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 hub shaft, which is a rotating shaft body connected to a wheel; a hub bracket (11) that has a housing hole section (111) that houses a part of the hub bearing and that supports the hub bearing in a state in which the hub bearing is housed in the housing hole section; a sensor (13) which is fixed to a fixing part (112) of the hub bracket in a state in which a detection part (131) for detecting the rotation state protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the housing hole part so as to detect the rotation state of the inner ring about the axis; and a cover member (15) which prevents foreign matter from entering the inside of the hub bearing from a space (S) in which the foreign matter is allowed to enter, and which is integrally formed with a shielding plate member (15A) that is at least a part of a shielding plate (14) that isolates the detection unit in the space.

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, foreign matter is prevented from adhering to the sensor by embedding the sensor in the cover member.

[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; and a cover component, which prevents foreign matter from entering the interior of the hub bearing and is integrally formed with a shield component that includes at least a portion of a shield that isolates the sensor from foreign matter.

[0012] According to the vehicle wheel support device disclosed in the present invention, the shield plate and the cover member can be formed into one piece. That is, the cover member can have the function of the shield plate. Therefore, for a driven wheel that does not have a drive shaft, the cover member having the function of the shield plate can also isolate the detection part of the sensor from foreign matter. Therefore, the cover member can prevent foreign matter from adhering to the sensor. Moreover, since the cover member having the function of the shield plate can prevent foreign matter from adhering to the sensor, the sensor can also be fixed to the hub bracket for the driven wheel. Therefore, according to the vehicle wheel support device disclosed in the present invention, a common hub bracket, sensor, wiring harness, and connector can be standardized in the driving wheel and the driven wheel. 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 shield plate.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of a cover member.

[0017] Figure 5This is a diagram for explaining how to prevent foreign matter from entering by using a shield plate on the driven wheel side.

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

[0019] Figure 7 It is a diagram for explaining a cover member according to a second modification.

[0020] Figure 8 It is a diagram for explaining a cover member according to a third modification.

[0021] Fig. 9 It is a diagram for explaining a cover member according to a fourth modification.

[0022] Fig.10 It is a diagram for explaining a cover member according to a fifth modification.

[0023] Fig.11 It is a diagram for explaining a cover member according to a sixth modification.

[0024] Fig.12 It is a diagram for explaining a cover member according to a seventh modification.

[0025] Fig.13 It is a diagram for explaining a cover member according to an eighth modification.

[0026] Description of reference numerals:

[0027] 10…vehicle wheel support device; 11…wheel hub bracket; 111…accommodating hole portion; 112…fixing 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…detection portion; 14…shield; 141…cylindrical portion; 142…circular plate portion; 143…return portion; 144…circular plate portion; 15…cover member ; 151…cover body; 151A…large diameter portion; 152…circular plate portion; 153…return portion; 154…circular plate portion; 155…cover body; 155A…large diameter portion; 15A…shield component; 15B…cover body component; 15C…first cover member; 15D…second cover member; 15E…cover main component; 15F…fixing component; W…wheel; W1…wheel; D…drive shaft; D1…step portion; B…brake disc. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure, that is, a vehicle wheel supporting device, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0029] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As 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 shield plate 14, and a cover member 15.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] Here, if Figure 1As 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] In addition, in the hub bearing 12 provided on the driven wheel side, a cover member 15 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 15 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 15.

[0042] In addition, 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.

[0043] 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 15, that is, arranged on the inner side of the cover member 15. 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 15.

[0044] 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.

[0045] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As 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.

[0046] The shield plate 14 is formed into a circular ring shape and is arranged so as to isolate the detection unit 131 of the rod-type sensor 13 fixed to the hub carrier 11 in the space S on the driving wheel side. Figure 1 As shown, the shield plate 14 is fixed to the step portion D1 of the drive shaft D.

[0047] The shield plate 14 is formed, for example, by stamping a thin steel plate using a forming die. Alternatively, the shield plate 14 may be formed by injection molding a resin material using a forming die. Alternatively, the shield plate 14 may be formed by welding the components formed by stamping.

[0048] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the shield plate 14 includes a cylindrical portion 141, a disc portion 142, and a return portion 143. As described below, the shield plate 14 of this embodiment includes the disc portion 142 extending radially outward from the end portion of the cylindrical portion 141 on the vehicle inner side, and the return portion 143 extending axially from the outer peripheral edge of the disc portion 142 on the radial outer side toward the vehicle inner side.

[0049] The inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 141 is formed to be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the step portion D1. That is, the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 141 is formed to have an interference fit so that it can fit with the step portion D1. Thus, the shield plate 14 is fixed by fitting the cylindrical portion 141 with the step portion D1, for example, by pressing the cylindrical portion 141 into the step portion D1.

[0050] The circular plate portion 142 is connected to the cylindrical portion 141 in a manner of being erected relative to the cylindrical portion 141. Thus, the circular plate portion 142 covers the detection portion 131 of the rod-type sensor 13 in a manner of isolating the side surface of the detection portion 131 in the space S on the driving wheel side when the cylindrical portion 141 is fixed to the step portion D1. Therefore, the circular plate 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 driving wheel side from adhering to the detection portion 131.

[0051] The return portion 143 is provided along the outer circumference of the disk portion 142. The return portion 143 is provided in a manner of standing relative to the disk portion 142, that is, connected in a manner of being coaxial with the cylindrical portion 141. Thus, the return portion 143 rebounds foreign matter that enters from the space S on the driving wheel side toward the detection portion 131 of the rod-type sensor 13.

[0052] In addition, in this embodiment, the shield plate 14 is exemplified as including the return portion 143 . However, the return portion 143 may be omitted as necessary. That is, in this case, the shield plate 14 is composed of the cylindrical portion 141 and the circular plate portion 142 .

[0053] The cover member 15 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 15 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 15 is arranged so as to isolate the detection unit 131 of the rod sensor 13 fixed to the hub carrier 11 in the space S on the driven wheel side.

[0054] In the present embodiment, the cover member 15 is formed using a resin material. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the cover member 15 is formed by injection molding in which a resin material is injected into a forming mold. Here, as the resin material for forming the cover member 15, 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 member 15 can also be integrally formed by stamping a thin steel plate using a forming mold. In addition, the cover member 15 can also be formed by welding the components formed by stamping.

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, the cover member 15 has a cap-shaped cover body 151, a circular plate portion 152 corresponding to the circular plate portion 142 of the shield plate 14, and a return portion 153 corresponding to the return portion 143 of the shield plate 14. That is, the cover member 15 is an integral body formed by changing the cylindrical portion 141 of the shield plate 14 into the cover body 151, and forming the main parts of the shield plate 14, namely the circular plate portion 142 and the return portion 143, as the circular plate portion 152 and the return portion 153, and the cover body 151 as a whole.

[0056] That is, the cover member 15 includes the shield member 15A including the circular plate portion 152 and the return portion 153 as a part of the shield 14, and is integrally formed with the cover body 151. Therefore, the cover member 15 is integrally formed with the shield member 15A, and the cover member 15 can be said to have the function of a shield.

[0057] The cover body 151 has a flange-shaped large diameter portion 151A. Moreover, the cover body 151, that is, the cover member 15 is mounted on the hub bearing 12 by fixing the large diameter portion 151A to the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 121 of the hub bearing 12. Thus, the cover body 151 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 large diameter portion 151A is fixed to the outer ring 121 of the hub bearing 12, for example, the large diameter portion 151A can be fixed by embedding it in a groove (not shown) provided along the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface.

[0058] The disc portion 152 constituting the shield member 15A is formed so as to extend from the end portion of the cover body 151 on the vehicle inner side (see Figure 2 ) is formed in a manner extending radially outward. Thus, the circular plate portion 152 covers the detection portion 131 of the rod-type sensor 13 in a manner that isolates the side surface of the detection portion 131 of the rod-type sensor 13 in the space S on the driven wheel side when the cover body 151 is mounted on the hub bearing 12. 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 on the driven wheel side from adhering to the detection portion 131.

[0059] The return portion 153 constituting the shield member 15A extends from the outer peripheral edge of the radially outer side of the circular plate portion 152 toward the axially inner side of the vehicle (see Figure 2 That is, the return portion 153 is formed coaxially with the cover body 151. 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-type sensor 13.

[0060] In addition, in this embodiment, the shield member 15A 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 member 15A is constituted by only the circular plate portion 152.

[0061] The vehicle wheel support device 10 constructed in this way is provided on the driving wheel side. Figure 1 As shown, the shield plate 14 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 14 prevents the entry of foreign matter scattered in the space S on the driving wheel side toward the detection portion 131 of the rod-type sensor 13 .

[0062] That is, the circular plate portion 142 and the return portion 143 constituting the shield plate 14 block 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, the detection accuracy of the rod-type sensor 13 can be prevented from being deteriorated.

[0063] On the other hand, the vehicle wheel support device 10 is on the driven wheel side, such as Figure 2 As shown, the cover member 15 is mounted on the hub bearing 12. In addition, in the cover member 15, as shown in Figure 5 As shown by the thick arrow, the cover body 151 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 15A 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.

[0064] That is, on the driven wheel side, similarly to the shield plate 14 on the driving wheel side, the circular plate portion 152 and the return portion 153, i.e., the shield plate member 15A, which are formed integrally with the cover member 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 151A of the cover member 15. As a result, it is possible to prevent the detection accuracy of the rod-type sensor 13 from being deteriorated.

[0065] It can also be understood from the above description that the vehicle wheel support device 10 comprises: a hub bearing 12, which supports the wheel W (wheel W1) so that it can rotate; a hub bracket 11, which supports the hub bearing 12; a sensor 13, which detects the rotation state of the wheel W; and a cover member 15, which is a cover member 15 (cover body 151) that prevents foreign matter from entering the interior of the hub bearing 12, and is integrally formed with a shield member 15A (circular plate portion 152 and return portion 153) that includes at least a portion of the shield 14 that isolates the sensor 13 from foreign matter.

[0066] In this case, the hub bearing 12 has a rotating shaft body connected to the wheel W (wheel W1), namely, the hub shaft 124 (including the connected inner ring 122), the hub bracket 11 has a receiving hole portion 111 for receiving a part of the hub bearing 12, and a fixing portion 112 for fixing the sensor 13, and the sensor 13 is fixed relative to the fixing portion 112 in a state where a detection portion 131 for detecting the rotation state of the inner ring 122 (including the connected hub shaft 124) around the axis protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the receiving hole portion 111.

[0067] In addition, in this case, for the hub bearing 12, the hub shaft 124 (including the connected inner ring 122) is connected to the drive 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 drive shaft D to form a driven wheel driven by the driving wheel, in which the shield plate 14 is fixed to the drive shaft D, and in the driven wheel, the cover part 15 is installed on the hub bearing 12.

[0068] In the above case, the cover member 15 is molded using a resin material.

[0069] In this case, the cover member 15 is formed by injection molding in which a resin material is injected into a molding die.

[0070] In the above case, the shield plate 14 and the cover member 15 have the return portion 153 on the outer periphery for rebounding the foreign matter entering from the space S toward the detection portion 131 .

[0071] According to the vehicle wheel support device 10 , in the cover member 15 , the disk portion 152 and the return portion 153 corresponding to the shield plate 14 are integrally formed with the cover body 151 by injection molding of a resin material. Therefore, the cover member 15 can function as the shield plate 14 .

[0072] Thus, for a driven wheel that does not have a drive shaft D, the circular plate portion 152 and the return portion 153 formed integrally with the cover body 151 of the cover member 15 can also isolate the detection portion 131 of the sensor 13 in the space S that allows foreign matter to enter. Therefore, the cover member 15 can prevent foreign matter from adhering to the sensor 13. Moreover, since the cover member 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, 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 made common.

[0073] Next, each modification of the above-mentioned embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the first modification to the seventh modification will be described in order.

[0074] (First Modification)

[0075] In the first variant, if Figure 6 As shown, a part of the shield plate 14 and the cover part 15 is changed. Specifically, the shield plate 14 and the cover part 15 of the first modified example are provided with a circular plate portion 144 and a circular plate portion 154 to replace the flat circular plate portion 142 and the circular plate portion 152 of the above-mentioned embodiment. The circular plate portions 144 and 154 are formed with a plurality of concave and convex parts along the circumferential direction. In this way, the circular plate portions 144 and 154 formed with a plurality of concave and convex parts can easily make foreign matter scattered from the space S rebound by the concave and convex parts by rotating around the axis, or inhibit the adhesion of foreign matter. As a result, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering from the space S on the driving wheel side and the driven wheel side toward the detection part 131 of the rod sensor 13. With respect to other effects, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment can be obtained.

[0076] (Second Modification)

[0077] In the second modification, the cover member 15 is divided into a plurality of parts, and the parts are joined together to form the cover member 15. In the second modification, the joining may be bonding of the parts, more specifically, welding of the parts.

[0078] In the second variant, if Figure 7 As shown, the cover member 15 is divided into two parts: a shield member 15A including a disk portion 152 and a return portion 153, and a cover body member 15B including a cover body 151. In the second modification, the cover member 15 is formed by joining the shield member 15A and the cover body member 15B to each other.

[0079] The shield member 15A and the cover body member 15B are formed by injection molding in which a resin material is injected into a molding die. Figure 7 As shown, the shield member 15A is in the shape of a circular ring, and the cover body member 15B is in the shape of a simple disk. Therefore, the shield member 15A and the cover body member 15B can be formed by injection molding using a simple molding die. Thus, in the second modification, the mold structure of the molding die can be simplified, and the cost required for manufacturing can be reduced.

[0080] The cover member 15 is formed by joining the shield member 15A and the cover body member 15B to each other. Figure 7 At the position surrounded by the dotted circle in the figure, for example, the shield member 15A and the cover body member 15B are bonded, i.e. joined, using a method such as vibration welding to form the cover member 15. In addition, the bonding of the shield member 15A and the cover body member 15B is not limited to welding, and may be bonding using an adhesive, for example.

[0081] Thus, the cover member 15 formed by the shield member 15A and the cover body member 15B is installed on the hub bearing 12 in the same manner as in the above-mentioned embodiment, and the cover body 151 can prevent foreign matter from entering the inside of the hub bearing 12 from the space S. In addition, the cover member 15 formed by the shield member 15A and the cover body member 15B is installed on the hub bearing 12 in the same manner as in the above-mentioned embodiment, and the circular plate portion 152 and the return portion 153 corresponding to the shield 14 can isolate the detection portion 131 in the space S.

[0082] (Third Modification)

[0083] In the third modification, the cover member 15 is also divided into a plurality of parts, and the parts are joined together to form the cover member 15. In the third modification, the joining may be bonding of the parts, more specifically, welding of the parts.

[0084] In the third variation, if Figure 8 As shown, for example, the first cover member 15C and the second cover member 15D divided into two by an imaginary plane including the central axis are joined to each other to form the cover part 15. In addition, the number of divisions is not limited to two, and it can also be divided into three or more by an imaginary plane including the central axis.

[0085] The first cover member 15C and the second cover member 15D are formed by injection molding of a resin material. Figure 8 As shown, similar to the second modification, the first cover member 15C and the second cover member 15D which divide the cover member 15 into two halves along the central axis can also be formed by injection molding using a simple molding die. Therefore, in the third modification, the mold structure of the molding die can also be simplified, and the cost required for manufacturing can be reduced.

[0086] Then, the first cover member 15C and the second cover member 15D are joined to each other to form the cover member 15. In this case, Figure 8 At the position surrounded by the dotted circle in the figure, for example, the first cover member 15C and the second cover member 15D are bonded by vibration welding or the like to form the cover part 15. In addition, the bonding of the first cover member 15C and the second cover member 15D is not limited to welding, and may be bonding using an adhesive, for example.

[0087] Thus, the cover part 15 formed by the first cover member 15C and the second cover member 15D is installed on the hub bearing 12 in the same manner as in the above-mentioned embodiment, and the cover body 151 can prevent foreign matter from entering the interior of the hub bearing 12 from the space S. In addition, the cover part 15 formed by the first cover member 15C and the second cover member 15D is installed on the hub bearing 12 in the same manner as in the above-mentioned embodiment, and the circular plate portion 152 corresponding to the shield plate 14 and the return portion 153 can isolate the detection portion 131 in the space S.

[0088] (Fourth Modification)

[0089] In the fourth modification, the cover member 15 is also divided into a plurality of parts, and the parts are joined together to form the cover member 15. In the fourth modification, the joining may be bonding of the parts, more specifically, welding of the parts.

[0090] In the fourth variation, if Fig. 9As shown, the cover member 15 is divided into two parts: a cover main part 15E including a circular plate part 152, a return part 153, and a part of the cover body 151, and a fixing part 15F including a large diameter part 151A constituting the cover body 151. In the fourth modified example, the cover body 151 is formed by joining the cover main part 15E and the fixing part 15F to each other.

[0091] The cover main part 15E and the fixing part 15F are also formed by injection molding of resin material. Fig. 9 As shown, the cover main component 15E is a simple disk shape, and the fixing component 15F is a simple ring shape. Therefore, the cover main component 15E and the fixing component 15F can be formed by injection molding using a simple molding die, similar to the second and third modified examples described above. Therefore, in the fourth modified example, the mold structure of the molding die can also be simplified, and the cost required for manufacturing can be reduced.

[0092] Then, the cover member 15 is formed by joining the cover main member 15E and the fixing member 15F to each other. Fig. 9 At the position surrounded by the dotted circle in the figure, for example, the cover main component 15E and the fixing component 15F are bonded by vibration welding or the like, thereby forming the cover component 15. In addition, the bonding of the cover main component 15E and the fixing component 15F is not limited to welding, and may be bonding using an adhesive, for example.

[0093] Thus, the cover member 15 formed by the cover main member 15E and the fixing member 15F is installed on the hub bearing 12 in the same manner as in the above-mentioned embodiment, and the cover body 151 can prevent foreign matter from entering the interior of the hub bearing 12 from the space S. In addition, the cover member 15 formed by the cover main member 15E and the fixing member 15F is installed on the hub bearing 12 in the same manner as in the above-mentioned embodiment, and the circular plate portion 152 corresponding to the shield plate 14 and the return portion 153 can isolate the detection portion 131 in the space S.

[0094] (Fifth Modification)

[0095] In the above-mentioned embodiment and the first to fourth modified examples, the case where the cover member 15 is formed of a resin material is exemplified. In the fifth modified example, the case where at least a portion of the cover member 15 is formed of a resin material is described. Specifically, Fig.10 As shown, the case where the cover body 151 of the cover member 15 is made of resin molded using a resin material, and the disk portion 152 and the return portion 153 are made of metal using a metal material is exemplified.

[0096] In the fifth modification, the metal shield plate 14 fixed to the drive shaft D on the driving wheel side is used on the driven wheel side. Therefore, in the fifth modification, the metal shield plate 14 is integrally formed with the cover body 151 by insert molding.

[0097] Specifically, the metal shield plate 14 is arranged at a predetermined position inside the molding die, and the cover body 151 is molded by insert molding by injecting the resin material in this state. Fig.10 As shown, the cylindrical portion 141 of the shield plate 14 is covered with the resin material that forms the cover body 151, whereby the shield plate 14 and the cover body 151 are integrated, that is, the cover member 15 is formed.

[0098] Therefore, in the fifth modification, the metal shield plate 14 on the driving wheel side is used on the driven wheel side, that is, the shield plate 14 as a component can also be shared. The other effects are the same as those of the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0099] (Sixth Modification)

[0100] In the fifth modification, as a case where a part of the cover member 15 is formed of a resin material, the shield plate 14 is made of metal and the cover body 151 of the cover member 15 is made of resin. In the sixth modification, as a case where at least a part of the cover member 15 is formed of a resin material, the circular plate portion 152 and the return portion 153 corresponding to the shield plate 14 are made of resin, and the cover body 155 is made of metal. Specifically, Fig.11 As shown, the cover body 155 is made of metal formed using a metal material, and the disk portion 152 and the return portion 153 corresponding to the shield plate 14 are made of resin formed using a resin material.

[0101] In the sixth modification, for example, the cover body 155 is formed by press working a thin steel plate. In the sixth modification, the metal cover body 155 is integrally formed with the resin disk portion 152 and the return portion 153 by insert molding.

[0102] Specifically, the metal cover body 155 is arranged at a predetermined position inside the molding die. In this state, the circular plate portion 152 and the return portion 153 are molded by insert molding by injecting a resin material. Fig.11 As shown, the cover member 15 is formed by covering the portion of the cover body 155 other than the large diameter portion 155A with the resin material used to mold the circular plate portion 152 and the return portion 153 .

[0103] Therefore, in the sixth modification, for example, a metal cover member conventionally used on the driven pulley side can be used. The other effects are the same as those of the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0104] (Seventh Modification)

[0105] In the above-described embodiment and the first to fourth modified examples, the case where the entire cover member 15 is molded using the same resin material is exemplified. Fig.12 As shown, the cover body 151 for preventing foreign matter from entering the hub bearing 12 from the space S, and the disc portion 152 and the return portion 153 for isolating the detection portion 131 of the sensor 13 in the space S may be formed using different resin materials.

[0106] In the seventh modification, different material molding is used to mold the cover body 151 and the shield member 15A including the disk portion 152 and the return portion 153. Different material molding is sometimes referred to as two-color molding or two-mold.

[0107] Specifically, in the seventh modification, the cover body 151 is formed by, for example, injecting heat-resistant and impact-resistant ABS resin or the like into the portion of the mold where the cover body 151 is formed. Next, the circular plate portion 152 and the return portion 153, that is, the shield member 15A, are formed by, for example, injecting light and hard polypropylene resin or the like into the portion of the mold where the circular plate portion 152 and the return portion 153 are formed.

[0108] Thus, the cover body 151 and the disc portion 152 and the return portion 153 as the shield member 15A can be formed into one piece according to the use and purpose. Therefore, by forming the cover member 15 using different materials, for example, it is possible to achieve an improvement in the installation workability of installing the large diameter portion 151A of the cover member 15 on the hub bearing 12, and a reduction in the cost required for manufacturing the cover member 15. The other effects are the same as those of the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0109] (Eighth Modification)

[0110] In the above-mentioned embodiment and each modification, the shield member 15A as a part of the shield 14 is formed integrally with the cover member 15. However, the entire shield 14 may be formed integrally with the cover member 15, more specifically, with the cover body 151.

[0111] In the eighth modification, the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 141 of the shield plate 14 is slightly smaller than the step portion D1 of the drive shaft D (see Figure 1) and the outer diameter of the cover body 151 (or the metal cover body 155). That is, the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 141 is formed to have an interference fit so that it can fit with the step portion D1 and the cover bodies 151, 155.

[0112] Therefore, in the eighth modification, if Fig.13 As shown, the shield plate 14 is formed integrally with the cover member 15 by fitting the cylindrical portion 141 with the cover main body 151, 155, for example, by press-fitting the cylindrical portion 141. By forming the step portion D1 and the outer diameters of the cover main bodies 151, 155 to the same size, there is also an effect that the shield plate 14 can be made common in the driving wheel and the driven wheel. The other effects are the same as those of the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0113] Here, the first embodiment of 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 a cover part, which prevents foreign matter from entering the interior of the hub bearing and is integrally formed with a shield part that includes at least a portion of a shield that isolates the sensor from foreign matter.

[0114] 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, for the wheel hub bearing, the rotating shaft body connected to the wheel is connected to the driving shaft that transmits the driving force from the driving force source to form a driving wheel that drives the wheel, or the rotating shaft body is not connected to the driving shaft to form a driven wheel that is driven by the driving wheel, in the driving wheel, the shield plate is fixed to the driving shaft, and in the driven wheel, the cover part is installed on the wheel hub bearing.

[0115] A vehicle wheel supporting device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is the vehicle wheel supporting device according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the cover member is divided into a plurality of parts, and the cover member is formed by joining the parts to each other.

[0116] 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 the cover member is formed by bonding the respective members to each other.

[0117] Furthermore, a vehicle wheel supporting device according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the vehicle wheel supporting device according to the third aspect or the fourth aspect, wherein the cover member is formed by welding the respective members to each other.

[0118] Furthermore, a vehicle wheel supporting device according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the vehicle wheel supporting device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the cover member is molded by injection molding of injecting a resin material into a molding die.

[0119] In addition, the seventh embodiment of the vehicle wheel support device of the present invention is: in the vehicle wheel support device of any one of the first embodiment to the fifth embodiment, the cover part is divided into a shield part and a cover body, the cover part is formed by joining the shield part and the cover body to each other, and the shield part is formed by injection molding of injecting resin material into the interior of the molding mold, and the cover body is formed by injection molding of the resin material.

[0120] In addition, the eighth embodiment of the vehicle wheel support device disclosed in the present invention is: in the vehicle wheel support device of any one of the first embodiment to the fifth embodiment, the cover part is divided into a shield part and a cover body, and different materials are formed by injecting different resin materials into the interior of the molding mold, and the shield part and the cover body are molded into one piece using different resin materials.

[0121] Furthermore, a vehicle wheel supporting device according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure is the vehicle wheel supporting device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein at least a portion of the cover member is molded using a resin material.

[0122] In addition, the tenth form of the vehicle wheel support device disclosed in the present invention is: in the ninth form of the vehicle wheel support device, the cover part has a resin cover body, and the metal shielding plate and the resin cover body are formed into one piece by insert molding of injecting resin material into a metal shielding plate arranged inside a molding die.

[0123] In addition, the eleventh form of the vehicle wheel support device disclosed in the present invention is: in the ninth form of the vehicle wheel support device, the cover component has a metal cover body, and the metal cover body and the resin shield are formed into one piece by insert molding of injecting resin material into the metal cover body arranged inside the molding die.

[0124] 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 a plurality of recesses and projections are formed on the shield plate and the cover member along the circumferential direction.

[0125] A vehicle wheel supporting device according to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is the vehicle wheel supporting device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the shield has a return portion on the outer periphery thereof for rebounding an intruding foreign object.

[0126] Furthermore, the fourteenth aspect of the vehicle wheel support device disclosed in the present invention is: in the vehicle wheel support device of any one of the first aspect to the thirteenth aspect, the hub bearing has a rotating shaft body connected to the wheel, the hub bracket has a receiving hole portion for receiving a part of the hub bearing, and a fixing portion for fixing the sensor, and the sensor is fixed relative to the fixing portion in a state in which a detection portion for detecting the rotation state of the rotating shaft body around the axis protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the receiving hole portion.

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 A cover member prevents foreign matter from entering the interior of the hub bearing and is integrally formed with a shield member including at least a portion of a shield that isolates the sensor from the foreign matter.

2. The vehicle wheel support device according to claim 1, wherein: The wheel hub bearing is connected to a rotating shaft body 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 body is not connected to the driving shaft to form a driven wheel that is driven by the driving wheel. In the driving wheel, the shield is fixed to the driving shaft, In the driven wheel, the cover member is mounted on the hub bearing.

3. The vehicle wheel support device according to claim 1, wherein: The cover member is divided into a plurality of parts, The cover member is formed by joining the respective members to each other.

4. The vehicle wheel support device according to claim 3, wherein: The cover member is formed by bonding the respective members to each other.

5. The vehicle wheel support device according to claim 4, wherein: The cover member is formed by welding the respective members to each other.

6. The vehicle wheel support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The cover member is formed by injection molding in which a resin material is injected into a molding die.

7. The vehicle wheel support device according to claim 3, wherein: The cover member is divided into the shield member and the cover body, The cover member is formed by engaging the shield member and the cover body with each other, and The shield member is formed by injection molding in which a resin material is injected into a molding die, and the cover body is formed by injection molding of the resin material.

8. The vehicle wheel support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The cover member is divided into the shield member and the cover body, By injecting different resin materials into the interior of a molding die for different material molding, the shield member and the cover body are integrally molded using different resin materials.

9. The vehicle wheel support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: At least a portion of the cover member is molded using a resin material.

10. The vehicle wheel support device according to claim 9, wherein: The cover member includes a cover body made of resin. The metal shield plate and the resin cover body are integrally molded by insert molding in which a resin material is injected into the metal shield plate disposed inside a molding die.

11. The vehicle wheel support device according to claim 9, wherein: The cover member has a metal cover body. The metal cover body and the resin shield plate are integrally molded by insert molding in which a resin material is injected into the metal cover body disposed inside a molding die.

12. The vehicle wheel support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The shield plate and the cover member are formed with a plurality of recesses and protrusions along the circumferential direction.

13. The vehicle wheel support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The shield plate and the cover member have return portions at their outer peripheries for rebounding the intruding foreign matter.

14. The vehicle wheel support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The hub bearing has a rotating shaft body connected to the wheel. The hub bracket has a receiving hole portion for receiving a portion of the hub bearing and a fixing portion for fixing the sensor. The sensor is fixed to the fixing portion in a state where a detection portion for detecting a rotation state of the rotating shaft body around an axis protrudes from an inner peripheral surface of the accommodation hole portion.

Images