Vehicle wheel support device

Abstract

The invention provides a vehicle wheel support device capable of reducing the number 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); and a drive shaft (20) that is an assembly member that is assembled to the hub bearing (12) and / or the hub bracket (11). Furthermore, in the vehicle wheel support device (10), the drive shaft (20) is provided with a large-diameter projection (22) which is provided along the outer peripheral surface (21A) of the shaft body (21) and which cooperates with the hub bracket (11) to prevent the entry of foreign matter toward the sensor (13).

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] In this way, when the shield plate is provided, foreign matter can be well prevented from being attached to the sensor. However, the shield plate must be provided separately, which leads to an increase in the number of parts. Summary of the invention

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle wheel support device capable of reducing the number of components.

[0008] 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; and an assembly component, which is assembled to at least one of the hub bearing and the hub bracket, and the assembly component has a large-diameter protrusion, which cooperates with the hub bracket to prevent foreign matter from entering the sensor.

[0009] According to the vehicle wheel support device disclosed in the present invention, the hub carrier and the large-diameter protrusion provided on the assembly component cooperate to prevent foreign matter from adhering to the sensor. Therefore, for the driving wheel of the vehicle, it is not necessary to prepare a shield plate for assembly, and the number of components can be reduced. Moreover, with the reduction in the number of components, that is, the omission of the shield plate, the assembly work is unnecessary, and as a result, the cost can also be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a vehicle wheel support device in a driving wheel.

[0011] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of a wheel support device for a vehicle in a driven wheel.

[0012] Figure 3 It is a diagram for explaining the structure of a hub carrier.

[0013] Figure 4 It is a diagram for explaining the structure of a drive shaft.

[0014] Figure 5 It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of a cover member.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a diagram for explaining how the small-diameter convex portion and the large-diameter convex portion on the drive wheel side are used to prevent entry of foreign matter.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a diagram for explaining how the small-diameter protrusion on the driven pulley side and the cover member are used to prevent entry of foreign matter.

[0017] Figure 8 It is a diagram for explaining the structure of a hub carrier and a drive shaft according to a first modified example.

[0018] Fig. 9 It is a diagram for explaining the structure of a hub carrier and a drive shaft according to a second modified example.

[0019] Fig.10 The third modified example is a diagram for explaining the structure of the shield plate.

[0020] Fig.11 It is a diagram for explaining a cover member according to a third modification.

[0021] Fig.12 It is a figure for demonstrating the shield plate and the cover member of the 4th modification.

[0022] Description of reference numerals:

[0023] 10…vehicle wheel support device; 11…wheel hub bracket; 111…accommodating hole portion; 111A…inner peripheral surface; 112…fixing portion; 113…small-diameter convex portion; 12…wheel hub bearing; 121…outer ring; 122…inner ring (rotating shaft body); 123…rolling element; 124…wheel hub shaft (rotating shaft body); 13…sensor; 131…detecting portion; 14…cover member (assembly member); 141…cover body (predetermined position );141A…flange portion; 142…large diameter convex portion; 143…return portion; 144…large diameter convex portion; 14A…shield member; 15…shield; 151…cylindrical portion; 152…circular plate portion; 153…return portion; 20…drive shaft (assembly member); 21…shaft body; 21A…outer peripheral surface; 22…large diameter convex portion; 23…large diameter convex portion; 24…large diameter convex portion; W…wheel; W1…wheel; B…brake disc. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure, namely, a vehicle wheel support device, will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a vehicle wheel supporting device 10 according to the present embodiment includes a hub carrier 11 , a hub bearing 12 , and a sensor 13 .

[0025] Moreover, if Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle wheel support device 10 is connected to a drive shaft 20 as an assembly member when supporting a wheel driven by a drive source M such as a motor or an internal combustion engine mounted on the vehicle, that is, a drive wheel. Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle wheel supporting device 10 is provided with a cover member 14 as an assembly component when supporting a wheel that is not driven by the driving source M, that is, not coupled to the driving shaft 20 but driven by the driving wheel, that is, a driven wheel.

[0026] like Figure 3 As shown, the hub carrier 11 includes a receiving hole portion 111 for receiving a portion 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 portion 111. Here, the hub carrier 11 is sometimes referred to as a "steering knuckle" when provided on a steering wheel of a vehicle. 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.

[0027] In addition, the hub carrier 11 is provided with a fixing portion 112 through which a rod-shaped sensor 13 (hereinafter, also referred to as a "rod-type sensor 13") described later is inserted, and the sensor 13 is fixed in a state where the front end portion of the sensor 13 protrudes from the inner peripheral surface 111A 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 111A of the receiving hole 111.

[0028] In addition, if Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the hub bracket 11 has a small-diameter convex portion 113. The small-diameter convex portion 113 is provided adjacent to the hub bearing 12 accommodated in the accommodation hole portion 111. More specifically, the small-diameter convex portion 113 is provided adjacent to the end portion of the hub bearing 12 on the vehicle inner side. In further detail, the small-diameter convex portion 113 is provided in a manner adjacent to a position closer to the vehicle inner side than the rod-type sensor 13 fixed to the fixing portion 112. Moreover, the small-diameter convex portion 113 is provided in a circumferential shape along the inner peripheral surface 111A.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Here, if Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle wheel support device 10 is connected to the drive shaft 20 when supporting the drive wheel. In this case, one end of the drive shaft 20 is connected to the drive source M, and the other end is connected to the hub shaft 124 constituting the rotating shaft body of the hub bearing 12.

[0033] Therefore, in this case, the hub bearing 12 constitutes a driving wheel. In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the drive shaft 20 is connected to the hub shaft 124 is described as an example. However, since the inner ring 122 and the hub shaft 124 are connected to each other, for example, the drive shaft 20 and the inner ring 122 may be connected.

[0034] The hub shaft 124 on the driving wheel side is provided with a spline hole 125 in the central portion for the drive shaft 20 to be inserted therethrough, thereby transmitting the driving force from the driving source M. Thus, the driving force from the driving source M can be transmitted to the wheel W1, i.e., the wheel W, by spline engagement between the hub shaft 124 on the driving wheel side and the drive shaft 20 .

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] On the other hand, Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle wheel support device 10 does not include the drive shaft 20 when supporting a wheel that is not driven by the driving source M, that is, a driven wheel. In this case, the hub bearing 12 is not connected to the drive shaft 20. 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.

[0038] In addition, in the hub bearing 12 provided on the driven wheel side, a cover member 14 described later 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.

[0039] In addition, if Figure 1 and Figure 2As 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 is arranged toward the vehicle inner side of the hub bearing 12, more specifically, toward the inside of the receiving hole 111 of the hub carrier 11.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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 it can also be a sensor that detects other physical quantities.

[0042] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , 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 111A of the receiving hole 111 when the rod sensor 13 is fixed to the fixing portion 112 of the hub carrier 11. 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.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, the drive shaft 20 has a large diameter convex portion 22 provided on the outer peripheral surface 21A of the shaft body 21. The large diameter convex portion 22 cooperates with the small diameter convex portion 113 provided on the hub carrier 11 to prevent foreign matter from entering from the space S toward the detection portion 131. Therefore, the large diameter convex portion 22 is provided in a circumferential shape along the outer peripheral surface 21A of the shaft body 21.

[0044] In this embodiment, if Figure 1 As shown, the large diameter convex portion 22 is arranged adjacent to the small diameter convex portion 113 in the entry direction D of the foreign matter entering toward the detection portion 131. More specifically, the large diameter convex portion 22 is arranged on the upstream side (inside the vehicle) in the entry direction D, that is, on the space S side.

[0045] In addition, in the present embodiment, the outer diameter of the large diameter protrusion 22 is set to be larger than the inner diameter of the small diameter protrusion 113. Thus, the large diameter protrusion 22 and the small diameter protrusion 113 are configured to be adjacent and overlap (cover) each other in a direction orthogonal to the axis. Therefore, the large diameter protrusion 22 and the small diameter protrusion 113 can exert a labyrinth effect. In particular, on the drive wheel side, the large diameter protrusion 22 can move relative to the small diameter protrusion 113 as the drive shaft 20 rotates. Thus, on the drive wheel side, foreign matter can be more effectively prevented from entering through the gap between the large diameter protrusion 22 and the small diameter protrusion 113 in the cover portion.

[0046] 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 on the driven wheel side. In addition, the cover member 14 is configured in such a manner that the detection portion 131 of the rod sensor 13 fixed to the hub carrier 11 is isolated from foreign matter in the space S on the driven wheel side.

[0047] In the present embodiment, the cover part 14 is formed using a resin material. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the cover part 14 is formed by injection molding in which the resin material is injected into the interior of a forming mold. Here, as the resin material for forming the cover part 14, for example, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and ABS resin (a copolymerized synthetic resin of acrylonitrile (A), butadiene (B), and styrene (S)) can be exemplified. In addition, the cover part 14 can also be integrally formed by stamping a thin steel plate using a forming mold. In addition, the cover part 14 can also be formed by welding the components formed by stamping.

[0048] like Figure 5 As shown, the cover member 14 has a cap-shaped cover body 141, a large-diameter convex portion 142, and a return portion 143. Here, in this embodiment, an example is given of a case where the large-diameter convex portion 142 and the return portion 143 are formed integrally with the cover body 141. In addition, in the following description, the large-diameter convex portion 142 and the return portion 143 are sometimes collectively referred to as a "shield member 14A".

[0049] The cover body 141 has a flange portion 141A. Moreover, the cover body 141, that is, the cover member 14 is mounted on the hub bearing 12 by fixing the flange portion 141A to the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 121 of the hub bearing 12. Thus, the cover body 141 prevents foreign matter from entering the interior of the hub bearing 12 from the space S on the driven wheel side. In addition, when the flange portion 141A is fixed to the outer ring 121 of the hub bearing 12, for example, the flange portion 141A can be embedded in a groove (not shown) provided along the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface to fix it.

[0050] The large diameter convex portion 142 is formed so as to extend radially outward along the outer peripheral surface of the cover body 141. Thus, the large diameter convex portion 142 covers the side surface of the detection portion 131 of the rod-type sensor 13 in the space S on the driven wheel side while the cover body 141 is mounted on the hub bearing 12. Therefore, the large diameter convex portion 142 prevents foreign matter that is scattered toward the detection portion 131 of the rod-type sensor 13 in the space S on the driven wheel side from adhering to the detection portion 131.

[0051] In addition, when the cover member 14 is mounted on the hub bearing 12, the large-diameter convex portion 142 is Figure 2 As shown, the large diameter convex portion 142 is disposed adjacent to the small diameter convex portion 113 in the foreign matter entry direction D. More specifically, the large diameter convex portion 142 is disposed on the upstream side (vehicle interior side) in the entry direction D, that is, on the space S side.

[0052] In addition, the outer diameter of the large diameter protrusion 142 is set to be larger than the inner diameter of the small diameter protrusion 113. Thus, by mounting the cover member 14 on the hub bearing 12, the large diameter protrusion 142 and the small diameter protrusion 113 are arranged adjacent to each other and overlapped (covered) in a direction orthogonal to the axis. Therefore, for the cover member 14, the large diameter protrusion 142 and the small diameter protrusion 113 can also exert a labyrinth effect. Thus, on the driven wheel side, by mounting the cover member 14 on the hub bearing 12, foreign matter can also be prevented from entering through the gap between the large diameter protrusion 142 and the small diameter protrusion 113 in the cover portion.

[0053] The return portion 143 extends from the outer peripheral edge of the radially outer side of the large-diameter protrusion 142 toward the axially inner side of the vehicle (see Figure 2 ) is extended. That is, the return portion 143 is formed in a coaxial manner with the cover body 141. As a result, the return portion 143 rebounds foreign matter that enters from the space S on the driven wheel side toward the detection portion 131 of the rod-type sensor 13. Therefore, on the driven wheel side, in addition to preventing foreign matter from entering by the above-mentioned labyrinth effect, the return portion 143 rebounds foreign matter, thereby preventing foreign matter from adhering to the detection portion 131.

[0054] In addition, in this embodiment, the shield member 14A is exemplified as having the return portion 143. However, the return portion 143 may be omitted as necessary. That is, in this case, the shield member 14A is composed of only the large-diameter convex portion 142.

[0055] The vehicle wheel support device 10 thus constructed is provided with the small-diameter protrusion 113 on the hub carrier 11. Moreover, on the driving wheel side, the large-diameter protrusion 22 of the driving shaft 20 is arranged so as to be adjacent to the small-diameter protrusion 113 on the space S side in the entry direction D. Thus, the large-diameter protrusion 22 and the small-diameter protrusion 113 cooperate with each other, as in Figure 6 As shown by the thick arrow and the circle surrounded by the dotted line in the figure, entry of foreign matter scattered toward the detection part 131 of the rod-type sensor 13 in the space S on the driving wheel side is prevented.

[0056] That is, on the driving wheel side, the large-diameter convex portion 22 and the small-diameter convex portion 113 exert a labyrinth effect, thereby hindering the entry of foreign matter and preventing the foreign matter from reaching the detection portion 131. Alternatively, the large-diameter convex portion 22 blocks the hole (the hole connected to the receiving hole portion 111) formed by the small-diameter convex portion 113, thereby hindering the entry of foreign matter and preventing the foreign matter from reaching the detection portion 131. As a result, on the driving wheel side, foreign matter is unlikely to exist 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.

[0057] On the other hand, in the vehicle wheel support device 10, the cover member 14 is mounted on the hub bearing 12 on the driven wheel side. Figure 7 As indicated by the thick arrow, the cover body 141 prevents foreign matter from entering the interior of the hub bearing 12 from the space S on the driven wheel side, and the shield member 14A prevents the entry of foreign matter scattered in the space S on the driven wheel side toward the detection portion 131 of the rod sensor 13.

[0058] In addition, the vehicle wheel support device 10 is provided with the small-diameter protrusion 113 on the hub carrier 11. Moreover, on the driven wheel side, the large-diameter protrusion 142 of the cover member 14 is provided in a manner adjacent to the small-diameter protrusion 113 on the space S side in the entry direction D. Thus, the large-diameter protrusion 142 and the small-diameter protrusion 113 cooperate with each other, as in Figure 7 As shown by the bold arrow and the circle surrounded by the dotted line in the figure, entry of foreign matter scattered toward the detection part 131 of the rod-type sensor 13 in the space S on the driven wheel side is prevented.

[0059] That is, on the driven wheel side, the large-diameter convex portion 142 and the return portion 143 formed integrally with the cover member 14, that is, the shield member 14A, block the entry of foreign matter and prevent the foreign matter from reaching the detection portion 131. In addition, on the driven wheel side, the large-diameter convex portion 142 and the small-diameter convex portion 113 exert a labyrinth effect, thereby blocking the entry of foreign matter and preventing 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 flange portion 141A of the cover member 14. As a result, the detection accuracy of the rod-type sensor 13 can be prevented from being deteriorated.

[0060] It can also be understood from the above description that the vehicle wheel support device 10 includes: a hub bearing 12 that supports the wheel W (wheel W1) so that it can rotate; a hub carrier 11 that supports the hub bearing 12; a sensor 13 that detects the rotation state of the wheel W; and a drive shaft 20 and a cover member 14, which are assembly members assembled to at least one of the hub bearing 12 and the hub carrier 11. In addition, in the vehicle wheel support device 10, the drive shaft 20 has a large-diameter convex portion 22 that cooperates with the hub carrier 11 to prevent foreign matter from entering toward the sensor, and the cover member 14 has a large-diameter convex portion 142 that cooperates with the hub carrier 11 to prevent foreign matter from entering toward the sensor.

[0061] In this case, the wheel hub bracket 11 has: a receiving hole portion 111, which receives a portion of the wheel hub bearing 12; and a small-diameter protrusion 113, which is arranged along the inner peripheral surface 111A of the receiving hole portion 111 so that it can cooperate with the large-diameter protrusion 22 to prevent the entry of foreign matter.

[0062] In this case, the sensor 13 is fixed relative to the fixing portion 112 of the hub bracket 11 in a state where the detection portion 131 for detecting the rotation state of the rotating shaft body connected to the wheel W (wheel W1) in the hub bearing 12, i.e., the hub shaft 124 (including the connected inner ring 122) around the axis protrudes from the inner circumferential surface 111A, and the small diameter protrusion 113 is arranged between the large diameter protrusion 22 and the detection portion 131 in the entry direction D of foreign matter entering toward the detection portion 131.

[0063] In this case, the large-diameter convex portion 22 is disposed adjacent to the small-diameter convex portion 113 in the entry direction D of foreign matter entering toward the sensor 13 (detection portion 131 ).

[0064] In this case, the outer diameters of the large-diameter convex portion 22 and the large-diameter convex portion 142 are set larger than the inner diameter of the small-diameter convex portion 113 .

[0065] In this case, the drive shaft 20 is connected to the hub bearing 12 so that the drive force can be transmitted from the drive source M, and the large-diameter convex portion 22 is provided along the outer peripheral surface 21A of the shaft body 21 of the drive shaft 20 .

[0066] In this case, the cover member 14 is attached to the hub bearing 12 to prevent foreign matter from entering the hub bearing 12 , and the large-diameter convex portion 142 is provided along the outer peripheral surface of the cover body 141 of the cover member 14 .

[0067] In this case, the large-diameter convex portion 142 is formed integrally with the cover body 141 of the cover member 14 .

[0068] In the above case, the large-diameter convex portion 142 further includes a return portion 143 on the outer periphery for rebounding foreign matter entering toward the detection portion 131 .

[0069] According to the vehicle wheel support device 10, the small-diameter protrusion 113 provided on the hub bracket 11 cooperates with the large-diameter protrusion 22 provided on the drive shaft 20 to exert a labyrinth effect, which can prevent foreign matter from attaching to the sensor 13. In addition, the large-diameter protrusion 22 blocks the hole (the hole connected to the receiving hole 111) formed by the small-diameter protrusion 113, which can hinder the entry of foreign matter and prevent foreign matter from reaching the detection part 131. Therefore, for the driving wheel of the vehicle, it is not necessary to separately prepare and assemble the shield plate described later, which can reduce the number of parts. Moreover, with the reduction in the number of parts, that is, the omission of the shield plate, there is no need for assembly work, and as a result, it is also possible to achieve cost reduction.

[0070] In addition, according to the vehicle wheel support device 10, for a driven wheel that does not have a drive shaft 20, the large-diameter convex portion 142 and the return portion 143 formed integrally with the cover body 141 of the cover member 14 can isolate the detection portion 131 of the sensor 13 from the space S that allows foreign matter to enter. Furthermore, on the driven wheel side, the small-diameter convex portion 113 and the large-diameter convex portion 142 also cooperate to exert a labyrinth effect, and can block the hole, thereby preventing foreign matter from attaching to the sensor 13.

[0071] Here, even if the shield plate is omitted on the driving wheel side, the vehicle wheel support device 10 can prevent foreign matter from adhering to the sensor 13 by cooperating with the small-diameter protrusion 113 and the large-diameter protrusion 22. In addition, with respect to the vehicle wheel support device 10, on the driven wheel side, the cover member 14 mounted on the hub bearing 12 can prevent foreign matter from adhering to the sensor 13 by cooperating with the small-diameter protrusion 113 and the large-diameter protrusion 142. Therefore, the vehicle wheel support device 10 can fix the sensor 13 to the hub bracket 11 in the driving wheel and the driven wheel. Therefore, according to the vehicle wheel support device 10, a common hub bracket 11 can be used in the driving wheel and the driven wheel, and the sensor 13, the wiring harness, and the connector can be standardized.

[0072] Next, each modification of the above-mentioned embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the first modification to the fourth modification will be described in order.

[0073] (First Modification)

[0074] In the above embodiment, the case where the drive shaft 20 has one large-diameter convex portion 22 is exemplified. Figure 8 As shown in the circle surrounded by the dotted line in FIG, a large diameter convex portion 22 and a large diameter convex portion 23 are provided along the entry direction D. That is, the drive shaft 20 of the first modified example is provided with two large diameter convex portions 22 and 23 on the outer peripheral surface 21A of the shaft body 21. Specifically, in the first modified example, compared with the above-mentioned embodiment, the large diameter convex portion 23 is provided at a position closer to the vehicle outer side than the small diameter convex portion 113, that is, in a manner located between the small diameter convex portion 113 and the rod-type sensor 13.

[0075] Therefore, in the first modification, even if foreign matter enters through the gap between the large diameter convex portion 22 and the small diameter convex portion 113, the large diameter convex portion 23 can prevent the foreign matter from entering the rod sensor 13. As for other effects, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0076] In the first modification, the outer diameter of the large diameter protrusion 23 is set smaller than the inner diameter of the small diameter protrusion 113. Thus, for example, when the drive shaft 20 and the hub shaft 124 are connected, the large diameter protrusion 23 and the small diameter protrusion 113 can be connected without interfering with each other.

[0077] (Second Modification)

[0078] In the above embodiment, the large diameter convex portion 22 and the small diameter convex portion 113 are arranged adjacent to each other in the entry direction D, and the outer diameter of the large diameter convex portion 22 is larger than the inner diameter of the small diameter convex portion 113. Therefore, in the above embodiment, the large diameter convex portion 22 is partially covered by the small diameter convex portion 113, thereby exerting a labyrinth effect.

[0079] In the second variant, if Fig. 9 As shown, the outer diameter of the large diameter convex portion 22 is set smaller than the inner diameter of the small diameter convex portion 113, and the large diameter convex portion 22 and the small diameter convex portion 113 are arranged opposite to each other. Fig. 9 As shown by the dotted circle in the figure, the detection part 131 of the rod-type sensor 13 can be isolated from the space S by the cooperation between the large-diameter convex part 22 and the small-diameter convex part 113 .

[0080] Moreover, in the second modification, the large diameter convex portion 22 can also move relative to the small diameter convex portion 113 along with the rotation of the drive shaft 20. Therefore, in the second modification, even if a foreign object enters the gap between the large diameter convex portion 22 and the small diameter convex portion 113, the rotation of the large diameter convex portion 22 can prevent the foreign object from entering toward the detection portion 131. Therefore, in the second modification, the same effect as the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0081] (Third Modification)

[0082] In the above embodiment, the cover member 14 provided on the driven wheel side is made of resin and is integrally formed to have the large diameter convex portion 142 and the rebound portion 143. However, the metal shield plate 15 conventionally used on the driving wheel side may be used on the driven wheel side.

[0083] The metal shield plate 15 is formed from a thin steel plate by, for example, press working. Fig.10 As shown, the shield plate 15 includes a cylindrical portion 151, and a circular plate portion 152 and a return portion 153 corresponding to the large-diameter convex portion 142 and the return portion 143 of the shield plate member 14A constituting the above-mentioned cover member 14. In the third modified example, the cover member 14 may be made of resin as in the above-mentioned embodiment, or may be formed of a thin steel plate by stamping, for example.

[0084] The inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 151 is formed to be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the cover body 141 of the cover member 14. That is, the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 151 is formed to have an interference fit so that it can fit with the cover body 141. Thus, the shield plate 15 is fixed by pressing the cylindrical portion 151 into the cover body 141 by fitting the cylindrical portion 151 into the cover body 141.

[0085] 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 a manner of isolating it in the space S on the driven wheel side when the cylindrical portion 151 is fixed to the cover body 141. Therefore, the circular plate portion 152 is the same as the large-diameter convex portion 142 of the shield member 14A in the above-mentioned embodiment, and can cooperate with the small-diameter convex portion 113 to prevent foreign matter that is scattered toward the detection portion 131 of the rod-type sensor 13 in the space S on the driven wheel side from adhering to the detection portion 131.

[0086] The return portion 153 is provided along the outer circumference of the disk portion 152. The return portion 153 is provided to stand relative to the disk portion 152, that is, connected to the cylindrical portion 151 in a coaxial manner. Thus, the return portion 153 rebounds foreign matter that enters from the space S on the driven wheel side toward the detection portion 131 of the rod sensor 13.

[0087] In the third modification, the shield plate 15 is exemplified as having 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 .

[0088] Furthermore, in the third modification, if Fig.11 As shown, the shield plate 15 is fitted with the cover body 141 at a predetermined position through the cylindrical portion 151, for example, the cylindrical portion 151 is pressed in and fixed integrally with the cover member 14. Even when the cover member 14 is molded in this way, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0089] (Fourth Modification)

[0090] In the fourth variation, if Fig.12 As shown, a part of the drive shaft 20, the cover member 14 and the shield plate 15 is changed. Specifically, the drive shaft 20, the cover member 14 and the shield plate 15 of the fourth modified example are provided with a large-diameter convex portion 24, a large-diameter convex portion 144 and a circular plate portion 154 to replace the flat-plate-shaped large-diameter convex portion 22, the large-diameter convex portion 142 and the circular plate portion 152 of the above-mentioned embodiment and the third modified example. The large-diameter convex portion 24, the large-diameter convex portion 144 and the circular plate portion 154 are formed with a plurality of concave-convex portions along the circumferential direction. In this way, the large-diameter convex portion 24, the large-diameter convex portion 144 and the circular plate portion 154 formed with a plurality of concave-convex portions can suppress the adhesion of foreign matter. As a result, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering from the space S on the driven wheel side 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.

[0091] (Other Modifications)

[0092] In the above-mentioned embodiment and each modified example, the small-diameter convex portion 113 is provided along the inner peripheral surface 111A with respect to the receiving hole portion 111 of the hub carrier 11, and the small-diameter convex portion 113 is matched with the large-diameter convex portion 22 of the drive shaft 20 or the large-diameter convex portion 142 of the cover member 14. However, the small-diameter convex portion 113 may be omitted from the hub carrier 11.

[0093] In this case, the large diameter protrusion 22 or the large diameter protrusion 142 can cooperate with the side surface of the hub carrier 11 (the surface opposite to the large diameter protrusion 22 or the large diameter protrusion 142) to prevent the entry of foreign matter. Therefore, even if the hub carrier 11 is not provided with the small diameter protrusion 113, for example, the large diameter protrusion 22 or the large diameter protrusion 142 can block the receiving hole 111 from the inside of the vehicle, thereby preventing foreign matter from attaching to the sensor 13.

[0094] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment and each modified example, as the assembly component, the drive shaft 20 connected to the hub bearing 12 is exemplified on the driving wheel side, and the cover member 14 mounted on the hub bearing 12 is exemplified on the driven wheel side. The assembly component is not limited to the drive shaft 20 and the cover member 14, and for example, it may be a housing of a motor connected to the hub bearing 12, a housing of a reduction mechanism, a cover member mounted on the hub carrier 11, or both the hub carrier 11 and the hub bearing 12, etc.

[0095] Here, the first mode of the vehicle wheel support device disclosed in the present invention comprises: a hub bearing, which supports the wheel to rotate; a hub bracket, which supports the hub bearing; a sensor, which detects the rotation state of the wheel; and an assembly component, which is assembled to at least one of the hub bearing and the hub bracket, and the above-mentioned assembly component has a large-diameter protrusion, which cooperates with the hub bracket to prevent foreign matter from entering the sensor.

[0096] In addition, the second embodiment of the vehicle wheel support device disclosed in the present invention is: in the vehicle wheel support device of the first embodiment, the hub bracket has: a receiving hole portion, which receives a part of the hub bearing; and a small diameter protrusion, which is arranged along the inner circumferential surface of the receiving hole portion so that it can cooperate with the large diameter protrusion to prevent the entry of foreign matter.

[0097] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, in the vehicle wheel supporting device of the second aspect, the large-diameter convex portion is arranged adjacent to the small-diameter convex portion in an entry direction of foreign matter entering toward the sensor.

[0098] Furthermore, a vehicle wheel supporting device according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the vehicle wheel supporting device according to the third aspect, wherein a plurality of large-diameter convex portions are provided along the entry direction.

[0099] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle wheel supporting device according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, wherein the outer diameter of the large-diameter projection is set larger than the inner diameter of the receiving hole or the small-diameter projection.

[0100] In addition, a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle wheel support device according to the second aspect, wherein the outer diameter of the large diameter convex portion is set smaller than the inner diameter of the small diameter convex portion, and the large diameter convex portion is arranged opposite to the small diameter convex portion.

[0101] In addition, the seventh embodiment of the vehicle wheel support device disclosed in the present invention is: in the vehicle wheel support device of any one of the second to sixth embodiments, the sensor is fixed to the fixing portion of the hub bracket in a state in which the detection portion for detecting the rotation state of the rotating shaft body connected to the wheel in the hub bearing protrudes from the inner circumferential surface, and the small diameter protrusion is arranged between the large diameter protrusion and the detection portion in the entry direction of foreign matter entering toward the detection portion.

[0102] In addition, the eighth aspect of the vehicle wheel support device disclosed herein is: in the vehicle wheel support device of any one of the second to seventh aspects, the assembly component is a drive shaft connected to the hub bearing in a manner that transmits driving force from a drive source, and the large-diameter convex portion is provided on the drive shaft.

[0103] In addition, the ninth aspect of the vehicle wheel support device disclosed in the present invention is: in the vehicle wheel support device of any one of the second to eighth aspects, the assembly component is a cover component installed on the hub bearing in a manner to prevent foreign matter from entering the interior of the hub bearing, and the large diameter protrusion is arranged on the cover component.

[0104] Furthermore, a vehicle wheel supporting device according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure is the vehicle wheel supporting device according to the ninth aspect, wherein the large-diameter convex portion and the cover member are formed integrally.

[0105] Furthermore, a vehicle wheel supporting device according to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is the vehicle wheel supporting device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the large-diameter convex portion has a plurality of concavities and convexities along the circumferential direction.

[0106] A vehicle wheel supporting device according to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is the vehicle wheel supporting device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the large-diameter projection has a return portion on the outer periphery thereof for rebounding an intruding foreign object.

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; as well as an assembly component, the assembly component being assembled to at least one of the hub bearing and the hub carrier, The assembly component has a large-diameter protrusion, which cooperates with the hub bracket to prevent foreign matter from entering toward the sensor.

2. The vehicle wheel support device according to claim 1, wherein: The wheel hub carrier has: a receiving hole portion, the receiving hole portion receiving a portion of the hub bearing; and A small-diameter convex portion is arranged along the inner circumferential surface of the receiving hole so as to cooperate with the large-diameter convex portion to prevent the entry of the foreign matter.

3. The vehicle wheel support device according to claim 2, wherein: The large-diameter convex portion is arranged so as to be adjacent to the small-diameter convex portion in an entry direction of the foreign matter entering toward the sensor.

4. The vehicle wheel support device according to claim 3, wherein: A plurality of the large-diameter protrusions are provided along the entry direction.

5. The vehicle wheel support device according to claim 2, wherein: The outer diameter of the large-diameter convex portion is set larger than the inner diameter of the accommodating hole portion or the small-diameter convex portion.

6. The vehicle wheel support device according to claim 2, wherein: The outer diameter of the large-diameter convex portion is set to be smaller than the inner diameter of the small-diameter convex portion. The large-diameter convex portion and the small-diameter convex portion are arranged to face each other in the axial direction of the hub bearing.

7. The vehicle wheel support device according to claim 2, wherein: The sensor is fixed to the fixing portion of the hub carrier in a state where a detection portion for detecting a rotation state of a rotating shaft body connected to the wheel in the hub bearing about an axis protrudes from the inner peripheral surface. The small-diameter convex portion is arranged between the large-diameter convex portion and the detection portion in an entry direction of the foreign matter entering toward the detection portion.

8. The vehicle wheel support device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The assembly member is a drive shaft connected to the hub bearing in a manner that a drive force is transmitted from a drive source. The large-diameter convex portion is provided on the driving shaft.

9. The vehicle wheel support device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The assembly member is a cover member mounted on the hub bearing in a manner to prevent the foreign matter from entering the hub bearing. The large-diameter convex portion is provided on the cover member.

10. The vehicle wheel support device according to claim 9, wherein: The large-diameter convex portion is formed integrally with the cover member.

11. The vehicle wheel support device according to claim 1, wherein: The large-diameter convex portion has a plurality of concave and convex portions along the circumferential direction.

12. The vehicle wheel support device according to claim 1, wherein: The large-diameter convex portion has a return portion on the outer periphery thereof for rebounding the foreign matter that has entered.

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