Torque sensor device and method for assembling a torque sensor device - Patents.com

Abstract

The present invention relates to a torque sensor device (10) for sensing a torque applied to a shaft about its axis of rotation and to a method for at least partially assembling the torque sensor device (10), the torque sensor device (10) comprising a magnet arrangement (33), a stator arrangement (21, 22, 23, 31, 32), a flux conductor arrangement (19, 20) and a magnet sensor arrangement having at least one magnet sensor (16, 17), the magnet arrangement (33) being designed to generate at least one magnetic field, the flux conductor arrangement (19, 20) comprising a first flux conductor (19) and a second flux conductor (20), the first flux conductor (19) and the second flux conductor (20) each having at least one transmission area (26) located opposite each other so as to form an axial gap (S) therebetween. , 26'), the torque sensor device (10) having at least a first subassembly (12, 12') having a first housing part (13) and a second subassembly (11) having a second housing part (18), the first pre-assembled subassembly (12, 12') comprising at least the first housing part (13), a stator arrangement (21, 22, 23, 31, 32) and at least one magnet sensor (16, 17) of the magnet sensor arrangement, the second pre-assembled subassembly (11) comprising at least the second housing part (18), a first flux conductor (19) and a second flux conductor (20), the second housing part (18) being pressable against the first housing part (13), and while being pressed the magnet sensors (16, 17) can be introduced into the gap (S).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a torque sensor device for detecting a torque applied to a shaft, in particular a steering shaft of a motor vehicle, the torque sensor device having a magnetic arrangement, a stator arrangement, a flux guide arrangement and a magnetic sensor arrangement with at least one magnetic sensor, the magnetic arrangement being configured to generate at least one magnetic field, the flux guide arrangement having at least one first flux guide and a second flux guide, the first flux guide and the second flux guide each having at least one transmission surface, the at least one transmission surface of the first flux guide and the at least one transmission surface of the second flux guide being positioned opposite each other to form an axial gap between them in which at least one magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement can be located, the magnetic arrangement and the stator arrangement being movable relative to each other in a circumferential direction about a central axis of the torque sensor device as a result of application of torque, such that relative movement between the magnetic arrangement and the stator arrangement in the circumferential direction enables the stator arrangement to generate a magnetic flux.

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

[0003] Torque sensor devices of the general type, in particular for steering shafts of motor vehicles, are basically known from the prior art, for example from DE 10 2013 006 379 A1 or EP 1 269 133 A1.

[0004] Torque sensor devices of this type are used, for example, in electric steering systems to operate an electric drive motor of the steering system based on the steering torque applied by the driver, for example to provide a corresponding steering assistance.

[0005] Typically for this purpose a torque sensor device is used in conjunction with an axially split shaft and a torsion bar of defined and known torsional stiffness, the torsion bar connecting a first portion of the axially split shaft to a second portion of the axially split shaft.

[0006] When a torque is applied to the shaft, this causes the two portions of the shaft to twist relative to one another by a measurable torsion angle, and since the torsion angle depends on the applied torque and the stiffness of the torsion bar, the applied torque can be determined from the detected torsion angle if the stiffness of the torsion bar is defined and known.

[0007] Various measurement principles and sensor devices for measuring the torsion angle resulting from an applied torque are known, and very frequently used magnetic sensor devices or systems are used in which a magnetic arrangement having at least one magnetic element, generally having an encircling ring magnet in the form of a permanent magnet, is connected to a first part of the steering shaft for co-rotation, and a stator arrangement having one or more magnetically conductive stators is connected to a second part of the shaft for co-rotation, the stator arrangements being generally arranged radially concentrically around the magnetic arrangement, in particular the magnetic element, with a small air gap between them. The magnetic flux of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic arrangement can be conducted and evaluated via the stator arrangement, which conventionally comprises in each case two separate stators with areas in the shape of annular disks, to a magnetic sensor arrangement having at least one magnetic sensor, for example a Hall sensor.

[0008] When a magnetic arrangement, in particular a magnetic element of said magnetic arrangement, connected to a first part of the shaft for co-rotation, is moved by a rotational movement of the shaft relative to a stator arrangement connected to a second part of the shaft, the magnetic flux density in the stator arrangement, in particular the individual stators, changes, which can be detected by the magnetic sensor arrangement. The change in magnetic flux density in the stator arrangement depends here, inter alia, on the magnitude of the relative movement of the magnetic arrangement, in particular the respective magnetic element, relative to the stator arrangement, in particular relative to the individual stators, i.e. relative to the torsion angle. Thus, from the change in the detected flux density, a conclusion can be drawn regarding the torsion angle, from which the torque applied to the shaft can then be determined, with knowledge of the torsional stiffness of the torsion bar.

[0009] The superposition of further magnetic fields on the magnetic field of the sensor device, e.g. the magnetic fields of electric machines located in the vicinity, e.g. the magnetic fields of an electric motor or generator, or the magnetic fields of high current lines, constituting a magnetic interference field between the magnetic field generated by the magnetic configuration of the torque sensor device and, for example, the magnetic fields of further sensor devices or the magnetic fields present around the torque sensor device, can cause undesirable effects of the flux transmitted to the magnetic sensor device, in particular changes in the transmitted flux density caused by the further magnetic fields, leading to sensor signals that are erroneous but not recognised as valid and therefore inaccurate, resulting in erroneous torque values.

[0010] Various measures are known from the prior art for reducing the sensitivity to interference of torque sensor devices of the general type mentioned above.

[0011] For example, WO 2020 / 174170 and WO 2020 / 174171 in each case disclose position sensors, in particular for detecting the torsion of a steering column, whereby a reduction in the influence of magnetic interference is intended to be achieved by a special configuration of the flux guides, the position sensors described each comprising a rotor structure, a stator structure and a collector structure, the collector structure having two flux guides defining at least one air gap in which at least one magnetically sensitive element is arranged, the flux guides being arranged in a radially outward direction and the flux guides being arranged in a radially outward direction. The flux guides and the air gap therebetween define a magnetic permeance regardless of the relative radial and angular position of the stator structure with respect to the collector structure, the flux guides each comprising an angular collector sector, each flux guide having at least one primary collecting zone continuous with at least one extension having at least one secondary collecting zone terminating in a flat extension or in a pole shoe forming two magnetic poles of the air gap, and a lateral center plane of the air gap intersecting at least one of the extensions.

[0012] The applicant's European Patent Application No. 20192858.7, not yet published at the time of filing, describes a torque sensor device for detecting a torque applied to a shaft, comprising a magnetic arrangement, a stator arrangement and a flux guide arrangement, the flux guide arrangement having a first flux guide and a second flux guide, the first flux guide and the second flux guide each having a first collection surface and each having at least one transmission surface, the second flux guide further having a second collection surface magnetically conductively coupled to the at least one transmission surface of the second flux guide, the first flux guide and the second flux guide each being adapted to detect a first interference flux component which, when the torque sensor device is surrounded by a magnetic interference field, is at least partially concentrated on the first collection surface of the first flux guide and transmitted via the at least one transmission surface of the first flux guide to a magnetic sensor. the torque sensor device further discloses a torque sensor device in which a second interfering flux component of the second magnetic flux that is at least partially concentrated on a second collecting surface of the second flux guide and transmitted to the magnetic sensor via at least one transmission surface of the second flux guide are configured and arranged relative to each other to at least partially cancel each other.

[0013] For a high degree of sensor accuracy, it is necessary to avoid damage to the individual components when installing the torque sensor device, in particular damage to the flux guide, such as bending. Furthermore, in order to achieve a high degree of sensor accuracy, it is advantageous if precise positioning and / or alignment of the individual components, in particular the flux guide, relative to one another or relative to the magnetic sensor can be reliably achieved during installation. This usually makes the installation of the above-mentioned torque sensor devices expensive or cumbersome. In particular, the installation of torque sensor devices with flux guides having additional collection surfaces, as known for example from WO 2020 / 174170 and WO 2020 / 174171 and EP 20192858.7, is often a challenge.

[0014] For easy installation of a torque sensor device of the type in question, DE 10 2005 018 286 A1 proposes to first preassemble the flux guide and the magnetic field sensor on a common holder and then to assemble the preassembled assembly together with the other components, in particular the stator holder, the stator elements and the multi-pole magnetic ring.

[0015] DE 10 2016 124 370 A1 further discloses a sensor device for a rotatable shaft, in particular for a steering shaft of a motor vehicle, and a corresponding method for assembling such a sensor device, the sensor device having a torque sensor device for detecting a torque applied to the shaft and a steering angle sensor device for detecting a rotation angle of the shaft, the torque sensor device having at least one magnetic device for generating a magnetic field and at least one first magnetic sensor for generating a sensor signal depending on the torque applied to the shaft, the steering angle sensor device having at least one rotor connectable to the shaft for rotation therewith and an angle sensor device for generating at least one sensor signal depending on the rotation angle of the rotor, the sensor device having at least one assembly preassembled to form a sensor module, and at least the first magnetic sensor of the torque sensor device and the angle sensor device of the steering angle sensor device being part of the assembly preassembled to form the sensor module. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0016] [Patent Document 1] DE 10 2013 006 379 A1 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 1 269 133 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2020 / 174170 Brochure [Patent Document 4] International Publication No. 2020 / 174171 Brochure [Patent Document 5] European Patent No. 20192858.7 [Patent Document 6] DE 10 2005 018 286 A1 [Patent Document 7] DE 10 2016 124 370 A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0017] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative torque sensor device, in particular a torque sensor device which is easier to install and in which the influence of at least one external magnetic interference field present in the vicinity of the torque sensor device on the determined torque value is reduced.

[0018] Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative method, in particular a particularly simple method, for at least partially assembling the torque sensor device, which nevertheless allows for a precise assembly or precise installation of the torque sensor device, whereby, inter alia, the torque sensor device can also be precisely and easily installed and, due to the additionally present collection surface, the interfering effects of the magnetic interference fields surrounding the torque sensor device can be reduced.

[0019] These objects are achieved by the torque sensor device according to the invention and by the method according to the invention having 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. [Means for solving the problem]

[0020] The 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 magnetic arrangement, a stator arrangement, a flux guide arrangement and a magnetic sensor arrangement with at least one magnetic sensor. The magnetic arrangement is configured to generate at least one magnetic field, the flux guide arrangement comprises at least one first flux guide and a second flux guide, the first flux guide and the second flux guide each having at least one transmission surface, the at least one transmission surface of the first flux guide and the at least one transmission surface of the second flux guide being located opposite each other to form an axial gap between them, in which at least one magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement can be arranged. In a functional use state of the torque sensor device, in particular in a state of the torque sensor device mounted on a shaft, the magnetic arrangement and the stator arrangement are movable relative to each other in a circumferential direction about a central axis of the torque sensor device as a result of the application of a torque, such that a relative movement between the magnetic arrangement and the stator arrangement in the circumferential direction allows the stator arrangement to generate a magnetic flux.

[0021] The torque sensor device according to the invention here comprises a plurality of assemblies including at least one first assembly with a first housing part and a second assembly with a second housing part, the torque sensor device according to the invention being characterized in that the first pre-assembled assembly comprises at least the first housing part, a 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, a first flux guide and a second flux guide, the second housing part being pushable or pluggable into the first housing part. and / or is at least partially pushable or insertable together with the first housing part, characterized in that during the pushing or plugging and / or during the at least partial pushing or inserting together, at least one magnetic sensor is introduceable in the gap between the transmission surfaces of the first flux guide and the second flux guide such that in a functionally assembled state of the torque sensor device in which the at least first pre-assembled assembly and the second pre-assembled assembly are functionally assembled, the magnetic flux generated in the stator arrangement is detectable by the magnetic sensor.

[0022] The torque sensor device according to the invention can be particularly easily installed, even in flux guides, which have a low risk of damage to the flux guides and, in case of a suitable configuration of the flux guides, allow at least partial compensation for interfering fluxes. Furthermore, a precise positioning of the flux guide arrangement relative to the magnetic sensor arrangement can be particularly easily achieved. A simple positioning and alignment of the flux guide arrangement relative to the magnetic sensor arrangement can be particularly easily and advantageously achieved via a first housing part which is part of a first preassembled assembly and via a second housing part which is part of a second preassembled assembly.

[0023] In particular, according to the method according to the invention, pre-assembling the magnetic sensor assembly together with the first housing part, the stator arrangement to form a first pre-assembled assembly, separately and independently of the flux guide arrangement, which is pre-assembled with the second housing part to form the second assembly, enables easy and precise installation of the torque sensor device, provided that the flux guide arrangement is suitably configured, in particular for flux guide arrangements having flux guides as known, for example, from WO 2020 / 174170, WO 2020 / 174171 or EP 20192858.7, in particular also in the case of flux guides having additional collecting surfaces as known from EP 20192858.7, in particular two collecting surfaces each.

[0024] By pre-assembling the second housing part and the two flux guides or flux guide arrangements, the risk of damage to the flux guide or flux guide arrangement, for example due to bending of the flux guide during installation, can be particularly effectively reduced, which can be further reduced the more the flux guide or flux guide arrangement is surrounded by the second housing part after pre-assembly, or the more the flux guide or flux guide arrangement is surrounded by the second housing part after pre-assembly.

[0025] Torque sensor devices of the type in question, in particular the functioning of said torque sensor devices for detecting torques applied to a shaft, in particular to the steering shaft of a motor vehicle, are basically known to the person skilled in the art from the prior art, in particular from DE 10 2013 006 379 A1 or EP 1 269 133 A1, to which explicit reference is made here for further information on the basic functioning of the torque sensor device according to the invention.

[0026] The torque sensor device assembled by the method according to the invention or the torque sensor device according to the invention is designed, as basically known from the prior art, in particular to be fastened onto a shaft whose central axis is concentric with the axis of rotation of the shaft. Particularly preferably, the torque sensor device according to the invention is here configured to detect a torque applied to a shaft, the shaft having a first part and a second part rotatable relative to the first part, in particular the first part and the second part of the shaft being connected to each other by a torsion bar. The torque sensor device according to the invention is preferably configured here to detect a twist of the first part of the shaft relative to the second part of the shaft. The applied torque can be determined from the detected twist of the shaft if the torsional stiffness of the torsion bar of the shaft is known.

[0027] The magnetic arrangement, preferably here forming a further assembly, in particular has at least one magnetic element for generating at least one magnetic field, in particular the at least one magnetic element of the magnetic arrangement can in particular be arranged concentrically with respect to the shaft, i.e. such that the central axis of the torque sensor device is aligned with the rotation axis of the shaft, and the magnetic arrangement, in particular the at least one magnetic element of the magnetic arrangement, is connectable to a first part of the shaft, in particular for rotation therewith.

[0028] In an advantageous refinement of the torque sensor device according to the invention, in particular the magnetic configuration, in particular the polarity of the at least one magnetic element, can be constant in the axial direction, which makes it possible to produce the magnetic elements particularly easily and therefore cheaply.

[0029] At least one magnetic element of the magnetic arrangement is preferably a permanent magnet, in particular a completely closed ring magnet or a magnet similar to a ring magnet and substantially closed in the circumferential direction, the magnetic element may in particular have a plurality of ring magnet segments of opposite polarity or corresponding magnetic pole pairs arranged adjacent to one another in each case with opposite polarity in the circumferential direction, in particular two mutually adjacent segments of opposite polarity forming a magnetic pole pair.

[0030] If the magnetic arrangement has one or more further magnetic elements, the further magnetic elements are particularly preferably configured similarly as described above, in particular arranged concentrically with respect to the at least one magnetic element.

[0031] Here, in the context of the present invention, a "magnet similar to a ring magnet" is understood to mean a magnet, in particular a permanent magnet, which is not completely closed in the circumferential direction but is configured to act substantially, in particular completely, like a completely closed ring magnet.

[0032] In an advantageous refinement, the magnetic arrangement configured for generating at least one magnetic field is here in particular configured for generating a magnetic working field, such that in a functional state of use of the torque sensor device, i.e. in particular in a state fully mounted on the shaft, as a result of a torque being applied in the circumferential direction about the central axis of the torque sensor device, the magnetic arrangement and the stator arrangement are preferably movable relative to one another such that a relative movement between the magnetic arrangement and the stator arrangement in the circumferential direction can cause the stator arrangement to generate in particular at least one magnetic working flux in response to a torque applied to the torque sensor device. Furthermore, in an advantageous refinement, if the torque sensor device is surrounded by a magnetic interference field, a first interference magnetic flux can also preferably be generated in the stator arrangement in response to the magnetic interference field surrounding the torque sensor device.

[0033] The stator arrangement is preferably likewise arranged concentrically with respect to the shaft, and in particular connectable to a second portion of the shaft for rotation therewith.

[0034] In an advantageous refinement of the torque sensor device according to the invention, in the functional state of use of the torque sensor device, i.e. in particular fully mounted on the shaft, the stator arrangement is or can in principle be arranged, in particular at least partially concentrically with respect to the magnetic arrangement, in particular concentrically with respect to the at least one magnetic element, and the stator arrangement can or can be arranged, in particular at least partially outside around the magnetic arrangement, preferably around the at least one magnetic element, in particular with an air gap defined therebetween.

[0035] The stator arrangement is in particular operable, and preferably arranged to direct, the magnetic flux of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic arrangement to the flux guide arrangement.

[0036] In an advantageous refinement of the torque sensor device according to the invention, the stator arrangement in particular has a first stator and a second stator each arranged concentrically relative to one another along a central axis, such that in a functional state of use of the torque sensor device, a relative movement between the magnetic arrangement and the stator arrangement in the circumferential direction makes it possible to generate magnetic fluxes in the stator arrangements, in particular one magnetic flux in the first stator and one magnetic flux in the second stator, respectively, in particular simultaneously.

[0037] In an advantageous refinement of the torque sensor device according to the invention, the first and / or second stator has, in particular, an annular disc-shaped stator body and tabs extending away from said stator body in the axial direction, the tabs being, in particular, arranged so as to be distributed at intervals between, in particular evenly distributed, in the circumferential direction, the tabs in particular extending away from the associated stator body in the axial direction in each case, the first stator and the second stator being preferably constructed and arranged such that the tabs of the first stator and the second stator each extend in the axial direction from the associated stator body in the direction of the other stator, in particular each engage with the tabs of the other stator in an offset manner.

[0038] In an advantageous refinement of the torque sensor device according to the invention, the stator body of the first and / or the second stator in particular has in each case a radially inner edge and a radially outer edge, and the tabs extend in particular all on the same side, i.e. in the same direction, away from the radially inner edge of the annular disc-shaped stator body.

[0039] Furthermore, the stator arrangement may have further components, such as in particular a stator holder and / or one or more fixing rings. In an advantageous refinement, the stator arrangement has in particular a stator holder into which the stators can be pressed and which can be fixed in their axial position by means of a fixing ring. In order to fasten the stator holder with the stator to a part of the shaft whose torque is intended to be detected, the stator holder may in particular have a sleeve-shaped fastening part which can be fastened to the shaft for co-rotation in a manner known from the prior art.

[0040] The number of pole pairs in the circumferential direction of at least one magnetic element of the magnetic arrangement particularly preferably corresponds to the number of tabs of the first and / or second stator. For torque sensor devices for steering shafts of motor vehicles, in particular for torque sensor devices for use in passenger cars, a number of eight tabs for the first stator and the second stator has proven to be particularly advantageous.

[0041] The flux guide arrangement of the torque sensor device according to the invention is in particular configured to at least partially concentrate and transmit and preferably amplify the magnetic flux, in particular the magnetic flux generated in the stator arrangement, to the magnetic sensor arrangement, and for this purpose the first flux guide and / or the second flux guide can preferably in addition to their at least one transmission surface in each case have in particular further in each case a first collection surface, said collection surface being designed to at least partially concentrate and / or at least partially transmit the magnetic interference flux, in particular in each case generated in the stator arrangement, in response to an applied torque and / or a first magnetic interference flux generated in response to a magnetic interference field surrounding the torque sensor device.

[0042] At least one transmission surface of the first flux guide and at least one transmission surface of the second flux guide are arranged opposite each other so as to form an axial gap between them, in particular an air gap in which at least one magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement may be arranged or in the functionally assembled state of the torque sensor device, in particular in the state of the torque sensor device assembled by the method according to the invention at least one magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement is arranged in the gap between the transmission surfaces.

[0043] If at least one magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement is arranged in the gap, a first magnetic flux concentrated in the first flux guide can be transmitted to the magnetic sensor arranged in the axial gap, preferably via at least one transmission surface of the first flux guide, the first magnetic flux may in particular comprise an action flux component and / or a first interference flux component, and a second magnetic flux concentrated in the second flux guide can be transmitted to the magnetic sensor, preferably via at least one transmission surface of the second flux guide.

[0044] The magnetic sensor arrangement in particular has at least one first magnetic sensor for detecting the magnetic flux concentrated and preferably amplified and transmitted by the flux guide arrangement, the magnetic sensor arrangement, in particular the at least one magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement, being configured to generate a sensor signal in a manner dependent on a torque applied to the torque sensor device and / or in a manner dependent on a torque applied to a shaft connected to the torque sensor device. The magnetic sensor arrangement here can comprise one or more magnetic sensors, in particular the first magnetic sensor and also a second magnetic sensor.

[0045] 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 are simple Hall sensors capable of detecting the magnetic flux density of a magnetic field extending perpendicular to the sensor plane of the Hall sensor or a component of the magnetic flux density of a magnetic field extending perpendicular to the sensor plane, and particularly preferably at least the first magnetic sensor, in particular all magnetic sensors, are arranged fixedly relative to the housing, i.e. stationarily or positionally fixedly relative to the rotatable shaft.

[0046] The magnetic sensor arrangement of the torque sensor arrangement according to the invention can also in particular have two or more magnetic sensors, in particular a first and a second magnetic sensor, which in particular makes it possible to evaluate or provide the torque sensor signal redundantly and thus to increase the functional reliability of the torque sensor device.

[0047] If the torque sensor device according to the invention has a first 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, in particular in a common plane perpendicular to the central axis, which makes it possible to fasten the two magnetic sensors on a common substrate or printed circuit board, in particular if the two magnetic sensors are SMD magnetic sensors, which in this case preferably extends in a plane perpendicular to the central axis.

[0048] In this case, the flux guide has in particular two transmission surfaces, the two transmission surfaces of the flux guide being preferably arranged in a plane.

[0049] In case the magnetic sensor arrangement has several magnetic sensors, the at least one flux guide has in particular several transmission surfaces, in particular a transmission surface respectively associated for each magnetic sensor, in which case the first collecting surface and, if present, the second collecting surface are in particular magnetically conductively coupled, in particular magnetically conductively connected, to a transmission surface of the associated flux guide, the flux guide being configured such that the respective magnetic flux concentrated and / or amplified in the associated flux guide can be transmitted, according to the invention, preferably via each of the transmission surfaces to the magnetic sensor arrangement, in particular to the magnetic sensor assigned to the respective transmission surface of the magnetic sensor arrangement, i.e. in case of two magnetic sensors, the first flux guide preferably has a first transmission surface and a second transmission surface for transmitting and / or conducting the magnetic flux concentrated in the associated flux guide.

[0050] However, it is also possible for several magnetic sensors to be arranged adjacent to one and the same transmission surface, i.e. to receive the first and / or second magnetic flux through the same common transmission surface. For example, the first flux guide can have a transmission surface for the two arranged in a common plane, and the second flux guide can likewise have a common transmission surface opposite the transmission surface of the first flux guide. However, the second flux guide can also have, for example, two individual separate transmission surfaces, each forming a gap with a common transmission surface, in which case the gap can be or be arranged in each case one magnetic sensor. Similarly, the first flux guide may have two individual transmission surfaces, which can be arranged opposite two individual transmission surfaces of the second flux guide or opposite one common transmission surface of the second flux guide.

[0051] However, it is particularly preferred that the two flux guides each have two transmission surfaces, in each case one transmission surface of the first flux guide being arranged parallel to the transmission surface of the second flux guide, said transmission surfaces being preferably arranged one above the other with a gap in between, into which the respective magnetic sensor projects radially. Here, it is preferred that the first magnetic sensor is arranged in particular in the axial gap between the first transmission surfaces of the two flux guides and extends radially into the gap between the first transmission surfaces, in particular parallel to the first transmission surface, while the second magnetic sensor projects in particular into the axial gap between the two transmission surfaces of the two first and second flux guides.

[0052] In an advantageous refinement of the torque sensor device according to the invention, the first flux guide and the second flux guide, in particular the entire flux guide arrangement, are inserted into the second housing part and connected to it, in particular fastened thereto, for example by latching, clipping in and / or crimping and / or at least partially overmolding the flux guide or the flux guide arrangement. If the flux guide or the flux guide arrangement is at least partially connected to the second housing part by partial overmolding, it is advantageous if the first flux guide and / or the second flux guide have corresponding tabs, in particular double-angle tabs or the like.

[0053] In a particularly advantageous refinement of the torque sensor device according to the invention, at least the first flux guide and / or the second flux guide is connected, in particular fastened, to the second housing part in such a way that it is avoided that the flux guide falls off from the second housing part when assembling the second pre-assembled assembly with the first pre-assembled assembly, in particular when pushing or inserting the second housing part into the first housing part or the second pre-assembled assembly into the first pre-assembled assembly or when pushing or inserting them at least partially together.

[0054] In the context of the present invention, "pushing in" is understood to mean in particular engaging two housing parts together by displacing them relative to each other, in particular along a straight line, the second housing part at least partially engaging around the first housing part from the outside during the displacement, i.e. even before the target position is reached. The second housing part may here in particular be guided by the first housing part during the displacement.

[0055] In the context of the present invention, "plugging" is understood to mean, in particular, engaging two housing parts together by displacing them relative to each other, in particular along a straight line, so that one of the two housing parts partially engages around the other housing part from the outside in a target position, in particular essentially only in the target position.

[0056] In the context of the present invention, "pushing together" is understood to mean in particular engaging two housing parts together by displacing them relative to one another, in particular along a straight line, one housing part engaging at least partially around the other from the outside during the displacement, i.e. even before the target position is reached, and the other already protruding at least partially into it during the displacement. The outer housing part can here in particular be guided by the inner housing part during the displacement.

[0057] In the context of the present invention, "plugging together" is understood to mean in particular engaging two housing parts together by displacing them relative to each other, in particular along a straight line, one housing part engaging at least partially around the other from the outside in the target position and in the target position the other protruding at least partially into it, in particular in each case only in the target position.

[0058] In one possible advantageous refinement, the torque sensor device according to the invention, in particular the first preassembled assembly and the second preassembled assembly, may here be designed in such a way that when the second housing part is pressed or plugged relative to the first housing part or the second preassembled assembly is pressed or plugged relative to the first preassembled assembly, or when the first and second housing parts or the two preassembled assemblies are at least partially pressed or inserted together, at least one magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement can be detected by the magnetic sensor in a functionally assembled state of the torque sensor device, in which at least the first preassembled assembly and the second preassembled assembly are functionally assembled. This makes it possible to achieve a simple installation of the flux guides in a particularly simple manner, in particular a simple and accurate positioning of the flux guides, but also to achieve an accurate positioning of the flux guides relative to the at least one magnetic sensor in a simple manner.

[0059] However, in another possible, in particular an alternative advantageous refinement, the torque sensor device according to the invention may already be assembled, in particular the first preassembled assembly and the second preassembled assembly may already be assembled, in particular according to the function or use. In this case, preferably the second housing part is pressed or plugged into the first housing part, or the second preassembled assembly is pressed or plugged into the first preassembled assembly, or the two first and second housing parts or the two first and second preassembled assemblies are at least partially pressed or inserted together, whereby at least one magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement is introduced into the gap between the transmission surfaces of the first flux guide and the second flux guide, such that in the functionally assembled state of the torque sensor device the magnetic flux generated in the stator arrangement can be detected by the magnetic sensor. That is to say, the torque sensor device according to the invention may be present in the form of a kit with at least two separate preassembled assemblies, namely the first preassembled assembly and the second preassembled assembly. The magnetic configuration can form a separate assembly. Alternatively, the assembly can already be assembled, in particular the first pre-assembled assembly and the second pre-assembled assembly. The first assembly and the second assembly can also be already assembled with the magnetic configuration in a further possible refinement. However, the magnetic configuration can be not yet assembled with the first and second assemblies, even if the first and second assemblies are already assembled.

[0060] In another possible, particularly advantageous refinement of the torque sensor device according to the invention, the second preassembled assembly is pushable or pluggable into the first housing part in a plane extending perpendicular to the central axis of the torque sensor device in the tangential direction or in a plane extending perpendicular to the central axis of the torque sensor device in the radial direction and / or is at least partially pushable or insertable together with the first housing part, which allows a particularly simple installation with a simple design of the individual components, in particular of the two housing parts.

[0061] All directional details in the present application, such as axial, tangential or radial, refer in each case to the central axis of the torque sensor device. Axial therefore consequently means a direction along or parallel to the central axis. Radial correspondingly means a direction perpendicular to the central axis but intersecting it in a plane perpendicular to the central axis. Tangential therefore means a direction perpendicular to the radial and axial directions. An "axial gap" is therefore an axial gap, i.e. a gap extending in the axial direction, i.e. in a direction parallel to the central axis of the torque sensor device. The directional detail "circumferential" therefore refers to the direction of rotation around this axis of rotation or the central axis.

[0062] In a further possible, particularly advantageous refinement of the torque sensor device according to the invention, the second housing part is at least partially open at its bottom side, and preferably at least the first flux guide and / or the second flux guide, in particular the entire flux guide arrangement, is introduced, in particular inserted, into the second housing part via the open bottom side, the bottom side of the second housing part extending at least substantially in a plane parallel to the tangent to a circle about the central axis of the torque sensor device, which allows for an easy installation of the torque sensor device and achieves a particularly compact and therefore space-saving design.

[0063] In a further possible, particularly advantageous refinement, in particular a development, of the torque sensor device according to the invention, the second housing part can also be open at the bottom and at the side, and at least the first flux guide and / or the second flux guide, in particular the entire flux guide arrangement, is introduced, in particular inserted, into the second housing part from the open bottom or open side, and the open side of the second housing part extends at least substantially perpendicular to a tangent to a circle about the central axis of the torque sensor device. This allows a particularly simple installation of the torque sensor device and also achieves a particularly compact and therefore space-saving design.

[0064] In the context of the present invention, a bottom surface of the second housing part is understood to mean in particular the side surface of the second housing part which faces the central axis in the functionally assembled state of the torque sensor device. A "side surface" of the second housing part is in particular an outer surface or a "boundary" of the housing part which extends substantially perpendicular thereto.

[0065] In a further possible, particularly advantageous refinement of the torque sensor device according to the invention, the first housing part and / or the second housing part have means for aligning the two housing parts relative to one another and / or for guiding and / or aligning them during assembly, in particular for guiding and / or aligning them during the displacement of the second preassembled assembly from the engagement position to the target position. For this purpose, the first housing part and / or the second housing part can have one or more stop and / or guide elements, such as, for example, one or more guide rails, guide grooves, guide pins, locating pins and / or locating pin receivers, and the means provided in each case on one of the two housing parts for this purpose are particularly designed to correspond to and can in each case engage with the means provided in each case on the other housing part for this purpose. In order to fix the second housing part in particular in the target position, the first housing part and / or the second housing part may in particular have latch means such as one or more latch lugs, latch projections, latch hooks, and / or may have clips and / or one or more screw receptacles, may be screwed to one another and / or may be adhesively bonded or may be fixed in some other way.

[0066] In a further possible, particularly advantageous refinement, in particular in a development, of the torque sensor device according to the invention, the magnetic sensor arrangement further comprises a printed circuit board, in particular a printed circuit board extending perpendicular to the central axis, the at least one magnetic sensor is fastened to the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board having a cut-out, in particular a slotted recess or passage opening, or a region of reduced thickness compared to the surrounding region, the at least one magnetic sensor fastened to the printed circuit board being arranged in the region of the cut-out or the region of reduced thickness, the at least one magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement and the cut-out or the region of reduced thickness of the printed circuit board being located in the gap between the transmission surfaces of the two flux guides. The distance between two opposing transmission surfaces or the gap width in the axial direction can thus be reduced, in particular minimized, in a simple manner, which has an advantageous effect on the construction height of the torque sensor device in the axial direction, in particular in the region of the magnetic sensor.

[0067] In a particularly preferred refinement of the torque sensor device according to the invention, each magnetic sensor is here assigned to a cutout or an area of ​​reduced thickness.

[0068] The reduction in the thickness of the printed circuit board can be achieved, for example, by corresponding grooves formed in the bottom surface of the printed circuit board, or by one or more notches in said area, in particular, into which a transfer surface facing the bottom surface of the printed circuit board can engage or protrude.

[0069] Preferably, at least one transmission surface of at least one flux guide or at least one transmission part of the flux guide is here at least partially arranged in the region of the cutout, in particular in a plane with the printed circuit board.

[0070] If a cutout is provided, this is particularly preferably a tangentially or radially extending slot, in particular a tangentially or radially extending slot, or a U-shaped or rectangular cutout opening on a short side, the cutout being in particular a tangentially extending slot in which the second preassembled assembly can be assembled with the first assembly by tangential displacement or when assembled, and a radial slot in which the second preassembled assembly can be assembled with the first assembly by radial displacement or when assembled.

[0071] A "tangential slot" here is a slot into which one transmission surface or transmission part of the flux guide can be introduced from the opening side of the slot by tangential displacement. A "radial slot" is therefore a slot into which one transmission surface or transmission part of the flux guide can be introduced from the opening side of the slot by radial displacement.

[0072] The torque sensor device according to the invention is particularly preferably constructed in such a way that the magnetic sensors are arranged in a plane, in particular on one and the same printed circuit board or substrate. This results in a particularly advantageous design of the torque sensor device according to the invention. If SMD magnetic sensors are used, it is possible to provide a torque sensor device with a small construction height and therefore a small construction space requirement in the axial direction, i.e. in the direction of the central axis.

[0073] In a particularly advantageous refinement of the torque sensor device according to the invention, at least one magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement, in particular the at least one first and one second magnetic sensor, is in particular in each case an SMD magnetic sensor, since this is particularly effective for saving space or constructional space, and the magnetic sensors are in particular arranged on a printed circuit board oriented in its printed circuit board plane perpendicular to the central axis of the stator arrangement or the torque sensor device, which makes it possible to achieve a particularly compact design of the torque sensor device according to the invention.

[0074] "SMD" stands for Surface Mount Device (Surface Mount Element), which is in contrast to the aforementioned "wired" components provided for Through Hole Technology (THT), in that SMD components do not have any wire connections, but instead can be soldered directly onto a printed circuit board by means of a solderable transfer surface.

[0075] However, in an alternative refinement of the 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 a connection pin, in which case the magnetic sensor is preferably arranged with the connection pin pointing radially outwards. In this way, it is possible to achieve a compact arrangement even with one or more wired magnetic sensors, in particular if the connection pins of the wired magnetic sensor are soldered onto a printed circuit board oriented with its circuit board plane parallel to the central axis of the stator arrangement or the torque sensor device. Alternatively, the connection pins can also be connected to a lead frame, in particular plugged directly into the lead frame, in particular connected to a lead frame with its lead frame plane oriented parallel to the central axis of the stator arrangement. This makes it possible to achieve a compact arrangement even with wired magnetic sensors.

[0076] In a further possible, particularly advantageous embodiment of the torque sensor device according to the invention, a magnetically acting flux can be generated in the stator arrangement in response to a torque applied to the torque sensor device and furthermore a first magnetic interference flux can be generated in response to an interference field surrounding the torque sensor device, the first flux guide and the second flux guide each further having a first collecting surface, each said collecting surface being designed to at least partially concentrate and / or at least partially transmit the magnetically acting flux generated in the stator arrangement in response to the applied torque and / or the first magnetic interference flux generated in response to the magnetic interference field surrounding the torque sensor device, the flux guide arrangement, in particular the first flux guide and / or the second flux guide, preferably having at least one the torque sensor device further having at least one second collection surface magnetically conductively coupled to one of the transmission surfaces and designed to generate or at least partially concentrate and / or transmit a second magnetic interference flux in response to a magnetic interference field surrounding the torque sensor device, the flux guide arrangement being designed in particular such that, when the torque sensor device is surrounded by a magnetic interference field, a first interference flux component that is at least partially concentrated in a first collection surface of one of the flux guides and transmitted to the magnetic sensor via at least one associated transmission surface of said flux guide and a second interference flux component that is at least partially concentrated in the second collection surface and transmitted to the magnetic sensor via the associated transmission surface of the other flux guide at least partially cancel each other out, in particular in the gap formed by the transmission surfaces.

[0077] For this purpose, it is particularly preferred that the first and second flux guides are designed accordingly and are therefore arranged relative to one another accordingly. This effect can in principle be achieved, for example, by a flux guide arrangement as configured in the torque sensor device described in WO 2020 / 174170 or WO 2020 / 174171 or by a flux guide arrangement according to EP 20192858.7, to which reference is made for further details, in particular regarding the interference compensation itself.

[0078] Instead of being bent in each case in a Z-shape as shown in particular in EP 20192858.7, i.e. with the second collecting surface extending radially outwards, one or both flux guides may also be bent in a U-shape, such that the second collecting surface extends radially inwards, as shown in the accompanying figures of the present application.

[0079] What is important in the preferred refinement of the design of the flux guide to reduce the effects of magnetic interference is that the described interference compensation is at least partially achieved and that assembly according to the invention is possible after 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 refinement, for the above-mentioned purpose of reducing the interference effects of the magnetic interference field surrounding the torque sensor device, the second flux guide has a second collection surface that is magnetically conductively coupled to at least one transmission surface of the second flux guide and configured to generate and / or at least partially concentrate and conduct a second magnetic interference flux in a manner dependent on the magnetic interference field surrounding the torque sensor device, the first flux guide and the second flux guide each being configured and arranged relative to one another such that, when the torque sensor device is surrounded by a magnetic interference field, a first interference flux component of the first magnetic flux that is at least partially concentrated on the first collection surface of the first flux guide and transmitted via the at least one transmission surface of the first flux guide to the magnetic sensor and a second interference flux component of the second magnetic flux that is at least partially concentrated on the second collection surface of the second flux guide and transmitted via the at least one transmission surface of the second flux guide at least partially cancel each other out, in particular in the gap formed by the transmission surfaces.

[0081] In a particularly advantageous refinement of the torque sensor device according to the invention, the first flux guide furthermore likewise has a second collection surface, which is magnetically conductively coupled to at least one transmission surface of the first flux guide and is likewise configured to generate and / or at least partially concentrate and conduct a second magnetic interference flux in a manner dependent on the magnetic interference field surrounding the torque sensor device, the first flux guide and the second flux guide each being configured and arranged relative to one another such that, when the torque sensor device is surrounded by the magnetic interference field, a first interference flux component of the second magnetic flux, which is at least partially concentrated on the first collection surface of the second flux guide and transmitted via the at least one transmission surface of the second flux guide to the magnetic sensor, and a second interference flux component of the first magnetic flux, which is partially concentrated on the second collection surface of the first flux guide and transmitted via the at least one transmission surface of the first flux guide to the magnetic sensor, at least partially cancel each other out.

[0082] By means of such a flux guide arrangement with at least one flux guide having two collection surfaces, the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic interference fields and concentrated in the flux guide arrangement, which leads or may lead to undesired influences or falsifications of the torque sensor signal generated by the torque sensor device, can in any case be reduced or even completely eliminated in the case of a corresponding design of the flux guide arrangement and a correspondingly configured external magnetic interference field, i.e. in particular in the case where a correspondingly configured magnetic interference field surrounds the torque sensor device, in particular in terms of its direction. This is the case in particular even in the case where a second unavoidably required magnetic sensor and / or a second magnetic element is not present and / or where an additional sensor, for example as proposed in the above solutions from those mentioned by way of example, is not present.

[0083] In particular, by advantageous arrangement of the two collecting and transmitting surfaces of the second flux guide relative to at least one transmitting and collecting surface of the first flux guide, in particular in conjunction with advantageous adjustment of the size of the collecting surfaces, it is also possible to reduce and possibly completely compensate for interference flux components generated by ambient magnetic interference fields.

[0084] The first flux guide and the second flux guide, in particular their collection surfaces and transmission surfaces, are preferably in each case constructed and arranged relative to one another and magnetically conductively coupled to one another and, particularly preferably, are adjusted with respect to one another and with respect to the size of the respective surface of the other flux guide, in such a way that the first interference flux component generated and concentrated by the magnetic interference field and the second interference flux component generated and concentrated by the magnetic interference field are preferably oriented in opposite directions and have equal values ​​or the same strengths, i.e. the same magnitude, in particular in the gap between the transmission surfaces.

[0085] The at least one second collecting surface can in each case here be formed integrally with the associated flux guide, in particular in one piece, or as a separate component, only magnetically conductively with the associated flux guide. If the second collecting surface is formed as a separate component, it is preferably preassembled or has been preassembled with the two flux guides and the second housing part to form the second assembly.

[0086] For further details regarding possible configurations of the flux guide, please refer to EP 20192858.7.

[0087] In a particularly advantageous refinement of the torque sensor device according to the invention, the first stator body and the second stator body are here arranged at a distance from one another, in particular in the axial direction, and at least one flux guide is arranged at least partially between them in the axial direction.

[0088] In principle, however, it is also possible to arrange at least one flux guide in the axial direction, i.e. along the central axis, outside the stator arrangement, but the collecting and transferring surfaces should each be constructed and arranged such that the magnetic fluxes respectively concentrated by the collecting surfaces and generated by the surrounding magnetic interference fields are at least partially, preferably almost completely or completely cancelled out in accordance with the invention.

[0089] In an advantageous refinement of the torque sensor device according to the invention, the torque sensor device also has a control device configured to determine a torque to be applied to a shaft functionally connected to the torque sensor device, in particular in a manner dependent on the magnetic flux detected by the magnetic sensor arrangement and / or in a manner dependent on a sensor signal generated in a manner dependent on the detected magnetic flux.

[0090] In a further possible, particularly advantageous refinement of the torque sensor device according to the invention, the torque sensor device is assembled by the 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 its axis of rotation, in particular for detecting a torque applied to a steering shaft of a motor vehicle, the torque sensor device having a magnetic arrangement, a stator arrangement, a flux guide arrangement and a magnetic sensor arrangement with at least one magnetic sensor, the magnetic arrangement being configured to generate at least one magnetic field, the flux guide arrangement having at least one first flux guide and a second flux guide, the first flux guide and the second flux guide each having at least one transmission surface, the torque sensor device further having a first housing part and a second housing part, the method comprising: a) pre-assembling a first assembly comprising at least a first housing part, a stator arrangement, and at least one magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement; b) pre-assembling a second assembly comprising at least a second housing part and a first flux guide and a second flux guide connected to the second housing part such that at least one transmission surface of the first flux guide and at least one transmission surface of the second flux guide lie opposite each other to form an axial gap between them in which at least one magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement can be disposed; c) assembling the first pre-assembled assembly and the second pre-assembled assembly, where at least one magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement is introduced into a gap between the transfer surfaces of the first flux guide and the second flux guide such that the magnetic flux generated in the stator arrangement is detectable by the magnetic sensor; and d) fixing the two preassembled assemblies in their position relative to each other. It is characterized by:

[0092] By means of the method according to the invention, a particularly simple assembly of the torque sensor device can be achieved, and in particular a precise positioning of the flux guide arrangement relative to the magnetic sensor arrangement, since a simple positioning and alignment of the flux guide arrangement relative to the magnetic sensor arrangement can be achieved particularly easily and advantageously via the first housing part which is part of the first preassembled assembly and via the second housing part which is part of the second preassembled assembly.

[0093] According to the method according to the invention, pre-assembling the magnetic sensor arrangement together with the first housing part and the stator arrangement to form a first pre-assembled assembly in step a), separately and independently of the flux guide arrangement which is pre-assembled with the second housing part to form the second assembly, enables easy and precise installation of the torque sensor device, provided that the flux guide arrangement is suitably configured, in particular for flux guide arrangements having flux guides as known, for example, from WO 2020 / 174170, WO 2020 / 174171 or EP 20192858.7, in particular also in the case of flux guides having additional collecting surfaces as known from EP 20192858.7, in particular two collecting surfaces each.

[0094] By pre-assembling the second housing part and the two flux guides or flux guide arrangements, the risk of damage to the flux guide or flux guide arrangement, for example by bending the flux guide during installation, can be further reduced, the more the flux guide or flux guide arrangement is surrounded by the second housing part after pre-assembly in step b), or the more the flux guide or flux guide arrangement is surrounded by the second housing part after pre-assembly.

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

[0096] When pre-assembling the second assembly in step b), at least the first flux guide and the second flux guide, in particular the entire flux guide arrangement, are preferably at least partially introduced into the second housing part and are directly or indirectly connected to and / or fastened to the second housing part, in particular so as to be at least partially accommodated by the second housing part.

[0097] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, preferably in a further step, in particular during final installation or final assembly of the torque sensor device on a shaft whose torque is intended to be detected, the magnetic arrangement with the magnetic elements or the assembly comprising the magnetic arrangement is assembled with the remaining components. Particularly preferred is that in a further step at least the magnetic arrangement is assembled with the magnetic elements, in particular having an assembly which is assembled according to the method according to the invention from at least a first preassembled assembly and a second preassembled assembly.

[0098] Preferably, the magnetic configuration, in particular the at least one magnetic element, is so arranged here and positioned relative to the stator configuration such that the magnetic configuration and the stator configuration are movable relative to each other in a circumferential direction around a central axis of the torque sensor device as a result of the application of a torque, whereby a magnetic flux can be generated in the stator configuration by a relative movement between the magnetic configuration and the stator configuration in the circumferential direction, which magnetic flux can be detected in particular by at least one magnetic sensor introduced in the gap between the transmission surfaces of the first flux guide and the second flux guide.

[0099] Preferably, the magnetic arrangement is positioned concentrically in particular with respect to the stator arrangement, in particular is introduced into the stator arrangement concentrically with respect to the central axis. Preferably, the magnetic arrangement is arranged here in particular radially in the stator, preferably in the stator tabs, together with the magnetic elements.

[0100] If the at least partially or completely assembled flux guide arrangement of the torque sensor device preferably comprises further components, e.g. additional collecting surfaces, which are magnetically conductively coupled in particular to the first flux guide and / or the second flux guide, said collecting surfaces are also particularly preferably preassembled in step b) together with the first and second flux guides and the first housing part, which components can likewise be connected to the second housing part and in particular fastened to the second housing part and / or to the first flux guide and / or the second flux guide. If additional components are fastened only to the first flux guide and / or only to the second flux guide, they can be fastened both before and after connecting the flux guide to the second housing part. However, it is often more advantageous for the entire flux guide arrangement to be all preassembled first and then assembled in step b) as a preassembled assembly with the second housing part to form the second assembly.

[0101] Steps a) and b), i.e. the pre-assembly of the first assembly and the second assembly, do not have to be performed here consecutively. They may also be performed at least partially or completely in parallel. Step b) may likewise be performed before step a). It is merely important that steps a) and b) are completed before step c).

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

[0103] In the context of the present application, "assembly", in particular in the sense of step c), is understood within the scope of the present application to mean only the mechanical assembly, in particular the mechanical arrangement, of the respective components relative to one another. Further steps, such as making electronic or electrical connections, etc., may be necessary to set the torque sensor device in a functional state. In particular, for example the manufacture of one or more plug-in connections or one or more electrical contact connections may furthermore be required.

[0104] The fixing of the first preassembled assembly and the fixing of the second preassembled assembly relative to each other in step d) is preferably performed by connecting the first housing part to the second housing part, in particular by providing a latch connection, in particular by means of a latch, for which purpose preferably at least one of the housing parts has at least one latch protrusion and the other housing part has at least one latch arm with a latch hook, which can engage behind the latch protrusion. However, the two housing parts may also be connected to each other by screwing or adhesive bonding or in another way and thereby fixed relative to each other, in particular the second assembly being fixed in its target position.

[0105] In a possible, particularly advantageous refinement of the method according to the invention, the pre-assembly of the second assembly in step b) is carried out by firstly providing the second housing part and at least the first flux guide and the second flux guide, in particular the entire flux guide arrangement, and then inserting the first flux guide and the second flux guide, in particular the entire flux guide arrangement, into the second housing part and connecting it thereto, in particular fastening it to the second housing part, in particular for example by latching, clipping in and / or crimping and / or at least partially overmolding the flux guide or the flux guide arrangement.

[0106] This enables a particularly simple pre-assembly of the second assembly, in particular a simple and good positioning of the flux guide or flux guide arrangement relative to one another and relative to the second housing part, to be achieved. Particularly preferably, the second housing part is correspondingly configured and designed to receive the flux guide or flux guide arrangement, in particular having special positioning and / or alignment aids, for example corresponding stop surfaces, recesses etc. designed to interact with the flux guide or flux guide arrangement, particularly preferably also having corresponding stop surfaces, protrusions etc. as positioning aids.

[0107] For connection to the second housing part, the second housing part and / or the first flux guide and / or the second flux guide or flux guide arrangement preferably further have corresponding fastening means, in particular latch elements, such as, for example, one or more latch lugs, latch lugs, latch hooks, latch arms, clips, etc. If the fastening is provided by at least partial overmolding of the flux guide or flux guide arrangement, it is advantageous if these have for this purpose, in particular special overmolded tabs, in particular double-angled overmolded tabs. Such tabs can provide a particularly good and fixed connection to the second housing part.

[0108] Alternatively, the pre-assembly of the second assembly in step b) can also be carried out, for example, by first providing a mould for manufacturing at least the first flux guide and the second flux guide, in particular the entire flux guide arrangement, in particular the second housing part, and then, in a particularly immediately following step, the second housing part is manufactured by an injection moulding method, and at least the first flux guide and the second flux guide, in particular the entire flux guide arrangement, are at least partially overmolded such that they are fixedly connected to the second housing part.

[0109] In a further possible, particularly advantageous refinement of the method according to the invention, the assembly in step c) is in particular carried out by bringing the first pre-assembled assembly and the second pre-assembled assembly into contact with one another in an engagement position in a first step c1), the two assemblies in particular being engaged with one another, and furthermore in a particularly subsequent step c2) the second pre-assembled assembly being displaced tangentially to the first assembly in a plane extending perpendicular to the central axis of the torque sensor device to a target position. Thus, a particularly simple positioning of the second pre-assembled assembly relative to the first pre-assembled assembly can be achieved, in particular if the transmission surfaces of the two flux guides are in each case perpendicular to the central axis and extend parallel to the plane in which the displacement direction extends. Thus, for example, with flux guides with collecting surfaces parallel to the transmission surfaces, which in principle can achieve compensation of interfering flux components as described in terms of function in WO 2020 / 174170, WO 2020 / 174171 or EP 20192858.7, it is also possible to achieve a particularly simple installation of the torque sensor device with flux guides with first and second collecting surfaces, in particular if all collecting surfaces run parallel to the transmission surfaces and all connecting parts between the transmission surfaces and collecting surfaces do not intersect with the displacement direction but rather always run only parallel to the displacement direction. In particular, a particularly simple introduction of at least one magnetic sensor into the axial gap between the transmission surfaces can thereby be achieved, in particular in the tangential direction.

[0110] It has proven to be particularly advantageous if during assembly in step c) the second preassembled assembly, in particular the second housing part, is pressed into the first preassembled assembly, in particular the first housing part, in particular tangentially, which allows a particularly simple construction of the two housing parts and a particularly compact and therefore space-saving construction of the torque sensor device.

[0111] For a particularly simple installation, in particular if a reduction in the influence of interfering fluxes or compensation of interfering fluxes is desired, the first flux guide and the second flux guide are therefore preferably designed and configured such that all collection surfaces extend parallel to the transfer surfaces and that all connection parts between the transfer surfaces and the collection surfaces do not cross the displacement direction but rather always extend only parallel to the displacement direction.

[0112] In a further possible, particularly advantageous refinement of the method according to the invention, the second housing part is at least partially open at least at the bottom and at one side, and during the preassembly in step b) at least the first flux guide and / or the second flux guide, in particular the entire flux guide arrangement, is introduced, in particular inserted, into the second housing part, in particular from the open bottom or open side, which allows a particularly simple construction of the second housing part and a particularly simple preassembly of the second assembly.

[0113] In a development of the method according to the invention, in step c1), the second pre-assembled assembly is here aligned in such a way that in the engagement position of the second pre-assembled assembly the open side of the second housing part extends at least substantially perpendicular to the displacement direction, and in step c2), during the tangential displacement, the second pre-assembled assembly is displaced from the engagement position to the target position, in particular with the open side forward. This allows a particularly simple construction of the two housing parts and a particularly simple assembly of the two assemblies in step c), for which purpose the second pre-assembled assembly is arranged and aligned in a particularly favorable manner relative to the first pre-assembled assembly in step c1), in such a way that the open bottom side of the second housing part faces the first pre-assembled assembly and can thus be displaced parallel to the central axis, the open side extending at least substantially perpendicular to the displacement direction, i.e. in a plane perpendicular to the displacement direction.

[0114] Alternatively, in a further possible and equally advantageous refinement of the method according to the invention, the assembly in step c) can also be performed by, in a first step c1), bringing the first pre-assembled assembly and the second pre-assembled assembly into contact with each other in an engagement position, in particular engaging each other, and further, in particular in a subsequent step c2), displacing the second pre-assembled assembly radially relative to the first assembly in a plane extending perpendicular to the central axis of the torque sensor device to a target position.

[0115] Thus, a particularly simple positioning of the second preassembled assembly relative to the first preassembled assembly can likewise be achieved, in particular if the transmission surfaces of the two flux guides are in each case perpendicular to the central axis and run parallel to the plane in which the displacement direction extends. Likewise, by this measure, a particularly simple installation of the torque sensor device can be achieved with flux guides having collection surfaces parallel to the transmission surfaces, in particular if all collection surfaces run parallel to the transmission surfaces and all connections between the transmission and collection surfaces do not intersect with the displacement direction. In particular, a particularly simple introduction of at least one magnetic sensor into the axial gap between the transmission surfaces can thereby be achieved, in particular in the radial direction.

[0116] Alternatively, it has proven to be particularly advantageous if during assembly in step c) the second preassembled assembly, in particular the second housing part, is at least partially pressed into the first preassembled assembly, in particular the first housing part, in particular in a radial direction, which allows a particularly simple construction of the two housing parts and a particularly compact and therefore space-saving construction of the torque sensor device.

[0117] In a further possible, particularly advantageous refinement of the method according to the invention, the second housing part is at least partially open at its bottom side, and during the preassembly in step b) at least the first flux guide and / or the second flux guide, in particular the entire flux guide arrangement, is introduced, in particular inserted, into the second housing part via the open bottom side, which allows a particularly simple construction of the second housing part and a particularly simple preassembly of the second assembly.

[0118] In an alternative development of the method according to the invention, in step c1), the second pre-assembled assembly is in particular aligned in the engagement position of the second pre-assembled assembly such that the open bottom side extends at least substantially perpendicular to the displacement direction, and in step c2), during the radial displacement, the second pre-assembled assembly is displaced from the engagement position to the target position, in particular with the open bottom side forward. This likewise allows a particularly simple construction of the two housing parts and a particularly simple assembly of the two assemblies in step c), for which purpose the second pre-assembled assembly is arranged and aligned in a particularly favorable manner relative to the first pre-assembled assembly in step c1), in particular with the open bottom side of the second housing part facing the first pre-assembled assembly, and can thus be displaced in a plane perpendicular to the central axis, the open side extending at least substantially perpendicular to the displacement direction, i.e. in a plane perpendicular to the displacement direction.

[0119] Preferably, the second assembly here is in each case guided, in particular mechanically, during the displacement by guide elements on the first assembly, in particular by guide elements of the first housing part, which interact with corresponding guide elements on the second assembly, in particular on the second housing part. Thus, the risk of damage to the flux guide or the flux guide arrangement can be reduced in a particularly simple manner and, moreover, a precise positioning of the two assemblies relative to one another and thus also a precise positioning of at least one of the flux guides relative to at least one magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement can be reliably achieved in a simple manner.

[0120] In a further possible, particularly advantageous refinement of the method according to the invention, the magnetic sensor arrangement further comprises a printed circuit board, the at least one magnetic sensor is fastened to the printed circuit board, the printed circuit board having a cut-out, in particular a slotted recess or a through-opening or the like, or an area of ​​reduced thickness compared to the surrounding area, the at least one magnetic sensor fastened to the printed circuit board being arranged in the area of ​​the cut-out or the area of ​​reduced thickness, and the assembly of the first pre-assembled assembly and the second pre-assembled assembly in step c) is performed in such a way that after the at least one magnetic sensor of the magnetic sensor arrangement has been introduced into the gap between the transmission surfaces of the first flux guide and the second flux guide, the cut-out or the area of ​​reduced thickness of the printed circuit board is likewise located in the gap between the transmission surfaces of the two flux guides. The distance between two opposing transmission surfaces or the gap width in the axial direction can be reduced, in particular minimized, in a simple manner by means of such a printed circuit board, which has an advantageous effect on the construction height of the torque sensor device in the axial direction, in particular in the area of ​​the magnetic sensor.

[0121] All features and embodiments described in relation to the torque sensor device according to the invention and its respective advantages apply correspondingly in each case to the method according to the invention and vice versa, where technically possible or feasible, even if they have in each case been explicitly or implicitly described only once in relation to only one of the above subject matters of the invention.

[0122] Further features of the invention can be found in the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. All of the features and combinations of features mentioned in the above description, as well as the features and combinations of features which are in each case clearly shown in the following figures and / or mentioned in the description of the figures, can be implemented in the torque sensor device according to the invention and / or in the method according to the invention not only in the respectively specified combinations but also in other combinations (of features) or alone, i.e. in isolation from the other features of the combinations described herein, provided that the corresponding use of this combination or on its own is technically possible and feasible.

[0123] The invention will now be described in more detail based on some preferred exemplary embodiments, which should be understood as non-limiting, with reference to the attached drawings, in which functionally identical components are indicated with the same reference numerals, in which the following cases are illustrated diagrammatically: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0124] [Figure 1] 1A-1D show a part of a first exemplary embodiment of a torque sensor device according to the invention in a partially exploded view in various installation positions; [Diagram 2] 5A-5D show a part of a second exemplary embodiment of a torque sensor device according to the invention in partially exploded views in various installation positions; [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a printed circuit board of the torque sensor device of FIGS. 1 and 2 with two magnetic sensors fastened thereto in a perspective view looking at a first side of the printed circuit board. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows the printed circuit board of FIG. 3 looking at the other side of the printed circuit board of FIG. 2 and two flux guides of the torque sensor arrangement which form the flux guide arrangement of the torque sensor device of FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 shows a detail of the torque sensor arrangement of FIG. 2 without the two housing parts but with the magnetic element in a perspective enlarged view in another view. [Figure 6] 5A-5D show a part of a third exemplary embodiment of a torque sensor device according to the invention in partially exploded views in various installation positions. [Figure 7] 5A to 5C show a part of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a torque sensor device according to the invention in partially exploded views in various installation positions. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a printed circuit board of the torque sensor device of FIGS. 6 and 7 with two magnetic sensors fastened thereto in a perspective view looking at a first side of the printed circuit board. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows the printed circuit board of FIG. 8 looking at the other side of the printed circuit board of FIG. 7 and two flux guides of the torque sensor arrangement which form the flux guide arrangement of the torque sensor device of FIG. 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0125] FIG. 1 shows part of a first exemplary embodiment of a torque sensor device 10 according to the present invention in partially exploded views in various installation states, but without an associated magnetic arrangement, i.e. without an associated magnetic element 33 (see FIG. 5 ), the torque sensor device 10 being configured to detect a torque applied to a steering shaft of a motor vehicle, and having a stator arrangement with a stator holder 21 and a first stator 22 and a second stator 23 each having an annular disc-shaped stator body, not specifically shown here, as well as stator tabs, also not specifically shown.

[0126] The stator tabs of the two stators 22 and 23, which are held by the stator holder 21 and in particular pressed axially, engage with one another here in a manner similar to teeth. By means of the fastening ring 32, the stators 22 and 23 are axially fixed in at least one direction. The fastening ring 32 may therefore also be called a fastening ring 32. To non-rotatably connect the stator arrangement to a first part of a shaft, not shown here, the stator holder 21 further has a fastening sleeve 31 or a sleeve-shaped fastening section, which can be pressed into the associated shaft section and fastened thereto by shrinking the shaft section, for example by press-fitting.

[0127] To generate the magnetic flux, a magnetic arrangement having magnetic elements 33 as shown by way of example in Figure 5 can be arranged inside the stator arrangement of this torque sensor device 10 or concentrically with respect to the central axis Z, as is known in principle from the prior art, the magnetic arrangement being not shown except in Figure 5 to improve the visibility of the stator arrangement.

[0128] To generate the at least one magnetic action field, the magnetic arrangement 33 can have a magnetic element 33 in the form of an annular permanent magnet, in particular as in the example of FIG. 5, which is or can be arranged concentrically with respect to the central axis Z and the stator arrangement, which can be fastened to a first part of the steering shaft, not shown here, for co-rotation, and which, as already mentioned at the outset, can be connected to a second part of the steering shaft for co-rotation via a fastening sleeve 32, so that the stator arrangement is rotatable in a circumferential direction U with respect to the magnetic element 33 about the central axis Z, which coincides with the functional state of use of the torque sensor device 10, in particular with the axis of rotation of the steering shaft, as a result of which a magnetic flux can be generated in the stator arrangement, in particular in the two stators 22 and 23. Depending on the magnetic flux thus generated, the torque applied to the steering shaft can be determined by the magnetic sensor arrangement and a control device (not shown here in particular).

[0129] Furthermore, according to the invention, the torque sensor device 10 comprises a flux guide arrangement with a first flux guide 19 and a second flux guide 20, and a magnetic sensor arrangement with a printed circuit board 15 and two magnetic sensors 16 and 17. The flux guide arrangement with the two flux guides 19 and 20 is here designed to at least partially concentrate and conduct the magnetic flux generated in the stator arrangement to the two magnetic sensors 16 and 17, each of which is designed to generate a corresponding sensor signal for further evaluation, from which the torque can be determined.

[0130] In this exemplary embodiment of the torque transmission device 10 according to the invention, the flux guides 19 and 20 each have in each case a collection surface 25 and in each case a transmission surface 26, the magnetic flux generated in the stator arrangement being concentrated in each case via the collection surface 25 and transmitted in each case via the transmission surface 26 to the magnetic sensors 16 and 17 which, in the assembled state of the torque sensor device 10, are in each case arranged parallel to the transmission surfaces 26 in the axial gap S between them (see FIG. 5 ).

[0131] Furthermore, the torque sensor device 10 according to the invention has a first housing part 13 in which the stator arrangement and the magnetic sensor arrangement are accommodated and which provides a data and signal connection to an associated control device, not shown here, and which is provided with a plug receptacle 14 for the power supply. According to the invention, the first housing part 13 is here preassembled with the magnetic sensor arrangement with a printed circuit board 15 and two magnetic sensors 16 and 17, as well as with the stator arrangement with the stator holder 21, the stators 22 and 23 and, in this case, the fixing ring 32, to form the first assembly 12.

[0132] In the example shown in Fig. 1, the first housing part 13 is formed in two parts and is assembled from two halves, in particular with a separation surface extending perpendicularly to the central axis Z. This allows a particularly simple pre-assembly of the first assembly 12, in that the two halves of the first housing part 13 can be assembled, in particular axially, and latched together, so that the remaining components of the first pre-assembled assembly 12 (the stator arrangement with the stator holder 21 with the fastening parts 31, the stators 22 and 23 with the stator tabs, the fixing ring 32, as well as the printed circuit board 15 and the magnetic sensor arrangement with the magnetic sensors 16 and 17) can be held in a simple manner in the first housing part 13 and fixed relative to one another.

[0133] Furthermore, the torque sensor device 10 has a second housing part 18 designed to receive a flux guide arrangement with two flux guides 19 and 20 to together form a second pre-assembled assembly 11 represented by the dashed rectangle in FIG. 1.

[0134] In this exemplary embodiment, the second housing part 18 is here designed as a single piece, i.e. composed of a single component rather than several parts, but is open on its bottom and on one side (here the right side) so that the flux guides 19 and 20, in particular the entire flux guide arrangement, can be pushed into the second housing part 18 from the side in the direction of the arrow (from right to left with reference to the illustration in Fig. 1) so as to be within the dashed rectangle in Fig. 1. The flux guides 19 and 20 can in particular be inserted into the second housing part 18 and latched therein, and in this way can be fixedly connected to the second housing part 18 and secured against falling out.

[0135] Alternatively, one or more flux guides may be fastened, such as by crimping, casting, and / or adhesive bonding, into or onto the second housing part 18, for example.

[0136] The two housing parts 18 and 13 are preferably made of plastic and are particularly preferably manufactured by an injection molding method, and as an alternative to the embodiment described here or to the possible embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the second housing part 18 can also be manufactured (only) by at least partial overmolding of the flux guide arrangement, whereby at the same time the flux guide arrangement, in particular at least the first flux guide 19 and the second flux guide 20, are at least partially overmolded and thus can be fixedly connected to the second housing part 18.

[0137] In this exemplary embodiment of the torque sensor device 10 according to the invention, the second housing part 18 can here be pressed tangentially relative to the first housing part 13, during which the two magnetic sensors 16 and 17 are introduced into the gap S (see FIG. 4 ) between the transmission surfaces 26 of the first flux guide 19 and the second flux guide 20 in an at least partially functionally assembled state of the torque sensor device 10, in particular in the functionally assembled state of the first pre-assembled assembly 12 and of the second pre-assembled assembly 11, as shown at the right end of FIG. 1 , in principle, so that the magnetic flux generated in the stator arrangement can be detected by the magnetic sensors 16 and 17.

[0138] The two magnetic sensors 16 and 17 are each arranged on a printed circuit board 15 which here extends perpendicular to the central axis Z, in which in the region of the magnetic sensors 16 and 17 the printed circuit board 15 in each case has a U-shaped slotted cutout 29, and in each case one of the transmission surfaces 26 of one of the two flux guides 19 and 20, in this example the transmission surface 26 of the flux guide 20, can be arranged in a plane with the printed circuit board plane, so that in this region a torque sensor device 10 which is particularly compact in the axial direction can be achieved.

[0139] For a damage-free installation, in particular for a precise positioning of the flux guides 19 and 20 in the torque sensor device 10, in particular with respect to its components, in particular with respect to the stators 22 and 23 as well as the stator arrangement with the magnetic sensors 16 and 17, in this exemplary embodiment the first housing part 13 is provided with a corresponding U-shaped guide groove 28, which in this case extends tangentially, in which in each case outside in the displacement direction a guide rail or guide projection or guide pin of corresponding design arranged inside the second housing part 18, not visible here, can engage, so that when they come into contact or engage, a desired alignment of the two preassembled assemblies 11 and 12 relative to each other as well as a precise guiding during the pressing of the second preassembled assembly 11 against the first assembly 12 can be achieved. As a result, the risk of damage, in particular bending, of the flux guides 19 and 20 can be significantly reduced in a simple manner. The invisible guide elements in the second housing part 18 preferably extend likewise, here also tangentially, in particular up to the same length as the guide grooves. They may, however, be shorter.

[0140] When the second pre-assembled assembly 11 or the second housing part 18 is pushed relative to the first housing part 13 or the first pre-assembled assembly 12 to a target position where the first pre-assembled assembly 12 and the second pre-assembled assembly 11 are functionally assembled, as shown at the right end of Figure 1, the second housing part 18 or the second pre-assembled assembly 11 can be fixed in that position relative to the first pre-assembled assembly 12, or in particular relative to the first housing part 13.

[0141] The torque sensor device 10 shown in FIG. 1 can be at least partially, with further steps, in particular subsequent steps, in particular fully assembled or installed by the method according to the invention, where at least in a first step a), the first housing part 13 and the stator arrangement with the stator holder 21 and the stators 22 and 23, as well as the printed circuit board 15 with the magnetic sensors 16 and 17 are pre-assembled to form a first assembly 12, as shown in the center of FIG. 1.

[0142] In a further step b), which may be performed before or simultaneously with step a), the two flux guides 19 and 20, which in this case form the flux guide arrangement of the torque sensor device 10, are pre-assembled with the second housing part 18 to form a second assembly.

[0143] Subsequently, in a third step c), the first preassembled assembly 11 and the second preassembled assembly 12 are assembled and the two magnetic sensors 16 and 17 are here in each case inserted into the gap between the two transmission surfaces 26 of the two flux guides 19 and 20, in particular in such a way that the magnetic flux generated in the stator arrangement can be detected by the two magnetic sensors 16 and 17, each designed as a Hall sensor.

[0144] The second pre-assembled assembly is then fixed in position together with the second housing part 18 relative to the first assembly 12 in a further step d), in particular by latching the second housing part 18 to the first housing part 13.

[0145] In this exemplary embodiment, the assembly of the two assemblies 11 as well as the pre-assembled assemblies 11 and 12 in step c) is here performed in such a way that the two assemblies 11 and 12 are first engaged with one another (not shown here) before the second assembly 11 is pressed into the first assembly 12, in particular its housing part 13, by tangential displacement in a plane extending perpendicular to the central axis Z and fixed in its target position, as shown on the right side of the image in Fig. 1. This makes it possible to achieve a particularly simple installation of the torque sensor device.

[0146] Preferably, in a further step, in particular when fastening the stator arrangement on the shaft, the magnetic arrangement with the magnetic elements 33 is correspondingly and functionally arranged inside the stators 22 and 23, in particular concentrically with respect to the central axis Z, so that as a result of the application of a torque, the magnetic arrangement and the stator arrangement are movable relative to each other in a circumferential direction U around the central axis Z of the torque sensor device 10, such that a magnetic flux can be generated in the stator arrangement by relative movement between the magnetic arrangement 33 (see Figure 5) and the stator arrangement in the circumferential direction U.

[0147] FIG. 2 shows a part of a second exemplary embodiment of a torque sensor device 10' according to the invention in a partially exploded view in various installation states, the flux guide configuration being formed differently in this exemplary embodiment 10'. In this example, each of the two flux guides 19' and 20' has, in addition to the first collecting surface 25 in each case, a second collecting surface 27 in each case, which is arranged in such a way that in each case it is magnetically conductively connected to the associated transfer surface 26 of the respective flux guide 19' or 20' via a connecting part 30 (see FIG. 5) in each case, so that the magnetic interference fluxes concentrated in the respective other flux guide 20' or 19' at least partially cancel each other in the axial gap. For a more detailed description of this effect, reference is made to EP 20192858.7. In a particularly simple manner, the interference effects of the magnetic interference fields in the surroundings of the torque sensor device 10' can therefore be reduced or even completely avoided in the corresponding configuration.

[0148] With the exception of the other flux guide configuration, the torque sensor device 10' according to the invention shown in Fig. 2 is substantially similar to the torque sensor device 10 of Fig. 1 and can also be assembled by the method according to the invention, for which purpose the two flux guides 19' and 20' can likewise first be introduced from the side into the second housing part 18', latched therein and then pushed together with the second housing part 18' as the second preassembled assembly 11 in a tangential direction perpendicular to the central axis Z relative to the first housing part 13 or to a first preassembled assembly 12 identical to the preassembled assembly 12 of Fig. 1, whereby the magnetic sensors 16 and 17 are introduced into the gap between the transmission faces 26 of the second flux guides 19' and 20'. Here too, a damage-free and precise positioning of the flux guides 19' and 20' can be achieved by guide grooves 28 and corresponding guide elements, likewise not visible here but inside the second housing part 18'.

[0149] For a better understanding, Figure 3 shows the printed circuit board 15 of the torque sensor device of Figures 1 and 2 with the two magnetic sensors 16, 17 fastened thereto in a perspective view towards a first side of the printed circuit board 15, on the basis of which the slots 29 in the printed circuit board 15 as well as the manner in which the magnetic sensors 16 and 17 are fastened onto the printed circuit board 15 are particularly easily visible. In this case, the two magnetic sensors 16 and 17 are designed as what are called SMD components here and the printed circuit board is a standard PCB, i.e. the standard printed circuit board 15, in order in particular to enable a particularly low axial construction height.

[0150] FIG. 4 shows the printed circuit board 15 of FIG. 3 looking at the other side of the printed circuit board 15 of FIG. 2 and the two flux guides 19' and 20' of the torque sensor arrangement 10' which form the flux guide arrangement of the torque sensor device 10' of FIG. 2, in which the two transmission faces 26 are easily visible.

[0151] Figure 5 shows in a perspective view the torque sensor arrangement 10' of Figure 2 without the two housing parts 13 and 18, but with a magnetic element 33 in the form of a permanent ring magnet 33, which is arranged concentrically inside the stators 22 and 23, which can be fastened on a second part of the shaft for co-rotation, and which can move, in particular twist, in the circumferential direction U relative to the stator or stator arrangement. In this figure, the arrangement of the individual components in the axial gap S is also easily visible, in particular the arrangement of the magnetic sensors 16 and 17 in the gap between the transmission faces 26, as well as the arrangement of the transmission face 26 of the flux guide 20' in the slotted cutout 29 of the printed circuit board 15 in the plane with the printed circuit board 15.

[0152] The U-shaped configuration of the two flux guides 19' and 20' can likewise be easily seen by their two respective collecting surfaces 25 and 27 which are in each case magnetically conductively connected to one another via a connecting part 30, the first collecting surfaces 25 being furthermore each magnetically conductively connected to a magnetically conductive transfer surface 26 so as to be able to transfer (contactlessly) the flux concentrated in the flux guides to the magnetic sensors 16 and 17.

[0153] Due to a special interlocking arrangement of the transmission surface 26 and the collection surface 27, it is possible to achieve interference flux compensation or a reduction in the influence of interference fluxes and thus an increase in the accuracy of the sensor device 10'. For further information in this respect, in particular how this effect arises and how the flux guides 19' and 20' are preferably designed, reference is made to EP 20192858.7, which has already been mentioned several times.

[0154] 6 shows a part of a third exemplary embodiment of a torque sensor device 10″ according to the invention in a partially exploded view in a different installation state, which differs from the two previous torque sensor devices 10 and 10′ in that in this case the second housing part 18″ is at least partially open only at the bottom side and in this case a flux guide arrangement with two flux 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 against the first pre-assembled assembly 12′. Here again the dashed rectangle represents the second pre-assembled assembly 11″.

[0155] Like the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, this flux guide configuration likewise has in each case only flux guides 19'' and 20'' each having a first collecting surface 25, and not flux guides having two collecting surfaces 25 and 27, respectively, as in the example of FIG. 2.

[0156] A further difference in the case of the exemplary embodiment of the torque sensor device 10'' according to the present invention shown in FIG. 6 over the device of FIG. 1 is that the second pre-assembled assembly 11'' is not pressed tangentially against the first pre-assembled assembly 12', but rather is plugged radially, as particularly indicated by the associated arrows.

[0157] In order that the transmission surfaces 26 of the flux guides 19'' and 20'' can also form the most optimal gap possible or be positioned as optimally as possible axially outside the two magnetic sensors 16 and 17 and in particular as close as possible to them, the printed circuit board 15' in this case has in each case a radially open U-shaped slot 29' (see Figure 9), into which the transmission surfaces 26' engage, and instead of an elongated transmission surface as in the example of Figures 1 and 2, two smaller, narrower transmission surfaces 26' are provided in each case.

[0158] In this example, the guide groove 28 in the first housing part 13 does not function for guiding during radial displacement of the second assembly 11'' relative to the first assembly 12', but rather specifically functions to fix the second assembly 11'' in a target position, in particular to latch the second housing part 18'' in a target position on the first housing part 13.

[0159] FIG. 7 shows part of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a torque sensor device 10'' according to the invention in a partially exploded view in various installation states, which torque sensor device 10'' is designed substantially like the torque sensor device 10'', but has a corresponding radially installable second assembly 11''', which, like the torque sensor device of FIG. 2, has in each case two flux guides 19''' and 20''' curved in a U-shape with two collecting surfaces 25 and 27' (see FIG. 9).

[0160] Figure 8 shows the printed circuit board 15' of the torque sensor device of Figures 6 and 7 with two magnetic sensors 16 and 17 fastened thereto in a perspective view looking at a first side of the printed circuit board 15', and Figure 9 shows the printed circuit board 15' of Figure 8 looking at the other side of the printed circuit board 15' of Figure 7 which forms the flux guide arrangement of the torque sensor device 10''' of Figure 7 and which can be radially inserted, as well as the two flux guides 19''' and 20''' of the torque sensor arrangement.

[0161] Naturally, numerous modifications are possible, particularly with regard to design, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0162] 10,10',10'',10'''' Torque sensor device according to the present invention 11,11',11'',11'''' Second pre-assembled assembly 12,12' 1st Pre-assembled Assembly 13 First housing part 14 Plug socket 15,15' printed circuit board 16,17 Magnetic sensors 18,18' Second housing part 19,19',19'',19'' 1st Flux Guide 20,20',20'',20'' 2nd Flux Guide 21 Stator holder 22,23 Stator 25,25' First collecting surface 26,26' Transmission surface 27,27' Second collection surface 28 Guide groove 29,29 Notch, slot 30 Connection part 31 Fastening sleeve for fastening the stator holder 32 Fixing ring 33 Magnetic configurations, especially permanent ring magnets U Circumferential direction Z center axis

Claims

1. A torque sensor device (10, 10', 10'', 10''') for detecting a torque applied to a shaft, in particular a steering shaft of a motor vehicle, comprising: said torque sensor device (10, 10', 10'', 10''') comprising a magnetic arrangement (33), a stator arrangement (21, 22, 23, 31, 32), a flux guide arrangement (19, 19', 19'', 19'''; 20, 20', 20'', 20''') and a magnetic sensor arrangement comprising at least one magnetic sensor (16, 17), The magnetic arrangement (33) is configured to generate at least one magnetic field; The flux guide arrangement (19, 19', 19'', 19'''; 20, 20', 20'', 20''') comprises at least one first flux guide (19, 19', 19'', 19''') and a second flux guide (20, 20', 20'', 20'''), and the first flux guide (19, 19', 19'', 19''') and the second flux guide (20, 20', 20'', 20''') each have at least one wherein the at least one transmission surface (26, 26') of the first flux guide (19, 19', 19'', 19''') and the at least one transmission surface (26, 26') of the second flux guide (20, 20', 20'', 20''') are positioned opposite each other to form an axial gap (S) between them in which at least one magnetic sensor (16, 17) of the magnetic sensor arrangement can be arranged, the magnetic arrangement (33) and the stator arrangement (21, 22, 23, 31, 32) are movable relative to one another in a circumferential direction (U) about a central axis (Z) of the torque sensor device (10, 10', 10'', 10''') as a result of application of torque, such that relative movement between the magnetic arrangement (33) and the stator arrangement (21, 22, 23, 31, 32) in the circumferential direction (U) enables the stator arrangement (21, 22, 23, 31, 32) to generate a magnetic flux; the torque sensor device (10, 10', 10'', 10''') comprises a plurality of assemblies including at least one first pre-assembled assembly (12, 12') having a first housing part (13) and a second pre-assembled assembly (11, 11', 11'', 11''') having a second housing part (18, 18'); said first pre-assembled assembly (12, 12') comprising at least said first housing part (13), said stator arrangement (21, 22, 23, 31, 32) and at least one magnetic sensor (16, 17) of said magnetic sensor arrangement, the second pre-assembled assembly (11, 11', 11'', 11''') comprises at least the second housing part (18, 18'), the first flux guide (19, 19', 19'', 19''') and the second flux guide (20, 20', 20'', 20'''); The second housing part (18, 18'') is pushable or pluggable into the first housing part (13) and / or at least partially pushable or insertable together with the first housing part (13), and during said pushing or plugging and / or at least partially pushing or inserting together at least one magnetic sensor (16, 17) is coupled to at least the first pre-assembled assembly (12, 12') and the second pre-assembled assembly (12, 12'). a first flux guide (19, 19', 19'', 19''') and a second flux guide (20, 20', 20'', 20''') such that in a functionally assembled state of the torque sensor device (10, 10', 10'', 10''', in which the stator arrangement (21, 22, 23, 31, 32) is functionally assembled, a magnetic flux generated in the first flux guide (19, 19', 19'', 19''') and a magnetic flux generated in the second flux guide (20, 20', 20'', 20''') are detectable by the magnetic sensor (16, 17). Characterized in that A torque sensor device (10, 10', 10'', 10'').

2. 2. The torque sensor device (10, 10', 10'', 10''') according to claim 1, characterized in that the second pre-assembled assembly (11, 11') is pushable or pluggable into the first housing part (13) or at least partially pushable or insertable together with the first housing part (13) in a plane extending perpendicular to the central axis (Z) of the torque sensor device (10, 10') in a tangential direction or in a plane extending perpendicular to the central axis (Z) of the torque sensor device (10'', 10''') in a radial direction.

3. 2. The torque sensor device (10, 10', 10'', 10''') according to claim 1, characterized in that the second housing part (13) is at least partially open at least on the bottom side or on the bottom side and one side.

4. 2. The torque sensor device (10, 10', 10'', 10''') according to claim 1, characterized in that the first housing part (13) and / or the second housing part (18, 18') have means (28) for aligning and / or guiding and / or aligning the two housing parts (13; 18, 18') relative to one another when they are pushed, plugged or at least partially pushed or inserted together.

5. The magnetic sensor arrangement further comprises a printed circuit board (15, 15'), At least one magnetic sensor (16, 17) is fastened to said printed circuit board (15, 15'), said printed circuit board (15, 15') having a cut-out (29, 29') or an area of ​​reduced thickness compared to surrounding areas, the at least one magnetic sensor (16, 17) fastened to the printed circuit board (15, 15') is arranged in the area of ​​the cutout (29, 29') or in the area of ​​the reduced thickness, The at least one magnetic sensor (16, 17) of the magnetic sensor arrangement and the cutout (29, 29') or the area of ​​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 guides (19, 19', 19'', 19'''; 20, 20', 20'', 20'''). A torque sensor device (10, 10', 10'', 10''') according to claim 1, characterised in that

6. a magnetic interaction flux can be generated in the stator arrangement (21, 22, 23, 31, 32) in response to the torque applied to the torque sensor device (10', 10'''), and further a first magnetic interference flux can be generated in response to an interference magnetic field surrounding the torque sensor device (10', 10'''); the first flux guide (19', 19'') and the second flux guide (20', 20'') each further have a first collection surface (25, 25'), each of said collection surfaces designed to at least partially concentrate and / or at least partially transmit the magnetic interaction 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 a magnetic interference field surrounding the torque sensor device (10', 10'''); said flux guide arrangement (19', 19'''; 20', 20''') further comprises a second collection surface (27, 27') magnetically conductively coupled to at least one transfer surface (26, 26') and designed to generate or at least partially concentrate and / or transfer a second magnetic interference flux in response to a magnetic interference field surrounding said torque sensor device (10', 10'''), The flux guide arrangements (19', 19'''; 20', 20''') are designed in such a way that, when the torque sensor device (10', 10''') is surrounded by a magnetic interference field, a first interference flux component, which is at least partially concentrated on the first collection surface (25, 25') of one of the flux guides (19', 19''') and transmitted to the magnetic sensor (16, 17) via the at least one associated transmission surface (26, 26') of the flux guide (19', 19''') and a second interference flux component of the magnetic flux, which is at least partially concentrated on the second collection surface (27, 27') and transmitted to the magnetic sensor (16, 17) via the associated transmission surface (26, 26') of the other flux guide (20', 20'''), at least partially cancel each other out. A torque sensor device (10', 10''') according to claim 1, characterised in that

7. 1. A method for at least partially assembling a torque sensor device (10, 10', 10'', 10''') for detecting a torque applied to a shaft about its axis of rotation, preferably for at least partially assembling a torque sensor device (10, 10', 10'', 10''') for detecting a torque applied to a steering shaft of a motor vehicle, in particular for at least partially assembling a torque sensor device (10, 10', 10'', 10''') according to claim 1, comprising: said torque sensor device (10, 10', 10'', 10''') comprising a magnetic arrangement (33), a stator arrangement (21, 22, 23, 31, 32), a flux guide arrangement (19, 19', 19'', 19'''; 20, 20', 20'', 20''') and a magnetic sensor arrangement comprising at least one magnetic sensor (16, 17), The magnetic arrangement (33) is configured to generate at least one magnetic field; the flux guide arrangement (19, 19', 19'', 19'''; 20, 20', 20'', 20''') comprises at least one first flux guide (19, 19', 19'', 19''') and a second flux guide (20, 20', 20'', 20'''), the first flux guide (19, 19', 19'', 19''') and the second flux guide (20, 20', 20'', 20''') each having at least one transmission surface (26, 26'); The torque sensor device (10, 10', 10'', 10''') further comprises a first housing part (13) and a second housing part (18, 18'), a) pre-assembling a first assembly (12, 12') comprising at least said first housing part (13), said stator assembly (21, 22, 23, 31, 32) and at least one magnetic sensor (16, 17) of said magnetic sensor arrangement, b) pre-assembling a second assembly (11, 11', 11'', 11''') comprising at least the second housing part (18, 18'), and the first flux guide (19, 19', 19'', 19''') and the second flux guide (20, 20', 20'', 20'''), wherein the first flux guide (19, 19', 19'', 19''') and the second flux guide (20, 20', 20'', 20''') are connecting said at least one transmission surface (26, 26') of one flux guide (19, 19', 19'', 19''') and said at least one transmission surface (26, 26') of said second flux guide (20, 20', 20'', 20''') to said second housing part (18, 18') in such a way that they lie opposite each other to form an axial gap (S) between them in which at least one magnetic sensor (16, 17) of said magnetic sensor arrangement can be arranged, c) assembling the first pre-assembled assembly (12, 12') and the second pre-assembled assembly (11, 11', 11'', 11'''), wherein the at least one magnetic sensor (16, 17) of the magnetic sensor arrangement is introduced in the gap (S) between the transmission surfaces (26, 26') of the first flux guide (19, 19', 19'', 19''') and the second flux guide (20, 20', 20'', 20''') such that the magnetic flux generated in the stator arrangement (21, 22, 23, 31, 32) is detectable by the magnetic sensor (16, 17); d) fixing said two preassembled assemblies (12, 12'; 11, 11', 11'', 11''') in their position relative to each other. Characterized by: method.

8. The pre-assembly of the second assembly (11, 11', 11'', 11''') in step b) comprises First, the second housing part (18, 18') and at least the first flux guide (19, 19', 19'', 19''') and the second flux guide (20, 20', 20'', 20''') are provided, Next, the first flux guide (19, 19', 19'', 19''') and the second flux guide (20, 20', 20'', 20''') are inserted into and connected to the second housing part (18, 18'). The method of claim 7 , wherein the method is performed by:

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

10. the second housing part (18) is at least partially open on at least a bottom surface and one side; during said pre-assembly in step b), at least said first flux guide (19, 19') and / or said second flux guide (20, 20') are introduced into said second housing part (18) from said open bottom or said open side, 10. The method of claim 9.

11. In step c1), the second pre-assembled assembly (11, 11') is aligned such 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 perpendicular to the displacement direction, In step c2), during said displacement in said tangential direction, said second preassembled assembly (11, 11') is displaced from said engagement position to said target position with said open side forward. The method of claim 10.

12. The assembly in step c) comprises: In a first step c1), said first pre-assembled assembly (12') and said second pre-assembled assembly (11'', 11''') are brought into contact with each other in an engagement position, In a further step c2), the second pre-assembled assembly (11'', 11''') is displaced in the radial direction relative to the first assembly (12') in a plane extending perpendicular to the central axis (Z) of the torque sensor device (10'', 10''') to a target position. The method of claim 7 , wherein the method is performed by:

13. The second housing part (18') is at least partially open at its bottom surface, during said pre-assembly in step b), at least said first flux guide (19'', 19''') and / or said second flux guide (20'', 20''', in particular the entire flux guide arrangement (19'', 20''; 19''', 20''') is introduced into said second housing part (18') from said open bottom side, The method of claim 12.

14. In step c1), the second pre-assembled assembly (11'', 11''') is aligned such that, in the engagement position of the second pre-assembled assembly (11'', 11''', the open bottom surface extends at least substantially perpendicular to the displacement direction, In step c2), during said radial displacement, said second preassembled assembly (11'', 11''') is displaced from said engagement position to said target position with said open bottom surface forward. The method of claim 12.

15. The magnetic sensor arrangement further comprises a printed circuit board (15, 15'), at least one magnetic sensor (16, 17) being fastened to the printed circuit board (15, 15'), the printed circuit board (15, 15') has a cut-out (29, 29') or an area of ​​reduced thickness compared to the surrounding area; the at least one magnetic sensor (16, 17) fastened to the printed circuit board (15, 15') is arranged in the area of ​​the cutout (29, 29') or in the area of ​​the reduced thickness, said assembly of said first pre-assembled assembly (12, 12') and said second pre-assembled assembly (11, 11', 11'', 11''') in step c) is carried out in such a way that, after said at least one magnetic sensor (16, 17) of said magnetic sensor arrangement has been introduced in said gap (S) between said transmission surfaces (26, 26') of said first flux guide (19, 19', 19'', 19''') and said second flux guide (20, 20', 20'', 20'''), said cutout (29, 29') or said area of ​​reduced thickness of said printed circuit board (15, 15') is likewise located in said gap (S) between said transmission surfaces (26, 26') of said two flux guides (19, 19', 19'', 19'''; 20, 20', 20'', 20'''); The method of claim 7.

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