Sensor bearing unit

Abstract

A sensor bearing unit. The sensor bearing unit (10) comprises a bearing (12) comprising a first ring (16) and a second ring (18), and a pulse ring (14) provided with a target holder (30) and a target (32) mounted on the target holder, the target holder (30) comprising a mounting portion (30c) fixed to the first ring (16) of the bearing. The target holder (30) comprises at least an anti-rotation member (36) axially spaced from a free end (35) of the mounting portion (30c) and cooperating with a complementary anti-rotation member (38) of the first ring to prevent angular movement of the pulse ring (14) relative to the first ring (16). The anti-rotation member (36) of the target holder extends into the complementary anti-rotation member (38) of the first ring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sensor bearing unit comprising a bearing and an impulse ring. Background Technology

[0002] Today, sensor bearing units are commonly used in a wide range of technical fields, such as the automotive industry and aeronautical engineering. These units provide high-quality signals and transmissions while allowing integration into simpler and more compact devices.

[0003] Such a sensor bearing unit typically includes a bearing, a pulse ring, and means facing the pulse ring. For example, the pulse ring is provided with a target holder and a magnetized target, with the magnetized target fixed to the target holder over the outer ring of the bearing.

[0004] The magnetic target consists of alternating north and south poles, the number of which depends on the bearing size, detection accuracy, and specific application. The detection component can be fixed to the outer ring of the bearing or to a fixed housing. The magnetic target is attached to the outer tubular portion of the target holder.

[0005] Typically, the target retainer also includes an inner tubular portion that is fixed into an annular groove formed in the bore of the inner ring to prevent the pulse ring from rotating relative to the inner ring. For this purpose, the target retainer is radially crimped into the annular groove of the inner ring.

[0006] Importantly, the pulse ring is rotatably and fixedly connected to the bearing ring to which it is attached.

[0007] In some cases, due to high speed, thermal expansion, or high mechanical loads, there is a significant risk that the angular mechanical connection between the pulse ring and the bearing ring holding the pulse ring may permanently or randomly become partially or completely loose. If this failure occurs, the signal measured by the detection component will not correspond to the actual position, velocity, or acceleration of one of the bearing rings relative to the other. Summary of the Invention

[0008] One object of the present invention is to provide a sensor bearing unit having an improved angular connection between the pulse loop and the associated loop.

[0009] This invention relates to a sensor bearing unit, comprising: a bearing having a first ring and a second ring centered on an axis; and an impulse ring having a target holder and a target mounted on the target holder. The target holder includes a mounting portion fixed to the first ring of the bearing.

[0010] According to the first general feature, the target holder includes at least an anti-rotation means that is axially spaced from the free end of the mounting portion and cooperates with a complementary anti-rotation means of the first ring to prevent angular movement of the pulse ring relative to the first ring. In other words, there is an axial space between the free end of the mounting portion and the anti-rotation means of the target holder.

[0011] According to the second general feature, the anti-rotation component of the target holder extends into the complementary anti-rotation component of the first ring. Alternatively, the complementary anti-rotation component of the first ring may extend into the anti-rotation component of the target holder.

[0012] The complementary anti-rotation component of the first ring of the bearing may be formed on the side of the first ring and / or may extend from the side of the first ring.

[0013] Preferably, both the complementary anti-rotation component of the first ring of the bearing and the anti-rotation component of the target retainer extend over a limited angular sector in the circumferential direction. In other words, the anti-rotation component of the first ring and the target retainer are not annular. Therefore, any relative rotation between the pulse ring and the first ring is prevented by abutment in the circumferential direction.

[0014] The mounting part of the target retainer can be fixed into a groove formed in the cylindrical surface of the first ring of the bearing.

[0015] In one embodiment, the mounting portion of the target holder extends only axially.

[0016] In another embodiment, the target holder further includes an additional anti-rotation member, which is disposed at least at the free end of the mounting portion and mates with the first-circle additional complementary anti-rotation member. The additional anti-rotation member of the target holder may be formed at least partially by a portion of the mounting portion and the free end, which bends into an annular groove forming the first-circle additional complementary anti-rotation member.

[0017] According to the first design, the complementary anti-rotation component of the first ring of the bearing includes at least one anti-rotation recess.

[0018] In one embodiment, the anti-rotation recess of the first ring of the bearing includes at least one slot formed on the side of the first ring, and the target retainer of the pulse ring includes at least one lug extending into the slot, the lug at least partially forming the anti-rotation component of the target retainer. The slot and the lug may extend axially. Alternatively, the slot and the lug may extend obliquely.

[0019] In another embodiment, the anti-rotation recess of the first ring of the bearing includes at least one axial groove extending axially from the side of the first ring along the cylindrical surface of the first ring. The target retainer of the pulse ring includes at least one boss extending into the axial groove and having a complementary shape, the boss at least partially forming the anti-rotation component of the target retainer. The anti-rotation recess of the first ring may include a plurality of axial grooves spaced apart in the circumferential direction, and the target retainer includes a plurality of bosses, each extending into one of the axial grooves.

[0020] Alternatively, or in combination, the anti-rotation recess of the first ring of the bearing may include at least one radial groove formed on the side of the first ring, and the target retainer includes at least one boss extending into the radial groove and having a complementary shape, the boss at least partially forming the anti-rotation component of the target retainer. The anti-rotation recess of the first ring may include a plurality of radial grooves spaced apart in the circumferential direction, and the target retainer includes a plurality of bosses, each extending into one of the radial grooves.

[0021] In another embodiment, the anti-rotation recess of the first ring of the bearing may include an eccentric groove formed on the side of the first ring, and the target retainer includes an eccentric rib extending into the eccentric groove and having a complementary shape, the eccentric rib at least partially forming the anti-rotation component of the target retainer.

[0022] According to the second design, the anti-rotation component of the target holder includes at least one anti-rotation recess.

[0023] In one embodiment, the anti-rotation recess of the target retainer includes at least one slot, and the side of the first ring of the bearing includes at least one lug extending from the side into the slot. The slot and the lug may extend axially. Alternatively, the slot and the lug may extend obliquely.

[0024] In another embodiment, the anti-rotation recess of the target retainer includes at least one axial groove extending along a cylindrical surface of the target retainer, and the first ring of the bearing includes at least one boss extending into the axial groove and having a complementary shape, the boss extending from the side of the first ring.

[0025] Alternatively or in combination, the anti-rotation recess of the target retainer includes at least one radial groove, and the side of the first ring of the bearing includes at least one boss extending into the radial groove and having a complementary shape, the boss extending from the side of the first ring.

[0026] In another embodiment, the anti-rotation recess of the target retainer may include an eccentric groove, and the side of the first ring of the bearing includes an eccentric rib extending into the eccentric groove and having a complementary shape, the eccentric rib extending from the side of the first ring.

[0027] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a sensor bearing unit as described above, wherein the target retainer is fixed to the first ring only by axial press fitting.

[0028] In one embodiment, the anti-rotation component of the pulse ring or the complementary anti-rotation component of the first ring can be formed during the axial press-fitting step. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The invention and its advantages will be better understood by studying the detailed description of specific embodiments given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 This is an axial cross-sectional view of the sensor bearing unit according to a first example of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Detailed view,

[0032] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Detailed view of the bearings of the sensor bearing unit.

[0033] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a detailed view of the sensor bearing unit according to a second example of the present invention.

[0034] Figures 6 to 8 This is a detailed view of the sensor bearing unit according to a third example of the present invention.

[0035] Figures 9 to 11 This is a detailed view of the sensor bearing unit according to the fourth example of the present invention, and

[0036] Figure 12 This is a detailed view of the sensor bearing unit according to the fifth example of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The sensor bearing unit 10 shown is suitable for equipping devices such as motors, braking systems, suspension systems or any rotating machinery, and is particularly suitable for motor vehicles.

[0038] The sensor bearing unit 10 includes a bearing 12 and an impulse ring 14 mounted on the bearing.

[0039] Bearing 12 includes a first ring 16 and a second ring 18. In the example shown, the first ring 16 is the inner ring, and the second ring 18 is the outer ring. The inner ring 16 and the outer ring 18 are concentric and extend axially along the bearing rotation axis X-X', which extends in the axial direction. The inner ring 16 and the outer ring 18 are made of steel.

[0040] In the example shown, bearing 12 also includes a row of rolling elements 20, positioned between raceways (unmarked) formed on the inner ring 16 and raceways (unmarked) formed on the outer ring 18. The rolling elements 20 are arranged in the form of balls. The rolling bearing 12 also includes a cage 22 for maintaining a regular circumferential spacing of the rolling elements 20.

[0041] The inner ring 16 of the bearing is used for mounting on the shaft of the equipment to track the rotation of the shaft. The inner ring 16 is used for rotation, while the outer ring 18 is used for fixing. The outer ring 18 can be mounted in a fixed support member or housing belonging to the equipment.

[0042] The inner ring 16 includes a cylindrical inner surface or hole 16a and a cylindrical outer surface 16b that is radially opposite to the hole 16a. The toroidal circular raceway for the rolling element 20 is formed by the cylindrical outer surface 16b, which points radially outward.

[0043] The inner ring 16 also includes two opposing radial faces 16c and 16d, which define the hole 16a and the outer surface 16b of the ring in the axial direction.

[0044] The inner ring 16 also includes a cylindrical groove 16e formed in the bore 16a. The groove 16e is centered on the axis X-X'. The diameter of the bore 16a is smaller than the diameter of the groove 16e. The groove 16e opens on the radial side 16d.

[0045] The pulse ring 14 is mounted on the inner ring 16. The pulse ring 14 includes: an annular target holder 30; and a target 32 ​​mounted on the target holder.

[0046] The target retainer 30 is axially fixed to the inner ring 16 of the bearing. The target retainer 30 is installed in the bore 16a of the inner ring of the bearing. The target retainer 30 is mounted axially against the side 16d of the inner ring.

[0047] The target retainer 30 includes: an annular radial portion 30a; an annular outer axial portion 30b that radially surrounds the bearing 12; and an annular inner axial portion 30c that is fixed to the inner ring 16 and defines a hole in the target retainer.

[0048] A radial portion 30a extends between an outer axial portion 30b and an inner axial portion 30c. The radial portion 30a extends radially outward from the inner portion 30c. The radial portion 30a abuts axially against the radial side 16d of the inner ring. In the example shown, the radial portion 30a of the target retainer is provided with a truncated conical portion that is inclined relative to the axis X-X' in the opposite direction to the bearing 12. The truncated conical portion prevents any interference between the target retainer 30 and the outer ring 18 of the bearing.

[0049] The outer axial portion 30b is radially positioned above the outer ring 18 of the bearing. The outer axial portion 30b extends radially beyond the large-diameter edge of the radial portion 30a.

[0050] The inner portion 30c of the target retainer is installed into the bore 16a of the inner ring of the bearing. The inner portion 30c is fixed into the bore 16a. More precisely, the inner portion 30c is installed and fixed into the groove 16e of the bore.

[0051] As previously described, the target retainer 30 is axially fixed to the inner ring 16. For example, the inner portion 30c of the target retainer can be fixed to the hole 16a of the inner ring 16 by axial press-fitting. The inner portion 30c forms the mounting portion of the target retainer 30. Here, the inner portion 30c extends only axially. The free end 35 of the inner portion 30c is positioned in the hole 16a of the inner ring, more precisely, in the groove 16e of the hole. The free end 35 forms the frontal face of the inner portion 30c. The free end 35 is axially positioned on the side opposite to the radial portion 30a.

[0052] The target retainer 30 can also be angularly fixed to the inner ring 16 to rotatably secure the target retainer and the inner ring 16. In this case, the inner portion 30c of the target retainer can be fixed to the hole 16a, for example, by snapping, gluing, welding, radial crimping, or any other suitable method.

[0053] As will be described later, the target retainer 30 also includes a lug 36 to prevent angular movement relative to the inner ring 16 of the bearing.

[0054] In the disclosed example, the target retainer 30 is made as a single piece (or integral unit). The target retainer 30 may be made of metal or plastic and formed by stamping or any other suitable process.

[0055] The target 32 ​​is mounted on the outer axial portion 30b of the target holder. In the disclosed example, the target 32 ​​is mounted into a hole in the outer axial portion 30b. Alternatively, the target 32 ​​may be mounted on the outer surface of the outer axial portion 30b.

[0056] In this embodiment, the target 32 ​​includes alternating magnetic north and south poles. The target 32 ​​is multi-polarly magnetized in the circumferential direction. The target 32 ​​may be a plastic molded (or molded) part. The target 32 ​​may be overmolded onto the target holder 30. Alternatively, the target 32 ​​may be formed separately and attached to the target holder 30 by any suitable means, for example, by bonding or press fitting. The target 32 ​​may be formed from a rubber material with magnetic powder, a magnetic alloy, a plasto-ferrite, or an elasto-ferrite.

[0057] A detection element (not shown) is associated with target 32 ​​for tracking the rotation of pulse ring 14 and inner ring 16 about axis X-X'. The detection element is arranged radially facing the inner surface of target 32. For example, the detection element may include a Hall effect sensor. Target 32 ​​is a radial target. Alternatively, the target may be an axial target.

[0058] As an alternative, the target 32 ​​and the detection component can use any other suitable technology instead of magnetic technology. For example, inductive technology or optical technology can be implemented.

[0059] As previously described, the target retainer 30 includes a lug 36 to form an anti-rotation means. The lug 36 extends from the radial portion 30a of the target retainer toward the inner ring 16 of the bearing. The lug 36 extends axially toward the inner ring 16.

[0060] Lug 36 is arranged around the interior portion 30c of the target holder. Lug 36 is formed near the inner edge of the radial portion 30a of the target holder. Lug 36 is axially spaced from the free end 35 of the inner portion 30c. Lug 36 is axially spaced from the free end 35 toward the radial portion 30a of the target holder.

[0061] In the example shown, the target retainer 30 includes a plurality of lugs 36. The lugs 36 are identical to each other. The lugs 36 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, preferably regularly spaced. Here, the target retainer 30 includes at least two lugs. In another variation, the target retainer 30 may include only one lug 36.

[0062] Each lug 36 of the target retainer extends axially into a slot 38, which is formed on the side 16d of the inner ring. Each slot 38 extends axially from the side 16d into the thickness of the inner ring. Each slot 38 is oriented axially toward the radial portion 30a of the target retainer. In the example shown, each slot 38 radially leads to the groove 16e of the hole. Alternatively, each slot 38 may not radially lead to the groove 16e. In this case, there is a radial wall between the groove 16e and each slot 38. The slots 38 are identical to each other.

[0063] Each slot 38 extends in a finite angular sector in the circumferential direction. The circumferential dimension of each slot 38 is approximately equal to the circumferential dimension of the associated lug 36. Each slot 38 is provided with two sidewalls 38a, 38b facing each other in the circumferential direction. Figure 3 Sidewalls 38a and 38b define the slot in the circumferential direction.

[0064] Any relative rotation of the target retainer 30 relative to the inner ring 16 is prevented by the abutment of each lug 36 against the sidewalls 38a, 38b of the associated slot 38.

[0065] The lug 36 of the target retainer forms a local anti-rotation component, which engages (or cooperates) with the slot 38 of the inner ring that forms a local complementary anti-rotation component in a circumferential contact.

[0066] Figure 4 and Figure 5 (The same parts are given the same reference numerals.) The second example shown differs from the first example in that the lug 40 of the target retainer 30 extends obliquely toward the inner ring 16 of the bearing, rather than extending axially. Only the orientation of the lug 40 differs from the first example.

[0067] Each lug 40 of the target retainer extends into a slot 42 extending from the side 16d of the inner ring. Each slot 42 extends obliquely inward from the side 16d. In the example shown, each slot 42 leads to a groove 16e of the hole.

[0068] Similar to the inner ring slots in the first example, each slot 42 extends in a finite angular sector in the circumferential direction. The circumferential dimension of each slot 42 is substantially equal to the circumferential dimension of the associated lug 40. Each slot 42 is provided with two sidewalls 42a, 42b facing each other in the circumferential direction. The sidewalls 42a, 42b define the slot in the circumferential direction.

[0069] Figures 6 to 8 The third example shown (where the same parts are given the same reference numerals) differs from the previous example in that the local anti-rotation component of the inner ring 16 cooperates with the local anti-rotation component provided on the inner part 30c of the target holder.

[0070] In this example, the anti-rotation component of the inner ring 16 includes a plurality of axial grooves 44 extending axially from the side 16d of the inner ring along the cylindrical groove 16e of the hole. Each groove 44 is radially oriented toward the interior of the target retainer at a point 30c. The grooves 44 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, preferably regularly spaced.

[0071] Each slot 44 extends in a finite angular sector in the circumferential direction. Each slot 44 is provided with two sidewalls 44a, 44b facing each other in the circumferential direction. The sidewalls 44a, 44b define the slot in the circumferential direction.

[0072] The inner portion 30c of the target retainer includes a plurality of axial bosses 46, each axial boss 46 extending radially into one of the axial grooves 44 and having complementary shapes. The bosses 46 form an anti-rotation component of the target retainer. The bosses 46 extend outward from the inner portion 30c of the target retainer. The bosses 46 extend outward from the outer surface of the inner portion 30c. The bosses 46 project radially outward. The bosses 46 extend axially along the inner portion 30c of the target retainer. The bosses 46 are axially spaced from the free end 35 of the inner portion 30c. The bosses 46 are axially spaced from the free end 35 toward the radial portion 30a of the target retainer.

[0073] Any relative rotation of the target retainer 30 relative to the inner ring 16 is prevented by the abutment of each boss 46 against the sidewalls 44a, 44b of the associated groove in the circumferential direction.

[0074] In the example shown, the inner ring 16 and the target retainer 30 each include a plurality of axial grooves 44 and bosses 46. Alternatively, the inner ring 16 and the target retainer 30 may include only one groove 44 and one boss 46.

[0075] exist Figures 9 to 11 (In the fourth example shown, where identical parts are given the same reference numerals) the anti-rotation component of the inner ring 16 includes a plurality of radial grooves 48 formed on the side surface 16d of the inner ring. Each groove 48 extends radially on the side surface 16d. Each groove 48 is oriented axially toward the radial portion 30a of the target retainer. The grooves 48 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, preferably regularly spaced.

[0076] Each slot 48 extends in a finite angular sector in the circumferential direction. Each slot 48 is provided with two sidewalls 48a, 48b facing each other in the circumferential direction. The sidewalls 48a, 48b define the slot in the circumferential direction.

[0077] The target retainer 30 includes a plurality of radial bosses 50, each radial boss 50 extending axially into one of the radial slots 48 and having complementary shapes. The bosses 50 form anti-rotation components of the target retainer 30. The bosses 50 extend outwardly from the radial portion 30a of the target retainer. The bosses 50 project axially. The bosses 50 extend radially along the radial portion 30a of the target retainer. The bosses 50 are axially spaced from the free end 35 of the inner portion.

[0078] Any relative rotation of the target retainer 30 relative to the inner ring 16 is prevented by the abutment of each boss 50 against the sidewalls 48a, 48b of the associated groove in the circumferential direction.

[0079] In the example shown, the inner ring 16 and the target retainer 30 each include a plurality of radial grooves 48 and a boss 50. Alternatively, the inner ring 16 and the target retainer 30 may include only one groove 48 and one boss 50.

[0080] In another embodiment, the inner ring 16 of the bearing may include an axial groove 44 and a radial groove 48 as disclosed in the third and fourth examples. In this case, the target retainer 30 also includes bosses 46 and 50.

[0081] exist Figure 12 (In the fifth example shown, where identical parts are given the same reference numerals) the inner ring 16 of the bearing includes an annular eccentric groove 52 formed on the side 16d of the inner ring. The center of the eccentric groove 52 is offset radially relative to the axis of rotation of the bearing. The eccentric groove 52 is oriented axially toward the radial portion 30a of the target retainer.

[0082] The target retainer 30 includes an annular eccentric rib (or eccentric protrusion) 54, which extends axially into the eccentric groove 52 and has a complementary shape. The rib 54 extends outward from the radial portion 30a of the target retainer. The rib 54 projects axially. The rib 54 is axially spaced from the free end 35 of the inner portion.

[0083] Any relative rotation of the target retainer 30 with respect to the inner ring 16 is prevented by wedging the eccentric rib 54 into the eccentric groove 52.

[0084] The eccentric rib 54 of the target retainer forms an annular anti-rotation component, which engages with the eccentric groove 52 of the inner ring forming an annular complementary anti-rotation component.

[0085] In the example shown, the sensor bearing unit is provided with a rolling bearing, which includes a row of rolling elements. Alternatively, the rolling bearing may include at least two rows of rolling elements. In the example shown, the rolling elements are balls. Alternatively, the rolling bearing may include other types of rolling elements, such as rollers. In another variation, the rolling bearing may also be provided as a sliding bearing without rolling elements.

[0086] Additionally, as mentioned earlier, in these illustrated examples, the first ring of the rolling bearing is the inner ring, and the second ring is the outer ring. Alternatively, the configuration could be reversed, with the first ring forming the outer ring and the second ring forming the inner ring. In this case, the target retainer is fixed to the outer ring.

Claims

1. A sensor bearing unit (10), comprising: - Bearing (12), comprising a first ring (16) and a second ring (18) centered on the axis (X-X'); as well as - A pulse ring (14) is provided with a target holder (30) and a target (32) mounted on the target holder. The target holder (30) includes a mounting portion (30c) fixed to a first ring (16) of the bearing. The target holder (30) is characterized in that it includes at least an anti-rotation component (36; 40; 46; 50; 54), which is axially spaced from the free end (35) of the mounting portion (30c) and engages with a complementary anti-rotation component (38; 42, 44; 48; 52) of the first ring to prevent angular movement of the pulse ring (14) relative to the first ring (16). The anti-rotation component (36; 40; 46; 50; 54) of the target holder extends into, or vice versa, the complementary anti-rotation component (38; 42; 44; 48; 52) of the first ring. The complementary anti-rotation components (38; 42; 44; 48; 52) of the first ring of the bearing include at least one anti-rotation recess. The anti-rotation recess includes at least one radial groove (48) formed on the side (16d) of the first ring of the bearing. The target retainer (30) includes at least one boss (50) extending into the radial groove (48) and having a complementary shape. The boss (50) at least partially forms the anti-rotation component of the target retainer. The anti-rotation recess includes an eccentric groove (52) formed on the side (16d) of the first ring of the bearing, and the target retainer (30) includes an eccentric rib (54) extending into the eccentric groove (52) and having a complementary shape, the eccentric rib (54) at least partially forming an anti-rotation component of the target retainer.

2. The sensor bearing unit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The complementary anti-rotation components (38; 42; 44; 48; 52) of the first ring of the bearing are formed on the side (16d) of the first ring and / or extend from the side of the first ring.

3. The sensor bearing unit (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The complementary anti-rotation components (38; 42; 44; 48) of the first ring of the bearing and the anti-rotation components (36; 40; 46; 50; 54) of the target retainer extend in a limited angular sector in the circumferential direction.

4. The sensor bearing unit (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The mounting portion (30c) of the target retainer is fixed into a groove (16e), which is formed in the cylindrical surface of the first ring (16) of the bearing.

5. The sensor bearing unit (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The mounting portion (30c) of the target holder extends only in the axial direction.

6. The sensor bearing unit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anti-rotation recess includes at least one slot (38; 42) formed on the side (16d) of the first ring of the bearing, and the target retainer (30) of the pulse ring includes at least one lug (36; 40) extending into the slot (38; 42), the lug (36; 40) at least partially forming the anti-rotation component of the target retainer.

7. The sensor bearing unit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anti-rotation recess includes at least one axial groove (44) extending axially from the side (16d) of the first ring of the bearing along the cylindrical surface (16a) of the first ring. The target retainer (30) of the pulse ring includes at least one boss (46) extending into the axial groove (44) and having a complementary shape. The boss (46) at least partially forms the anti-rotation component of the target retainer.

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