Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
  • G01L3/00—Measuring torque, work, mechanical power, or mechanical efficiency, in general
  • G01L3/02—Rotary-transmission dynamometers
  • G01L3/04—Rotary-transmission dynamometers wherein the torque-transmitting element comprises a torsionally-flexible shaft
  • G01L3/10—Rotary-transmission dynamometers wherein the torque-transmitting element comprises a torsionally-flexible shaft involving electric or magnetic means for indicating
  • G01L3/101—Rotary-transmission dynamometers wherein the torque-transmitting element comprises a torsionally-flexible shaft involving electric or magnetic means for indicating involving magnetic or electromagnetic means
  • G01L3/104—Rotary-transmission dynamometers wherein the torque-transmitting element comprises a torsionally-flexible shaft involving electric or magnetic means for indicating involving magnetic or electromagnetic means involving permanent magnets

Definitions

• the invention relates to a device for a motor vehicle, with a
• Torque sensor device for detecting a on a steering shaft of the
• the torque sensor device comprises a magnet that can be connected to a first shaft part of the steering shaft, as well as a holder that is connectable to a second shaft part of the steering shaft.
• a magnetic stator - in particular of a soft magnetic material - arranged, which is designed for conducting magnetic flux from the magnet towards a first and a second flux guide and thereby to a magnetic sensor.
• a slider for the holder is provided, which is designed to carry the flux conductors.
• the holder is rotatably mounted relative to the slider.
• the invention also relates to a method of assembling such a device from said components.
• Torque sensor means for detecting a on a steering shaft of a
• Such torque sensor devices can be used for example in electric steering systems.
• Such a torque sensor device is known, for example, from the document US 2004/0194560 A1 and from the document DE 102 40 049 A1.
• the torque sensor device is at two in the axial direction
• a magnet - such as a ring magnet - arranged, while mounted on the other shaft part, a holder with a magnetic stator, which is opposite to the permanent magnet in the radial direction over a small air gap.
• a stator - which usually consists of two separate stator parts - the magnetic flux of the magnet is guided towards a first and a second flux guide, which then the magnetic flux to a magnetic sensor - such as a Hall sensor - deliver.
• the magnetic sensor is located between the two flux guides, as is well visible for example in Figs. 7 and 8 of the document US 2004/0194560 A1.
• Such a torque sensor device is also known from the document
• steering angle sensor devices which serve to detect the current steering angle of the steering shaft are known from the prior art. Such a device can be seen for example from the document DE 10 2008 01 1 448 A1 as known.
• a rotational movement of the steering shaft is transmitted here via a gear on a smaller gear, which carries a magnet.
• the rotation of the smaller gear is then detected using a magnetic sensor.
• Torque sensor device on the one hand and the steering angle sensor device on the other hand are integrally formed as a common unit.
• the magnetic stator is formed of two separate stator parts, which are axially mounted or
• An inventive device for a motor vehicle comprises a torque sensor device for detecting a on a steering shaft of
• the torque sensor device comprises a magnet which can be connected to a first shaft part of the steering shaft, as well as a holder which can be connected to a second shaft part of the steering shaft.
• the two shaft parts can be coupled to each other, for example via a torsion bar.
• the torque sensor device also has a magnetic stator arranged on the holder, which is designed to conduct magnetic flux from the magnet to a first and a second flux guide and via the flux guide to a magnetic sensor.
• a slider for the holder serves to support the flux conductors, wherein the holder is rotatably mounted relative to the slider. Between the first flux guide and the second flux guide is an axial insertion slot
• the flux guides each have a radially receiving region arranged in axial overlap with the stator for receiving the magnetic flux from the stator and an axial and thus extending in the axial direction at a right angle from the receiving region
• this embodiment enables an efficient transmission of the flux to the magnetic sensor, which extends in the axial direction and axially in the Insertion shaft between the two flux guides or between the two
• the mutual transmission areas can overlap one another in the radial direction.
• a projection of one flux guide exists in the radial direction on the other flux guide.
• This embodiment proves to be particularly advantageous when the magnetic sensor is formed flat in the radial direction.
• the magnetic sensor may be sandwiched between the respective transmission regions of the flux conductors.
• an axial recess is formed through which the magnetic sensor extends axially therethrough to intermesh with the
• the recess is preferably a passage opening, which is formed in a transition region or corner region between the transmission region and the reception region of the flux guide.
• the said recess forms virtually an input of the axial
• Insertion shaft so that by providing such a recess, the magnetic sensor can be inserted axially into the insertion slot even if the two plate-like transfer regions overlap each other in the radial direction.
• the transfer areas are plate-shaped and flat.
• the transfer areas are in the form of tabs which protrude from the respective receiving areas at a right angle.
• the respective transmission regions of the flux conductors are preferably arranged parallel to one another in mutual overlap.
• first and the second flux guide are identical components or elements of the same construction.
• the design and manufacturing effort in the production of flux conductors is minimal.
• the flux conductors can be produced in a low-cost stamping and bending process, in which relatively little material waste is obtained.
• the slider has a fastening region on which the flux conductors, in particular via the respective radial
• Housing for the flux conductors or is designed as such a housing, so that the use of an additional flux guide housing is unnecessary. Because the flux conductors are attached directly to the slider for the holder, additionally reduces the number of required components and thus also the assembly effort. In addition to the function of a housing for the holder, the slider additionally assumes the function of a housing for the two flux conductors.
• the attachment region of the slider can have an axial recess, in particular an axial passage opening, into which the flux conductors extend axially.
• the respective transmission regions of the flux conductors extend into this axial recess, while the respective receiving regions are connected to the slider.
• connection of the flux conductors with the slider may look like that in the
• Fluxes - in particular in the respective receiving areas - holes are formed, which are plugged into corresponding pins of the slider. Subsequently, the free ends of these pins - for example, by ultrasound or by heat - deformed and thereby converted into a rivet head, which ensures a simple and secure attachment of the flux conductors.
• the said pins or pins extend in particular in the axial direction, so that an axial mounting direction of the flux conductors is ensured.
• the device may be a multifunctional device: it may additionally have a steering angle sensor device for detecting a steering angle of the steering shaft. Thus, the torque sensor device is with the
• Steering angle sensor device integrally formed as a unit.
• the steering angle sensor device may comprise a transmission housing for a transmission, by means of which a rotational movement of the steering shaft in a rotational movement of a sensor element - for example a magnet - the steering angle sensor device is transferable. It can be provided that the slider and the
• the gear housing is arranged offset in the circumferential direction to the mounting region of the slider or offset from the two flux guides. This means that the gear housing is arranged at an angular distance to the mounting region for the flux conductors.
• the sensor housing can be at least approximately at the same axial height as the two flux conductors.
• a common printed circuit board is provided, on which both the magnetic sensor of the torque sensor device and a sensor of
• Steering angle sensor device are arranged. It is therefore unnecessary to use a separate board with the associated disadvantages, especially in terms of cost and valuable space.
• the magnetic sensor of the torque sensor device is in the axial direction of the circuit board.
• the magnetic sensor can protrude at a right angle from the circuit board and then extend axially into the insertion slot.
• the printed circuit board itself is preferably oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the steering shaft and radially. This means that while the magnetic sensor is in axial direction, the circuit board preferably extends in the radial direction and thus perpendicular to the steering shaft. Thus, the expansion of the device in the axial direction is minimal.
• the above-mentioned gear housing has an axial recess for the transmission of the steering angle sensor device, which further the size of the
• the gear housing thus represents on the one hand a housing for the transmission and on the other hand also a housing for the printed circuit board.
• the gear housing may additionally have an axial passage opening through which a plug of the printed circuit board is inserted, so that this plug can be contacted on the other axial side of the gear housing or the slider.
• the invention also relates to a motor vehicle with an inventive
• An inventive method is used for assembling or mounting a torque sensor device from the components mentioned in the independent method claim, wherein between the first flux guide and the second flux guide, an axial insertion slot is formed, in which the magnetic sensor is inserted axially into it.
• Embodiments and their advantages apply correspondingly to the motor vehicle according to the invention and to the method according to the invention.
• Fig. 1 is a schematic exploded view of a device according to a
• Figure 2 is a schematic and perspective view of the device in the assembled state.
• FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a flux guide of the device according to a first embodiment
• Fig. 4 is a circuit board with two magnetic sensors, which are in respective
• Insertion slots between two flux conductors according to FIG 3 extend into it
• Fig. 5 is a plan view of the arrangement of FIG. 4;
• FIG. 6 in a schematic representation of a flux guide according to a second
• FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of the printed circuit board with the magnetic sensors, wherein the insertion ducts are formed between two flux conductors according to FIG. 6;
• FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a plan view of the arrangement according to FIG.
• FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a slider according to FIG. 1.
• a device 1 shown in FIG. 1 comprises both a torque sensor device and a Steering angle sensor device.
• the torque sensor device is used to measure a torque applied to a steering shaft of a motor vehicle.
• Steering angle sensor device is used to detect the current steering angle of the
• the device 1 is formed as an integral unit, so that an integral sensor device is provided, which is used both for detecting the
• Torque is designed as well as for measuring the steering angle.
• the steering shaft includes two shaft parts, which are interconnected via a torsion bar, not shown in the figures.
• a holder 2 On one of the shaft parts, a holder 2 is mounted rotatably, while on the other shaft part, not shown in the figures magnet - namely permanent magnet, for example in the form of a ring magnet - is held against rotation.
• the holder may be an integrally formed plastic part and / or a cast component.
• the holder 2 can also be provided with a metal sleeve or other fastening elements such as tabs, hooks, clips and the like in order to fix the holder 2 to the associated shaft part.
• the holder 2 has two axially juxtaposed cylindrical regions, namely on the one hand a first axial cylindrical portion 3 and a staggered in the axial direction and concentric with the first region 3 and a slightly smaller diameter having second axial region 4.
• the first axial region 3 is via a plurality of circumferentially distributed struts or spokes 5 connected to the second axial region 4. Between the struts 5 axial recesses 6 are formed. Make these recesses 6
• the first axial region 3 of the holder 2 has two axial edge regions, namely, on the one hand, a first outer edge region 7 and, on the other hand, a second axial region
• Edge region 8 In the second axial edge region 8, a circumferential flange 9 is formed, which protrudes slightly from the first axial region 3 of the holder 2 in the radial direction to the outside and thus forms a circumferential collar or projection.
• a plurality of axial indentations or recesses 10 are formed, which are formed as axial depressions in the externa ßeren edge of the axial portion 3 of the holder 2.
• a slider 1 1 As well as a stator 12, which consists in the embodiment of a first stator 13 and a second stator 14.
• the stator 12 is formed of a soft magnetic material and serves to conduct the magnetic flux from said magnet toward a first and a second flux guide 15, 16 and thereby to a first and a second magnetic sensor 17, 18, which in particular as Hall Sensors are formed.
• the slider 1 1 is additionally shown in an enlarged view in Fig. 9. It has an inner sleeve 19, which is formed annularly encircling and in which the first axial portion 3 of the holder 2 is received, so that the externa ßere circumference of the first portion 3 of the holder 2 can slide on an inner circumference of the sleeve 19.
• the first axial region 3 of the holder 2 is inserted into the sleeve 19 up to the radial flange 9 of the holder 2.
• Each stator part 13, 14 is formed in one piece and has an annular, flange-like and radially outwardly Shen extending base member 20 and 21, as well as a plurality of tooth elements 22 and 23.
• the tooth elements 22, 23 are of the respective base element 20, 21 in the axial direction, in the direction of the holder 2 out.
• the tooth elements 22, 23 thus extend in the axial direction approximately parallel to a rotational axis of the steering shaft.
• the two stator 13, 14 are the same, so that the number of tooth elements 22 of the
• Stator part 13 is equal to the number of tooth elements 23 of the stator 14.
• the stator part 14 with its toothed elements 23 is attached to the second axial region 4 of the holder 2 on the one hand, so that the toothed elements 23 are inserted axially through the recesses 6 between the struts 5 and on an inner circumference of the first axial region 3 of
• Halters 2 are supported. After attaching the stator 14 to the second region 4 of the holder 2, the tooth elements 23 are arranged in the interior of the first region 3 of the holder 2, so that only the base element 21 projects radially outward.
• the other stator part 13 is fastened to the holder 2 in such a way that the tooth elements 22 penetrate into the interior of the first region 3 of the holder 2 from the stator part 14
• Stator parts 13, 14 can be fixed to the holder 2 in a wide variety of ways.
• the two stator parts 13, 14 are arranged relative to one another such that the toothed elements 22 of the stator part 13 are each arranged between two adjacent toothed elements 23 of the second stator part 14. This means that in the circumferential direction alternately a toothed element 22 and then a toothed element 23 are arranged.
• the assembly of the stator 12 on the holder 2 thus takes place entirely exclusively in the axial direction.
• stator parts 13, 14 For fixing the stator parts 13, 14 to the holder 2, for example
• Fixing rings 24, 25 may be provided, which can be plugged on both axial sides of the holder 2 and thus an axial movement of the
• Stator parts 13, 14 can prevent.
• These attachment rings 24, 25 can be any attachment rings 24, 25.
• the invention is not limited to such a fixation of the stator parts 13, 14 on the holder 2, and a variety of types of fastening can be provided.
• the torque sensor device has the two
• Magnetic sensors 17, 18 which are mounted on a printed circuit board 26.
• the magnetic sensors 17, 18 are formed as electronic components, which protrude from the circuit board 26 in the axial direction at a right angle and are designed to be flat overall.
• the printed circuit board 26 is flat and plate-shaped and executed arcuate in its plane. This circuit board 26 is a common board for both the torque sensor device and the above Steering angle sensor device. On the circuit board 26 and sensor elements of the steering angle sensor device are arranged, as will be described in more detail below.
• the integrally formed slider 1 1 has a mounting portion 27, which is designed for fastening the two flux conductors 15, 16.
• a continuous axial recess 28 is formed, which is arranged radially adjacent to the sleeve 19 and in which from both axial sides of the respective flux conductors 15, 16 are inserted axially into it.
• the flux conductors 15, 16 are fastened as follows:
• the fastening region 27 has respective pins or pins 29 on its opposite axial sides, while the flux conductors 15, 16
• the flux conductors 15, 16 can be placed on the corresponding pins 29 via these holes 30 and 31, and by forming or by forming the pins 29 rivet heads can be formed which an effective and reliable or reliable fixation of the flux conductors 15, 16th Ensure 1 1 on the slider.
• the two flux conductors 15, 16 each have a receiving region 32 or 33, which is plugged onto the pins 29.
• These receiving areas 32, 33 are plate-shaped and serve to receive the magnetic flux from the stator 12 and from the respective stator part 13 and 14, respectively.
• the receiving areas 32, 33 are parallel to the respective base element 20, 21 the stator parts 13, 14 arranged so that the
• Reception areas 32, 33 with the flange-like base elements 20, 21 overlap each other in the axial direction.
• the two flux conductors 15, 16 may be formed of the same material as the stator 12, that is, of a soft magnetic material.
• the slider 1 1 is further integral with a transmission housing 36 of the
• Steering angle sensor device is formed, which for receiving a transmission 37 of the Steering angle sensor device is used and connects directly to the sleeve 19 radially.
• This transmission housing 36 has an axial recess 38, in which the transmission 37 is received.
• the transmission 37 is then covered by the circuit board 26, so that the transmission housing 36 is also designed to receive the printed circuit board 26.
• a main gear 39 is connected to the steering shaft so as to rotate together with the steering shaft. The rotational movement of the steering shaft and thus of the
• Main gear 39 is then transmitted to smaller satellites 40, 41 of the transmission 37.
• the satellite 40 carries a permanent magnet, while the satellite 41 has a central passage opening 42, in which a pinion 43 is inserted with a tooth structure.
• the structure of the transmission 37 corresponds to the structure of the known from the document DE 10 2008 01 448 A1 transmission.
• the pinion 43 also carries a permanent magnet.
• the gear housing 36 is axially closed by means of a cover 44, which has a passage opening 45 for the second axial region 4 of the holder 2.
• a cover 44 which has a passage opening 45 for the second axial region 4 of the holder 2.
• Fig. 2 the device 1 is shown in the assembled state.
• a fixing unit 47 in the form of a fork-shaped receptacle, via which the slider 1 1 can be attached to vehicle parts and can be fixed relative to the steering shaft.
• the holder 2 can be rotated relative to the slider 1 1, namely together with the steering shaft.
• Fig. 2 also the respective tooth elements 23, 24 of the mutual stator parts 13, 14 can be seen.
• Tooth elements 23, 24 are received in depressions, which are formed on the inner circumference of the first axial portion 3 of the holder 2.
• FIG. 3 shows a flux guide 15, 16 according to one embodiment.
• Two identical flux guides 15, 16 are used in the device 1, so that the number of required components is reduced to a minimum.
• each flux conductor 15, 16 has a respective receiving region 32 or 33, via which the flux conductor 15 or 16 is fastened to the fastening region 27 via the bores 30 and 31, respectively.
• the receiving region 32 or 33 is plate-shaped and extends in the assembled state in the radial direction and perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the steering shaft.
• the reception area 32 or 33 as well as the base elements 20 or 21 of the stator 13, 14 overlap each other in the axial direction.
• the two transmission areas 34a and 35a and 34b and 35b are designed as plate-like tabs, which are arranged parallel to each other in different radial heights or radially offset from each other.
• the two transmission regions 34a or 35a and 34b or 35b then extend into the axial recess 28 of the
• an axial recess 48 is formed, which represents a continuous opening through which one of the magnetic sensors 17, 18 can extend axially therethrough to overlap to arrive with the transmission area 34b and 35b.
• FIG. 4 An arrangement of two such flux guides 15, 16 in the assembled state is shown in Fig. 4 together with the magnetic sensors 17, 18 and the circuit board 26. As is apparent from Fig. 4, the respective receiving areas 32, 33 are parallel to each other and overlap each other in the axial direction.
• Transfer areas 34a and 35b are likewise parallel to one another and overlap in the radial direction, an axial insertion slot 49 being formed between these transfer areas 34a, 35b, in which the first magnetic sensor 17 extends axially beyond the recess 48, so that the magnetic sensor 17
• Transmission region 35b of the other flux conductor 16 on the other hand is arranged.
• the transmission regions 34b, 35a are radially superimposed and overlap each other in the radial direction.
• These transfer regions 34b, 35a are arranged parallel to one another, wherein between these transfer regions 35a, 34b, a second axial insertion slot 50 is formed, in which the second magnetic sensor 18 extends axially parallel to the first magnetic sensor 17.
• the second magnetic sensor 18 is thus sandwiched between the transmission region 34b of the first flux guide 15 on the one hand and the transmission region 35a of the second
• a Plug 53 is arranged, via which the electronic components of the circuit board 26 can be contacted.
• the plug 53 is inserted through an axial passage opening 54 (FIG. 1), which is formed in the transmission housing 36.
• FIG. 5 the arrangement of FIG. 4 is shown from a different angle.
• FIG. 5 a top view of the two flux conductors 15, 16 is shown.
• the magnetic sensors 17, 18 are inserted in the axial direction in the respective insertion slots 49, 50, namely according to the arrow representations 55, 56th
• FIG. 6 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the flux conductors 15, 16 in more detail. In contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 3, the overlap
• the plate-like transfer regions 34a and 35a and 34b and 35b thus extend parallel to each other and overlap each other.
• the first insertion slot 49 is formed between the transfer region 35b of the second flux conductor 16 on the one hand and the transfer region 34a of the first flux conductor 15.
• the two transmission areas 35b and 34a overlap each other in
• the two transmission areas 35a and 34b also overlap each other in
• All transmission regions 34a, 34b, 35a, 35b are arranged parallel to one another and parallel to the magnetic sensors 17, 18.
• FIG. 8 A plan view of the arrangement according to FIG. 7 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 8. According to the arrow representations 55, 56, the two magnetic sensors 17, 18 are pushed axially into the respective insertion slots 49, 50.
• the assembly of the device 1, as shown in Fig. 1, takes place along a single mounting direction, namely along the axial direction. It eliminates the radial mounting direction, so that the device 1 can be mounted very easily and quickly. It also results in a space savings, because the device 1 is particularly compact, especially in the axial direction, as is apparent in particular from FIG.

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• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Electromagnetism (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Power Steering Mechanism (AREA)
• Measurement Of Length, Angles, Or The Like Using Electric Or Magnetic Means (AREA)

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Publications (2)

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Cited By (9)

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Citations (4)

Family Cites Families (11)

• 2012
  • 2012-07-18 DE DE102012014208.0A patent/DE102012014208A1/de active Pending
• 2013
  • 2013-07-15 WO PCT/EP2013/064920 patent/WO2014012893A2/fr not_active Ceased
  • 2013-07-15 EP EP13742411.5A patent/EP2875327A2/fr not_active Withdrawn

Patent Citations (4)

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