Torque sensor having inductively coupled, intermeshing components

A torque sensor for measuring a torque introduced into an upper shaft of a motor vehicle, wherein the upper shaft is rotatable around a longitudinal axis and is connectable to a lower shaft via a torsion rod, wherein the torque sensor comprises:

• a first component intermeshing in a longitudinal direction of the longitudinal axis with a second component, wherein the first component is connectable to the upper shaft and the second component is connectable to the lower shaft, wherein the first and second components each have a surface that protrudes in the longitudinal direction, wherein the surfaces of the components at least partially overlap in the longitudinal direction;
• and
• a pair of sensors with a sensor coil configured to generate a high-frequency alternating magnetic field, wherein the sensor coil is arranged on the surface of one of the first or second components and a metallic element is arranged on the first surface of the other of the first or second components, wherein a torque introduced into the upper shaft causes a change in distance between the sensor coil and the metallic element;
• and
• a device configured to measure a frequency change of the high-frequency alternating magnetic field caused by the change in distance and determine the torque introduced into the upper shaft.

An electromechanical power steering system for a motor vehicle, comprising:

• an upper shaft connected to a steering wheel;
• a lower shaft connected to the upper shaft via a torsion rod;
• the torque sensor of claim 1;
• and
• an electric motor configured to support a steering movement introduced into the steering wheel by a driver based on a torque measured by the torque sensor.