JP2001043475A - Transmitting method for detection signal of sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the number of harnesses, to reduce cost and weight and to facilitate design for installing the harnesses by sending a signal to a control unit through a single signal line and separating it into signals corresponding to the detection signals of respective sensors in the control unit. SOLUTION: The detection signals Va, Vb and Vc of sensors 7a, 7b and 7c are sent to a signal synthesis part 21 and they are synthesized. Then, a synthesis signal Vk is obtained. The signal synthesis part 21 is installed in a part where the sensors 7a, 7b and 7c are installed. The signal synthesis part 21 and a control unit 11 are connected by a pair of harnesses 10a and 10b. The synthesis signal Vk is sent to the control unit 11 through a pair of harnesses 10a and 10b. The synthesis signal Vk is processed by a separation circuit incorporated in the control unit 11 and a rectangular wave corresponding to the detection signals Va, Vb and Vc is obtained. The control unit 11 obtains rotary speed, rotary quantity, a rotary direction and a rotary direction position based on the respective processing signals obtained from the separation circuit.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A method of transmitting a detection signal of a sensor according to the present invention is disclosed in, for example, a machine tool, a transmission for an automobile,
The detection signals of a plurality of sensors incorporated in various rotation supporting parts such as a rolling bearing unit for supporting wheels are used for sending to a controller for controlling various devices based on the detection signals.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in order to know a rotation speed, a rotation direction, and a position related to a rotation direction of various rotary shafts of a machine tool controlled by NC, rolling with a sensor as shown in FIGS. The bearing unit 1 is used. The inner ring 2 that rotates during use is on the inner diameter side of the outer ring 3 that does not rotate during use,
It is rotatably supported via a plurality of rolling elements 4,4. The encoder 5 is fitted and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the end of the inner ring 2, and the encoder 5 is fitted to the cover 6 fitted and fixed to the outer ring 3.
The sensors 7a, 7b, 7c are held and fixed. The encoder 5 is formed by bending a magnetic metal plate such as a steel plate so as to have an L-shaped cross section and an entire ring shape.
Through holes 9a and 9b, each of which is long in the diametric direction, are radially arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction in the outward flange-shaped annular portion 8. One of the through holes 9b is provided with the other through holes 9b.
a, 9a, and the outer diameter side half thereof is
The ring portion 8 extends to the outside in the diametrical direction of the circular ring portion 8 than a and 9a.

Then, the three (magnetic) sensors 7a,
One of the sensors 7c, 7b, 7c can be freely opposed to the outer diameter half of the one through hole 9b. On the other hand, the remaining two sensors 7a and 7b
a, 9a and the inner half of the one through-hole 9b can be freely opposed. Further, of the two sensors 7a and 7b, one sensor 7a has a phase facing each of the through holes 9a and 9b, and the other sensor 7b has a phase corresponding to each of the through holes 9a and 9b.
Are shifted by 90 degrees from each other.

As shown in FIGS. 31 and 33, the sensors 7a, 7b, and 7c as described above are provided with the respective sensors 7a, 7b, and 7c.
The harnesses 10a and 10b are connected to the controller 11 by a total of six harnesses, two for each c. Each of the above sensors 7a,
Harnesses 10a, 10b provided two each for 7b, 7c
One of the harnesses 10a, 10a is for supplying necessary electric power to each of the sensors 7a, 7b, 7c, and the other harness 10b, 10b is for detecting the detection signal of each of the sensors 7a, 7b, 7c. This is for sending to the controller 11.

When the above-described rolling bearing unit 1 with a sensor is used, each of the sensors 7a, 7b, 7c is a rectangular wave which changes digitally as shown in FIGS. 34 (A) to 34 (C). A certain detection signal is transmitted to each of the harnesses 10
b, and 10b are sent to the controller 11. still,
The left half of FIG. 34 shows a state when the encoder 5 rotates in a predetermined direction (during normal rotation), and the right half shows a state when the encoder 5 rotates in an opposite direction (during reverse rotation). Are respectively shown. FIG. 34 shows that the sensor 7a is located at the center of any of the through holes 9a and 9b in the circumferential direction, and the sensor 7b is connected to the through holes 9a and 9b adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. Are drawn in a state where they are present at the circumferential end of any one of the pillars 12 between the pillars 12. In addition, before and after the conversion, the sensor 7b is illustrated as being performed in a state of reciprocating through any of the through holes 9a. In addition, these through holes 9a, 9
Assuming that the width in the circumferential direction of b and the width in the circumferential direction of each of the pillars 12 are the same as each other in FIG.
4 is drawn.

First, each of the other through holes 9a, 9a
Each of the sensors 7a and 7b facing the inner diameter side half portion of the one through hole 9b and the one through hole 9b, as shown in FIGS. A detection signal which rises every time the encoder 5 rotates by a predetermined angle is issued. In addition, it faces the outer diameter half of the one through hole 9b.
The sensor 7c emits a detection signal that rises every time the encoder 5 makes one rotation, as shown in FIG. Each of the sensors 7a, 7b, and 7c incorporates an IC having a waveform shaping circuit for shaping a detection value into a rectangular wave. The output signals of the sensors 7a, 7b, 7c rise so as to rise at the moment when they face the through holes 9a, 9b.

[0007] The controller 11 is provided with each sensor 7 as described above.
Receiving the detection signals a, 7b, and 7c, the rotational speed, the rotational direction, and the position related to the rotational direction of the various rotation shafts that rotate together with the encoder 5 are obtained. First, the rotation speed is determined based on the detection signal of the sensor 7a or 7b. The period of the detection signal of these sensors 7a or 7b is
Since it is inversely proportional to this rotation speed, one of the sensors 7a
This rotation speed can be obtained from the detection signal (or 7b). The rotation amount can be known by counting the number of rises of the detection signal of any of the sensors 7a (or 7b). The rotation direction can be known from the timing at which the detection signals of the sensors 7a and 7b rise.

That is, as is apparent from FIGS. 34A and 34B, when the encoder 5 rotates forward, the sensor 7
The rising timing of the detection signal a and the rising timing of the sensor 7b are shifted by 90 degrees. On the other hand, when the encoder 5 rotates in the reverse direction, the sensor 7a
And the rising timing of the sensor 7b is shifted by 270 degrees. Thus, the rotation direction can be known from the rising timing of the detection signals of both sensors 7a and 7b. Further, the position in the rotation direction can be known from the detection signals of the three sensors 7a, 7b, 7c. That is, the position in the rotation direction can be known based on the reference position determined from the detection signal of the sensor 7c and the rotation amount determined from the detection signals of the sensors 7a and 7b.

Next, FIGS. 35 to 36 show a structure in which a rolling speed detecting device and a temperature sensor 13 are provided in a rolling bearing unit for rotatably supporting a wheel of an automobile with respect to a suspension device. . Among them, the rotation speed detecting device is used to detect the rotation speed of the wheel in order to control the antilock brake system (ABS) and the traction control system (TCS). The temperature sensor 13 is used to detect the temperature of the rolling bearing unit in order to prevent burning of the rolling bearing unit and vapor lock due to overheating of the brake.

The above-mentioned rolling bearing unit is provided with a hub 15 and an inner ring 16 that rotate during use with the wheels supported on the inner diameter side of an outer ring 14 that is a stationary wheel, which does not rotate during use while supported by the suspension device. It is rotatably supported via a plurality of rolling elements 4,4. The above-mentioned rotation speed detection device,
The encoder 5a includes an encoder 5a that rotates when used with the outer ring 14 supporting the inner ring 16 and a sensor 7 supported on the outer ring 14 via a cover 6a. The temperature sensor 13
Is supported on the outer race 14 by the cover 6a.

The sensor 7 and the temperature sensor 13 as described above
Are sensors 7, 13 as shown in FIGS.
Two harnesses 10a and 10b are connected to the controller 11a, two for each. Then, from the sensor 7 to the controller 11a, as shown in FIG.
A detection signal, which is a rectangular wave that changes digitally at a frequency proportional to the rotation speed of the encoder 7a, changes from the temperature sensor 13 to the controller 11a in an analog manner as shown in FIG. The detection signal, which is a continuous wave,
Send each one.

FIG. 39 shows temperature sensors 13a and 13b incorporated in various mechanical devices such as a machining center.
The controller 11b, which has received signals from the sensors such as the displacement sensor 17 and the angle sensor 18,
2 shows a structure for sending a command signal to the control unit. Also in the case of such a structure, the sensors 13a, 13b, 17, 18 and the controller 11b are connected by independent harnesses, and the sensors 13a, 13b, 1
The detection signals 7 and 18 are transmitted. The controller 11b and the drive circuit 20 are also connected by an independent harness, and a command signal is transmitted by the harness.

[0013]

In the case of each conventional structure as described above, a harness independent of each other is provided for each of a plurality of sensors, and one kind of detection signal is transmitted to each of these harnesses. are doing. For this reason, not only the number of harnesses increases, the cost and weight increase, but also the design for installation may become complicated. In particular, when a plurality of sensors are incorporated in a rolling bearing unit for supporting the wheels of an automobile, the weight of the harness becomes an unsprung load, which may cause a deterioration in the performance of the automobile mainly in ride comfort. Further, the connector provided on the rolling bearing unit side and the plug provided on the harness side may become large, and it may be difficult to secure a space for installing the connector and the plug. The method of transmitting a detection signal of a sensor according to the present invention reduces the number of harnesses and eliminates any of the above-mentioned problems by allowing a plurality of types of detection signals to be freely transmitted by a set of harnesses. .

[0014]

According to the present invention, there is provided a method for transmitting a detection signal from a sensor, comprising synthesizing mutually independent detection signals from a plurality of sensors and sending the synthesized signal to a controller.
In the method of transmitting the detection signal of the sensor according to the present invention, the detection signals sent from the plurality of sensors are sent to the controller through a single signal line in a state where they are combined with each other. The signals are separated into signals corresponding to the detection signals of the respective sensors.

[0015]

According to the method of transmitting a detection signal of a sensor of the present invention configured as described above, a plurality of types of detection signals can be transmitted by one set of harnesses (signal lines). In addition, the weight can be reduced and the design for arranging the harness can be simplified.

[0016]

1 to 5 show a first embodiment of the present invention, which corresponds to claim 2 of the present invention. In the case of this example, the three sensors 7a, 7b, and 7c respectively have the potential difference h ₁ , as shown in FIGS.
In h _2, h ₃ is a square wave changing the digital form, and sends a detection signal _{V a, V b, V c} . Each of the above sensors 7a,
7b, the structure 7c generates a detection signal V _a, V _b, V _c are the same as those of the sensor 7a, 7b, 7c incorporating the conventional structure shown in aforementioned Figure 31-32. Then, each of the sensors 7a, shown in FIGS.
7b, the detection signal V _a fed from 7c, V _b, V _c
The waveforms and output timings of FIG.
Same as (C).

In the case of this embodiment, each of the sensors 7a, 7
b, 7c of the detection signals V _a, V _b, the signal synthesizing unit 21 to V _c
And a synthesized signal V as shown in FIG.
_{Get K.} The signal synthesizing unit 21 includes the above sensors 7a,
7b and 7c are provided in a portion where the signal synthesizing unit 21 and the controller 11 are provided.
b. These two harnesses 10a, 10
b, one of the harnesses 10a is for supplying necessary electric power to each of the sensors 7a, 7b, 7c through the signal synthesizing unit 21, and the other harness 10b is
It corresponds to the signal line in the claims, and is for sending the synthesized signal _VK to the controller 11.

The signal synthesizing section 21 performs a processing as shown in FIG. 4 by a processing circuit as shown in FIG. 3 to produce a synthesized signal V _K as shown in FIG. The signal is sent to the controller 11 through the harness 10b. In the signal combining unit 21 prior to creating the composite signal V _K, such as shown in FIG. 4 (D), creating a rotating direction signal S representing the direction of rotation. The rotational direction signal S, the detection signal V _a fed from the sensors 7a, 7b, V _b
On the basis of the above, the signal is created in the preceding stage of the signal synthesis unit 21. That is, by using the D flip-flop, the rising portion of the detection signal V _b a detection signal V _a to be fed from the sensor 7a, fed from the sensor 7b {FIG 4 (B)
The rotation direction signal S is obtained by latching at the upward arrow｝. Therefore, in the case of the drawing, the rotation direction signal S has a high voltage during normal rotation and a low voltage during reverse rotation.
The height difference is h ₄ . Note that h ₁ ≒ h ₂ ≒ h ₃ ≒ h
₄

The circuit shown in FIG. 3 includes the sensor 7a
A detection signal V _a to be fed from the signal V _c which is fed from the sensor 7c for knowing the reference position, the two signals V _a, by feeding to the addition circuit 22 in accordance with the magnitude of S, the composite signal V _{Get K.} Among the switches 23a~23e five points shown in FIG. 3, the two signals V _a, V
_{Since c} is sent to the addition circuit 22 in two systems, four switches 23a to 23d provided in four system parts provided in parallel with each other are in _a state where the level of the detection signal Va sent from the sensor 7a is high. (High voltage state). In contrast, the switch 23e provided on the switch 23b in series provided in the middle of one line for feeding the detection signal V _a fed from the sensor 7a to the adder circuit 22, the rotational direction signal S Is closed at a low level (low voltage state). Then, the adder circuit 22 is fed by the switch 23a~23e is closed, summing all the detection signals V _a and the rotation direction signal S sent out from the sensor 7a. Therefore, the synthesized signal V _K as shown in FIG. 4 (E) {same as FIG. 2 (D)} is sent out from the addition circuit 22.

The composite signal V _K thus created is
It is sent to the controller 11 through the pair of harnesses 10a and 10b. Then, by the separating circuit incorporated in the controller 11, the synthesized signal V _{K is} output as shown in FIG.
To obtain rectangular waves corresponding to the respective detection signals V _a , V _b , and V _c . As shown in FIG. 5 (A), the separation circuit has different threshold levels L ₁ , L ₂ , L ₃ ,
Comparator having an L ₄ incorporates a (comparator).
Then, the signal sent out from the comparator threshold level is the lowest L _1, such as shown in FIG. 5 (B),
Corresponding to the detected signal V _a of the sensor 7a, the processed signal J
_{Get one} . In addition, a signal sent from the comparator having the next lower threshold level of L ₂ causes a processing signal J to be output only when the reference signal _Vc is generated and when the signal is inverted, as shown in FIG. 5C. _{Get two} . Further, obtained by a signal threshold level is fed from the second to a higher L ₃ comparator, such as shown in FIG. 5 (D), the processed signal J ₃ issuing the reference position signal and the reverse rotation and forward rotation . Further, the processing signal J ₄ for outputting the reference position signal only at the time of reverse rotation as shown in FIG. 5E is obtained from the signal sent from the comparator having the highest threshold level L ₄ . Each of these processing signals J ₁
The controller 11 on the basis of the through J _4, the rotational speed, the rotation amount, rotation direction, determining the rotational position and the like. For example, the processing signal J ₁ indicates the rotation speed and the rotation amount, the processing signal J ₂ indicates the rotation direction, and the processing signal J ₁ and the processing signal J ₃ (or J
₄ ), the rotational direction position can be obtained respectively.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show the first example as described above.
The detection signals of the three sensors 7a, 7b, 7c are sent to the controller 11
FIG. 1 shows a rolling bearing unit 1 with a sensor, which is configured to be fed to FIG. As is clear from a comparison between FIGS. 6 and 7 and FIGS. 31 to 32 showing the corresponding conventional structure, according to the method of transmitting a detection signal of the sensor of the present invention, three sensors 7a, Harnesses 10a and 10b required for sending the detection signals of 7b and 7c to the controller 11 can be reduced.

Next, FIGS. 8 to 12 show a second example of the embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claims 2 and 3. FIG. In the case of this example, three sensors 7a, 7b, 7c
But such as shown in FIGS 9 (A) ~ (C) , respectively rectangular wave changing to digital form, the detection signal V _a, V
_b, it sends out the V _c. In the case of this example, each of the above sensors 7
a, obtained 7b, the detection signal V _a of 7c, V _b, is synthesized by feeding V _c to the signal combining unit 21a, a composite signal V _L, such as shown in FIG. 9 (D). This signal synthesizing unit 21a is connected to the controller 11 by a pair of harnesses 10a and 10b, and performs processing shown in FIG. 11 by a processing circuit shown in FIG. ), The synthesized signal V
_L is produced and sent to the controller 11 through the harness 10b.

The signal composing section 21 shown in FIG.
The processing circuit shown in FIG.
a and a switch 23. Logic circuit 2 of these
4 represents three AND elements 25a, 25b, 25c, and 2
OR elements 26a and 26b and two NOT elements 27
a, 27b and one D flip-flop 28. The addition circuit 22a outputs the output of the logic circuit 24 and the output signal V of the sensor 7c for determining the reference position.
Add to _c . Further, the switch 23 is provided between the sensor 7c and the input section of the addition circuit 22a, and is closed when the voltage level of the output of the logic circuit 24 is high.

First, the signal processing of the logic circuit 24 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11D to 11G. The D flip-flop 28 is connected to each of the sensors 7
a, the detection signal V _a of 7b, based on V _b, first the aforementioned
In the same manner as in the example, a rotation direction signal S as shown in FIG. Also, the first AND element 25a and the first combination by the sensors 7a and NOT element 27a, the detection signal V _a of 7b, the V _b, V _a AND (N
The processing of OTV _b ) is performed to obtain a _first intermediate processing signal V ₁ as shown in FIG. Further, the sensors 7a by the first OR element 26a, the detection signal V _a of 7b, By processing the V _b, the second intermediate processing signal V, such as in FIG. 11 (F)
_{Get two} . Furthermore, the second and third AND elements 25b, 25
c, the second NOT element 27b, and the second OR element 26b process the rotation direction signal S and the first and second intermediate processed signals V ₁ and V ₂ , respectively, as shown in FIG. ) to obtain a third intermediate processing signal V _3, such as.

[0025] were treated in this manner, the third intermediate processing signal V ₃ is the addition circuit 22a directly, the sensor 7c of the detection signal V _c is the switch 23 to the adding circuit 22a
Through the respective input. Then, the adding circuit 22a is directly above third intermediate processing signal V ₃ in the case of the switch 23 is open, the switch 2
3 in the case where closed which is the sum of the detection signal V _c of the third intermediate processing signals V ₃ and the sensor 7c, respectively output. Therefore, a combined signal _VL as shown in FIG. 11 (H) {same as FIG. 9 (D)} is output from the addition circuit 22a and sent to the controller 11 through the harness 10b. The cycle T of the synthesized signal _VL is the same between the forward rotation and the reverse rotation, except that the rotation direction is changed in the middle. On the other hand, the durations T ₁ and T ₂ of the state in which the voltage of the composite signal is high are short during normal rotation and long during reverse rotation (T ₁ <T ₂ ). Further, the difference h ₂ between at moderate potential and at a low potential of the composite signal V _L corresponds to the potential difference h ₂ of the third intermediate processing signals V _3, the composite signal V _L
The difference h ₁ between the middle potential and the high potential is determined by the sensor 7c
Corresponding to the potential difference h ₁ of the detection signal V _c of. Preferably,
h ₁ ≒ h ₂ .

Such a composite signal V_L Controller that accepted
Reference numeral 11 denotes a built-in separation circuit as shown in FIG.
The synthesized signal V_L Is processed, and as shown in FIGS.
Obtain such a square wave. The separation circuit is shown in FIG.
As shown, different threshold levels L₁ , L_Two To
Built-in comparator. And thresh leve
L is low₁ From the comparator as shown in FIG.
Processing signal J₁ But L with high threshold level_Two Is
From the comparator, a processing signal J as shown in FIG._Two But,
Obtained respectively. These two processing signals J₁ , J_Two Based on
In addition, the controller 11 controls the rotation speed, the rotation amount, the rotation direction,
Find the position in the rotation direction, etc. For example, the processing signal J₁ Cycle of
(Or frequency) counts the rotation speed and also the wave number.
The amount of rotation by the₁ The period of
High level duration ratio (T ₁ / T, T_Two / T)
More rotation direction, processing signal J₁ And processing signal J_Two And by
The position in the rotation direction can be obtained for each. Like this
Also in the case of this example, the detection signals of the three sensors 7a, 7b, 7c are used.
Signal harnesses 10a and 10b for sending
Can be eliminated.

Next, FIGS. 13 and 14 show a third embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claim 2. FIG. In the case of this example, it is sent out from the two sensors 7a and 7b,
Figure 14 (A) (B) detection signal such as shown in V _a, the signal synthesizing unit 21 to V _b, by performing the same processing as that in the case of the first example embodiment described above, FIG. 14 (C creating a synthetic signal V _M, such as shown in). Then, the composite signal V _M, 1
The signal is sent to the controller 11 by the harness 10b of the pair of harnesses 10a and 10b. And this controller 11
By the combined signal V _M, seek and rotational speed and rotational direction. That is, determine the rotational speed by the period of the synthesized signal V _M (or frequency), also determine the rotation direction by the magnitude of the output of the high level.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show that the detection signals of the two sensors 7a and 7b are transmitted to the controller 11 according to the third example described above.
FIG. 13 shows a rolling bearing unit 1a with a sensor, which is configured to be fed to FIG. Figure 15 of these
As is clear from comparison with FIG. 35 showing the conventional structure described above, according to the method of transmitting a detection signal of the sensor of the present invention, 2
The number of harnesses 10a and 10b for sending the detection signals of the sensors 7a and 7b to the controller 11 can be reduced.

FIG. 17 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claim 3. In the case of this example, the signals are sent out from the two sensors 7a and 7b.
(A) By applying the same processing to the detection signals V _a and V _b as shown in (B) by the signal synthesizing section 21a (see FIG. 8) as in the second example of the above-described embodiment, FIG. 17 produce a composite signal V _N, such as shown in (C). Then, the synthesized signal V
_N is sent to the controller 11 (see FIG. 8) by the harness 10b of the pair of harnesses 10a and 10b. Then, the controller 11, by the synthesis signal V _N, seek and rotational speed and rotational direction. That is, the rotational speed is obtained from the cycle (or frequency) of the synthesized signal V _N , and the ratio of the high-level duration of the output to the cycle (T ₁ / T,
T ₂ / T) to determine the direction of rotation.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show a fifth embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claim 4. In the case of this example, fed from the sensor 7 for detecting the rotational speed is fed a detection signal V _a a square wave which changes in the digital form, such as shown in FIG. 19 (A), from the temperature sensor 13 The detection signal V _T , which is a continuous wave that changes in an analog form as shown in FIG. 19B, is synthesized by the signal synthesis unit 21b, so that the synthesized signal V _T as shown in FIG.
_{Get P.} That is, in the signal combining unit 21b, the detection signal V _a to be fed from the sensor 7, and modulated by the semiconductor switch 29 provided in the middle of the path for sending the detection signal V _T fed from the temperature sensor 13, the synthetic the signal V _P.

The controller 11a has accepted such a composite signal V _P obtains the rotational speed from the frequency of the composite signal V _P. Further, the composite signal V _P by passing the low-pass filter to obtain a detection signal V _T is a continuous wave which changes in FIG 19 (B) are shown as an analog form to obtain the temperature change.

FIGS. 20 to 22 show that the detection signals of the sensor 7 and the temperature sensor 13 are controlled by the controller 1 according to the fifth example described above.
1 (see FIG. 18) shows two examples of a rolling bearing unit with a sensor, which is configured to be fed to the sensor 1 (see FIG. 18). Figure 20 of these
The structure of the first example shown in FIGS. 21 to 21 is such that the temperature sensor 13 is held in a cover 6a fitted and fixed to the outer ring 14, and the structure of the second example shown in FIG.
4 directly supported. These FIGS. 20 to 22,
As is clear from comparison with FIGS. 35 to 36, which show the corresponding conventional structure, according to the method for transmitting the detection signal of the sensor of the present invention, the detection signals of the sensor 7 and the temperature sensor 13 are controlled by the controller. It is possible to reduce the number of harnesses 10a and 10b to be sent to the power supply 11.

Next, FIGS. 23 and 24 show a sixth embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claim 4. FIG. In the case of this example, fed from the sensor 7 for detecting the rotational speed is fed a detection signal V _a a square wave which changes in the digital form, such as shown in FIG. 24 (A), from the temperature sensor 13 a detection signal V _T is a continuous wave changes such analog form shown in FIG. 24 (B), fed from the displacement sensor 30, is a continuous wave changes such analog form shown in FIG. 24 (C) and a detection signal V _D, the signal combining unit 21b
Thus, a synthesized signal VQ as shown in FIG. _24D is obtained. That is, in the signal combining unit 21b, the detection signal V _a to be fed from the sensor 7, the temperature sensor 13 and the detection signal V _T which is fed from the displacement sensor 30, the semiconductor switch 29a provided in the middle of the path for sending the V _D modulates alternately by, and the composite signal V _Q.

The controller 11a has accepted such a synthetic signal V _Q determines the rotational speed from the period of the synthesized signal V _Q (or frequency). Further, the composite signal V _Q by passing the low-pass filter, the detection signal V _T is a continuous wave which changes in FIG. 24 (B) (C) are shown as an analog-like, V _D
To obtain the changes in temperature and displacement. For this purpose, the composite signal V _Q the controller 11a accepts the can, the composite signal V _Q by the level shift circuit shifts the level of the signal shown in FIG. 25 (A), FIG. 25 (B) changing the signal K ₁ shown. Then, the signal K ₁ shown in FIG. 25 (B), through a circuit as shown in FIG. 26 (A) (B), a positive signal K ₂ and FIG such as shown in FIG. 25 (C) 25
It is separated into a negative signal K ₃ such as shown in (D). And
These signals K ₂ , K ₃ as shown in FIGS.
Is passed through the low-pass filter to obtain the signal shown in FIG.
25 shows a continuous wave K ₄ representing a temperature change, as shown in FIG.
(F) in such as shown, to obtain a continuous wave K ₅ for representing a change in displacement. FIG. 25 for calculating the period (or frequency).
Square wave K ₆ such as shown in (G) is obtained by passing the comparator having the composite signal V _Q a predetermined threshold level.

Next, FIGS. 27 to 28 show a seventh embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claim 5. FIG. In the case of this example, the temperature sensor 13a incorporating the communication control unit, the displacement sensor 17, the control device 32 of the motor 19, and the A / D converter unit 31 are connected in series in a rosary fashion. The A / D converter section 31 provided at one end (the right end in FIG. 27) is connected to the controller 11b having a microcomputer. The A / D converter section 31 includes another temperature sensor 13b and the displacement sensor 1
7a is input. Each of the sensors 1
3a, 17 and the communication control unit incorporated in the A / D converter unit 31 are provided with these sensors 13a, 17, 13b, 17
a) and a function of amplifying the detection signal of A.
It has a function of performing D conversion, a function of coding the A / D converted detection data, and a function of controlling communication of the coded value. Further, the controller 11b has a function of receiving a code for controlling the sensor unit. The communication control unit incorporated in the control device 32 has a function of decoding transmitted data, a function of controlling a drive circuit of the motor 19 based on the decoded data, and an operation state of the motor 19. And a function of transmitting the indicated status.

Each of the above-mentioned communication control units is shown in FIG.
As shown in (C), a sensor unique code 33 representing each of the sensors 13a, 13b, and 17,
A digital value consisting of a detection value code 34 representing the detection values of 13b and 17 is output. And each of these sensors 1
The output codes from 3a, 13b, 17, 17a are shown in FIG.
The controller 1 has a single signal line indicated by a solid arrow in FIG.
Send to 1b. Then, based on the sensor unique code 33, the controller 11b controls the sensors 13a, 13
The detection value codes 34 of b, 17 and 17a are separated and taken out. Further, the controller 11b sends out a coded control signal for controlling the motor 19, as shown by a dashed arrow in FIG. Then, the control device 32 controls the drive of the motor 19 based on the control signal.

In the case of the present embodiment constructed and operated in this manner, each of the sensors 13a, 13b, 17, 17a is compared with a case where each of the sensors 13a, 13b, 17, 17a is directly connected to the controller 11b.
Since a, 13b, 17, and 17a are connected in a chain (in series), the entire length of the harness can be shortened, and the cost and the weight of the harness can be reduced. Further, since the signal is transmitted as a digital value, it is hardly affected by noise generated by peripheral devices and the like, and accurate control can be performed. The data transmission direction is
There is a case where not only the two-way as shown but only one direction is sufficient. Further, since data is transmitted as a digital value, bidirectional data can be transmitted with one harness. Further, data can be transmitted by optical communication.

Next, FIGS. 29 to 30 show an eighth embodiment of the present invention corresponding to claim 6. FIG. In the case of this example, the output signal period of the sensor 7 for detecting the rotational speed, the analog output signals of the temperature sensor 13 and the displacement sensor 17 are converted into a sensor-specific code representing each of these sensors and a detection value representing the detected value. The digital signal is converted into a digital value comprising a value code, and the communication controller 38 provided on the side of each of the sensors 7, 13, 17 converts the digital value of each of the sensors 7, 13, 17 into a single signal line harness 10a. , 10
The harness 10b is sent to the controller 11 side.

[0039] In the example shown in this order, the period of the detection signal V _a of the sensor 7, such as shown in FIG. 30 (A), an oscillator 3
By counting with the counter 36 based on the clock pulse as shown in FIG. 30B sent from 5, an output as shown in FIG. 30C is obtained. Then, the output of the counter 36 as shown in FIG.
a, while adding the sensor-specific code of the sensor 7 to the coded signal X as shown in FIG.
Then, it is sent to the communication control unit 38. FIG.
The output signal V _{T of the} temperature sensor 13 as shown in FIG.
Is converted into a digital value as shown in FIG. 30 (F) by the A / D converter 39a, and while being coded by the converter 37b, the sensor unique code of the temperature sensor 13 is added thereto. And then sent to the communication control unit 38. Further, the output signal V _D of the displacement sensor 17 as shown in FIG.
After being converted into a digital value by the converter 39b, the converter 37
While being coded by c, a sensor-specific code of the displacement sensor 17 is added to form a coded signal Z as shown in FIG.

The communication control unit 38 connects the coded signals X, Y, and Z in series, and
The signal is sent to the controller 11 through the harness 10b of the set of harnesses 10a and 10b. And this controller 11
As in the case of the seventh example described above, the detection value code for each of the sensors 7, 13, and 17 is separated based on the sensor unique code incorporated in the head portion of each of the coded signals X, Y, and Z. And take it out. Also, each coded signal X, Y, Z
Need not be transmitted as a set, and any of them can be freely transmitted at an appropriate timing.

[0041]

The method of transmitting a detection signal of a sensor according to the present invention is constructed and operates as described above. However, since a plurality of types of detection signals are transmitted by one set of harnesses, the number of harnesses can be reduced. For this reason, for example, when a plurality of sensors are incorporated in a rolling bearing unit for supporting the wheels of an automobile, it is possible to reduce the unsprung load and improve the performance of the automobile mainly in the riding comfort. it can. or,
The connector provided on the rolling bearing unit side and the plug provided on the harness side are miniaturized, and the design for securing the installation space for these connectors and plugs is facilitated.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first example of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detection signal and a combined signal of each sensor.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of a signal synthesis unit.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing each signal for explaining a method of synthesizing signals.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a method of separating the combined signal in order to know the state detected by each sensor from the combined signal.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a rolling bearing unit with a sensor configured to send a detection signal of each sensor to a controller by the method of the first example.

FIG. 7 is a view of the encoder and the sensor taken out from the right side of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a second example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a detection signal and a combined signal of each sensor.

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of a signal synthesis unit.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a detection signal and a combined signal of each sensor.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a method of separating a synthesized signal to know a state detected by each sensor from the synthesized signal.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a third example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a detection signal and a combined signal of each sensor.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of a rolling bearing unit with a sensor configured to send a detection signal of each sensor to a controller by the method of the third example.

FIG. 16 is a view of the encoder and the sensor taken out and viewed from the right side of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a detection signal of each sensor and a combined signal, showing a fourth example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a fifth example of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a detection signal and a combined signal of each sensor.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a first example of a rolling bearing unit with a sensor configured to send a detection signal of each sensor to a controller by the method of the fifth example.

FIG. 21 is a diagram of the encoder and the sensor taken out and viewed from the right side of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a second example of a rolling bearing unit with a sensor configured to send a detection signal of each sensor to a controller by the method of the fifth example.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a sixth example of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a detection signal and a combined signal of each sensor.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a method of separating a synthesized signal in order to know a state detected by each sensor from the synthesized signal.

FIG. 26 is a circuit diagram showing a circuit for separating a level-shifted signal into a positive component and a negative component.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a seventh example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a coded signal.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an eighth example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a state where each signal is encoded.

FIG. 31 is a sectional view showing a first example of a rolling bearing unit with a sensor configured to transmit a detection signal by a conventional transmission method.

FIG. 32 is a view of the encoder and the sensor taken out from the right side of FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a first example of a conventional transmission method.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing output signals of respective sensors.

FIG. 35 is a sectional view showing a second example of a rolling bearing unit with a sensor adapted to transmit a detection signal by a conventional transmission method.

FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating the encoder and the sensor taken out and viewed from the right side in FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a circuit diagram showing a second example of a conventional transmission method.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing output signals of respective sensors.

FIG. 39 is a circuit diagram showing a third example of a conventional transmission method.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1a Rolling bearing unit 2 Inner ring 3 Outer ring 4 Rolling element 5, 5a Encoder 6, 6a Cover 7, 7a, 7b, 7c Sensor 8 Circle part 9a, 9b Through hole 10a, 10b Harness 11, 11a, 11b Controller 12 Column part 13, 13a, 13b Temperature sensor 14 Outer ring 15 Hub 16 Inner ring 17, 17a Displacement sensor 18 Angle sensor 19 Motor 20 Drive circuit 21, 21a, 21b Signal synthesis unit 22, 22a Addition circuit 23, 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d , 23e switch 24 logic circuit 25a, 25b, 25c AND element 26a, 26b OR element 27 NOT element 28 D flip-flop 29, 29a semiconductor switch 30, 30a displacement sensor 31 A / D converter section 32 control device 33 sensor specific code 34 Detection value code 35 Oscillator 36 counter 37a, 37b, 37c converter 38 communication controller 39a, 39b A / D converter

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A method for transmitting detection signals from sensors, wherein the detection signals transmitted from the plurality of sensors are sent to a controller, the detection signals being sent from the plurality of sensors being combined with each other. A method for transmitting a detection signal of a sensor, wherein the signal is sent to the controller through the signal line of (1), and then separated into signals corresponding to the detection signals of the respective sensors in the controller. 2. Each of the detection signals sent from each of the sensors is a rectangular wave that changes in a digital manner, and a signal synthesizing unit provided on each of the sensors adds a detection signal from each of the sensors to form a rectangular signal. A synthesized signal, which is a synthesized wave with a different wave height, is sent to the controller through a single signal line, and the synthesized signal is processed by a separation circuit provided on the controller side and incorporating a plurality of comparators. 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of rectangular waves whose changing states are different from each other corresponding to the respective detection signals are provided.
Transmission method of the detection signal of the sensor described in the above. 3. Each of the detection signals sent from each of the sensors is a rectangular wave that changes digitally, and a signal combining unit provided on each of the sensors combines the detection signals of the sensors to form a rectangular signal. The synthesized signal, which is a synthesized wave with a different wave width, is sent to the controller through a single signal line, and the synthesized signal is processed by a separation circuit provided on the controller side and incorporating a plurality of comparators. 2. The method of transmitting a detection signal of a sensor according to claim 1, wherein a rectangular wave having a width different according to each of the detection signals is used. 4. Among the respective detection signals sent from the respective sensors, one of the detection signals is a rectangular wave that changes in a digital form, and the other detection signal is a continuous wave that changes in an analog form. The signal synthesizing unit provided on the side modulates the detection signal that is a continuous wave with the detection signal that is a rectangular wave, and changes digitally, and at least one of the top and the bottom depends on the shape of the continuous wave. The combined signal whose height is to be changed is sent to the controller side by a single signal line, and the combined signal is processed by a separation circuit provided on the controller side and incorporating a comparator and a low-pass filter. The method of transmitting a detection signal of a sensor according to claim 1, wherein the detection signal is a rectangular wave and a continuous wave corresponding to the detection signal. 5. Sensors are connected in a daisy chain by a single signal line, and each of the sensors comprises a sensor specific code representing each sensor and a detection value code representing a detection value of each sensor. A digital value is output, and output signals from these sensors are sent to a controller through a single signal line, and the controller separates a detection value code for each sensor based on the sensor unique code. The method of transmitting a detection signal of a sensor according to claim 1, wherein the signal is taken out. 6. Each detection signal sent from each sensor is converted into a digital value consisting of a sensor unique code representing each sensor and a detection value code representing a detection value of each sensor. The provided communication control unit sends a digital value corresponding to the output signal of each of these sensors to the controller side through a single signal line, and the controller uses the sensor-specific code to detect the detected value code for each of the sensors. 2. The method for transmitting a detection signal of a sensor according to claim 1, wherein the detection signal is separated and taken out. 7. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein each sensor is incorporated in a rolling bearing unit for supporting wheels of the vehicle, and the controller is provided on a vehicle body side of the vehicle. A method for transmitting a detection signal of a sensor according to any one of the above.