WO2015090388A1 - Housing for a sensor-bearing unit, sensor-bearing unit comprising such housing and apparatus comprising such unit - Google Patents

Housing for a sensor-bearing unit, sensor-bearing unit comprising such housing and apparatus comprising such unit Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015090388A1
WO2015090388A1 PCT/EP2013/077219 EP2013077219W WO2015090388A1 WO 2015090388 A1 WO2015090388 A1 WO 2015090388A1 EP 2013077219 W EP2013077219 W EP 2013077219W WO 2015090388 A1 WO2015090388 A1 WO 2015090388A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
housing
sensor
compartment
bearing
bearing unit
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2013/077219
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Sylvain Chaussat
Pierrick Maze
Original Assignee
Aktiebolaget Skf
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Aktiebolaget Skf filed Critical Aktiebolaget Skf
Priority to DE112013007714.0T priority Critical patent/DE112013007714T5/en
Priority to PCT/EP2013/077219 priority patent/WO2015090388A1/en
Publication of WO2015090388A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015090388A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01P—MEASURING LINEAR OR ANGULAR SPEED, ACCELERATION, DECELERATION, OR SHOCK; INDICATING PRESENCE, ABSENCE, OR DIRECTION, OF MOVEMENT
    • G01P1/00—Details of instruments
    • G01P1/02—Housings
    • G01P1/026—Housings for speed measuring devices, e.g. pulse generator
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C25/00—Bearings for exclusively rotary movement adjustable for wear or play
    • F16C25/06—Ball or roller bearings
    • F16C25/08—Ball or roller bearings self-adjusting
    • F16C25/083—Ball or roller bearings self-adjusting with resilient means acting axially on a race ring to preload the bearing
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C35/00—Rigid support of bearing units; Housings, e.g. caps, covers
    • F16C35/04—Rigid support of bearing units; Housings, e.g. caps, covers in the case of ball or roller bearings
    • F16C35/06—Mounting or dismounting of ball or roller bearings; Fixing them onto shaft or in housing
    • F16C35/07—Fixing them on the shaft or housing with interposition of an element
    • F16C35/077—Fixing them on the shaft or housing with interposition of an element between housing and outer race ring
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C41/00—Other accessories, e.g. devices integrated in the bearing not relating to the bearing function as such
    • F16C41/007—Encoders, e.g. parts with a plurality of alternating magnetic poles
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01D11/00—Component parts of measuring arrangements not specially adapted for a specific variable
    • G01D11/24—Housings ; Casings for instruments
    • G01D11/245—Housings for sensors
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01P—MEASURING LINEAR OR ANGULAR SPEED, ACCELERATION, DECELERATION, OR SHOCK; INDICATING PRESENCE, ABSENCE, OR DIRECTION, OF MOVEMENT
    • G01P3/00—Measuring linear or angular speed; Measuring differences of linear or angular speeds
    • G01P3/42—Devices characterised by the use of electric or magnetic means
    • G01P3/44—Devices characterised by the use of electric or magnetic means for measuring angular speed
    • G01P3/443—Devices characterised by the use of electric or magnetic means for measuring angular speed mounted in bearings
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C19/00—Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement
    • F16C19/02—Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement with bearing balls essentially of the same size in one or more circular rows
    • F16C19/04—Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement with bearing balls essentially of the same size in one or more circular rows for radial load mainly
    • F16C19/06—Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement with bearing balls essentially of the same size in one or more circular rows for radial load mainly with a single row or balls
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C2300/00—Application independent of particular apparatuses
    • F16C2300/02—General use or purpose, i.e. no use, purpose, special adaptation or modification indicated or a wide variety of uses mentioned
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01D5/00—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable
    • G01D5/12—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means
    • G01D5/244—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing characteristics of pulses or pulse trains; generating pulses or pulse trains
    • G01D5/245—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing characteristics of pulses or pulse trains; generating pulses or pulse trains using a variable number of pulses in a train
    • G01D5/2451—Incremental encoders

Definitions

  • the invention concerns a housing for a sensor-bearing unit.
  • the invention also concerns a sensor-bearing unit comprising such a housing, a bearing and a detection device for tracking rotation of the bearing.
  • the invention also concerns an apparatus comprising such a sensor-bearing unit, for example an electric motor.
  • sensor-bearing units are commonly used in automotive industry, aeronautics and other technical fields. These units provide high quality signals and transmissions, while allowing integration in simpler and more compact apparatus.
  • Such a sensor-bearing unit generally comprises a bearing and a detection device for tracking rotation of the bearing.
  • the detection device may comprise an impulse ring fixed to a rotating ring of the bearing and a sensor associated with the impulse ring.
  • the sensor includes at least one detection cell and other electronic components.
  • the impulse ring may include alternating North and South poles, whose number depends on the bearing size and the particular application. Similarly, the number of detection cells depends on the bearing size, the impulse ring size and the particular application.
  • WO-A-2010/1 16207 and WO-A-2010/139677 disclose examples of such sensor- bearing units.
  • the bearing, the impulse ring and the detection cells belonging to the sensor are located in a same compartment delimited by the housing of the sensor-bearing unit. Since temperature of the bearing rises in operation, a thermal transfer occurs between the bearing and the sensor, which might damage the sensor.
  • the bearing is fitted in a first housing, while the sensor is fitted in a second housing fixed to the first housing.
  • the sensor-bearing unit comprises a higher number of components and its assembly is more complex.
  • the bearing, the impulse ring and the sensor are located in a same compartment delimited by both housings.
  • the aim of the invention is to provide an improved housing for a sensor-bearing unit and an improved sensor-bearing unit.
  • the invention concerns a housing for a sensor-bearing unit, the housing being adapted to be mounted on a support member of an apparatus, the sensor-bearing unit comprising a bearing including a rotating ring and a stationary ring centered on a central axis; and a detection device for tracking the rotation of the rotating ring, the detection device including an impulse ring fixed to the rotating ring and detection means associated with the impulse ring.
  • the housing is a single part delimiting a first compartment for receiving the bearing and the impulse ring and a second compartment for receiving the detection means.
  • the housing performs both functions of supporting the bearing and of forming a sensor cap.
  • the sensor-bearing unit is compact and easy to assemble.
  • such housing may incorporate one or several of the following features:
  • the first compartment and the second compartment are separated by an inner portion of the housing extending towards the central axis from an outer portion of the housing.
  • the first compartment and the second compartment are both delimited by an outer portion of the housing in an external direction radial to the central axis.
  • the housing includes at least one recess which is formed in an inner portion of the housing and is open in the second compartment for receiving a detection cell, preferably several recesses distributed around the central axis for receiving several detection cells.
  • the housing comprises an outer portion and an inner portion, both globally centered around the central axis, the outer portion extends axially along the central axis and wherein the inner portion comprises a first wall which extends from the outer portion radially toward the central axis and a second wall which extends from the first wall globally axially along the central axis.
  • An outer portion of the housing is adapted to be fixed to the support member, preferably without screws.
  • the housing comprises a flange which has an annular shape and is adapted to be fitted in an annular groove of the support member.
  • the housing is made of synthetic material, preferably polyethylene terephthalate.
  • the invention also concerns a sensor-bearing unit, comprising: a housing adapted to be mounted on a support member of an apparatus; a bearing including a rotating ring and a stationary ring centered on a central axis; and a detection device for tracking the rotation of the rotating ring, the detection device including an impulse ring fixed to the rotating ring and detection means associated with the impulse ring.
  • the housing is a single part delimiting a first compartment receiving the bearing and the impulse ring and a second compartment receiving the detection means.
  • such a sensor-bearing unit may incorporate one or several of the following features:
  • the stationary ring of the bearing is fitted in the first compartment of the housing, while the detection means are fitted in the second compartment of the housing.
  • the detection means comprises at least one detection cell inserted in a recess which is formed in an inner portion of the housing and is open is the second compartment, preferably several detection cells distributed around a central axis.
  • the housing is the only part of the sensor-bearing unit destined to be fixed to the support member, preferably without screws.
  • the invention also concerns an apparatus, comprising a support member, a shaft and at least one sensor-bearing unit as mentioned here-above, mounted between the support member and the shaft.
  • such an apparatus may incorporate one or several of the following features:
  • the housing is the only part of the sensor-bearing unit fixed to the support member.
  • the housing of the sensor-bearing unit is directly fixed to the support member by press-fitting and/or gluing, preferably without screws.
  • the housing of the sensor-bearing unit comprises a protrusion or a recess, while the support member comprises a corresponding recess or a corresponding protrusion, forming means for indexing the angular orientation between the housing and the support member.
  • FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention, equipped with a sensor-bearing unit which is also according to the invention;
  • figure 2 is another partial perspective view, with another angle, of the apparatus of figure 1 ;
  • figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the apparatus, along plane III of figure 1 ;
  • - figure 4 is a view at a larger scale of detail IV of figure 3;
  • - figure 5 is a view at a larger scale of detail V of figure 3;
  • FIG. 6 is a side view along arrow VI on figure 3, at smaller scale, showing only the housing belonging to the sensor-bearing-unit;
  • figure 7 is another perspective view, with another angle and at a scale similar to figure 6, showing only the housing and partly the detection device belonging to the sensor-bearing-unit;
  • FIG. 8 is a side view along arrow VIII on figure 3, at scale similar to figure 6, showing only the housing belonging to the sensor-bearing-unit.
  • Figures 1 to 8 show an apparatus 1 , a sensor-bearing unit 10 and a housing 20 according to the invention.
  • Apparatus 1 is partly shown on figures 1 to 3 for simplification purpose.
  • Apparatus 1 may be an electric motor, an alternator, a brake system, a suspension system or any rotating machine, in particular for an automotive vehicle.
  • Apparatus 1 comprises, amongst others, a support member 2, a rotating shaft 3 and the sensor-bearing unit 10.
  • Support member 2 is a stationary part adapted to receive unit 10 and to be fastened to another stationary part, not represented for simplification purpose, of apparatus 1 .
  • Shaft 3 and unit 10 are centered on a central axis X1 of apparatus 1 .
  • Shaft 3 is fastened to unit 10 and is movable in rotation around axis X1 .
  • Sensor-bearing unit 10 comprises the housing 20, a bearing 30 and a detection device 40.
  • Bearing 30 comprises a stationary outer ring 32 and a rotating inner ring 33 centered on axis X1 .
  • Detection device 40 comprises a magnetic impulse ring 50 fastened to the bearing 30 and a sensor 60 fastened to the housing 20.
  • Sensor 60 comprises at least one detection cell 61 , more precisely five detection cells 61 distributed around axis X1 on the example of figures 3 to 8.
  • Sensor 60 forms detection means associated with the impulse ring 50 for tracking rotation of the bearing 30 and of the rotating shaft 3 around axis X1 .
  • Bearing 30 is located on a first side 1 1 of unit 10, while sensor 60 is located on a second side 12 of unit 10.
  • Housing 20 comprises an outer portion 21 and an inner portion 22, both globally centered on axis X1 . Housing 20 delimits two compartments 23 and 24, respectively oriented towards sides 1 1 and 12 of unit 10.
  • Housing 20 is made of synthetic material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In comparison with metal, synthetic material is cheaper, lighter and has better electric isolation properties. In particular, housing 20 provides an electric isolation between bearing 30 and support member 2. Moreover, synthetic material is subject to thermal dilatation when unit 10 is operated, so that outer ring 32 of bearing 30 is tightened inside housing 20, while outer portion 21 of housing 20 is tightened inside support member 2. Housing 20 is the only part of unit 10 destined to be fixed to support member 2, as detailed here-after.
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • Outer portion 21 is globally tubular and comprises a cylindrical outer surface 212 fitted in a cylindrical bore 2a of support member 2 and a cylindrical bore 214 delimiting both compartments 23 and 24 in an external direction radial to axis X1 .
  • Outer portion 21 also comprises a radial flange 216 formed on side 1 1 .
  • Flange 216 has an annular shape and is fitted in an annular groove 2b of support member 2.
  • Flange 216 comprises a radial protrusion 218 which is fitted in a recess 2c formed in support member 2.
  • Protrusion 218 and recess 2c form means for indexing the angular orientation between housing 20 and support member 2.
  • Flange 216 also comprises two radial tabs 219 extending opposite each other relative to axis X1 .
  • Tabs 219 form means for snapping flange 216 of housing 20 in groove 2b of support member 2, thus limiting axial displacement therebetween.
  • Outer portion 21 of housing 20 can be fixed to support member 2 by press-fitting and/or by gluing, preferably without using screws.
  • Inner portion 22 comprises a radial wall 25 and an axial wall 26.
  • Radial wall 25 extends toward axis X1 from bore 214 of portion 21 .
  • Radial wall 25 delimits compartment 23 on side 1 1 and compartment 24 on side 12.
  • Axial wall 26 comprises two cylindrical parts 261 and 263 connected by a radial part 262.
  • On side 1 1 corresponding to compartment 23, wall 25 comprises five projections 27.
  • Walls 25 and 26 are entirely closed, without holes formed between compartments 23 and 24.
  • inner portion 22 comprises ribs 264, threaded portions 265 and lugs 266 distributed around axis X1 .
  • Ribs 264 extend radially and parallel to axis X1 , between bore 214, part 262 and wall 25.
  • Four ribs 264 are provided with threaded portions 265 for receiving screws 67.
  • Two lugs 266 are provided on the inner radial side of each recess 28 for guiding and maintaining detection cells 61 .
  • Bearing 30 comprises rolling elements 31 , balls in the represented example, which are located between stationary outer ring 32 and rotating inner ring 33 and are positioned in a bearing cage 34.
  • Outer ring 32 is mounted in bore 214 of housing 20.
  • Inner ring 33 is mounted on a cylindrical outer surface 3a and against an abutment 3b which belong to rotating shaft 3.
  • Each axial side of bearing 30 comprises sealing means 35 located between outer ring 32 and inner ring 33.
  • sealing means 35 are rubber seals.
  • bearing 30 may comprise no sealing means.
  • only one side of bearing 30 may comprise sealing means 35.
  • sealing means 35 may have any suitable configuration.
  • a spring washer 38 is positioned between wall 25 of housing 20 and outer ring 32 of bearing 30. Spring washer 38 exerts an axial pressure on outer ring 32, while inner ring 33 is pressed against abutment 3b of shaft 3. Within bearing 30, the distribution of efforts exerted on rolling elements 31 is improved.
  • Impulse ring 50 includes a target holder 51 fixed to inner ring 33 and a target 52 fixed to target holder 51 .
  • target holder 51 extends no further than inner ring 33 radially to axis X1 .
  • Target holder 51 may be made of metal, while target 52 may be a plastic molded part including magnetic poles.
  • Target 52 has an outer surface facing detection cells 61 positioned in recesses 28.
  • Target 52 and detection cells 61 cooperate for tracking the rotation of impulse ring 50, inner ring 33 and shaft 3 around central axis X1 .
  • a gap G is provided, radially to axis X1 , between target 52 and detection cells 61 , with a thinned portion 220 of housing 20 interposed therebetween. More precisely, thinned portion 220 is formed in part 261 of wall 26 and in wall 25.
  • target 52 is a radial target.
  • target 52 may be an axial target, with detection cells 61 fitted in housing 20 accordingly.
  • Sensor 60 comprises the five detection cells 61 , wires 62, a printed circuit board or PCB 63, various electronic components 64 and a socket 65.
  • Wires 62 connect cells 61 to PCB 63, which is positioned against parts 262 and 263.
  • Components 64 and socket 65 are mounted on PCB 63.
  • a protection cover 66 can be fitted in compartment 24 for protecting PCB 63 and components 64. Only socket 65 and screws 67 go through cover 66. Socket 65 is connected to a control unit not shown. Screws 67 are tightened in threaded portions 265 for fastening cover 66 to housing 20.
  • housing 20 is a single part delimiting compartment 23, receiving bearing 30 and impulse ring 50, and compartment 24, receiving sensor 60.
  • Compartment 23 is closed on two sides by bore 214 and radial wall 25. Compartment 23 is open on side 1 1 and toward axis X1 , where shaft 3 can be fitted inside bearing 30.
  • Compartment 24 is closed on three sides by bore 214, radial wall 25 and axial wall 26. Compartment 24 is open on side 12, where cover 66 can be fitted for protecting sensor 60. Facing impulse ring 50, detection cells 61 are fastened in wall 25 of inner portion 22 separating compartments 23 and 24.
  • detection device 40 provides efficient measurement, while housing 20 provides protection to sensor 60 and particularly detection cells 61 .
  • an apparatus 1 a sensor-bearing unit 10 or a housing 20
  • technical features of the different embodiments can be, in whole or part, combined with each other.
  • apparatus 1 , sensor-bearing unit 10 and housing 20 can be adapted to the specific requirements of the application.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Rolling Contact Bearings (AREA)

Abstract

The invention concerns a housing (20) for a sensor-bearing unit (10), the housing (20) being adapted to be mounted on a support member (2) of an apparatus (1). The sensor-bearing unit (10) comprises a bearing (30) including a rotating ring (33) and a stationary ring (32) centered on a central axis (X1) and a detection device (40) for tracking the rotation of the rotating ring (33), the detection device (40) including an impulse ring (50) fixed to the rotating ring (33) and detection means (60) associated with the impulse ring (50). According to the invention, the housing (20) is a single part delimiting a first compartment (23) for receiving the bearing (30) and the impulse ring (50) and a second compartment (24) for receiving the detection means (60). The invention also concerns a sensor-bearing unit (10) and an apparatus (1). The second compartment receiving the sensor is delimited by two axially extending walls (21,26) and a radially extending wall (25) and forms a closed cavity in which the detection means is placed. The detection means opposes the encoder, with the inner axially extending wall (26) of the second compartment being interposed between the detection means and the impulse ring.

Description

HOUSING FOR A SENSOR-BEARING UNIT, SENSOR-BEARING UNIT COMPRISING SUCH HOUSING AND APPARATUS COMPRISING SUCH UNIT
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention concerns a housing for a sensor-bearing unit. The invention also concerns a sensor-bearing unit comprising such a housing, a bearing and a detection device for tracking rotation of the bearing. The invention also concerns an apparatus comprising such a sensor-bearing unit, for example an electric motor. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Today, sensor-bearing units are commonly used in automotive industry, aeronautics and other technical fields. These units provide high quality signals and transmissions, while allowing integration in simpler and more compact apparatus.
Such a sensor-bearing unit generally comprises a bearing and a detection device for tracking rotation of the bearing. The detection device may comprise an impulse ring fixed to a rotating ring of the bearing and a sensor associated with the impulse ring. The sensor includes at least one detection cell and other electronic components. The impulse ring may include alternating North and South poles, whose number depends on the bearing size and the particular application. Similarly, the number of detection cells depends on the bearing size, the impulse ring size and the particular application.
WO-A-2010/1 16207 and WO-A-2010/139677 disclose examples of such sensor- bearing units.
In WO-A-2010/1 16207, the bearing, the impulse ring and the detection cells belonging to the sensor are located in a same compartment delimited by the housing of the sensor-bearing unit. Since temperature of the bearing rises in operation, a thermal transfer occurs between the bearing and the sensor, which might damage the sensor.
In WO-A-2010/139677, the bearing is fitted in a first housing, while the sensor is fitted in a second housing fixed to the first housing. Thus, the sensor-bearing unit comprises a higher number of components and its assembly is more complex. Moreover, the bearing, the impulse ring and the sensor are located in a same compartment delimited by both housings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The aim of the invention is to provide an improved housing for a sensor-bearing unit and an improved sensor-bearing unit. To this end, the invention concerns a housing for a sensor-bearing unit, the housing being adapted to be mounted on a support member of an apparatus, the sensor-bearing unit comprising a bearing including a rotating ring and a stationary ring centered on a central axis; and a detection device for tracking the rotation of the rotating ring, the detection device including an impulse ring fixed to the rotating ring and detection means associated with the impulse ring. According to the invention, the housing is a single part delimiting a first compartment for receiving the bearing and the impulse ring and a second compartment for receiving the detection means.
Thanks to the invention, the housing performs both functions of supporting the bearing and of forming a sensor cap. The sensor-bearing unit is compact and easy to assemble.
According to further aspects of the invention which are advantageous but not compulsory, such housing may incorporate one or several of the following features:
- The first compartment and the second compartment are separated by an inner portion of the housing extending towards the central axis from an outer portion of the housing.
- The first compartment and the second compartment are both delimited by an outer portion of the housing in an external direction radial to the central axis.
- The housing includes at least one recess which is formed in an inner portion of the housing and is open in the second compartment for receiving a detection cell, preferably several recesses distributed around the central axis for receiving several detection cells.
- The housing comprises an outer portion and an inner portion, both globally centered around the central axis, the outer portion extends axially along the central axis and wherein the inner portion comprises a first wall which extends from the outer portion radially toward the central axis and a second wall which extends from the first wall globally axially along the central axis.
- An outer portion of the housing is adapted to be fixed to the support member, preferably without screws.
- The housing comprises a flange which has an annular shape and is adapted to be fitted in an annular groove of the support member.
- The housing is made of synthetic material, preferably polyethylene terephthalate. The invention also concerns a sensor-bearing unit, comprising: a housing adapted to be mounted on a support member of an apparatus; a bearing including a rotating ring and a stationary ring centered on a central axis; and a detection device for tracking the rotation of the rotating ring, the detection device including an impulse ring fixed to the rotating ring and detection means associated with the impulse ring. According to the invention, the housing is a single part delimiting a first compartment receiving the bearing and the impulse ring and a second compartment receiving the detection means.
According to further aspects of the invention which are advantageous but not compulsory, such a sensor-bearing unit may incorporate one or several of the following features:
- The stationary ring of the bearing is fitted in the first compartment of the housing, while the detection means are fitted in the second compartment of the housing.
- The detection means comprises at least one detection cell inserted in a recess which is formed in an inner portion of the housing and is open is the second compartment, preferably several detection cells distributed around a central axis.
- The housing is the only part of the sensor-bearing unit destined to be fixed to the support member, preferably without screws.
The invention also concerns an apparatus, comprising a support member, a shaft and at least one sensor-bearing unit as mentioned here-above, mounted between the support member and the shaft.
According to further aspects of the invention which are advantageous but not compulsory, such an apparatus may incorporate one or several of the following features:
- The housing is the only part of the sensor-bearing unit fixed to the support member.
- The housing of the sensor-bearing unit is directly fixed to the support member by press-fitting and/or gluing, preferably without screws.
- The housing of the sensor-bearing unit comprises a protrusion or a recess, while the support member comprises a corresponding recess or a corresponding protrusion, forming means for indexing the angular orientation between the housing and the support member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be explained in correspondence with the annexed figures, and as an illustrative example, without restricting the object of the invention. In the annexed figures:
- figure 1 is a partial perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention, equipped with a sensor-bearing unit which is also according to the invention;
- figure 2 is another partial perspective view, with another angle, of the apparatus of figure 1 ;
- figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the apparatus, along plane III of figure 1 ;
- figure 4 is a view at a larger scale of detail IV of figure 3; - figure 5 is a view at a larger scale of detail V of figure 3;
- figure 6 is a side view along arrow VI on figure 3, at smaller scale, showing only the housing belonging to the sensor-bearing-unit;
- figure 7 is another perspective view, with another angle and at a scale similar to figure 6, showing only the housing and partly the detection device belonging to the sensor-bearing-unit; and
- figure 8 is a side view along arrow VIII on figure 3, at scale similar to figure 6, showing only the housing belonging to the sensor-bearing-unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS
Figures 1 to 8 show an apparatus 1 , a sensor-bearing unit 10 and a housing 20 according to the invention.
Apparatus 1 is partly shown on figures 1 to 3 for simplification purpose. Apparatus 1 may be an electric motor, an alternator, a brake system, a suspension system or any rotating machine, in particular for an automotive vehicle. Apparatus 1 comprises, amongst others, a support member 2, a rotating shaft 3 and the sensor-bearing unit 10. Support member 2 is a stationary part adapted to receive unit 10 and to be fastened to another stationary part, not represented for simplification purpose, of apparatus 1 . Shaft 3 and unit 10 are centered on a central axis X1 of apparatus 1 . Shaft 3 is fastened to unit 10 and is movable in rotation around axis X1 .
Sensor-bearing unit 10 comprises the housing 20, a bearing 30 and a detection device 40. Bearing 30 comprises a stationary outer ring 32 and a rotating inner ring 33 centered on axis X1 . Detection device 40 comprises a magnetic impulse ring 50 fastened to the bearing 30 and a sensor 60 fastened to the housing 20. Sensor 60 comprises at least one detection cell 61 , more precisely five detection cells 61 distributed around axis X1 on the example of figures 3 to 8. Sensor 60 forms detection means associated with the impulse ring 50 for tracking rotation of the bearing 30 and of the rotating shaft 3 around axis X1 . Bearing 30 is located on a first side 1 1 of unit 10, while sensor 60 is located on a second side 12 of unit 10.
Housing 20 comprises an outer portion 21 and an inner portion 22, both globally centered on axis X1 . Housing 20 delimits two compartments 23 and 24, respectively oriented towards sides 1 1 and 12 of unit 10. Housing 20 is made of synthetic material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In comparison with metal, synthetic material is cheaper, lighter and has better electric isolation properties. In particular, housing 20 provides an electric isolation between bearing 30 and support member 2. Moreover, synthetic material is subject to thermal dilatation when unit 10 is operated, so that outer ring 32 of bearing 30 is tightened inside housing 20, while outer portion 21 of housing 20 is tightened inside support member 2. Housing 20 is the only part of unit 10 destined to be fixed to support member 2, as detailed here-after.
Outer portion 21 is globally tubular and comprises a cylindrical outer surface 212 fitted in a cylindrical bore 2a of support member 2 and a cylindrical bore 214 delimiting both compartments 23 and 24 in an external direction radial to axis X1 . Outer portion 21 also comprises a radial flange 216 formed on side 1 1 . Flange 216 has an annular shape and is fitted in an annular groove 2b of support member 2. Flange 216 comprises a radial protrusion 218 which is fitted in a recess 2c formed in support member 2. Protrusion 218 and recess 2c form means for indexing the angular orientation between housing 20 and support member 2. Flange 216 also comprises two radial tabs 219 extending opposite each other relative to axis X1 . Tabs 219 form means for snapping flange 216 of housing 20 in groove 2b of support member 2, thus limiting axial displacement therebetween. Outer portion 21 of housing 20 can be fixed to support member 2 by press-fitting and/or by gluing, preferably without using screws.
Inner portion 22 comprises a radial wall 25 and an axial wall 26. Radial wall 25 extends toward axis X1 from bore 214 of portion 21 . Radial wall 25 delimits compartment 23 on side 1 1 and compartment 24 on side 12. Axial wall 26 comprises two cylindrical parts 261 and 263 connected by a radial part 262. On side 1 1 corresponding to compartment 23, wall 25 comprises five projections 27. On side 12 corresponding to compartment 24, each projection 27 delimits a recess 28 formed in wall 25 and receiving one detection cell 61 . Walls 25 and 26 are entirely closed, without holes formed between compartments 23 and 24. Moreover, in compartment 24, inner portion 22 comprises ribs 264, threaded portions 265 and lugs 266 distributed around axis X1 . Ribs 264 extend radially and parallel to axis X1 , between bore 214, part 262 and wall 25. Four ribs 264 are provided with threaded portions 265 for receiving screws 67. Two lugs 266 are provided on the inner radial side of each recess 28 for guiding and maintaining detection cells 61 .
Bearing 30 comprises rolling elements 31 , balls in the represented example, which are located between stationary outer ring 32 and rotating inner ring 33 and are positioned in a bearing cage 34. Outer ring 32 is mounted in bore 214 of housing 20. Inner ring 33 is mounted on a cylindrical outer surface 3a and against an abutment 3b which belong to rotating shaft 3. Each axial side of bearing 30 comprises sealing means 35 located between outer ring 32 and inner ring 33. For example, on figures 3 to 5, sealing means 35 are rubber seals. As an alternative, bearing 30 may comprise no sealing means. As another alternative, only one side of bearing 30 may comprise sealing means 35. As another alternative, sealing means 35 may have any suitable configuration. A spring washer 38 is positioned between wall 25 of housing 20 and outer ring 32 of bearing 30. Spring washer 38 exerts an axial pressure on outer ring 32, while inner ring 33 is pressed against abutment 3b of shaft 3. Within bearing 30, the distribution of efforts exerted on rolling elements 31 is improved.
Impulse ring 50 includes a target holder 51 fixed to inner ring 33 and a target 52 fixed to target holder 51 . To improve compactness of unit 10, target holder 51 extends no further than inner ring 33 radially to axis X1 . Target holder 51 may be made of metal, while target 52 may be a plastic molded part including magnetic poles. Target 52 has an outer surface facing detection cells 61 positioned in recesses 28. Target 52 and detection cells 61 cooperate for tracking the rotation of impulse ring 50, inner ring 33 and shaft 3 around central axis X1 . A gap G is provided, radially to axis X1 , between target 52 and detection cells 61 , with a thinned portion 220 of housing 20 interposed therebetween. More precisely, thinned portion 220 is formed in part 261 of wall 26 and in wall 25.
On the example of figures 3 to 5, target 52 is a radial target. Alternatively, target 52 may be an axial target, with detection cells 61 fitted in housing 20 accordingly.
Sensor 60 comprises the five detection cells 61 , wires 62, a printed circuit board or PCB 63, various electronic components 64 and a socket 65. Wires 62 connect cells 61 to PCB 63, which is positioned against parts 262 and 263. Components 64 and socket 65 are mounted on PCB 63. A protection cover 66 can be fitted in compartment 24 for protecting PCB 63 and components 64. Only socket 65 and screws 67 go through cover 66. Socket 65 is connected to a control unit not shown. Screws 67 are tightened in threaded portions 265 for fastening cover 66 to housing 20.
According to the invention, housing 20 is a single part delimiting compartment 23, receiving bearing 30 and impulse ring 50, and compartment 24, receiving sensor 60. Compartment 23 is closed on two sides by bore 214 and radial wall 25. Compartment 23 is open on side 1 1 and toward axis X1 , where shaft 3 can be fitted inside bearing 30. Compartment 24 is closed on three sides by bore 214, radial wall 25 and axial wall 26. Compartment 24 is open on side 12, where cover 66 can be fitted for protecting sensor 60. Facing impulse ring 50, detection cells 61 are fastened in wall 25 of inner portion 22 separating compartments 23 and 24. Thus, detection device 40 provides efficient measurement, while housing 20 provides protection to sensor 60 and particularly detection cells 61 .
Other non-shown embodiments of an apparatus 1 , a sensor-bearing unit 10 or a housing 20 can be implemented within the scope of the invention. In addition, technical features of the different embodiments can be, in whole or part, combined with each other. Thus, apparatus 1 , sensor-bearing unit 10 and housing 20 can be adapted to the specific requirements of the application.

Claims

A housing (20) for a sensor-bearing unit (10), the housing (20) being adapted to be mounted on a support member (2) of an apparatus (1 ), the sensor-bearing unit (10) comprising:
- a bearing (30) including a rotating ring (33) and a stationary ring (32) centered on a central axis (X1 ); and
- a detection device (40) for tracking the rotation of the rotating ring (33), the detection device (40) including an impulse ring (50) fixed to the rotating ring (33) and detection means (60) associated with the impulse ring (50);
wherein the housing (20) is a single part delimiting a first compartment (23) for receiving the bearing (30) and the impulse ring (50) and a second compartment (24) for receiving the detection means (60).
Housing (20) according to claim 1 , wherein the first compartment (23) and the second compartment (24) are separated by an inner portion (22) of the housing (20) extending toward the central axis (X1 ) from an outer portion (21 ) of the housing (20).
Housing (20) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the first compartment (23) and the second compartment (24) are both delimited by an outer portion (21 ) of the housing (20) in an external direction radial to the central axis (X1 ).
Housing (20) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein it includes at least one recess (28) which is formed in an inner portion (22) of the housing (20) and is open in the second compartment (24) for receiving a detection cell (61 ), preferably several recesses (28) distributed around the central axis (X1 ) for receiving several detection cells (61 ).
Housing (20) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein it comprises an outer portion (21 ) and an inner portion (22), both globally centered around the central axis (X1 ), wherein the outer portion (21 ) extends axially along the central axis (X1 ) and wherein the inner portion (22) comprises a first wall (25) which extends from the outer portion (21 ) radially toward the central axis (X1 ) and a second wall (26) which extends from the first wall (25) globally axially along the central axis (X1 ).
6. Housing (20) according to any one of the previous claims, comprising a flange (216) which has an annular shape and is adapted to be fitted in an annular groove (2b) of the support member (2).
7. Housing (20) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the housing (20) is made of synthetic material, preferably polyethylene terephthalate.
8. A sensor-bearing unit (10), comprising:
a housing (20) adapted to be mounted on a support member (2) of an apparatus (1 );
a bearing (30) including a rotating ring (33) and a stationary ring (32) centered on a central axis (X1 ); and
a detection device (40) for tracking the rotation of the rotating ring (33), the detection device (40) including an impulse ring (50) fixed to the rotating ring (33) and detection means (60) associated with the impulse ring (50); wherein the housing (20) is a single part delimiting a first compartment (23) receiving the bearing (30) and the impulse ring (50) and a second compartment (24) receiving the detection means (60).
9. Sensor-bearing unit (10) according to claim 8, wherein the stationary ring (32) of the bearing (30) is fitted in the first compartment (23) of the housing (20), while the detection means (60) are fitted in the second compartment (24) of the housing (20).
10. Sensor-bearing unit (10) according to any one of the claims 8 or 9, wherein the detection means (60) comprises at least one detection cell (61 ) inserted in a recess (28) which is formed in an inner portion (22) of the housing (20) and is open is the second compartment (24), preferably several detection cells (61 ) distributed around the central axis (X1 ).
1 1 . Sensor-bearing unit (10) according to any one of the claims 8 to 10, wherein the housing (20) is the only part of the sensor-bearing unit (10) destined to be fixed to the support member (2), preferably without screws.
12. Apparatus (1 ), comprising a support member (2), a shaft (3), and at least one sensor-bearing unit (10) according to any one of the claims 8 to 1 1 mounted between the support member (2) and the shaft (3).
13. Apparatus (1 ) according to claim 12, wherein the housing (20) is the only part of the sensor-bearing unit (10) fixed to the support member (2).
14. Apparatus (1 ) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the housing (20) of the sensor- bearing unit (10) is directly fixed to the support member (2) by press-fitting and/or gluing, preferably without screws.
15. Apparatus (1 ) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the housing (20) of the sensor-bearing unit (10) comprises a protrusion (218) or a recess, while the support member (2) comprises a corresponding recess (2d) or a corresponding protrusion, forming means for indexing the angular orientation between the housing (20) and the support member (2).
PCT/EP2013/077219 2013-12-18 2013-12-18 Housing for a sensor-bearing unit, sensor-bearing unit comprising such housing and apparatus comprising such unit WO2015090388A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE112013007714.0T DE112013007714T5 (en) 2013-12-18 2013-12-18 Housing for a sensor bearing unit, sensor bearing unit comprising such a housing and device comprising such a unit
PCT/EP2013/077219 WO2015090388A1 (en) 2013-12-18 2013-12-18 Housing for a sensor-bearing unit, sensor-bearing unit comprising such housing and apparatus comprising such unit

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2013/077219 WO2015090388A1 (en) 2013-12-18 2013-12-18 Housing for a sensor-bearing unit, sensor-bearing unit comprising such housing and apparatus comprising such unit

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DE102019119224A1 (en) * 2019-07-16 2021-01-21 Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft Bearing cap
CN112706379A (en) * 2021-01-25 2021-04-27 张省 Injection molding machine penetrates gluey piston rod jointing equipment
US20220364600A1 (en) * 2021-05-17 2022-11-17 Aktiebolaget Skf Sensor bearing unit
DE102022106688A1 (en) 2022-03-22 2023-09-28 Johannes Hübner Fabrik elektrischer Maschinen Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung Rotary encoder and method for operating a rotary encoder

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DE102012204039A1 (en) * 2012-03-15 2013-09-19 Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG Wheel bearing with a sensor holder

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US6352370B1 (en) * 1999-04-14 2002-03-05 The Torrington Company Bearing with built-in encoder
US20040141669A1 (en) * 2001-02-02 2004-07-22 Franck Landrieve Device for detecting the rotation speed of a rotating element
US20060277985A1 (en) * 2005-06-13 2006-12-14 Faetanini Steven E Blind hole plug-in wheel speed sensor
US20110262067A1 (en) * 2008-12-02 2011-10-27 Aktiebolaget Skf Rolling Bearing with Integrated Sensor
JP2011151978A (en) * 2010-01-22 2011-08-04 Jtekt Corp Fixing structure of resolver sensor
DE102012204039A1 (en) * 2012-03-15 2013-09-19 Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG Wheel bearing with a sensor holder

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102019119224A1 (en) * 2019-07-16 2021-01-21 Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft Bearing cap
US11162537B2 (en) 2019-07-16 2021-11-02 Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft Bearing cover
CN112706379A (en) * 2021-01-25 2021-04-27 张省 Injection molding machine penetrates gluey piston rod jointing equipment
US20220364600A1 (en) * 2021-05-17 2022-11-17 Aktiebolaget Skf Sensor bearing unit
US11821467B2 (en) * 2021-05-17 2023-11-21 Aktiebolaget Skf Sensor bearing unit
DE102022106688A1 (en) 2022-03-22 2023-09-28 Johannes Hübner Fabrik elektrischer Maschinen Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung Rotary encoder and method for operating a rotary encoder

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