Vehicle wheel support device

Abstract

The invention provides a wheel support device for a vehicle, which can realize the generalization of components. A vehicle wheel support device (10) is provided with: a hub bearing (12) that rotatably supports a wheel (W); a hub bracket (11) that supports the hub bearing (12); a sensor (13) that detects the rotation state of the wheel (W); a cover member (14) that prevents foreign matter from entering the inside of the hub bearing (12); and a shielding plate (15) which isolates the sensor (13) from foreign matters. A shutter (15) of the vehicle wheel support device (10) is fixed to the cover member (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wheel supporting device for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, there is known a configuration of a steering knuckle (a form of a hub carrier), a hub bearing, a drive shaft, and a shield plate as disclosed in Patent Document 1. The conventional configuration is a configuration in a drive wheel, the drive shaft is connected to a rotating shaft body of a hub bearing supported by a hub carrier, and the shield plate is fixed to the drive shaft.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-071339

[0004] On the driving wheel side, there is a case where a sensor for detecting the rotation state of the wheel is fixed to the wheel hub carrier. Here, the wheel hub carrier is arranged in an environment where foreign matter such as water, sand, mud, etc. is particularly likely to enter from the inside of the vehicle (the side opposite to the outside of the vehicle where the wheel is connected to the rotating shaft body) in the left-right direction of the vehicle as the vehicle travels. Therefore, the sensor fixed to the wheel hub carrier is arranged in an environment where foreign matter is likely to adhere.

[0005] Here, even in an environment where foreign matter is easily attached, the sensor is required to maintain good detection accuracy. Therefore, the shield provided on the drive wheel is fixed to the drive shaft arranged at a position closer to the inside of the vehicle than the wheel carrier to prevent foreign matter from adhering to the sensor arranged opposite to the wheel bearing.

[0006] However, for the driven wheel without a drive shaft, it is also necessary to prevent foreign matter from adhering to the sensor, so as to detect the rotation state of the wheel with good detection accuracy. However, for the driven wheel, the shield plate cannot be fixed and arranged on the above-mentioned drive shaft.

[0007] Therefore, for example, in the case where the sensor is also fixed to the hub carrier in the driven wheel as in the driving wheel, there is a case where a dedicated hub carrier is used which is arranged on the driven wheel. In this case, the dedicated hub carrier is blocked at the receiving hole portion for receiving the hub bearing on the vehicle inner side. When the dedicated hub carrier is used, the receiving hole portion is blocked in the driven wheel to prevent foreign matter from attaching to the sensor.

[0008] In addition, when a dedicated hub carrier is not used, for example, a cover member is provided to protect the inner structure of the hub bearing, such as the outer ring, rolling element, and inner ring. In this case, at least the detection part of the sensor is embedded in the inner side of the cover member. When the cover member is provided, the sensor is embedded in the cover member to prevent foreign matter from adhering to the sensor.

[0009] In this way, in order to prevent foreign matter from adhering to the sensor, the specifications of the hub bracket on the driving wheel side and the driven wheel side may be different. In addition, when the sensor is fixed to the hub bracket on the driving wheel side and the sensor is fixed to the cover component on the driven wheel side, the specifications of the hub bracket and the sensor may be different, and the specifications of the wiring harness, connector, etc. connected to the sensor may also be different. That is, in the past, the hub bracket, sensor, wiring harness, and connector were produced and managed as different components for the driving wheel side and the driven wheel side, and each assembly operation was required. Therefore, there is still room for improvement in preventing foreign matter from adhering to the sensor while achieving commonality of components. Summary of the invention

[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle wheel supporting device capable of realizing commonality of components.

[0011] The vehicle wheel support device disclosed in the present invention comprises: a hub bearing, which supports the wheel so that it can rotate; a hub bracket, which supports the hub bearing; a sensor, which detects the rotation state of the wheel; a cover component, which prevents foreign matter from entering the interior of the hub bearing; and a shield plate, which isolates the above-mentioned sensor from foreign matter, and the shield plate is fixed to the cover component.

[0012] According to the vehicle wheel support device disclosed in the present invention, the shield plate can be fixed to the cover component. Therefore, the shield plate can also be used for the driven wheel that does not have a drive shaft. Therefore, for the driven wheel, the shield plate can also isolate the detection part of the sensor from foreign matter, thereby preventing the foreign matter from adhering to the sensor. Moreover, since the shield plate can prevent foreign matter from adhering to the sensor, for the driven wheel, the sensor can also be fixed to the hub bracket. Therefore, according to the vehicle wheel support device disclosed in the present invention, for the drive wheel and the driven wheel, the common hub bracket, sensor, wiring harness and connector can also be made common through the common shield plate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a vehicle wheel support device in a driving wheel.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of a wheel support device for a vehicle in a driven wheel.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of a cover member.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of a shield plate.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining how the shield plate on the driven wheel side prevents entry of foreign matter.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a diagram for explaining the structure of a shield plate according to a modified example.

[0019] Description of reference numerals:

[0020] 10…wheel supporting device for a vehicle; 11…wheel hub bracket; 111…accommodating hole portion; 112…fixing portion; 12…wheel hub bearing; 12, 121…outer ring; 122…inner ring (rotating shaft body); 123…rolling element; 124…hub shaft (rotating shaft body); 13…sensor; 131…detecting portion; 14…cover component; 141…large diameter portion; 142…step portion (prescribed position); 15…shield; 151…cylindrical portion; 152…circular plate portion; 153…return portion; 154…circular plate portion; W…wheel; W1…wheel; D…drive shaft; D1…step portion (prescribed position); B…brake disc. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure, that is, a vehicle wheel supporting device, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0022] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle wheel support device 10 of the present embodiment includes a hub carrier 11 and a hub bearing 12. In addition, the vehicle wheel support device 10 includes a sensor 13, a cover member 14, and a shield plate 15.

[0023] The hub carrier 11 includes a receiving hole 111 for receiving a part of the hub bearing 12. Thus, the hub carrier 11 supports the hub bearing 12 in a state where the hub bearing 12 is received in the receiving hole 111. Here, when the hub carrier 11 is provided on a steering wheel of a vehicle, it is sometimes referred to as a "steering knuckle". In addition, in the following description, the steering wheel and the non-steering wheel are not distinguished and are referred to as the "hub carrier 11" for description.

[0024] In addition, the hub carrier 11 is provided with a fixing portion 112 for inserting a rod-shaped sensor 13 (hereinafter, also referred to as a "rod-type sensor 13") described later, and fixing the sensor 13 in a state where the front end portion thereof protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the receiving hole 111. Thus, when the rod-type sensor 13 is fixed to the fixing portion 112, the detection portion 131 provided at the front end portion of the rod-type sensor 13 is in a state where it protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the receiving hole 111.

[0025] The hub bearing 12 includes an outer ring 121, an inner ring 122, rolling elements 123, and a hub shaft 124. Here, the inner ring 122 and the hub shaft 124 constitute a "rotating shaft body". In addition, in the present embodiment, the case where the hub bearing 12 includes the rolling elements 123 is exemplified. However, in the hub bearing 12, for example, rolling rollers may be provided instead of the rolling elements 123.

[0026] The outer ring 121 is fixed to the hub carrier 11 by bolts (not shown). The inner ring 122 and the inner circumference of the outer ring 121 allow the rolling element 123 on one side to roll. The hub shaft 124 is connected to the inner ring 122 and allows the rolling element 123 on the other side to roll on the inner circumference of the outer ring 121.

[0027] The hub shaft 124 has a front end portion on the vehicle outer side in the left-right direction of the vehicle (located on the outer side of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction), and is fastened to the wheel W1 constituting the wheel W by bolts and nuts (not shown) so as to sandwich the brake disc B. Thus, the hub bearing 12 rotatably supports the wheel W (wheel W1) via the inner ring 122 as a rotating shaft body and the hub shaft 124.

[0028] Here, if Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle wheel support device 10 includes a drive shaft D when supporting a wheel driven by a driving force source M such as a motor or an internal combustion engine mounted on the vehicle, that is, a driving wheel. In this case, one end of the drive shaft D is connected to the driving force source M, and the other end is connected to a hub shaft 124 constituting a rotating shaft body of the hub bearing 12.

[0029] Therefore, in this case, the hub bearing 12 constitutes a driving wheel. In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the drive shaft D is connected to the hub shaft 124 is exemplified for explanation. However, since the inner ring 122 and the hub shaft 124 are connected to each other, for example, the drive shaft D may be connected to the inner ring 122.

[0030] The hub axle 124 on the driving wheel side is provided with a spline hole 125 in the central portion for inserting the drive shaft D, thereby transmitting the driving force from the driving force source M. Thus, the hub axle 124 on the driving wheel side can transmit the driving force from the driving force source M to the wheel W1, that is, the wheel W, by spline engagement with the drive shaft D.

[0031] In addition, the hub bearing 12 provided on the driving wheel side is provided with an annular seal 126 for isolating the space S that allows foreign matter such as water, sand, and mud to enter from the inside of the hub bearing 12. That is, the annular seal 126 prevents foreign matter from entering between the outer ring 121 and the inner ring 122 so as not to hinder the rolling of the rolling element 123. Thus, the hub bearing 12 on the driving wheel side is protected by the annular seal 126 to protect the internal structure.

[0032] Here, the space S can be exemplified as a space inside the tire chamber that accommodates the wheel W of the vehicle, which is closer to the vehicle interior than the wheel W1, that is, the wheel W (located on the vehicle interior in the vehicle width direction). More specifically, the space S can be exemplified as a space inside the tire chamber that is closer to the vehicle interior than the end of the hub bearing 12 accommodated in the accommodation hole 111 of the hub carrier 11. For example, the space S allows the following situation: the wheel W rotates with the travel of the vehicle and rolls up foreign matter on the road surface, so that the foreign matter enters the space S.

[0033] On the other hand, Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle wheel support device 10 does not include a drive shaft D when supporting a wheel that is not driven by a driving force source M, that is, a driven wheel. In this case, the hub bearing 12 is not connected to the drive shaft D. Therefore, the hub shaft 124 on the driven wheel side is not provided with a spline hole 125, but is formed into a solid shape. Therefore, in this case, the hub bearing 12 constitutes a part of the driven wheel.

[0034] In addition, in the hub bearing 12 provided on the driven wheel side, a cover member 14 is installed in a liquid-tight manner in order to isolate the space S that allows foreign matter to enter from the inside of the hub bearing 12. That is, the cover member 14 prevents foreign matter from entering between the outer ring 121 and the inner ring 122 so as not to hinder the rolling of the rolling element 123. Thus, the hub bearing 12 on the driven wheel side is protected by the cover member 14.

[0035] In addition, if Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a magnetized pulse ring 127 is provided on the hub bearing 12. The magnetized pulse ring 127 is a multi-pole magnet having N poles and S poles alternately magnetized radially on a ring-shaped base. The magnetized pulse ring 127 faces the vehicle inner side of the hub bearing 12, and more specifically, faces the inside of the receiving hole 111 of the hub carrier 11.

[0036] More specifically, on the drive wheel side, as Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the magnetized pulse ring 127 is arranged at a position closer to the vehicle interior than the annular seal 126. Therefore, on the driving wheel side, the magnetized pulse ring 127 is directly opposite to the detection part 131 of the rod sensor 13. Figure 2 As shown, the magnetized pulsar ring 127 is arranged on the vehicle outer side than the attached cover member 14, that is, arranged on the inner side of the cover member 14. Therefore, on the driven wheel side, the magnetized pulsar ring 127 faces the detection part 131 of the rod sensor 13 via the cover member 14.

[0037] The sensor 13 detects the rotation state of the inner ring 122 or the hub shaft 124 constituting the rotating shaft of the hub bearing 12. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the sensor 13 of this embodiment detects the rotation state of the inner ring 122 constituting the rotating shaft body of the hub bearing 12 around the axis, in other words, detects the rotation state of the wheel W. Here, as the sensor 13, for example, a wheel speed sensor that detects the wheel speed can be exemplified. In the following, the case where the sensor 13 is a wheel speed sensor is described, but the sensor 13 may also be a sensor that detects other physical quantities.

[0038] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the rod sensor 13 has a detection portion 131 for detecting the rotation state at the front end. The detection portion 131 protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the receiving hole portion 111 when the rod sensor 13 is fixed to the fixing portion 112 of the hub bracket 11. In addition, the detection portion 131 has a predetermined gap, that is, an air gap, and faces the magnetized pulse ring 127 provided on the hub bearing 12. Thus, the rod sensor 13 detects the change in magnetic flux density and converts the detected change in magnetic flux density into the rotation speed of the wheel W, that is, the wheel speed.

[0039] The cover member 14 is formed into a disc shape and is mounted on the hub bearing 12 on the driven wheel side. Figure 2 As shown, the cover member 14 prevents foreign matter from entering the interior of the hub bearing 12 from the space S.

[0040] The cover member 14 is formed, for example, by punching a thin steel plate using a forming die. Figure 3 As shown, the cover member 14 has a large diameter portion 141 and a step portion 142. The large diameter portion 141 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 121 of the hub bearing 12. Thus, the cover member 14 prevents foreign matter from entering the inside of the hub bearing 12.

[0041] In addition, as in Figure 3 As shown by the dotted line in the figure, the outer diameter of the step portion 142 formed to be smaller than the large diameter portion 141 is formed to be the same size as the outer diameter of the step portion D1 of the drive shaft D. Moreover, the step portion 142 is located at a predetermined position of the cover member 14. Therefore, on the driven wheel side, the shield plate 15 is fixed to the step portion 142 of the cover member 14. Here, the step portion D1 of the drive shaft D is set at a predetermined position in the axial direction. Therefore, on the drive wheel side, the shield plate 15 is fixed to the step portion D1 of the drive shaft D.

[0042] The shield plate 15 is formed into a circular ring shape and is arranged in a manner to isolate the detection portion 131 of the rod-type sensor 13 fixed to the hub carrier 11 in the space S. The shield plate 15 is fixed to the step portion D1 of the drive shaft D on the driving wheel side. On the other hand, the shield plate 15 is fixed to the step portion 142 of the cover member 14 on the driven wheel side. Here, the shield plate 15 fixed to the step portion D1 of the drive shaft D on the driving wheel side and the shield plate 15 fixed to the step portion 142 of the cover member 14 on the driven wheel side have the same shape.

[0043] The shield plate 15 is formed, for example, by stamping a thin steel plate using a forming die. Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the shield plate 15 includes a cylindrical portion 151, a disc portion 152, and a return portion 153. As described below, the shield plate 15 of this embodiment includes the disc portion 152 extending radially outward from the end portion of the cylindrical portion 151 on the vehicle inner side, and the return portion 153 extending axially from the outer peripheral edge of the disc portion 152 on the radial outer side toward the vehicle inner side.

[0044] The inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 151 is formed to be slightly smaller than the outer diameters of the step portion D1 and the step portion 142. That is, the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 151 is formed to have an interference fit so as to be able to fit with the step portion D1 and the step portion 142.

[0045] Thus, the shield plate 15 of this embodiment is fixed by fitting the cylindrical portion 151 with the step portion D1 and the step portion 142, for example, the cylindrical portion 151 is pressed in. By forming the outer diameters of the step portion D1 and the step portion 142 to the same size, the shield plate 15 can be made common to the driving wheel and the driven wheel.

[0046] The circular plate portion 152 is connected to the cylindrical portion 151 in a manner of being erected relative to the cylindrical portion 151. Thus, the circular plate portion 152 covers the side of the detection portion 131 of the rod-type sensor 13 in the space S in a manner of isolating the detection portion 131 while the cylindrical portion 151 is fixed to the step portion D1 or the step portion 142. Therefore, the circular plate portion 152 prevents foreign matter that is scattered toward the detection portion 131 of the rod-type sensor 13 in the space S from being attached to the detection portion 131.

[0047] The return portion 153 is provided along the outer circumference of the disk portion 152. The return portion 153 is provided upright relative to the disk portion 152, that is, connected to the disk portion 152 in a coaxial manner with the cylinder portion 151. Thus, the return portion 153 rebounds foreign matter that enters from the space S toward the detection portion 131 of the rod sensor 13.

[0048] In addition, in this embodiment, the shield plate 15 is exemplified as including the return portion 153 . However, the return portion 153 may be omitted as necessary. That is, in this case, the shield plate 15 is composed of the cylindrical portion 151 and the circular plate portion 152 .

[0049] The vehicle wheel support device 10 constructed in this way is provided on the driving wheel side. Figure 1 As shown, the shield plate 15 is pressed into the step portion D1 of the drive shaft D and fixed. Figure 1 As indicated by the thick arrow in the figure, the shield plate 15 prevents foreign matter scattered in the space S from entering toward the detection portion 131 of the rod-type sensor 13 .

[0050] That is, the circular plate portion 152 and the return portion 153 formed on the shield plate 15 hinder the entry of foreign matter and prevent the foreign matter from reaching the detection portion 131. As a result, on the driving wheel side, foreign matter is unlikely to be present in the detection portion 131 of the rod-type sensor 13, especially in the air gap set between the detection portion 131 and the magnetized pulse ring 127. As a result, it is possible to prevent the detection accuracy of the rod-type sensor 13 from being deteriorated.

[0051] On the other hand, the vehicle wheel support device 10 is on the driven wheel side, such as Figure 5 As shown, the shield plate 15 is pressed into the step portion 142 of the cover member 14 and fixed. Figure 5 As shown by the thick arrow in FIG. 1 , the cover member 14 prevents foreign matter from entering the interior of the hub bearing 12 from the space S. Figure 5 As indicated by the thick arrow in the figure, the shield plate 15 fixed to the step portion 142 of the cover member 14 prevents the entry of foreign matter scattered in the space S toward the detection portion 131 of the rod-type sensor 13 .

[0052] That is, on the driven wheel side, similarly to the driving wheel side, the circular plate portion 152 and the return portion 153 formed on the shield plate 15 block the entry of foreign matter and prevent the foreign matter from reaching the detection portion 131. As a result, on the driven wheel side, foreign matter is unlikely to exist in the air gap set between the detection portion 131 and the magnetized pulse ring 127 via the large diameter portion 141 of the cover member 14. As a result, the detection accuracy of the rod-type sensor 13 can be prevented from being deteriorated.

[0053] It can also be understood from the above description that the vehicle wheel support device 10 comprises: a hub bearing 12, which supports a rotating shaft body connected to the wheel W (wheel W1), that is, a hub shaft 124 (including the connected inner ring 122) so as to be rotatable; a hub bracket 11, which has a receiving hole portion 111 for receiving a part of the hub bearing 12, and supports the hub bearing 12 in a state where the hub bearing 12 is received in the receiving hole portion 111; and a sensor 13, which is used to detect the rotation state. A detection portion 131 for detection is fixed to the fixing portion 112 of the hub bracket 11 in a state of protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the receiving hole portion 111, so that the rotation state of the inner ring 122 (including the connected hub shaft 124) around the axis can be detected; a disc-shaped cover member 14, which prevents foreign matter from entering the interior of the hub bearing 12 from a space S that allows foreign matter to enter; and an annular shield plate 15, which is configured in a manner to isolate the detection portion 131 from the space S, and the shield plate 15 is fixed to the cover member 14.

[0054] In this case, for the hub bearing 12, the hub shaft 124 (including the connected inner ring 122) is connected to the driving shaft D that transmits the driving force from the driving force source M to form a driving wheel that drives the wheel W (wheel W1), or the hub shaft 124 (including the connected inner ring 122) is not connected to the driving shaft D to form a driven wheel driven by the driving wheel, and a shield plate 15 of the same shape is fixed to the driving shaft D in the driving wheel and fixed to the cover part 14 in the driven wheel.

[0055] In this case, the shield plate 15 has a cylindrical portion 151 whose inner diameter is set so as to fit with a step portion D1 at a predetermined position in the axial direction of the drive shaft D and with a step portion 142 at a predetermined position in the cover member 14 .

[0056] In this case, the shield plate 15 is fixed by being press-fitted into the cylindrical portion 151 at the step portion D1 at a predetermined position in the axial direction of the drive shaft D and the step portion 142 at a predetermined position in the cover member 14 .

[0057] In the above case, the shield plate 15 further includes a return portion 153 on the outer peripheral edge for rebounding foreign matter entering from the space S toward the detection portion 131 .

[0058] According to the vehicle wheel support device 10, the shield plate 15 can be fixed to the step portion 142 of the cover member 14. Therefore, the shield plate 15 can also be used for a driven wheel that does not have a drive shaft D. Therefore, for the driven wheel, the shield plate 15 can also isolate the detection portion 131 of the sensor 13 in the space S that allows foreign matter to enter, thereby preventing foreign matter from adhering to the sensor 13. Moreover, since the shield plate 15 can prevent foreign matter from adhering to the sensor 13, the sensor 13 can also be fixed to the hub bracket 11 for the driven wheel. Therefore, according to the vehicle wheel support device 10, for the driving wheel and the driven wheel, by using the shield plate 15 in common, the common hub bracket 11, sensor 13, wiring harness and connector can also be made common.

[0059] Next, a modified example of the above-mentioned embodiment is described. In the modified example, Figure 6 As shown, a part of the shield plate 15 common to the driving wheel and the driven wheel is changed.

[0060] Specifically, the shield plate 15 of the modified example has a circular plate portion 154 instead of the flat circular plate portion 152 of the above-mentioned embodiment. The circular plate portion 154 is formed with a plurality of concave and convex portions along the circumferential direction. In this way, the circular plate portion 154 formed with a plurality of concave and convex portions can be rotated around the axis so that foreign matter scattered from the space S can be easily rebounded by the concave and convex portions, or foreign matter can be inhibited from adhering. As a result, foreign matter can be prevented from entering from the space S toward the detection portion 131 of the rod-type sensor 13. With respect to other effects, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment can be obtained.

Claims

1. A wheel support device for a vehicle, wherein: have: A wheel hub bearing that supports the wheel so that it can rotate; a wheel hub carrier, the wheel hub carrier supporting the wheel hub bearing; A sensor for detecting a rotation state of the wheel; a cover member that prevents foreign matter from entering the interior of the hub bearing; and a shield plate that isolates the sensor from the foreign object, The shield plate is fixed to the cover member.

2. The vehicle wheel support device according to claim 1, wherein: The wheel hub bearing is connected to the wheel by a rotating shaft connected to the wheel and a driving shaft that transmits a driving force from a driving force source to form a driving wheel that drives the wheel, or the rotating shaft is not connected to the driving shaft to form a driven wheel that is driven by the driving wheel. The shield plate having the same shape is fixed to the drive shaft in the driving wheel and is fixed to the cover member in the driven wheel.

3. The vehicle wheel support device according to claim 2, wherein: The shield plate has a cylindrical portion, and the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion is set so that the cylindrical portion can be fitted with a predetermined position in the axial direction of the drive shaft and a predetermined position in the cover member.

4. The vehicle wheel support device according to claim 3, wherein: The shield plate is fixed by being press-fitted into the cylindrical portion at a predetermined position in the axial direction of the drive shaft and at a predetermined position in the cover member.

5. The vehicle wheel support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The shield plate has a return portion at the outer periphery for rebounding the foreign matter that has entered.

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