JP2008051240A - Wheel bearing with sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a wheel bearing with a sensor wherein a load detecting sensor and a sensor signal processing circuit for processing the output of the sensor can be compactly installed in a vehicle for detecting a load on a wheel with high sensitivity while reducing cost at mass production and improving assembling efficiency. <P>SOLUTION: The wheel bearing comprises an outward member 1 and an inward member 2, and double-row rolling elements 3 laid therebetween. A sensor unit 21 is composed of a distortion sensor 23 is mounted to the fixed side member out of the outward member 1 and the inward member 2. On a sensor mounting member 22, the sensor signal processing circuit 60 is provided for processing an output signal from a distortion sensor 23. A signal transmission passage from the sensor sinal processing circuit 60 or a sensor signal processing circuit board to an external device is a cable 69. A connector 81 is provided between the sensor signal processing circuit 60 or the sensor signal processing circuit board and the cable 69 for physically joining and electrically connecting them to each other. A cover 80 is fixed to the sensor mounting member 22 for protecting the connector 81. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

この発明は、車輪の軸受部にかかる荷重を検出する荷重センサを内蔵したセンサ付車輪用軸受に関する。   The present invention relates to a sensor-equipped wheel bearing with a built-in load sensor for detecting a load applied to a bearing portion of the wheel.

従来、自動車の安全走行のために、各車輪の回転速度を検出するセンサを車輪用軸受に設けたものがある。従来の一般的な自動車の走行安全性確保対策は、各部の車輪の回転速度を検出することで行われているが、車輪の回転速度だけでは十分でなく、その他のセンサ信号を用いてさらに安全面の制御が可能なことが求められている。   2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a wheel bearing provided with a sensor for detecting the rotational speed of each wheel for safe driving of an automobile. Conventional measures to ensure driving safety of general automobiles are performed by detecting the rotational speed of the wheels of each part, but the rotational speed of the wheels is not sufficient, and it is further safer by using other sensor signals. It is required that the surface can be controlled.

そこで、車両走行時に各車輪に作用する荷重から姿勢制御を図ることも考えられる。例えばコーナリングにおいては外側車輪に大きな荷重がかかり、また左右傾斜面走行では片側車輪に、ブレーキングにおいては前輪にそれぞれ荷重が片寄るなど、各車輪にかかる荷重は均等ではない。また、積載荷重不均等の場合にも各車輪にかかる荷重は不均等になる。このため、車輪にかかる荷重を随時検出できれば、その検出結果に基づき、事前にサスペンション等を制御することで、車両走行時の姿勢制御（コーナリング時のローリング防止、ブレーキング時の前輪沈み込み防止、積載荷重不均等による沈み込み防止等）を行うことが可能となる。しかし、車輪に作用する荷重を検出するセンサの適切な設置場所がなく、荷重検出による姿勢制御の実現が難しい。   Therefore, it is conceivable to control the posture from the load acting on each wheel during vehicle travel. For example, a large load is applied to the outer wheel in cornering, and the load applied to each wheel is not uniform. In addition, even when the load is uneven, the load applied to each wheel is uneven. For this reason, if the load applied to the wheel can be detected at any time, the suspension control etc. is controlled in advance based on the detection result, thereby controlling the attitude during vehicle travel (preventing rolling during cornering, preventing the front wheel from sinking during braking, It is possible to prevent subsidence due to uneven load capacity. However, there is no appropriate installation location of a sensor that detects a load acting on the wheel, and it is difficult to realize posture control by load detection.

また、今後ステアバイワイヤが導入されて、車軸とステアリングが機械的に結合しないシステムになってくると、車軸方向荷重を検出して運転手が握るハンドルに路面情報を伝達することが求められる。   In addition, when steer-by-wire is introduced in the future and the system becomes a system in which the axle and the steering are not mechanically coupled, it is required to detect the axle direction load and transmit the road surface information to the handle held by the driver.

このような要請に応えるものとして、車輪用軸受の外輪に歪みゲージを貼り付け、歪みを検出するようにした車輪用軸受が提案されている（例えば特許文献１）。
特表２００３−５３０５６５号公報 As a response to such a demand, a wheel bearing has been proposed in which a strain gauge is attached to the outer ring of the wheel bearing to detect the strain (for example, Patent Document 1).
Special table 2003-530565 gazette

車輪用軸受の外輪は、転走面を有し、強度が求められる部品であって、塑性加工や、旋削加工、熱処理、研削加工などの複雑な工程を経て生産される軸受部品であるため、特許文献１のように外輪に歪みゲージを貼り付けるのでは、生産性が悪く、量産時のコストが高くなるという問題点がある。また、外輪の歪みを感度良く検出することが難しく、その検出結果を車両走行時の姿勢制御に利用した場合、制御の精度が問題となる。   The outer ring of the wheel bearing is a part that has a rolling surface and requires strength, and is a bearing part that is produced through complicated processes such as plastic working, turning, heat treatment, and grinding. When a strain gauge is attached to the outer ring as in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that productivity is poor and the cost for mass production is high. In addition, it is difficult to detect the distortion of the outer ring with high sensitivity, and when the detection result is used for attitude control during vehicle travel, the accuracy of control becomes a problem.

そこで、センサ取付部材に歪みセンサを取付けてセンサユニットとし、このセンサユニットを外輪の周面に取付けることを試みた。その場合、歪みセンサの出力を処理するセンサ信号処理回路を車輪用軸受に設けておくと、センサ信号処理回路が自動車の電気制御ユニット（ＥＣＵ）に設けられている場合と比べて、歪みセンサからセンサ信号処理回路への配線を簡略化できる。しかし、車輪用軸受には余分なスペースが無く設置場所が限られるので、センサ信号処理回路を車輪用軸受の何処にどのように設置するかが課題となる。加えて、センサ信号処理回路を、生産性が良く、安価に設置することができ、センサユニットの組立性を損なわないことが求められる。   Therefore, an attempt was made to attach a strain sensor to the sensor attachment member to form a sensor unit, and to attach this sensor unit to the peripheral surface of the outer ring. In that case, if the sensor signal processing circuit for processing the output of the strain sensor is provided in the wheel bearing, the sensor signal processing circuit can be compared with the case in which the sensor signal processing circuit is provided in the electric control unit (ECU) of the automobile. Wiring to the sensor signal processing circuit can be simplified. However, since there is no extra space in the wheel bearing and the installation place is limited, it becomes a problem where and how the sensor signal processing circuit is installed in the wheel bearing. In addition, it is required that the sensor signal processing circuit can be installed at low cost with high productivity and does not impair the assembling property of the sensor unit.

この発明の目的は、荷重検出用のセンサおよびそのセンサの出力を処理するセンサ信号処理回路を車両にコンパクトに設置できて、車輪にかかる荷重を感度良く検出し、そのセンサの出力を車両の姿勢制御に有効利用することができ、量産時のコストが安価で組立性が良好なセンサ付車輪用軸受を提供することである。   An object of the present invention is to be able to install a sensor for detecting a load and a sensor signal processing circuit for processing the output of the sensor in a compact manner, to detect a load applied to a wheel with high sensitivity, and to detect the output of the sensor from the attitude of the vehicle. It is an object to provide a sensor-equipped wheel bearing that can be effectively used for control, is inexpensive in mass production, and has good assemblability.

この発明のセンサ付車輪用軸受は、複列の転走面が内周に形成された外方部材と、この外方部材の転走面と対向する転走面を形成した内方部材と、両転走面間に介在した複列の転動体と、前記外方部材と前記内方部材との間の端部を密封する密封装置とを備え、車体に対して車輪を回転自在に支持する車輪用軸受である。この発明における第１の発明のセンサ付車輪用軸受は、上記車輪用軸受において、センサ取付部材およびこのセンサ取付部材に取付けた少なくとも１つ以上の歪みセンサからなるセンサユニットを、前記外方部材および内方部材のうちの固定側部材に取付け、前記歪みセンサの出力信号を処理するセンサ信号処理回路を前記センサ取付部材に形成し、前記センサ信号処理回路から外部装置への信号伝達経路がケーブルであり、センサ信号処理回路とケーブル間に両者を物理的に結合しかつ電気的に接続するコネクタを設け、このコネクタを保護するカバーを前記センサ取付部材に固定したことを特徴とする。
また、この発明における第２の発明のセンサ付車輪用軸受は、上記車輪用軸受において、センサ取付部材およびこのセンサ取付部材に取付けた少なくとも１つ以上の歪みセンサからなるセンサユニットを、前記外方部材および内方部材のうちの固定側部材に取付け、前記歪みセンサの出力信号を処理するセンサ信号処理回路が形成されたセンサ信号処理回路基板を前記センサ取付部材に設け、前記センサ信号処理回路基板から外部装置への信号伝達経路がケーブルであり、センサ信号処理回路基板とケーブル間に両者を物理的に結合しかつ電気的に接続するコネクタを設け、このコネクタを保護するカバーを前記センサ取付部材に固定したことを特徴とする。 The sensor-equipped wheel bearing according to the present invention includes an outer member having a double row rolling surface formed on the inner periphery, an inner member having a rolling surface facing the rolling surface of the outer member, A double row rolling element interposed between both rolling surfaces, and a sealing device that seals an end between the outer member and the inner member, and rotatably supports the wheel with respect to the vehicle body. This is a wheel bearing. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided the wheel bearing with sensor according to the above-described wheel bearing, wherein the sensor mounting unit includes a sensor mounting member and at least one strain sensor attached to the sensor mounting member. A sensor signal processing circuit for processing the output signal of the strain sensor is formed on the sensor mounting member, and the signal transmission path from the sensor signal processing circuit to an external device is a cable. There is provided a connector for physically connecting and electrically connecting both of the sensor signal processing circuit and the cable, and a cover for protecting the connector is fixed to the sensor mounting member.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the wheel bearing with sensor, wherein the sensor unit comprising the sensor mounting member and at least one strain sensor mounted on the sensor mounting member in the wheel bearing is provided on the outer side. A sensor signal processing circuit board on which a sensor signal processing circuit for processing an output signal of the strain sensor is formed and attached to the fixed side member of the member and the inner member is provided on the sensor mounting member; The signal transmission path from the device to the external device is a cable, and a connector for physically connecting and electrically connecting the sensor signal processing circuit board and the cable is provided between the sensor signal processing circuit board and the cable. It is characterized by being fixed to.

車両走行に伴い回転側部材に荷重が加わると、転動体を介して固定側部材が変形し、その変形は、取付用部材を介してセンサユニットに歪みをもたらす。センサユニットに設けられた歪みセンサは、センサユニットの歪みを検出する。歪みと荷重の関係を予め実験やシミュレーションで求めておけば、歪みセンサの出力から車輪にかかる荷重を検出することができる。この検出した荷重は、センサ信号処理回路によって処理され、自動車の車両制御に使用される。
この車輪用軸受は、センサ取付部材およびこのセンサ取付部材に取付けた歪みセンサからなるセンサユニットを固定側部材に取付ける構成としたため、荷重検出用のセンサを車両にコンパクトに設置できる。また、第１の発明では、センサ信号処理回路をセンサ取付部材に形成した構成とし、第２の発明では、センサ信号処理回路が形成されたセンサ信号処理回路基板をセンサ取付部材に設けた構成としたため、いずれの発明の場合も、センサ信号処理回路をコンパクトに設置できる。センサ取付部材は固定側部材に取付けられる簡易な部品であるため、これに歪みセンサおよびセンサ信号処理回路を設けることで、量産性に優れたものとでき、コスト低下が図れる。
第１の発明の場合、センサ信号処理回路から外部装置への信号伝達経路がケーブルとし、センサ信号処理回路とケーブルとを物理的に結合しかつ電気的に接続するコネクタを設けたため、センサ信号処理回路と外部装置との配線の手間が簡略化でき、組立性の向上を図ることができる。同様に第２の発明の場合も、センサ信号処理回路基板から外部装置への信号伝達経路がケーブルとし、センサ信号処理回路基板とケーブルとを物理的に結合しかつ電気的に接続するコネクタを設けたため、センサ信号処理回路基板と外部装置との配線の手間が簡略化でき、組立性の向上を図ることができる。コネクタはカバーにより保護されているため、センサ信号処理回路またはセンサ信号処理回路基板とケーブルとの接続部が外的要因による影響を受けることが少ない。カバーは、センサ取付部材に固定することで容易に設けられる。 When a load is applied to the rotation side member as the vehicle travels, the fixed side member is deformed via the rolling elements, and the deformation causes distortion of the sensor unit via the mounting member. The strain sensor provided in the sensor unit detects the strain of the sensor unit. If the relationship between strain and load is obtained in advance through experiments and simulations, the load applied to the wheel can be detected from the output of the strain sensor. This detected load is processed by a sensor signal processing circuit and used for vehicle control of an automobile.
Since the wheel bearing has a configuration in which the sensor mounting unit and the sensor unit including the strain sensor mounted on the sensor mounting member are mounted on the fixed side member, the load detection sensor can be compactly installed on the vehicle. In the first invention, the sensor signal processing circuit is formed on the sensor mounting member. In the second invention, the sensor signal processing circuit board on which the sensor signal processing circuit is formed is provided on the sensor mounting member. Therefore, in any of the inventions, the sensor signal processing circuit can be installed in a compact manner. Since the sensor mounting member is a simple part that can be mounted on the fixed side member, by providing a strain sensor and a sensor signal processing circuit on the sensor mounting member, the sensor mounting member can be excellent in mass productivity, and the cost can be reduced.
In the case of the first invention, the signal transmission path from the sensor signal processing circuit to the external device is a cable, and the connector for physically connecting and electrically connecting the sensor signal processing circuit and the cable is provided. Wiring between the circuit and the external device can be simplified, and assemblability can be improved. Similarly, in the case of the second invention, a signal transmission path from the sensor signal processing circuit board to the external device is a cable, and a connector for physically connecting and electrically connecting the sensor signal processing circuit board and the cable is provided. Therefore, the labor of wiring between the sensor signal processing circuit board and the external device can be simplified, and the assemblability can be improved. Since the connector is protected by the cover, the connection portion between the sensor signal processing circuit or the sensor signal processing circuit board and the cable is less affected by external factors. The cover is easily provided by being fixed to the sensor mounting member.

前記歪みセンサは厚膜抵抗体で構成するのが良い。
歪みセンサを厚膜抵抗体で構成すると、センサ取付部材への歪みセンサの取付強度が経年変化によって低下しないので、センサユニットの信頼性を向上させることができる。 The strain sensor is preferably composed of a thick film resistor.
If the strain sensor is composed of a thick film resistor, the strength of mounting the strain sensor on the sensor mounting member does not decrease due to secular change, so that the reliability of the sensor unit can be improved.

前記カバーの前記センサ取付部材への固定に、機械的固定、接着、溶着の各固定方法のうち少なくとも１つの固定方法を用いることができる。その場合、前記溶着はレーザー加熱によるもの、または超音波によるものとすることができる。   For fixing the cover to the sensor mounting member, at least one of fixing methods of mechanical fixing, adhesion, and welding can be used. In this case, the welding can be performed by laser heating or by ultrasonic waves.

前記固定側部材を外方部材とすることができる。その場合、センサユニットを外方部材の外周面に取付ける。   The fixed member can be an outer member. In that case, the sensor unit is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the outer member.

前記歪みセンサの出力によって、車輪用軸受に作用する外力、またはタイヤと路面間の作用力を推定する作用力推定手段を設けると良い。
作用力推定手段によって得られる車輪用軸受に作用する外力、またはタイヤと路面間の作用力を自動車の車両制御に使用することにより、きめ細かな車両制御が可能となる。 It is preferable to provide an acting force estimating means for estimating an external force acting on the wheel bearing or an acting force between the tire and the road surface by the output of the strain sensor.
By using the external force acting on the wheel bearing obtained by the acting force estimation means or the acting force between the tire and the road surface for vehicle control of the automobile, fine vehicle control is possible.

この発明のセンサ付車輪用軸受は、複列の転走面が内周に形成された外方部材と、この外方部材の転走面と対向する転走面を形成した内方部材と、両転走面間に介在した複列の転動体と、前記外方部材と前記内方部材との間の端部を密封する密封装置とを備え、車体に対して車輪を回転自在に支持する車輪用軸受において、センサ取付部材およびこのセンサ取付部材に取付けた少なくとも１つ以上の歪みセンサからなるセンサユニットを、前記外方部材および内方部材のうちの固定側部材に取付け、前記歪みセンサの出力信号を処理するセンサ信号処理回路を前記センサ取付部材に形成し、前記センサ信号処理回路から外部装置への信号伝達経路がケーブルであり、センサ信号処理回路とケーブル間に両者を物理的に結合しかつ電気的に接続するコネクタを設け、このコネクタを保護するカバーを前記センサ取付部材に固定するか、または センサ取付部材およびこのセンサ取付部材に取付けた少なくとも１つ以上の歪みセンサからなるセンサユニットを、前記外方部材および内方部材のうちの固定側部材に取付け、前記歪みセンサの出力信号を処理するセンサ信号処理回路が形成されたセンサ信号処理回路基板を前記センサ取付部材に設け、前記センサ信号処理回路基板から外部装置への信号伝達経路がケーブルであり、センサ信号処理回路基板とケーブル間に両者を物理的に結合しかつ電気的に接続するコネクタを設け、このコネクタを保護するカバーを前記センサ取付部材に固定したため、荷重検出用のセンサおよびそのセンサの出力を処理するセンサ信号処理回路を車両にコンパクトに設置できて、車輪にかかる荷重を感度良く検出し、そのセンサの出力を自動車の車両制御に有効に利用することができる。センサ取付部材は固定側部材に取付けられる簡易な部品であるため、これに歪みセンサおよびセンサ信号処理回路を設けることで、量産性に優れたものとでき、コスト低下が図れ、組立性が良好なものとなった。   The sensor-equipped wheel bearing according to the present invention includes an outer member having a double row rolling surface formed on the inner periphery, an inner member having a rolling surface facing the rolling surface of the outer member, A double row rolling element interposed between both rolling surfaces, and a sealing device that seals an end between the outer member and the inner member, and rotatably supports the wheel with respect to the vehicle body. In a wheel bearing, a sensor unit comprising a sensor attachment member and at least one strain sensor attached to the sensor attachment member is attached to a fixed side member of the outer member and the inner member. A sensor signal processing circuit for processing an output signal is formed on the sensor mounting member, and a signal transmission path from the sensor signal processing circuit to an external device is a cable, and the two are physically coupled between the sensor signal processing circuit and the cable. And electrically connected A cover for protecting the connector is fixed to the sensor mounting member, or a sensor unit consisting of a sensor mounting member and at least one strain sensor attached to the sensor mounting member is used as the outer member. And a sensor signal processing circuit board on which a sensor signal processing circuit for processing an output signal of the strain sensor is formed, is provided on the sensor mounting member, and is attached to the fixed side member of the inner members. A signal transmission path to an external device is a cable, and a connector is provided between the sensor signal processing circuit board and the cable to physically couple and electrically connect both, and a cover that protects the connector is attached to the sensor mounting member. Because it is fixed, a sensor for load detection and a sensor signal processing circuit that processes the output of the sensor are connected to the vehicle. The load applied to the wheel can be detected with high sensitivity, and the output of the sensor can be used effectively for vehicle control of the automobile. Since the sensor mounting member is a simple part that can be mounted on the fixed side member, by providing a strain sensor and a sensor signal processing circuit to the sensor mounting member, it is possible to achieve excellent mass production, cost reduction, and good assembly. It became a thing.

この発明の実施形態を図１ないし図４と共に説明する。この実施形態は、第３世代型の内輪回転タイプで、駆動輪支持用の車輪用軸受に適用したものである。なお、この明細書において、車両に取付けた状態で車両の車幅方向の外側寄りとなる側をアウトボード側と呼び、車両の中央寄りとなる側をインボード側と呼ぶ。   An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment is a third generation inner ring rotating type and is applied to a wheel bearing for driving wheel support. In this specification, the side closer to the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle when attached to the vehicle is referred to as the outboard side, and the side closer to the center of the vehicle is referred to as the inboard side.

このセンサ付車輪用軸受は、内周に複列の転走面３を形成した外方部材１と、これら各転走面３に対向する転走面４を形成した内方部材２と、これら外方部材１および内方部材２の転走面３，４間に介在した複列の転動体５とで構成される。この車輪用軸受は、複列のアンギュラ玉軸受型とされていて、転動体５はボールからなり、各列毎に保持器６で保持されている。上記転走面３，４は断面円弧状であり、各転走面３，４は接触角が外向きとなるように形成されている。外方部材１と内方部材２との間の軸受空間の両端は、密封装置７，８によりそれぞれ密封されている。   This sensor-equipped wheel bearing includes an outer member 1 having a double row rolling surface 3 formed on the inner periphery, an inner member 2 having a rolling surface 4 opposed to each of the rolling surfaces 3, and these It is comprised by the double row rolling element 5 interposed between the rolling surfaces 3 and 4 of the outer member 1 and the inner member 2. This wheel bearing is a double-row angular ball bearing type, and the rolling elements 5 are made of balls and are held by a cage 6 for each row. The rolling surfaces 3 and 4 are arc-shaped in cross section, and each rolling surface 3 and 4 is formed so that the contact angle is outward. Both ends of the bearing space between the outer member 1 and the inner member 2 are sealed by sealing devices 7 and 8, respectively.

外方部材１は固定側部材となるものであって、車体の懸架装置（図示せず）におけるナックルに取付けるフランジ１ａを外周に有し、全体が一体の部品とされている。フランジ１ａには、周方向の複数箇所に車体取付孔１４が設けられている。
内方部材２は回転側部材となるものであって、車輪取付用のハブフランジ９ａを有するハブ輪９と、このハブ輪９の軸部９ｂのインボード側端の外周に嵌合した内輪１０とでなる。これらハブ輪９および内輪１０に、前記各列の転走面４が形成されている。ハブ輪９のインボード側端の外周には段差を持って小径となる内輪嵌合面１２が設けられ、この内輪嵌合面１２に内輪１０が嵌合している。ハブ輪９の中心には貫通孔１１が設けられている。ハブフランジ９ａには、周方向複数箇所にハブボルト（図示せず）の圧入孔１５が設けられている。ハブ輪９のハブフランジ９ａの根元部付近には、ホイールおよび制動部品（図示せず）を案内する円筒状のパイロット部１３がアウトボード側に突出している。 The outer member 1 is a fixed side member, and has a flange 1a attached to the knuckle in the suspension device (not shown) of the vehicle body on the outer periphery, and the whole is an integral part. The flange 1a is provided with vehicle body mounting holes 14 at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction.
The inner member 2 is a rotating side member, and includes a hub wheel 9 having a hub flange 9a for wheel mounting, and an inner ring 10 fitted to the outer periphery of the end portion on the inboard side of the shaft portion 9b of the hub wheel 9. And become. The hub wheel 9 and the inner ring 10 are formed with the rolling surfaces 4 of the respective rows. An inner ring fitting surface 12 having a small diameter with a step is provided on the outer periphery of the inboard side end of the hub wheel 9, and the inner ring 10 is fitted to the inner ring fitting surface 12. A through hole 11 is provided at the center of the hub wheel 9. The hub flange 9a is provided with press-fitting holes 15 for hub bolts (not shown) at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction. In the vicinity of the base portion of the hub flange 9a of the hub wheel 9, a cylindrical pilot portion 13 for guiding a wheel and a brake component (not shown) protrudes toward the outboard side.

外方部材１の外周部には、図３に示すセンサユニット２１が設けられている。センサユニット２１は、センサ取付部材２２に、このセンサ取付部材２２の歪みを測定する歪みセンサ２３と、この歪みセンサ２３の出力信号を処理するセンサ信号処理回路６０とを設けたものである。センサユニット２１は、第１および第２の取付用部材４０，４１を介して外方部材１に取付けられる。   A sensor unit 21 shown in FIG. 3 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the outer member 1. The sensor unit 21 includes a sensor mounting member 22 provided with a strain sensor 23 that measures the strain of the sensor mounting member 22 and a sensor signal processing circuit 60 that processes an output signal of the strain sensor 23. The sensor unit 21 is attached to the outer member 1 via the first and second attachment members 40 and 41.

センサ取付部材２２は、第１の取付用部材４０に接触固定される第１の接触固定部２２ａと、第２の取付用部材４１に接触固定される第２の接触固定部２２ｂとを有している。センサ取付部材２２は、径方向に沿った径方向部位２２ｃと、軸方向に沿った軸方向部位２２ｄとでＬ字の形状に構成されており、径方向部位２２ｃの中央部が前記第１の接触固定部２２ａとされ、軸方向部位２２ｄの先端部が前記第２の接触固定部２２ｂとされている。径方向部位２２ｃは、軸方向部位２２ｄに比べ、剛性が低くなるよう肉厚を薄くしてある。歪みセンサ２３は、径方向部位２２ｃのインボード側の面であるセンサ取付面２２Ａにおける第１の接触固定部２２ａよりも径方向内側に配置されている。また、センサ信号処理回路６０は、上記センサ取付面２２Ａにおける第１の接触固定部２２ａよりも径方向外側に配置されている。   The sensor mounting member 22 includes a first contact fixing portion 22a that is fixed in contact with the first mounting member 40, and a second contact fixing portion 22b that is fixed in contact with the second mounting member 41. ing. The sensor mounting member 22 is configured in an L shape by a radial portion 22c along the radial direction and an axial portion 22d along the axial direction, and the central portion of the radial portion 22c is the first portion. A contact fixing portion 22a is provided, and a tip portion of the axial portion 22d is the second contact fixing portion 22b. The radial portion 22c is thinned so as to be less rigid than the axial portion 22d. The strain sensor 23 is disposed radially inward of the first contact fixing portion 22a in the sensor mounting surface 22A that is the surface on the inboard side of the radial portion 22c. Further, the sensor signal processing circuit 60 is disposed on the outer side in the radial direction than the first contact fixing portion 22a on the sensor mounting surface 22A.

図４に示すように、歪みセンサ２３は、センサ取付部材２２のセンサ取付面２２Ａ上に厚膜抵抗体にて形成したものである。すなわち、センサ取付面２２Ａ上に絶縁層５０が形成され、この絶縁層５０の表面の両側に対を成す電極５１，５１が形成され、これら電極５１，５１の間で前記絶縁層５０の上に歪みセンサとなる厚膜抵抗体からなる歪み測定用抵抗体５２が形成され、さらに電極５１，５１と歪み測定用抵抗体５２の上に保護膜５３が形成された構造となっている。   As shown in FIG. 4, the strain sensor 23 is formed of a thick film resistor on the sensor mounting surface 22 </ b> A of the sensor mounting member 22. That is, the insulating layer 50 is formed on the sensor mounting surface 22A, and pairs of electrodes 51, 51 are formed on both sides of the surface of the insulating layer 50. The electrodes 51, 51 are formed on the insulating layer 50 between the electrodes 51, 51. A strain measuring resistor 52 made of a thick film resistor serving as a strain sensor is formed, and a protective film 53 is formed on the electrodes 51 and 51 and the strain measuring resistor 52.

センサ信号処理回路６０は、歪みセンサ２３の出力信号を処理するオペアンプ、抵抗、マイコン等や、歪みセンサ２３を駆動する電源等の回路素子を集積した半導体チップ等の電気・電子部品６３を有し、前記絶縁層５０の表面に、歪みセンサ２３と上記電気・電子部品６３とを電気的に接続する電極６４、電気・電子部品６３の各部品間の配線となる電極６５、およびコネクタ接続用パット６８が形成されている。センサ信号処理回路６０から自動車の電気制御ユニット（ＥＣＵ）等の外部装置への信号伝達はケーブル６９よって行われる。このケーブル６９とセンサ信号処理回路６０とを物理的に結合かつ電気的に接続するためコネクタ８１が、前記パット６８に実装されている。コネクタ８１には、これを保護するコネクタカバー８０が設けられている。   The sensor signal processing circuit 60 has an electric / electronic component 63 such as an operational amplifier, a resistor, a microcomputer, etc. for processing the output signal of the strain sensor 23, or a semiconductor chip in which circuit elements such as a power source for driving the strain sensor 23 are integrated. The electrode 64 electrically connecting the strain sensor 23 and the electric / electronic component 63 to the surface of the insulating layer 50, the electrode 65 serving as a wiring between the electric / electronic component 63, and the connector connecting pad 68 is formed. Signal transmission from the sensor signal processing circuit 60 to an external device such as an electric control unit (ECU) of the automobile is performed by a cable 69. A connector 81 is mounted on the pad 68 for physically coupling and electrically connecting the cable 69 and the sensor signal processing circuit 60. The connector 81 is provided with a connector cover 80 for protecting it.

センサユニット２１の製造方法を次に示す。まず、ステンレス鋼等の金属材料で形成されたセンサ取付部材２２の表面にガラス等の絶縁材料を印刷、焼成して絶縁層５０を形成する。次に、絶縁層５０の表面に、導電性材料を印刷、焼成して電極５１，６４，６５およびパット６８を形成する。さらに、一対の電極５１，５１間に、抵抗体となる材料を印刷、焼成して歪み測定用抵抗体５２を形成する。さらに、これら電極５１，５１および歪み測定用抵抗体５２を保護するために、保護膜５３を形成する。そして、電気・電子部品６３を実装する。また、パット６８にコネクタ８１を実装する。最後に、コネクタカバー８０を取付ける。このコネクタカバー８０は、ねじ止め等の機械的固定、または接着、または溶着によりセンサ取付部材２２に固定される。前記溶着には、レーザー加熱、超音波等による方法を用いることができる。   A method for manufacturing the sensor unit 21 will be described below. First, the insulating layer 50 is formed by printing and baking an insulating material such as glass on the surface of the sensor mounting member 22 formed of a metal material such as stainless steel. Next, a conductive material is printed and baked on the surface of the insulating layer 50 to form the electrodes 51, 64, 65 and the pad 68. Further, a strain measurement resistor 52 is formed by printing and baking a material to be a resistor between the pair of electrodes 51 and 51. Further, a protective film 53 is formed to protect the electrodes 51 and 51 and the strain measuring resistor 52. Then, the electric / electronic component 63 is mounted. A connector 81 is mounted on the pad 68. Finally, the connector cover 80 is attached. The connector cover 80 is fixed to the sensor mounting member 22 by mechanical fixing such as screwing, adhesion, or welding. For the welding, a method using laser heating, ultrasonic waves, or the like can be used.

センサユニット２１の外方部材１への取付部の構造について説明する。センサ取付部材２２の第１の接触固定部２２ａには軸方向のボルト挿通孔７０が形成され、かつ第２の接触固定部２２ｂに径方向のボルト挿通孔７１が形成されている。また、第１の取付用部材４０には、前記ボルト挿通孔７０に対応するボルト挿通孔７２が形成され、第２の取付用部材４１には、前記ボルト挿通孔７１に対応するボルト挿通孔７３が形成されている。さらに、外方部材１には、内周面に雌ねじが形成されたボルト螺着孔７４，７５が、前記ボルト挿通孔７０，７２に対応する位置、および前記ボルト挿通孔７１，７３に対応する位置にそれぞれ形成されている。ボルト螺着孔７４の位置は車体取付孔１４の近傍とされ、ボルト螺着孔７５の位置は外方部材１の外周面とされている。また、両ボルト螺着孔７４，７５は、外方部材１の周方向に対して同位相の位置とされている。   The structure of the attaching part to the outer member 1 of the sensor unit 21 will be described. A bolt insertion hole 70 in the axial direction is formed in the first contact fixing portion 22a of the sensor mounting member 22, and a bolt insertion hole 71 in the radial direction is formed in the second contact fixing portion 22b. The first mounting member 40 has a bolt insertion hole 72 corresponding to the bolt insertion hole 70, and the second mounting member 41 has a bolt insertion hole 73 corresponding to the bolt insertion hole 71. Is formed. Further, in the outer member 1, bolt screw holes 74 and 75 each having an internal thread formed on the inner peripheral surface thereof correspond to the positions corresponding to the bolt insertion holes 70 and 72 and the bolt insertion holes 71 and 73. Each is formed at a position. The position of the bolt screw hole 74 is in the vicinity of the vehicle body mounting hole 14, and the position of the bolt screw hole 75 is the outer peripheral surface of the outer member 1. The bolt screw holes 74 and 75 are positioned in the same phase with respect to the circumferential direction of the outer member 1.

図１に示すように、センサユニット２１は、センサ取付部材２２のボルト挿通孔７０および第１の取付用部材４０のボルト挿通孔７２にアウトボード側からボルト７６を挿通し、そのボルト７６の雄ねじ部７６ａを外方部材１のボルト螺着孔７４に螺着させ、またセンサ取付部材２２のボルト挿通孔７１および第２の取付用部材４１のボルト挿通孔７３に外周側からボルト７６を挿通し、そのボルト７６の雄ねじ部７６ａを外方部材１のボルト螺着孔７５に螺着させることにより、外方部材１に固定される。
センサユニット２１を固定した状態では、図１および図２に示すように、センサ取付部材２２の第１の接触固定部２２ａが第１の取付用部材４０を介して外方部材１の車体取付孔１４の近傍に接触固定され、第２の接触固定部２２ｂが第２の取付用部材４１を介して外方部材１の外周面に接触固定される。また、第１および第２の接触固定部２２ａ，２２ｂが、外方部材１の周方向に対して同位相の位置となるよう固定される。このように第１および第２の接触固定部２２ａ，２２ｂを周方向において同位相とすると、センサ取付部材２２の長さを短くすることができるため、センサユニット２１の設置が容易である。 As shown in FIG. 1, the sensor unit 21 includes a bolt 76 inserted from the outboard side into a bolt insertion hole 70 of the sensor attachment member 22 and a bolt insertion hole 72 of the first attachment member 40, and a male screw of the bolt 76. The portion 76 a is screwed into the bolt screw hole 74 of the outer member 1, and the bolt 76 is inserted from the outer peripheral side into the bolt insertion hole 71 of the sensor attachment member 22 and the bolt insertion hole 73 of the second attachment member 41. The external thread 1 is fixed to the outer member 1 by screwing the male thread portion 76 a of the bolt 76 into the bolt screw hole 75 of the outer member 1.
In the state where the sensor unit 21 is fixed, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first contact fixing portion 22 a of the sensor mounting member 22 is connected to the vehicle body mounting hole of the outer member 1 via the first mounting member 40. 14, the second contact fixing portion 22 b is contact-fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the outer member 1 via the second attachment member 41. Further, the first and second contact fixing portions 22 a and 22 b are fixed so as to be in the same phase with respect to the circumferential direction of the outer member 1. As described above, when the first and second contact fixing portions 22a and 22b have the same phase in the circumferential direction, the length of the sensor mounting member 22 can be shortened, so that the sensor unit 21 can be easily installed.

図１に示すように、歪みセンサ２３の出力を処理する手段として、作用力推定手段３１および異常判定手段３２が設けられている。これらの手段３１，３２は、この車輪用軸受のセンサ信号処理回路６０に設けられたものであっても、また自動車の電気制御ユニット（ＥＣＵ）に設けられたものであっても良い。   As shown in FIG. 1, acting force estimating means 31 and abnormality determining means 32 are provided as means for processing the output of the strain sensor 23. These means 31 and 32 may be provided in the sensor signal processing circuit 60 of the wheel bearing, or may be provided in an electric control unit (ECU) of an automobile.

上記構成のセンサ付車輪用軸受の作用を説明する。ハブ輪９に荷重が印加されると、転動体５を介して外方部材１が変形する。その外方部材１の変形は、第１および第２の取付用部材４０，４１を介してセンサ取付部材２２に伝わり、センサ取付部材２２が変形する。そのセンサ取付部材２２の歪みを歪みセンサ２３により測定する。この際、センサ取付部材２２の径方向部位２２ｃは外方部材１のフランジ１ａの変形に従って変形する。この実施形態の場合、外方部材１と比べ前記径方向部位２２ｃは剛性が低く、かつセンサ取付部材２２は剛性の低い径方向部位２２ｃと剛性の高い軸方向部位２２ｄとで構成されたＬ字形をしているため、径方向部位２２ｃと軸方向部位２２ｄとの間である径方向部位２２ｃ側の角部２２ｅ付近に歪みが集中し、外方部材１よりも大きな歪みとなって現れる。すなわち、径方向部位２２ｃと軸方向部位２２ｄとの間で発生する歪みは、フランジ１ａの基端のＲ部１ｂの歪みを転写かつ拡大したものとなる。この歪みを歪みセンサ２３で測定するため、外方部材１の歪みを感度良く検出でき、歪み測定精度が高くなる。   The operation of the sensor-equipped wheel bearing with the above configuration will be described. When a load is applied to the hub wheel 9, the outer member 1 is deformed via the rolling elements 5. The deformation of the outer member 1 is transmitted to the sensor mounting member 22 via the first and second mounting members 40 and 41, and the sensor mounting member 22 is deformed. The strain of the sensor mounting member 22 is measured by the strain sensor 23. At this time, the radial portion 22 c of the sensor mounting member 22 is deformed according to the deformation of the flange 1 a of the outer member 1. In the case of this embodiment, the radial portion 22c is lower in rigidity than the outer member 1, and the sensor mounting member 22 is an L-shape configured by a radial portion 22c having low rigidity and an axial portion 22d having high rigidity. Therefore, distortion concentrates in the vicinity of the corner portion 22e on the radial direction portion 22c side between the radial direction portion 22c and the axial direction portion 22d, and appears as distortion larger than that of the outer member 1. That is, the distortion generated between the radial part 22c and the axial part 22d is a distortion obtained by transferring and expanding the distortion of the R portion 1b at the proximal end of the flange 1a. Since this strain is measured by the strain sensor 23, the strain of the outer member 1 can be detected with high sensitivity, and the strain measurement accuracy is increased.

荷重の方向や大きさによって歪みの変化が異なるため、予め歪みと荷重の関係を実験やシミュレーションにて求めておけば、車輪用軸受に作用する外力、またはタイヤと路面間の作用力を算出することができる。前記作用力推定手段３１は、このように実験やシミュレーションにより予め求めて設定しておいた歪みと荷重の関係から、歪センサ２３の出力により、車輪用軸受に作用する外力、またはタイヤと路面間の作用力を算出する。前記異常判定手段３２は、作用力推定手段３１により算出された車輪用軸受に作用する外力、またはタイヤと路面間の作用力が、許容値を超えたと判断される場合に、外部に異常信号を出力する。この異常信号を、自動車の車両制御に使用することができる。また、リアルタイムで車輪用軸受に作用する外力、またはタイヤと路面間の作用力を出力すると、よりきめ細かな車両制御が可能となる。   Since the strain changes depending on the direction and magnitude of the load, if the relationship between the strain and the load is obtained in advance through experiments and simulations, the external force acting on the wheel bearing or the acting force between the tire and the road surface is calculated. be able to. From the relationship between the strain and the load obtained and set in advance through experiments and simulations, the acting force estimation means 31 determines the external force acting on the wheel bearing or the distance between the tire and the road surface from the output of the strain sensor 23. Is calculated. The abnormality determining means 32 outputs an abnormality signal to the outside when it is determined that the external force acting on the wheel bearing calculated by the acting force estimating means 31 or the acting force between the tire and the road surface exceeds an allowable value. Output. This abnormal signal can be used for vehicle control of an automobile. In addition, when an external force acting on the wheel bearing in real time or an acting force between the tire and the road surface is output, finer vehicle control becomes possible.

この車輪用軸受は、センサ取付部材２２およびこのセンサ取付部材２２に取付けた歪みセンサ２３からなるセンサユニット２１を、外方部材１に取付ける構成としたため、荷重検出用のセンサを車両にコンパクトに設置できる。また、センサ取付部材２２にセンサ信号処理回路６０を形成したことで、センサ信号処理回路６０もコンパクトに設置できる。センサユニット２１の製作時に歪みセンサ２３とセンサ信号処理回路６０とが電極６４で電気的に接続されているので、センサユニット２１の車輪用軸受への設置時に歪みセンサ２３からセンサ信号処理回路６０への配線が不要である。さらに、センサ信号処理回路６０から自動車の電気制御ユニット（ＥＣＵ）等の外部装置への信号伝達経路をケーブル６９とし、このケーブル６９に物理的に結合かつ電気的に接続するためのコネクタ８１をセンサ信号処理回路６０に設けたため、センサ信号処理回路６０と外部装置間の配線の手間が簡略であり、かつ組立性が良好である。さらに、コネクタ８１がコネクタカバー８０により保護されるので、センサ信号処理回路６０とケーブル６９との接続部の外的要因による影響を受けることが少ない。コネクタカバー８０は、センサ取付部材２２に固定することで容易に設けられる。   This wheel bearing has a configuration in which the sensor unit 21 including the sensor attachment member 22 and the strain sensor 23 attached to the sensor attachment member 22 is attached to the outer member 1, so that the load detection sensor is compactly installed in the vehicle. it can. Further, since the sensor signal processing circuit 60 is formed on the sensor mounting member 22, the sensor signal processing circuit 60 can also be installed compactly. Since the strain sensor 23 and the sensor signal processing circuit 60 are electrically connected by the electrode 64 when the sensor unit 21 is manufactured, the strain sensor 23 is moved to the sensor signal processing circuit 60 when the sensor unit 21 is installed on the wheel bearing. Wiring is not required. Further, a signal transmission path from the sensor signal processing circuit 60 to an external device such as an automobile electric control unit (ECU) is a cable 69, and a connector 81 for physically coupling and electrically connecting to the cable 69 is a sensor. Since it is provided in the signal processing circuit 60, the labor for wiring between the sensor signal processing circuit 60 and the external device is simple, and the assemblability is good. Furthermore, since the connector 81 is protected by the connector cover 80, it is less affected by external factors at the connection portion between the sensor signal processing circuit 60 and the cable 69. The connector cover 80 is easily provided by being fixed to the sensor attachment member 22.

また、センサユニット２１を外方部材１に直接取付けるのではなく、第１および第２の取付用部材４０，４１を介して外方部材１に取付ける構成としたことにより、センサ取付部材２２をＬ字状の簡略な形状とすることができる。センサ取付部材２２が簡略な形状であると、センサ取付部材２２の加工が容易となり、コスト低下が図れる。また、センサ取付部材２２が簡略な形状であると、歪みセンサ２３やセンサ信号処理回路６０の固定位置の位置決めを精度良く行うことができる。この実施形態の場合、センサ取付部材２２における歪みセンサ２３を設ける面２２Ａが平面であるため、センサ取付部材２２の表面に歪みセンサ２３を圧膜抵抗体にて形成することが容易である。   Further, since the sensor unit 21 is not directly attached to the outer member 1 but is attached to the outer member 1 via the first and second attachment members 40 and 41, the sensor attachment member 22 is L The shape can be a simple shape. If the sensor mounting member 22 has a simple shape, the sensor mounting member 22 can be easily processed, and the cost can be reduced. Further, if the sensor mounting member 22 has a simple shape, the fixed positions of the strain sensor 23 and the sensor signal processing circuit 60 can be accurately positioned. In the case of this embodiment, since the surface 22A on which the strain sensor 23 is provided in the sensor mounting member 22 is a flat surface, it is easy to form the strain sensor 23 with a pressure film resistor on the surface of the sensor mounting member 22.

歪みセンサ２３が金属箔ストレインゲージ等で構成されている場合、通常、センサ取付部材２２に対して接着による固定が行なわれる。しかし、接着による固定は、経年変化による接着強度の低下が歪みセンサ２３の検出に影響を及ぼす可能性がある。また、接着作業に時間を要するため、コストアップの原因ともなる。これに対し、この実施形態のように、歪みセンサ２３をセンサ取付部材２２のセンサ取付面２２Ａ上に厚膜抵抗体にて形成したセンサユニット２１とすると、経年変化による接着強度の低下がほとんどないので、信頼性の向上を図ることができる。また、歪みセンサ２３の接着作業が不要であるので、組立作業性を向上してコストダウンを図ることができる。   When the strain sensor 23 is composed of a metal foil strain gauge or the like, the sensor mounting member 22 is usually fixed by adhesion. However, in fixing by bonding, a decrease in bonding strength due to secular change may affect the detection of the strain sensor 23. Moreover, since time is required for the bonding operation, it also causes an increase in cost. On the other hand, when the strain sensor 23 is a sensor unit 21 formed of a thick film resistor on the sensor mounting surface 22A of the sensor mounting member 22 as in this embodiment, there is almost no decrease in adhesive strength due to secular change. Therefore, the reliability can be improved. Further, since the bonding work of the strain sensor 23 is not necessary, the assembling workability can be improved and the cost can be reduced.

図５はセンサユニットの異なる実施形態を示す。このセンサユニット２１は、センサ取付部材２２に、このセンサ取付部材２２の歪みを測定する歪みセンサ２３と、この歪みセンサ２３の出力信号を処理するセンサ信号処理回路が形成されたセンサ信号処理回路基板６１とを設けたものである。歪みセンサ２３は、前記実施形態と同様、センサ取付部材２２のセンサ取付面２２Ａ上に厚膜抵抗体にて形成されている（図４）。   FIG. 5 shows a different embodiment of the sensor unit. The sensor unit 21 includes a sensor signal processing circuit board in which a sensor mounting member 22 is formed with a strain sensor 23 that measures strain of the sensor mounting member 22 and a sensor signal processing circuit that processes an output signal of the strain sensor 23. 61 is provided. The strain sensor 23 is formed of a thick film resistor on the sensor mounting surface 22A of the sensor mounting member 22 as in the above embodiment (FIG. 4).

センサ信号処理回路基板６１は、ガラスエポキシ等で製作された基板材６２に、歪みセンサ２３の出力信号を処理するオペアンプ、抵抗、マイコン等や歪みセンサ２３を駆動する電源等の回路素子を集積した半導体チップ等の電気・電子部品６３を配置し、これら各部品間を配線となる電極６５で結んだものである。歪みセンサ２３の電極５１とセンサ信号処理回路基板６１の電極６５とは、ワイヤ６６によって電気的に接続されている。前記実施形態と同様、センサ信号処理回路基板６１から自動車の電気制御ユニット（ＥＣＵ）等の外部装置への信号伝達はケーブル６９によって行われる。このケーブル６９とセンサ信号処理回路基板６１とを物理的に結合かつ電気的に接続するためコネクタ８１が、センサ信号処理回路基板６１に形成されたパット６８に実装されている。前記コネクタ８１には、これを保護するコネクタカバー８０が設けられている。   The sensor signal processing circuit board 61 is obtained by integrating circuit elements such as an operational amplifier, a resistor, a microcomputer, and a power source for driving the strain sensor 23 to process the output signal of the strain sensor 23 on a substrate material 62 made of glass epoxy or the like. An electrical / electronic component 63 such as a semiconductor chip is arranged, and these components are connected by an electrode 65 serving as a wiring. The electrode 51 of the strain sensor 23 and the electrode 65 of the sensor signal processing circuit board 61 are electrically connected by a wire 66. As in the above embodiment, signal transmission from the sensor signal processing circuit board 61 to an external device such as an electric control unit (ECU) of the automobile is performed by a cable 69. A connector 81 is mounted on a pad 68 formed on the sensor signal processing circuit board 61 for physically coupling and electrically connecting the cable 69 and the sensor signal processing circuit board 61. The connector 81 is provided with a connector cover 80 for protecting it.

センサユニット２１の製造方法を次に示す。まず、ステンレス鋼等の金属材料で形成されたセンサ取付部材２２の表面にガラス等の絶縁材料を印刷、焼成して絶縁層５０を形成する。次に、絶縁層５０の表面に、導電性材料を印刷、焼成して電極５１，５１を形成する。さらに、電極５１，５１間に、抵抗体となる材料を印刷、焼成して歪み測定用抵抗体５２を形成する。さらに、これら電極５１，５１および歪み測定用抵抗体５２を保護するために、保護膜５３を形成する。そして、センサ取付部材２２にセンサ信号処理回路基板６１を取付け、その電極６５と歪みセンサ２３の電極５１とをワイヤ６６で接続する。電気・電子部品６３は、センサ取付部材２２にセンサ信号処理回路基板６１を取付けてから実装してもよい。また、パット６８にコネクタ８１を実装する。最後に、コネクタカバー８０を取付ける。前記同様、このコネクタカバー８０は、ねじ止め等の機械的固定、または接着、または溶着によりセンサ取付部材２２に固定される。前記溶着には、レーザー加熱、超音波等による方法を用いることができる。   A method for manufacturing the sensor unit 21 will be described below. First, the insulating layer 50 is formed by printing and baking an insulating material such as glass on the surface of the sensor mounting member 22 formed of a metal material such as stainless steel. Next, a conductive material is printed and baked on the surface of the insulating layer 50 to form the electrodes 51 and 51. Further, a strain measurement resistor 52 is formed between the electrodes 51 and 51 by printing and baking a material to be a resistor. Further, a protective film 53 is formed to protect the electrodes 51 and 51 and the strain measuring resistor 52. Then, the sensor signal processing circuit board 61 is attached to the sensor attachment member 22, and the electrode 65 and the electrode 51 of the strain sensor 23 are connected by a wire 66. The electric / electronic component 63 may be mounted after the sensor signal processing circuit board 61 is attached to the sensor attachment member 22. A connector 81 is mounted on the pad 68. Finally, the connector cover 80 is attached. As described above, the connector cover 80 is fixed to the sensor mounting member 22 by mechanical fixing such as screwing, adhesion, or welding. For the welding, a method using laser heating, ultrasonic waves, or the like can be used.

この実施形態も、前記実施形態と同様、次の効果が得られる。荷重検出用のセンサを車両にコンパクトに設置できる。センサ信号処理回路基板６１をコンパクトに設置できる。センサユニット２１の車輪用軸受への設置時に歪みセンサ２３からセンサ信号処理回路基板６１への配線が不要である。センサ信号処理回路基板６１と外部装置間の配線の手間が簡略であり、かつ組立性が良好である。センサ信号処理回路基板６１とケーブル６９との接続部が外的要因による影響を受けにくい。   In this embodiment as well, the following effects can be obtained as in the above embodiment. A sensor for load detection can be installed in a compact vehicle. The sensor signal processing circuit board 61 can be installed compactly. When the sensor unit 21 is installed on the wheel bearing, wiring from the strain sensor 23 to the sensor signal processing circuit board 61 is unnecessary. The labor of wiring between the sensor signal processing circuit board 61 and the external device is simple, and the assemblability is good. The connection portion between the sensor signal processing circuit board 61 and the cable 69 is not easily affected by external factors.

図６はさらに異なるセンサユニットを外方部材に取付けた車輪用軸受の実施形態を示す。この実施形態のセンサユニット２１は、前記コネクタカバー８０と一体に、センサ取付部材２２の周囲を保護するセンサ取付部材カバー８２を設けたものである。このように互いに一体となったコネクタカバー８０およびセンサ取付部材カバー８２を設けると、センサユニット２１全体を保護することができるので、センサユニット２１各部が外的要因による影響を受けにくくなる。   FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a wheel bearing in which a different sensor unit is attached to the outer member. The sensor unit 21 of this embodiment is provided with a sensor attachment member cover 82 that protects the periphery of the sensor attachment member 22 integrally with the connector cover 80. By providing the connector cover 80 and the sensor mounting member cover 82 that are integrated with each other in this way, the entire sensor unit 21 can be protected, and therefore each part of the sensor unit 21 is less susceptible to external factors.

前記各実施形態は、センサ取付部材２２と、第１および第２の取付用部材４０，４１と、外方部材１とをボルトを用いて固定しているが、接着剤を用いて固定しても良い。また、両者を併用してもよい。さらには、接着剤やボルトを用いず、溶接でセンサ取付部材２２と外方部材１とを固定しても良い。これらの固定構造のいずれを採用した場合でも、センサ取付部材２２と、第１および第２の取付用部材４０，４１と、外方部材１とを強固に固定することができる。そのため、センサ取付部材２２が外方部材１に対して位置ずれすることがなく、外方部材１の変形をセンサ取付部材２２に正確に伝えることが可能である。   In each of the above embodiments, the sensor mounting member 22, the first and second mounting members 40 and 41, and the outer member 1 are fixed using bolts, but are fixed using an adhesive. Also good. Moreover, you may use both together. Furthermore, you may fix the sensor attachment member 22 and the outward member 1 by welding, without using an adhesive agent and a volt | bolt. Whichever of these fixing structures is adopted, the sensor mounting member 22, the first and second mounting members 40 and 41, and the outer member 1 can be firmly fixed. Therefore, the sensor mounting member 22 is not displaced with respect to the outer member 1, and the deformation of the outer member 1 can be accurately transmitted to the sensor mounting member 22.

なお、前記各実施形態では、外方部材１が固定側部材である場合につき説明したが、この発明は、内方部材が固定側部材である車輪用軸受にも適用することができ、その場合、センサユニット２１は内方部材の内周となる周面に設ける。
また、前記各実施形態では第３世代型の車輪用軸受に適用した場合につき説明したが、この発明は、軸受部分とハブとが互いに独立した部品となる第１または第２世代型の車輪用軸受や、内方部材の一部が等速ジョイントの外輪で構成される第４世代型の車輪用軸受にも適用することができる。また、このセンサ付車輪用軸受は、従動輪用の車輪用軸受にも適用でき、さらに各世代形式のテーパころタイプの車輪用軸受にも適用することができる。 In each of the above embodiments, the case where the outer member 1 is a fixed side member has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to a wheel bearing in which the inner member is a fixed side member. The sensor unit 21 is provided on the peripheral surface that is the inner periphery of the inner member.
In each of the above embodiments, the case where the present invention is applied to a third generation type wheel bearing has been described. However, the present invention is for a first or second generation type wheel in which the bearing portion and the hub are independent parts. The present invention can also be applied to a bearing or a fourth-generation type wheel bearing in which a part of the inner member is composed of an outer ring of a constant velocity joint. Further, this sensor-equipped wheel bearing can be applied to a wheel bearing for a driven wheel, and can also be applied to a tapered roller type wheel bearing of each generation type.

この発明の実施形態にかかるセンサ付車輪用軸受の断面図とその検出系の概念構成のブロック図とを組み合わせて示す図である。It is a figure showing combining the sectional view of the wheel bearing with a sensor concerning the embodiment of this invention, and the block diagram of the conceptual composition of the detection system. 同センサ付車輪用軸受の外方部材とセンサユニットとを示す正面図である。It is a front view which shows the outward member and sensor unit of the wheel bearing with a sensor. （Ａ）は同センサユニットおよび第１、第２の取付用部材を互いに分離して表示した一部破断背面図、（Ｂ）はその破断側面図である。(A) is a partially broken rear view showing the sensor unit and the first and second mounting members separated from each other, and (B) is a broken side view thereof. センサユニットの断面構造を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the cross-section of a sensor unit. （Ａ）は異なるセンサユニットの一部破断背面図、（Ｂ）はその破断側面図である。(A) is a partially broken rear view of a different sensor unit, and (B) is a broken side view thereof. さらに異なるセンサユニットを備えたセンサ付車輪用軸受の断面図である。Furthermore, it is sectional drawing of the wheel bearing with a sensor provided with a different sensor unit.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１…外方部材（固定側部材）
２…内方部材（回転側部材）
３，４…転走面
５…転動体
７，８…密封装置
２１…センサユニット
２２…センサ取付部材
２３…歪みセンサ
３１…作用力推定手段
３２…異常判定手段
４０…第１の取付用部材
４１…第２の取付用部材
５０…絶縁層
５１，６４，６５…電極
５２…歪み測定用抵抗体
５３…保護膜
６０…センサ信号処理回路
６１…センサ信号処理回路基板
６２…基板材
６３…電気・電子部品
６９…ケーブル
８０…コネクタカバー
８１…コネクタ
８２…センサ取付部材カバー 1 ... Outer member (fixed side member)
2 ... Inward member (rotary member)
3, 4 ... rolling surface 5 ... rolling elements 7, 8 ... sealing device 21 ... sensor unit 22 ... sensor attachment member 23 ... strain sensor 31 ... acting force estimation means 32 ... abnormality determination means 40 ... first attachment member 41 ... Second mounting member 50 ... Insulating layers 51, 64, 65 ... Electrode 52 ... Strain measuring resistor 53 ... Protective film 60 ... Sensor signal processing circuit 61 ... Sensor signal processing circuit board 62 ... Substrate material 63 ... Electricity Electronic component 69 ... Cable 80 ... Connector cover 81 ... Connector 82 ... Sensor mounting member cover

Claims (8)

複列の転走面が内周に形成された外方部材と、この外方部材の転走面と対向する転走面を形成した内方部材と、両転走面間に介在した複列の転動体と、前記外方部材と前記内方部材との間の端部を密封する密封装置とを備え、車体に対して車輪を回転自在に支持する車輪用軸受において、
センサ取付部材およびこのセンサ取付部材に取付けた少なくとも１つ以上の歪みセンサからなるセンサユニットを、前記外方部材および内方部材のうちの固定側部材に取付け、前記歪みセンサの出力信号を処理するセンサ信号処理回路を前記センサ取付部材に形成し、前記センサ信号処理回路から外部装置への信号伝達経路がケーブルであり、センサ信号処理回路とケーブル間に両者を物理的に結合しかつ電気的に接続するコネクタを設け、このコネクタを保護するカバーを前記センサ取付部材に固定したことを特徴とするセンサ付車輪用軸受。 An outer member in which a double row rolling surface is formed on the inner periphery, an inner member having a rolling surface opposite to the rolling surface of the outer member, and a double row interposed between both rolling surfaces A rolling bearing, and a sealing device that seals an end between the outer member and the inner member, and a wheel bearing that rotatably supports a wheel with respect to a vehicle body,
A sensor unit comprising a sensor attachment member and at least one strain sensor attached to the sensor attachment member is attached to a fixed side member of the outer member and the inner member, and an output signal of the strain sensor is processed. A sensor signal processing circuit is formed on the sensor mounting member, and a signal transmission path from the sensor signal processing circuit to an external device is a cable. The sensor signal processing circuit and the cable are physically coupled to each other and electrically A sensor-equipped wheel bearing, wherein a connector for connection is provided, and a cover for protecting the connector is fixed to the sensor mounting member. 複列の転走面が内周に形成された外方部材と、この外方部材の転走面と対向する転走面を形成した内方部材と、両転走面間に介在した複列の転動体と、前記外方部材と前記内方部材との間の端部を密封する密封装置とを備え、車体に対して車輪を回転自在に支持する車輪用軸受において、
センサ取付部材およびこのセンサ取付部材に取付けた少なくとも１つ以上の歪みセンサからなるセンサユニットを、前記外方部材および内方部材のうちの固定側部材に取付け、前記歪みセンサの出力信号を処理するセンサ信号処理回路が形成されたセンサ信号処理回路基板を前記センサ取付部材に設け、前記センサ信号処理回路基板から外部装置への信号伝達経路がケーブルであり、センサ信号処理回路基板とケーブル間に両者を物理的に結合しかつ電気的に接続するコネクタを設け、このコネクタを保護するカバーを前記センサ取付部材に固定したことを特徴とするセンサ付車輪用軸受。 An outer member in which a double row rolling surface is formed on the inner periphery, an inner member having a rolling surface opposite to the rolling surface of the outer member, and a double row interposed between both rolling surfaces A rolling bearing, and a sealing device that seals an end between the outer member and the inner member, and a wheel bearing that rotatably supports a wheel with respect to a vehicle body,
A sensor unit comprising a sensor attachment member and at least one strain sensor attached to the sensor attachment member is attached to a fixed side member of the outer member and the inner member, and an output signal of the strain sensor is processed. A sensor signal processing circuit board on which a sensor signal processing circuit is formed is provided on the sensor mounting member, and a signal transmission path from the sensor signal processing circuit board to an external device is a cable, both between the sensor signal processing circuit board and the cable. A sensor-equipped wheel bearing comprising a connector for physically connecting and electrically connecting the two, and a cover for protecting the connector fixed to the sensor mounting member. 請求項１または請求項２において、前記歪みセンサが厚膜抵抗体で構成されているセンサ付車輪用軸受。   3. The wheel bearing with sensor according to claim 1, wherein the strain sensor is formed of a thick film resistor. 請求項１ないし請求項３のいずれか１項において、前記カバーの前記センサ取付部材への固定に、機械的固定、接着、溶着の各固定方法のうち少なくとも１つの固定方法を用いたセンサ付車輪用軸受。   4. The sensor-equipped wheel according to claim 1, wherein at least one of fixing methods of mechanical fixing, adhesion, and welding is used to fix the cover to the sensor mounting member. Bearings. 請求項４において、前記溶着はレーザー加熱によるものであるセンサ付車輪用軸受。   5. The sensor-equipped wheel bearing according to claim 4, wherein the welding is performed by laser heating. 請求項５において、前記溶着は超音波によるものであるセンサ付車輪用軸受。   6. The sensor-equipped wheel bearing according to claim 5, wherein the welding is performed by ultrasonic waves. 請求項１ないし請求項６のいずれか１項において、前記固定側部材が外方部材であるセンサ付車輪用軸受。   The sensor-equipped wheel bearing according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fixed side member is an outer member. 請求項１ないし請求項７のいずれか１項において、前記歪みセンサの出力によって、車輪用軸受に作用する外力、またはタイヤと路面間の作用力を推定する作用力推定手段を設けたセンサ付車輪用軸受。   8. The sensor-equipped wheel according to claim 1, further comprising an acting force estimating means for estimating an external force acting on a wheel bearing or an acting force between a tire and a road surface based on an output of the strain sensor. Bearings.

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