Steering device with a steering sensor unit for inductively acquiring at least one steering information

Abstract

The present invention provides a steering device including a steering shaft (10a; 10b) that includes an input shaft (12a) and an output shaft (14a) that is configured separately from the input shaft (12a) and is rotatably supported, and a steering sensor unit (16a) that includes at least one sensor element (18a) and at least two rotor elements (20a, 22a; 20b, 22b) that interact with the sensor element (18a) and inductively captures at least one piece of steering information, wherein a first rotor element (20a, 22a; 20b, 22b) of the rotor elements (20a, 22a; 20b, 22b) is a first rotor element (20a, 22a; 20b, 22b). The steering gear of the rotor elements (20a, 22a; 20b) is connected to the input shaft (12a) in a non-rotatable manner, has a first rotor part (24a) assigned to the sensor element (18a) and extends perpendicular to the steering shaft (10a; 10b), and a second rotor element (22a; 22b) of the rotor elements (20a, 22a; 20b, 22b) is connected to the output shaft (14a) in a non-rotatable manner, has a second rotor part (26a) assigned to the sensor element (18a) and extends perpendicular to the steering shaft (10a; 10b). It is proposed here that the second rotor element (22a; 22b) has a number of fixing lugs (28a, 30a; 28b, 30b, 32b) for fixing to the output shaft (14a) and that the first rotor element (20a; 20b) has a number of through openings (34a, 36a; 34b, 36b, 38b) for the fixing lugs (28a, 30a; 28b, 30b, 32b), the fixing lugs (28a, 30a; 28b, 30b, 32b) extending in the axial direction through the through openings (34a, 36a; 34b, 36b, 38b).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The invention takes as its starting point a steering device according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a steering system comprising such a steering device as well as to a method for mounting such a steering device.

[0002] From the prior art, for example from DE 19941464 A1 and / or DE 10121870 A1, steering systems for motor vehicles are known which have an inductive steering sensor for determining the steering angle and / or the steering torque acting on the steering shaft. Steering sensors of this kind generally have a sensor housing arranged on the steering shaft, a sensor element arranged in the sensor housing, for example in the form of a printed circuit board with at least one sensor coil, and at least one rotor element which interacts with the sensor element and is designed to be non-rotatable relative to the steering shaft.

[0003] Furthermore, from DE 10 2018202226 A1 a steering device is known which has a closing cover for closing the steering gear housing and which has a steering sensor unit which is arranged in a sensor receiving area of ​​the closing cover and which inductively captures at least one steering position information.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a steering device having improved properties, in particular with regard to stability and / or robustness. This object is achieved by the features of claims 1, 9 and 10, whereas preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention can be taken from the dependent claims.

[0005] Disclosure of the Invention The present invention takes as its starting point a steering device comprising an input shaft, in particular a steering spindle, and an output shaft, in particular a steering pinion, configured separately from the input shaft and in particular torsionally rotatable relative to the input shaft, with a steering shaft rotatably supported in particular around a steering axis, further comprising at least one sensor element and at least two rotor elements interacting with the sensor element, with a steering sensor unit for inductively capturing at least one steering information, wherein a first rotor element of the rotor elements is connected non-rotatably with the input shaft, assigned to the sensor element and has a first rotor part extending perpendicular to the steering axis, and wherein a second rotor element of the rotor elements is connected non-rotatably with the output shaft, assigned to the sensor element and has a second rotor part extending perpendicular to the steering axis.

[0006] It is proposed here that the second rotor element has a plurality, in particular at least two, fixing lugs for fixing to the output shaft and that the first rotor element has a plurality, in particular at least two, through-openings for the fixing lugs, in particular for one fixing lug each, where the fixing lugs extend through the through-openings in the axial direction with respect to the steering shaft, in particular in the mounted state. This arrangement preferably makes it possible to improve the stability and / or robustness of the steering device. In particular, in this case it makes it possible to reduce or preferably prevent tilting of the first rotor element and / or the second rotor element, which avoids an increase in friction and thus makes it possible to minimize wear and / or reduce noise. It is thus preferably possible to increase the service life and / or fatigue strength of the steering device. Furthermore, it is preferably possible to increase the cost-effectiveness of the steering device.

[0007] "Steering device" is to be understood in this context as meaning at least one part, for example a subassembly, of a steering system, in particular of a vehicle, preferably of a motor vehicle, which in particular comprises a steering gear housing having a mounting opening for at least partially accommodating a steering shaft, in particular an output shaft, and preferably for at least partially accommodating a steering sensor unit. Furthermore, the steering system may further comprise further components and / or assemblies, such as for example at least one steering adjustment element, in particular arranged in the steering gear housing and preferably configured as a toothed rack, and / or at least one steering wheel connected to the steering adjustment element, in particular via a steering shaft.

[0008] Furthermore, a "steering sensor unit" is to be understood as meaning a sensor unit which in particular surrounds the steering shaft in the circumferential direction and is arranged to capture at least one steering information, which in particular correlates with the operation of the steering wheel, on the basis of the torsional rotation of the input shaft relative to the output shaft. The steering information is in this case preferably the steering angle and / or the steering torque which is applied to the steering shaft in particular by means of the steering wheel. This steering sensor unit is arranged in the present invention for inductively capturing the steering information and therefore differs from a magnetically acting steering sensor unit for magnetically capturing the steering information. To capture the steering information, the steering sensor unit comprises a sensor element which is in particular configured as an inductive sensor element and a rotor element which interacts with the sensor element.

[0009] The sensor element comprises, in particular, at least one sensor coil, in particular in the form of an excitation coil and / or a receiving coil, and preferably at least one support element, for example a printed circuit board and / or a printed circuit board, on which the sensor coil is arranged and which extends perpendicularly to the steering axis and / or is arranged perpendicularly to the steering axis. Particularly preferably, the sensor element comprises at least two sensor coils, in particular configured as excitation coils and / or receiving coils, which are arranged on different side and / or receiving surfaces of the support element. Furthermore, the sensor element may comprise at least one excitation circuit and / or evaluation circuit, in particular arranged on the support element and in particular electrically connected to the sensor coil and / or the sensor coils. Furthermore, the sensor element is preferably arranged in a fixed manner in the housing and surrounds the steering axis in the circumferential direction at least to a large extent, preferably completely.

[0010] The rotor element is at least partially configured to be electrically conductive and / or magnetically permeable and is in particular configured to influence the sensor coil and / or at least one of the sensor coils. In particular, the rotor element is configured to change the sensor signal of the sensor coil depending on the relative orientation of the corresponding rotor element with respect to the sensor element. The first rotor element is configured to be non-rotatable relative to the input shaft and surrounds the steering shaft at least to a large extent, preferably completely, in the circumferential direction. Herein, the first rotor element may be frictionally and / or form-fittingly fixed to the input shaft, for example by means of a crimping connection and / or a caulking connection. However, alternatively, the first rotor element may be materially fixed to the input shaft, for example by means of an adhesive connection, a fusion connection and / or a welded connection. Furthermore, the first rotor element is preferably formed in a flanged shape and / or in a stepped shape, in particular with at least one step. In this context, the first rotor element comprises a first rotor part, in particular assigned to the sensor element, extending radially and in particular having at least one electrically conductive and / or magnetically permeable rotor blade, preferably a plurality of rotor blades, and a first fastening section, assigned to the input shaft, preferably arranged perpendicularly to the first rotor part and provided for fastening to the input shaft, preferably extending starting from the first rotor part in the direction of the input shaft and / or in the direction of the steering wheel. Furthermore, the second rotor element is configured to be non-rotatable relative to the output shaft and surrounds the steering shaft at least to a large extent, preferably completely, in the circumferential direction. In this case, the second rotor element may be frictionally and / or form-fittingly fastened to the output shaft, for example by means of a crimping joint and / or a caulking joint. Alternatively, however, the second rotor element may also be materially fastened to the output shaft, for example by means of an adhesive joint, a fusion joint and / or a welding joint. Furthermore, the second rotor element is preferably configured in a flanged shape and / or stepped shape, in particular having at least one step.In this context, the second rotor element comprises a second rotor part, in particular assigned to the sensor element, extending radially and having in particular at least one electrically conductive and / or magnetically permeable rotor blade, preferably a plurality of rotor blades, and a second fixing section, assigned to the output shaft, preferably arranged perpendicularly to the second rotor part and having a fixing lug for fixing to the output shaft, preferably extending starting from the second rotor part in the direction of the output shaft and / or in the direction of the steering adjustment element. Particularly preferably, the first rotor element and / or the second rotor element are further formed integrally. "Fixing lug" is to be understood in this context as meaning in particular an elongated, preferably lug-shaped and / or tongue-shaped section of the second rotor element, extending axially with respect to the steering shaft and provided for fixing to the output shaft. Preferably, the fixing lug in this case extends starting from the second rotor part in the direction of the output axis and / or in the direction of the steering adjustment element. Furthermore, the end section of each fixing lug, in particular facing away from the second rotor part, guided in particular through one of the through openings, is provided for fixing to the output shaft and / or is fixed to the output shaft in the mounted state. These fixing lugs are moreover preferably distributed in the circumferential direction of the steering shaft and are particularly preferably configured to be geometrically stable. Furthermore, these fixing lugs are moreover preferably configured identically to one another. Furthermore, these through openings are preferably arranged in the first rotor part of the first rotor element and are formed correspondingly to and / or adapted to the fixing lugs in order to allow a torsional rotation of the input shaft relative to the output shaft and thus of the first rotor element relative to the second rotor element, in particular for the capture of steering information.

[0011] The term "at least to a large extent" is to be understood as meaning at least 55%, preferably at least 75%, particularly preferably at least 95%. "Integral" is to be understood as meaning at least materially connected and / or formed with one another. The material connection can be produced, for example, by a bonding process, an injection moulding process, a welding process, a brazing process and / or other processes. Preferably, however, integral is to be understood as meaning one-piece moulded and / or one-piece moulded. Preferably, this one-piece is produced, for example, in an injection moulding process, from individual blanks, cast iron and / or castings. "Provided" is to be understood in particular as meaning specially designed and / or equipped. Here, an object being provided for a particular function is to be understood in particular as meaning that the object fulfills and / or performs this particular function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0012] The first rotor part could, for example, be arranged axially at the level of the output shaft, whereas the second rotor part could be arranged axially at the level of the input shaft. Furthermore, the first and second rotor parts could be arranged axially at the level of the output shaft. However, it is preferably proposed that the first and second rotor parts are arranged axially at the level of the input shaft. This can simplify the mounting and / or reduce the diameter of the rotor elements, in particular due to the smaller diameter of the input shaft compared to the output shaft.

[0013] It is further proposed that the first rotor part and the second rotor part are arranged on opposite sides of the sensor element in the axial direction. Particularly preferably, the first rotor part is arranged on the side of the sensor element facing the output shaft and / or facing the steering adjustment element, and the second rotor part is arranged on the side of the sensor element facing away from the output shaft and / or facing the steering wheel. This makes it possible, in particular, to achieve a particularly high stability of the steering device and at the same time a simple installation.

[0014] If the second rotor element has at least three, at least four or at least five fixing lugs, in particular distributed in the circumferential direction of the steering axis and preferably geometrically stable, and the first rotor element has at least three, at least four or at least five through openings for the fixing lugs, in particular for one fixing lug each, it is preferably possible to provide a particularly preferred versatility of steering gear which can be adapted to different situations.

[0015] In a further embodiment, it is proposed that the steering sensor unit has a closing cover which surrounds the steering shaft in the circumferential direction and which provides a sensor receiving area and is provided in the mounted state to close, in particular liquid-tight, the mounting opening of the steering gear housing for receiving the output shaft, where the sensor element and the rotor element are arranged at least partially in the sensor receiving area of ​​the closing cover. The closing cover is preferably pot-shaped and / or cup-shaped. Particularly preferably, the closing cover is formed integrally and has a particularly sealed and / or sealable through-opening, preferably for the steering shaft, in particular for the input shaft. Furthermore, the closing cover preferably has at least one plug-in connector, preferably configured as a socket, provided for the connection of a sensor cable of the steering system. In particular, the closing cover is replaced in the present case by an additional sensor housing. Particularly preferably, the sensor element is furthermore fixedly connected to the closing cover, in particular on the inside of the closing cover facing the sensor receiving area. The term "liquid-tight" is to be understood in the present case to mean, in particular, liquid-tight within the framework of permissible tolerances and / or manufacturing possibilities. This arrangement advantageously makes it possible to dispense with an additional sensor housing, thus increasing component efficiency.

[0016] It is furthermore preferably proposed that the fastening lugs extend in the axial direction in such a way that they are withdrawn from the sensor receiving area of ​​the closing cover and are at least partially free from overlap with the closing cover when viewed in at least one direction perpendicular to the steering axis. In particular, in this case, at least an end section of each fastening lug provided for the respective fastening to the output shaft is withdrawn from the sensor receiving area of ​​the closing cover and is free from overlap with the closing cover when viewed in at least one direction perpendicular to the steering axis. This can further simplify the installation, since the second rotor element becomes freely accessible for fastening to the output shaft.

[0017] Furthermore, a method for mounting the aforementioned steering gear is proposed, in which in a first mounting step, the first rotor element is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the input shaft and, in a second mounting step, which in particular follows the first mounting step, the fastening lugs of the second rotor element are inserted into the through-openings of the first rotor element. The fastening lugs can then be fastened to the output shaft, for example by adhesive, welded, crimped and / or swaged connections, in order to connect the second rotor element in a rotationally fixed manner to the output shaft in a third mounting step, in particular following the second mounting step. However, as an alternative, the fastening of the fastening lugs to the output shaft can also take place directly and / or automatically in the second mounting step, for example when a frictionally fixed connection is used for fastening the fastening lugs to the output shaft. In this case, in particular, it may be omitted to pull the fastening lugs out of the sensor receiving area. More preferably, in a second mounting step, a pre-mounted closure cover assembly is manufactured using at least the sensor element, the second rotor element and a closure cover for closing the mounting opening of the steering gear housing, in particular the closure cover already described above, and the pre-mounted closure cover assembly is slid onto the steering shaft in such a way that the fixing lugs are automatically inserted into the through-openings when the closure cover assembly is mounted, whereby in particular the advantages already described above can be achieved. In particular in this case the stability and / or robustness of the steering device can be improved.

[0018] These steering devices, steering systems, and methods for mounting the steering devices should not be limited to the applications and embodiments described herein, and in particular, these steering devices, steering systems, and methods for mounting the steering devices can have a number of individual elements, components, and units different from the number listed herein to achieve the functionality described herein.

[0019] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings, in which two exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary steering system including a steering device. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a steering shaft of the steering device and a steering sensor unit of the steering device. FIG. [Figure 3a] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first rotor element of the steering sensor unit. [Figure 3b] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a second rotor element of the steering sensor unit. [Figure 3c] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first rotor element and a second rotor element of the steering sensor unit. [Figure 4] 4 is an exemplary flow chart illustrating a method for mounting a steering device. [Figure 5a] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a first rotor element of a further steering sensor unit; [Figure 5b] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a second rotor element of a further steering sensor unit; [Figure 5c] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a further embodiment of a first rotor element and a second rotor element of a further steering sensor unit;

[0021] Description of the embodiment FIG. 1 shows a purely exemplary steering system 52a in a schematic diagram. The steering system 52a is configured as an electrically assisted steering system and therefore has an electrically assisted power support function. Furthermore, the steering system 52a is intended for use in a vehicle (not shown), in particular in a motor vehicle, preferably an electric motor vehicle. In the installed state, the steering system 52a has an operative connection with the vehicle wheels of the vehicle and is provided for influencing the direction of travel of the vehicle. In principle, it is of course also conceivable to configure the steering system as a hydraulically assisted steering system with a hydraulically assisted power support function.

[0022] The steering system 52a comprises a steering handle 54a, exemplarily configured as a steering wheel in the present case, for applying a manual torque, as well as a steering gear 56a, known per se, provided for converting steering inputs at the steering handle 54a into steering movements of the vehicle wheels. For this purpose, the steering gear 56a comprises a steering gear housing 50a and a steering adjustment element 58a arranged in the steering gear housing 50a.

[0023] Furthermore, the steering system 52a comprises a steering device (see also in particular FIG. 2). This steering device comprises a steering shaft 10a, known per se. This steering shaft 10a connects the steering wheel 54a to the steering gear 56a, in particular to the steering adjustment element 58a, and for this purpose is inserted at least partially in the mounting opening 49a of the steering gear housing 50a in the mounted state. The longitudinal extension of the steering shaft 10a defines an axial direction. The steering shaft 10a is furthermore supported rotatably about a steering axis 60a oriented parallel to the axial direction. Furthermore, the steering shaft 10a is constructed in a multi-section. The steering shaft 10a includes an input shaft 12a in the form of a steering spindle assigned to a steering wheel 54a, an output shaft 14a configured separately from the input shaft 12a in the form of a steering pinion assigned to a steering gear 56a, and a torsion element 62a, preferably configured as a torsion bar, that connects the input shaft 12a to the output shaft 14a.

[0024] Furthermore, the steering system includes a steering sensor unit 16a. This steering sensor unit 16a is configured as an inductive steering sensor unit and is therefore based on an inductive measurement principle. The steering sensor unit 16a is arranged on the steering shaft 10a and surrounds the steering shaft 10a in the circumferential direction. The steering sensor unit 16a is provided for capturing at least one steering information, such as, in particular, a steering angle and / or a steering torque, which is correlated with the operation of the steering wheel 54a. In the present case, the steering sensor unit 16a is provided for capturing at least one steering information based on the torsional rotation of the input shaft 12a relative to the output shaft 14a.

[0025] The steering sensor unit 16a includes a closure cover 46a, which is formed in one piece. The closure cover 46a provides a sensor receiving area 48a and serves as a sensor housing, so that a separate additional sensor housing can be dispensed with. Furthermore, the closure cover 46a has a through opening 64a for the input shaft 12a, which is sealed, for example, by means of a radial shaft seal or an injected sealing element. In the mounted state, the closure cover 46a is arranged on the input shaft 12a and surrounds it in the circumferential direction. In the mounted state, the closure cover 46a is provided for liquid-tightly closing an installation opening 49a in the steering gear housing 50a for receiving the output shaft 14a. However, alternatively, the closure cover may be configured in a multi-piece manner. Furthermore, it is also conceivable to use an additional sensor housing.

[0026] To inductively capture the steering information, the steering sensor unit 16a further comprises a sensor element 18a and a number of rotor elements 20a, 22a which interact with the sensor element 18a. The sensor element 18a and the rotor elements 20a, 22a are arranged at least partially in a sensor receiving area 48a of the closing cover 46a. In the present case, the steering sensor unit 16a comprises exactly two rotor elements 20a, 22a which interact with the sensor element 18a. These rotor elements 20a, 22a are provided for deflecting the sensor signal of the sensor element 18a depending on the relative orientation of the rotor elements 20a, 22a with respect to the sensor element 18a.

[0027] The sensor element 18a is constructed as one piece. This sensor element 18a is arranged completely in the sensor receiving area 48a. The sensor element 18a is connected to the closing cover 46a in a fixed, in particular non-detachable, manner. In the present case, the sensor element 18a is connected to the inside of the closing cover 46a facing the sensor receiving area 48a in a fixed manner. Furthermore, the sensor element 18a is arranged in the sensor receiving area 48a in such a way that the sensor element 18a is arranged axially at the height of the input shaft 12a and surrounds the input shaft 12a in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the sensor element 18a has at least one sensor coil 40a, 42a. In the present case, the sensor element 18a has, by way of example, two sensor coils 40a, 42a. These sensor coils 40a, 42a are constructed as excitation coils and / or receiver coils, which are known per se. Furthermore, the sensor element 18a has a support element 44a configured as a printed circuit board for holding the sensor coils 40a, 42a and for connecting the sensor coils 40a, 42a to the closing cover 46a. This support element 44a extends perpendicularly to the steering axis 10a. Furthermore, the sensor coils 40a, 42a are arranged on different lateral and / or receiving surfaces of the support element 44a. Furthermore, the sensor element 18a can include excitation and / or evaluation circuits (not shown) known per se, which are arranged on the support element 44a and electrically connected to the sensor coils 40a, 42a. Alternatively, the sensor element could include exactly one sensor coil or three or more sensor coils. Furthermore, it is also conceivable to configure the sensor element separately from the closing cover and / or to arrange it at the level of the output shaft.

[0028] The first rotor element 20a of the rotor elements 20a, 22a is shown in detail in FIG. 3a. This first rotor element 20a is formed in one piece. The first rotor element 20a is completely arranged in the sensor receiving area 48a. The first rotor element 20a is connected to the input shaft 12a in a rotationally non-rotatable manner. In the mounted state, the first rotor element 20a is non-detachably connected to the input shaft 12a. In the present case, the first rotor element 20a is connected to the input shaft 12a by means of a crimped connection. The first rotor element 20a is formed in a flanged shape and surrounds the input shaft 12a in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the first rotor element 20a at least partially consists of an electrically conductive and / or magnetically permeable material. In the present case, the first rotor element 20a is exemplarily made of metal.

[0029] Furthermore, the first rotor element 20a is formed in a stepped manner and in the present case has exactly one step. The first rotor element 20a here has a first rotor part 24a assigned to the sensor element 18a and a first fixing section 66a assigned to the input shaft 12a (see also in particular Fig. 2 and Fig. 3c). The first rotor part 24a extends radially and / or perpendicularly to the steering shaft 10a. Furthermore, the first rotor part 24a is arranged in the axial direction at the height of the input shaft 12a. The first rotor part 24a is arranged here on the side of the sensor element 18a that faces the output shaft 14a in the mounted state. The first rotor part 24a further comprises a number of first rotor blades 68a located radially outwardly for influencing the sensor element 18a and a radially inwardly located connecting ring 70a which connects the first rotor blades 68a to the first fixing section 66a and includes a number of through-openings 34a, 36a, in the present case by way of example two through-openings 34a, 36a distributed in the circumferential direction. In the present case, each of these through-openings 34a, 36a here extends over at least 30%, preferably at least 40% and less than 50% of the entire circumference of the steering shaft 10a. The first fixing section 66a extends in the axial direction and is provided for fixing to the input shaft 12a. The first fixing section 66a is therefore arranged perpendicularly to the first rotor part 24a and in the present case extends starting from the first rotor part 24a in the direction of the input shaft 12a and / or the steering wheel 54a. Alternatively, the first rotor element can be constructed in segments and / or made of any other material that is electrically conductive and / or magnetically permeable, at least in the first rotor part. In this context, it is particularly conceivable that the first rotor element is connected to the input shaft by means of a fusion and / or adhesive bond, etc. Furthermore, the first rotor element could essentially have at least two steps. Furthermore, the first rotor part could be arranged axially at the height of the output shaft and / or the first fixing section could extend starting from the first rotor part in the direction of the output shaft.Furthermore, it is also conceivable to dispense with a corresponding connecting ring and to arrange the first rotor blade directly on the first fixing section, in which case the through-openings could also be arranged in the first rotor blade.

[0030] Of the rotor elements 20a, 22a, the second rotor element 22a is shown in detail in FIG. 3b. This second rotor element 22a is formed in one piece. The second rotor element 22a is arranged, at least to a large extent, in the sensor receiving area 48a. The second rotor element 22a is connected to the output shaft 14a in a rotationally non-rotatable manner. In the mounted state, the second rotor element 22a is connected to the output shaft 14a in a non-disconnectable manner. In the present case, the second rotor element 22a is connected to the output shaft 14a by means of a crimped connection. The second rotor element 22a is formed in a flanged shape and surrounds the input shaft 12a and the output shaft 14a in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the second rotor element 22a at least partially consists of an electrically conductive and / or magnetically permeable material. In the present case, the second rotor element 22a is exemplarily made of metal.

[0031] Furthermore, the second rotor element 22a is formed in a stepped manner and in the present case has exactly one step. The second rotor element 22a here has a second rotor part 26a assigned to the sensor element 18a and a second fixing section 72a assigned to the steering shaft 10a (see also in particular Fig. 2 and Fig. 3c). The second rotor part 26a extends radially and / or perpendicularly to the steering shaft 10a. The second rotor part 26a is therefore oriented parallel to the first rotor part 24a. Furthermore, the second rotor part 26a is arranged axially at the height of the input shaft 12a. The second rotor part 26a is here arranged on the opposite side of the sensor element 18a to the output shaft 14a in the mounted state. The first rotor part 24a and the second rotor part 26a are thus arranged here on opposite sides of the sensor element 18a in the axial direction. The second rotor part 26a further comprises a plurality of radially outer second rotor blades 74a for influencing the sensor element 18a and a radially inner first connecting ring 76a for connecting the second rotor blades 74a to the second fixed section 72a, which extends in the axial direction and is provided for fixing to the output shaft 14a.

[0032] For this purpose, the second fixing section 72a comprises a number of fixing lugs 28a, 30a, in the present case by way of example two fixing lugs 28a, 30a distributed in the circumferential direction, which in the mounted state extend in the axial direction through the through-openings 34a, 36a, in particular through each one of the through-openings 34a, 36a (see FIG. 3c). Furthermore, the length of the fixing lugs 28a, 30a in the axial direction is less than the width of the fixing lugs 28a, 30a in the circumferential direction of the steering shaft 10a. In the present invention, the width of the fixing lugs 28a, 30a is at least twice as long as the length of the fixing lugs 28a, 30a. Here, each of the fixing lugs 28a, 30a extends over at least 30%, preferably at least 40% and less than 50% of the entire circumference of the steering shaft 10a. Furthermore, the second fixing section 72a includes a second connecting ring 78a, which connects the fixing lugs 28a, 30a to the second rotor part 26a. As a result, the fixing lugs 28a, 30a are arranged perpendicular to the second rotor part 26a and, in the present case, extend in the direction of the output shaft 14a and / or in the direction of the steering adjustment element 58a starting from the second connecting ring 78a. Thereby, the second fixing section 72a and / or the fixing lugs 28a, 30a extend in the opposite direction starting from the second rotor part 26a to the first fixing section 66a. Furthermore, the fixing lugs 28a, 30a extend axially such that they are withdrawn from the sensor receiving area 48a of the closing cover 46a and are at least partially free from overlap with the closing cover 46a in at least one direction perpendicular to the steering axis 10a (see FIG. 2). Alternatively, it is also conceivable to dispense with pulling the fixing lugs out of the sensor receiving area, for example when using a friction-locking connection. Furthermore, it is also conceivable to construct the second rotor element in a multi-piece manner and / or to make it from any other material that is electrically conductive and / or magnetically permeable, at least in the second rotor part. In this context, it is particularly conceivable to connect the second rotor element to the output shaft, for example by means of a fusion and / or adhesive bond. Furthermore, it would also be possible for the second rotor element to have at least two steps, as a rule. Furthermore, the second rotor part could be arranged in the axial direction at the level of the output shaft.Furthermore, it would be possible for the second rotor element to have a number of fixing lugs different from two, for example at least three or at least four. It would also be conceivable to dispense with the corresponding first connecting ring and to arrange the second rotor blades directly on the second fixing section. It would also be conceivable to dispense with the corresponding second connecting ring and to arrange the fixing lugs directly on the second rotor part.

[0033] In the following, an exemplary method for mounting the steering device is described with reference to FIG.

[0034] A first mounting step 80a involves producing a pre-mounted sub-assembly in the form of a closure cover assembly from at least the closure cover 46a, the sensor element 18a and the second rotor element 22a.

[0035] In a second mounting step 82a, the first rotor element 20a is slid onto the steering shaft 10a and fixed to the input shaft 12a via the first fastening section 66a in order to connect the first rotor element 20a to the input shaft 12a in a non-rotatable manner. In the present case, the first rotor element 20a is connected to the input shaft 12a by means of a crimp connection, here by way of example.

[0036] In a third mounting step 84a, the fixing lugs 28a, 30a of the second rotor element 22a are inserted into the through-openings 34a, 36a of the first rotor element 20a. For this purpose, a pre-mounted closure cover assembly, including the closure cover 46a, the sensor element 18a and the second rotor element 22a, is slid onto the steering shaft 10a in such a way that the fixing lugs 28a, 30a are automatically inserted into the through-openings 34a, 36a when the closure cover assembly is slid onto the steering shaft 10a in a linear motion, in this case axially from the input shaft 12a towards the output shaft 14a. However, it is also conceivable, alternatively, to use a fixed closure cover assembly and to insert the steering shaft into the closure cover assembly in a linear motion.

[0037] In a fourth mounting step 86a, the fixing lugs 28a, 30a are fixed to the output shaft 14a in order to fix the second rotor element 22a against relative rotation with the output shaft 14a. In the present case, the second rotor element 22a is connected to the output shaft 14a, here by way of a crimping connection, for example. In this mounting step, it is particularly preferred that the fixing lugs 28a, 30a are at least partially withdrawn from the sensor receiving area 48a of the closing cover 46a, since this allows the second rotor element 22a, or at least the fixing lugs 28a, 30a, to be freely accessible and particularly easy to fasten to the output shaft 14a.

[0038] In a fifth mounting step 88a, the steering shaft 10a is inserted into the mounting opening 49a of the steering gear housing 50a, which is closed in a liquid-tight manner by means of a closure cover 46a, for example by means of a locking and / or adhesive connection. Furthermore, the sensor cable can subsequently be connected with a plug-in connector (not shown) of the closure cover 46a.

[0039] The exemplary flow chart of FIG. 4 only exemplarily illustrates a method for mounting a steering device. In particular, the individual mounting steps and / or the sequence of the mounting steps can be modified. In this context, it is conceivable, for example, to omit the first mounting step 80a and thus the manufacture of a closing cover assembly and / or to modify the fifth mounting step 88a. Furthermore, it is also conceivable to envisage additional mounting steps, for example using gears and / or shielding elements. Furthermore, alternatively, for example when using a friction-locking connection for the fastening of the fastening lugs 28a, 30a to the output shaft 14a, the fastening of the fastening lugs 28a, 30a to the output shaft 14a can also take place directly and / or automatically upon insertion of the fastening lugs 28a, 30a of the second rotor element 22a into the through-openings 34a, 36a of the first rotor element 20a.

[0040] Further embodiments of the invention are shown in Figures 5a to 5c. The following description and the figures are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, in which case reference can essentially be made to the drawings and / or descriptions of the other embodiments, in particular to the drawings and / or descriptions of Figures 1 to 4, for components with the same designation, in particular those with the same reference numbers. To distinguish between these embodiments, the reference numbers of the embodiments of Figures 1 to 4 are suffixed with the letter a. In the embodiment of Figures 5a to 5c, the letter a is replaced by the letter b.

[0041] The further embodiment of Figures 5a to 5c differs from the previous embodiment at least substantially in the number of through openings 34b, 36b, 38b of the first rotor element 20b of the steering device as well as in the number of fixing lugs 28, 30b, 32b of the second rotor element 22b.

[0042] In this case, the first rotor element 20b includes three circumferentially distributed through-openings 34b, 36b, 38b, each of which extends over at least 15% and at most 30% of the circumference of the steering shaft 10b.

[0043] Furthermore, the second rotor element 22b comprises three fixed lugs 28b, 30b, 32b distributed in the circumferential direction, which in the mounted state extend in the axial direction through the through-openings 34b, 36b, 38b, in particular through each of the through-openings 34b, 36b, 38b. The length of the fixed lugs 28b, 30b, 32b in the axial direction is in this case greater than the width of the fixed lugs 28b, 30b, 32b in the circumferential direction of the steering shaft 10b. In the present invention, the length of the fixed lugs 28b, 30b, 32b is at least twice as long as the width of the fixed lugs 28b, 30b, 32b. Here, each of the fixed lugs 28b, 30b, 32b extends over at least 15% and at most 30% of the entire circumference of the steering shaft 10b.

Claims

1. A steering shaft (10a; 10b) including an input shaft (12a) and an output shaft (14a) configured separately from the input shaft (12a) and rotatably supported; A steering sensor unit (16a) including at least one sensor element (18a) and at least two rotor elements (20a, 22a; 20b, 22b) interacting with the sensor element (18a), for inductively capturing at least one steering information; A steering device comprising: a first rotor element (20a; 20b) of the rotor elements (20a, 22a; 20b, 22b) is connected to the input shaft (12a) in a rotationally non-rotatable manner relative to the input shaft (12a), has a first rotor part (24a) assigned to the sensor element (18a) and extends perpendicular to the steering shaft (10a; 10b); a second rotor element (22a; 22b) of the rotor elements (20a, 22a; 20b, 22b) is connected to the output shaft (14a) in a rotationally non-rotatable manner relative to the output shaft (14a), is assigned to the sensor element (18a), and has a second rotor part (26a) extending perpendicularly to the steering shaft (10a; 10b); In the steering device, the second rotor element (22a; 22b) has a number of fixing lugs (28a, 30a; 28b, 30b, 32b) for fixing to the output shaft (14a), and the first rotor element (20a; 20b) has a number of through openings (34a, 36a; 34b, 36b, 38b) for the fixing lugs (28a, 30a; 28b, 30b, 32b); the fixing lugs (28a, 30a; 28b, 30b, 32b) extend axially through the through openings (34a, 36a; 34b, 36b, 38b); A steering device, characterized in that the sensor element (18a) is arranged axially between the first rotor portion (24a) and the second rotor portion (26a).

2. 2. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor element (18a) comprises at least one sensor coil (40a, 42a) configured as an excitation coil and / or a receiving coil and at least one support element (44a) on which the sensor coil (40a, 42a) is arranged and which extends perpendicular to the steering axis (10a; 10b).

3. 3. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the first rotor portion (24a) and the second rotor portion (26a) are disposed at a height of the input shaft (12a) in the axial direction.

4. 4. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the first rotor portion (24a) and the second rotor portion (26a) are arranged on opposite sides of the sensor element (18a) in the axial direction.

5. 5. The steering device according to claim 4, wherein the first rotor portion (24a) is arranged on a side of the sensor element (18a) facing the output shaft (14a), and the second rotor portion (26a) is arranged on a side of the sensor element (18a) opposite the output shaft (14a).

6. 6. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the second rotor element (22b) has at least three of the fixed lugs (28b, 30b, 32b) and the first rotor element (20b) has at least three of the through openings (34b, 36b, 38b) for the fixed lugs (28b, 30b, 32b).

7. 7. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the steering sensor unit (16a) has a closing cover (46a) circumferentially surrounding the steering shaft (10a; 10b), the closing cover (46a) providing a sensor receiving area (48a) and arranged to close an installation opening (49a) in a steering gear housing (50a) for receiving the output shaft (14a) in an installed state, the sensor element (18a) and the rotor elements (20a, 22a; 20b, 22b) being at least partially arranged in the sensor receiving area (48a) of the closing cover (46a).

8. 8. A steering device according to claim 7, wherein the fixing lugs (28a, 30a; 28b, 30b, 32b) extend in an axial direction such that the fixing lugs (28a, 30a; 28b, 30b, 32b) are pulled out of the sensor accommodating area (48a) of the closing cover (46a) and are at least partially released from overlap with the closing cover (46a) when viewed in at least one direction perpendicular to the steering axis (10a).

9. A steering system (52a) comprising a steering gear housing (50a) having at least one mounting opening (49a) and at least one steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A method for mounting a steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the steps of:

1. A method for connecting a first rotor element (20a; 20b) to an input shaft (12a) in a non-rotatable manner relative to the input shaft, inserting fixing lugs (28a, 30a; 28b, 30b, 32b) of a second rotor element (22a; 22b) into through openings (34a, 36a; 34b, 36b, 38b) of the first rotor element (20a; 20b) and fixing the second rotor element (22a; 22b) to an output shaft (14a) for connecting the second rotor element (22a; 22b) to the output shaft (14a) in a non-rotatable manner relative to the input shaft (12a).

11. 11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the steps of: manufacturing a pre-mounted closure cover assembly using at least the sensor element (18a), the second rotor element (22a; 22b) and a closure cover (46a) for closing the mounting openings of the steering gear housing (50a), and sliding the pre-mounted closure cover assembly on the steering shaft (10a; 10b) such that the fixing lugs (28a, 30a; 28b, 30b, 32b) are inserted into the through openings (34a, 36a; 34b, 36b, 38b).

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