Wheel unit

Abstract

To provide a wheel unit capable of suppressing a change in the shape of a sensor substrate as much as possible even when the shape of a hub bearing is changed.SOLUTION: A wheel unit includes a sensor substrate 100, a target member 80, and a brake support 36. The sensor substrate 100 is provided at a position shifted to the knuckle 15 side in the axial direction with respect to the flange portion 62 of the hub bearing 40. In the target member 80, convex portions and concave portions are alternately formed in the circumferential direction. The brake support 36 is disposed radially outward of the target member 80. The brake support 36 has a bracket portion 160 to which the sensor substrate 100 is fixed in a state where a plate surface 102a portion of the sensor substrate 100 faces the target member 80.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wheel unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, an inductive rotation angle sensor has been known that includes a rotor provided on a rotating shaft of a mechanical device and a sensor body disposed opposite the rotor in the axial direction of the rotating shaft. Such a sensor is described, for example, in Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5447345 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is known a wheel unit including a vehicle knuckle, a hub bearing that rotatably supports the vehicle wheel relative to the knuckle, and a detection device. The hub bearing includes a first bearing member (e.g., an outer ring member), a second bearing member (e.g., an inner ring member), and rolling elements. The first bearing member has a first cylindrical portion extending in the axial direction, which is the direction of the rotational center axis of the hub bearing, and is fixed to the knuckle. The second bearing member has a second cylindrical portion provided at a position facing the first cylindrical portion in a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction, and a flange portion extending radially outward from the second cylindrical portion. The rolling elements are provided between the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion.

[0005] The detection device includes a sensor board and a detection target portion as components for detecting a force acting on a wheel. The sensor board is provided on the flange portion on the knuckle side in the axial direction. The detection target portion is provided on a portion of the flange portion facing the sensor board in the axial direction and has an annular shape extending circumferentially of the second cylindrical portion. The detection target portion has convex portions that protrude toward the knuckle body in the axial direction and portions that recede from the convex portions on the opposite side of the knuckle body in the axial direction, arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. The sensor board outputs a voltage signal corresponding to the relative displacement of the detection target portion with respect to the sensor board. Force is detected based on the output voltage signal.

[0006] For example, if the type of vehicle on which the detection device is to be installed changes, the shape of the hub bearing may change. In this case, the fixing method of the sensor board must be selected according to the shape, and there is a concern that the shape of the sensor board may need to be changed depending on the shape.

[0007] The main object of the present disclosure is to provide a wheel unit that can minimize changes in the shape of the sensor substrate even when the shape of the hub bearing changes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present disclosure provides a knuckle for a vehicle; a hub bearing that rotatably supports a wheel of the vehicle relative to the knuckle; a brake member, which is a component of a brake device and is either a brake support or a brake caliper fixed to the knuckle; a detection device; In a wheel unit comprising: The hub bearing is a first bearing member having a first cylindrical portion extending in an axial direction that is the direction of the rotational center axis of the hub bearing and fixed to the knuckle; a second bearing member including a second cylindrical portion provided at a position facing the first cylindrical portion in a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction, and a flange portion extending radially outward from the second cylindrical portion; a rolling element provided between the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion; the second bearing member is rotatably supported relative to the knuckle, The detection device includes: a detection target portion that is provided on the knuckle side of the flange portion in the axial direction and has an annular shape extending in a circumferential direction of the second cylindrical portion; a sensor substrate having a plate surface facing the detection target portion in the axial direction; and The detection target portion is provided with convex portions that protrude toward the knuckle in the axial direction and portions that recede toward the opposite side of the knuckle from the convex portions in the axial direction, alternately in the circumferential direction, The sensor substrate outputs a voltage signal corresponding to the relative displacement of the detection target with respect to the sensor substrate.

[0009] In the present disclosure, the brake member is disposed radially outward from the detection target portion, The brake member has a bracket portion to which the sensor board is fixed with the plate surface of the sensor board facing the detection target.

[0010] The bracket part determines the relative position of the sensor board and the detection target. This reduces the effect of changes in the shape of the hub bearing on the mounting mode of the sensor board, which is required to position the sensor board so that its plate surface faces the detection target. As a result, even if the shape of the hub bearing changes depending on the type of vehicle, changes in the shape of the sensor board can be minimized. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a wheel unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a view of the target member as seen from the knuckle side. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the electrical configuration of a sensor substrate and a processing unit. [Figure 6] View of the wheel unit from the knuckle side. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the brake device with the sensor board fixed thereto. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the brake device with the sensor board fixed thereto. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a wheel unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bracket-integrated brake caliper. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bracket-integrated brake caliper. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a brake caliper with a sensor board fixed thereto. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Several embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In several embodiments, functionally and / or structurally corresponding and / or associated parts may be assigned the same reference numerals or reference numerals that differ in the hundredth or more digit. For corresponding and / or associated parts, reference may be made to the descriptions of other embodiments.

[0013] First Embodiment A first embodiment of a detection device according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The detection device of this embodiment is configured to be able to calculate the force acting on wheels (drive wheels or driven wheels) as rotating bodies. A vehicle equipped with wheels is, for example, a four-wheeled passenger vehicle (for example, private or commercial use) having two front wheels and two rear wheels. However, the vehicle is not limited to this, and may be a vehicle other than a four-wheeled vehicle, such as a two-wheeled vehicle. Furthermore, the use of the vehicle is not limited to passenger use.

[0014] The wheel unit 10 as a mechanical device will be described using Figures 1 to 11. To explain some of the figures, Figure 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view in which the wheel unit 10 is partially cut away, and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view in which the wheel unit 10 is cut along a plane that passes through the center of rotation of the wheel unit 10 and extends vertically.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the wheel unit 10 includes a wheel 11 and a tire 14 that constitute a wheel. The wheel 11 includes a cylindrical rim portion 12 and a disc portion 13 provided at the outer end of the rim portion 12 in the vehicle width direction. The disc portion 13 includes a disc mounting portion 18 located in the center of the disc portion 13, and spoke portions 19 that extend radially from the disc mounting portion 18 to the rim portion 12. The tire 14 is mounted on the outer periphery of the rim portion 12.

[0016] The wheel unit 10 includes a brake device 20 and a hub bearing 40. The brake device 20 is a disc-type friction braking device. The brake device 20 includes a disc rotor 21 that is disk-shaped as a whole, a brake caliper 33, and a brake support 36. The brake caliper 33 is actuated by hydraulic pressure, an electric signal, or the like, and houses a pair of brake pads that come into contact with the disc rotor 21 to generate braking force. The brake caliper 33 includes a piston that presses the brake pads against the disc rotor 21, and a caliper body that supports the brake pads and the piston. The brake caliper 33 is fixed to the knuckle 15, which serves as the base, by a first bolt 150.

[0017] In the following, the direction in which the rotational center axis of the hub bearing 40 (specifically, for example, the inner ring member 60 of the hub bearing 40) extends is referred to as the axial direction, the direction extending radially from the rotational center axis is referred to as the radial direction, and the direction extending circumferentially around the rotational center axis is referred to as the circumferential direction.

[0018] The disc rotor 21 of this embodiment is a ventilated disc having an internal cavity for ventilation. The disc rotor 21 has a hat portion 22 and a disc sliding portion 23. The hat portion 22 is attached to the hub bearing 40. The hat portion 22 has a disk-shaped bottom surface portion 24 and a disc peripheral wall portion 25. A mounting hole 26 is formed in the center of the bottom surface portion 24. Bolt insertion holes 27 that axially penetrate the bottom surface portion 24 are formed in a circumferential direction around the mounting hole 26. The disc rotor 21 is connected to the hub bearing 40 using the mounting holes 26 and the bolt insertion holes 27. The disc peripheral wall portion 25 is cylindrical and extends from the outer circumferential edge of the bottom surface portion 24, forming the peripheral surface of the hat portion 22.

[0019] A disc sliding portion 23 is connected to the end of the disc peripheral wall portion 25 opposite the bottom surface portion 24. The disc sliding portion 23 is formed to protrude outward in an annular shape from the disc peripheral wall portion 25. The front and back surfaces of the disc sliding portion 23 form a pair of sliding surfaces that are pressed against by the brake pads.

[0020] The disc sliding portion 23 includes an inner disc portion 28, an outer disc portion 29 disposed on the outer side of the inner disc portion 28, and fins 30. The fins 30 connect the inner disc portion 28 and the outer disc portion 29 at multiple locations in the circumferential direction. The fins 30 extend radially, and the space surrounded by the inner disc portion 28, the outer disc portion 29, and the fins 30 forms an air passage 30a penetrating in the radial direction (diametrical direction). The air passage 30a is a passage that extends from an air intake port 31 formed on the radially inner side of the disc sliding portion 23 to an air exhaust port 32 formed on the radially outer side.

[0021] The hub bearing 40 is a rolling bearing (specifically, a radial ball bearing) and includes an outer ring member 50 (corresponding to the "first bearing member"), an inner ring member 60 (corresponding to the "second bearing member"), and a plurality of rolling elements 41 (specifically, balls) arranged between the outer ring member 50 and the inner ring member 60. The hub bearing 40 of this embodiment has a structure in which the rolling elements 41 are arranged in two rows in the axial direction. Note that the hub bearing 40 may also be a radial roller bearing provided with rollers as the rolling elements 41.

[0022] The inner ring member 60 includes an inner cylindrical portion 61 (corresponding to a "second cylindrical portion") extending in the axial direction, and a flange portion 62 extending radially from a first end of the inner cylindrical portion 61 in the axial direction. A shaft insertion hole 63 is formed in the inner cylindrical portion 61, penetrating it in the axial direction. A spline is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the shaft insertion hole 63. A shaft (not shown) to which rotational power of a traveling power source such as a motor is transmitted is fitted in the shaft insertion hole 63.

[0023] The outer ring member 50 has an outer cylindrical portion 51 (corresponding to a "first cylindrical portion") provided at a position facing radially outward from the inner cylindrical portion 61. A rolling element 41 is provided between the outer cylindrical portion 51 and the inner cylindrical portion 61.

[0024] The flange portion 62 is disk-shaped and extends radially outward beyond the outer cylindrical portion 51. A plurality of bolt insertion holes 64, through which hub bolts 17 for fixing the wheel 11 are inserted, are formed in the flange portion 62 and aligned in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, five hub bolts 17 are formed and aligned in the circumferential direction. Therefore, five bolt insertion holes 64 are also formed.

[0025] The wheel unit 10 is provided with a dust cover 70, which is a heat shield. The dust cover 70 is provided on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the hub bearing 40 and the disc sliding portion 23 of the disc rotor 21. The dust cover 70 extends radially outward beyond the outer peripheral edge of the disc sliding portion 23.

[0026] The wheel unit 10 is equipped with a detection device. The detection device is provided in the inner space of the wheel 11 and includes a target member 80 and a sensor substrate 100. The detection device is a device for detecting the rotational speed of the wheel consisting of the wheel 11 and tire 14, the lateral force Fy acting between the ground contact surface (ground) GL and the wheel (specifically, the tire 14), and the force acting between the ground contact surface GL and the wheel in a direction perpendicular to the ground contact surface GL (hereinafter referred to as vertical load Fz). The direction in which the lateral force acts and the direction in which the vertical load acts are orthogonal. For example, the calculated rotational speed, lateral force, and vertical load are used in a control device (specifically, an ECU: Electronic Control Unit) provided in the vehicle to control the running of the vehicle, which is a moving object. The structure of the detection device will be described below.

[0027] The target member 80 is made of a metal material through which magnetic flux flows. Specifically, for example, the target member 80 is made of a paramagnetic metal material (e.g., aluminum) having a relative permeability greater than 1, or a ferromagnetic metal material (e.g., iron) having a relative permeability greater than 1. The target member 80 has an annular shape extending in the circumferential direction about the central axis of rotation of the hub bearing 40. The target member 80 is provided at a position facing the sensor substrate 100 in the axial direction without contacting the sensor substrate 100. The target member 80 is fixed to, for example, the flange portion 62, and rotates integrally with the inner ring member 60.

[0028] 3 and 4, protrusions 82 each having a flat surface 82a and projecting toward the knuckle 15 in the axial direction (i.e., toward the inside in the vehicle width direction) are formed in a row in the circumferential direction on the portion of the target member 80 facing the sensor board 100. The flat surfaces between the protrusions 82 lined up in the circumferential direction are recesses 83. As a result, the protrusions 82 and recesses 83 are alternately provided in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, 12 pairs of protrusions 82 and recesses 83 are provided. The protrusions 82 and recesses 83 form a detection target portion 84.

[0029] 4, LCi indicates the center axis of the inner ring member 60. In this embodiment, the angle α1 formed by the axis passing through the center axis LCi and one circumferential end of the protruding portion 82 and the axis passing through the center axis LCi and the other circumferential end of the protruding portion 82 is equal to the angle α2 formed by the axis passing through the center axis LCi and one circumferential end of the recessed portion 83 and the axis passing through the center axis LCi and the other circumferential end of the recessed portion 83. Therefore, the circumferential length of the multiple protruding portions 82 and the circumferential length of the multiple recessed portions 83 are equal to each other.

[0030] 3, an interference avoidance portion 85 recessed toward the convex portion 82 is formed on the portion of the target member 80 opposite the portion where the convex portion 82 is formed. The interference avoidance portion 85 is configured to avoid interference with the head of the hub bolt 17. The same number of interference avoidance portions 85 as the hub bolts 17 are formed and lined up in the circumferential direction.

[0031] Next, a configuration for fixing the wheel 11 and the disc rotor 21 to the flange portion 62 will be described.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 2, the disc mounting portion 18 has a bolt insertion hole 18a formed therethrough in the axial direction. With the bottom surface portion 24 and the disc mounting portion 18 overlapping the mounting surface 62b of the flange portion 62, a hub bolt 17 is inserted into the bolt insertion holes 27, 18a. A nut 35 is threaded onto the hub bolt 17, thereby fixing the disc mounting portion 18 and the disc rotor 21 to the hub bearing 40. This makes the target member 80, disc rotor 21, and inner ring member 60 coaxial, and causes the target member 80, disc rotor 21, and wheel 11 to rotate integrally.

[0033] Next, the sensor substrate 100 will be described.

[0034] The sensor board 100 is a so-called eddy current inductive sensor. The sensor board 100 is disposed such that the plate surface of the sensor board 100 extends in the vertical direction. The sensor board 100 is disposed in an arrangement space that is adjacent to the flange portion 62 on the inner side in the vehicle width direction and that is radially outward of the inner cylindrical portion 61 and the outer cylindrical portion 51. In the arrangement space, a detection subject portion 84 of the target member 80 is disposed at a position facing the sensor board 100 in the axial direction. The sensor board 100 is disposed between the flange portion 62 and the hub mounting portion 52.

[0035] The sensor substrate 100 has an arc shape that fits the detection target portion 84. As shown in FIG. 8, the sensor substrate 100 includes an excitation coil 110 and a receiving coil. In this embodiment, the receiving coils are a first receiving coil 111 and a second receiving coil 112. Each of the coils 110 to 112 is a planar coil that fits along the surface of the sensor substrate 100. The sensor substrate 100 is a multi-layer substrate. Each of the coils 110 to 112 is formed by wiring patterns, vias, etc., formed on each layer of the sensor substrate 100.

[0036] The sensor substrate 100 includes an excitation circuit 113 that supplies a high-frequency excitation voltage to the excitation coil 110, and a receiving circuit 114. When the excitation voltage is supplied to the excitation coil 110, an excitation current flows through the excitation coil 110, and a voltage having the same or equivalent frequency as the excitation voltage is induced in each of the coils 111 and 112. The receiving circuit 114 detects output voltage signals at both ends of each of the coils 111 and 112. When the excitation voltage is supplied to the excitation coil 110, the phase difference between the first output voltage signal of the first receiving coil 111 and the output voltage signal of the second receiving coil 112 is 90 degrees. In this embodiment, the coils 110 to 112 have the same circumferential center position. The sensor substrate 100 is arranged so that the circumferential center positions of the coils 110 to 112 are opposite the lower end of the detection target portion 84 in the axial direction. The sensor substrate 100 may be provided so that the circumferential center positions of the coils 110 to 112 are positioned opposite the upper end of the detection object portion 84 in the axial direction.

[0037] The sensor board 100 is provided with a connector 115 electrically connected to the excitation circuit 113 and the receiving circuit 114. The connector 115 is electrically connected to a processing unit 117 via a cable 116. The processing unit 117 may be provided on the vehicle body or may be built into the wheel unit 10.

[0038] The processing unit 117 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The functions of the processing unit 117 can be provided by software stored in a physical memory device and a computer executing the software, by software alone, by hardware alone, or by a combination of these. For example, if the microcomputer of the processing unit 117 is provided by a hardware electronic circuit, the function can be provided by a digital circuit including multiple logic circuits or an analog circuit. For example, the microcomputer executes a program stored in a non-transitory tangible storage medium serving as a storage unit of the microcomputer. The program includes, for example, a program for a load calculation process, which will be described later. A set of instructions constituting the program is executed to perform a method corresponding to the program. The storage unit is, for example, a non-volatile memory. The program stored in the storage unit can be updated via a communication network such as the Internet, for example, via OTA (Over The Air) or the like.

[0039] Next, the load calculation process will be described.

[0040] 2, when a lateral force Fy acts on the wheel, the inclination θ of the central axis LCi of the inner ring member 60 relative to the central axis of the outer ring member 50 increases. In this case, the axial distance between each of the coils 111, 112 and the detection object 84 changes, and the amplitude of the output voltage signal of each of the coils 111, 112 changes. Based on this change in amplitude, the processing unit 117 calculates the axial displacement ΔY of the detection object 84, and performs processing to calculate the lateral force Fy based on the calculated axial displacement ΔY.

[0041] On the other hand, when a vertical load Fz acts on the wheel, the central axis LCi of the inner ring member 60 is displaced in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the outer ring member 50. As a result, the target member 80 fixed to the flange portion 62 is also displaced. In this case, the sensor board 100 is configured so that the amplitude of the output voltage signals of the first receiving coil 111 and the second receiving coil 112 changes. Based on this change in amplitude, the processing unit 117 calculates the displacement of the detection object portion 84 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and the vehicle length direction (hereinafter referred to as the vertical displacement ΔZ), and performs processing to calculate the vertical load Fz based on the calculated vertical displacement ΔZ.

[0042] The processing unit 117 calculates the rotation angle of the wheel based on the output signal of at least one of the first receiving coil 111 and the second receiving coil 112. The processing unit 117 calculates the rotation speed of the wheel based on the calculated rotation angle. Specifically, for example, the processing unit 117 may calculate the rotation speed based on the time differential value of the rotation angle.

[0043] The sensor substrate 100 and the load calculation process are described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-130285.

[0044] Next, a structure for fixing the hub bearing 40 to the knuckle 15 and the surrounding structure will be described.

[0045] The dust cover 70 includes a first wall portion 73, a connecting portion 74, and a second wall portion 75. The connecting portion 74 extends radially outward from the radially outer end portion of the first wall portion 73. The second wall portion 75 extends radially outward from the radially outer end portion of the connecting portion 74.

[0046] A circular (specifically, perfect circular) through-hole 72 is formed in the first wall portion 73 of the dust cover 70. The through-hole 72 extends in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the first wall portion 73 and is fitted with the outer cylindrical portion 51 of the hub bearing 40. In addition, a bolt insertion hole 71 is formed in the first wall portion 73 at the periphery of the through-hole 72, and a mounting bolt 16 is inserted therethrough.

[0047] The knuckle 15 of this embodiment is a steering knuckle, and as shown in FIG. 7 , includes a knuckle body 130, a knuckle arm 131 extending from the knuckle body 130, and a strut mounting arm 132 extending from the knuckle body 130. The knuckle 15 is made of a metal material through which magnetic flux flows. The knuckle 15 is made of, for example, a metal material having a relative permeability greater than 1, and more specifically, for example, a ferromagnetic metal material (e.g., iron) having a relative permeability greater than 1. The relative permeability of the knuckle 15 (e.g., the knuckle body 130) is greater than the relative permeability of the target member 80, for example.

[0048] The knuckle body 130 is formed with a circular (specifically, perfectly circular) through-hole 130a that extends in the axial direction and into which the outer cylindrical portion 51 of the outer ring member 50 is fitted. The knuckle body 130 is formed at its periphery with a mounting bolt insertion hole 133 through which the mounting bolt 16 is inserted. In this embodiment, three mounting bolt insertion holes 133 and three bolt insertion holes 71 are provided.

[0049] The outer ring member 50 of the hub bearing 40 is provided with hub mounting portions 52 that extend radially outward. The number of hub mounting portions 52 provided is the same as the number of mounting bolt insertion holes 133. The hub mounting portions 52 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction. Each hub mounting portion 52 is formed with a female screw hole 52a that passes through in the axial direction and into which the mounting bolt 16 is screwed. Each hub mounting portion 52 is formed with a flat surface 52b that extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0050] Next, a configuration for fixing the relative position of the sensor board 100 with respect to the outer ring member 50 of the hub bearing 40 will be described.

[0051] 7, 10, and 11, the sensor board 100 has a first plate surface 102a and a second plate surface 102b that is the back surface of the first plate surface 102a. The sensor board 100 has insertion holes 101 formed therein that penetrate from the first plate surface 102a to the second plate surface 102b in the axial direction and through which board bolts 103 are inserted. In this embodiment, the sensor board 100 has three insertion holes 101 formed therein, one at each circumferential end and one at the circumferential middle portion.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 11 , the brake support 36 includes a support body 140. The support body 140 is formed with a first insertion hole 141 through which a first bolt 150 is inserted to fix the support body 140 to the knuckle body 130. In this embodiment, two first insertion holes 141 are formed. The knuckle body 130 is provided with a bolt mounting portion 134 extending radially. The bolt mounting portion 134 is formed with a female threaded hole 135 into which the male thread of the first bolt 150 is screwed. The first bolt 150 is inserted into the first insertion hole 141, and the male thread of the first bolt 150 is screwed into the female threaded hole 135. In this way, the support body 140 is fixed to the bolt mounting portion 134.

[0053] The support body 140 is formed with a female screw hole 142 into which the male screw of a second bolt 151 is screwed to fix the brake caliper 33 to the support body 140. In this embodiment, two female screw holes 142 are formed. The second bolt 151 is inserted into an insertion hole (not shown) formed in the brake caliper 33, and the male screw of the second bolt 151 is screwed into the female screw hole 142. In this way, the brake caliper 33 is fixed to the support body 140.

[0054] The brake support 36 includes a bracket portion 160 to which the sensor board 100 is fixed with the first plate surface 102a of the sensor board 100 facing the detection target portion 84. In this embodiment, the bracket portion 160 and the support body 140 are configured as a single member. The brake support 36 is configured from a magnetic material (e.g., aluminum or cast iron).

[0055] The bracket portion 160 has an arc-shaped portion 161 that faces the detection target portion 84 and extends in the circumferential direction. The arc-shaped portion 161 is plate-shaped and has a first plate surface 162a and a second plate surface 162b that is the back surface of the first plate surface 162a. The arc-shaped portion 161 extends in the circumferential direction from the support main body 140 so as to move away from the brake caliper 33. One end of the arc-shaped portion 161 in the circumferential direction is a base end portion 161b connected to the support main body 140, and the other end is a tip end portion 161a.

[0056] An insertion hole 163 through which the mounting bolt 16 is inserted is formed in the portion of the arc-shaped portion 161 on the tip end portion 161a side.

[0057] The base end 161b and the tip end 161a of the arc-shaped portion 161 are provided with board mounting portions 164 for mounting the sensor board 100. The board mounting portions 164 are shaped to protrude from the arc-shaped portion 161 in the axial direction toward the flange portion 62. The same number of board mounting portions 164 as the number of insertion holes 101 are formed. Each board mounting portion 164 is formed with a female screw hole 165 that extends in the axial direction and into which the male screw of the board bolt 103 is screwed.

[0058] Next, the manufacturing process for fixing the sensor board 100 and the hub bearing 40 to the knuckle 15 will be described.

[0059] First, the plate surface of the first wall portion 73 of the dust cover 70 is abutted against the knuckle body 130, and the second plate surface 162b of the arc-shaped portion 161 is abutted against the first wall portion 73, and then the brake support 36 is fixed to the bolt mounting portion 134 by the first bolt 150.

[0060] Thereafter, the outer cylindrical portion 51 of the hub bearing 40 is fitted into the through hole 72 of the dust cover 70 and the through hole 130a of the knuckle body 130 from the outside in the vehicle width direction. Then, with the plate surface of the first wall portion 73 abutting against the flat surface 52b of the hub mounting portion 52 and the first plate surface 162a of the arc-shaped portion 161 abutting against the flat surface 52b, the male thread of the mounting bolt 16 is screwed into the female threaded hole 52a of the hub mounting portion 52. This fixes the outer ring member 50 of the hub bearing 40 to the knuckle body 130.

[0061] Thereafter, the insertion holes 101 of the sensor board 100 and the female screw holes 165 of the board mounting portion 164 are aligned. In this state, the heads of the board bolts 103 are directed toward the flange portion 62, and the board bolts 103 are inserted into the insertion holes 101, and the male threads of the board bolts 103 are screwed into the female screw holes 165. As a result, the sensor board 100 is fixed to the bracket portion 160 with the first plate surface 102a directed toward the flange portion 62 and the second plate surface 102b directed toward the knuckle body 130. The sensor board 100 is positioned so that it cannot move relative to the knuckle body 130.

[0062] A first circumferential end of the sensor substrate 100 is fixed to the base end 161b of the arc-shaped portion 161, and a second circumferential end of the sensor substrate 100 is fixed to the tip end 161a of the arc-shaped portion 161. As a result, the outer cylindrical portion 51 of the hub bearing 40 is surrounded from the radial outside by the arc-shaped portion 161 and the sensor substrate 100. Because the sensor substrate 100 is fixed in this state, it can be placed at a position away from the brake caliper 33, which is a heat source. This makes it possible to suppress a temperature rise in the sensor substrate 100.

[0063] Thereafter, the disc rotor 21 is attached to the flange portion 62. Thereafter, the brake caliper 33 is fixed to the support body 140 by the second bolt 151 so that the brake caliper 33 sandwiches the disc sliding portion 23 of the disc rotor 21.

[0064] The bracket portion 160 can determine the relative positions of the sensor board 100 and the detection target portion 84. For example, by adjusting the axial length dimension of the board mounting portion 164 at the time of design, the gap between the flat surface 82a of the convex portion 82 and the first plate surface 102a of the sensor board 100 can be adjusted. As a result, it is possible to reduce the effect that a change in the shape of the hub bearing 40 has on the mounting mode of the sensor board 100, which is required to position the first plate surface 102a of the sensor board 100 facing the detection target portion 84. This makes it possible to minimize changes in the shape of the sensor board 100, even if the shape of the hub bearing changes depending on the type of vehicle, for example.

[0065] A first end of the sensor substrate 100 is fixed to a base end 161b of the arc-shaped portion 161, and a second end of the sensor substrate 100 is fixed to a tip end 161a of the arc-shaped portion 161. The reason for adopting this structure will be explained below.

[0066] When an excitation voltage is supplied to the excitation coil 110, a magnetic flux is generated in the excitation coil 110. At least a portion of the generated magnetic flux interlinks with the receiving coils 111 and 112, thereby inducing a voltage in the receiving coils 111 and 112. The receiving coils 111 and 112 output a voltage signal corresponding to the relative displacement of the detection object portion 84 with respect to the sensor substrate 100. The displacement or force is detected based on the output voltage signal.

[0067] Here, if the coils 110 to 112 of the sensor substrate 100 and the arc-shaped portion 161 of the bracket portion 160 face each other in the axial direction, there is a concern that part of the magnetic flux generated in the exciting coil 110 will flow to the bracket portion 160. In this case, the relationship between the relative displacement and the output signals of the receiving coils 111 and 112 will deviate from the reference relationship (for example, the relationship assumed at the time of design). As a result, there is a concern that the accuracy of detecting displacement or force based on the output signals of the receiving coils 111 and 112 will decrease.

[0068] Therefore, the above structure is adopted. This prevents the coils 110-112 from overlapping with the bracket portion 160 in the axial direction. As a result, part of the magnetic flux generated by the excitation coil 110 is less likely to flow to the bracket portion 160. As a result, it is possible to prevent the relationship between the relative displacement of the detection target portion 84 with respect to the receiving coils 111, 112 and the output signals of the receiving coils 111, 112 from deviating from the reference relationship. In this way, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the detection accuracy of displacement or force while minimizing changes to the shape of the sensor substrate 100.

[0069] Second Embodiment The second embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the wheel unit 10 is not provided with a brake support. Therefore, as shown in Figures 12 to 15, a bracket portion 260 is provided on the brake caliper 200 instead of the brake support.

[0070] The brake caliper 200 includes a caliper body 201. The caliper body 201 is formed with an insertion hole 202 through which a first bolt 150 for fixing the caliper body 201 to the knuckle body 130 is inserted. In this embodiment, two insertion holes 202 are formed. The first bolt 150 is inserted into the insertion hole 202, and the male thread of the first bolt 150 is screwed into the female threaded hole 135 of the bolt mounting portion 134. In this way, the caliper body 201 is fixed to the bolt mounting portion 134 of the knuckle 15.

[0071] The brake caliper 200 includes a bracket portion 260 to which the sensor board 100 is fixed. In this embodiment, the bracket portion 260 and the caliper body 201 are configured as a single member. The caliper body 201 is configured from a magnetic material (e.g., aluminum or cast iron).

[0072] The bracket portion 260 has an arc-shaped portion 261 that faces the detection target portion 84 and extends in the circumferential direction. The arc-shaped portion 261 is plate-shaped and has a first plate surface 262a and a second plate surface 262b that is the back surface of the first plate surface 262a. The arc-shaped portion 261 extends in the circumferential direction from the caliper body 201 so as to move away from the caliper body 201. One end of the arc-shaped portion 261 in the circumferential direction is a base end portion 261b connected to the caliper body 201, and the other end is a tip end portion 261a.

[0073] An insertion hole 263 through which the mounting bolt 16 is inserted is formed in the portion of the arc-shaped portion 261 on the tip end portion 261a side.

[0074] The base end 261b and the tip end 261a of the arc-shaped portion 261 are provided with board mounting portions 264 for mounting the sensor board 100. The board mounting portions 264 are shaped to protrude from the arc-shaped portion 261 in the axial direction toward the flange portion 62. Each board mounting portion 264 is formed with a female screw hole 265 that extends in the axial direction and into which the male screw of the board bolt 103 is screwed.

[0075] A first end of the sensor substrate 100 is fixed to a base end 161b of the arc-shaped portion 161, and a second end of the sensor substrate 100 is fixed to a tip end 161a of the arc-shaped portion 161. This prevents the coils 110 to 112 and the bracket portion 260 from overlapping in the axial direction.

[0076] According to the present embodiment described above, it is possible to achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0077] <Other embodiments> The above-described embodiments may be modified as follows.

[0078] In the first embodiment, the bracket portion 160 and the support body 140 may be configured as separate members.

[0079] In the second embodiment, the bracket portion 260 and the caliper body 201 may be formed as separate members.

[0080] The bracket portion is not limited to an arc shape, but may be annular. In this case, for example, the strength of the bracket portion can be increased. In this case, it is sufficient to provide a magnetic shield to the portion of the bracket portion that faces each of the coils 110 to 112 of the sensor substrate 100.

[0081] In the target member 80, a hole that passes through the target member 80 in the axial direction may be formed instead of the recess 83. The hole is a portion that is recessed toward the flange portion 62 side relative to the protrusion 82.

[0082] The hub bearing is not limited to an inner ring rotation type, and may be an outer ring rotation type. Specifically, the inner ring axial member (corresponding to the "first bearing member") constituting the outer ring rotation type hub bearing has an inner cylindrical portion (corresponding to the "first cylindrical portion") extending in the axial direction and is fixed to the knuckle 15. The outer ring axial member (corresponding to the "second bearing member") constituting the hub bearing has an outer cylindrical portion (corresponding to the "second cylindrical portion") provided radially outside the inner cylindrical portion, and a flange portion extending radially from the outer cylindrical portion and to which the wheel is fixed.

[0083] The bracket portion may be configured so that the circumferential center positions of the first and second receiving coils 111, 112 are not axially opposed to the lower end or upper end of the target member 80, but are axially opposed to the right end or left end of the target member 80. In this case, the sensor board 100 can calculate the force acting between the ground contact surface GL and the wheel in the vehicle length direction (hereinafter referred to as the longitudinal load Fx) instead of the vertical load Fz. The direction in which the lateral force Fy acts is perpendicular to the direction in which the longitudinal load Fx acts. The longitudinal load Fx is used by the control device to control the running of the vehicle.

[0084] The disc rotor is not limited to a ventilated disc, but may be, for example, a solid disc made of a single circular plate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 10...wheel unit, 15...knuckle, 36...brake support, 40...hub bearing, 80...target member, 100...sensor board, 130...knuckle body, 160...bracket portion.

Claims

1. a knuckle (15) of the vehicle; a hub bearing (40) that rotatably supports the vehicle wheel (11, 14) relative to the knuckle; a brake member, which is a component of the brake device (20) and is either a brake support (36) or a brake caliper (200) fixed to the knuckle; a detection device (80, 100); In a wheel unit (10) comprising: The hub bearing is a first bearing member (50) having a first cylindrical portion (51) extending in an axial direction, which is the direction of the rotational center axis of the hub bearing, and fixed to the knuckle; a second bearing member (60) having a second cylindrical portion (61) provided at a position facing the first cylindrical portion in a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction, and a flange portion (62) extending radially outward from the second cylindrical portion; a rolling element (41) provided between the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion; the second bearing member is rotatably supported relative to the knuckle, The detection device includes: a detection target portion (84) that is provided on the knuckle side of the flange portion in the axial direction and has an annular shape extending in the circumferential direction of the second cylindrical portion; a sensor substrate (100) having a plate surface (102a) facing the detection target portion in the axial direction; and The detection target portion is provided with convex portions (82) that protrude toward the knuckle in the axial direction and portions (83) that recede toward the opposite side of the knuckle from the convex portions in the axial direction, alternately in the circumferential direction, the sensor substrate outputs a voltage signal corresponding to a relative displacement of the detection target portion with respect to the sensor substrate; the brake member is disposed radially outward of the detection target portion, The brake member has a bracket portion (160, 260) to which the sensor board is fixed with the plate surface of the sensor board facing the detection target portion.

2. the brake member is the brake support, The braking device is a brake caliper (33) fixed to the brake support and accommodating brake pads; and The bracket portion (160) has an arc-shaped portion (161) that faces the detection target portion and extends in the circumferential direction, the sensor substrate has an arc shape extending in the circumferential direction, the arc-shaped portion extends in the circumferential direction from the brake support, A wheel unit as described in claim 1, wherein the sensor board is fixed to the arc-shaped portion in a state where the outer cylindrical portion (51), which is the cylindrical portion located radially outward of the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, is surrounded by the arc-shaped portion and the sensor board from the radial outside.

3. The brake member is the brake caliper (200) in which brake pads are housed, The bracket portion (260) has an arc-shaped portion (261) that faces the detection target portion and extends in the circumferential direction, the sensor substrate has an arc shape extending in the circumferential direction, the arc-shaped portion extends in the circumferential direction from the brake caliper, A wheel unit as described in claim 1, wherein the sensor board is fixed to the arc-shaped portion in a state where the outer cylindrical portion (51), which is the cylindrical portion located radially outward of the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, is surrounded by the arc-shaped portion and the sensor board from the radial outside.

4. the bracket portion is made of a magnetic material, The sensor substrate includes: an excitation coil (110) to which an excitation voltage is supplied; receiving coils (111, 112) in which a voltage is induced when an excitation voltage is supplied to the excitation coil; and the receiving coil outputs a voltage signal corresponding to a relative displacement of the detection target portion with respect to the receiving coil; a first end portion in the circumferential direction of the sensor substrate is fixed to a base end portion (161b, 261b) in the circumferential direction of the arc-shaped portion, The wheel unit according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a second end portion in the circumferential direction of the sensor board is fixed to a tip portion (161a, 261a) in the circumferential direction of the arc-shaped portion.

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