WO2013005067A1 - Sensor unit and bearing assembly comprising such a sensor unit - Google Patents

Sensor unit and bearing assembly comprising such a sensor unit Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2013005067A1
WO2013005067A1 PCT/IB2011/001860 IB2011001860W WO2013005067A1 WO 2013005067 A1 WO2013005067 A1 WO 2013005067A1 IB 2011001860 W IB2011001860 W IB 2011001860W WO 2013005067 A1 WO2013005067 A1 WO 2013005067A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sensor unit
sensing
sensing cell
signal processing
unit according
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2011/001860
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Vincent Sausset
Original Assignee
Aktiebolaget Skf
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Aktiebolaget Skf filed Critical Aktiebolaget Skf
Priority to PCT/IB2011/001860 priority Critical patent/WO2013005067A1/en
Publication of WO2013005067A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013005067A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01D5/00—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable
    • G01D5/12—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means
    • G01D5/244—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing characteristics of pulses or pulse trains; generating pulses or pulse trains

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a sensor unit for sensing the angular position of a rotatable element with respect to a fixed element.
  • the invention also concerns a bearing assembly, in particular of the rolling type, comprising such a sensor unit.
  • Sensor units for sensing the angular position of a rotating element with respect to a fixed element often include several sensing cells distributed around the rotation axis of the rotating element.
  • This type of sensor unit must be provided with connection means for providing the sensing cells with electrical energy, connecting the sensing cells to the ground and ensure the transmission of the sensed data to a processing device, through which electrical energy and ground connection are insured. This induces the need, for each sensing cell, of three connections means linking each sensing cell to the processing device.
  • connection device which includes a printed circuit board designed to realize the above-mentioned connections.
  • a printed circuit board needs the use of specific chemical, electrical and mechanical production means which induce high production costs.
  • the aim of the invention is to provide a new sensor unit in which the electrical connections between the sensing cells and the signal processing unit is made in a more practical way and with less expensive production operations than in the prior art.
  • the invention concerns a sensor unit for sensing the angular position of a rotatable element with respect to a fixed element, comprising a sensor body equipped with a given number of sensing cells distributed around the rotation axis of the rotatable element, and adapted to sense the angular position of a coder element fast with the rotatable element, each sensing cell being connected to a signal processing unit of the sensor unit by an electrical connection device adapted to connect each sensing cell to the ground, and/or to deliver power to each sensing cell, and/or to transmit sensing signals delivered by each sensing cell to the signal processing unit.
  • the electrical connection device comprises self-standing conductive metallic strips mounted in a circular body arranged around the rotation axis of the rotatable element and electrically connecting the sensing cells to the signal processing unit.
  • the electrical connection is made by conductive metallic strips running around the rotation axis of the rotatable element from each sensing cell to the signal processing unit.
  • These metallic strips are produced using simple and light tooling such as metal forming tools and computer programs, and are rigid in order to be mounted in the circular body of the electric connection device. This permits to produce the electrical connection device in a simpler and cheaper way than in the prior art, which uses for example printed circuit boards, which are produced using much heavier tooling.
  • such a sensor unit may incorporate one or several of the following features:
  • the at least one self-standing conductive metallic strip is over-molded within the circular body.
  • the at least one self-standing conductive strip is made from folded metal sheets.
  • the at least one self-standing conductive metallic strip has a thickness comprised between 0.1 and 2 millimeters.
  • the electrical connection device comprises a circular conductive strip in electrical contact with each sensing cell and which is connected to the ground.
  • the electrical connection device comprises a circular conductive strip in electrical contact with each sensing cell and which is connected to an electrical power feeding system.
  • the electrical connection device comprises, for each sensing cell, a signal- transmitting conductive strip running on a peripheral portion of the circular body and connecting an output of the sensing cell to an input of the signal processing unit.
  • Each sensing cell is removably mounted in a housing of the circular body of the electrical connection device.
  • Each sensing cell includes at least one connection tab, preferably three connection tabs each, adapted to make an electrical contact with one of the conductive strips of the electrical connection device.
  • the first conductive strip, the second conductive strip and the signal transmission conductive strip are respectively arranged on three layers superimposed along the rotation axis of the rotating element, at least on an angular portion of the circular body.
  • the conductive strips are arranged on a same plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotatable element, and whereas the connection tabs of the sensing cells are oriented in a radial direction.
  • the housings in which the sensing cells are mounted comprise openings through which contact portions of the conductive strips protrude.
  • the sensor body includes a connection area for connecting the signal processing unit, and whereas said connection area comprises openings through which connection ends of the conductive strips protrude.
  • the signal processing unit includes pins for connection with the conductive strips, said pins being connected to a printed circuit board adapted to generate output sine and cosine signals representative of the angular position of the rotatable element, on the basis of the output signals of the sensing cells.
  • the invention also concerns a bearing assembly, in particular of the rolling type, comprising a sensor unit as mentioned here above.
  • This rolling type bearing may comprise rolling elements located between its fixed ring and its rotatable ring. These rolling elements may be balls which travel along raceways arranged on the fixed ring and the rotatable ring.
  • figure 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a rolling bearing assembly comprising a sensor unit according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the sensor unit of figure 1 from a different angle;
  • figure 3 is a perspective view of an electrical connection device and exploded sensing cells belonging to the sensor unit of figures 1 and 2;
  • figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a sensing cell of figure 3;
  • figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connection device of figure 3;
  • figure 6 is a front view of the electrical connection device of figure 5;
  • figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a set of conductive metallic strips belonging to the electrical connection device of figures 5 and 6;
  • FIG. 8 is a partially exploded perspective view of a signal processing unit belonging to the sensor unit of figures 5 and 6.
  • the rolling bearing assembly A represented on figure 1 comprises a rolling bearing 2 including an outer ring 20, an inner ring 22 and non-shown rolling elements, such as balls or needles.
  • Assembly A further comprises a sensor unit 4 including a sensor body 40 adapted to be fixed to outer ring 20 thanks to a fastening flange 6.
  • Sensor unit 4 also includes a coder element or target 42 fast in rotation with inner ring 22.
  • Axis X-X' denotes the rotation axis of inner ring 22 with respect to outer ring 20 and also the rotation axis of coder element 42 with respect to sensor body 40.
  • Sensor body 40 is adapted to sense the angular position of coder element 42 so as to determine the angular position and the rotation speed of inner ring 22 with respect to outer ring 20.
  • Sensor body 40 includes sensing cells 401.
  • sensor unit 4 comprises five sensing cells 401 regularly distributed around the rotation axis of coder element 42.
  • Coder element 42 may be a multi-pole magnetized ring which produces magnetic field variations while rotating around axis X-X'.
  • the magnetic field variations are sensed by sensing cells 401 , which may be Hall Effect sensing cells.
  • Sensing cells 401 are arranged so as to radially face coder element 42 with respect to axis X-X'.
  • Sensing cells 401 are mounted on an electrical connection device 403 which includes a circular body 4030 arranged around axis X-X'.
  • An electrical connection device 403 makes the electrical connection between sensing cells 401 and a signal processing unit 405 of sensor body 40.
  • Signal processing unit 405 processes the electrical signals delivered by sensing cells 401 so as to generate electrical signals to be used for determining the rotation speed of inner ring 22 with respect to outer ring 20.
  • signal processing unit 405 processes electrical currents delivered by each of the five sensing cells 401 and delivers sine and cosine output electrical signals representative of the rotation speed and angular position of inner ring 22 with respect to outer ring 20.
  • Signal processing unit 405 also provides, via electrical connection device 403, electrical power to be delivered to each sensing cell 401 , and connects each sensing cell 401 to a ground which may be provided in a vehicle in which assembly A is mounted.
  • Signal processing unit 405 is connected to electrical connection device 403 thanks to seven connection pins which protrude from a connection area 4050 of signal processing unit 405.
  • Signal processing unit 405 is fixed to electrical connection device 403 thanks to fastening means 4052 inserted into corresponding holes 4032 of electrical connection device 403.
  • Sensor body 40 comprises five sensing cells respectively referenced 401 a, 401 b, 401 c, 401 d and 401 e.
  • Each sensing cell 401 is removably mounted in a corresponding housing 4034 of circular body 4030. Housings 4034 are angularly offset by a 60°angle.
  • sensor unit 4 may comprise a number of sensing cells different from 5.
  • Each sensing cell 401 includes a support body 4010 and an electronic sensing component 4017.
  • Circular body 4030 further includes, for each sensing cells 401 , a cap 4038 mounted on each sensing cell 401 in each housing 4034.
  • caps 4038 may be produced by injecting thermoplastic matter directly in housings 4034.
  • Electrical connection device 403 includes self-standing conductive metallic strips mounted in circular body 4030 and adapted to perform electrical connection between each sensing cell 401 and the connection pins of signal processing unit 405. These conductive metallic strips are preferably over molded within circular body 4030.
  • the term self- standing denotes the fact that these conductive strips have a thickness sufficient for them to be rigid. This permits to mount them in circular body 4030 or to place them in an injection mould in order to over mold circular body 4030 on the conductive strips. These characteristics make these conductive strips different from conductive tracks of a printed circuit board which cannot be handled independently from their resin support plate.
  • the thickness of the conductive strips is preferably comprised between 0.1 and 2 millimeters.
  • a first circular conductive strip 500 connects each sensing cell 401 to the ground.
  • the electrical connection is made by electrical contact between conductive strip 500 and a ground connection tab 401 1 of each sensing cell 401 .
  • Electrical connection device 403 comprises a second conductive strip 502 which connects each sensing cell 401 to an electrical power feeding system via signal processing unit 405. The electrical connection is made by an electrical contact between conductive strip 502 and a power connection tab 4013 of each sensing cell 401 .
  • Each sensing cell 401 is equipped with an output connection tab 4015 adapted to be connected to a dedicated conductive strip so as to transmit the electrical signal delivered by each sensing cell 401 to signal processing unit 405.
  • electrical connection device 403 includes five conductive strips 504a, 504b, 504c, 504d and 504e respectively connecting the output connection tab 4015 of sensing cells 401 a, 401 b, 401 c, 401 d and 401 e to signal processing unit 405.
  • Each of conductive strips 500, 502 and 504a to 504e includes, on its end located in the vicinity of a connection area 4036 of electrical connection device 403, a flat connection ring 5000 which protrudes outside of circular body 4030.
  • Connection rings 5000 of conductive strips 500, 502, and 504a to 504e are arranged so as to allow an electrical connection with a corresponding connection pin of signal processing unit 405.
  • Signal processing unit 405 therefore comprises a connection pin 405.0 connected with the flat connection ring 5000 of conductive strip 500, a connection pin 405.2 by which electrical current is provided to sensing cells 401 via conductive strip 502 and five input connection pins 405a, 405b, 405c, 405d and 405e each connected to a corresponding conductive strip 504a to 504e to transmit the respective electrical signals of sensing cells 401 a to 401 e to signal processing unit 405.
  • Conductive strips 500, 502 and 504a to 504e are advantageously produced from folded metal sheets. This permits the use of a simple and economical tooling.
  • conductive strip 500 on a first hand, conductive strip 502 on a second hand and conductive strips 504a to 504e are respectively arranged on three layers superimposed along axis X-X', except in contact areas between said conductive strips and connection tabs 401 1 , 4013 and 4015 of sensing cells 401 .
  • conductive strips 502 and 504b to 504e show respective contact portions 5020 and 5040 which are offset, along axis X-X', towards conductive strip 500.
  • Conductive tabs 401 1 , 4013 and 4015 are arranged on a same plane perpendicular to axis X-X' and sensing cells 401 are mounted in housings 4034 so that connection tabs of sensing cells 401 are oriented along a radial direction with respect to axis X-X'.
  • Housings 4034 comprise openings through which contact portions 5001 , 5020 and 5040 of conductive strips 500, 502 and 504a to 504e protrude so as to allow electrical contact with the connection tabs of sensing cells 401 .
  • Each of housings 4034 has an opening suitable to allow protrusion of one of conductive strips 504a to 504e. As shown on figure 6, conductive strips 500 and 502 are each visible through one opening of the five housings 4034.
  • Signal processing unit 405 comprise a printed circuit board 4054, visible on figure 8, which comprises components adapted to process the data delivered by sensing cells 401 to generate output sine and cosine electrical signals representative of the angular position of coder element 42.
  • Printed circuit board 4054 is designed according to the number of sensing cells 401 of sensor unit 4, the number of magnetic poles of coder element 42 and to the type of signal processing to be performed, depending on the output data to be delivered.
  • Printed circuit board 4054 is connected to connection pins 405.0, 405.2 and 405a to 405e through a casing 4056 of signal processing unit 405.
  • Signal processing unit 405 further includes a bottom cap 4058.
  • Signal processing unit 405 further includes a plugging area 4060 for external connection to a non-shown control unit of a vehicle.
  • Signal processing unit 405 comprises connection pins extending from printed circuit board 4054 to plugging area 4060.
  • a first connection pin 4062 is adapted to perform the ground connection
  • a second pin 4064 is adapted to perform the electrical energy feeding
  • two pins 4066 and 4068 respectively perform the transmission of a sine and cosine electrical signals.
  • the invention can be implemented in any kind of bearing, for instance a rolling bearing, such as a ball bearing, or a plain bearing.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)

Abstract

This sensor unit (4) for sensing the angular position of a rotatable element (22) with respect to a fixed element (20) comprises a sensor body (40) equipped with a given number of sensing cells (401 a-401 e) distributed around the rotation axis (Χ-Χ') of the rotatable element (22), and adapted to sense the angular position of a coder element (42) fast in rotation with the rotatable element (22). Each sensing cell (401 ) is connected to a signal processing unit (405) of the senor unit (4) by an electrical connection device (403) adapted to connect each sensing cell (401 ) to the ground, deliver power to each sensing cell (401 ), and transmit sensing signals delivered by each sensing cell (401 ) to the signal processing unit (405). The electrical connection device (403) comprises conductive metallic tracks (500, 502, 504a-504e) mounted in a circular body (4030) arranged around the rotation axis (Χ-Χ') of the rotatable element (22) and electrically connecting the sensing cells (401 a-401 e) to the signal processing unit (405).

Description

SENSOR UNIT AND BEARING ASSEMBLY
COMPRISING SUCH A SENSOR UNIT
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a sensor unit for sensing the angular position of a rotatable element with respect to a fixed element. The invention also concerns a bearing assembly, in particular of the rolling type, comprising such a sensor unit. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Sensor units for sensing the angular position of a rotating element with respect to a fixed element often include several sensing cells distributed around the rotation axis of the rotating element. This type of sensor unit must be provided with connection means for providing the sensing cells with electrical energy, connecting the sensing cells to the ground and ensure the transmission of the sensed data to a processing device, through which electrical energy and ground connection are insured. This induces the need, for each sensing cell, of three connections means linking each sensing cell to the processing device.
Known sensor units use a connection device which includes a printed circuit board designed to realize the above-mentioned connections. Such a printed circuit board needs the use of specific chemical, electrical and mechanical production means which induce high production costs. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The aim of the invention is to provide a new sensor unit in which the electrical connections between the sensing cells and the signal processing unit is made in a more practical way and with less expensive production operations than in the prior art.
To this end, the invention concerns a sensor unit for sensing the angular position of a rotatable element with respect to a fixed element, comprising a sensor body equipped with a given number of sensing cells distributed around the rotation axis of the rotatable element, and adapted to sense the angular position of a coder element fast with the rotatable element, each sensing cell being connected to a signal processing unit of the sensor unit by an electrical connection device adapted to connect each sensing cell to the ground, and/or to deliver power to each sensing cell, and/or to transmit sensing signals delivered by each sensing cell to the signal processing unit. This sensor unit is characterized in that the electrical connection device comprises self-standing conductive metallic strips mounted in a circular body arranged around the rotation axis of the rotatable element and electrically connecting the sensing cells to the signal processing unit.
Thanks to the invention, the electrical connection is made by conductive metallic strips running around the rotation axis of the rotatable element from each sensing cell to the signal processing unit. These metallic strips are produced using simple and light tooling such as metal forming tools and computer programs, and are rigid in order to be mounted in the circular body of the electric connection device. This permits to produce the electrical connection device in a simpler and cheaper way than in the prior art, which uses for example printed circuit boards, which are produced using much heavier tooling.
According to further aspects of the invention which are advantageous but not compulsory, such a sensor unit may incorporate one or several of the following features:
The at least one self-standing conductive metallic strip is over-molded within the circular body.
The at least one self-standing conductive strip is made from folded metal sheets. The at least one self-standing conductive metallic strip has a thickness comprised between 0.1 and 2 millimeters.
The electrical connection device comprises a circular conductive strip in electrical contact with each sensing cell and which is connected to the ground.
The electrical connection device comprises a circular conductive strip in electrical contact with each sensing cell and which is connected to an electrical power feeding system.
The electrical connection device comprises, for each sensing cell, a signal- transmitting conductive strip running on a peripheral portion of the circular body and connecting an output of the sensing cell to an input of the signal processing unit.
Each sensing cell is removably mounted in a housing of the circular body of the electrical connection device.
Each sensing cell includes at least one connection tab, preferably three connection tabs each, adapted to make an electrical contact with one of the conductive strips of the electrical connection device.
The first conductive strip, the second conductive strip and the signal transmission conductive strip are respectively arranged on three layers superimposed along the rotation axis of the rotating element, at least on an angular portion of the circular body. In the contact areas between the conductive strips and the connection tabs of the sensing cells, the conductive strips are arranged on a same plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotatable element, and whereas the connection tabs of the sensing cells are oriented in a radial direction.
- The housings in which the sensing cells are mounted comprise openings through which contact portions of the conductive strips protrude.
The sensor body includes a connection area for connecting the signal processing unit, and whereas said connection area comprises openings through which connection ends of the conductive strips protrude.
- The signal processing unit includes pins for connection with the conductive strips, said pins being connected to a printed circuit board adapted to generate output sine and cosine signals representative of the angular position of the rotatable element, on the basis of the output signals of the sensing cells.
The invention also concerns a bearing assembly, in particular of the rolling type, comprising a sensor unit as mentioned here above. This rolling type bearing may comprise rolling elements located between its fixed ring and its rotatable ring. These rolling elements may be balls which travel along raceways arranged on the fixed ring and the rotatable ring. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be explained in correspondence with the annexed figures, as an illustrative example. In the annexed figures:
figure 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a rolling bearing assembly comprising a sensor unit according to the invention;
- figure 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the sensor unit of figure 1 from a different angle;
figure 3 is a perspective view of an electrical connection device and exploded sensing cells belonging to the sensor unit of figures 1 and 2;
figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a sensing cell of figure 3;
- figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connection device of figure 3;
figure 6 is a front view of the electrical connection device of figure 5;
figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a set of conductive metallic strips belonging to the electrical connection device of figures 5 and 6;
- figure 8 is a partially exploded perspective view of a signal processing unit belonging to the sensor unit of figures 5 and 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS
The rolling bearing assembly A represented on figure 1 comprises a rolling bearing 2 including an outer ring 20, an inner ring 22 and non-shown rolling elements, such as balls or needles. Assembly A further comprises a sensor unit 4 including a sensor body 40 adapted to be fixed to outer ring 20 thanks to a fastening flange 6. Sensor unit 4 also includes a coder element or target 42 fast in rotation with inner ring 22. Axis X-X' denotes the rotation axis of inner ring 22 with respect to outer ring 20 and also the rotation axis of coder element 42 with respect to sensor body 40. Sensor body 40 is adapted to sense the angular position of coder element 42 so as to determine the angular position and the rotation speed of inner ring 22 with respect to outer ring 20.
Sensor body 40 includes sensing cells 401. In the present case, sensor unit 4 comprises five sensing cells 401 regularly distributed around the rotation axis of coder element 42. Coder element 42 may be a multi-pole magnetized ring which produces magnetic field variations while rotating around axis X-X'. The magnetic field variations are sensed by sensing cells 401 , which may be Hall Effect sensing cells. Sensing cells 401 are arranged so as to radially face coder element 42 with respect to axis X-X'.
Sensing cells 401 are mounted on an electrical connection device 403 which includes a circular body 4030 arranged around axis X-X'. An electrical connection device 403 makes the electrical connection between sensing cells 401 and a signal processing unit 405 of sensor body 40. Signal processing unit 405 processes the electrical signals delivered by sensing cells 401 so as to generate electrical signals to be used for determining the rotation speed of inner ring 22 with respect to outer ring 20. In the present case, signal processing unit 405 processes electrical currents delivered by each of the five sensing cells 401 and delivers sine and cosine output electrical signals representative of the rotation speed and angular position of inner ring 22 with respect to outer ring 20.
Signal processing unit 405 also provides, via electrical connection device 403, electrical power to be delivered to each sensing cell 401 , and connects each sensing cell 401 to a ground which may be provided in a vehicle in which assembly A is mounted.
Signal processing unit 405 is connected to electrical connection device 403 thanks to seven connection pins which protrude from a connection area 4050 of signal processing unit 405. Signal processing unit 405 is fixed to electrical connection device 403 thanks to fastening means 4052 inserted into corresponding holes 4032 of electrical connection device 403. Sensor body 40 comprises five sensing cells respectively referenced 401 a, 401 b, 401 c, 401 d and 401 e. Each sensing cell 401 is removably mounted in a corresponding housing 4034 of circular body 4030. Housings 4034 are angularly offset by a 60°angle.
As an alternate non-shown embodiment, sensor unit 4 may comprise a number of sensing cells different from 5.
Each sensing cell 401 includes a support body 4010 and an electronic sensing component 4017. Circular body 4030 further includes, for each sensing cells 401 , a cap 4038 mounted on each sensing cell 401 in each housing 4034. As an alternate embodiment, caps 4038 may be produced by injecting thermoplastic matter directly in housings 4034.
Electrical connection device 403 includes self-standing conductive metallic strips mounted in circular body 4030 and adapted to perform electrical connection between each sensing cell 401 and the connection pins of signal processing unit 405. These conductive metallic strips are preferably over molded within circular body 4030. The term self- standing denotes the fact that these conductive strips have a thickness sufficient for them to be rigid. This permits to mount them in circular body 4030 or to place them in an injection mould in order to over mold circular body 4030 on the conductive strips. These characteristics make these conductive strips different from conductive tracks of a printed circuit board which cannot be handled independently from their resin support plate.
The thickness of the conductive strips is preferably comprised between 0.1 and 2 millimeters.
A first circular conductive strip 500 connects each sensing cell 401 to the ground. The electrical connection is made by electrical contact between conductive strip 500 and a ground connection tab 401 1 of each sensing cell 401 .
Electrical connection device 403 comprises a second conductive strip 502 which connects each sensing cell 401 to an electrical power feeding system via signal processing unit 405. The electrical connection is made by an electrical contact between conductive strip 502 and a power connection tab 4013 of each sensing cell 401 .
Each sensing cell 401 is equipped with an output connection tab 4015 adapted to be connected to a dedicated conductive strip so as to transmit the electrical signal delivered by each sensing cell 401 to signal processing unit 405. More precisely, electrical connection device 403 includes five conductive strips 504a, 504b, 504c, 504d and 504e respectively connecting the output connection tab 4015 of sensing cells 401 a, 401 b, 401 c, 401 d and 401 e to signal processing unit 405.
Each of conductive strips 500, 502 and 504a to 504e includes, on its end located in the vicinity of a connection area 4036 of electrical connection device 403, a flat connection ring 5000 which protrudes outside of circular body 4030. Connection rings 5000 of conductive strips 500, 502, and 504a to 504e are arranged so as to allow an electrical connection with a corresponding connection pin of signal processing unit 405. Signal processing unit 405 therefore comprises a connection pin 405.0 connected with the flat connection ring 5000 of conductive strip 500, a connection pin 405.2 by which electrical current is provided to sensing cells 401 via conductive strip 502 and five input connection pins 405a, 405b, 405c, 405d and 405e each connected to a corresponding conductive strip 504a to 504e to transmit the respective electrical signals of sensing cells 401 a to 401 e to signal processing unit 405.
Conductive strips 500, 502 and 504a to 504e are advantageously produced from folded metal sheets. This permits the use of a simple and economical tooling.
As represented on figure 5, conductive strip 500 on a first hand, conductive strip 502 on a second hand and conductive strips 504a to 504e are respectively arranged on three layers superimposed along axis X-X', except in contact areas between said conductive strips and connection tabs 401 1 , 4013 and 4015 of sensing cells 401 . In these contact areas, conductive strips 502 and 504b to 504e show respective contact portions 5020 and 5040 which are offset, along axis X-X', towards conductive strip 500. Conductive tabs 401 1 , 4013 and 4015 are arranged on a same plane perpendicular to axis X-X' and sensing cells 401 are mounted in housings 4034 so that connection tabs of sensing cells 401 are oriented along a radial direction with respect to axis X-X'.
Housings 4034 comprise openings through which contact portions 5001 , 5020 and 5040 of conductive strips 500, 502 and 504a to 504e protrude so as to allow electrical contact with the connection tabs of sensing cells 401 . Each of housings 4034 has an opening suitable to allow protrusion of one of conductive strips 504a to 504e. As shown on figure 6, conductive strips 500 and 502 are each visible through one opening of the five housings 4034.
Signal processing unit 405 comprise a printed circuit board 4054, visible on figure 8, which comprises components adapted to process the data delivered by sensing cells 401 to generate output sine and cosine electrical signals representative of the angular position of coder element 42. Printed circuit board 4054 is designed according to the number of sensing cells 401 of sensor unit 4, the number of magnetic poles of coder element 42 and to the type of signal processing to be performed, depending on the output data to be delivered. Printed circuit board 4054 is connected to connection pins 405.0, 405.2 and 405a to 405e through a casing 4056 of signal processing unit 405. Signal processing unit 405 further includes a bottom cap 4058. Signal processing unit 405 further includes a plugging area 4060 for external connection to a non-shown control unit of a vehicle. Signal processing unit 405 comprises connection pins extending from printed circuit board 4054 to plugging area 4060. A first connection pin 4062 is adapted to perform the ground connection, a second pin 4064 is adapted to perform the electrical energy feeding and two pins 4066 and 4068 respectively perform the transmission of a sine and cosine electrical signals.
The invention can be implemented in any kind of bearing, for instance a rolling bearing, such as a ball bearing, or a plain bearing.

Claims

1. Sensor unit (4) for sensing the angular position of a rotaable element (22) with respect to a fixed element (20), comprising a sensor body (40) equipped with a given number of sensing cells (401 a-401 e) distributed around the rotation axis (Χ-Χ') of the rotatable element (22), and adapted to sense the angular position of a coder element (42) fast in rotation with the rotatable element (22), each sensing cell (401 ) being connected to a signal processing unit (405) of the sensor unit (4) by an electrical connection device (403) adapted to :
- connect each sensing cell (401 ) to the ground, and/or
deliver power to each sensing cell (401 ), and/or
transmit sensing signals delivered by each sensing cell (401 ) to the signal processing unit (405),
wherein the electrical connection device (403) comprises at least one self-standing conductive metallic strip (500, 502, 504a-504e) mounted in a circular body (4030) arranged around the rotation axis (Χ-Χ') of the rotatable element (22) and electrically connecting the sensing cells (401 a-401 e) to the signal processing unit (405).
2. Sensor unit according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one self-standing conductive metallic strip (500, 502, 504a-504e) is over-molded within the circular body
(4030).
3. Sensor unit according to one of the previous claims, wherein the at least one self-standing conductive metallic strip (500, 502, 504a-504e) is made from folded metal sheets.
4. Sensor unit according to one of the previous claims, wherein the at least one self-standing conductive metallic strip (500, 502, 504a-504e) has a thickness comprised between 0.1 and 2 millimeters.
5. Sensor unit according to one of the previous claims, wherein the electrical connection device (403) comprises a circular conductive strip (500) in electrical contact with each sensing cell (401 ) and which is connected to the ground.
6. Sensor unit according to one of the previous claims, wherein the electrical connection device (403) comprises a circular conductive strip (502) in electrical contact with each sensing cell (401 ) and which is connected to an electrical power feeding system.
7. Sensor unit according to one of the previous claims, wherein the electrical connection device (403) comprises, for each sensing cell (401 a-401 e), a signal- transmitting conductive strip (504a-504e) running on a peripheral portion of the circular body (4030) and connecting an output (4015) of the sensing cell (401 a-401 e) to an input (405a-405e) of the signal processing unit (405).
8. Sensor unit according to one of the previous claims, wherein each sensing cell
(401 a-401 e) is removably mounted in a housing (4034) of the circular body (4030) of the electrical connection device (403).
9. Sensor unit according to one of the previous claims, wherein each sensing cell (401 ) includes at least one connection tab, preferably three connection tabs (401 1 , 4013, 4015), each adapted to make an electrical contact with one of the conductive strips (500, 502, 504a-504e) of the electrical connection device (403).
10. Sensor unit according to claim 9, wherein the first conductive strip (500), the second conductive strip (502) and the signal transmission conductive strip (504a-504e) are respectively arranged on three layers superimposed along the rotation axis (Χ-Χ') of the rotatable element (22), at least on an angular portion of the circular body (4030).
1 1. Sensor unit according to claim 10, wherein in the contact areas between the conductive strips (500, 502, 504a-504e) and the connection tabs (401 1 , 4013, 4015) of the sensing cells (401 ), the conductive strips are arranged on a same plane perpendicular to the rotation axis (Χ-Χ') of the rotatable element (22), and wherein the connection tabs (401 1 , 4013, 4015) of the sensing cells (401 ) are oriented in a radial direction.
12. Sensor unit according to claim 1 1 , wherein the housings (4034) in which the sensing cells (401 ) are mounted comprise openings through which contact portions (5001 , 5020, 5040) of the conductive strips (500, 502, 504a-504e) protrude.
13. Sensor unit according to any of claims 8 to 12, wherein the sensor body (40) includes a connection area (4036) for connecting the signal processing unit (405), and wherein said connection area (4036) comprises openings through which connection ends (5000) of the conductive strips (500, 502, 504a-504e) protrude.
14. Sensor unit according to claim 13, wherein the signal processing unit (405) includes pins (405.0, 405.2, 405a-405e) for connection with the conductive strips (500, 502, 504a-504e), said pins being connected to a printed circuit board (4054) adapted to generate output sine and cosine signals representative of the angular position of the rotatable element (22), on the basis of the output signals of the sensing cells (401 ).
15. A rolling bearing assembly (A) comprising a sensor unit (4) according to one of the previous claims.
16. Bearing assembly (A) according to claim 15, wherein the bearing is of the rolling type and comprises rolling elements (64) located between its fixed ring (60) and its rotatable ring (62).
17. Bearing assembly according to claim 16, wherein the rolling elements (64) are balls which travel along raceways arranged on the fixed ring (60) and the rotatable ring (62).
PCT/IB2011/001860 2011-07-05 2011-07-05 Sensor unit and bearing assembly comprising such a sensor unit WO2013005067A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IB2011/001860 WO2013005067A1 (en) 2011-07-05 2011-07-05 Sensor unit and bearing assembly comprising such a sensor unit

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IB2011/001860 WO2013005067A1 (en) 2011-07-05 2011-07-05 Sensor unit and bearing assembly comprising such a sensor unit

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2013005067A1 true WO2013005067A1 (en) 2013-01-10

Family

ID=44898057

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2011/001860 WO2013005067A1 (en) 2011-07-05 2011-07-05 Sensor unit and bearing assembly comprising such a sensor unit

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2013005067A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102015202127A1 (en) 2015-02-06 2016-08-11 Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG Connecting element for the electrical and mechanical connection of electronic modules, electronic module assembly for installation in a cylindrical space and rolling bearing assembly
WO2019120365A1 (en) * 2017-12-18 2019-06-27 Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG Bearing arrangements, and module carrier for them

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102005011651A1 (en) * 2005-03-14 2006-09-28 Siemens Ag Electronic circuit arrangement, has connection units of electronic components that are bent in their region in which units does not cross assigned conducting paths such that there is no contact between units and paths
US20070109748A1 (en) * 2003-09-05 2007-05-17 Pierburg Gmbh Adjusting device especially for a throttle valve of an internal combustion engine
US20080036454A1 (en) * 2003-10-22 2008-02-14 Aktiebolaget Skf Multi-Revolution Absolute High-Resolution Rotation Measurement System And Bearing Equipped With Such A System
DE102009036128A1 (en) * 2009-08-05 2011-02-10 Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kg, Hallstadt Electrical component of a motor vehicle

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20070109748A1 (en) * 2003-09-05 2007-05-17 Pierburg Gmbh Adjusting device especially for a throttle valve of an internal combustion engine
US20080036454A1 (en) * 2003-10-22 2008-02-14 Aktiebolaget Skf Multi-Revolution Absolute High-Resolution Rotation Measurement System And Bearing Equipped With Such A System
DE102005011651A1 (en) * 2005-03-14 2006-09-28 Siemens Ag Electronic circuit arrangement, has connection units of electronic components that are bent in their region in which units does not cross assigned conducting paths such that there is no contact between units and paths
DE102009036128A1 (en) * 2009-08-05 2011-02-10 Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kg, Hallstadt Electrical component of a motor vehicle

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102015202127A1 (en) 2015-02-06 2016-08-11 Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG Connecting element for the electrical and mechanical connection of electronic modules, electronic module assembly for installation in a cylindrical space and rolling bearing assembly
WO2016124192A1 (en) 2015-02-06 2016-08-11 Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG Connecting element for electrical and mechanical connection of electronic modules, electronic module arrangement for installation in a cylindrical installation space and rolling bearing arrangement
US9972956B2 (en) 2015-02-06 2018-05-15 Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG Connecting element having a recessed portion on top of one end and a recessed portion on bottom of the other end
WO2019120365A1 (en) * 2017-12-18 2019-06-27 Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG Bearing arrangements, and module carrier for them
US11226005B2 (en) 2017-12-18 2022-01-18 Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG Bearing arrangements, and module carrier for them

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US10530222B2 (en) Method and apparatus for detecting the position of a rotor in an electric machine
CN111404327B (en) Electric motor
CN107003153B (en) Rotary angle detecting device and power steering gear
US9127718B2 (en) Rotation detection set and bearing assembly comprising such a detection set
EP2549236B1 (en) Stationary magnet variable reluctance magnetic sensors
US9851221B2 (en) Hall sensor insensitive to external magnetic fields
US7382120B2 (en) Rotary position sensor with rectangular magnet and hall sensors placed in association with the surface of the magnet
CN103872852A (en) Motor and sensing magnet of the same
US20110303001A1 (en) Rotary angle and rotary torque sensing device
JP4250418B2 (en) Instrumented bearings for steering wheels
US7710110B2 (en) Rotary sensor with rotary sensing element and rotatable hollow magnet
WO2013005068A1 (en) Set of sensor units and set of bearing assemblies comprising sensor units of such a set
CN105241480B (en) Include the component of at least the first motor, the second motor and angular position pick up
WO2013050801A1 (en) Sensor unit and bearing assembly comprising such a sensor unit
WO2013005067A1 (en) Sensor unit and bearing assembly comprising such a sensor unit
CN103528601A (en) Non-contact compound torque and angle position sensor
US20110036182A1 (en) Rotary torque detecting device
JP2008185560A5 (en)
CN206099663U (en) Use electric capacity coding principle detection position's servo motor
CN210346797U (en) Hall metering device of water meter
CN210293107U (en) Angle sensor and vehicle
JP2014065367A (en) Rotation angle/rotational torque detecting device
CN102735161A (en) Rotation type sensor and detection device having the same
CN204188132U (en) A kind of mounting structure of non-contact angle sensor
US12104928B2 (en) Absolute encoder

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 11776511

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 11776511

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1