Arrangement having magnetorheological transmission device and sensor device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (100) comprising a magnetorheological transmission device (10) with two rotating parts (2, 3) which can be moved relative to each other. An annular gap (4) with a magnetorheological medium (5) is formed between the rotating parts (2, 3). A coil device (6) is used to generate a controllable magnetic field in the gap (4). The sensor device (70) is used for acquiring position information and has two sensor units (7), including an active exciter-receiver unit (17) and a passive target unit (27). In this case, one sensor unit (7) is arranged on one rotating part (2, 3) and the other sensor unit (7) is arranged on the other rotating part (2, 3). The gap (4) extends at least in some sections between the sensor units (7).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a device with at least one magneto-rheological transmission, which has at least two rotary parts that can be moved relative to one another and at least one sensor device for acquiring position information. BACKGROUND

[0002] Such a device can be used in a variety of ways and, for example, as a steering pre-set device for pre-setting a steering movement according to a steer-by-wire concept or as a haptic operating button. In general, the device should be able to transmit a high torque and at the same time have a base torque that is as low as possible. Furthermore, it is often required that the device is constructed in a structurally uncomplicated manner and requires little structural space. The connection to the supply and control lines should likewise be as uncomplicated as possible and at the same time be reliably realizable.

[0003] The sensor device for acquiring position information and, for example, the angle of rotation of the rotary parts plays an important role for the targeted and rapid control of such a device. However, its structural installation often entails significant difficulties, since the available structural space is mostly very small. Furthermore, the magnetic field of the electrical coil device for influencing the magneto-rheological medium regularly interferes with such a sensor, which likewise generates or acquires a magnetic field. SUMMARY

[0004] It is therefore the task of the invention to provide an improved device for use, which particularly advantageously meets the requirements discussed previously and has a reliable and uncomplicated sensor device for acquiring position information.

[0005] This task is solved by a device with the features of claim 1. Preferred refinements of the invention are the object of the dependent claims. Further advantages and features of the invention result from the overview description and from the description of the embodiments.

[0006] The device according to the application comprises at least one magneto-rheological transmission device. The transmission device comprises at least two rotatable parts which are movable relative to one another. At least one annular gap is formed between the rotatable parts. In the gap, at least section-wise, a magneto-rheological medium is arranged. The device comprises at least one electric coil device for generating a controllable magnetic field in the gap. In particular, the magnetic field serves to influence the medium in order to adjust the rotational resistance of the rotatable parts. The device comprises at least one sensor device for acquiring position information of at least one of the rotatable parts. The sensor device has at least two sensor units, comprising an active exciter-receiver unit and a passive target unit. Here, one sensor unit, in particular the exciter-receiver unit, is arranged at one rotatable part, and the other sensor unit, in particular the target unit, is arranged and in particular fixed at the other rotatable part. Here, the gap extends at least section-wise between the sensor units. In particular, an electric and / or magnetic field proceeding from the sensor units has to pass through the gap.

[0007] The device according to the application offers a number of advantages. The special arrangement of the sensor units relative to the rotatable parts of the transmission device offers significant advantages, in that the gap extends between the sensor units. This makes a particularly compact and at the same time structurally uncomplicated integration of the sensor device into the transmission device possible. Overall, the requirements discussed previously can be implemented particularly advantageously with the application.

[0008] Preferably, at least one of the sensor units is arranged at least section-wise in the gap. At least one of the sensor units can project at least partly into the gap. At least one of the sensor units can at least section-wise limit the gap in the form of a wall. In particular, such an embodiment is provided for both sensor units.

[0009] It is preferred and advantageous if, at least section-wise between the sensor units, a magneto-rheological medium is arranged. In particular, an electric and / or magnetic field proceeding from the sensor units, which is transmitted for the purpose of acquisition of position information, has to pass through the medium. The applicant reserves the claim to protect a device according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that, at least section-wise between the sensor units, a magneto-rheological medium is arranged. This makes a particularly advantageous integration of the sensor device into the transmission device possible. It has surprisingly been shown that the magneto-rheological medium does not inappropriately influence the induction of eddy currents or fields between the sensor units.

[0010] It is likewise preferred and advantageous if at least one of the sensor units is at least partially sectionally surrounded by the medium (contactingly). It is likewise possible if both sensor units are at least partially sectionally surrounded by the medium (contactingly). In particular, the medium contacts at least the target unit. Surprisingly, the contact with the magnetorheological medium likewise does not cause an undesirable influence on the signal transmission between the sensor units.

[0011] In particular, the gap is not divided by a seal or the like into two gap regions, whereby one of the gap regions is the medium and the other gap region extends between the sensor units. In particular, the medium is not shielded by a seal of the sensor units arranged in the gap. This makes particularly small basic moments possible. Since such a seal undesirably increases the basic moment. Thus, the direct contact of at least one sensor unit with respect to the medium or the elimination of a seal makes a particularly easy rotatability of the rotary component possible. It is possible in principle and advantageous in certain design variants to provide a seal which keeps the medium away from the gap between the sensor units. A contactless and, for example, magnetically configured seal can be provided.

[0012] In particular, at least one of the sensor units is connected to the rotary component at which the respective sensor unit is arranged torsionally. In particular, both sensor units are connected to their subordinate rotary components torsionally. In particular, the sensor units are rotatably supported with respect to one another. In particular, the support is realized in that it is fixed to one of the rotary components accordingly.

[0013] The sensor units are preferably arranged at the axial end faces of their subordinate rotary components accordingly. In particular, the sensor units are arranged at facing end faces. In particular, the gap extends at least partially sectionally between the axial end faces of the rotary components.

[0014] In particular, at least one of the sensor units is arranged at a component structure of its subordinate rotary component which directly limits the gap. In particular, both sensor units are arranged accordingly. Such a component structure is, for example, the core described below and / or the cover unit described below.

[0015] It is preferred and advantageous if at least one of the sensor units is arranged at a component structure of its subordinate rotary component which is magnetically and / or electrically conductive. In particular, it is a component structure through which a controllable magnetic field flow of a coil device flows when the medium is influenced with the coil device. Such a component structure is, for example, the core and / or the ring unit or the like.

[0016] In an advantageous refinement, at least one of the sensor units is at least partially connected in one piece with the rotating component to which it is subordinate. The applicant reserves the right to claim a device according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the sensor units is at least partially connected in one piece with the rotating component to which it is subordinate. In particular, the target unit is at least partially, preferably in its rotor geometry, connected in one piece with the rotating components and preferably with the core thereof and / or with the cover unit.

[0017] In particular, the rotating components are arranged coaxially at least partially section-wise with one another. In particular, one rotating component is arranged radially inside and one rotating component is arranged radially outside. In particular, the gap extends circumferentially between the inside and outside rotating components. In particular, the gap also extends between the rotating components at least at one axial end face. In particular, the radially outside rotating component extends at least partially section-wise around the radially inside rotating component. In particular, the core of the radially inside rotating component is completely surrounded by the radially outside rotating component. In particular, one rotating component is fixedly configured. In particular, the other rotating component is rotatably supported (at the fixed rotating component) so that it can be rotated relative to the fixed rotating component. In particular, the supply line and / or the control line run through the fixed rotating component.

[0018] It is possible and advantageous for the sensor device to comprise at least one correction device or to be operatively connected with such a correction device. The correction device is in particular adapted and configured for performing a compensation method by means of at least one algorithm and preferably at least partially (automatically) compensating for an off-axis deviation and / or a tilt deviation.

[0019] Possible production and / or assembly inaccuracies which can result in the exciter-receiver unit and the target unit and / or the rotating components being arranged off-axis, that is to say eccentrically (so-called off-axis deviation), can be taken into account in the context of a compensation method by matching the measurement signals, for example current curves and / or voltage curves, acquired by the sensor device. Such a compensation method or offset compensation method is known per se. For example, the sensor device can automatically perform the compensation for the deviation. Such a sensor device is available on the market. On the other hand, a compensation of the measurement values in the evaluation logic independent of the sensor device is likewise conceivable and possible. Other deviations, for example a tilt of the exciter-receiver unit relative to the target unit (so-called tilt deviation), can also be balanced by a compensation method.

[0020] In particular, the radially outside rotating component has at least one cover unit. In particular, the cover unit axially covers the radially inside rotating component and in particular the core thereof at an end face. Preferably, the cover unit also axially closes the gap at an end face. The cover unit can have at least one (central) through-hole through which the other (inside) rotating component extends.

[0021] In an advantageous design, at least one of the sensor units is arranged at least partially at the cover unit and is preferably fixed there. This provides a structurally uncomplicated and in particular space-saving arrangement of the sensor units. The cover unit is in particular composed of a magnetically and / or electrically non-conductive material. However, the cover unit can also be magnetically and / or electrically conductive. A shielding component and / or at least one separation gap is preferably arranged between the cover unit and the target unit.

[0022] The radially outer rotary component has in particular a ring unit. In particular, the ring unit covers the radially inner rotary component. In particular, the ring unit provides at least one cylindrical receiving space for the radially inner rotary component. In particular, the receiving space is axially closed by the cover unit at an end face. In particular, the ring unit is magnetically and / or electrically conductive. In particular, the cover unit is fixed at the ring unit. It is possible for the cover unit and the ring unit to be connected to one another in one piece. In particular, the controllable magnetic field of the coil arrangement flows through the ring unit when the medium is influenced with the coil arrangement.

[0023] It is possible and advantageous for the radially inner rotary component to have a magnetically and / or electrically conductive core. In a particularly advantageous refinement, at least one of the sensor units is arranged at the core. In particular, the controllable magnetic field of the coil arrangement flows through the core when the medium is influenced with the coil arrangement. In particular, the gap extends annularly around the core and extends along the core at at least one axial end face. In particular, the sensor unit is arranged at the axial end face of the core. In particular, the end face faces the gap of the other rotary component and / or the cover unit.

[0024] The magnetically conductive component structure of the rotary components and in particular of the core and / or the ring unit can be equipped with a profile which projects into the gap. By means of the profile, a gap height which is variable in the peripheral direction is preferably achieved. The profile can be configured for example as a star profile or the like.

[0025] The target unit preferably has at least one (in relief) rotor geometry or is configured as such. In particular, the rotor geometry encodes relative and / or absolute position information. The encoding is in particular achieved by means of a defined distribution of zones with different inductive action onto the exciter-receiver unit and / or with different conductivity. In particular, the zones are distributed in the peripheral direction of the rotor geometry.

[0026] For example, zones which are arranged close to the exciter-receiver unit and / or have a higher conductivity can alternate with zones which are further away from the exciter-receiver unit and / or have a lower conductivity. The zones are in particular part of a relief structure. The zones can be configured or distributed symmetrically and / or asymmetrically. The asymmetry is in particular used to identify absolute position information.

[0027] For example, the rotor geometry is configured in the manner of a wing and / or in the manner of a star. In particular, the rotor geometry is arranged coaxially to the rotation axis of the sensor unit or of the rotating component. In particular, the rotor geometry is configured magnetically conductive and / or electrically conductive. In particular, the rotor geometry is composed of a metallic material.

[0028] The rotor geometry is preferably arranged in the gap. Preferably, the rotor geometry is completely covered by the medium. The explanations regarding the magnetorheological medium refer in particular to a filled and ready-to-use transmission device. In particular, the rotor geometry structure faces the gap and / or the exciter-receiver unit.

[0029] The rotor geometry preferably has at least one relief structure. This relief structure comprises in particular protrusions and recesses. The protrusions and recesses are arranged in particular in a defined distribution in the peripheral direction or in the prescribed direction of rotation. It is preferred and advantageous if the recesses are filled with medium or air. In particular, the relief structure is at least partially filled with medium. In particular, at least one protrusion and / or recess is distinguished from the other protrusions or recesses, so that at least one absolute position information can be encoded.

[0030] In a preferred and advantageous design, the rotor geometry is at least partially connected in one piece with the core or cover unit. In particular, the rotor geometry is machined into the core or cover unit. In particular, the rotor geometry is configured in one piece with the core or cover unit material. In particular, the rotor geometry is an integral part of the core or cover unit. For example, the rotor geometry is configured at the axial end face of the core. Preferably, the one-piece connection at least comprises the relief structure of the rotor geometry.

[0031] In particular, the rotor geometry is produced by material removal (Materialabtragung) from one of the rotating components and preferably from the material of the core or cover unit. The rotor geometry can likewise be produced by material addition (Materialauftragung), for example by means of an additive manufacturing process. The rotor geometry can likewise be shaped together with its subordinate rotating component, for example by means of a casting process.

[0032] It is possible and advantageous if the rotor geometry has at least one separation gap in order to counteract the propagation of the induction eddy currents into the core. In particular, the at least one separation gap is arranged at the axial side of the rotor geometry facing the core. In particular, the separation gap is configured annularly. In particular, the separation gap can also be referred to as an annular groove or undercut. The separation gap is preferably at least partially filled with a medium. The separation gap can however also be filled with air or a shielding medium. In particular, the separation gap is connected to the gap or is part of the gap. The separation gap is preferred when the rotor geometry is configured in one piece with the core or another conductive component structure. However, a separation gap can also be provided when the rotor geometry is fixed as a separate component.

[0033] In particular, the separation gap is wider than the part of the rotor geometry which is separated by the separation gap. At least two or more separation gaps can also be provided. For example, each protrusion can be at least partially equipped with a separation gap. It is possible for the protrusion to be narrower at its axial side facing the core than at its axial side facing the exciter-receiver unit.

[0034] In an advantageous design variant, it is provided that the target unit is fixed at the cover unit or at the core (as a separate component). Preferably, a magnetically and / or electrically non-conductive shielding part is arranged between the rotor geometry and the core or between the rotor geometry and the cover unit. This makes a simple and reliable assembly of the rotor geometry possible and at the same time prevents uncontrolled propagation of the induction eddy currents. For example, the shielding part is configured as a disc composed of a non-conductive material.

[0035] When the rotor geometry is arranged at the cover unit, it is preferably arranged at the inner side of the cover unit facing the gap. It is also possible for the rotor geometry to be arranged at the outer side of the cover unit facing away from the gap. The cover unit can then be permeable in particular to the fields transmitted between the sensor units.

[0036] It is preferred and advantageous if the exciter-receiver unit is arranged at such a rotating component at which the electrical coil device is also arranged. This makes a common line routing possible. In particular, the exciter-receiver unit and / or the electrical coil device is arranged at a fixed rotating component. In particular, the target unit is arranged at such a rotating component at which no electrical coil device is arranged. In particular, the target unit is arranged at a rotatable rotating component.

[0037] In particular, the exciter-receiver unit has at least one exciter coil (primary coil) and at least one receiver coil (secondary coil). In particular, the exciter coil is configured to induce eddy currents in the target unit. In particular, by means of the eddy currents induced in the target unit a magnetic and / or electric field can be induced in the receiver coil. In particular, the field is dependent on the rotational position (angular position) of the target unit (relative to the exciter-receiver unit). In particular, the field induced in the receiver coil provides information about the position of the target unit and the rotational component coupled thereto, either absolutely or relative to the exciter-receiver unit.

[0038] The exciter coil and the receiver coil are preferably at least partially in a common plane. In particular, the exciter coil and the receiver coil are arranged on a common wiring board, for example a circuit board. In particular, the exciter coil and the receiver coil are connected torsionally rigidly. In particular, the exciter coil and the receiver coil are arranged coaxially.

[0039] It is possible for the exciter-receiver unit portion to be connected in one piece with its rotational component. For example, at least one coil carrier for the exciter coil and / or the receiver coil is machined into the rotational component.

[0040] It is particularly preferred and advantageous in all design variants for the magnetorheological medium to be configured as a powder. In particular, the powder is contained in a gas and preferably in air.

[0041] In particular, the magnetorheological medium comprises magnetically responsive (magnetizable) particles and a gas as a filler medium. In particular, the magnetically responsive particles are contained in air. In particular, the magnetorheological medium is configured as a powder. With such a magnetorheological medium, the application presented here makes it possible to achieve particularly low base torques. Alternatively, it is conceivable and possible for the magnetorheological medium to comprise magnetizable particles and a carrier fluid, for example oil, water or alcohol.

[0042] It is particularly preferred for the magnetizable particles to consist (correspondingly) predominantly of carbonyl iron powder or a derivative thereof. Other magnetically responsive particles are likewise possible. The magnetizable particles can have a coating for protection against wear and / or corrosion and / or additional components in order to make the magnetically responsive particles more durable, more wear-resistant and / or more smooth in operation. The magnetorheological medium may, for example, comprise a graphite additive.

[0043] Especially, one rotary component (especially an inner rotary component) penetrates another rotary component (especially an outer rotary component) at an axial side. It is possible that one (inner) rotary component penetrates another (outer) rotary component at two opposite axial sides. In other words, one (inner) rotary component protrudes in axial direction on one side or on both sides beyond another (outer) rotary component. Thereby, the transmission device can be joined between the two components in axial direction and for example acts as a coupling. The components can for example be a steering preset device and an electric machine. The device can comprise such components.

[0044] Especially, at least one shaft seal, for example at least one O-ring, is arranged in the region of at least one penetration between the rotary components. The shaft seal serves especially for sealing the working gap in order to prevent an escape of the magnetorheological medium.

[0045] It is possible that the sensor device can be arranged at such an axial side at which at least one penetration is arranged. Especially, then at least one sensor unit is penetrated by the rotary components as well. Especially, a sensor unit arranged at a rotary component which is penetrated by another rotary component is penetrated by the rotary components as well. In an advantageous design, the sensor unit is then equipped with a (central) through-hole. Especially, the sensor unit is configured in a circular ring shape. Especially, at least one shaft seal is arranged between the penetrated sensor unit and another sensor unit. The sensor device can also be arranged at such an axial side at which no penetration is arranged.

[0046] One rotary component (especially an inner rotary component) can comprise a shaft. Especially, another rotary component (especially an outer rotary component) is supported at the shaft, thereby providing a relative rotatability. The shaft can have at least one (central) supply channel in which a supply line for energy and / or signal transmission can be arranged. The supply channel can for example be configured as a bore (bushing or through-hole). The shaft can be configured as a hollow shaft.

[0047] Especially, the exciter-receiver unit induces eddy currents in the target unit. Especially, the eddy currents in turn induce a magnetic and / or electric field in the exciter-receiver unit. Especially, the field induced in the exciter-receiver unit depends on the position of the target unit relative to the exciter-receiver unit. Especially, the field induced in the exciter-receiver unit provides absolute and / or relative position information about the position of the target unit. Since the target unit is preferably arranged (torsionally) at one of the rotary components, position information for at least one of the rotary components can also be determined. The sensor device is especially an inductive rotary encoder. Especially, the sensor device is not a Hall sensor.

[0048] The position information can be relative or absolute. The position information can describe the position of one rotating component relative to another rotating component. The position information can also describe the absolute position of at least one rotating component. It is likewise possible for the position information to describe the direction of rotation and / or the speed and / or the acceleration and / or other movement information.

[0049] At the locations at which the gap extends between the sensor units, it extends (relative to its main plane) in particular transversely to the axis of rotation of the rotating component and / or perpendicularly to the axis of rotation of the sensor units (or in the radial direction).

[0050] The sensor units are in particular arranged next to one another (however spaced apart). In particular, the spacing is at least the width of the gap between the sensor units. In particular, the spacing between the sensor units is no more than ten times and preferably no more than five times the width of the gap extending between the sensor units. In particular, the sensor units are spaced apart from one another at least by the gap and also by the medium and, if necessary, by at least one shielding component.

[0051] In particular, the sensor units are arranged axially one after the other. In particular, the rotating component and the axes of rotation of the sensor units are identical. In particular, the sensor units and the rotating component are arranged coaxially with one another. In particular, the sensor units are at least partially sectionally radially inside the rotating component. In particular, the rotor geometry is arranged radially inside the rotating component. In particular, the rotating component which is outside also encloses at least one of the sensor units in the axial direction.

[0052] In particular, the force transmission or the torque transmission can be changed purposefully using the transmission device. In particular, the force transmission or the torque transmission between the rotating components can be adjusted by means of the coil device and its magnetic field in the gap (also referred to as the effective gap). In particular, a change in the movement resistance (braking effect) for the rotatability of the rotating components also results therefrom. The transmission device can be used as a coupling device or as a braking device. The rotating components then in particular act as coupling components or braking components and can be referred to as such. The torque can also be referred to as braking torque or coupling torque.

[0053] The device can be configured as a steering predefinition device for predetermining a steering movement in accordance with a steer-by-wire concept or for adjusting an operating state by means of a rotational movement and / or a linear movement which is converted into a rotational movement. The transmission device can be used as a braking device and / or in the sense of a coupling.

[0054] In the context of the present application, non-magnetically conductive materials are in particular understood to be materials with a magnetic permeability of less than ten and in particular less than two and for example one or less than one. Magnetically conductive is in this context in particular understood to be a material with a magnetic permeability of more than ten and preferably a ferromagnetic material. Here, the magnetic conductivity is the "relative magnetic permeability", which is also referred to simply as "magnetic permeability". BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0055] Further advantages and features of the present application result from the embodiments explained below with reference to the drawings.

[0056] wherein: Figure 1 a purely schematic representation of a device according to the application is shown in a perspective view; Figure 2 a device according to the application is shown in a sectional side view; Figure 1 Figure 3 a device according to the application is shown in a view along the section plane A-A of Figure 2 Figure 4 a device according to the application is shown in a view along the section plane B-B of Figure 2 Figure 5 a purely schematic representation of a device according to the application is shown in a sectional side view; Figure 6 a further purely schematic representation of a device according to the application is shown in a sectional side view; and Figure 7 a purely schematic representation of a device according to the application is shown in a sectional side view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] Figure 1 A device 100 according to the application is shown with a magneto-rheological transmission 1 with two rotary components 2, 3 and a sensor device 70, not visible here, for acquiring position information of the rotary components 2, 3. The dimensions or proportions are drawn here and in the other figures purely schematically and in particular not to scale for reasons of visibility.

[0058] The device 100 is here for example an operating device. For this purpose, the radially outer rotary component 3 is for example configured as a rotary button (or thumb wheel). The rotary button can also be coupled with the radially inner rotary component 2. When the rotary button is rotated to adjust the operating state, the transmission 1 generates for example a haptic feedback.

[0059] The device 100 can however for example also be configured as a steering preset device according to the principle of steer-by-wire. The transmission 1 can then for example be an actuator as a steering unit of a vehicle or in a steering wheel of a game controller.

[0060] Figure 2 ​​​The internal structure of the device 100 is shown exemplarily. Between the rotating parts 2, 3 a gap 4 is constructed, in which a magnetorheological medium 5 is arranged. In order to seal the gap 4 to the outside a seal 15 is provided. A magnetic field is generated via a coil arrangement 6 which is fixed at the rotating part 3 on the outside. This magnetic field influences the medium 5, whereby the movability of the rotating parts 2, 3 is loaded with a targeted torque.

[0061] The inner rotating part 2 comprises a magnetically permeable core 22 which is here connected in one piece with a shaft 32. The shaft 32 is rotatably supported at the radially outer rotating part 3 by means of a bearing 52. The radially outer rotating part 3 is here constructed fixedly, whereas the radially inner rotating part 2 is rotatable. The rotating part 3 is for example fixed at a not shown carrying structure.

[0062] The radially outer rotating part 3 comprises a magnetically permeable ring-shaped element 33, in which the coil arrangement 6 is accommodated. The ring-shaped element 33 is cylindrical and stepwise constructed at its radially inner side, whereby the core 22 can be rotatably accommodated therein. At the ring-shaped element 33 an end plate 43 is fixed at one axial end face and a cover element 23 at the other axial end face.

[0063] The core 22 and the ring-shaped element 33 are here stepwise constructed, whereby for the gap 4 two gap sections 14, 24 with different diameters result. When the coil arrangement 6 is activated, its magnetic field extends through the core 22 and the ring-shaped element 33 and through the gap 4 and the medium 5 arranged therein, whereby a closed magnetic circuit results (here drawn in dashed lines).

[0064] The core 22 is here equipped with a ring-shaped profile. Thereby in the peripheral direction different gap heights result, which can be well recognized in Figure 4 The core 22 is here equipped with a ring-shaped profile. Thereby in the peripheral direction different gap heights result, which can be well recognized in

[0065] The sensor arrangement 70 is shown in more detail in Figure 2 and 3 and is equipped as an inductive rotary encoder with two sensor units 7. One sensor unit 7 is an active exciter-receiver unit 17 with an exciter coil 47 and a receiver coil 57. The exciter coil 47 and the receiver coil 57 are here arranged in one plane and fixed on a connection plate 67 and for example a circuit board. The exciter-receiver unit 17 is here arranged on the axial end face of the cover element 23 which faces away from the gap 4.

[0066] Another sensor unit 7 is a passive target unit 27 with a conductive rotor geometry 270. As is well recognized in the art Figure 3 The rotor geometry 270 has a relief structure 271 with protrusions 272 and recesses 273. The rotor geometry 270 is here purely exemplarily configured in the shape of a wing, wherein the protrusions 272 can be said to correspond to the wing. The protrusions 272 are here configured or distributed asymmetrically. Thereby, the rotor geometry 270 can here encode absolute position information.

[0067] In operation of the sensor device 70, eddy currents are induced in the target unit 27 by the exciter coil 47. The exciter coil 47 is loaded, for example, with a frequency of between 2 and 5 MHz. The eddy currents of the target unit 27 in turn induce a magnetic field in the receiver coil 57, whereby the receiver coil 57 provides a current profile or a voltage profile. From these signals, position information and, for example, angular position of the target unit 27 is determined. The shape of the signals is here determined by the rotor geometry 270. In the example shown here, the sensor units 7 are spaced from one another by a few millimeters to less than 1 mm.

[0068] The invention presented here provides a particularly compactly integrated sensor device 70, which at the same time makes very precise and repeatable acquisition of position information possible. To this end, the target unit 27 is here fixed against rotation at the core 22. The target unit 27 is at an axial end face of the core 22. Here, the target unit 27 extends with its rotor geometry 270 into the gap 4. In the region of the target unit 27, the gap 4 extends in the radial direction or transverse to the rotational axis of the rotating component relative to its main plane. In other words, there is here a radially extending gap section 34 in the region of the sensor unit 7. In the gap section 34, the gap 4 is thus limited by the target unit 27 in the sense of a wall. On the opposite side, the gap 4 is limited by the cover unit 23.

[0069] It is generally known for inductive rotary encoders that electrically conductive material in the immediate vicinity of the target unit 27 or material that is electrically conductively connected to the rotor can significantly distort the acquired signals. Here, the electrically conductive material between the exciter-receiver unit 17 and the target unit 27 is considered to be particularly critical.

[0070] It was surprisingly shown in the context of tests that a medium 5 that is very well magnetically conductive (but less electrically conductive) does not negatively influence the functioning of the sensor device 70 when it is in the gap 4 between the sensor units 7. This insight is clearly contrary to the expectation that the medium 5 should severely distort the measurement or even make it impossible.

[0071] The gap 4 is thus filled with the medium 5 in such a way that the medium 5 is also present between the sensor units 7. The eddy currents or fields interacting between the sensor units 7 thus have to pass through the gap 4 and the magnetorheological medium 5 present therein. The base torque is thus cancelled by the undesirably increased sealing of the friction between the rotating parts 2, 3. The integration of the sensor units 7 is thus further improved without having to accept a loss in sensor quality.

[0072] In order to decouple the rotor geometry 270 with respect to the induced eddy currents from the core 22, a shielding part 37 is provided here. This shielding part is composed of an electrically and / or magnetically non-conductive material here and extends between the rotor geometry 270 and the core 22.

[0073] The cover unit 23 is made of a material that is permeable to the fields or eddy currents here and is, for example, plastic. The arrangement of the exciter-receiver unit 17 on the outer side of the cover unit 23 facing away from the target unit 27 thus does not cause signal disturbances.

[0074] The sensor device 70 can be equipped with a correction device here, which carries out a compensation method and can, for example, compensate for off-axis deviations and / or tilt deviations.

[0075] A design variant of the previously described device 100 is shown in Figure 5 in which the target unit 27 is connected in one piece (material in one piece) with the radially inner rotating part 2. For this purpose, the rotor geometry 270 is machined directly here and, for example, milled into the material of the core 22.

[0076] In order to counteract the propagation of the induced eddy currents in the core 22, the rotor geometry 270 is equipped with an annular separation slit 274 here. The medium 5 is also present in the separation slit 274. Alternatively or additionally, air or a shielding material can be arranged in the separation slit 274.

[0077] Figure 6 A design variant of the device 100 is shown in which the radially inner rotating part 2 is fixedly configured. For this purpose, the inner rotating part 2 has an axle (Achse) 42 here, which is connected in one piece, for example, with the core 22. The axle 42 is fixed at a suitable bearing structure. The radially outer rotating part 3 is rotatably supported at the axle 42 via a bearing 52.

[0078] The coil device 6 and the exciter-receiver unit 17 are arranged here at the inner rotating part 2. For the supply lines thereof, the axle 42 is equipped with a supply channel 16. The supply channel 16 has a channel arm 26, which extends through the core 22 to the coil device 6 or to the exciter-receiver unit 17.

[0079] The exciter-receiver unit 17 is placed into the core 22 at the axial end face. The exciter coil 47, the receiver coil 57, and the terminal block 67 are covered by a cover plate 77 with a relative gap 4. The cover plate 77 is made of, for example, plastic or other materials suitable for electromagnetic interaction. This eliminates the need for additional shielding between the rotor geometry 270 and the cover unit 23.

[0080] The target unit 27 is located here at the cover unit 23 of the radially outer rotating component 3. For example, the target unit 27 and its rotor geometry 270 are made of metal, while the cover unit 23 is made of plastic.

[0081] In the design shown here, the target unit 27 and its rotor geometry 270 are directly in contact with the gap 4 and the medium 5 therein. Electromagnetic interaction between the sensor units 7 must pass through the cover plate 77, the gap 4, and the medium 5 therein.

[0082] exist Figure 7 A reference is shown in the middle. Figure 5 A variation of the described device 100, wherein the internal rotating member 2 penetrates the external rotating member 3 at two axial sides. The penetration is here configured as a through hole in the cover unit 23.

[0083] An O-ring or other suitable shaft seal 25 is arranged between the shaft 32 and the cover unit 23. The shaft 32 is here constructed as a hollow shaft 32a. The actuator-receiver unit 17 is here constructed in annular shape and has a central hole through which the shaft 32 extends. The target unit 27 is here constructed as a single piece with the shaft 32. However, it is also possible that the target unit 27 is a separate component (e.g., in...). Figure 2 Or as shown in 6).

[0084] This variant can be particularly advantageously arranged between two components in the axial direction, such as, for example, a steering preset device and a force feedback actuator motor. The placement of the sensor device 70 in the device 100 preferably eliminates the need for additional sensing devices at other locations in such an arrangement.

[0085] List of reference numerals 1. Transfer equipment 2 Rotating parts 3 Rotating parts 4 gaps 5. Medium 6. Coil Equipment 7 Sensor Units 14. Gap Section 15. Seals 16 Supply Channels 17 exciter-receiver unit 22 core 23 cover unit 24 gap section 25 shaft seal 26 channel arm 27 target unit 32 shaft 32a hollow shaft 33 ring unit 34 gap section 37 shield member 42 axle 43 end plate 47 exciter coil 52 bearing 57 receiver coil 62 star profile 67 terminal board 70 sensor device 77 cover plate 100 apparatus 270 rotor geometry 271 relief structure 272 protrusion 273 recess 274 separation slit

Claims

1. An apparatus (100) comprising at least one magnetorheological transmission device (1) with two rotating parts (2, 3) which can be moved relative to each other, wherein Between the rotary components (2, 3) there is constructed at least one annular gap (4), and wherein in the gap (4) there is arranged a magnetorheological medium (5), and comprising at least one electric coil device (6) for generating a controllable magnetic field in the gap (4), and comprising at least one sensor device (70) for acquiring position information of at least one of the rotary components (2, 3), wherein the sensor device (70) has two sensor units (7), comprising an active exciter-receiver unit (17) and a passive target unit (27), characterized in that one sensor unit (7) is arranged at one rotary component (2, 3) and the other sensor unit (7) is arranged at the other rotary component (2, 3), and the gap (4) extends at least sectionally between the sensor units (7).

2. The apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein At least one of the sensor units (7) is arranged at least sectionally in the gap (4).

3. The device (100) according to any of the preceding claims or according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein Between the sensor units (7) there is arranged at least sectionally the medium (5), so that an electric or magnetic field proceeding from the sensor units (7) has to pass through the medium (5).

4. The apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least one of the sensor units (7) is at least sectionally surrounded by the medium (5).

5. The apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least one of the sensor units (7) is connected torsionally with the rotary component (2, 3) at which the respective sensor unit (7) is arranged.

6. The apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The sensor units (7) are arranged accordingly at the axial end faces of the rotary components (2, 3) to which they belong.

7. The apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least one of the sensor units (7) is arranged at a component structure of the rotary component (2, 3) to which it belongs, which directly limits the gap (4).

8. The apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least one of the sensor units (7) is arranged at a component structure of the rotary component (2, 3) to which it belongs, which is magnetically and / or electrically conductive and through which the controllable magnetic field of the coil device (6) flows when the medium (5) is influenced purposefully by the coil device (6).

9. The device (100) according to any of the preceding claims or according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein At least one of the sensor units (7) is at least sectionally connected in one piece with the rotary component (2, 3) to which it belongs.

10. The apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The rotary components (2, 3) are arranged at least sectionally coaxially with one another, and wherein a radially outer rotary component (2, 3) has a cover unit (23) which axially covers a radially inner rotary component (2, 3) at an end face, and wherein at least one of the sensor units (7) is arranged at least partially at the cover unit (23).

11. The apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The rotary components (2, 3) are arranged at least sectionally coaxially with one another, and wherein a radially inner rotary component (2, 3) has a magnetically and / or electrically conductive core (22), and wherein one of the sensor units (7) is arranged at the core (22).

12. The apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The target unit (27) has at least one rotor geometry (270) or is configured such that, and wherein the rotor geometry (270) encodes relative and / or absolute position information.

13. The apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein The rotor geometry (270) is arranged in the gap (4) and is preferably completely covered by the medium (5).

14. The apparatus (100) according to any of the two preceding claims, wherein The rotor geometry (270) has at least one relief structure (271) with defined distribution of protrusions (272) and recesses (273) in the peripheral direction, and wherein the recesses (273) are filled with the medium (5) or air.

15. The apparatus (100) according to any of the three preceding claims and claim 10 or 11, wherein, The rotor geometry (270) is connected in one piece with the core (22) or the cover unit (23).

16. The apparatus (100) according to any of the four preceding claims and claim 10 or 11, wherein The rotor geometry (270) is produced by material removal from one of the rotating parts (2, 3) and preferably from the core (22) or the cover unit (23).

17. The apparatus (100) according to any one of the five preceding claims and claim 11, wherein, The rotor geometry (270) has at least one separation slit (274) at its axial side facing the core (22) to facilitate the propagation of induced eddy currents into the core (22).

18. The apparatus (100) according to any of the six preceding claims and claim 10 or 11, wherein The target unit (27) is fixed as a separate component at the core (22) or at the cover unit (23), and wherein between the rotor geometry (270) and the core (22) or between the rotor geometry (270) and the cover unit (23) a magnetically and / or electrically non-conductive shielding part (37) is arranged.

19. The apparatus (100) according to any one of the seven preceding claims and claim 10, wherein The rotor geometry (270) is arranged at the inner side of the cover unit (23) facing the gap (4) or at the outer side facing away from the gap (4).

20. The apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The exciter-receiver unit (17) is arranged at such a rotating part (2, 3) at which also the electric coil device (6) is arranged.

21. The apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The exciter-receiver unit (17) comprises an exciter coil (47) and a receiver coil (57), and wherein the exciter coil (47) is used for inducing eddy currents in the target unit (27), and wherein by means of the eddy currents induced in the target unit (27) a field can be induced in the receiver coil (57), which field depends on the rotational position of the target unit (27) relative to the exciter-receiver unit (17).

22. The apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein The exciter coil (47) and the receiver coil (57) are at least partially in a common plane and are preferably arranged on a common terminal plate (67).

23. The apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The magnetorheological medium (5) is configured as a powder.

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