Device and method for testing rotation friction torque of automobile hub bearing
By designing a test device and test method including a main motor driving a main shaft, radial and axial loaders, the problem of difficulty in eliminating the additional friction torque in hub bearing measurement is solved, and simple and accurate friction torque measurement is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511011223.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-22
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-09
AI Technical Summary
It is difficult to effectively eliminate the additional friction torque introduced by the hub bearing during the measurement process with the existing technology. In addition, the installation and operation of the measuring device are complicated and require high skills from the operator.
A testing device for the rotational friction torque of automobile wheel hub bearings was designed, which includes a main shaft driven by a main motor, radial and axial loaders, connectors and sensors. It can simulate the stress state of the bearing during vehicle driving and eliminate the influence of additional friction torque through specific testing methods.
The accurate measurement of the rotational friction torque of the hub bearing under load is achieved, which simplifies the installation process, reduces the complexity of operation, and improves the convenience and accuracy of measurement.
Smart Images
Figure CN120609569A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of bearing testing devices and methods, in particular to a device and method for testing the rotational friction torque of an automobile hub bearing. Background Art
[0002] Automotive wheel hub bearings are key components in automobiles. Their primary functions are load bearing and precise guidance for wheel rotation. They must withstand both axial and radial loads, making them crucial to vehicle stability and driving safety. As the wheel hub bearing rotates with the vehicle's wheel, friction occurs within the bearing (between the outer ring and steel balls, between the steel balls and inner rings, and between the sealing lip and ferrule), affecting the vehicle's energy consumption. Therefore, friction torque is a key indicator of automotive wheel hub bearing energy consumption. The evaluation of wheel hub bearing rotational friction torque can be divided into two main methods: unloaded friction torque and loaded friction torque. Loaded friction torque better reflects the driving conditions of automotive wheel hub bearings and is a key indicator of interest to OEMs. Measuring loaded friction torque requires: 1. The inner flange of the wheel hub bearing must rotate; 2. Force (radial and axial) must be applied to the wheel hub bearing from the loading point; and 3. A friction torque sensor must be connected at an appropriate location. Ideally, this approach can more effectively simulate the actual operating conditions of the wheel hub bearing.
[0003] In addition, since the wheel hub bearing is subjected to force during rotation, it must be supported by a main shaft, which will introduce additional friction torque between the wheel hub bearing and the loading device, and between the wheel hub bearing and the main shaft. This additional friction torque must be eliminated when measuring the friction torque of the wheel hub bearing. At present, there are mainly two types of testing machines or devices for measuring the friction torque of the wheel hub bearing under load: one is to reduce the additional friction torque between the wheel hub bearing and the loading device as much as possible, such as using an air-floating bearing loading method; the other is to reduce the additional friction torque between the wheel hub bearing and the main shaft as much as possible, such as using an air-floating main shaft or a static pressure support main shaft. Although these two methods can reduce the additional friction torque introduced into the measuring device as much as possible, they can never eliminate the additional friction torque; moreover, the measuring devices of these two methods are complicated to install and use, and require high skills of the operator. Summary of the Invention
[0004] In response to the shortcomings of the existing technology, the present invention provides a rotating friction torque testing device for an automobile hub bearing that can simulate the actual operating conditions of the hub bearing and is easy to install and use, as well as a rotating friction torque testing method for an automobile hub bearing that better eliminates the influence of the additional friction torque and facilitates the calculation of the friction torque of the hub bearing.
[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides a device for testing the rotational friction torque of an automobile wheel hub bearing, comprising an operating table, on which a driving assembly and a loading assembly are arranged, the driving assembly comprising a main shaft driven to rotate by a main motor, a detection station for installing a bearing to be tested being arranged at the end of the main shaft, the loading assembly comprising a radial loading member, an axial loading member and a connecting member, one end of the connecting member being connected to the detection station, the radial loading member and the axial loading member being connected to the other end of the connecting member, and the other end of the connecting member being arranged below the detection station.
[0006] The advantages of adopting the above technical solution are: by setting a main motor to drive the main shaft to drive the wheel hub bearing to be tested on the detection station to rotate, and in combination with a radial loader and an axial loader connected to the other end of the connecting piece, it can simulate the radial load and axial force borne by the bearing during vehicle driving, and the other end of the connecting piece is spaced below the detection station, so that the application of the loading force is more in line with the actual stress state of the bearing, and the loading component is connected to the detection station by the connecting piece. During operation, it is only necessary to install the wheel hub bearing to be tested at the detection station, and then start the main motor. No complicated adjustments are required, which improves the convenience of installation and use of the detection.
[0007] The present invention can be further configured as follows: the radial loading member includes a radial loading cylinder, a conductive member and two connecting rods, the conductive member is swingably set on the operating table, one end of the two connecting rods is swingably connected to the two ends of the conductive member, and the other ends of the two connecting rods are respectively connected to the connecting member and the radial loading cylinder.
[0008] Through further settings, the radial loading component can apply a radial force to the bearing that is consistent with actual driving through the coordinated action of the radial loading cylinder, the transmission component and the two connecting rods. Combined with the axial loading component, it can simulate the complex stress state that the wheel hub bearing to be tested is subjected to during vehicle driving, making the test closer to the actual operating conditions.
[0009] The present invention may be further configured such that a radial force sensor is provided on the connecting rod connected to the radial loading cylinder.
[0010] Through further configuration, the radial load force can be monitored by a radial force sensor, which facilitates detection.
[0011] The present invention may be further configured as follows: the axial loading component includes an axial loading cylinder and an axial force sensor, and the axial force sensor is arranged between the axial loading cylinder and the connecting component.
[0012] Through further settings, in the axial loading part, the axial loading cylinder is combined with the axial force sensor to accurately control and monitor in real time the axial force applied to the bearing. Combined with the monitoring of the radial force by the radial force sensor, the stress condition of the wheel hub bearing during detection can be monitored in all directions and adjustments can be made conveniently.
[0013] The present invention can be further configured as follows: the connecting member includes a loading plate and an intermediate plate located at one end thereof, the upper end of the loading plate is connected to the detection station, a plurality of connecting holes are vertically arranged on the loading plate, and the intermediate plate forms a detachable connection with the loading plate through the connecting holes.
[0014] Through further settings, by setting up a loading plate and an intermediate plate, and arranging a number of connection holes vertically on the loading plate of the connector, the intermediate plate forms a detachable connection with the loading plate through different connection holes, which can flexibly adjust the relative position of the loading component and the detection station to adapt to the installation requirements of hub bearings of different specifications. Combined with radial and axial loaders and corresponding sensors, the stress state of different types of bearings in actual operation can be accurately simulated, making the test more universal and realistic. The present invention can be further configured as follows: the connecting member includes a mounting plate and a U-shaped head located at its other end, the mounting plate is provided with a convex portion for the connecting rod to swing and connect, one end of the U-shaped head is connected to the axial loading member, and the other end of the U-shaped head passes over the mounting plate and is connected to both sides of the convex portion.
[0015] Through further settings, the mounting plate at the other end of the connecting piece is swingably connected to the connecting rod through the convex part, and then one end of the U-shaped head is connected to the axial loading part, and the other end passes over the mounting plate and is connected to both sides of the convex part, so that both the axial force and the radial force act on the convex part of the mounting plate, which can be transmitted to the bearing to be tested at the inspection station more stably and accurately, thereby improving the inspection effect.
[0016] The present invention can be further configured as follows: a support shaft, a torque sensor and a reducer are provided on the operating table; the support shaft is provided at the other end of the detection station relative to the main shaft; the torque sensor and the reducer are successively connected to the support shaft.
[0017] Through further settings, the torque of the wheel hub bearing to be tested during operation can be detected in conjunction with the torque sensor and reducer during the detection process.
[0018] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a method for testing the rotational friction torque of an automobile hub bearing, comprising the following steps: Step 1. Define the direction. For the torque sensor, if it rotates forward, the core shaft of the torque sensor rotates clockwise when viewed from the rear of the reduction motor (from right to left). For the torque sensor, if it rotates backward, the core shaft of the torque sensor rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the rear of the reduction motor (from right to left). For the wheel hub bearing, if it rotates forward, the inner flange of the wheel hub bearing rotates clockwise when viewed from the rear of the large motor (from left to right). During the measurement process, the wheel hub bearing is set to rotate forward. Step 2: Measure the total friction torque consisting of the bearing friction torque and the supporting spindle friction torque through the torque sensor, that is, Mtotal=Mwheel hub bearing+Msupporting spindle; Step 3: Run the wheel hub bearing without applying any load for running-in. Then, apply a certain load to the wheel hub bearing and rotate it in the forward direction at a certain speed (relative speed of the inner and outer flanges) so that the friction force of the wheel hub bearing remains unchanged for a period of time. Step 4: Run the spindle through thermal balance so that under constant load and same speed, the friction torque of forward rotation is equal to the friction torque of reverse rotation and opposite in direction. It is concluded that M supports the spindle forward rotation = -M supports the spindle reverse rotation. Step 5: When the torque sensor rotates forward, M total forward rotation = M wheel hub bearing + M support spindle forward rotation, and when the torque sensor rotates reversely, M total reverse rotation = M wheel hub bearing + M support spindle reverse rotation; Step 6. Based on the above, the friction torque of the hub bearing can be calculated, that is, M hub bearing = (M total forward rotation + M total reverse rotation) / 2.
[0019] Furthermore, when the reduction motor drives the torque sensor to rotate forward, the speed of the main motor will decrease. At this time, the main motor speed = wheel hub bearing speed - reduction motor speed; when the reduction motor drives the torque sensor to rotate reversely, the speed of the main motor will increase, that is, the main motor speed at this time = wheel hub bearing speed + reduction motor speed.
[0020] The advantage of adopting the above technical solution is that through the test method and the device, the influence of the additional friction torque can be completely eliminated theoretically, so as to accurately measure the rotational friction torque of the hub bearing under load without the need for additional complex structure and easy operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 A top view of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 For the embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of AA; Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the matching structure of the radial loading component and the axial loading component in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of a connecting member in an embodiment of the present invention; Among them: operating table 1; driving assembly 2; main motor 21; main shaft 22; loading assembly 3; radial loading member 31; radial loading cylinder 311; conducting member 312; connecting rod 313; axial loading member 32; axial loading cylinder 321; axial force sensor 322; connecting member 33; loading plate 331; connecting hole 3311; intermediate plate 332; mounting plate 333; protrusion 3331; U-shaped head 334; radial force sensor 34; bearing to be tested 4; detection station 5; support shaft 6; torque sensor 7; reducer 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] An embodiment of a vehicle hub bearing rotation friction torque testing device according to the present invention is as follows: Figure 1-5 As shown: it includes an operating table 1, on which a driving assembly 2 and a loading assembly 3 are provided. The driving assembly 2 includes a main shaft 22 driven by a main motor 21, and a detection station 5 for installing a bearing to be tested 4 is provided at the end of the main shaft 22. The loading assembly 3 includes a radial loading member 31, an axial loading member 32 and a connecting member 33. One end of the connecting member 33 is connected to the detection station 5, the radial loading member 31 and the axial loading member 32 are connected to the other end of the connecting member 33, and the other end of the connecting member 33 is provided below the detection station 5.
[0023] The radial loading member 31 includes a radial loading cylinder 311, a conductive member 312 and two connecting rods 313. The conductive member 312 is swingably set on the operating table 1. One end of the two connecting rods 313 is swingably connected to the two ends of the conductive member 312, and the other ends of the two connecting rods 313 are respectively connected to the connecting member 33 and the radial loading cylinder 311.
[0024] A radial force sensor 34 is provided on the connecting rod 313 connected to the radial loading cylinder 311 .
[0025] The axial loading member 32 includes an axial loading cylinder 321 and an axial force sensor 322 . The axial force sensor 322 is disposed between the axial loading cylinder 321 and the connecting member 33 .
[0026] The connecting member 33 includes a loading plate 331 and an intermediate plate 332 located at one end thereof. The upper end of the loading plate 331 is connected to the detection station 5. A plurality of connecting holes 3311 are vertically arranged on the loading plate 331. The intermediate plate 332 forms a detachable connection with the loading plate 331 through the connecting holes 3311.
[0027] The connecting member 33 includes a mounting plate 333 and a U-shaped head 334 located at its other end. The mounting plate 333 is provided with a protrusion 3331 for the swing connection of the connecting rod. One end of the U-shaped head 334 is connected to the axial loading member 32, and the other end of the U-shaped head 334 passes over the mounting plate 333 and is connected to both sides of the protrusion 3331.
[0028] The operating table 1 is also provided with a support shaft 6, a torque sensor 7 and a reducer 8. The support shaft 6 is arranged at the other end of the detection station 5 relative to the main shaft 22. The torque sensor 7 and the reducer 8 are successively connected to the support shaft 6.
[0029] In this embodiment, a third-generation wheel hub bearing was used for testing. The initial measurement conditions were set as follows: wheel hub speed of 1000 rpm, radial force of 8 kN, axial force of 1 kN, bearing rotation for 60 minutes, and the average friction torque of the last 5 minutes was measured. Step 1: Divide the condition into 60 cycles, each cycle lasting 1 minute; each cycle is divided into 2 steps, each step lasting 30 seconds; Step 2: The reduction motor rotates forward 10 rpm and the main motor rotates at 990 rpm. Step 2: The reduction motor rotates reverse 10 rpm and the main motor rotates at 1010 rpm. Step 3: Set the load: the radial force of each step is 8KN and the axial force is 1KN; Step 4: Control the test device to execute the above cycle conditions through program control; Step 5: After the first 55 minutes (55 cycles) of operation, in the last 5 minutes, the friction torque values of the hub bearing and the supporting spindle tend to be stable and can be measured and calculated; Step 6. In each of the last five cycles, extract Mtotal forward rotation in the first step (using the acquisition system to take the average value during stable operation), and extract Mtotal reverse rotation in the second step (using the acquisition system to take the average value during stable operation). Calculate the friction torque of the hub bearing for each cycle using the formula Mwheel bearing = (Mtotal forward rotation - Mtotal reverse rotation) / 2. Step 7: Take the average of the wheel hub bearing friction torque values of the last five cycles to calculate the wheel hub bearing friction torque under this condition; In addition, in order to realize the automatic control and measurement of the device, industrial software (PLC or LABVIEW, etc.) can also be used for control, collection, and calculation to obtain the friction torque value of the hub bearing, and further improve the skill requirements and workload of the operator.
[0030] The above example is only one preferred specific example of the present invention. Common changes and substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention are all included in the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A device for testing the rotational friction torque of an automobile wheel hub bearing, characterized by: It includes an operating table, on which a driving assembly and a loading assembly are arranged. The driving assembly includes a main shaft driven by a main motor, and a detection station for installing a bearing to be tested is arranged at the end of the main shaft. The loading assembly includes a radial loading part, an axial loading part and a connecting part. One end of the connecting part is connected to the detection station, and the radial loading part and the axial loading part are connected to the other end of the connecting part. The other end of the connecting part is arranged below the detection station.
2. The automobile wheel hub bearing rotational friction torque testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The radial loading component includes a radial loading cylinder, a conductive component and two connecting rods. The conductive component is swingably set on the operating table. One end of the two connecting rods is swingably connected to the two ends of the conductive component, and the other ends of the two connecting rods are respectively connected to the connecting component and the radial loading cylinder.
3. The automobile wheel hub bearing rotational friction torque testing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A radial force sensor is provided on the connecting rod connected to the radial loading cylinder.
4. The automobile wheel hub bearing rotational friction torque testing device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that: The axial loading component includes an axial loading cylinder and an axial force sensor, and the axial force sensor is arranged between the axial loading cylinder and the connecting component.
5. The automobile wheel hub bearing rotational friction torque testing device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The connecting member includes a loading plate and an intermediate plate located at one end thereof. The upper end of the loading plate is connected to the detection station. A plurality of connecting holes are arranged vertically on the loading plate. The intermediate plate forms a detachable connection with the loading plate through the connecting holes.
6. The automobile wheel hub bearing rotational friction torque testing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The connecting member includes a mounting plate and a U-shaped head at its other end. The mounting plate is provided with a convex portion for the connecting rod to swing and connect. One end of the U-shaped head is connected to the axial loading member, and the other end of the U-shaped head passes over the mounting plate and is connected to both sides of the convex portion.
7. The automobile wheel hub bearing rotational friction torque testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The operating table is provided with a support shaft, a torque sensor and a reducer. The support shaft is arranged at the other end of the detection station relative to the main shaft. The torque sensor and the reducer are successively connected to the support shaft.
8. A method for testing the rotational friction torque of an automobile hub bearing using the automobile hub bearing rotational friction torque testing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The following steps are included: Step 1. Define the direction. For the torque sensor, if it rotates forward, the core shaft of the torque sensor rotates clockwise when viewed from the rear of the reduction motor (from right to left). For the torque sensor, if it rotates backward, the core shaft of the torque sensor rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the rear of the reduction motor (from right to left). For the wheel hub bearing, if it rotates forward, the inner flange of the wheel hub bearing rotates clockwise when viewed from the rear of the large motor (from left to right). During the measurement process, the wheel hub bearing is set to rotate forward. Step 2: Measure the total friction torque consisting of the bearing friction torque and the supporting spindle friction torque through the torque sensor, that is, Mtotal=Mwheel hub bearing+Msupporting spindle; Step 3: Run the wheel hub bearing without applying any load for running-in. Then, apply a certain load to the wheel hub bearing and rotate it in the forward direction at a certain speed (relative speed of the inner and outer flanges) so that the friction force of the wheel hub bearing remains unchanged for a period of time. Step 4: Run the spindle through thermal balance so that under constant load and same speed, the friction torque of forward rotation is equal to the friction torque of reverse rotation and opposite in direction. It is concluded that M supports the spindle forward rotation = -M supports the spindle reverse rotation. Step 5: When the torque sensor rotates forward, M total forward rotation = M wheel hub bearing + M support spindle forward rotation, and when the torque sensor rotates reversely, M total reverse rotation = M wheel hub bearing + M support spindle reverse rotation; Step 6. Based on the above, the friction torque of the hub bearing can be calculated, that is, M hub bearing = (M total forward rotation + M total reverse rotation) / 2.
9. The method for testing the rotational friction torque of an automobile hub bearing according to claim 8, characterized in that: When the reduction motor drives the torque sensor to rotate forward, the speed of the main motor will decrease. At this time, the main motor speed = wheel hub bearing speed - reduction motor speed; when the reduction motor drives the torque sensor to rotate reversely, the speed of the main motor will increase. At this time, the main motor speed = wheel hub bearing speed + reduction motor speed.