TORQUE SENSOR DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING A TORQUE SENSOR DEVICE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a torque sensor device for detecting a torque applied to a shaft, in particular for detecting a torque applied to a steering shaft of a motor vehicle, wherein the torque sensor device comprises a magnet arrangement, a stator arrangement, a flux conductor arrangement and a magnetic sensor arrangement with at least one magnetic sensor, wherein the magnet arrangement is configured to generate at least one magnetic field, wherein the flux conductor arrangement comprises at least one first flux conductor and one second flux conductor and the first flux conductor and the second flux conductor each have at least one transmission surface, wherein the at least one transmission surface of the first flux conductor and the at least one transmission surface of the second flux conductor are positioned opposite each other such that they form an axial gap between them.in which at least one magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement can be arranged, wherein the magnet arrangement and the stator arrangement can be moved relative to each other in the circumferential direction about a central axis of the torque sensor device by applying a torque such that a magnetic flux can be generated in the stator arrangement by a relative movement between the magnet arrangement and the stator arrangement in the circumferential direction.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for at least partially assembling such a torque sensor device.

[0003] Torque sensor devices of this type, in particular for steering shafts of motor vehicles, are generally known from the prior art, for example from DE 10 2017 116 454 A1, US 2005 / 223820 A1, DE 10 2013 006 379 A1 or EP 1 269 133 B1.

[0004] Such torque sensor devices are used, for example, in electric steering systems to control the electric drive motor of the steering system based on a steering torque applied by a driver, for example to provide appropriate steering assistance.

[0005] Typically, torque sensor devices are used in conjunction with an axially split shaft and a torsion bar with a defined, known torsional stiffness, wherein the torsion bar connects a first part of the axially split shaft with a second part of the axially split shaft.

[0006] When a torque is applied to the shaft, this causes the two parts of the shaft to rotate relative to each other by a measurable angle of rotation, whereby the angle of rotation depends on the applied torque and the stiffness of the torsion bar, so that the applied torque can be determined from the measured angle of rotation with a defined, known stiffness of the torsion bar.

[0007] Various measuring principles and sensor arrangements are known for measuring the angle of rotation resulting from an applied torque, with magnetic sensor devices or systems being very frequently used in which a magnet arrangement with at least one magnetic element, usually with a rotating ring magnet designed as a permanent magnet, is rotationally fixed to the first part of the steering shaft, and a stator arrangement with one or more magnetically conductive stators is rotationally fixed to the second part of the shaft, wherein the stator arrangement is generally arranged concentrically around the magnet arrangement, in particular the magnetic element, in a radial direction with a small air gap between them.The magnetic flux of a magnetic field generated by the magnet arrangement can be directed to and evaluated via the stator arrangement, which usually comprises two separate stators, each with an annular disk-shaped area, to a magnetic sensor arrangement with at least one magnetic sensor, for example a Hall sensor.

[0008] If the magnet assembly, which is fixedly connected to the first part of the shaft, and in particular its magnetic element, is moved by a rotational movement of the shaft relative to the stator assembly connected to the second part of the shaft, the magnetic flux density in the stator assembly, and especially in the individual stators, changes. This change can be detected by the magnetic sensor assembly. The change in magnetic flux density in the stator assembly depends, among other things, on the magnitude of the relative movement of the magnet assembly, and in particular the respective magnetic elements, with respect to the stator assembly, and especially with respect to the individual stators—that is, on the angle of rotation. Thus, the angle of rotation can be deduced from the change in the detected flux density, and from the angle of rotation, and with knowledge of the torsional stiffness of the torsion bar, the torque applied to the shaft can be determined.

[0009] The superposition of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic arrangement of the torque sensor device with another magnetic field that represents a magnetic interference field for the magnetic field of the sensor device, for example, a magnetic field of another sensor device or a magnetic field present in the vicinity of the torque sensor device, for example, a magnetic field of a nearby electrical machine, such as the magnetic field of an electric motor or generator, or of high-current lines, can lead to an undesirable influence on the flux transmitted to the magnetic sensor device, in particular to a change in the transmitted flux density caused by the additional magnetic field, which leads to an incorrect, but plausible and therefore not recognized as faulty sensor signal and consequently to an incorrect torque value.

[0010] Various measures are known from the prior art to reduce the susceptibility to interference of the aforementioned generic torque sensor devices.

[0011] From WO 2020 / 174170 A1 and WO 2020 / 174171 A1, for example, position sensors are known, in particular for detecting the torsion of a steering column, with which a reduction of magnetic interference is to be achieved by a special design of the flux conductors, wherein the described position sensors each comprise a rotor structure, a stator structure and a collector structure, wherein the collector structure has two flux conductors that define at least one air gap in which at least one magnetically sensitive element is arranged, wherein the flux conductors and the air gap between them define a magnetic permeance, independent of the relative radial and angular position of the stator structure with respect to the collector structure, and wherein the flux conductors each comprise an angular collector sector and each flux conductor has at least one primary collecting zone which is continued by at least one extension.which has at least one secondary collecting zone, wherein the secondary collecting zones terminate in flat extensions or pole shoes that form the two poles of the air gap, and a transverse median plane of the air gap intersects at least one of the extensions.

[0012] From EP 20192858.7, which was not yet published at the time of filing, a torque sensor device for detecting a torque applied to a shaft is also known, comprising a magnet arrangement, a stator arrangement, and a flux conductor arrangement, wherein the flux conductor arrangement has a first flux conductor and a second flux conductor, and the first flux conductor and the second flux conductor each have a first collecting surface and at least one transmission surface, wherein the second flux conductor further comprises a second collecting surface magnetically coupled to the at least one transmission surface of the second flux conductor, wherein the first flux conductor and the second flux conductor are each configured and arranged relative to each other such that, when the torque sensor device is surrounded by an interfering magnetic field,a first interference flux component, at least partially focused in the first collecting surface of the first flux conductor and transmitted to the magnetic sensor via at least one transmission surface of the first flux conductor, and a second interference flux component of the second magnetic flux, at least partially focused in the second collecting surface of the second flux conductor and transmitted to the magnetic sensor via at least one transmission surface of the second flux conductor, at least partially cancel out.

[0013] To achieve high sensor accuracy, damage to individual components should be avoided during the assembly of a torque sensor device, especially damage to the flux conductors, such as bending or similar issues. Furthermore, achieving high sensor accuracy is advantageous if precise positioning and alignment of the individual components, particularly the flux conductors relative to each other and to the magnetic sensor, can be reliably achieved during assembly. This generally makes the assembly of the aforementioned torque sensor devices complex and cumbersome. In particular, the assembly of torque sensor devices with flux conductors featuring additional collecting surfaces, as described, for example, in WO 2020 / 174170 A1 and WO 2020 / 174171 A1, as well as EP 20192858.7, is often challenging.

[0014] For the simple assembly of a generic torque sensor device, DE 10 2005 018 286 A1 proposes to first pre-assemble the flux conductor and the magnetic field sensor on a common holder and then to assemble the pre-assembled unit with the other components, in particular with the stator holder, the stator elements and the multipole magnetic ring.

[0015] From DE 10 2016 124 370 A1, a sensor device for a rotatable shaft, in particular for a steering shaft of a motor vehicle, is also known, as well as a corresponding method for assembling such a sensor device, wherein the sensor device comprises a torque sensor device for detecting a torque applied to the shaft and a steering angle sensor device for detecting an angle of rotation of the shaft, wherein the torque sensor device comprises at least one magnetic device for generating a magnetic field and at least one first magnetic sensor for generating a sensor signal as a function of a torque applied to the shaft, wherein the steering angle sensor device comprises at least one rotor that can be connected to the shaft in a rotationally fixed manner and an angle sensor device for generating at least one sensor signal as a function of an angle of rotation of the rotor, and wherein the sensor device comprises at least one,comprising a pre-assembled assembly for a sensor module, and wherein at least the first magnetic sensor of the torque sensor device and the angle sensor device of the steering angle sensor device are part of the pre-assembled assembly for the sensor module.

[0016] Against this background, it is an object of the invention to provide an alternative torque sensor device, in particular a torque sensor device that is easier to mount and has a reduced influence on a torque value to be determined from at least one external magnetic interference field present in the vicinity of the torque sensor device.

[0017] Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative method for the at least partial assembly of a torque sensor device, in particular a particularly simple method which nevertheless enables precise assembly or precise mounting of a torque sensor device, and with which, above all, torque sensor devices can be mounted precisely and easily, with which, due to additional collecting surfaces, a disturbance influence of a surrounding magnetic field can be reduced.

[0018] These problems are solved by a torque sensor device according to the invention and by a method according to the invention with the features according to the respective independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims, the description, and the figures and are explained in more detail below.

[0019] A torque sensor device according to the invention is designed for detecting a torque applied to a shaft, in particular for detecting a torque applied to a steering shaft of a motor vehicle, and comprises a magnet arrangement, a stator arrangement, a flux conductor arrangement, and a magnetic sensor arrangement with at least one magnetic sensor. The magnet arrangement is designed to generate at least one magnetic field, and the flux conductor arrangement comprises at least one first flux conductor and one second flux conductor, wherein the first flux conductor and the second flux conductor each have at least one transmission surface, and the at least one transmission surface of the first flux conductor and the at least one transmission surface of the second flux conductor are positioned opposite each other such that they form an axial gap between them, in which at least one magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement can be arranged.In a functional state of use of the torque sensor device, in particular in a state of the torque sensor device mounted on a shaft, the magnet arrangement and the stator arrangement can be moved relative to each other in a circumferential direction around a central axis of the torque sensor device by applying a torque such that a magnetic flux can be generated in the stator arrangement by a relative movement between the magnet arrangement and the stator arrangement in a circumferential direction.

[0020] A torque sensor device according to the present invention comprises several assemblies, including at least a first assembly with a first housing part and a second assembly with a second housing part, wherein a torque sensor device according to the invention is characterized in that the first pre-assembled assembly comprises at least the first housing part, the stator arrangement and at least one magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement, the second pre-assembled assembly comprises at least the second housing part, the first flux conductor and the second flux conductor, and the second housing part is slidable or pluggable onto the first housing part and / or is at least partially slidable or pluggable into one another with the first housing part.wherein, during sliding or plugging on and / or at least partially sliding or plugging into one another, at least one magnetic sensor can be inserted into the gap between the transmission surfaces of the first flux conductor and the second flux conductor in such a way that, in a functionally assembled state of the torque sensor device, in which at least the first pre-assembled module and the second pre-assembled module are functionally assembled, a magnetic flux generated in the stator arrangement can be detected by means of the magnetic sensor.

[0021] A torque sensor device according to the invention can be mounted particularly easily and with a low risk of damage to the flux conductors. With a suitable design of the flux conductors, it can also be used with flux conductors that allow at least partial compensation of an interference flux. Furthermore, a precise arrangement of the flux conductor assembly relative to the magnetic sensor assembly can be achieved particularly easily. Positioning and alignment of the flux conductor assembly relative to the magnetic sensor assembly can be achieved particularly easily and advantageously via the first housing part, which is part of the first pre-assembled module, and via the second housing part, which is part of the second pre-assembled module.

[0022] In particular, the pre-assembly of the magnetic sensor arrangement together with the first housing part, the stator arrangement to form a first pre-assembled module, but separately and independently of the flux conductor arrangement, which is pre-assembled with the second housing part to form a second module according to a method according to the invention, enables, provided that the flux conductor arrangement is appropriately designed, especially in the case of a flux conductor arrangement with flux conductors as known, for example, from WO 2020 / 174170 A1, WO 2020 / 174171 A1 or EP 20192858.7, and especially also in the case of flux conductors with an additional collecting surface, in particular with two collecting surfaces each, as known from EP 20192858.7, simple and precise assembly of the torque sensor device, and this also particularly with a low risk of damage to the flux conductor arrangement.

[0023] Pre-assembling the two flow guides or the flow guide assembly with the second housing part effectively reduces the risk of damage to the flow guides or the flow guide assembly, for example, from bending during assembly. This reduction is particularly significant the more the flow guides or the flow guide assembly are enclosed or surrounded by the second housing part after pre-assembly.

[0024] Torque sensor devices of the generic type for detecting a torque applied to a shaft, in particular for detecting a torque applied to a steering shaft of a motor vehicle, and especially their operating principle, are generally known to a person skilled in the art. This is particularly evident from DE 10 2013 006 379 A1 or EP 1 269 133 B1, to which reference is hereby expressly made for further information on the basic operating principle of a torque sensor device according to the invention.

[0025] A torque sensor device assembled according to a method according to the invention, or a torque sensor device according to the invention, is known in principle from the prior art, and is particularly designed to be mounted on the shaft with its central axis concentric to the axis of rotation of the shaft. A torque sensor device according to the invention is particularly preferably designed to detect a torque applied to a shaft, wherein the shaft has a first part and a second part rotatable relative to the first part, and in particular the first part and the second part of the shaft are connected to each other by means of a torsion bar. A torque sensor device according to the invention is preferably designed to detect the rotation of the first part of the shaft relative to the second part of the shaft.Knowing the torsional stiffness of the shaft's torsion bar, the applied torque can be determined from the detected rotation of the shaft.

[0026] Preferably, the magnet arrangement forms a further assembly and in particular has at least one magnetic element for generating at least one magnetic field and is, in particular the at least one magnetic element of the magnet arrangement, in particular can be arranged concentrically to the shaft, i.e. such that the center axis of the torque sensor device is aligned with the axis of rotation of the shaft, wherein the magnet arrangement, in particular the at least one magnetic element of the magnet arrangement, is in particular able to be connected to a first part of the shaft in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment of a torque sensor device according to the invention, the polarity of the magnet arrangement, in particular of the at least one magnetic element, is constant in the axial direction. This makes the magnetic element particularly easy to manufacture and therefore cost-effective.

[0028] The at least one magnetic element of the magnetic arrangement is preferably a permanent magnet, in particular a completely closed ring magnet or a ring magnet-like magnet that is almost closed in the circumferential direction, wherein the magnetic element can in particular have several ring magnet segments of opposite polarity or corresponding pole pairs, which are arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction with opposite polarity, wherein in particular two adjacent sections of opposite polarity form a pole pair.

[0029] If the magnetic arrangement has one or more additional magnetic elements, these are particularly preferably also designed as described above and are in particular arranged concentrically to the at least one magnetic element.

[0030] In the present context, a "ring magnet-like magnet" is understood to be a magnet, in particular a permanent magnet, which is not completely closed in the circumferential direction, but is designed in such a way that it acts almost, in particular completely, like a completely closed ring magnet.

[0031] The magnet arrangement, which is designed to generate at least one magnetic field, is in an advantageous embodiment designed in particular to generate a useful magnetic field, wherein in a functional state of use of the torque sensor device, i.e. in particular in a state fully mounted on a shaft, by applying a torque in the circumferential direction about a central axis of the torque sensor device the magnet arrangement and the stator arrangement are preferably movable relative to each other in such a way that, by the relative movement between the magnet arrangement and the stator arrangement in the circumferential direction, at least one useful magnetic flux can be generated in the stator arrangement as a function of the torque applied to the torque sensor device.In an advantageous embodiment of the stator arrangement, a first magnetic interference flux can also preferably be generated, provided that the torque sensor device is surrounded by a disturbing magnetic field, depending on the disturbing magnetic field surrounding the torque sensor device.

[0032] The stator arrangement can preferably also be arranged concentrically to the shaft and, in particular, can be connected to a second part of the shaft in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment of a torque sensor device according to the invention, in a functional state of use of the torque sensor device, i.e., in particular in a state fully mounted on a shaft, the stator arrangement is arranged, in particular at least partially, concentrically to the magnet arrangement, or can be arranged in such a way, in particular concentrically to the at least one magnet element, wherein the stator arrangement can be arranged, in particular at least partially, outside around the magnet arrangement, preferably around the at least one magnet element, and in particular with a defined air gap between them.

[0034] The stator arrangement serves in particular to, and is preferably designed to, direct a magnetic flux of the magnetic field generated by the magnet arrangement to the flux conductor arrangement.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment of a torque sensor device according to the invention, the stator arrangement in particular comprises a first stator and a second stator, each arranged concentrically to each other along the central axis, wherein in a functional state of use of the torque sensor device a magnetic flux can be generated in the stator arrangement by a relative movement between the magnet arrangement and the stator arrangement in the circumferential direction, in particular a magnetic flux in the first stator and a magnetic flux in the second stator, in particular simultaneously.

[0036] In an advantageous embodiment of a torque sensor device according to the invention, the first and / or the second stator has, in particular, an annular disk-shaped stator body and tabs extending from it in an axial direction, wherein the tabs are arranged in a circumferentially distributed manner, in particular uniformly distributed with gaps between them, wherein the tabs extend, in particular, in an axial direction away from the associated stator body, wherein the first stator and the second stator are preferably designed and arranged such that the tabs of the first stator and the second stator each extend in an axial direction from the associated stator body towards the other stator and, in particular, each interlock offset with the tabs of the other stator.

[0037] In an advantageous embodiment of a torque sensor device according to the invention, the stator body of the first and / or the second stator has, in particular, a radially inner edge and a radially outer edge, wherein the tabs extend, in particular, away from the radially inner edge of the annular stator body, in particular all to the same side, i.e. in the same direction.

[0038] Furthermore, the stator assembly can include additional components, such as, in particular, a stator holder and / or one or more retaining rings. In an advantageous embodiment, the stator assembly includes, in particular, a stator holder onto which the stators can be slid and fixed in their axial position by means of a retaining ring. To fasten the stator holder with the stators to the part of the shaft whose torque is to be measured, the stator holder can, in particular, have a sleeve-shaped mounting section which can be fixed to the shaft in a rotationally fixed manner in a way known from the prior art.

[0039] The number of pole pairs in the circumferential direction of the at least one magnetic element of the magnet arrangement particularly preferably corresponds to the number of tabs of the first and / or the second stator. For torque sensor devices for steering shafts of motor vehicles, especially for use in passenger cars, a number of 8 tabs for the first stator and the second stator has proven to be particularly advantageous.

[0040] The flux conductor arrangement of a torque sensor device according to the invention is designed in particular for at least partial bundling and transmission, and preferably also for amplification, of a magnetic flux, in particular the magnetic flux generated in the stator arrangement, to the magnetic sensor arrangement, wherein the first flux conductor and / or the second flux conductor may, for this purpose, preferably have, in addition to their respective at least one transmission surface, in particular also a first collecting surface, which may in particular be designed in each case for at least partial bundling and / or at least partial transmission of a useful magnetic flux generated in the stator arrangement as a function of an applied torque and / or of a first magnetic interference flux generated as a function of an interference magnetic field surrounding the torque sensor device.

[0041] The at least one transmission surface of the first flux conductor and the at least one transmission surface of the second flux conductor are arranged opposite each other in such a way that they form an axial gap between them, in particular an air gap, in which at least one magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement can be arranged or is arranged in a functionally assembled state of the torque sensor device, wherein in particular in a state of the torque sensor device assembled according to a method according to the invention at least one magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement is arranged in the gap between the transmission surfaces.

[0042] If at least one magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement is arranged in the gap, a first magnetic flux bundled in the first flux conductor can preferably be transmitted to the magnetic sensor arranged in the axial gap via the at least one transmission surface of the first flux conductor, wherein the first magnetic flux can in particular contain a useful flux component and / or a first disturbance flux component, and a second magnetic flux bundled in the second flux conductor can preferably be transmitted to the magnetic sensor via the at least one transmission surface of the second flux conductor.

[0043] The magnetic sensor arrangement comprises, in particular, at least one first magnetic sensor for detecting the magnetic flux gathered, and preferably also amplified, and transmitted by the flux guide arrangement, wherein the magnetic sensor arrangement, and in particular at least one magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement, is configured to generate a sensor signal as a function of a torque applied to the torque sensor device or as a function of a torque applied to a shaft connected to the torque sensor device. The magnetic sensor arrangement can comprise one or more magnetic sensors, in particular a first magnetic sensor and furthermore a second magnetic sensor.

[0044] At least one magnetic sensor, preferably at least one first and one second magnetic sensor, in particular all magnetic sensors of the magnetic sensor arrangement, is a simple Hall sensor with which a magnetic flux density of a magnetic field running perpendicular to the sensor surface of the Hall sensor or a portion of the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field running perpendicular to the sensor surface can be detected, wherein particularly preferably at least the first magnetic sensor, in particular all magnetic sensors are arranged fixed to the housing, i.e. stationary or fixed in position relative to the rotatable shaft.

[0045] The magnetic sensor arrangement of a torque sensor arrangement according to the invention can in particular also comprise two or more magnetic sensors, especially a first and a second magnetic sensor. This enables, in particular, redundant evaluation or provision of the torque sensor signal and thus increased functional reliability of the torque sensor device.

[0046] If a torque sensor device according to the invention comprises a first magnetic sensor and a second magnetic sensor, the second magnetic sensor is particularly preferably arranged parallel to the first magnetic sensor, preferably in a plane with the first magnetic sensor, and in particular in a common plane perpendicular to the central axis. This enables the mounting of the two magnetic sensors on a common circuit board or printed circuit board, especially if the two magnetic sensors are SMD magnetic sensors, in which case the circuit board preferably extends in a plane perpendicular to the central axis.

[0047] In this case, at least one flow conductor has, in particular, two transfer surfaces, wherein the two transfer surfaces of a flow conductor are preferably arranged in one plane.

[0048] If the magnetic sensor arrangement has several magnetic sensors, in particular at least one flux conductor has several transmission surfaces, in particular one associated transmission surface for each magnetic sensor, wherein in this case a first collecting surface, and if present a second collecting surface, are in particular magnetically conductively coupled to the transmission surfaces of the associated flux conductor, in particular magnetically conductively connected to them, and the flux conductor is designed such that preferably a magnetic flux bundled and / or amplified in the associated flux conductor according to the present invention can be transmitted via each of the transmission surfaces to the magnetic sensor arrangement, in particular to a magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement associated with the respective transmission surface.In the case of two magnetic sensors, the first flux conductor preferably has a first transmission surface and furthermore a second transmission surface for transmitting and / or forwarding the magnetic flux bundled in the associated flux conductor.

[0049] However, multiple magnetic sensors can also be arranged adjacent to one and the same transmission surface, i.e., receiving a first and / or second magnetic flux via the same, common transmission surface. For example, the first flux conductor can have a transmission surface arranged in a common plane for two sensors, and the second flux conductor can also have a common transmission surface opposite the transmission surface of the first flux conductor. Alternatively, the second flux conductor can have two separate transmission surfaces, each forming a gap with the common transmission surface, in each of which a magnetic sensor is or can be arranged. Likewise, the first flux conductor can have two separate transmission surfaces, which can be arranged opposite two separate transmission surfaces of the second flux conductor or opposite a common transmission surface of the second flux conductor.

[0050] However, both flux conductors preferably each have two transmission surfaces, with one transmission surface of the first flux conductor being arranged parallel to a transmission surface of the second flux conductor, preferably one above the other with a gap between them, into which a magnetic sensor projects in a radial direction. Preferably, a first magnetic sensor is arranged in an axial gap between the first transmission surfaces of the two flux conductors and extends radially into the gap between the first transmission surfaces, particularly parallel to the first transmission surfaces, while a second magnetic sensor projects into the axial gap between the second transmission surfaces of the first and second flux conductors.

[0051] In an advantageous embodiment of a torque sensor device according to the present invention, the first flow conductor and the second flow conductor, in particular the entire flow conductor assembly, are inserted into and connected to the second housing part, in particular attached to it, for example by snapping, clipping, and / or crimping and / or at least partially overmolding the flow conductors or the flow conductor assembly. If the flow conductors or the flow conductor assembly are connected to the second housing part at least partially by partial overmolding, it is advantageous if the first flow conductor and / or the second flow conductor have corresponding tabs for this purpose, in particular double-angled tabs or the like.

[0052] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of a torque sensor device according to the invention, at least the first flow conductor and / or the second flow conductor is connected to the second housing part, in particular attached to it, in such a way that when the first pre-assembled assembly is put together with the second pre-assembled assembly, in particular when the second housing part is pushed or plugged onto the first housing part or the second pre-assembled assembly onto the first pre-assembled assembly, or when at least partially sliding or plugging them together, the flow conductors are prevented from falling out of the second housing part.

[0053] In the context of the present invention, "sliding" refers in particular to bringing the two housing parts into engagement by sliding them relative to each other, especially along a straight line, whereby the second housing part already partially surrounds the first housing part from the outside during the sliding process, i.e., before reaching a target position. The second housing part can, in particular, be guided by the first housing part during the sliding process.

[0054] In the context of the present invention, "plugging" means in particular bringing the two housing parts into engagement with each other by moving the two housing parts relative to each other, in particular along a straight line, in which one of the two housing parts partially surrounds the other housing part from the outside in the target position, in particular essentially only in the target position.

[0055] In the context of the present invention, "interlocking" refers in particular to the engagement of the two housing parts by sliding them relative to each other, especially along a straight line, whereby one housing part already partially surrounds the other from the outside during the sliding process, i.e., before reaching a target position, and the other housing part already projects at least partially into it during the sliding process. The outer housing part can, in particular, be guided by the inner housing part during the sliding process.

[0056] In the context of the present invention, "interlocking" means in particular bringing the two housing parts into engagement with each other by moving the two housing parts relative to each other, in particular along a straight line, in which one housing part at least partially surrounds the other from the outside in the target position and the other at least partially projects into it in the target position, in particular only in the target position.

[0057] In a possible advantageous embodiment, a torque sensor device according to the invention can be designed, in particular the first pre-assembled assembly and the second pre-assembled assembly, such that when the second housing part is slid or plugged onto the first housing part or the second pre-assembled assembly onto the first pre-assembled assembly, or when the first and second housing parts are at least partially slid or plugged into each other, respectively, the torque sensor device can be designed in such a way that the first housing part and the second pre-assembled assembly are slid or plugged into each other.In the two pre-assembled modules, at least one magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement is inserted into the gap between the transmission surfaces of the first and second flux conductors in such a way that, in a functionally assembled state of the torque sensor device, in which at least the first and second pre-assembled modules are functionally assembled, a magnetic flux generated in the stator arrangement can be detected by means of the magnetic sensor. This allows for a particularly simple assembly of the flux conductors, especially simple and precise positioning of the flux conductors, and also enables precise positioning of the flux conductors relative to at least one magnetic sensor.

[0058] In another possible, and in particular alternative, advantageous embodiment, a torque sensor device according to the invention can already be assembled, wherein, in particular, the first pre-assembled module and the second pre-assembled module can already be assembled, especially in a functional or intended manner. Preferably, the second housing part is slid or plugged onto the first housing part, or the second pre-assembled module is slid onto the first pre-assembled module, or the two first and second housing parts are...The first and second pre-assembled modules are at least partially pushed or plugged into one another, such that at least one magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement is inserted into the gap between the transmission surfaces of the first and second flux conductors in such a way that, in a functionally assembled state of the torque sensor device, a magnetic flux generated in the stator arrangement can be detected by means of the magnetic sensor. That is, a torque sensor device according to the invention can be provided as a kit with at least two separate, pre-assembled modules: the first pre-assembled module and the second pre-assembled module. The magnetic arrangement can form a further separate module. Alternatively, the modules can already be assembled, in particular the first pre-assembled module and the second pre-assembled module being assembled.In another possible embodiment, the first and second assemblies can already be assembled with the magnet arrangement. However, the magnet arrangement can also be assembled with the first and second assemblies even if the first and second assemblies are already assembled.

[0059] In a further possible, and particularly advantageous, embodiment of a torque sensor device according to the present invention, the second pre-assembled component can be slid or plugged onto the first housing part in a plane extending tangentially to the central axis of the torque sensor device or in a plane extending radially to the central axis of the torque sensor device, and / or can be at least partially slid or plugged into one another with the first housing part. This enables particularly simple assembly with a simple design of the individual components, especially the two housing parts.

[0060] All directional terms in this application, such as axial, tangential, or radial, refer to the central axis of the torque sensor device. "Axially" therefore means a direction along or parallel to the central axis. "Radial" accordingly means a direction in a plane perpendicular to the central axis, but intersecting it. "Tangential" accordingly means a direction perpendicular to both a radial and an axial direction. An "axial gap" is therefore a gap in the axial direction, i.e., a gap that extends axially, i.e., in a direction parallel to the central axis of the torque sensor device. The directional term "circumferential direction" accordingly refers to a direction of rotation about this axis of rotation or central axis.

[0061] In a further possible, and particularly advantageous, embodiment of a torque sensor device according to the present invention, the second housing part is at least partially open at least on its underside, wherein preferably at least the first flow conductor and / or the second flow conductor, and in particular the entire flow conductor arrangement, is inserted into the second housing part from the open underside, and wherein the underside of the second housing part extends at least substantially in a plane parallel to a tangent of a circle around the central axis of the torque sensor device. This allows for simple assembly of the torque sensor device and a particularly compact and thus space-saving design.

[0062] In a further possible, and particularly advantageous, embodiment of a torque sensor device according to the present invention, the second housing part can also be open on the underside and on the side, wherein at least the first flow guide and / or the second flow guide, in particular the entire flow guide arrangement, has been inserted into the second housing part from the open underside or from the open side, and wherein the open side of the second housing part extends at least substantially perpendicular to the tangent of the circle around the central axis of the torque sensor device. This allows for particularly simple assembly of the torque sensor device and also a particularly compact and thus space-saving design.

[0063] In the context of the present invention, the term "underside of the second housing part" refers in particular to a side of the second housing part facing the central axis in a functionally assembled state of the torque sensor device. A "side" of the second housing part is, in particular, an outer side or "boundary" of the housing part extending substantially perpendicular to it.

[0064] In a further possible, particularly advantageous embodiment of a torque sensor device according to the present invention, the first housing part and / or the second housing part have means for aligning the two housing parts relative to each other and / or for guiding and / or aligning them during assembly, in particular for guiding and / or aligning them during movement of the second pre-assembled assembly from an engagement position to a target position.For this purpose, the first housing part and / or the second housing part may, for example, have one or more stop elements and / or guide elements, such as one or more guide rails, guide grooves, guide pins, positioning pins and / or positioning pin receptacles or the like, wherein the means provided for this purpose on each of the two housing parts are designed in particular to correspond to the means provided for this purpose on the other housing part and can be brought into engagement with them.

[0065] To fix, in particular the second housing part in the target position, the first housing part and / or the second housing part may in particular have locking means, such as one or more locking lugs, locking projections, locking hooks or the like, and / or have clips and / or have one or more screw receptacles and be designed to be screwed together and / or be designed to be glued together or otherwise fixed.

[0066] In a further possible, particularly advantageous embodiment of a torque sensor device according to the present invention, particularly in a further development, the magnetic sensor arrangement further comprises a printed circuit board, in particular a printed circuit board extending perpendicular to the central axis, wherein at least one magnetic sensor is attached to the printed circuit board and the printed circuit board has a recess, in particular a slotted recess or a through-hole, or an area with reduced thickness compared to a surrounding area, wherein the at least one magnetic sensor attached to the printed circuit board is arranged in the area of ​​the recess or in the area with the reduced thickness, and wherein the at least one magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement and the recess or the area with the reduced thickness of the printed circuit board are located in the gap between the transmission surfaces of the two flux conductors.This allows the distance between the two opposing transmission surfaces or the gap width in the axial direction to be reduced, in particular minimized, in a simple manner, which has a particularly advantageous effect on the overall height of the torque sensor device in the axial direction in the area of ​​the magnetic sensor.

[0067] In a particularly preferred embodiment of a torque sensor device according to the invention, each magnetic sensor is assigned a recess or an area with reduced thickness.

[0068] A reduction in the thickness of the printed circuit board can be achieved, for example, by appropriate grooves, particularly on the underside of the printed circuit board, or by one or more recesses in this area, into which the transmission surfaces facing the underside of the printed circuit board can engage or protrude.

[0069] Preferably, at least one transmission surface of at least one flow conductor or at least one transmission section of a flow conductor is arranged in the area of ​​the recess, in particular at least partially in a plane with the printed circuit board.

[0070] If a recess is provided, it particularly preferably extends in a tangential direction or in a radial direction and is in particular a slot extending in a tangential direction or in a radial direction, or a U-shaped or rectangular recess open on one short side, wherein the recess is in particular a slot extending in a tangential direction if the second pre-assembled assembly can be or has been assembled with the first assembly by tangential displacement, and a radial slot if the second pre-assembled assembly can be or has been assembled with the first assembly by radial displacement.

[0071] A "tangential slot" is a slot into which a transmission surface or transmission section of one of the flow conductors can be inserted by tangential displacement from the opening side of the slot. A "radial slot" is correspondingly a slot into which a transmission surface or transmission section of one of the flow conductors can be inserted by radial displacement from the opening side of the slot.

[0072] A torque sensor device according to the invention is particularly preferably designed such that the magnetic sensors are arranged in one plane, especially on one and the same printed circuit board or circuit board. This results in a particularly advantageous embodiment of a torque sensor device according to the invention. If SMD magnetic sensors are used, a torque sensor device with a low overall height and thus a low installation space requirement in the axial direction, i.e., in the direction of the central axis, can be provided.

[0073] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of a torque sensor device according to the invention, and because it is particularly space-saving, at least one magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement, and in particular at least one first and one second magnetic sensor, is each an SMD magnetic sensor, wherein the magnetic sensor is arranged, in particular, on a printed circuit board whose plane is oriented perpendicular to the central axis of the stator arrangement or the torque sensor device. This allows for a particularly compact embodiment of a torque sensor device according to the invention.

[0074] "SMD" stands for Surface-Mount Device, whereby SMD components, unlike the previously described "wired" components which are intended for through-hole mounting (Through Hole Technology, THT), do not have wire connections but can be soldered directly onto a printed circuit board using solderable transfer pads.

[0075] In an alternative embodiment of a torque sensor device according to the invention, at least one magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement can also be a wired magnetic sensor with connection pins, wherein the magnetic sensor is preferably arranged such that the connection pins point radially outwards. This allows a compact arrangement to be achieved even with one or more wired magnetic sensors, particularly if the connection pins of the wired magnetic sensor are soldered onto a printed circuit board whose plane is oriented parallel to the central axis of the stator arrangement or the torque sensor device. Alternatively, the connection pins can also be connected to a stamped grid, in particular inserted directly into it, especially a stamped grid whose grid plane is oriented parallel to the central axis of the stator arrangement.This also makes it possible to achieve a compact arrangement with wired magnetic sensors.

[0076] In a further possible, particularly advantageous embodiment of a torque sensor device according to the present invention, a useful magnetic flux can be generated in the stator arrangement depending on the torque applied to the torque sensor device, and furthermore, a first magnetic interference flux can be generated depending on an interfering magnetic field surrounding the torque sensor device, wherein the first flux conductor and the second flux conductor each have a first collecting surface, which are each designed for at least partial bundling and / or at least partial transmission of the useful magnetic flux generated in the stator arrangement depending on an applied torque and / or the first magnetic interference flux generated depending on an interfering magnetic field surrounding the torque sensor device, wherein the flux conductor arrangement, in particular the first flux conductor and / or the second flux conductor,furthermore preferably having at least one second collecting surface magnetically coupled to at least one transmission surface, which is designed to generate or at least partially concentrate and / or transmit a second magnetic interference flux depending on an interference magnetic field surrounding the torque sensor device, and wherein the flux conductor arrangement is particularly designed such that, when the torque sensor device is surrounded by an interference magnetic field, a first interference flux component, which is at least partially concentrated in the first collecting surface of one of the flux conductors and transmitted to the magnetic sensor via the at least one associated transmission surface of this flux conductor, and a second interference flux component of the magnetic flux, which is at least partially concentrated in the second collecting surface and transmitted to the magnetic sensor via an associated transmission surface of the other flux conductor, at least partially cancel each other out.especially in the gap formed by the transfer surfaces.

[0077] For this purpose, the first and second flow conductors are preferably designed and arranged accordingly relative to each other. This effect can generally be achieved with a flow conductor arrangement such as that used, for example, in the torque sensor devices described in WO 2020 / 174170 A1 or WO 2020 / 174171 A1, or with a flow conductor arrangement according to EP 20192858.7, to which reference is made in particular for further details regarding the interference compensation itself.

[0078] Instead of being bent in a Z-shape, as shown in particular in EP 20192858.7, i.e. with a second collecting surface extending radially outwards, one or both flow conductors can also be bent in a U-shape, so that the second collecting surfaces extend radially inwards, as shown in the accompanying figures of this application.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment with a design of the flux conductor that reduces magnetic interference, it is only important that a described interference compensation is at least partially achieved and that the assembly according to the invention is possible after the pre-assembly of the two assemblies, in particular by tangential or radial displacement of the second pre-assembled assembly relative to the first pre-assembled assembly.

[0080] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, for the purpose of reducing the interference of a disturbing magnetic field in the vicinity of the torque sensor device, the second flux conductor has a second collecting surface magnetically coupled to the at least one transmission surface of the second flux conductor, which is designed to generate or at least partially concentrate and transmit a second magnetic disturbance flux depending on a disturbing magnetic field surrounding the torque sensor device, wherein the first flux conductor and the second flux conductor are each designed and arranged relative to each other in such a way that, when the torque sensor device is surrounded by a disturbing magnetic field,a first interference flux component of the first magnetic flux, at least partially concentrated in the first collecting surface of the first flux conductor and transmitted to the magnetic sensor via at least one transmission surface of the first flux conductor, and a second interference flux component of the second magnetic flux, at least partially concentrated in the second collecting surface of the second flux conductor and transmitted to the magnetic sensor via at least one transmission surface of the second flux conductor, at least partially canceling out, in particular in the gap formed by the transmission surfaces.

[0081] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of a torque sensor device according to the present invention, the first flow conductor also has a second collecting surface, wherein the second collecting surface of the first flow conductor is magnetically coupled to the at least one transmission surface of the first flow conductor and is also used for generating orfor at least partially bundling and transmitting a second magnetic interference flux depending on an interference magnetic field surrounding the torque sensor device, wherein the first flux conductor and the second flux conductor are each configured and arranged relative to each other in such a way that, when the torque sensor device is surrounded by an interference magnetic field, a first interference flux component of the second magnetic flux, which is at least partially bundled in the first collecting surface of the second flux conductor and transmitted to the magnetic sensor via the at least one transmission surface of the second flux conductor, and a second interference flux component of the first magnetic flux, which is partially bundled in the second collecting surface of the first flux conductor and transmitted to the magnetic sensor via the at least one transmission surface of the first flux conductor, at least partially cancel each other out.

[0082] By means of such a flux conductor arrangement with at least one flux conductor having two collecting surfaces, a magnetic flux generated by an interfering magnetic field and focused in the flux conductor arrangement, which leads or would lead to an undesirable influence or distortion of a torque sensor signal generated by the torque sensor device, can be reduced or, with a suitable design of the flux conductor arrangement and a suitably configured external interfering magnetic field, i.e., with an interfering magnetic field surrounding the torque sensor device that is specifically designed with regard to its direction, even completely eliminated. This is achieved in particular without a second, necessarily required magnetic sensor and / or a second magnetic element and / or without an additional stator, as proposed, for example, by the prior art solutions mentioned above.

[0083] In particular, by an advantageous arrangement of the two collecting surfaces and the transfer surface of the second flux conductor relative to the at least one transfer surface and the collecting surface of the first flux conductor, it is possible, especially in conjunction with an advantageous matching of the sizes of the collecting surfaces, to reduce and in some cases even completely compensate for a disturbance flux component generated by a surrounding disturbance magnetic field.

[0084] Preferably, the first flux conductor and the second flux conductor, in particular their collecting surface(s) and transmission surface(s), are each designed and arranged relative to each other in such a way and magnetically coupled to each other in such a way and are particularly preferably matched in size to each other and relative to the size of the respective surfaces of the other flux conductor such that the first interference flux component generated and focused by the interference magnetic field and the second interference flux component generated and focused by the interference magnetic field are preferably oriented in opposite directions in the gap between the transmission surfaces and in particular have the same amount or the same strength, i.e., are of the same size.

[0085] At least one second collecting surface can be integrally formed with its associated flux conductor, in particular as a single piece, or it can be formed as a separate component and merely magnetically conductive with its associated flux conductor. If the second collecting surface is formed as a separate component, it is preferably pre-assembled with the two flux conductors and the second housing part to form the second assembly.

[0086] For further details on possible designs of the river ladder, reference is made to EP 20192858.7.

[0087] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of a torque sensor device according to the invention, the first stator body and the second stator body are arranged to be spaced apart from each other, particularly in the axial direction, and at least one flow conductor is placed at least partially in the axial direction between them.

[0088] In principle, it is also possible to arrange at least one flux conductor in the axial direction, i.e., along the central axis, outside the stator arrangement. However, the collecting surfaces and the transmission surface(s) must each be designed and oriented in such a way that the magnetic fluxes bundled by the collecting surfaces, which are generated by a surrounding interfering magnetic field, cancel each other out at least partially according to the invention, preferably almost completely or completely.

[0089] In an advantageous embodiment of a torque sensor device according to the invention, the torque sensor device in particular also has a control device which is designed to determine a torque applied to a shaft functionally connected to the torque sensor device, depending on the magnetic flux detected by means of the magnetic sensor arrangement or depending on a sensor signal generated depending on the detected magnetic flux.

[0090] In another possible, particularly advantageous embodiment of a torque sensor device according to the invention, the torque sensor device is assembled according to a method according to the invention.

[0091] A method according to the invention for at least partially assembling a torque sensor device for detecting a torque applied to a shaft about an axis of rotation of the shaft, in particular for at least partially assembling a torque sensor device for detecting a torque applied to a steering shaft of a motor vehicle, wherein the torque sensor device comprises a magnet arrangement, a stator arrangement, a flux conductor arrangement and a magnetic sensor arrangement with at least one magnetic sensor, wherein the magnet arrangement is configured to generate at least one magnetic field, wherein the flux conductor arrangement comprises at least one first flux conductor and one second flux conductor and the first flux conductor and the second flux conductor each have at least one transmission surface, and wherein the torque sensor device further comprises a first housing part and a second housing part.is characterized by the following steps: , a) Pre-assembling a first assembly comprising at least the first housing part, the stator arrangement, and at least one magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement; b) Pre-assembling a second assembly comprising at least the second housing part, the first flux conductor, and the second flux conductor, wherein the first flux conductor and the second flux conductor are connected to the second housing part such that the at least one transmission surface of the first flux conductor and the at least one transmission surface of the second flux conductor are opposite each other in such a way that they form an axial gap between them in which at least one magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement can be arranged; c) Assembling the first pre-assembled assembly and the second pre-assembled assembly, wherein the at least one magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement is inserted into the gap between the transmission surfaces of the first flux conductor and the second flux conductor.that a magnetic flux generated in the stator arrangement can be detected by means of the magnetic sensor, and d) fixing the two pre-assembled modules in their position relative to each other.

[0092] Using a method according to the invention, a particularly simple assembly of a torque sensor device can be achieved, and in particular, a precise arrangement of the flux conductor arrangement relative to the magnetic sensor arrangement can be achieved particularly easily and advantageously. This is because the first housing part, which is part of the first pre-assembled module, and the second housing part, which is part of the second pre-assembled module, allow for particularly simple and advantageous positioning and alignment of the flux conductor arrangement relative to the magnetic sensor arrangement.

[0093] The pre-assembly of the magnetic sensor arrangement together with a first housing part and the stator arrangement to form a first pre-assembled module in step a), but separately and independently of the flux conductor arrangement, which is pre-assembled with a second housing part to form a second module according to a method according to the invention, enables, provided that the flux conductor arrangement is appropriately designed, especially in the case of a flux conductor arrangement with flux conductors such as those known, for example, from WO 2020 / 174170 A1, WO 2020 / 174171 A1 or EP 20192858.7, and in particular also in the case of flux conductors with an additional collecting surface, in particular with two collecting surfaces each, as known from EP 20192858.7, simple and precise assembly of the torque sensor device, and this also particularly with a low risk of damage to the flux conductor arrangement.

[0094] Furthermore, pre-assembling the two flow guides or the flow guide assembly with the second housing part reduces the risk of damage to the flow guides or the flow guide assembly, for example, by bending the flow guides during assembly. This reduction is greater the more the flow guides or the flow guide assembly are enclosed by the second housing part after pre-assembly in step b), or the more the flow guides or the flow guide assembly are surrounded by the second housing part after pre-assembly.

[0095] During the pre-assembly of the first assembly in step a), the stator arrangement and / or the at least one magnetic sensor are preferably at least partially inserted into the first housing part, in particular inserted, and connected directly (i.e. without any further component in between) or indirectly (with at least one component in between) to the first housing part and / or attached to it.

[0096] In the pre-assembly of the second assembly in step b), preferably at least the first flow guide and the second flow guide, in particular the entire flow guide arrangement, are at least partially inserted into the second housing part and directly or indirectly connected to and / or attached to the second housing part, in particular in such a way that they are at least partially received by the second housing part.

[0097] In a particularly preferred embodiment of a method according to the invention, preferably in a further step, especially during the final assembly of the torque sensor device on a shaft whose torque is to be detected, the magnet arrangement with the magnetic element or an assembly comprising the magnet arrangement is assembled with the other components. Particularly preferably, in a further step, at least the magnet arrangement with the magnetic element is assembled with an assembly that has been composed of at least the first pre-assembled assembly and the second pre-assembled assembly, particularly according to a method according to the invention.

[0098] Preferably, the magnet arrangement, in particular the at least one magnet element, is arranged and positioned relative to the stator arrangement in such a way that the magnet arrangement and the stator arrangement can be moved relative to each other in the circumferential direction about a central axis of the torque sensor device by applying a torque, such that a magnetic flux can be generated in the stator arrangement by a relative movement between the magnet arrangement and the stator arrangement in the circumferential direction, which can be detected in particular by means of at least one magnetic sensor inserted into the gap between the transmission surfaces of the first flux conductor and the second flux conductor.

[0099] Preferably, the magnet arrangement is positioned concentrically to the stator arrangement and, in particular, inserted into the stator arrangement concentrically to the central axis. Preferably, the magnet arrangement with the magnetic element is positioned within the stators, preferably radially within the stator tabs.

[0100] If the flow conductor arrangement of the torque sensor device, which is to be assembled at least partially or completely, includes further components, for example, additional collecting surfaces, which are preferably to be magnetically coupled to the first flow conductor and / or the second flow conductor, these are particularly preferably also pre-assembled in step b) together with the first flow conductor, the second flow conductor and the first housing part, wherein these components can also be connected to the second housing part, in particular attached to it, and / or to the first flow conductor and / or to the second flow conductor. If the additional components are attached only to the first flow conductor and / or only to the second flow conductor, they can be attached either before or after connecting the flow conductors to the second housing part.In many cases, however, it is more advantageous to first pre-assemble the entire flow guide assembly and then, as a pre-assembled unit, to combine it with the second housing part in step b) to form the second assembly.

[0101] Steps a) and b), i.e., the pre-assembly of the first and second sub-assemblies, do not have to be performed sequentially. They can also be carried out at least partially or completely in parallel. Step b) can also be performed before step a). The only important thing is that steps a) and b) are completed before step c).

[0102] The axial gap that exists after pre-assembly of the second assembly between the at least one transmission surface of the first flux conductor and the at least one transmission surface of the second flux conductor is in particular an air gap, which is preferably dimensioned such that the components to be arranged in the gap can be placed in the gap and the magnetic flux bundled in the flux conductor arrangement can be transmitted with sufficient quality to the magnetic sensor arranged in the gap after assembly of the torque sensor device.

[0103] For the purposes of this application, "assembly," particularly in the context of step c), refers solely to the mechanical assembly, specifically the mechanical arrangement, of the respective components relative to one another. Further steps may be required, such as establishing electronic or electrical connections or the like, to bring the torque sensor device into a functional state. In particular, for example, the additional establishment of one or more plug connections or one or more electrical contact connections may be necessary.

[0104] The fixing of the first pre-assembled assembly and the fixing of the second pre-assembled assembly relative to each other in step d) is preferably achieved, in particular, by creating a snap-fit ​​connection, especially by snapping the first housing part to the second housing part, wherein preferably at least one of the housing parts has at least one snap-fit ​​projection and the other housing part has at least one snap-fit ​​arm with a snap-fit ​​hook, the snap-fit ​​hook being able to engage behind the snap-fit ​​projection. The two housing parts can also be connected to each other by screwing, gluing, or in some other way and thereby fixed relative to each other, whereby, in particular, the second assembly is fixed in its target position.

[0105] In a possible, particularly advantageous embodiment of a method according to the invention, the pre-assembly of the second assembly takes place in step b), by first providing the second housing part and at least the first flow guide and the second flow guide, in particular the entire flow guide arrangement, and then inserting the first flow guide and the second flow guide, in particular the entire flow guide arrangement, into the second housing part and connecting them to it, in particular attaching them to it, for example by snapping, clipping, and / or crimping and / or at least partially overmolding the flow guide or the flow guide arrangement.

[0106] This allows for particularly simple pre-assembly of the second assembly, especially simple and precise positioning of the flow guides relative to each other and of the flow guides or flow guide arrangement relative to the second housing part. Preferably, the second housing part is designed and configured to receive the flow guides or flow guide arrangement and features, in particular, special positioning and / or alignment aids, such as corresponding stop surfaces, recesses, or the like, which are designed to interact with the flow guides or flow guide arrangement, which preferably also feature corresponding stop surfaces, projections, or the like as positioning aids.

[0107] For connection to the second housing part, the second housing part and / or the first flow guide and / or the second flow guide or the flow guide assembly preferably further comprise suitable fastening means, in particular, for example, snap-fit ​​elements such as one or more snap-fit ​​projections, snap-fit ​​lugs, snap-fit ​​hooks, snap-fit ​​arms, clips, or the like. If fastening by at least partial overmolding of the flow guide or the flow guide assembly is provided, it is advantageous if these have, in particular, special overmolding tabs or the like, especially double-angled overmolding tabs. Such tabs enable a particularly good and secure connection with the second housing part to be achieved.

[0108] Alternatively, the pre-assembly of the second assembly in step b) can also be carried out by, for example, first providing at least the first flow guide and the second flow guide, in particular the entire flow guide arrangement, especially in a mold for producing the second housing part, and then, in particular in a step immediately following this, producing the second housing part by injection molding, wherein at least the first flow guide and the second flow guide, in particular the entire flow guide arrangement, are at least partially overmolded in such a way that they are firmly connected to the second housing part.

[0109] In a further possible, particularly advantageous embodiment of a method according to the invention, the assembly in step c) is carried out in particular by bringing the first pre-assembled assembly and the second pre-assembled assembly into contact with each other in an engagement position in a first step c1), wherein the two assemblies are brought into engagement with each other, and in a further, particularly subsequent, step c2) the second pre-assembled assembly is moved in a plane extending perpendicular to the central axis of the torque sensor device in a tangential direction relative to the first assembly to a target position.This allows for a particularly simple arrangement of the second pre-assembled component relative to the first pre-assembled component, especially if the transfer surfaces of the two flow guides extend parallel to a plane perpendicular to the central axis, in which the displacement direction runs. This also allows for the use of flow guides with collecting surfaces parallel to the transfer surfaces, and also of flow guides with first and second collecting surfaces, which can compensate for a disturbance flow component, as is fundamentally the case, for example, in WO 2020 / 174170 A1, WO 2020 / 174171 A1, or EP 20192858.As described in section 7, a particularly simple assembly of the torque sensor device can be achieved, especially if all collecting surfaces extend parallel to the transmission surfaces and all connecting sections between the transmission surfaces and the collecting surfaces do not intersect the direction of displacement, but always extend only parallel to the direction of displacement. In particular, this allows for a particularly simple insertion of the at least one magnetic sensor into the axial gap between the transmission surfaces, especially in the tangential direction.

[0110] It has proven particularly advantageous if, during assembly in step c), the second pre-assembled component, in particular the second housing part, is slid onto the first pre-assembled component, in particular the first housing part, especially in a tangential direction. This allows for a particularly simple design of the two housing parts and a particularly compact and thus space-saving design of the torque sensor device.

[0111] For particularly easy assembly, especially when a reduction or compensation of disturbance flux influence is desired, the first flow conductor and the second flow conductor are therefore preferably designed and configured to be arranged in such a way that all collecting surfaces extend parallel to the transmission surfaces and all connecting sections between the transmission surfaces and the collecting surfaces do not intersect the direction of displacement, but always extend only parallel to the direction of displacement.

[0112] In a further possible, and particularly advantageous, embodiment of a method according to the invention, the second housing part is at least partially open on its underside and on one side, wherein, during pre-assembly in step b), at least the first flow guide and / or the second flow guide, in particular the entire flow guide assembly, are inserted into the second housing part from the open underside or from the open side. This enables a particularly simple design of the second housing part and a particularly simple pre-assembly of the second assembly.

[0113] In a further development of a method according to the invention, the second pre-assembled assembly is aligned in step c1) such that, in the engagement position of the second pre-assembled assembly, the open side of the second housing part extends at least substantially orthogonally to the direction of displacement, and when displacing in step c2) in a tangential direction, the second pre-assembled assembly is displaced from the engagement position to the target position, in particular with the open side leading.This allows for a particularly simple design of the two housing parts and a particularly simple assembly of the two assemblies in step c), wherein the second pre-assembled assembly is particularly preferably arranged and aligned in step c1) relative to the first pre-assembled assembly such that the open underside of the second housing part faces the first pre-assembled assembly, so that the latter can be moved parallel to the central axis and the open side extends at least substantially orthogonally to the direction of movement, i.e. in a plane perpendicular to the direction of movement.

[0114] Alternatively, in another possible, equally advantageous embodiment of a method according to the invention, the assembly in step c) can also be carried out by bringing the first pre-assembled assembly and the second pre-assembled assembly into contact with each other in an engagement position in a first step c1), in particular by engaging with each other, and in a further, in particular subsequent, step c2) the second pre-assembled assembly is moved in a plane extending perpendicular to the central axis of the torque sensor device in a radial direction relative to the first assembly until it reaches a target position.

[0115] This also allows for a particularly simple arrangement of the second pre-assembled module relative to the first pre-assembled module, especially if the transmission surfaces of the two flux conductors extend parallel to a plane perpendicular to the central axis, in which the direction of displacement runs. Likewise, this allows for a particularly simple assembly of the torque sensor device using flux conductors that have collecting surfaces parallel to the transmission surfaces, especially if all collecting surfaces extend parallel to the transmission surfaces and all connecting sections between the transmission surfaces and the collecting surfaces do not intersect the direction of displacement. In particular, this allows for a particularly simple insertion of the at least one magnetic sensor into the axial gap between the transmission surfaces, especially in the radial direction.

[0116] Alternatively, it has proven particularly advantageous if, during assembly in step c), the second pre-assembled component, in particular the second housing part, is at least partially inserted into the first pre-assembled component, in particular the first housing part, especially in a radial direction. This allows for a particularly simple design of the two housing parts and a particularly compact and thus space-saving design of the torque sensor device.

[0117] In a further possible, and particularly advantageous, embodiment of a method according to the invention, the second housing part is at least partially open on its underside, wherein, during pre-assembly in step b), at least the first flow guide and / or the second flow guide, in particular the entire flow guide assembly, are inserted into the second housing part from the open underside. This enables a particularly simple design of the second housing part and a particularly simple pre-assembly of the second assembly.

[0118] In an alternative embodiment of a method according to the invention, in step c1) the second pre-assembled assembly is in particular aligned such that in the engagement position of the second pre-assembled assembly the open underside extends at least substantially orthogonally to the direction of movement, and in step c2) when moving in a radial direction the second pre-assembled assembly is moved from the engagement position to the target position, in particular with the open underside leading.This also enables a particularly simple design of the two housing parts and a particularly simple assembly of the two assemblies in step c), wherein the second pre-assembled assembly is particularly preferably arranged and aligned in step c1) relative to the first pre-assembled assembly such that the open underside of the second housing part faces the first pre-assembled assembly, so that the latter can be moved in a plane perpendicular to the central axis and the open side extends at least substantially orthogonally to the direction of movement, i.e. in a plane perpendicular to the direction of movement.

[0119] Preferably, the second assembly is guided during its movement by means of guide elements on the first assembly, in particular by means of guide elements of the first housing part, which interact with corresponding guide elements on the second assembly, in particular on the second housing part, and especially mechanically. This allows the risk of damage to the flux conductors or the flux conductor arrangement to be reduced in a particularly simple manner and also enables precise positioning of the two assemblies relative to each other, and thus at least of the flux conductors relative to at least one magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement, to be achieved in a simple and process-reliable manner.

[0120] In a further possible, particularly advantageous embodiment of a method according to the invention, the magnetic sensor arrangement further comprises a printed circuit board, wherein at least one magnetic sensor is attached to the printed circuit board, wherein the printed circuit board has a recess, in particular a slotted recess or a through-hole or the like, or an area with reduced thickness compared to a surrounding area, wherein the at least one magnetic sensor attached to the printed circuit board is arranged in the area of ​​the recess or in the area with the reduced thickness, and wherein the assembly of the first pre-assembled assembly and the second pre-assembled assembly in step c) is carried out in such a manner thatthat after the insertion of at least one magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement into the gap between the transmission surfaces of the first flux conductor and the second flux conductor, the recess or the area with the reduced thickness of the printed circuit board is also located in the gap between the transmission surfaces of the two flux conductors. By means of such a printed circuit board, the distance between the two opposing transmission surfaces or the gap width in the axial direction can be easily reduced, in particular minimized, which has a particularly advantageous effect on the overall height of the torque sensor device in the axial direction in the area of ​​the magnetic sensor.

[0121] All features and embodiments described in connection with a torque sensor device according to the invention, as well as their respective advantages, also apply accordingly to a method according to the invention and vice versa, provided that this is technically possible or feasible, even if they are only explicitly or implicitly described once in connection with only one of the aforementioned inventions.

[0122] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. All features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those subsequently illustrated in the figures and / or mentioned in the description of the figures, can be implemented not only in the combination specified, but also in other combinations or even independently, i.e., isolated from the other features of the combination described herein, in a torque sensor device and / or in a method according to the invention, provided that this combination or the corresponding independent implementation is technically possible and feasible.

[0123] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to several preferred embodiments, which are not to be understood as limiting, and the accompanying drawings, wherein functionally identical components are provided with the same reference numerals. The drawings schematically show: Fig. 1 Parts of a first embodiment of a torque sensor device according to the invention in various assembly states in partial exploded view, Fig. 2 Parts of a second embodiment of a torque sensor device according to the invention in various assembly states in partial exploded view, Fig. 3 the circuit board of the torque sensor device made of Fig. 1 and 2 with the two attached magnetic sensors in perspective view looking at a first side of the circuit board, Fig. 4 the circuit board made Fig. 3 looking at the other side of the circuit board and the two flow conductors of the torque sensor assembly Fig. 2 , which the flow conductor arrangement of the torque sensor device from Fig. 2 form, Fig. 5 a section of the torque sensor arrangement Fig. 2 in a perspective, enlarged view, in a different view, without the two housing parts but with a magnetic element, Fig. 6 Parts of a third embodiment of a torque sensor device according to the invention in various assembly states in partial exploded view, Fig. 7 Parts of a fourth embodiment of a torque sensor device according to the invention in various assembly states in partial exploded view, Fig. 8 the circuit board of the torque sensor device made of Fig. 6 and 7with the two attached magnetic sensors in perspective view looking at a first side of the circuit board, and Fig. 9 the circuit board made Fig. 8 looking at the other side of the circuit board and the two flow conductors of the torque sensor assembly Fig. 7 , which the flow conductor arrangement of the torque sensor device from Fig. 7 form.

[0124] Fig. 1 shows parts of a first embodiment of a torque sensor device 10 according to the invention in various assembly states in partial exploded view, but without an associated magnet arrangement, i.e. without an associated magnetic element 33 (cf. Fig. 5 ), wherein the torque sensor device 10 is designed to detect a torque applied to a steering shaft of a motor vehicle and has a stator arrangement with a stator holder 21 as well as a first stator 22 and a second stator 23, each with an annular strip-shaped stator body and stator lugs not specified herein.

[0125] The stator lugs of the two stators 22 and 23, which are held by the stator holder 21 and onto which they are pushed, particularly in the axial direction, interlock similarly to a toothed connection. The stators 22 and 23 are axially fixed, at least in one direction, by means of a retaining ring 32. Therefore, the retaining ring 32 can also be referred to as a fixing ring 32. For a rotationally fixed connection of the stator assembly to a first part of a shaft (not shown here), the stator holder 21 further comprises a mounting sleeve 31 or a sleeve-shaped mounting section, which can be pushed onto the corresponding shaft section and fastened to it, for example by shrink-fitting using an interference fit.

[0126] To generate a magnetic flux, a magnet arrangement with a magnetic element 33, as exemplified in [reference to previous work], can be arranged concentrically to the stator arrangement or to the central axis Z in this torque sensor device 10, as is generally known from the prior art. Fig. 5 As shown, they are arranged inside the stator assembly, with the magnet arrangement being located outside the stator assembly for better visibility. Fig. 5 not shown.

[0127] The magnet arrangement 33 can, in particular, be used as in the example in Fig. 5 , to generate at least one useful magnetic field, a magnetic element 33 in the form of a ring-shaped permanent magnet, which is or can be arranged concentrically to a central axis Z and to the stator arrangement and can be fixed in a rotationally fixed manner to a first part of a steering shaft not shown here, while the stator arrangement, as already mentioned at the outset, can be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a second part of the steering shaft via the mounting sleeve 32, so that the stator arrangement is rotatable in the circumferential direction U relative to the magnetic element 33 about the central axis Z, which in a functional state of use of the torque sensor device 10 coincides in particular with a rotational axis of the steering shaft, whereby a magnetic flux can be generated in the stator arrangement, in particular in the two stators 22 and 23.Depending on the magnetic flux generated in this way, the torque applied to the steering shaft can be determined using the magnetic sensor arrangement and a control device not shown in detail here.

[0128] Furthermore, the torque sensor device 10 according to the invention comprises a flux conductor arrangement with a first flux conductor 19 and a second flux conductor 20, as well as a magnetic sensor arrangement with a circuit board 15 and two magnetic sensors 16 and 17. The flux conductor arrangement with the two flux conductors 19 and 20 is designed to at least partially concentrate and transmit the magnetic flux generated in the stator arrangement to the two magnetic sensors 16 and 17, wherein the magnetic sensors 16 and 17 are each designed to generate a corresponding sensor signal for further evaluation, from which the torque can be determined.

[0129] In this embodiment of a torque transmission device 10 according to the invention, each of the flux conductors 19 and 20 has a collecting surface 25 and a transmission surface 26, wherein the magnetic flux generated in the stator arrangement is concentrated via the collecting surfaces 25 and transmitted to the magnetic sensors 16 and 17 via the transmission surfaces 26, which in an assembled state of the torque sensor device 10 are arranged parallel to the transmission surfaces 26 in the axial gap S (see figure). Fig. 5 ) are arranged between the transfer surfaces 26.

[0130] Furthermore, the torque sensor device 10 according to the invention comprises a first housing part 13, which receives the stator arrangement and the magnetic sensor arrangement, and which includes a connector receptacle 14 for establishing a data and signal connection with an associated control device (not shown here) and for power supply. According to the invention, the first housing part 13 is pre-assembled with the magnetic sensor arrangement, including the circuit board 15 and the two magnetic sensors 16 and 17, and with the stator arrangement, including the stator holder 21, the stators 22 and 23, and, in this case, the retaining ring 32, to form a first assembly 12.

[0131] The first housing part 13 is located in the Fig. 1 The example shown is designed in two parts and, in particular, is composed of two halves with a dividing plane extending perpendicular to the central axis Z. This enables particularly simple pre-assembly of the first assembly 12, whereby the two halves of the first housing part 13 can be joined together, especially in the axial direction, and snapped together, thereby allowing the remaining components of the first pre-assembled assembly 12 (the stator arrangement with the stator holder 21 with the mounting section 31, the stators 22 and 23 with the stator tabs, the fixing ring 32, and the magnetic sensor arrangement with the circuit board 15 and the magnetic sensors 16 and 17) to be easily held in the first housing part 13 and fixed relative to each other.

[0132] Furthermore, the torque sensor device 10 has a second housing part 18, which is designed to accommodate the flow guide arrangement with the two flow guides 19 and 20, in order to form a second pre-assembled assembly 11 with them, as indicated by the dashed rectangle in Fig. 1 It is meant to symbolize.

[0133] In this embodiment, the second housing part 18 is formed in one piece, i.e., not composed of several parts, but a single component, but open on its underside and on one side (here on the right side), so that the flow guides 19 and 20, in particular the entire flow guide arrangement, are as within the dashed rectangle in Fig. 1 can be inserted into the second housing part 18 from the side in the direction of the arrow (referring to the illustration in Fig. 1 (from right to left). The flow conductors 19 and 20 can in particular be inserted into the second housing part 18 and locked into place, thus being firmly connected to the second housing part 18 and secured against falling out.

[0134] Alternatively, one or more flow conductors can also be attached to or within the second housing part 18, for example by caulking, potting and / or gluing or the like.

[0135] The two housing parts 18 and 13 are preferably made of plastic, and particularly preferably manufactured by injection molding, wherein alternatively to the embodiment described here or in Fig. 1 In the possible embodiment shown, the second housing part 18 can also be produced (only) by at least partially overmolding the flow guide arrangement, while at the same time the flow guide arrangement, in particular at least the first flow guide 19 and the second flow guide 20, can be partially overmolded and thereby firmly connected to the second housing part 18 by at least partially overmolding the flow guide arrangement.

[0136] In this embodiment of a torque sensor device 10 according to the invention, the second housing part 18 can be pushed onto the first housing part 13 in a tangential direction, whereby during the pushing on the two magnetic sensors 16 and 17 are positioned in the gap S (cf. Fig. 4 ) between the transmission surfaces 26 of the first flow conductor 19 and the second flow conductor 20, such that in an at least partially functionally assembled state of the torque sensor device 10, in particular in a functionally assembled state of the first pre-assembled module 12 and the second pre-assembled module 11, as shown on the far right in Fig. 1 As shown, a magnetic flux generated in the stator arrangement can basically be detected by means of the magnetic sensors 16 and 17.

[0137] The two magnetic sensors 16 and 17 are each arranged on a printed circuit board 15 extending perpendicular to the central axis Z, the printed circuit board 15 having a U-shaped slotted recess 29 in the area of ​​the magnetic sensors 16 and 17, in which one of the transmission surfaces 26 of one of the two flux conductors 19 or 20, in this example the transmission surface 26 of the flux conductor 20, can be arranged in a plane with the printed circuit board plane, thereby enabling a particularly compact torque sensor device 10 to be achieved in the axial direction in this area.

[0138] For damage-free assembly and, in particular, for precise positioning of the flux conductors 19 and 20 within the torque sensor device 10, especially relative to its components, and especially relative to the stator arrangement with the stators 22 and 23 and the magnetic sensors 16 and 17, corresponding U-shaped guide grooves 28 extending tangentially in the direction of displacement are provided on the first housing part 13 in this embodiment. Correspondingly designed guide rails, guide projections, or guide pins, not shown here and located inside the second housing part 18, can engage in these grooves. By means of these guide rails, guide projections, or guide pins, the desired alignment of the two pre-assembled assemblies 11 and 12 relative to each other can be achieved when they are brought into contact or engaged, and precise guidance is ensured during the sliding of the second pre-assembled assembly 11 onto the first assembly 12.This significantly reduces the risk of damage to the flow conductors 19 and 20, particularly bending, in a simple manner. The guide elements in the second housing part 18, not shown, preferably also extend tangentially and, in particular, with the same length as the guide groove. However, they can also be shorter.

[0139] Is the second pre-assembled assembly 11 or the second housing part 18 in a target position, as shown on the far right in Fig. 1 As shown, in which the first pre-assembled assembly 12 and the second pre-assembled assembly 11 are functionally assembled, the second housing part 18 or the second pre-assembled assembly 11 can be pushed onto the first housing part 13 or the first pre-assembled assembly 12, and can be fixed in its position relative to the first pre-assembled assembly 12 or, in particular, on the first housing part 13.

[0140] The in Fig. 1 The torque sensor device 10 shown can be at least partially, and in particular completely, assembled by a method according to the invention, with further, in particular subsequent steps, wherein at least in a first step a) the first housing part 13, as well as the stator arrangement with the stator holder 21 and the stators 22 and 23, and the circuit board 15 with the magnetic sensors 16 and 17 are assembled into a first assembly 12, as shown in the middle of Fig. 1 shown, pre-assembled.

[0141] In a further step b), which can also be carried out before or simultaneously with step a), the two flow conductors 19 and 20, which in this case form the flow conductor arrangement of the torque sensor device 10, are pre-assembled with the second housing part 18 to form a second assembly.

[0142] Subsequently, in a third step c), the first pre-assembled assembly 11 and the second pre-assembled assembly 12 are assembled, whereby the two magnetic sensors 16 and 17 are each inserted into the gap between the two transmission surfaces 26 of the two flux conductors 19 and 20, in particular such that a magnetic flux generated in the stator arrangement can be detected by means of the two magnetic sensors 16 and 17, which are each designed as Hall sensors.

[0143] Subsequently, in a further step d), the second pre-assembled module is fixed in its position relative to the first module 12 with the second housing part 18, in particular by snapping the second housing part 18 onto the first housing part 13.

[0144] In this embodiment, the assembly of the two subassemblies 11 and pre-assembled subassemblies 11 and 12 in step c) is carried out such that the two subassemblies 11 and 12 are first brought into engagement with each other, which is not shown here, before the second subassembly 11 is subsequently pushed onto the first subassembly 12, in particular its housing part 13, by a tangential displacement in a plane extending perpendicular to the central axis Z, and is in its target position as shown on the right in the image. Fig. 1 The image is shown and fixed. This allows for particularly simple assembly of a torque sensor device.

[0145] Preferably, in a further step, particularly when attaching the stator arrangement to a shaft, the magnet arrangement with the magnetic element 33 is arranged accordingly relative to and functionally inside the stators 22 and 23, in particular concentrically to the central axis Z, so that the magnet arrangement and the stator arrangement can be moved relative to each other in the circumferential direction U around the central axis Z of the torque sensor device 10 by applying a torque such that a relative movement between the magnet arrangement 33 (cf. Fig. 5 ) and a magnetic flux can be generated in the stator arrangement in the circumferential direction U.

[0146] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows parts of a second embodiment of a torque sensor device 10' according to the invention in various assembly states in a partial exploded view, wherein the flow conductor arrangement is configured differently in this embodiment 10'. In this example, each of the two flow conductors 19' and 20' has, in addition to the first collecting surface 25, a second collecting surface 27, which is arranged as follows and connected via a connecting section 30 (see Figure 1). Fig. 5 ) is magnetically conductively connected to the associated transmission surface 26 of the respective flux conductor 19' or 20' in such a way that a magnetic interference flux concentrated in the other flux conductor 20' or 19' is at least partially canceled out in the axial gap. For a more detailed description of this effect, reference is made to EP 20192858.7. This allows for a particularly simple reduction of the interference influence of a magnetic interference field in the vicinity of the torque sensor device 10', or, with appropriate design, even its complete elimination.

[0147] Except for the different flow conduit arrangement, the one in Fig. 2 The illustrated torque sensor device 10' according to the invention is essentially analogous to the torque sensor device 10 made of Fig. 1 formed and can also be assembled according to a method according to the invention, wherein the two flow conductors 19' and 20' are first inserted into the second housing part 18' from the side and locked in place, and then together with this as a second pre-assembled assembly 11 in a tangential direction perpendicular to the central axis Z onto the first housing part 13 or the first pre-assembled assembly 12, which is identical to the pre-assembled assembly 12 made of Fig. 1 The magnetic sensors 16 and 17 can be slid open so that they can be inserted into the gap between the transmission surfaces 26 of the two flux conductors 19' and 20'. Here, too, the flux conductors 19' and 20' can be positioned without damage and with precision by means of the guide grooves 28 and corresponding guide elements inside the second housing part 18', which are also not shown here.

[0148] Fig. 3 For better understanding, circuit board 15 of the torque sensor device is shown. Fig. 1 and 2 with the two magnetic sensors 16, 17 attached to it in a perspective view looking at a first side of the circuit board 15, whereby the slot 29 in the circuit board 15 and the manner in which the magnetic sensors 16 and 17 are attached to the circuit board 15 are particularly clearly visible in this view. In this case, in particular in order to achieve a particularly low axial height, the two magnetic sensors 16 and 17 are designed as so-called SMD components, wherein the circuit board is a standard PCB, i.e. a standard circuit board 15.

[0149] Fig. 4 The circuit board shows 15 from Fig. 3 looking at the other side of the circuit board 15 and the two flow conductors 19' and 20' of the torque sensor assembly 10' Fig. 2 , which the flow conductor arrangement of the torque sensor device 10' from Fig. 2 form, in which the two transfer surfaces 26 are clearly visible.

[0150] Fig. 5 The torque sensor arrangement is shown in 10'. Fig. 2 In perspective view, but without the two housing parts 13 and 18, but with a magnetic element 33 in the form of a permanent ring magnet 33 arranged concentrically inside the stators 22 and 23, which can be fixed to a second part of a shaft and can be moved, in particular rotated, in the circumferential direction U relative to the stators or the stator arrangement. In this view, the arrangement of the individual components in the axial gap S is also clearly visible, in particular the arrangement of the magnetic sensors 16 and 17 in the gap between the transmission surfaces 26 and the arrangement of the transmission surface 26 of the flux conductor 20' in the slotted recess 29 of the circuit board 15 in one plane with the circuit board 15.

[0151] The U-shaped design of the two flux conductors 19' and 20' is also clearly visible, each with its two collecting surfaces 25 and 27, which are magnetically connected to each other via a connecting section 30. The first collecting surfaces 25 are further magnetically connected to the transmission surfaces 26, so that a flux concentrated in the flux conductor can be transmitted (without contact) to the magnetic sensors 16 and 17. The special, interlocked arrangement of the transmission surfaces 26 and the collecting surfaces 27 enables interference flux compensation or a reduction of interference flux influence, thus improving the accuracy of the sensor device 10'. For more detailed information on this, in particular on how this effect arises and how the flux conductors 19' and 20' are preferably designed, reference is made to EP 20192858.7, which has already been mentioned several times.

[0152] Fig. 6 Figure 1 shows parts of a third embodiment of a torque sensor device 10" according to the invention in various assembly states in a partial exploded view. This embodiment of a torque sensor device 10" according to the invention differs from the two previously described torque sensor devices 10 and 10' in that, in this case, the second housing part 18" is only at least partially open on one underside, and the flow guide arrangement with the two flow guides 19" and 20" is inserted or plugged into the second housing part 18" from below, or the second housing part 18" or the second pre-assembled assembly 11" is plugged onto the first pre-assembled assembly 12'. Here, too, the dashed rectangle is intended to symbolize the second pre-assembled assembly 11".

[0153] As in the embodiment example in Fig. 1 This flow conductor arrangement also only has flow conductors 19" and 20" each, each with a first collecting area 25, and not, as in the example in Fig. 2 with two collection areas each, 25 and 27.

[0154] Another difference in the Fig. 6 shown embodiment of a torque sensor device 10" according to the invention to the device made of Fig. 1 The key feature is that the second pre-assembled assembly 11" is not pushed onto the first pre-assembled assembly 12' in a tangential direction, but is instead attached in a radial direction, as indicated by the associated arrow.

[0155] In order to ensure that the transmission surfaces 26 of the flux conductors 19" and 20" can also form the most optimal gap possible, or to be positioned as optimally as possible in the axial direction outside the two magnetic sensors 16 and 17, and especially as close as possible to them, the circuit board 15' in this case has radially open U-shaped slots 29' (see figure). Fig. 9 ), into which the transfer surfaces 26' engage, wherein in this case two smaller, narrow transfer surfaces 26' are provided instead of one elongated one as in the examples from the Fig. 1 and 2 .

[0156] In this example, the guide groove 28 in the first housing part 13 does not serve to guide the radial displacement of the second assembly 11" relative to the first assembly 12', but rather to fix the second assembly 11‴ in the target position, in particular to lock the second housing part 18" in the target position on the first housing part 13.

[0157] Fig. 7 Figure 1 shows parts of a fourth embodiment of a torque sensor device 10‴ according to the invention in various assembly states in partial exploded view, wherein this torque sensor device 10‴ is essentially designed like the torque sensor device 10‴, but has a corresponding, radially mountable second assembly 11‴, which has two U-shaped bent flow guides 19‴ and 20‴ each with two collecting surfaces 25 and 27' (cf. Figure 10‴). Fig. 9 ) features analogous to the torque sensor device from Fig. 2 .

[0158] Fig. 8 The circuit board 15' shows the torque sensor device Fig. 6 and 7 with the two magnetic sensors 16 and 17 attached to it in perspective view looking at a first side of the circuit board 15', and Fig. 9 The circuit board shows 15' from Fig. 8 looking at the other side of the circuit board 15' and the two flux conductors 19' and 20' of the torque sensor assembly Fig. 7 , which the flow conductor arrangement of the torque sensor device 10‴ from Fig. 7 form and can be attached in a radial direction.

[0159] Naturally, a multitude of modifications, especially of a constructive nature, are possible without leaving the scope of protection defined by the patent claims. Bezugszeichenliste:

[0160] 10, 10', 10", 10‴torque sensor device according to the invention 11, 11', 11", 11‴second pre-assembled assembly 12, 12'first pre-assembled assembly 13first housing part 14plug receptacle 15, 15'circuit board 16, 17magnetic sensor 18, 18'second housing part 19, 19', 19", 19‴first flux conductor 20, 20', 20", 20‴second flux conductor 21stator holder 22, 23stator 25, 25'first collecting surface 26, 26'transmission surface 27, 27'second collecting surface 28guide groove 29, 29recess, slot 30connecting section 31mounting sleeve for fastening the Stator holder 32 Fixing ring 33 Magnet arrangement, in particular permanent ring magnet Circumferential direction Zcentral axis

Claims

1. Torque sensor device (10, 10', 10", 10‴) for detecting torque applied to a shaft, in particular for detecting torque applied to a steering shaft of a motor vehicle, wherein the torque sensor device (10, 10', 10", 10‴) comprises a magnetic assembly (33), a stator assembly (21, 22, 23, 31, 32), a flux conductor assembly (19, 19', 19", 19"'; 20, 20', 20", 20‴) and a magnetic sensor assembly with at least one magnetic sensor (16, 17), wherein the magnet assembly (33) is designed to generate at least one magnetic field, wherein the flux conductor arrangement (19, 19', 19", 19‴; 20, 20', 20", 20"') has at least one first flux conductor (19, 19', 19", 19‴) and a second flux conductor (20, 20', 20", 20"'), and the first flux conductor (19, 19', 19", 19‴) and the second flow conductors (20, 20', 20", 20‴) each have at least one transmission surface (26, 26'), wherein the at least one transmission surface (26, 26') of the first flow conductor (19, 19', 19", 19‴), and the at least one transmission surface surface (26, 26') of the second flux conductor (20, 20', 20", 20"'), such that they form an axial gap (S) between them, in which at least one magnetic sensor (16, 17) of the magnetic sensor arrangement can be arranged, wherein the magnet arrangement (33) and the stator arrangement (21, 22, 23, 31, 32) are movable relative to each other in the circumferential direction (U) about a central axis (Z) of the torque sensor device (10, 10', 10", 10‴) in such a way that a magnetic flux can be generated in the stator assembly (21, 22, 23, 31, 32) in the circumferential direction (U) by a relative movement between the magnet assembly (33) and the stator assembly (21, 22, 23, 31, 32) circumferential direction (U) generates a magnetic flux in the stator arrangement (21, 22, 23, 31, 32), and wherein the torque sensor device (10, 10', 10", 10‴) comprises several assemblies, including at least one first pre-assembled assembly (12, 12') with a first housing part (13) and a second pre-assembled assembly (11, 11', 11", 11‴) with a second housing part (18, 18'), characterised in that the first pre-assembled assembly (12, 12') comprises at least the first housing part (13), the stator arrangement (21, 22, 23, 31, 32) and the at least one magnetic sensor (16, 17) of the magnetic sensor assembly, the second pre-assembled module (11, 11', 11", 11‴) comprises at least the second housing part (18, 18'), the first flux conductor (19, 19', 19", 19‴), and the second flux conductor (20, 20', 20", 20"') and the second housing part (18, 18") can be pushed or plugged onto the first housing part (13) and / or can be at least partially pushed or plugged into the first housing part (13), whereby at least one magnetic sensor (16, 17) is inserted into the gap (S) between the transmission surfaces (26, 26') of the first flux conductor (19, 19', 19") in such a way that 19") and the second flow conductor (20, 20', 20", 20") can be inserted, such that in a functionally assembled state of the torque sensor device (10, 10', 10", 10") in which at least the first pre-assembled assembly (12, 12') and the second pre-assembled assembly (11, 11', 11", 11‴) are functionally , a magnetic flux generated in the stator arrangement (21, 22, 23, 31, 32) can be detected by means of the magnetic sensor (16, 17).

2. Torque sensor device (10, 10', 10", 10‴) according to claim 1, characterised in that characterised in that the second pre-assembled assembly (11, 11') can be pushed or attached onto the first housing part (13) in a tangential direction in a plane extending perpendicular to the centre axis (Z) of the torque sensor device (10, 10') or in a plane extending perpendicular to the centre axis (Z) of the torque sensor device (10", 10‴) .

3. Torque sensor device (10, 10', 10", 10‴) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that characterised in that the second housing part (13) is at least partially open on at least one underside or on one underside and one side.

4. Torque sensor device (10, 10', 10", 10‴) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first housing part (13) and / or the second housing part (18, 18') has means (28) for aligning the two housing parts (13; 18, 18') relative to each other and / or for guiding and / or aligning during sliding on, plugging on or during at least partial sliding into or plugging into each other.

5. Torque sensor device (10, 10', 10", 10‴) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the magnetic sensor arrangement further comprises a printed circuit board (15, 15'), wherein at least one magnetic sensor (16, 17) is mounted on the printed circuit board (15, 15'). is attached and the printed circuit board (15, 15') has a recess (29, 29') or an area with reduced thickness compared to a surrounding area, wherein the at least one magnetic sensor (16, 17) attached to the printed circuit board (15, 15') is arranged in the area of the recess (29, 29') or in the area with the reduced thickness, and wherein the at least one magnetic sensor (16, 17) of the magnetic sensor arrangement and the recess (29, 29') or the area with the reduced thickness of the printed circuit board (15, 15') are located in the gap (S) between the transmission surfaces (26, 26') of the two flux conductors (19, 19', 19", 19‴; 20, 20', 20", 20‴) is located.

6. Torque sensor device (10', 10‴) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, in the stator arrangement (21, 22, 23, 31, 32), a magnetic useful flux can be generated as a function of the torque applied to the torque sensor device (10', 10‴) applied to the torque sensor device (10', 10‴) and, furthermore, a first magnetic interference flux can be generated in the stator arrangement (21, 22, 23, 31, 32) as a function of an interference magnetic field surrounding the torque sensor device (10', 10‴). wherein the first flux conductor (19', 19") and the second flux conductor (20', 20") further each have a first collecting surface (25, 25') which is each for at least partially bundling and / or at least partially forwarding the magnetic useful flux generated in the stator arrangement (21, 22, 23, 31, 32) in response to an applied torque and / or the first magnetic interference flux generated in response to an interference magnetic field surrounding the torque sensor device (10', 10"'), wherein the flux conductor arrangement (19', 19‴; 20', 20‴) further comprises a second collecting surface (27, 27') magnetically coupled to at least one transmission surface (26, 26') in a magnetically conductive manner, which is intended for generating or at least partially Bundling and / or forwarding of a second magnetic interference flux depending on an interference magnetic field surrounding the torque sensor device (10', 10‴) is formed, wherein the flux conductor arrangement (19', 19‴; 20', 20‴) is designed such that, when the torque sensor device (10', 10‴) is surrounded by an interference magnetic field, an interference flux component transmitted to the magnetic sensor (16, 17) via the at least one associated transmission surface (26, 26') of this flux conductor (19', 19‴) is at least partially concentrated in the first collecting surface (25, 25') of one of the flux conductors (19', 19"') to the magnetic sensor (16, 17), and a first interference flux component that is at least partially concentrated in the second collecting surface (27, 27') and transmitted to the magnetic sensor (16, 17) via a corresponding transmission surface (26, 26') of the other flux conductor (20', 20") to the magnetic sensor (16, 17).

7. Method for at least partially assembling a torque sensor device (10, 10', 10", 10‴) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the torque sensor device (10, 10', 10", 10‴) comprises the magnet assembly (33), the stator assembly (21, 22, 23, 31, 32), the flux conductor arrangement (19, 19', 19", 19"' (20, 20', 20", 20‴) and the magnetic sensor arrangement with at least one magnetic sensor (16, 17) wherein the magnet arrangement (33) is designed to generate the at least one magnetic field, wherein the flux conductor arrangement (19, 19', 19", 19"'; 20, 20', 20", 20‴) the at least one first current conductor (19, 19', 19", 19"') and the at least one second flow conductor (20, 20', 20", 20‴) and the first flow conductor (19, 19', 19", 19‴) and the second flow conductor (20, 20', 20", 20‴) each have at least one transfer surface (26, 26'), and wherein the torque sensor device (10, 10', 10", 10‴) further comprises the first housing part (13) and the second housing part (18, 18'), characterised by the steps: a) Pre-assembly of the first assembly (12, 12'), which comprises at least the first housing part (13), the stator arrangement (21, 22, 23, 31, 32), and at least one magnetic sensor (16, 17) of the magnetic sensor arrangement, b) Pre-assembly of the second assembly (11, 11', 11", 11‴), which comprises at least the second housing part (18, 18') and the first flux conductor (19, 19', 19", 19‴), and the second flux conductor (20, 20', 20", 20"'), wherein the first flux conductor (19, 19', 19", 19"'), and the second flux conductor (20, 20', 20", 20‴) are connected to the second housing part (18, 18') in such a way that the at least one transmission surface (26, 26') of the first current conductor (19, 19', 19", 19"') and the at least one transfer surface (26, 26') of the second flux conductor (20, 20', 20", 20"') are arranged opposite each other in such a way that they form the axial gap (S) between them, in which the at least one magnetic sensor (16, 17) of the magnetic sensor arrangement ( ) can be arranged. magnetic sensor arrangement can be arranged, c) Assembling the first pre-assembled module (12, 12') and the second pre-assembled module (11, 11', 11", 11‴), wherein the at least one magnetic sensor (16, 17) of the magnetic sensor arrangement is inserted into the gap (S) between the transmission surfaces (26, 26') of the first flux conductor (19, 19', 19", 19"') and the second flux conductor (20, 20', 20", 20‴) in such a way that the magnetic flux generated in the stator arrangement (21, 22, 23, 31, 32) can be detected by means of the magnetic sensor (16, 17), and d) fixing the two pre-assembled assemblies (12, 12'; 11, 11', 11", 11‴ their position relative to each other.

8. Method according to claim 7, wherein the pre-assembly of the second assembly (11, 11', 11", 11‴) in step b) is carried out by first providing the second housing part (18, 18') and at least the first flow conductor (19, 19', 19", 19‴) and the second flow conductor (20, 20', 20", 20‴), and then inserting the first flux conductor (19, 19', 19", 19‴), the second flux conductor (20, 20', 20", 20‴) are inserted into the second housing part (18, 18') and connected to it.

9. Method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the assembly in step c) is performed by in a first step c1), the first pre-assembled assembly (12) and the second pre-assembled assembly (11, 11') are brought into contact with each other in an engagement position, and in a further step c2), the second pre-assembled assembly (11, 11') is moved in a tangential direction relative to the first assembly (12) into a target position in a plane extending perpendicular to the central axis (Z) of the torque sensor device (10, 10').

10. Method according to claim 9, wherein the second housing part (18) is at least partially open on at least one underside and on one side, and wherein, during pre-assembly in step b), at least the first current conductor (19, 19') and / or the second current conductor (20, 20') are inserted into the second housing part (18) from the open underside or from the open side.

11. Method according to claim 10, wherein in step c1), the second pre-assembled assembly (11, 11') is aligned in such a way that, in the engagement position of the second pre-assembled assembly (11, 11'), the open side of the second housing part (18, 18') extends at least substantially orthogonally to the direction of displacement, and in step c2), when moving in the tangential direction, the second pre-assembled assembly (11, 11') is moved from the engagement position to the target position with the open side facing forward.

12. Method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the assembly in step c) is performed by in a first step c1), the first pre-assembled assembly (12') and the second pre-assembled assembly (11", 11‴) are brought into contact with each other in an engagement position, and in a further step c2), the second pre-assembled assembly (11", 11‴) is moved in a plane extending perpendicular to the central axis (Z) of the torque sensor device (10", 10‴) in a radial direction relative to the first assembly (12') until it reaches a target position.

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the second housing part (18') is partially open at least on one underside, and wherein, during pre-assembly in step b), at least the first flux conductor (19", 19‴) and / or the second flux conductor (20", 20‴), in particular the entire flux conductor arrangement (19", 20"; 19‴, 20‴) is inserted into the second housing part (18') from the open underside.

14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein in step c1), the second pre-assembled assembly (11", 11‴) is aligned in such a way that, in the engagement position of the second pre-assembled assembly (11", 11‴), the open underside extends at least substantially orthogonally to the direction of displacement, and in step c2), when moving in the radial direction, the second pre-assembled assembly (11", 11‴), with the open underside leading, is moved from the engagement position to the target position.

15. Method according to one of claims 7 to 14, wherein the magnetic sensor arrangement further comprises a printed circuit board (15, 15') and at least one magnetic sensor (16, 17) is attached to the printed circuit board (15, 15'), wherein the printed circuit board (15, 15') has a recess (29, 29') or an area with reduced thickness relative to a surrounding area, wherein the at least one magnetic sensor (16, 17) attached to the printed circuit board (15, 15') is arranged in the area of the recess (29, 29') or in the area with the reduced thickness, and wherein the assembly of the first pre-assembled assembly (12, 12') and the second pre-assembled assembly (11, 11', 11") 11") in step c) is carried out in such a way that, after the at least one magnetic sensor (16, 17) of the magnetic sensor arrangement has been inserted into the gap (S) between the transmission surfaces (26, 26') of the first flux conductor (19, 19', 19", 19"') and the second flux conductor (20, 20', 20", 20‴) the recess (29, 29') or the area with the reduced thickness of the conductor board (15, 15') is also located in the gap (S) between the transmission surfaces (26, 26') of the two flux conductors (19, 19', 19", 19‴; 20, 20', 20", 20‴) is also located in the gap (S) between the transmission surfaces (26, 26') of the two flux conductors (19,