JP2017015680A - Bearing device having load sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a bearing device with a load sensor having a simple and inexpensive structure for detecting a load in a compression direction acting on a bearing that rotatably supports an axial load, and having a durable structure, and prevents overloading of a vehicle. An inner cylinder connected to a mount attached to a suspension device, an outer cylinder attached to the inner cylinder, an outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical portion of the inner cylinder, and a minimum inner diameter surface of the outer cylinder. An annular space 40 is formed by the outer ring 25 fitted to 63 and slidably arranged in the vertical direction, and a fluid bladder 70 filled with the measurement fluid R is disposed in the annular space 40, and The detection unit 45 of the pressure sensor 44 provided integrally with the cylinder 60 faces the fluid sac 70, and the pressure change in the fluid sac 70 pressed by the outer ring 25 having a piston function is detected. [Selection] Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for measuring a load in a direction in which a bearing is compressed, and particularly to a bearing device with a load sensor that measures a tire load built into a suspension system of an automobile.

  In vehicles, especially commercial vehicles such as trucks and vans that carry various kinds of luggage, illegal overloading that passes the road beyond legal load capacity has become a social problem. This is because the transportation cost can be reduced by transporting many packages at once.

However, such overloading may cause various problems as described below and should be avoided.
(1) The motor performance of the automobile may be reduced or the components may be damaged due to overloading, which may cause an accident. For example, there are many factors that cause accidents such as breakage of an axle (hub), breakage of a tire (burst), a braking distance becomes long and the brake is overheated and hardly works, and the vehicle easily rolls over.
(2) Road maintenance costs will be incurred due to severe road damage caused by overloading.

There are many reasons why it is difficult to prevent such overloading, but one of them is that the load weight cannot be easily recognized by the driver or passengers.
That is, conventionally, vehicle load measurement (load weight measurement) has been performed by placing a vehicle to be measured on a platform scale.
However, the installation of the platform scale is physically unreasonable because the facility is large and requires a large installation space, and the installation cost increases, so the number of platforms that can be installed is limited and many vehicles are measured. It was.

  Therefore, recently, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 and the like, many simple load measuring devices that can be mounted on a vehicle and measure a load have been proposed.

  For example, in the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1, a base assembly in which two welded portions are welded to different mounting positions of a member to be loaded that expands and contracts when a vehicle load is applied, and the vehicle is supported by the base assembly, A compression strain detection sensor element whose output changes as the base assembly expands and contracts in a direction in which the two welded portions approach and separate due to a change in load applied to the amplifier, and an amplifier that amplifies the output of the compression strain detection sensor element Is a simple load measuring device that measures a load by detecting compressive strain.

  However, the conventional load measuring device of this type is complicated in configuration as in Patent Document 1, and requires a circuit board, an amplifier, and the like, resulting in high costs. In addition, since these load measuring devices are provided in places where they are easily subjected to impact, there is a possibility that the circuit board, the amplifier and the like may be hindered.

  Therefore, the inventors of the present application pay attention to a bearing device incorporated in the vicinity of the attachment portion of the suspension device with the vehicle body, and can easily measure a load in the compression direction applied to the suspension device. We have succeeded in solving the above problems by providing a bearing device with a bearing.

JP 2001-330503 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and the object of the present invention is to detect a load in the compression direction that acts on a bearing that rotatably supports an axial load. An object of the present invention is to provide a bearing device with a load sensor having a structure that is inexpensive and has durability, and prevents overloading of a vehicle.

In order to achieve this object, the first aspect of the present invention includes an annular portion connected to a mounting portion fixed to the vehicle side, a smaller diameter than the annular portion, and protruding from the lower surface of the annular portion. A first member comprising a cylindrical portion provided;
An annular second member that is formed larger in diameter than the cylindrical portion and is disposed integrally with the annular portion outside the cylindrical portion, and a cylinder axial direction of the cylindrical portion of the first member A third member fixed integrally to the end and disposed on the wheel side;
A pair of bearing races interposed between the first member and the third member, and rotatably supporting an axial load around the cylindrical portion as an axis;
Rolling elements incorporated between the pair of bearing race rings,
The bearing race disposed near the mounting portion of the first member is fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion of the first member and the inner peripheral surface of the second member to form a cylinder. It is arranged to be slidable in the axial direction,
Between the first member, the second member, and the bearing race near the mounting portion, a fluid sac formed of a flexible and durable material and sealed with a measurement fluid is disposed without a gap. Has been
The fluid sac can change the pressure applied to the measurement fluid by the movement of the bearing race in the cylinder axis direction,
A pressure sensor capable of detecting a change in pressure of the measurement fluid is connected to the fluid sac, thereby providing a bearing device with a load sensor.

In a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the first member is an inner cylinder constituting a suspension device.
The second member is an outer cylinder constituting a suspension device,
The third member constitutes a suspension device and is a washer against which one end of the spring abuts,
The pair of bearing race rings includes an outer ring that is fitted to an outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical portion of the inner cylinder and an inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder and is slidably disposed in a cylinder axis direction, and the washer. It is an inner ring that is integrally fitted and arranged to support the axial load in rotation.
The fluid bladder is disposed without a gap in the annular space formed between the lower surface of the annular portion of the inner cylinder, the outer surface of the cylindrical portion, the inner surface of the outer cylinder, and the outer ring,
The pressure sensor is a bearing device with a load sensor, characterized in that the detection portion faces the fluid pouch on the inner surface of the outer cylinder facing the annular space.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention or the second aspect of the invention, a hollow annular piston is formed on one of the pair of bearing races. This is a bearing device.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a bearing device with a load sensor having a simple and inexpensive structure for detecting a load in a compression direction acting on a bearing that rotatably supports an axial load, and having a durable structure. It is possible to prevent.

1 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a first embodiment of a bearing device with a load sensor of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view showing a bearing device with a load sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention and having a mount connected to a vehicle body side on an outer surface of a first member. It is a top view of the bearing apparatus with a load sensor shown in FIG. It is the IV-IV sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is a partial expanded sectional view which expands and shows the principal part of FIG. 1 is a longitudinal side view showing a state of being incorporated in a suspension device in an embodiment of a bearing device with a load sensor of the present invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows 2nd embodiment of this invention bearing apparatus with a load sensor. It is a general | schematic disassembled perspective view which shows 3rd embodiment of the bearing apparatus with this invention load sensor. It is a vertical side view of the bearing apparatus with a load sensor of 3rd embodiment. 1 is a perspective view of a state in which a load sensor-equipped bearing device according to a third embodiment is shown and includes a mount connected to the vehicle body side on the outer surface of the first member, (a) a view seen from the mount side; (B) is the figure seen from the washer side. FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 9. It is a schematic perspective view of a diaphragm. It is a schematic perspective view of the sealing seat surface. It is a schematic perspective view of an inner cylinder. It is a schematic exploded perspective view which shows 4th embodiment of the bearing apparatus with a load sensor of this invention. It is the state which looked at the disassembled perspective view of FIG. 15 from the mount direction. It is a vertical side view of the bearing apparatus with a load sensor of 4th embodiment. It is a schematic perspective view of the sealing seat surface. It is a schematic perspective view of an outer ring (piston). It is a vertical side view which shows 5th embodiment of the bearing apparatus with this invention load sensor. It is a partial schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the metal diaphragm used for 5th embodiment.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a bearing device with a load sensor of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In the present embodiment, an embodiment in which the load sensor-equipped bearing device of the present invention is used in an automobile suspension device (suspension) is shown. The present embodiment is an embodiment of the present invention, and is not construed as being limited thereto. The design can be changed within the scope of the present invention.

  FIGS. 1 to 5 are views showing a first embodiment of a bearing device with a load sensor according to the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a suspension device 1 provided in an automobile (for example, a light commercial vehicle such as a truck or a van). FIG. 7 shows another embodiment (second embodiment) in which the load sensor-equipped bearing device of the embodiment is incorporated. FIG. 7 shows another embodiment (second embodiment) of the load sensor-equipped bearing device of the present invention. 8 to 14 show a third embodiment, FIGS. 15 to 19 show a fourth embodiment, and FIGS. 20 and 21 show a fifth embodiment. The suspension device 1 shown in FIG. 6 has a common configuration except that the configuration of the load sensor-equipped bearing device of each embodiment is different, and is used in each embodiment.

Although not shown in the drawings, for example, the upper side of the suspension device 1 is fixed to a body frame (cross member) of the automobile via a mounting portion (mount) 90, and the lower side is connected to a lower arm pivotally attached to the frame. Fixed to the axle.
The suspension device 1 shown in FIG. 6 has a known configuration except that the load sensor-equipped bearing device of the present invention is incorporated, and is not particularly limited to the present embodiment, and is designed within the scope of the present invention. It can be changed.
In FIG. 6, reference numeral 2 denotes a shock absorber, and reference numeral 4 denotes a coil spring. Hereinafter, the load sensor-equipped bearing device, which is a characteristic part of the present invention, will be described, and description of the configuration of the other suspension devices will be omitted.
"First embodiment"

  The bearing device with a load sensor is a rolling bearing device that rotatably supports an axial load in the compression direction, and constitutes a suspension device 1.

  The bearing device with a load sensor includes a first member (inner cylinder) 8 connected to a mounting portion (mount) 90 fixed to the vehicle side, and a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (direction indicated by arrow 100 in the figure). The second member (outer cylinder) 60 attached to the first member (inner cylinder) 8 in the direction indicated by the arrow 200 in the figure, and the wheel side attached to the first member (inner cylinder) 8. A third member (washer) 23 against which one end 5 of the coil spring 4 abuts in the vertical direction (direction indicated by arrow 100 in the drawing), the first member (inner cylinder) 8 and the third member. A pair of relatively rotatable bearing race rings (outer ring 25 and inner ring 35) interposed between the (washer) 23 and a plurality of rollers incorporated between the pair of bearing race rings (outer ring 25 and inner ring 35). Moving body (steel ball) 38 and front A retainer 39 for holding a plurality of rolling elements 38, the first member (inner cylinder) 8, the second member (outer cylinder) 60, and the first member (inner cylinder) 8 An annular space 40 formed between the bearing race (outer ring 25), a fluid sac 70 disposed in the annular space 40, and a pressure sensor 44 that detects a pressure change in the fluid sac 70. (See FIGS. 1 to 6).

The first member (inner cylinder) 8 includes an annular portion 9 that is connected to an attachment portion (mount) 60 and a cylindrical portion 19 that integrally protrudes from the lower surface of the annular portion 9.
Reference numeral 7 in the drawing denotes a bolt that is provided on the mounting portion (mount) 90 and fastens the suspension device 1 to the vehicle (vehicle body) side (not shown).

The annular portion 9 is formed in an annular shape having a through-hole 13 in the center, and includes a connection surface portion 11 for connecting an attachment portion (mount) 90 on the upper surface, and a notch formed continuously from the side peripheral surface on the lower surface. The step-shaped mounting annular portion 10 for mounting the second member (outer cylinder) 60 and the mounting annular portion 10 in the horizontal direction (the direction indicated by the arrow 200 in the drawing) toward the center axis direction of the ring It is formed by an annular lower surface 14 that is formed and constitutes an annular space 40.
Since the mounting annular portion 10 is formed in a stepped shape, positioning when mounting the second member (outer cylinder) 60 can be easily and reliably performed (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

The cylindrical portion 19 is formed to protrude from the lower surface of the annular portion 9 into a cylindrical shape having a predetermined outer diameter and the same inner diameter as the through-hole 13 and having the second through-hole 20 (see FIG. 2). .
The cylindrical portion 19 has an outer diameter smaller than that of the annular lower surface 14 and is formed so as to protrude in the vertical direction (the direction indicated by the arrow 100 in the drawing) from the annular lower surface 14.
That is, the cylindrical portion 19 is formed so as to protrude downward from the inner diameter of the annular lower surface 14 in a vertical direction (a direction indicated by an arrow 100 in the drawing) with a predetermined length.
In the figure, reference numeral 3 denotes a piston rod of the shock absorber 2 which is attached integrally through the second through hole 20 of the cylindrical portion 19 and the through hole 13 of the annular portion 9.

  The second member (outer cylinder) 60 is made of, for example, an aluminum material, and has an annular main body 61 that is fixedly attached to the mounting annular portion 10 of the first member (inner cylinder) 8, and an outer periphery of the annular main body 61. It is comprised by the sensor connection part 18 integrally provided in the surface predetermined position (refer FIG. 2).

The annular main body portion 61 has a larger diameter than the cylindrical portion 19 and is formed in a short cylindrical shape, and is fitted to the mounting annular portion 10 of the first member (inner cylinder) 8 on the inner peripheral side thereof. Thus, an annular stepped portion 62 that can be connected is formed.
A small-diameter inner surface (minimum inner diameter surface) 63 is formed on the inner periphery of the annular main body 61 and is located inward of the stepped portion 62.

The sensor connecting portion 18 is integrally provided at a predetermined position on the outer peripheral surface of the annular main body 61 in the horizontal direction (the direction indicated by the arrow 200 in the figure).
The sensor connecting portion 18 is formed with a sensor disposing hole 18a penetrating from the outer end surface 18b to the inner peripheral surface of the annular main body 61, and a predetermined sensor (pressure sensor 44) is disposed.

The sensor connecting portion 18 may be integrally formed with the annular main body portion 61, or may be integrally formed thereafter by separate molding, and the design can be changed as appropriate within the scope of the present invention. The shape of the sensor connecting portion 18 is not particularly limited and is arbitrary.
Further, if the annular main body 61 is configured so that a predetermined sensor (pressure sensor 44) can be directly disposed, the sensor disposition hole 18a is directly formed in the annular main body 61, and Such a sensor connecting portion 18 may not be provided in a protruding manner.

This embodiment is an embodiment in which the second member (outer cylinder) 60 is formed integrally with the first member (inner cylinder) 8 by being separately formed and fixed. The second member (outer cylinder) 60 may be formed integrally with the first member (inner cylinder) 8 and is within the scope of the present invention.
In this case, the sensor arrangement hole 18a can be directly provided at an arbitrary position of the integrally formed second member, and is within the scope of the present invention.

The outer ring 25 is formed in a thick annular shape (also referred to as a hollow annular shape) in the vertical direction (the direction indicated by reference numeral 100 in the drawing) and the horizontal direction (the direction indicated by the arrow 200 in the drawing). The outer ring raceway 28 is formed on the (bottom surface side), and a semi-circular second groove portion 54 is provided in an annular shape on the top surface side (plane side) in the vertical direction (see FIG. 2).
The inner diameter of the outer ring 25 has an inner diameter that is slidably fitted to the outer peripheral surface (outer diameter) 21 of the cylindrical portion 19, and the outer diameter of the outer ring 25 is that of the second member (outer cylinder) 60. It has an outer diameter that is slidably fitted to an inner peripheral surface (minimum inner diameter surface) 63.
That is, the outer ring 25 is integrally provided with a piston that slides on the outer peripheral surface (outer diameter) 21 of the cylindrical portion 19 and the inner peripheral surface (minimum inner diameter surface) 63 of the second member (outer cylinder) 60. (The outer ring 25 is also referred to as having a piston function.)

  The third member (washer) 23 is integrally fixed to the cylinder axial direction end portion 22 of the cylindrical portion 19 of the first member (inner cylinder) 8 and is disposed on the wheel side. A flange portion 24 against which one end 5 abuts is provided so as to project in an annular shape in the horizontal direction (see FIGS. 4 and 6).

  The inner ring 35 is attached and fixed to the outer surface 24 a of the flange portion 24 of the washer 23. The inner ring 35 is formed in an annular shape, and an inner ring raceway 37 is formed on the outer surface side (upper surface side opposite to the outer ring raceway 28) in the vertical direction.

  Therefore, the outer ring 25 and the inner ring 35 are constructed by incorporating a plurality of rolling elements (steel balls) 38 through the cage 39 into the outer ring raceway 28 and the inner ring raceway 37 that face each other, as described above. It arrange | positions between the member (inner cylinder) 8 and the washer 23, and axially supports the load (the load of the same direction as the vertical direction shown with the code | symbol 100 in the figure).

The annular space (hydraulic chamber) 40 includes an annular lower surface 14 of the first member (inner cylinder) 8, an outer peripheral surface 21 of the cylindrical portion 19, an outer peripheral surface (outer diameter surface) 30 of the outer ring 25, and a second member (outer side). Cylinder) 60 is an annular space formed by a minimum inner diameter surface 63, and a fluid sac 70 is disposed therein.
In the present embodiment, the semicircular first groove portion 52 provided in an annular shape on the annular lower surface 14 of the first member (inner cylinder) 8 and the upper surface side (planar side) of the outer ring 25 are provided. 27 is provided with a semicircular second groove portion 54 provided in an annular shape in a cross-sectional view, and the annular spaces 52a and 54a formed by the first groove portion 52 and the second groove portion 54 have cross sections. The annular space 40 of this embodiment is comprised with the space main body 40a of the viewing rectangle. That is, according to the present embodiment, the annular space 40 is provided in communication with the annular spaces 52a and 54a formed by the first groove portion 52 and the second groove portion 54, and the annular spaces 52a and 54a, respectively. A predetermined space constituted by the space main body 40a formed is formed.
In the annular space 40, a fluid sac 70 in which a predetermined fluid (measuring fluid such as hydraulic oil) R is enclosed is disposed.

The fluid sac (oil sac) 70 is formed in an annular shape with, for example, a flexible resin material, and a fluid R such as hydraulic oil is enclosed therein.
The fluid sac 70 is formed in the same shape as the annular space 40 so as to match the shape in the annular space 40 without any gap, and the pressure in the fluid sac 70 changes when a compressive force is applied. .
For example, in this embodiment, an arbitrary fluid (hydraulic oil) R is completely filled without bubbles. Further, in the present embodiment, a detection unit connection unit 71 that allows the detection unit 45 of the sensor (pressure sensor 44) to face the internal space of the fluid sac 70 is provided at a predetermined location on the outer peripheral surface. That is, a through hole 71 a communicating with the internal space of the fluid sac 70 is formed in the detection unit connection unit 71.

  The material of the fluid sac 70 may be any material that is flexible and durable (cold resistance / abrasion resistance / oil resistance), and is not particularly limited, but is suitable for the present invention. As typical examples, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), rubber material, and the like can be given as representative examples.

  The fluid bladder 70 and the pressure sensor 44 need to be connected so that the fluid (hydraulic oil) R does not leak from the fluid bladder 70.

For example, in the present embodiment, the detection portion connection portion 71 of the fluid sac 70 is configured in a funnel shape that expands outward from the outer peripheral surface of the fluid sac 70, and the funnel-shaped detection portion connection portion 61 It is housed in the sensor connecting portion 18 of the second member (outer cylinder) 60 and sealed by being tightly sandwiched between the inner surface of the second member (outer cylinder) 60 and the outer surface of the pressure sensor 44.
In particular, in the present embodiment, taper portions 65 and 44a are provided on the inner surface of the second member (outer cylinder) 60 and the outer end surface of the pressure sensor 44, respectively, and the screw 44b of the pressure sensor 44 is tightened to The fluid (hydraulic fluid) R is leaked by adopting a structure in which the inner surface of the member (outer cylinder) 60 and the outer surface of the tip of the pressure sensor 44 are tightly sealed by sandwiching the detection portion connection portion 71 of the fluid sac 70. It is blocking reliably (see FIG. 5).

  Further, it is particularly assumed that the place where the bearing device with a load sensor of the present invention is used is close to the road surface as in this embodiment. That is, it can be said that such a location is in an environment where there are many rebounds of foreign matters such as muddy water, dust, dust, and gravel from the road surface. If foreign matter such as muddy water or gravel enters the fluid pouch 70, there is a possibility that accurate pressure detection cannot be performed, but according to the present embodiment, a tight sealing structure is adopted as described above. Therefore, the leakage of the fluid (hydraulic oil) R can be effectively prevented and the entry of foreign matter can be effectively prevented, so that such a problem cannot occur.

The pressure sensor 44 can detect a pressure change of the fluid R in the fluid sac 70 disposed in the annular space 40, and the sensor connecting portion 18 of the second member (outer cylinder) 60 is connected to the pressure sensor 44. The detection unit 45 communicates with the inside of the fluid sac 70, and the tip detection surface of the detection unit 45 faces the inside of the fluid sac 70.
In the present embodiment, after the detecting portion 45 of the pressure sensor 44 is inserted into the sensor disposing hole 18a of the sensor connecting portion 18, the abutting flange surface portion 46 of the pressure sensor 44 is brought into contact with the outer end surface 18b to be closely fixed. be able to.

  For the pressure sensor 44, for example, a well-known structure that measures pressure and converts it into a voltage signal and transmits it is appropriately selected and used within the scope of the present invention. The optimum one can be selected as appropriate within the scope of the present invention.

According to the present invention, the load in the compression direction (the same direction as the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 100 in the figure) acting on the bearing is measured by improving the bearing device disposed on the vehicle side of the suspension device 1. It could function as a load measuring device.
That is, by configuring as described above, the outer ring 25 of the bearing race is made to function as a piston that moves in the compression direction (the same direction as the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 100 in the figure), and the bearing is compressed (arrow 100 in the figure). When the load in the same direction as the vertical direction shown in FIG. 2 is applied, the outer ring (piston) 25 is applied to the cylindrical portion 19 of the first member (inner cylinder) 8 and the minimum inner diameter surface 63 of the second member (outer cylinder) 60. It is pushed into the annular space 40 between the cylindrical portion 19 and the minimum inner diameter surface 63 while being in sliding contact.
Thereby, the fluid sac 70 disposed in the annular space 40 and enclosing the fluid (hydraulic oil) R is compressed by the outer ring 25 functioning as a piston, and the pressure in the fluid sac 70 increases.
Since there is a proportional relationship between the pressure in the fluid bladder 70 and the axial load, the pressure change in the fluid bladder 70 is measured by the pressure sensor 44, so that the direction of compression applied to the suspension device 1 (as indicated by the arrow 100 in the figure). The same direction as the vertical direction shown) can be measured. Incidentally, the measured data (results) can be confirmed on a digital display screen or the like disposed in the vehicle or the like.
"Second embodiment"

  FIG. 7 shows another embodiment (second embodiment) of the bearing device with a load sensor of the present invention.

The place where the bearing device with a load sensor of the present invention is used is assumed to be close to the road surface like the suspension device 1 of the present embodiment. That is, since it can be said that such a location is an environment in which foreign matter such as muddy water, dust, dust, and gravel is rebounded from the road surface, it cannot be said that there is no possibility that these foreign matters enter the annular space 40.
According to the first embodiment of the present invention, even if such foreign matter enters the annular space 40, the fluid (hydraulic oil) R is accommodated in the fluid bladder 70 and directly affects the fluid (hydraulic oil) R. There is nothing. However, if it is assumed that a large amount of these foreign substances have entered the annular space 40 and pressed the fluid sac 70, there is a possibility that accurate pressure detection cannot be performed.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the sealing performance is improved so that foreign matters such as muddy water, gravel, and dust do not enter the annular space 40. Specifically, it is as follows. In addition, since it is the same as 1st embodiment except having improved the sealing performance, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same location and description is abbreviate | omitted.

On the inner peripheral surface (inner diameter surface) 29 and outer peripheral surface (outer diameter surface) 30 of the outer ring 25, annular seal grooves 31 and 32 are provided, respectively, and hermetic seals (for example, O-rings shown) 33 and 34 are arranged, respectively. Has been established.
For example, in the present embodiment, a sealing seal (inner seal) 33 is brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface 21 of the cylindrical portion 19 to seal between the outer ring 25 and the cylindrical portion 19, and the minimum inner diameter surface 63 of the second member 60 is formed. A sealing seal (outer seal) 34 is brought into contact with the inner peripheral surface 63 a to seal between the outer ring 25 and the minimum inner diameter surface 63.
That is, in this embodiment, a gap region (a fitting region up to the inner seal 33) 41 between the outer ring 25 and the cylindrical portion 19 and a fitting region (the fitting region between the outer ring 25 and the inner surface 63a of the smallest inner diameter surface 63 ( It is configured in a sealed state that is shielded from the outside by the fitting region 43 up to the outer seal 34.
The inner seal 33 and the outer seal 34 are not particularly limited as long as the inner seal 33 and the outer seal 34 have a structure that does not allow foreign matters such as muddy water, dust, and dirt to enter the annular space 40.
"Third embodiment"

  8 to 14 show another embodiment (third embodiment) of the bearing device with a load sensor of the present invention.

The bearing device with a load sensor according to the present embodiment includes a sensor base 110 connected to an attachment portion (mount) 90 fixed to the vehicle side, and a horizontal direction (in the figure, a direction indicated by an arrow 100 in the figure). The outer cylinder 122 and the inner cylinder 135 attached to the sensor base 110 in the direction indicated by the middle arrow 200) and the one end 5 of the coil spring 4 are disposed on the wheel side in the vertical direction (the direction indicated by the arrow 100 in the figure). , A pair of bearing race rings (outer ring 25 and inner ring 35) that are interposed between the sensor base 110 and the washer 23 and are rotatable relative to each other, and the pair of bearing race rings (outer ring 25 and inner ring 35). A plurality of rolling elements (steel balls) 38 incorporated between them, a retainer 39 that holds the plurality of rolling elements 38, and a lower surface side of the sensor base 110, An oil chamber (operating oil enclosing region) 114 provided at a position facing the (piston) 25 and an inner surface of the sensor base 110 and the outer ring (piston) 25 are interposed between the oil chamber (operating oil enclosing). (Region) 114 and a pressure sensor 134 for detecting a pressure change in the oil chamber (operating oil enclosure region) 114 (see FIGS. 8 to 14).
The attachment portion (mount) 90 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and reference numeral 7 in the drawing is a bolt that is provided in the attachment portion (mount) 90 and fastens the suspension device 1 to the vehicle (vehicle body) side (not shown).

  The sensor base 110 includes an annular part 111 connected to an attachment part (mount) 90 and a cylinder 119 that protrudes integrally from the lower surface of the annular part 111.

  The annular portion 111 is formed in an annular shape having a through-hole 112 in the center, and includes a connecting surface portion 113 for connecting a mounting portion (mount) 90 on the upper surface, and an oil chamber (hydraulic oil sealing region) 114 on the lower surface. An annular recess 113 is formed. Further, a sensor connecting portion 133 that connects the pressure sensor 134 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the annular portion 111.

On the inner peripheral side and the outer peripheral side of the annular recess 113 on the lower surface of the annular portion 111, there are provided connection holes provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.
The connection hole on the outer peripheral side is a first connection hole 117 that is connected to the outer cylinder 122 via a bolt 125, and the connection hole on the inner peripheral side is a second connection that connects the stopper protrusion 140 of the sealing seat surface 139. This is a connecting hole 118.

The cylindrical portion 119 is formed so as to protrude from the lower surface of the annular portion 111 into a cylindrical shape having a predetermined outer diameter that is coaxial with the through-hole 112 and has the same inner diameter and the second through-hole 120 (see FIG. 9). .
The cylindrical portion 119 has an outer diameter that is smaller than the lower surface of the annular portion 111, and is continuously downward from the inner diameter of the lower surface of the annular portion 111 in the vertical direction (the direction indicated by the arrow 100 in the drawing). It is formed to protrude in length.
Further, on the outer periphery near the lower end of the cylindrical portion 119, a screw portion 121 to which the inner cylinder 135 can be screwed is formed.

  The outer cylinder 122 includes an annular wall 123 that can be fitted to the outer periphery of the annular portion 111 of the sensor base 110 at the outer periphery of the upper end. The outer cylinder 122 has a smaller diameter than the outer periphery of the annular portion 111 and is outside the cylindrical portion 119. It is formed in a short cylindrical body having a third through hole 124 coaxially with a diameter larger than the diameter and parallel to the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 119 (see FIGS. 8 and 9).

In the present embodiment, a downwardly inclined annular funnel surface 126 is provided downward from the outer peripheral surface, and a plurality of bolt holes 127 penetrating in a vertical direction from the annular funnel surface 126 to the upper end surface are provided ( (See FIGS. 8 and 9.)
The bolt hole 127 is fixed to the first connection hole 117 on the lower surface of the edge ring portion 111 of the sensor base 110 via the first insertion hole 130 provided in the diaphragm 129, thereby attaching the diaphragm 129 to the sensor base. 110 and the outer cylinder 122 have a role of being tightly clamped.
Further, in the present embodiment, the annular wall portion 123 of the outer cylinder 122 and the outer peripheral surface of the annular portion 111 of the center base 110 constitute a fitting portion (an imprinting member constituting portion) 137 that closely fits in the vertical direction. Yes.

The oil chamber (hydraulic oil sealing region) 114 includes an annular recess 113 provided at a position facing the outer ring (piston) 25 on the inner surface side of the annular portion 111 of the sensor base 110, and a diaphragm that seals the annular recess 113. 129.
Arbitrary fluid (hydraulic oil) R is completely filled in the oil chamber 114 without bubbles, and the internal pressure of the oil chamber 114 changes when a compression force is applied to the diaphragm 129.

The annular recess 113 is formed in a semicircular continuous annular shape in a sectional view.
A through hole into which a fluid R such as hydraulic oil sealed in the oil chamber 114 enters is formed at a predetermined position of the annular recess 113, and the through hole is a sensor connecting portion provided on a side surface of the annular portion 111. 133.

  The diaphragm 129 is formed in a thin annular shape having the same outer diameter and inner diameter as the lower surface of the sensor base 110. The material of the diaphragm 129 may be any material that is flexible and durable (cold resistance, wear resistance, oil resistance), and is not particularly limited. For example, nitrile rubber, Teflon (registered trademark), Select materials that match the characteristics of the fluid, such as chloroprene rubber, fluorine rubber, and ethylene propylene rubber.

Further, in this embodiment, an insertion hole for inserting a stopper penetrating the upper surface and the lower surface of the diaphragm 129 is formed. On the outer diameter side, a first insertion hole 130 used for fixing the outer cylinder 122 and the sensor base 110 via the bolt 125 is formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction along the outer diameter. The second insertion hole 131 used for fixing the sealing seat surface 139 and the center base via the stopper projection 140 of the sealing seat surface is formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction along the inner diameter. Yes.
In the present embodiment, a metal ring 132 is attached to the inner periphery of each of the first insertion hole 130 and the second insertion hole 131 for reinforcement.

  The diaphragm 129 and the lower surface of the annular portion 111 need to be in close contact with each other so that the fluid R does not leak from the oil chamber 114. In this embodiment, the bolt 125 and the stopper projection 140 are firmly fixed to prevent leakage.

The sensor connecting portion 133 is integrally provided at a predetermined position on the outer peripheral surface of the annular portion 111 of the sensor base 110 in the horizontal direction (the direction indicated by the arrow 200 in the drawing) from the outer peripheral surface inward. A pressure sensor 134) is provided.
In this embodiment, it is recessed in a cylindrical shape and communicates with a through hole provided in the annular recess 113.
The sensor connecting portion 133 and the pressure sensor 134 need to be tightly connected with improved sealing performance so that the fluid (hydraulic oil) R does not leak.

  The pressure sensor 134 can detect a pressure change of the fluid R in the oil chamber 114 and is integrally connected via the sensor connecting portion 133 of the annular portion 111, and the detection portion 45 is connected to the oil chamber 114. The front end detection surface of the detection unit 45 faces the oil chamber 114 so as to communicate with the chamber 114.

  For the pressure sensor 134, for example, a well-known structure that measures pressure and converts it into a voltage signal and transmits it is appropriately selected and used within the scope of the present invention. The optimum one can be selected as appropriate within the scope of the present invention.

The inner cylinder 135 is formed in an annular shape, and is formed in an annular shape having an inner diameter that can be fitted to the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 119 of the sensor base 110 and an outer diameter that can slide in contact with the inner diameter of the outer ring. In the present embodiment, a screw portion 136 that can be screwed with the screw portion 121 on the outer periphery of the lower end of the cylindrical portion 119 of the sensor base 110 is formed on the inner peripheral surface.
In the present embodiment, the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 119 of the sensor base 110 and the inner diameter of the inner cylinder 135 constitute a fitting portion (an imprinting component portion) 138 that closely fits in the vertical direction.

Reference numeral 139 in the drawing is a sealing seat surface interposed between the upper end surface of the inner cylinder 135 and the lower surface of the sensor base 110. The upper surface is inserted through the second insertion hole 131 of the diaphragm 129. A stopper protrusion 140 connected to a second connection hole 118 provided on the lower surface of the sensor base 110 is protruded. The stopper protrusion 140 has a function as a detent for the sealing seat surface 139.
The sealing seat surface 139 can be firmly pushed up by screwing the inner cylinder 135 into the lower surface of the cylindrical portion 119 of the sensor base 110 so as to closely contact the sensor base 110 and the inner cylinder 135. Fluid leakage in the oil chamber 114 can be prevented.

  The outer ring 25 is formed in a thick annular shape (also referred to as a hollow annular shape) in the vertical direction (the direction indicated by reference numeral 100 in the drawing) and the horizontal direction (the direction indicated by the arrow 200 in the drawing). The (plane side) is formed on a flat surface, and the outer ring raceway 28 is formed on the lower surface side (bottom surface side).

The inner diameter of the outer ring 25 has an inner diameter that is slidably fitted to the outer peripheral surface (outer diameter) of the inner cylinder 135, and the outer diameter of the outer ring 25 is the inner peripheral surface (inner diameter) of the outer cylinder 122. It has an outer diameter that is slidably fitted. That is, by having such a configuration, the outer ring 25 of the present embodiment is formed between the outer peripheral surface (outer diameter) of the inner cylinder 135 and the inner peripheral surface (inner diameter) of the outer cylinder 122. It is slidably disposed in the annular space 141 and functions as a piston that presses the diaphragm 129 of the oil chamber 114 provided above the outer ring 25.
In the drawing, reference numerals 142 and 143 denote seal members that seal between the outer peripheral surface (outer diameter) of the inner cylinder 135 and the inner peripheral surface (inner diameter) of the outer cylinder 122, and in this embodiment An O-ring is used to prevent foreign material from entering. In the present embodiment, a second O-ring 142 that seals between the outer peripheral surface (outer diameter) of the inner cylinder 135 and an inner peripheral surface (inner diameter) of the outer cylinder 122 is sealed. The arrangement position of the O-ring 143 is shifted up and down in the vertical direction.

  The washer 23 is provided with a flange portion 24 with which one end 5 of the coil spring 4 abuts in the vertical direction so as to protrude in an annular shape in the horizontal direction (see FIGS. 8 and 9).

  The inner ring 35 is attached and fixed to the outer surface 24 a of the flange portion 24 of the washer 23. The inner ring 35 is formed in an annular shape, and an inner ring raceway 37 is formed on the outer surface side (upper surface side opposite to the outer ring raceway 28) in the vertical direction.

  Therefore, the outer ring 25 and the inner ring 35 are formed by incorporating a plurality of rolling elements (steel balls) 38 through cages 39 in the outer ring raceway 28 and the inner ring raceway 37 that face each other, as described above. It arrange | positions between 135 and the washer 23, and supports an axial load (the load of the same direction as the vertical direction shown with the code | symbol 100 in the figure).

According to this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the compression direction acting on the bearing (the vertical direction indicated by arrow 100 in the figure) is improved by improving the bearing device disposed on the vehicle side of the suspension device 1. It is possible to function as a load measuring device that measures a load in the same direction as the load measuring device.
That is, by configuring as described above, the outer ring 25 of the bearing race is made to function as a piston that moves in the compression direction (the same direction as the vertical direction indicated by the arrow 100 in the figure), and the bearing is compressed (arrow 100 in the figure). When the load in the same direction as the vertical direction shown in FIG. 2 is applied, the outer ring (piston) 25 is in sliding contact with the outer diameter surface of the inner cylinder 135 and the inner diameter surface of the outer cylinder 122, and between the outer diameter surface and the inner diameter surface. Is pushed upward in the annular space 141.
As a result, the diaphragm 129 is compressed by the outer ring 25 functioning as a piston, and the pressure in the oil chamber 114 increases.
Since there is a proportional relationship between the pressure in the oil chamber 114 and the axial load, the pressure change in the oil chamber 114 is measured by the pressure sensor 134, so that the compression direction applied to the suspension device 1 (as indicated by the arrow 100 in the figure). The same direction as the vertical direction shown) can be measured. Incidentally, the measured data (results) can be confirmed on a digital display screen or the like disposed in the vehicle or the like.
"Fourth embodiment"

15 to 19 show another embodiment (fourth embodiment) of the bearing device with a load sensor of the present invention.
In this embodiment, the annular wall portion 123 of the outer cylinder 122 described in the third embodiment is further raised upward in the vertical direction, and a screw portion 144 is provided on the inner surface thereof. A screw portion 145 to which the screw portion 144 of the annular wall portion 123 can be screwed is also provided on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 119 of the sensor base 110.
If the annular wall portion 115 of the outer cylinder 122 is screwed to the cylindrical portion 119 of the sensor base 110 in this way, the diaphragm 129 can be fixed by crimping, and fluid leakage in the oil chamber 114 can be further prevented. Can be prevented. Further, when the inner cylinder 135 and the cylindrical portion 119 of the sensor base 110 described in the third embodiment are used together with the pressure-bonding and fixing, the leakage in the oil chamber 114 can be further prevented.
Further, in the present embodiment, the one shown in FIG. 18 is adopted as the sealing seat surface. That is, a sealing seat surface having a large-diameter portion 139a and a small-diameter portion 139b and having a stopper projection 140 protruding from each of them is used.
"Fifth embodiment"

  20 to 21 show another embodiment (fifth embodiment) of the bearing device with a load sensor of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, a metal diaphragm 150 is used in place of the rubber diaphragm 129 of the third embodiment. For example, in this embodiment, the metal diaphragm 150 formed in the thin annular | circular shape made from stainless steel is assumed.

Further, in this embodiment, the metal diaphragm 150 is formed with an annular recess 151 that is recessed in a concave shape, and the recess 151 opposes the annular recess 113 on the sensor base 110 side to face the oil chamber 114. Is configured.
The diaphragm 150 used in the present embodiment is not limited to stainless steel, and may be a metal tire diaphragm that can effectively exhibit the effects of the present invention, and the design can be changed within the scope of the present invention. .

Further, in the fitting portion (indicator constituting portion) 137 formed by the annular wall portion 123 of the outer cylinder 122 and the outer peripheral surface of the annular portion 111 of the center base 110, the annular wall portion 123 is arranged on the inner side (sensor base 110). It is good also as what prevents the fluid leakage in the oil chamber 114 by crimping by bending toward the direction of the axis of the oil.
Since other configurations and operational effects of the present embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment and the third embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The present invention is not limited to the suspension device having the configuration shown in the present embodiment, and can be used for a suspension device having another configuration including the bearing device as a component.

1 Suspension device 2 Shock absorber 3 Rod 4 Coil spring 8 Inner cylinder (first member)
9 Annular part 14 Annular lower surface (lower surface)
19 Cylindrical part 21 Outer peripheral surface 23 Washer (third member)
25 Outer ring (bearing race)
38 Rolling body 40 Annular space 44 Pressure sensor 45 Detector 60 Outer cylinder (second member)
63 Minimum inner diameter surface (inner surface)
63a Inner surface 70 Fluid sac 90 Mounting part (mount)

Claims (3)

A first member comprising an annular part connected to an attachment part fixed to the vehicle side, and a cylindrical part provided with a smaller diameter than the annular part and protruding from the lower surface of the annular part;
An annular second member that is formed larger in diameter than the cylindrical portion and is disposed integrally with the annular portion outside the cylindrical portion, and a cylinder axial direction of the cylindrical portion of the first member A third member fixed integrally to the end and disposed on the wheel side;
A pair of bearing races interposed between the first member and the third member, and rotatably supporting an axial load around the cylindrical portion as an axis;
Rolling elements incorporated between the pair of bearing race rings,
The bearing ring disposed closer to the first member is fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion of the first member and the inner peripheral surface of the second member, and slides in the cylinder axis direction. Movably arranged,
Between the first member, the second member, and the bearing race near the mounting portion, a fluid sac formed of a flexible and durable material and sealed with a measurement fluid is disposed without a gap. Has been
The fluid sac can change the pressure applied to the measurement fluid by the movement of the bearing race in the cylinder axis direction,
A load sensor-equipped bearing device, wherein a pressure sensor capable of detecting a pressure change of the measurement fluid is connected to the fluid bladder. The first member is an inner cylinder constituting a suspension device,
The second member is an outer cylinder constituting a suspension device,
The third member constitutes a suspension device and is a washer against which one end of the spring abuts,
The pair of bearing race rings includes an outer ring that is fitted to an outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical portion of the inner cylinder and an inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder and is slidably disposed in a cylinder axis direction, and the washer. It is an inner ring that is integrally fitted and arranged to support the axial load in rotation.
The fluid bladder is disposed without a gap in the annular space formed between the lower surface of the annular portion of the inner cylinder, the outer surface of the cylindrical portion, the inner surface of the outer cylinder, and the outer ring,
2. The bearing device with a load sensor according to claim 1, wherein the pressure sensor has a detection portion facing the fluid pouch on an inner surface of an outer cylinder facing the annular space portion.   The bearing device with a load sensor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a hollow annular piston is formed on one of the pair of bearing race rings.

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