Measuring set-up, wheel bearing assembly, and motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a measuring set-up comprising: a rotatable component (1); a stationary component (2); a first rolling bearing (10) and a second rolling bearing (20) which each have an inner race (11, 21), an outer race (12, 22), and a plurality of rolling elements (13, 23) arranged therebetween, the rolling bearings (10, 20) being arranged between the rotatable component (1) and the stationary component (2) and not being supported against one another; and a plurality of sensor elements (3), at least some of which are arranged in a region between one of the two bearing races of the first rolling bearing (10) and a bearing-supporting point (4) formed on the stationary component (2), the sensor elements (3) being designed to sense various loads in various directions and to generate sensor data.

Description

[0001] P240554

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] Measuring setup with rolling bearings and sensor elements

[0004] The invention relates to a measuring arrangement comprising a rotatable component, a stationary component, two rolling bearings, and several sensor elements. The invention further relates to a wheel bearing arrangement for a motor vehicle with such a measuring arrangement and to a motor vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, with such a wheel bearing arrangement.

[0005] For example, DE 102018 111 841 A1 discloses a wheel hub for mounting a vehicle wheel on a wheel axle, comprising a hub body and a rolling bearing unit for mounting the hub body on a stub axle of the wheel axle, wherein the rolling bearing unit has annular rolling bearings for gripping the stub axle, each comprising an outer ring, an inner ring, and a plurality of rolling elements. At least one measuring ring for gripping the stub axle is arranged axially adjacent to at least one of the inner rings, wherein the measuring ring has at least one measuring device for measuring strain and / or compression.

[0006] DE 10 2018 111 843 A1 describes a wheel hub-wheel axle assembly comprising a wheel axle, a wheel hub for mounting a vehicle wheel on the wheel axle, and a rolling bearing unit for mounting the wheel hub on an axle journal of the wheel axle. Sensors measure the distance between the axle and the wheel hub as well as the load on the bearings.

[0007] German patent DE 10 2019 104 791 A1 describes a method for adjusting the preload of a double-row rolling bearing. In this method, the outer ring of a first rolling bearing is inserted into a housing, a mounted shaft is set in rotation, the outer diameter of the outer ring of a second rolling bearing is measured, an increasing preload is applied between the inner rings, and the resulting expansion of the outer ring of the second rolling bearing is measured. The increase in preload is stopped once a certain limit for the outer diameter is reached.

[0008] DE 10 2014207 944 A1 describes a bearing arrangement with a sensor. A bearing ring has a bore extending from a cylindrical surface of the bearing ring in P240554.

[0009] - 2 -

[0010] extends in the direction of its trajectory, whereby the sensor is at least partially enclosed by the bore.

[0011] DE 10 2013 006 966 A1 describes a measuring device arrangement for measuring the bearing preload force of a pair of roller bearings, wherein each roller bearing comprises an outer ring bearing against a machine element, an inner ring bearing against a shaft, and rolling elements arranged between them. A ring with at least one recess formed on an outer circumferential surface is arranged axially between the two roller bearings, in which a measuring cell for measuring the bearing preload force is arranged.

[0012] EP 1 995 580 A1 describes a preload measuring device for a double-row rolling bearing. Sensors monitor the extent to which the bearing components shift and tilt.The unit comprises an outer bearing ring element with double rows of outer ring raceways on an inner circumferential surface, an inner bearing ring element with double rows of inner ring raceways on an outer circumferential surface, rolling elements arranged to roll between the outer ring raceways and the inner ring raceways in each of the rows, such that the contact angles given to the respective rows are determined by opposing axial displacement measuring devices for determining an axial relative displacement between the outer bearing ring element and the inner bearing ring element, inclination angle measuring devices for determining an inclination angle between the central axes of the outer bearing ring element and the inner bearing ring element, and preload calculation devices for determining a preload applied to the rolling elements based on the inclination angle and the axial relative displacement.

[0013] US Patent 2008 / 0075399A1 describes a rolling bearing unit with a load measuring unit. A rotary encoder, whose characteristics change alternately at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, is arranged concentrically on a hub. A detection section of a sensor on the outer ring is positioned in close proximity to a detected surface of the encoder. The width dimensions of the first and second detected sections, which are provided on the detected surface, are specified in P240554.

[0014] - 3 - gestell It are continuously changed in a direction in which a load to be detected is applied.

[0015] The object of the invention is to create an alternative measuring arrangement. In particular, the measuring arrangement should be compact, inexpensive to manufacture, and easy to assemble. This object is achieved by the subject matter of claim 1. Preferred embodiments can be found in the dependent claims, the description, and the figures.

[0016] A measuring arrangement according to the invention comprises a rotatable component, a stationary component, a first rolling bearing and a second rolling bearing, each with an inner ring, an outer ring and several rolling elements arranged between them, wherein the rolling bearings are arranged between the rotatable component and the stationary component and are not supported against each other, as well as several sensor elements which are arranged at least partially in an area between one of the two bearing rings of the first rolling bearing and a bearing support point formed on the stationary component, wherein the sensor elements are configured to sense different loads in different directions and to generate sensor data.

[0017] The rotatable component is preferably designed as a shaft or axle, while the stationary component is designed as a housing or a component non-rotatably connected to the housing. The two rolling bearings are preferably designed as tapered roller bearings or angular contact ball bearings. In particular, the two rolling bearings, the rotatable component, and the housing-fixed component are part of a wheel bearing arrangement of a motor vehicle, especially a commercial vehicle. Because the two rolling bearings are not supported against each other, the force flow under load, with an axial force component between the two rolling bearings, occurs only via the rotatable component and / or via the stationary component. No other components are involved, and due to the axial spacing between the two rolling bearings, no direct force transmission occurs between them.The position where the greatest deformation occurs and the load can best be measured is the area between one of the two bearing rings of the first rolling bearing and the bearing support point formed on the stationary component. P240554.

[0018] - 4 -

[0019] The bearing support point formed on the stationary component can support either the inner ring or the outer ring of the first rolling bearing. Furthermore, the bearing support point formed on the stationary component can be located on either the drive side or the output side of the measuring arrangement. "Multiple sensor elements" refers to at least two sensor elements. Preferably, at least three sensor elements are arranged between one of the two bearing rings of the first rolling bearing and the bearing support point, wherein the at least three sensor elements are configured to detect different loads in different directions and generate sensor data. In particular, the at least three sensor elements are configured for strain and / or compression measurement.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the sensor elements are arranged directly at the bearing support point of the stationary component. Thus, the sensor elements are positioned directly on the stationary component, specifically in the area of ​​the bearing support point. In particular, the sensor elements are arranged on a circumferential surface of the stationary component. This improves the measurement setup and the measurement quality. The connecting cables for the sensor elements can be routed through the stationary component.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the sensor elements are arranged on a common support ring, which is positioned between one of the two bearing rings of the first rolling bearing and the bearing support point on the stationary component. Thus, the sensor elements do not come into direct contact with the stationary component, but rather with the support ring, which in turn comes into contact with the bearing support point and with the bearing ring, i.e., the inner or outer ring of the first rolling bearing. This simplifies the assembly of the measuring arrangement. The connecting cables for the sensor elements can be bundled on the support ring and routed through the stationary component. Preferably, the support ring has at least one recess in the area of ​​the sensor element to amplify the measurement signal from the sensor element. In other words, the material is weakened in the area of ​​the recess to facilitate elastic deformation under load.Preferably, at least one recess is formed on an inner circumferential surface. Provided the load is in P240554.

[0022] - 5 - If the strain on this mechanical assembly is to be measured using strain gauges, the measuring arrangement is preferably designed such that the point of greatest deformation is measured. In particular, the connection between the support ring and the bearing ring is designed to be as rigid and large as possible.

[0023] According to one embodiment, each sensor element is arranged on a respective carrier, with the carrier being positioned between one of the two bearing rings of the first rolling bearing and the bearing support point on the stationary component. Thus, the sensor elements do not come into direct contact with the stationary component, but rather with the respective carrier, which in turn comes into contact with the bearing support point and the bearing ring, i.e., the inner or outer ring of the first rolling bearing. This simplifies the assembly of the measuring arrangement. Preferably, the respective carrier has at least one recess in the area of ​​the sensor element to amplify the measurement signal from the sensor element. In other words, the material is weakened in the area of ​​the recess to facilitate elastic deformation under load.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the carrier ring or the respective carrier is at least partially overmolded with a plastic to protect the respective sensor element from environmental influences such as temperature, fluids, and abrasion. The sensor elements are arranged on a circumferential surface of the carrier ring or the respective carrier. In particular, at least the circumferential surface of the carrier ring or the respective carrier is overmolded with a plastic. The respective carrier is specifically designed in a ring-segment shape. For example, the plastic is polyurethane. This increases the service life of the measuring arrangement.

[0025] According to one embodiment, at least four sensor elements designed as strain gauges and uniformly distributed circumferentially are arranged between one of the two bearing rings of the first rolling bearing and the bearing support point of the stationary component. The strain gauges are arranged on the stationary component, on the support ring, or on the support for measuring strain and / or compression. If the strain gauges are arranged on supports, the supports are also arranged uniformly circumferentially. This improves the measurement setup and the measurement quality. P240554

[0026] - 6 -

[0027] Furthermore, the invention relates to a wheel bearing arrangement for a motor vehicle for the rotatable mounting of a rotatable component relative to a stationary component, comprising a measuring arrangement according to the invention which is configured to generate sensor data for determining a wheel contact force. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, with such a wheel bearing arrangement.

[0028] Further measures improving the invention are described in more detail below, together with a description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the figures.

[0029] Figure 1 shows a highly simplified schematic sectional view of a measuring arrangement according to the invention in a first embodiment,

[0030] Figure 2 shows a highly simplified schematic sectional view of a measuring arrangement according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0031] Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a support ring of the measuring arrangement according to the second embodiment of the invention.

[0032] Figure 4 shows a schematic top view of the support ring according to Figure 3.

[0033] Figure 5 shows a schematic top view of several supports of a device according to the invention.

[0034] Measuring setup and

[0035] Figure 6 shows a highly simplified schematic representation of the measuring arrangement according to the invention in the first embodiment.

[0036] Figure 1 shows a simplified representation of a measuring arrangement according to a first embodiment of the invention. The measuring arrangement is part of a wheel bearing assembly (not shown in detail) for a commercial vehicle and serves to generate sensor data for determining a wheel contact force. The measuring arrangement comprises a rotatable component 1 designed as a shaft or axle of the commercial vehicle, a stationary component 2 designed as a housing, a first rolling bearing 10, and a P240554

[0037] - 7 - Second rolling bearing 20. The first rolling bearing 10 comprises a first inner ring 11, a first outer ring 12, and several first rolling elements 13 arranged between them, which are designed as tapered rollers and guided in a cage. The second rolling bearing 20 comprises a second inner ring 21, a second outer ring 22, and several second rolling elements 23 arranged between them, which are designed as tapered rollers and guided in a cage. The two rolling bearings 10, 20 are arranged between the rotating component 1 and the stationary component 2 and are not supported against each other. In other words, the first inner ring 11 and the second inner ring 21 bear against the rotating component 1, while the first outer ring 12 and the second outer ring 22 bear against the stationary component 2.

[0038] Furthermore, the measuring arrangement comprises several sensor elements, which are at least partially located in an area between the first outer ring 12 and a bearing support point 4 formed on the stationary component 2. The sensor elements 3 are configured to detect different loads in different directions and to generate sensor data. In this case, the sensor elements 3 are arranged directly at the bearing support point 4 of the stationary component 2. Specifically, the sensor elements 3 come into contact with an inner circumferential surface of the stationary component 2 in the area of ​​the bearing support point 4, with the second outer ring 12 coming into contact not with the sensor elements 3, but with the bearing support point 4. For this purpose, the sensor elements 3 can be arranged in recesses provided for this purpose on the bearing support point 4.

[0039] Because the two rolling bearings 10, 20 are not supported against each other, the force flow, which is simplified here according to arrows 31 to 36, under a load according to the first arrow 31, which is introduced into the second rolling bearing 20 via a T-nut 8, initially flows through the second rolling bearing 20 according to the second arrow 32. The force flow continues through the second rolling bearing 20 according to the third arrow 33 through the rotatable component 1 and according to the fourth arrow 34 through the stationary component 2. The force then continues according to the fifth arrow 35 through the first rolling bearing 10, whereby the first rolling bearing 10 comes into contact at the bearing support point 4, where the support force can be measured according to the sixth arrow 36. In particular, this provides a reliable and meaningful measurement that makes it possible to derive the wheel contact force. P240554

[0040] - 8 - Figure 2 shows a simplified representation of a measuring arrangement according to a second embodiment of the invention. The measuring arrangement is part of a wheel bearing assembly (not shown in detail) for a commercial vehicle and serves to generate sensor data for determining a wheel contact force. The measuring arrangement comprises a rotatable component 1 designed as a shaft or axle of the commercial vehicle, a stationary component 2 designed as a housing, a first rolling bearing 10, and a second rolling bearing 20. The first rolling bearing 10 comprises a first inner ring 11, a first outer ring 12, and several first rolling elements 13 arranged between them, which are designed as tapered rollers and guided in a cage. The second rolling bearing 20 comprises a second inner ring 21, a second outer ring 22, and several second rolling elements 23 arranged between them, which are designed as tapered rollers and guided in a cage.The two rolling bearings 10, 20 are arranged between the rotating component 1 and the stationary component 2 and are not supported against each other. In other words, the first inner ring 11 and the second inner ring 21 bear against the stationary component 2, while the first outer ring 12 and the second outer ring 22 bear against the rotating component 1.

[0041] Furthermore, the measuring arrangement comprises several sensor elements 3 arranged on a common support ring 5, which is positioned between the first inner ring 1 and a bearing support point 4 formed on the stationary component 2. The arrangement of the sensor elements 3 on the support ring 5 simplifies the assembly of the measuring arrangement. The support ring 5 with the sensor elements 3 is designed to detect different loads in different directions and generate sensor data. In this case, the sensor elements 3 are arranged on an outer circumferential surface of the support ring 5.

[0042] Because the two rolling bearings 10, 20 are not supported against each other, the force flow, which is simplified here according to arrows 31 to 36, initially proceeds through the second rolling bearing 20 according to the second arrow 32 when a load is applied according to the first arrow 31, which is introduced into the second rolling bearing 20 via a T-nut 8. The force flow then continues through the second rolling bearing 20 according to the third arrow 33 through the rotatable component 1 and according to the fourth arrow 34 through the stationary component 2. The force then proceeds according to the fifth arrow 35.

[0043] - 9 - through the first rolling bearing 10, wherein the first rolling bearing 10 is supported via the support ring 5 at the bearing support point 4, where the support force can be detected according to the sixth arrow 36. In particular, this provides a reliable and meaningful measured value that makes it possible to derive the wheel contact force.

[0044] Figures 3 and 4 show the support ring 5 according to Figure 2. Although only two sensor elements 3 are shown in Figure 3, four sensor elements 3, designed as strain gauges and uniformly distributed circumferentially, are arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the support ring 5. Furthermore, the support ring 5 has a recess 7 on its inner circumferential surface in the area of ​​each sensor element 3 to amplify the measurement signal of that element. As can be seen particularly in Figure 4, the recesses 7 on the support ring 5 are formed as radial depressions and have an elliptical shape. The recesses 7 are uniformly distributed around the circumference of the support ring 5. Between the recesses 7, web sections are formed circumferentially to simplify the mounting of the support ring 5 to the stationary component 2.The carrier ring 5 can be overmolded with plastic, at least in the area of ​​its outer circumferential surface, to protect the four sensor elements 3. Furthermore, connecting cables for the sensor elements 3 (not shown in detail) can also be overmolded with plastic on the outer circumferential surface of the carrier ring 5 and thus bundled together.

[0045] Figure 5 shows four supports 6 in an isolated mounting position between one of the two bearing rings of the first rolling bearing and the bearing support point of the stationary component. Although no sensor element is visible in this side view, it should be noted that each support 6 has a sensor element arranged on an outer circumferential surface of the respective support 6. The supports 6 have a recess 7 on their inner circumferential surface in the area of ​​the respective sensor element to amplify the measurement signal of the respective sensor element. The recesses 7 on each support 6 are designed as radial depressions and have an elliptical shape. The four supports 6 are mounted evenly spaced circumferentially between one of the two bearing rings of the first rolling bearing and the bearing support point of the stationary component. Although the supports 6 are not connected to each other in this view, P240554

[0046] - 10 - these can be joined together to form an elastic ring by means of bridges or elastic connecting elements. The respective carrier 6 is overmolded with a plastic at least in the area of ​​the outer circumferential surface in order to protect the respective sensor element.

[0047] Figure 6 shows a further highly simplified representation of the measuring arrangement according to the first embodiment. This representation shows the number and positioning of the sensor elements 3 directly at the bearing support point 4 of the stationary component 2. In this case, four sensor elements 3, designed as strain gauges and uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction, are arranged at the bearing support point 4 of the stationary component 2.

[0048] P240554

[0049] - 11 -

[0050] List of reference signs

[0051] 1 rotatable component

[0052] 2 stationary component

[0053] 3 Sensor element

[0054] 4 bearing support point

[0055] 5 carrier ring

[0056] 6 carriers

[0057] 7 recess

[0058] 8 Nut stone

[0059] 9 Bridge section

[0060] 10 first rolling bearing

[0061] 11 Inner ring

[0062] 12 Outer ring

[0063] 13 rolling elements

[0064] 20 second roller bearing

[0065] 21 inner ring

[0066] 22 Outer ring

[0067] 23 rolling elements

[0068] 31 first arrow

[0069] 32 second arrow

[0070] 33 third arrow

[0071] 34 fourth arrow

[0072] 35 fifth arrow

[0073] 36 sixth arrow

Claims

P240554 - 12 - Patent claims 1. Measuring arrangement comprising • a rotatable component (1 ), • a stationary component (2), • a first rolling bearing (10) and a second rolling bearing (20), each with an inner ring (11, 21), an outer ring (12, 22) and several rolling elements (13, 23) arranged between them, wherein the rolling bearings (10, 20) are arranged between the rotatable component (1) and the stationary component (2) and are not supported against each other, • and several sensor elements (3) arranged between one of the two bearing rings of the first rolling bearing (10) and a bearing support point (4) formed on the stationary component (2), wherein the sensor elements (3) are configured to sense different loads in different directions and to generate sensor data.

2. Measuring arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor elements (3) are arranged directly at the bearing support point (4) of the stationary component (2).

3. Measuring arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor elements (3) are arranged on a common support ring (5) which is arranged between one of the two bearing rings of the first rolling bearing (10) and the bearing support point (4) of the stationary component (2).

4. Measuring arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that each sensor element (3) is arranged on a respective carrier (6) which is arranged between one of the two bearing rings of the first rolling bearing (10) and the bearing support point (4) of the stationary component (2).

5. Measuring arrangement according to claim 3 or 4, P240554 - 13 - characterized in that the carrier ring (5) or the respective carrier (6) has at least one recess (7) in the area of ​​the sensor element (3) in order to amplify a measurement signal of the sensor element (3).

6. Measuring arrangement according to claim 3 or 4 or 5, characterized in that the carrier ring (5) or the respective carrier (6) is at least partially overmolded with a plastic to protect the respective sensor element (3).

7. Measuring arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least four sensor elements (3) designed as strain gauges and distributed uniformly in the circumferential direction are arranged at least partially in an area between one of the two bearing rings of the first rolling bearing (10) and the bearing support point (4) of the stationary component (2).

8. Measuring arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor elements (3) are arranged on a circumferential surface.

9. Wheel bearing arrangement for a motor vehicle for rotatable mounting of a rotatable component (1) relative to a stationary component (2) comprising a measuring arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, which is configured to generate sensor data for determining a wheel contact force.

10. Motor vehicle with a wheel bearing arrangement according to claim 9.

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