Wheel unit and method for manufacturing 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, and a method for manufacturing the wheel unit.SOLUTION: The detection device includes a sensor substrate 100 and a target member 80. 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. In the knuckle body 130 of the knuckle 15, a substrate attachment portion 140 to which the sensor substrate 100 is attached is provided at the peripheral edge portion of the 130a of the through hole.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wheel unit and a method for manufacturing a wheel unit. [Background technology]

[0002] A hub bearing with a sensor is known that detects displacement by utilizing the relative displacement of an inner ring member with respect to an outer ring member of the hub bearing. A hub bearing with a sensor is described in, for example, Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-275508 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A known wheel unit includes a vehicle knuckle body, a hub bearing that rotatably supports the vehicle wheel relative to the knuckle body, 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 body. 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 is configured to detect forces acting on the wheel and includes a sensor board and a detection target portion. The sensor board is provided on the flange portion on the knuckle body 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 axially toward the knuckle body and portions that recede axially from the convex portions to the opposite side of the knuckle body, 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 and a method for manufacturing the 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 relates to a knuckle body of a vehicle; a hub bearing that rotatably supports a wheel of the vehicle relative to the knuckle body; 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 body; 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; and The knuckle body is formed with a fitting portion into which an outer cylindrical portion, which is a cylindrical portion located radially outward of the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, is fitted, With the outer cylindrical portion fitted to the fitting portion, the second bearing member is rotatably supported with respect to the knuckle body, The detection device includes: A detection target portion provided on the flange portion on the knuckle main body side in the axial direction and extending in the circumferential direction of the second cylindrical portion; a sensor substrate having a first plate surface facing the detection target in the axial direction and a second plate surface that is the reverse side of the first plate surface; and the sensor substrate outputs a voltage signal corresponding to a relative displacement of the detection target portion with respect to the sensor substrate; The detection target portion is provided with convex portions that protrude toward the knuckle body in the axial direction and portions that recede toward the opposite side of the knuckle body from the convex portions in the axial direction, alternately arranged in the circumferential direction.

[0009] In the present disclosure, a board mounting portion is provided on the peripheral edge of the fitting portion of the knuckle body, to which the sensor board is attached with the first plate surface facing the detection target portion.

[0010] The board mounting portion determines the relative position of the sensor board and the detection target. This minimizes 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 first plate surface of the sensor board facing 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. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a view of the wheel unit from the inside in the vehicle width direction. [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in Figure 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the electrical configuration of a sensor substrate and a processing unit. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a partial enlarged view of a wheel unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 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 with reference to Figures 1 to 10. 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. Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of Figure 2.

[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 and includes a disc rotor 21 that is disk-shaped overall, and a brake caliper 33. The brake caliper 33 is actuated by hydraulic pressure, an electric signal, or the like, and includes a pair of brake pads that come into contact with the disc rotor 21 to generate braking force, a piston that presses the brake pads against the disc rotor 21, and a caliper body that supports the brake pads and the piston. As shown in FIG. 6, the brake caliper 33 is fixed to the knuckle 15, which is its base, with bolts 34.

[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] 2 and 6, 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 hole 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. As a result, the target member 80, the disc rotor 21, and the inner ring member 60 are coaxial, and the target member 80, the disc rotor 21, and the wheel 11 rotate together.

[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 its plate surface 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 radially outward of the inner cylindrical portion 61 and the outer cylindrical portion 51. In the arrangement space, the detection object portion 84 of the target member 80 is disposed at a position axially opposite the sensor board 100. In this embodiment, the sensor board 100 is disposed at a position axially opposite the lower end of the detection object portion 84. The sensor board 100 is disposed between the flange portion 62 and the hub mounting portion 52. The sensor board 100 may be disposed, for example, at a position axially opposite the upper end of the detection object portion 84.

[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 an 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 an 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. Furthermore, the circumferential center positions of the coils 110 to 112 are located opposite the lower end of the detection target 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 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, the knuckle 15 is made of, 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 (corresponding to a "fitting portion") 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 sensor board 100 to the knuckle 15 will be described.

[0051] 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 a circumferential middle portion.

[0052] A board mounting portion 140 for mounting the sensor board 100 is provided on the periphery of the through hole 130a of the knuckle body 130. The board mounting portion 140 has a shape that protrudes from the knuckle body 130 toward the flange portion 62 in the axial direction. The same number of board mounting portions 140 as the insertion holes 101 are formed. Each board mounting portion 140 is formed with a female threaded hole 140a that extends in the axial direction and into which the male thread of the board bolt 103 is screwed. In this embodiment, the female threaded hole 140a is a blind hole that opens on the flange portion 62 side in the axial direction.

[0053] The first wall portion 73 of the dust cover 70 is formed with a through hole 76 through which the board attachment portion 140 is inserted.

[0054] Next, the manufacturing process for fixing the sensor board 100 and the hub bearing 40 to the knuckle 15 will be described.

[0055] First, each board mounting portion 140 is inserted into the through hole 76 of the dust cover 70. Then, 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.

[0056] Then, with the plate surface of the first wall portion 73 of the dust cover 70 abutting against the knuckle body 130 and the plate surface of the first wall portion 73 abutting against the flat surface 52b of the hub mounting portion 52, 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. Because the circumferential positions of the hub mounting portions 52 and the board mounting portions 140 are offset, interference between the hub mounting portions 52 and the board mounting portions 140 can be prevented.

[0057] Thereafter, the insertion holes 101 of the sensor board 100 and the female screw holes 140a of the board mounting portion 140 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 140a. As a result, the sensor board 100 is fixed to the knuckle body 130 with the first plate surface 102a directed toward the flange portion 62 and the second plate surface 102b directed toward the knuckle body 130. Furthermore, the sensor board 100 is fixed to the knuckle body 130 with a predetermined relative positional relationship maintained between the sensor board 100 and the knuckle body 130. The sensor board 100 is positioned so that it cannot move relative to the knuckle body 130.

[0058] After the sensor board 100 is attached to the board attachment portion 140, the disc rotor 21 and the wheel 11 are attached to the flange portion 62 by the method described above.

[0059] According to the present embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.

[0060] A board mounting portion 140 is provided on the periphery of the through-hole 130a of the knuckle body 130, to which the sensor board 100 is attached with the first plate surface 102a facing the detection target portion 84. This makes it possible to determine the relative positions of the sensor board 100 and the detection target portion 84. For example, by adjusting the axial length of the board mounting portion 140 during design, it is possible to adjust the gap between the flat surface 82a of the convex portion 82 and the first plate surface 102a of the sensor board 100. As a result, it is possible to minimize the effect of changes in the shape of the hub bearing 40 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 minimizes 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.

[0061] 7, the axial distance L1 between the knuckle body 130 (specifically, the base end of the board mounting portion 140) and the sensor board 100 (for example, the second plate surface 102b) is longer than the axial distance L2 between the sensor board 100 (for example, the first plate surface 102a) and the detection target portion 84 (for example, the flat surface 82a of the convex portion 82). The reason for "L1>L2" will be explained below.

[0062] 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.

[0063] Here, if the axial distance between the knuckle body 130 and the sensor board 100 is short, there is a concern that part of the magnetic flux generated in the excitation coil 110 will flow to the knuckle body 130. 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.

[0064] Therefore, "L1>L2" is set. This makes it difficult for part of the magnetic flux generated in the excitation coil 110 to flow to the knuckle body 130. 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.

[0065] For example, it may be set to "L1 / 10≦L2≦L1 / 5", "L1 / 10≦L2≦L1 / 6", "L1 / 10≦L2≦L1 / 7", "L1 / 8≦L2≦L1 / 5", "L1 / 8≦L2≦L1 / 6", or "L1 / 8≦L2≦L1 / 7".

[0066] Board mounting portion 140 has a columnar shape that protrudes from knuckle main body 130 toward flange portion 62 in the axial direction. This reduces the area of ​​board mounting portion 140 when viewed from the axial direction. This further reduces the area of ​​board mounting portion 140 when second plate surface 102b of sensor board 100 is attached to the tip of board mounting portion 140, thereby further preventing some of the magnetic flux generated in excitation coil 110 from flowing to knuckle main body 130 via board mounting portion 140.

[0067] 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, as shown in Figures 11 to 14, the base plate bolt 143 is inserted into the knuckle body 130 from the outside in the vehicle width direction, rather than from the inside in the vehicle width direction.

[0068] A board bolt insertion hole 150a is formed in the knuckle body 130 and the board mounting portion 150 of the knuckle body 130, and passes through the knuckle body 130 and the board mounting portion 150 in the axial direction, and through which the board bolt 143 is inserted. A female screw hole 104 is formed in the sensor board 100, into which the male screw of the board bolt 143 is screwed.

[0069] Next, the manufacturing process for fixing the sensor board 100 and the hub bearing 40 to the knuckle 15 will be described.

[0070] First, each board mounting portion 150 is inserted into the through hole 76 of the dust cover 70 , and 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 130 a of the knuckle body 130 .

[0071] Then, with the plate surface of the first wall portion 73 of the dust cover 70 abutting against the knuckle body 130 and the plate surface of the first wall portion 73 abutting against the flat surface 52b of the hub mounting portion 52, the male thread of the mounting bolt 16 is screwed into the female threaded hole 52a of the hub mounting portion 52.

[0072] Thereafter, the female screw holes 104 of the sensor board 100 and the board bolt insertion holes 150a of the board attachment portion 150 are aligned. In this state, the heads of the board bolts 143 are axially oriented away from the knuckle body 130, and the board bolts 143 are inserted into the board bolt insertion holes 150a, and the male threads of the board bolts 143 are screwed into the female screw holes 104 of the sensor board 100. As a result, the sensor board 100 is fixed to the knuckle body 130 with the first plate surface 102a facing the flange portion 62 and the second plate surface 102b facing the knuckle body 130.

[0073] In this way, by inserting the board bolts 143 into the knuckle body 130 from the outside in the vehicle width direction, the workability of the sensor board 100 installation work can be improved.

[0074] <Other embodiments> The above-described embodiments may be modified as follows.

[0075] The fitting portion formed in the knuckle body 130 and into which the outer cylindrical portion 51 is fitted is not limited to the through hole 130a that passes through the knuckle body 130 in the axial direction, but may be, for example, a cylindrical portion with a bottom that opens toward the flange portion 62.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] The circumferential center positions of the first and second receiving coils 111, 112 may be located at a position axially facing the right or left end of the target member 80, rather than at a position axially facing the lower or upper 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.

[0079] 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]

[0080] 10...wheel unit, 15...knuckle, 17...hub bolt, 40...hub bearing, 80...target member, 100...sensor board, 130...knuckle body, 140...board mounting portion

Claims

1. A knuckle body (130) of a vehicle; a hub bearing (40) that rotatably supports the vehicle wheels (11, 14) relative to the knuckle body; 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 body; 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; and The knuckle body is formed with a fitting portion (130a) into which an outer cylindrical portion (51), which is a cylindrical portion located radially outward of the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, is fitted, With the outer cylindrical portion fitted to the fitting portion, the second bearing member is rotatably supported with respect to the knuckle body, The detection device includes: a detection target portion (84) provided on the flange portion on the knuckle main body side in the axial direction and extending in the circumferential direction of the second cylindrical portion; a sensor substrate (100) having a first plate surface (102a) facing the detection target in the axial direction and a second plate surface (102b) that is a rear surface of the first plate surface; and the sensor substrate outputs a voltage signal corresponding to a relative displacement of the detection target portion with respect to the sensor substrate; The detection target portion is provided with convex portions (82) that protrude toward the knuckle body in the axial direction and portions (83) that recede toward the opposite side of the knuckle body from the convex portions in the axial direction, alternately in the circumferential direction, A wheel unit in which a substrate mounting portion (140, 150) is provided on the peripheral edge of the fitting portion of the knuckle body, to which the sensor substrate is attached with the first plate surface facing the detection target portion.

2. The detection target portion and the knuckle body are 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; The wheel unit according to claim 1, wherein a distance (L1) between the knuckle body and the sensor board in the axial direction is longer than a distance (L2) between the sensor board and the detection target portion in the axial direction.

3. The board mounting portion protrudes from the knuckle body toward the flange portion in the axial direction, The wheel unit according to claim 2 , wherein the second plate surface of the sensor board is attached to a tip end of the board attachment portion.

4. The knuckle body and the board mounting portion (150) are formed with a board bolt insertion hole (150a) that penetrates the knuckle body and the board mounting portion in the axial direction and through which a board bolt (143) is inserted, The sensor board has a female screw hole (104) into which the male screw of the board bolt is screwed, A wheel unit as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein the board bolt is inserted into the board bolt insertion hole with the head of the board bolt facing inward in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle, and the male thread of the board bolt is screwed into the female thread hole of the sensor board.

5. The outer cylindrical portion is provided with a hub mounting portion (52) extending radially outward, The hub mounting portion has a female screw hole (52a) that opens toward the knuckle body in the axial direction and into which a mounting bolt (16) is screwed, The knuckle body is formed with a mounting bolt insertion hole (133) that penetrates in the axial direction and through which the mounting bolt is inserted, the mounting bolt is inserted into the mounting bolt insertion hole with the head of the mounting bolt facing away from the knuckle body in the axial direction, and the male thread of the mounting bolt is screwed into the female thread hole of the hub mounting portion, The wheel unit according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the hub mounting portion and the mounting bolt insertion hole are arranged at positions offset from the board mounting portion in the circumferential direction.

6. A method for manufacturing a wheel unit (10), The wheel unit includes: A knuckle body (130) of a vehicle; a hub bearing (40) that rotatably supports the vehicle wheels (11, 14) relative to the knuckle body; a detection device (80, 100); Equipped with 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 body; 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; and The detection device includes: a detection target portion (84) provided on the flange portion on the knuckle main body side in the axial direction and extending in the circumferential direction of the second cylindrical portion; a sensor substrate (100) having a first plate surface (102a) facing the detection target in the axial direction and a second plate surface (102b) that is a rear surface of the first plate surface; and the sensor substrate outputs a voltage signal corresponding to a relative displacement of the detection target portion with respect to the sensor substrate; The detection target portion is provided with convex portions (82) that protrude toward the knuckle body in the axial direction and portions (83) that recede toward the opposite side of the knuckle body from the convex portions in the axial direction, alternately in the circumferential direction, The knuckle body is formed with a fitting portion (130a) into which an outer cylindrical portion (51), which is a cylindrical portion located radially outward of the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, is fitted, a substrate mounting portion (150) to which the second plate surface of the sensor substrate is attached is provided on a peripheral edge portion of the fitting portion of the knuckle body, The knuckle body and the board mounting portion are formed with board bolt insertion holes (150a) that penetrate the knuckle body and the board mounting portion in the axial direction and through which board bolts (143) are inserted, The sensor board has a female screw hole (104) into which the male screw of the board bolt is screwed, fitting the outer cylindrical portion into the fitting portion of the knuckle; a step of aligning the board bolt insertion hole with the female screw hole of the sensor board in a state where the outer cylindrical portion is fitted into the fitting portion; in the aligned state, inserting the board bolt into the board bolt insertion hole while orienting a head of the board bolt toward an inner side in a vehicle width direction of the vehicle, and screwing the male thread of the board bolt into the female thread hole of the sensor board, thereby fixing the sensor board to the board mounting portion; A method for manufacturing a wheel unit, comprising:

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