft than at the upper end facing away from the gear shaft.

[0024] At the lower end facing the gear shaft, the rib has, for example, a radius of 0.5 to 2 mm.

[0025] The rotor can include a plurality of radially flexible sections at least in one region in which the rotor overlaps the pinion in the axial direction. This ensures a certain flexibility during assembly. In particular, automatic orientation of the rotor and thus of the sensor module on the pinion is possible, since the rotor does not need to be pushed exactly coaxially onto the pinion due to the flexibility. Furthermore, the flexibility allows a certain tolerance compensation, for example with regard to the diameter of the pinion.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the rotor is surrounded in the region of the radially flexible section by a reinforcing element, the material of which has a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the material of which the rotor is made. The reinforcing element holds the rotor securely in engagement with the pinion even in the event of temperature fluctuations and / or air humidity fluctuations. In this way, slippage or hysteresis between the pinion and the rotor is avoided.

[0027] The reinforcement element is, for example, a metal ring.

[0028] For example, the reinforcement element is an element separate from the rotor, which is held on the rotor in a form-fitting manner, in particular locked on the rotor. However, it is also conceivable that the reinforcement element is integrated into the rotor. For example, the reinforcement element can be a metal ring, which is injection-molded around the plastic forming the rotor.

[0029] The other toothing of the pinion is preferably conically inclined at its end facing the rotor. This also contributes to a possible automatic orientation of the sensor module on the pinion.

[0030] Thus, a “blind assembly” of the sensor module is possible, that is to say the assembler does not need to observe the rotor and the gear shaft during assembly in order to be able to assemble the sensor module on the gear shaft.

[0031] A centering recess, in particular a centering hole, can be provided in the end face of the pinion facing the sensor module, and a pin can be provided on the housing cover, projecting in the direction of the pinion and arranged in the centering recess. The pin ensures improved orientation of the pinion, thus avoiding eccentricity. This has the positive effect that measuring errors are reduced. In addition, due to the improved orientation, increased friction and thus excessive wear are avoided.

[0032] An axial seal may be provided between the housing cover and the housing. An axial seal is advantageous over a radial seal because an axial seal has no centering or radial orientation properties. This ensures that the orientation of the rotor on the gear shaft is not influenced by the orientation of the housing cover on the housing.

[0033] For example, a groove is formed on the housing cover, in which the seal is placed, and a plurality of clamping elements are formed along the groove, on which the seal is clamped. This ensures that the seal does not come loose from the housing cover during manipulation.

[0034] The clamping element is formed, for example, by a projection which projects into a groove.

[0035] A collar can be formed on the housing cover, which protrudes in the axial direction toward the housing and which axially extends beyond the seal, in particular axially overlaps the housing, thereby preventing the water jet from directly hitting the seal, so that a sufficient sealing function can be ensured over the long term.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the housing cover has a receiving space in which the at least one magnetic sensor and the rotor are accommodated, the receiving space being closed on the side facing the gear shaft by an intermediate cover, and an opening is present in the intermediate cover through which the rotor is accessible. The intermediate cover is arranged between the housing and the housing cover in the assembled state of the detection device and serves to protect the components installed in the housing cover from damage during assembly.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the rotor can be held on the sensor module by the intermediate cover. Therefore, there is no need to provide a separate fixing element for fixing the rotor, which contributes to a compact structure of the sensor module.

[0038] For example, a bearing surface for the rotor is provided on the intermediate cover.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the rotor drives at least one gear wheel, to which the magnet is attached. The magnetic sensor can determine the position of the gear wheel and thus the position of the rack, for example by means of a control unit. The use of a gear wheel driven by the rotor is advantageous with regard to the error chain compared to a magnet attached directly to the rotor. More precisely, a defined orientation of the magnet relative to the magnetic sensor or a defined air gap can be present.

[0040] The detection device can additionally include a revolution counter. With the help of the revolution counter, it can be determined how many revolutions or how many angular degrees the gear has turned in one direction relative to its initial position. The use of a revolution counter in combination with a magnetic sensor allows the rack position to be determined precisely even immediately after a new start of the vehicle. In this context, the “True Power on” function is also referred to.

[0041] The magnetic sensor and / or the revolution counter can be designed as an integrated circuit on a circuit board, in particular in a common housing. This contributes to a particularly compact design of the sensor module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Other advantages and features of the present invention are obtained from the following description and the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are as follows:

[0043] Figure 1 Showing a steering system according to the present invention;

[0044] Figure 2 The sensor module for the steering system is shown in a bottom view;

[0045] Figure 3 A housing cover showing the sensor module;

[0046] Figure 4 A cutaway view showing a sensor module;

[0047] Figure 5 Another cutaway view showing the sensor module;

[0048] Figure 6 an exploded view showing the substructure components of the steering system;

[0049] Figure 7 The rotor of the steering system is shown, which is retained on the housing cover;

[0050] Figure 8 Display the rotor in a cutaway view;

[0051] Fig. 9The housing cover of the sensor module is shown in a bottom view;

[0052] Fig.10 Displaying a first state when the sensor module is assembled;

[0053] Fig.11 Another state showing when the sensor module is assembled;

[0054] Fig.12 Again showing another state when the sensor module is assembled; and

[0055] Fig.13 The sensor module is shown in its final position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Figure 1 A steering system 10 according to the present invention is shown, which is a steer-by-wire system.

[0057] The steering system 10 includes a linearly movable rack 12 .

[0058] The rack 12 is installed in a rack housing 14 .

[0059] By moving the rack 12 , the steering angle at the wheels of the vehicle can be adjusted.

[0060] For moving the toothed rack 12 , a drive motor is provided, which is not depicted in the drawing for reasons of simplicity.

[0061] In such a steering system 10 , it is desirable to be able to determine the currently existing steering angle at any time, thereby ensuring that the electronically detected steering wheel position is always correctly converted into the steering angle.

[0062] For this purpose, the steering system comprises a detection device 16 for detecting the current position of the rack 12 .

[0063] The detection device 16 includes a housing 18 in which a rotatable gear shaft 20 is mounted. Figure 6 Visible in.

[0064] The housing 18 may be formed in one piece with the rack housing 14 or may be connected thereto in some other way.

[0065] The toothed shaft 20 has a toothing 21 which engages with the toothed rack 12 .

[0066] Due to the meshing engagement, the linear movement of the rack 12 induces the rotation of the gear shaft 20 .

[0067] The detection device 16 also includes a sensor module 22, which Figure 2 Described in Figure 1Only the housing cover 26 of the sensor module 22 is visible.

[0068] The sensor module 22 is placed on the housing 18 and fixed thereto. In particular, the sensor module 22 is screwed to the housing 18 , as can be seen by means of the screw lugs 24 present on the housing cover 26 .

[0069] Instead of the screw connection plate 24, a clamping connection between the housing cover 26 and the housing 18 is conceivable. In particular, it is conceivable that the housing cover 26 is fixed to the housing 18 by means of a plurality of clips.

[0070] In addition to the housing cover 26, the sensor module 22 comprises two magnetic sensors 28, a plug connector 30 for electrically connecting the at least one magnetic sensor 28 (see Figure 1 ) and a rotor 32 which is in rotationally fixed engagement with the gear shaft 20 .

[0071] The rotational angle signals of the two magnetic sensors 28 can be used to calculate an absolute position signal, ie, a univocal signal over the entire displacement path of the toothed rack 12 .

[0072] Additionally, sensor module 22 may include a revolution counter, which is not depicted in the figures for reasons of simplicity.

[0073] If Figure 1 , 3 As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the plug connector 30 is formed integrally in the housing cover 26 .

[0074] Specifically, the conductive element 36 (see Figure 4 ) also includes the connecting pins of the plug connector 30 , which are cast in the housing cover 26 , in other words are injection-molded around with the plastic forming the housing cover 26 .

[0075] The remaining components of the sensor module 22 are arranged in a receiving space 38 which is formed in the housing cover 26, such as in Figure 2 and 4 Visible in.

[0076] In particular, the rotor 32 , the circuit board 40 and the two gear wheels 42 , 44 are arranged in the receiving space 38 .

[0077] The rotor 32 is in meshing engagement with the gears 42, 44, so that the gears 42, 44 also rotate when the rotor 32 rotates. For this purpose, the external toothing 45 present on the rotor 32 is Figure 2 , 4 and 5.

[0078] A magnet 46 is provided on each gear 42, 44 (see Figure 5 ).

[0079] The rotational position of the gearwheels 42, 44 can be determined in a known manner by means of the magnetic sensors 28. By means of the rotational position of the gearwheels 42, 44, the position of the rack 12 and thus the steering angle of the wheels can be determined. Specifically, each magnetic sensor 28 determines the rotational position of the gearwheels 42, 44.

[0080] Any revolution counters present determine the number of revolutions of the gearwheels 42 , 44 .

[0081] In an alternative embodiment, which is not described for the sake of simplicity, it is conceivable to eliminate one of the gears 42, 44 and, instead, use a magnetic sensor which is only on the remaining gear and whose magnet detects the rotation angle and the number of revolutions, thereby being able to determine the absolute position of the rack.

[0082] In a further, alternative embodiment, which is also not described for reasons of simplicity, it is conceivable to omit the two gears and, instead, to fasten a magnet to the rotor 32. In this case, a magnetic sensor is used which is provided to detect the rotation angle and number of revolutions of the magnet, so that the absolute position of the rack 12 can be determined.

[0083] In both of the above-described exemplary embodiments, the magnetic sensor 28 and / or the revolution counter can be designed as an integrated circuit on a printed circuit board 40 in a common package.

[0084] The electrical contacting of the circuit board 40 is achieved by means of contact pins on the conductive element 36, which extend through the circuit board 40 (see Figure 4 ).

[0085] The circuit board 40 is mechanically fixed to the housing cover 26, for example, by means of plastic pins (not visible in the figures) which are formed integrally in the housing cover 26 and which protrude through holes 48 (see FIG. Figure 2 ), and the plastic pins are melted at their free ends during assembly, for example by being caulked by overheating, so that they are connected to the circuit board 40 in a form-fitting manner and hold it on the housing cover 26.

[0086] Alternatively, the printed circuit board 40 may be screwed to the housing cover 26 .

[0087] The circuit board 40 also holds the gears 42, 44 on the housing cover 26, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 Visible in the cross-sectional view.

[0088] Specifically, the gears 42 , 44 abut against the circuit board 40 .

[0089] Furthermore, there are a plurality of orientation elements 50 on the housing cover 26 (see Figure 5 ), which align the gearwheels 42 , 44 along the axis of rotation and thus ensure that the gearwheels 42 , 44 are in meshing engagement with the external toothing 45 of the rotor 32 .

[0090] The receiving space 38 of the housing cover 26 is closed on the side facing the gear shaft 20 by an intermediate cover 52 .

[0091] The rotor 32 is held on the sensor module 22 by an intermediate cover 52 .

[0092] For positioning the rotor 32, an annular or cylindrical projection 54 is provided on the intermediate cover 52, which projects toward the housing cover 26 and against which the rotor 32 rests. The projection 54 in particular projects into a corresponding groove 56 on the rotor 32, so that the rotor 32 is oriented radially.

[0093] In addition, a further annular or cylindrical projection 58 may be present on the housing cover 26 , on which the rotor 32 is also oriented radially.

[0094] The rotor 32 is held between the projections 54 , 58 in the axial direction.

[0095] Therefore, the position of the rotor 32 is precisely defined by the protrusions 54 , 58 .

[0096] The intermediate cover 52 is fixed to the housing cover 26, for example, by means of plastic welding. Alternatively, a latching connection is also conceivable.

[0097] In the intermediate cover 52 there is an opening 59 through which the rotor 32 is accessible, so that a connection between the rotor 32 and the gear shaft 20 is possible.

[0098] The rotor 32 is inserted in a rotationally fixed manner onto the gear shaft 20 in the assembled state, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 The outer teeth 45 of the rotor 32 are shown in the exploded view of FIG. Figure 6 For reasons of simplicity it is not described.

[0099] For the rotationally fixed connection of the rotor 32 to the gear shaft 20 , the gear shaft 20 has a further toothing 60 which is axially spaced apart from a toothing which is in engagement with the toothed rack 12 and with which the rotor 32 engages.

[0100] In particular, the rotor 32 has a sleeve-shaped section 62 , on the inner side of which there are a plurality of axially extending ribs 64 which, during assembly, engage with the toothing 60 of the gear shaft 20 .

[0101] These ribs 64 taper toward the gear shaft 20, as shown in Figure 7 and8 The tapering is preferably realized only in a partial section of the rib 64, as in Figure 8 In particular, the tapering Figure 8 In the schematic illustration in FIG. 6 , the schematically depicted ribs 64 are depicted in an exaggerated manner for the sake of a better illustration, both in the side view and in the top view.

[0102] In particular, the subsection that effects the taper points away from the gear axis 20 .

[0103] As a result, a larger effective inner diameter D is produced at the end of the rotor 32 facing the gear shaft 20 than at the end facing away from the gear shaft 20. I At the end of the rotor 32 facing the gear shaft 20, the inner diameter D I For example, it is 10.6 mm and at the end facing away from the gear shaft 20 it is 10.3 mm.

[0104] exist Figure 8 In the middle, the effective inner diameter D I Draw it in two places for illustration purposes.

[0105] The radius R of the rib 64 at the lower end facing the gear shaft 20 is, for example, between 0.5 and 2 mm.

[0106] Furthermore, the rotor 32 has a radially flexible section 66 at least in one region in which the rotor 32 overlaps the gear shaft 20 in the axial direction. Thus, the sleeve-shaped section 62 can be widened during assembly.

[0107] The other toothing 60 of the gear shaft 20 has a conical bevel 68 at its end facing the rotor 32, which also serves to simplify assembly. In particular, the conical bevel 68 forms an introduction bevel.

[0108] In the region of the radially flexible section 66 , the rotor 32 is surrounded by a reinforcement element 70 , for example a slotted ring.

[0109] The material of the reinforcement element 70 has a smaller coefficient of thermal expansion than the material of the rotor 32. For example, the rotor 32 is a plastic injection-molded component and the reinforcement element 70 is made of metal, in particular a metal ring.

[0110] The reinforcing element 70 limits the expansion of the rotor 32 in the radially flexible section 66 , in particular in the event of temperature fluctuations and / or air humidity fluctuations, so that a secure engagement of the rotor with the gear shaft 20 is ensured.

[0111] As in Figure 6 It can be seen that the reinforcement element 70 is held on the rotor 32 in a form-fitting manner, in particular is latched on the rotor.

[0112] A seal 72 is provided to seal sensor module 22 relative to housing 18 .

[0113] The seal 72 is arranged axially between the housing cover 26 and the housing 18 .

[0114] Specifically, a groove 74 is formed on the housing cover 26 , in which groove the seal 72 is inserted.

[0115] In order to prevent the seal 72 from falling out of the groove 74 during assembly, a plurality of clamping elements 76 are formed along the groove 74, such as in Fig. 9 Visible in.

[0116] The seal 72 is clamped in places by the clamping elements.

[0117] Alternatively, a self-adhesive seal or a liquid seal (also called a wet liquid seal) can be used. This helps to further reduce the construction space in the radial direction, because the clamping element 76 can be omitted. In addition, the threaded connection plate 24 can be omitted in the case of a self-adhesive seal.

[0118] Radially outwardly, the seal 72 is shielded by a collar 78, which projects from the housing cover 26 in the axial direction toward the housing 18 and axially beyond the seal. More precisely, the collar 78 overlaps the housing 18 in the axial direction, so that the seal 72 is shielded from water jets that occur laterally.

[0119] In addition, Figure 7 and 9 A pin 80 can be seen, which is integrally formed on the housing cover 26 and projects in the direction of the gear shaft 20 .

[0120] In the assembled state of sensor module 22 , pin 80 projects into a centering recess 82 which is present in the end face of gear shaft 20 facing sensor module 22 (see FIG. Figure 6 ).

[0121] Sensor module 22 and gear shaft 20 are therefore aligned with one another at two locations, in particular at pin 80 and at sleeve-shaped section 62 of rotor 32 .

[0122] Instead of a pin 80 , an annularly projecting geometry may also be provided.

[0123] The sensor module 22 is produced as a preassembled unit which can be handled individually.

[0124] In particular, sensor module 22 is designed such that it is radially oriented on housing 18 or on gear shaft 20 during assembly.

[0125] Combine the following Figures 10 to 13 The assembly of the sensor module 22 will be described.

[0126] Fig.10 The housing 18 , the gear shaft 20 and the sensor module 22 are depicted at the beginning of the assembly. Specifically, the sensor module 22 is placed on the housing 18 , wherein a roughly radial orientation is achieved between the housing cover 26 and the housing 18 and between the rotor 32 and the gear shaft 20 .

[0127] The rotor 32 here overlaps the toothed end section of the gear shaft 20 .

[0128] If the sensor module 22 is Fig.10 The position shown in FIG. 1 is further pushed into the housing 18, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 As described in , the rotor 32 then encounters the conical bevel 68 of the toothing 60, thereby achieving a more precise radial orientation of the sensor module 22. The flexible section 66 of the rotor 32 can be deformed a little in this step when the rotor 32 encounters the gear shaft 20 eccentrically. The elastic deformation that thus occurs in the flexible section 66 then ensures a defined orientation of the rotor 32 on the gear shaft 30.

[0129] As the sensor module 22 is pushed further into the housing 18, the ribs 64 of the rotor 32 engage with the teeth 60 of the gear shaft 20, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 Based on the tapered shape of the rib 64 toward the gear shaft 20 or based on the larger effective inner diameter D of the rotor 32 at the end of the rotor 32 toward the gear shaft 20 I , the introduction of the ribs 64 into the toothing 60 is simplified, and the clamping force between the rotor 32 and the gear shaft 20 increases with the increased overlap. In this case, the orientation of the rotor 32 on the gear shaft 20 is further improved.

[0130] When the sensor module is moved to its end position (see Fig.13 ), the pin 80 engages in the centering recess 82 , so that the housing cover 26 is aligned with high precision on the gear shaft 20 .

[0131] In a final step, housing cover 26 is screwed onto housing 18 , wherein seal 72 is compressed in such a way that a secure sealing of sensor module 22 toward the outside is ensured.

[0132] As can be seen from the above description, the sensor module 22 is oriented with increasing accuracy on the gear shaft 20 and on the housing 18 during assembly by means of the rotor 32. In other words, the sensor module 22 is designed to be self-centering.

[0133] Thus, a so-called “blind assembly” of sensor module 22 on housing 18 is possible.

[0134] Since blind assembly is possible, it is possible to produce sensor module 22 as a prefabricated module which can be assembled on housing 18 as a unit.

Claims

1. A steering system (10) for a vehicle, in particular a steer-by-wire system, comprising a linearly movable rack (12) and a detection device (16) for detecting the position of the rack (12), the detection device (16) comprising a housing (18) in which a rotatable gear shaft (20) is mounted, the gear shaft having a toothed section (21) in engagement with the rack (12), and the detection device (16) having a sensor module (22), the sensor module comprising a housing cover (26), at least one magnetic sensor (28), a plug connector (30) for electrically connecting the at least one magnetic sensor (28), and a rotor (32), the rotor being in rotationally fixed engagement with the gear shaft (20), the sensor module (22) being a preassembled unit.

2. The steering system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plug connector (30) is integrated into the housing cover (26).

3. The steering system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The gear shaft (20) has another tooth portion (60) spaced apart from the one tooth portion (21) in the axial direction, the one tooth portion is engaged with the rack (12), and the rotor (32) is engaged with the other tooth portion (60).

4. The steering system (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The rotor (32) has a sleeve-shaped section (62), on the inner side of which are located a plurality of axially extending ribs (64) which engage with the toothing (60) of the gear shaft (20) and which taper toward the gear shaft (20).

5. The steering system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The rotor (32) comprises a radially flexible section (66) at least in one region in which the rotor (32) overlaps the gear shaft (20) in the axial direction.

6. The steering system (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that The rotor (32) is surrounded in the region of a radially flexible section (66) by a reinforcement element (70), the material of which has a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the material of which the rotor (32) is made.

7. The steering system (10) according to any of the preceding claims and additionally according to claim 3, characterized in that The other toothing (60) of the gear shaft (20) is conically inclined at its end facing the rotor (32).

8. The steering system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A centering recess (82) is provided in the end face of the gear shaft (20) facing the sensor module (22), and a pin (80) is provided on the housing cover (26) which projects in the direction of the gear shaft (20) and is arranged in the centering recess (82).

9. The steering system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that An axial seal (72) is located between the housing cover (26) and the housing (18).

10. The steering system (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that A groove (74) is formed on the housing cover (26), in which groove the seal (72) is inserted, and a plurality of clamping elements (76) are formed along the groove (74) to which the seal (72) is clamped.

11. The steering system (10) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that A collar (78) is formed on the housing cover (26), which collar protrudes in the axial direction toward the housing (18), and which collar protrudes axially beyond the seal (72), in particular axially overlaps the housing (18).

12. The steering system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The housing cover (26) has a receiving space (38) in which the at least one magnetic sensor (28) and the rotor (32) are accommodated, the receiving space (38) being closed on the side facing the gear shaft (20) by an intermediate cover (52), and an opening (59) is present in the intermediate cover (52) through which the rotor (32) is accessible.

13. The steering system (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that The rotor (32) is held on the sensor module (22) via the intermediate cover (52).

14. The steering system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The rotor (32) drives at least one gear (42, 44) to which a magnet (46) is fixed.

15. The steering system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The detection device (16) comprises a revolution counter.

16. The steering system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The magnetic sensor (28) and / or the revolution counter are designed as an integrated circuit on a circuit board (40).

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