WO2013005068A1 - Set of sensor units and set of bearing assemblies comprising sensor units of such a set - Google Patents

Set of sensor units and set of bearing assemblies comprising sensor units of such a set Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013005068A1
WO2013005068A1 PCT/IB2011/001861 IB2011001861W WO2013005068A1 WO 2013005068 A1 WO2013005068 A1 WO 2013005068A1 IB 2011001861 W IB2011001861 W IB 2011001861W WO 2013005068 A1 WO2013005068 A1 WO 2013005068A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sensor units
electrical connection
units according
signal processing
sensing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2011/001861
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Vincent Sausset
Matthieu RIOTEAU
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/IB2011/001861 priority Critical patent/WO2013005068A1/en
Publication of WO2013005068A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013005068A1/en

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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
    • G01D5/14—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 the magnitude of a current or voltage
    • G01D5/142—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 the magnitude of a current or voltage using Hall-effect devices
    • G01D5/145—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 the magnitude of a current or voltage using Hall-effect devices influenced by the relative movement between the Hall device and magnetic fields
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C41/00—Other accessories, e.g. devices integrated in the bearing not relating to the bearing function as such
    • F16C41/007—Encoders, e.g. parts with a plurality of alternating magnetic poles

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a set of sensor units for sensing the angular position of a rotatable element with respect to a fixed element.
  • the invention also concerns a set of bearing assemblies, in particular of the rolling type, comprising sensor units of such a set of sensor units.
  • Rolling bearing assemblies on automotive vehicles are often equipped with a sensor unit for sensing the angular position of the wheels of the vehicle to determine the moving speed of the vehicle.
  • a sensor unit for sensing the angular position of the wheels of the vehicle to determine the moving speed of the vehicle.
  • Sensor units are generally designed independently the ones from the others and with different structures, in particular depending on the diameter of the rotatable elements, and of the dimensions of the environment in which it must be mounted. This induces the need for relatively long and costly design operations for each dimension of rolling assembly and the use of specific production tooling.
  • the aim of the invention is to provide a set of sensor units which are adapted to various sizes of assemblies and which limit the time and cost of design operations.
  • the invention concerns a set of sensor units for sensing the angular position of a rotatable element with respect to a fixed element, each of the sensor units comprising a sensor body equipped with a given number of sensing cells distributed around the rotation axis of the rotating element, a signal processing unit to which each sensing cell is connected and an electrical connection device for providing each sensing cell with an electrical connection to the ground, a connection to an electrical energy feeding system, and an electrical connection for transmission of sensed data to the signal processing unit, and a coder element fast with the rotatable element, the sensing cells being adapted to sense the angular position of said coder element.
  • This set of sensor units is characterized in that the sensor units of the set comprise identical sensing cells and signal processing unit and in that the sensor units of the set comprise coder elements and electrical connection devices corresponding to different sizes of rotatable element. Thanks to the invention, different sensor units adapted to various sizes of assembly can be produced by mounting a coder element and an electrical connection device adapted to the size of the rotatable element on a generic signal processing unit, and by mounting generic sensing cells in the specific electrical connection device. This permits to obtain various sizes of sensor unit with a relatively reduced number of specific parts, and therefore to reduce design and production costs.
  • such a set of sensor units may incorporate one or several of the following features:
  • the coder elements and the electrical connection devices of the sensor units of the set have increasing inner diameters.
  • Each electrical connection device comprises self-standing conductive metallic strips mounted in a circular body arranged around the rotation axis of the rotating element and electrically connecting the sensing cells to the signal processing unit.
  • the conductive strips are over-molded within the circular body.
  • the conductive metallic strips are made from folded metal sheets.
  • the conductive metallic strips have a thickness comprised between 0.1 and 2 millimeters.
  • Each electrical connection device comprises a first circular conductive strip in electrical contact with each sensing cell and which is connected to the ground.
  • Each electrical connection device comprises a second circular conductive strip in electrical contact with each sensing cell and which is connected to an electrical power feeding system.
  • Each 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 each electrical connection device.
  • Each sensing cell includes three connection tabs each adapted to make an electrical contact with one of the conductive strips of each 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 rotatable element, at least on an angular portion of the circular body.
  • connection tabs of the sensing cells 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.
  • Each sensor body includes a connection area for connecting a signal processing unit, and whereas said connection area comprises openings through which connection ends of the conductive strips protrude.
  • Each 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.
  • Each electrical connection device comprises a printed circuit board connecting the sensing cells to the signal processing unit.
  • the invention also concerns a set of rolling bearing assemblies each comprising a sensor unit of a set of sensor units as mentioned here-above.
  • FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a rolling bearing assembly belonging to a set of rolling bearing assemblies according to the invention
  • figure 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of a sensor unit of a set of sensor units according to the invention
  • figure 3 is a perspective view of an electrical connection device and exploded sensing cells belonging to the sensor unit of figure 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;
  • FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a set of conductive metallic tracks 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 figure 2;
  • figure 9 is a perspective view of a set of rolling bearing assemblies according to the invention.
  • 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.
  • a set AS of rolling bearing assemblies A is represented on figure 9.
  • the rolling assemblies Sw, Sx, Sy and Sz of set AS each comprise a respective sensor unit 4w, 4x, 4y and 4z belonging to a set S4 of sensor units 4.
  • the four sensor units 4w, 4x, 4y and 4z each include identical sensing cells 401 and identical signal processing units 405.
  • the term "identical” means that these elements have substantially the same sizes and structures and work in the same way.
  • sensing cells 401 comprise the same connection tabs 401 1 , 4013, and 4015
  • signal processing units 405 comprise the same connection area 4054 and the same connection pins 405.0, 405.2 and 405a to 405e.
  • Rolling bearing assemblies Sw, Sx, Sy and Sz comprise rolling bearings 20 including inner rings 22 which have increasing inner diameters. Coder elements 42w, 42x, 42y and 42z fast in rotation with each inner ring 22 of rolling bearing assemblies Sw, Sx, Sy and Sz also have increasing inner diameter.
  • Sensor units 4w, 4x, 4y and 4z also include respective electrical connection devices 403w, 403x, 403y and 403z having increasing inner diameters corresponding to the inner diameters of coder elements 42.
  • Conductive strips 500, 502 and 504a to 504e subsequently extend on angular sectors corresponding to the increasing inner diameters of electrical connection devices 403w to 403z.
  • Connection areas 4036 of electrical connection devices 403w to 403z are identical, in other words they show the same geometry and location of openings through which connection rings 5000 of conductive strips 500, 502 and 504a to 504e protrude. This allows plugging a generic signal processing unit 405 on each of electrical connection devices 403w to 403z in the same way.
  • housings 4034 in circular bodies 4030 have also the same geometry.
  • Sensing cells 401 can be plugged in each electrical connection device 403w to 403z in the same way to create sensor units 4w to 4z adapted to be mounted on various sizes of rolling bearing assembly A.
  • the invention allows to realize mass production of generic parts.
  • electrical connection device 403 can comprise, instead of self-standing conductive strips, a printed circuit board which performs the connection of each sensing cell 401 to the ground, to the electrical energy feeding system, and the transmission of sensed data to signal processing unit 40.
  • the geometry of the printed circuit board is adapted to the geometry of electrical connection device 403 on the basis of the inner diameter of the corresponding coder element 42.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Length, Angles, Or The Like Using Electric Or Magnetic Means (AREA)

Abstract

This set (S4) of sensor units (4w, 4x, 4y, 4z) is for sensing the angular position of a rotatable element (22) with respect to a fixed element (20). Each of the sensor units 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), a signal processing unit (405) to which each sensing cell is connected, and an electrical connection device (403w, 403x, 403y, 403z) for providing each sensing cell with an electrical connection to the ground, a connection to an electrical energy feeding system, and an electrical connection for transmission of sensed data to the signal processing unit (405). A coder element (42w, 42x, 42y and 42z) is fast with the rotatable element, the sensing cells (401 ) being adapted to sense the angular position of said coder element (42). The sensor units of the set (S4) comprise identical sensing cells (401 a-401 e) and signal processing units (405), and the sensor units of the set comprise coder elements (42w-42z) and electrical connection devices (403w-403z) corresponding to different sizes of rotatable element (22).

Description

SET OF SENSOR UNITS AND SET OF BEARING ASSEMBLIES
COMPRISING SENSOR UNITS OF SUCH A SET
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a set of sensor units for sensing the angular position of a rotatable element with respect to a fixed element. The invention also concerns a set of bearing assemblies, in particular of the rolling type, comprising sensor units of such a set of sensor units. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Rolling bearing assemblies on automotive vehicles are often equipped with a sensor unit for sensing the angular position of the wheels of the vehicle to determine the moving speed of the vehicle. Considering the design of each vehicle is relatively different, the design of the sensor units must be adapted to the various sizes and operating conditions of the rolling assemblies of the vehicles. Sensor units are generally designed independently the ones from the others and with different structures, in particular depending on the diameter of the rotatable elements, and of the dimensions of the environment in which it must be mounted. This induces the need for relatively long and costly design operations for each dimension of rolling assembly and the use of specific production tooling.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The aim of the invention is to provide a set of sensor units which are adapted to various sizes of assemblies and which limit the time and cost of design operations.
To this end, the invention concerns a set of sensor units for sensing the angular position of a rotatable element with respect to a fixed element, each of the sensor units comprising a sensor body equipped with a given number of sensing cells distributed around the rotation axis of the rotating element, a signal processing unit to which each sensing cell is connected and an electrical connection device for providing each sensing cell with an electrical connection to the ground, a connection to an electrical energy feeding system, and an electrical connection for transmission of sensed data to the signal processing unit, and a coder element fast with the rotatable element, the sensing cells being adapted to sense the angular position of said coder element. This set of sensor units is characterized in that the sensor units of the set comprise identical sensing cells and signal processing unit and in that the sensor units of the set comprise coder elements and electrical connection devices corresponding to different sizes of rotatable element. Thanks to the invention, different sensor units adapted to various sizes of assembly can be produced by mounting a coder element and an electrical connection device adapted to the size of the rotatable element on a generic signal processing unit, and by mounting generic sensing cells in the specific electrical connection device. This permits to obtain various sizes of sensor unit with a relatively reduced number of specific parts, and therefore to reduce design and production costs.
According to further aspects of the invention which are advantageous but not compulsory, such a set of sensor units may incorporate one or several of the following features:
- The coder elements and the electrical connection devices of the sensor units of the set have increasing inner diameters.
- Each electrical connection device comprises self-standing conductive metallic strips mounted in a circular body arranged around the rotation axis of the rotating element and electrically connecting the sensing cells to the signal processing unit.
- The conductive strips are over-molded within the circular body.
- The conductive metallic strips are made from folded metal sheets.
- The conductive metallic strips have a thickness comprised between 0.1 and 2 millimeters.
- Each electrical connection device comprises a first circular conductive strip in electrical contact with each sensing cell and which is connected to the ground.
- Each electrical connection device comprises a second circular conductive strip in electrical contact with each sensing cell and which is connected to an electrical power feeding system.
- Each 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 each electrical connection device.
- Each sensing cell includes three connection tabs each adapted to make an electrical contact with one of the conductive strips of each 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 rotatable element, at least on an angular portion of the circular body.
- 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.
- Each sensor body includes a connection area for connecting a signal processing unit, and whereas said connection area comprises openings through which connection ends of the conductive strips protrude.
- Each 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.
- Each electrical connection device comprises a printed circuit board connecting the sensing cells to the signal processing unit.
The invention also concerns a set of rolling bearing assemblies each comprising a sensor unit of a set of sensor units as mentioned here-above.
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 belonging to a set of rolling bearing assemblies according to the invention;
figure 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of a sensor unit of a set of sensor units according to the invention;
figure 3 is a perspective view of an electrical connection device and exploded sensing cells belonging to the sensor unit of figure 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 tracks 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 figure 2;
figure 9 is a perspective view of a set of rolling bearing assemblies according to the invention. 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.
A set AS of rolling bearing assemblies A is represented on figure 9. The rolling assemblies Sw, Sx, Sy and Sz of set AS each comprise a respective sensor unit 4w, 4x, 4y and 4z belonging to a set S4 of sensor units 4. The four sensor units 4w, 4x, 4y and 4z each include identical sensing cells 401 and identical signal processing units 405. The term "identical" means that these elements have substantially the same sizes and structures and work in the same way. In particular, sensing cells 401 comprise the same connection tabs 401 1 , 4013, and 4015, while signal processing units 405 comprise the same connection area 4054 and the same connection pins 405.0, 405.2 and 405a to 405e.
Rolling bearing assemblies Sw, Sx, Sy and Sz comprise rolling bearings 20 including inner rings 22 which have increasing inner diameters. Coder elements 42w, 42x, 42y and 42z fast in rotation with each inner ring 22 of rolling bearing assemblies Sw, Sx, Sy and Sz also have increasing inner diameter.
Sensor units 4w, 4x, 4y and 4z also include respective electrical connection devices 403w, 403x, 403y and 403z having increasing inner diameters corresponding to the inner diameters of coder elements 42. Conductive strips 500, 502 and 504a to 504e subsequently extend on angular sectors corresponding to the increasing inner diameters of electrical connection devices 403w to 403z. Connection areas 4036 of electrical connection devices 403w to 403z are identical, in other words they show the same geometry and location of openings through which connection rings 5000 of conductive strips 500, 502 and 504a to 504e protrude. This allows plugging a generic signal processing unit 405 on each of electrical connection devices 403w to 403z in the same way.
In addition, housings 4034 in circular bodies 4030 have also the same geometry.
Sensing cells 401 can be plugged in each electrical connection device 403w to 403z in the same way to create sensor units 4w to 4z adapted to be mounted on various sizes of rolling bearing assembly A.
By providing coder elements 42 and electrical connection devices 403 adapted to various sizes of rotating element, and identical sensing cells 401 and signal processing units 405, the design costs of specific parts of rolling bearing assemblies can be reduced.
Moreover, the invention allows to realize mass production of generic parts.
According to a non-shown embodiment of the invention, electrical connection device 403 can comprise, instead of self-standing conductive strips, a printed circuit board which performs the connection of each sensing cell 401 to the ground, to the electrical energy feeding system, and the transmission of sensed data to signal processing unit 40. In such a case, the geometry of the printed circuit board is adapted to the geometry of electrical connection device 403 on the basis of the inner diameter of the corresponding coder element 42.

Claims

1. A set (S4) of sensor units (4w, 4x, 4y, 4z) for sensing the angular position of a rotatable element (22) with respect to a fixed element (20), each of the sensor units 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), a signal processing unit (405) to which each sensing cell is connected, an electrical connection device (403w, 403x, 403y, 403z) for providing each sensing cell with:
an electrical connection to the ground,
- a connection to an electrical energy feeding system,
an electrical connection for transmission of sensed data to the signal processing unit (405),
and a coder element (42w, 42x, 42y, 42z) fast with the rotatable element, the sensing cells (401 ) being adapted to sense the angular position of said coder element, wherein the sensor units of the set (S4) comprise identical sensing cells (401 a-401 e) and signal processing units (405), and wherein the sensor units of the set comprise coder elements (42w-42z) and electrical connection devices (403w-403z) corresponding to different sizes of rotatable element (22).
2. Set of sensor units according to claim 1 , wherein the coder elements (42w-42z) and the electrical connection devices (403w-403z) of the sensor units (4w-4z) of the set (4) have increasing inner diameters.
3. Set of sensor units according to one of the previous claims, wherein each electrical connection device (403w-403z) comprises self-standing conductive metallic strips (500, 502, 504a-504e) mounted in a circular body (4030) arranged around the rotation axis (Χ-Χ') of the rotating element (22) and electrically connecting the sensing cells (401 a-401 e) to the signal processing unit (405).
4. Set of sensor units according to claim 3, wherein the conductive strips (500, 502,
504a-504e) are over-molded within the circular body (4030).
5. Set of sensor units according to one of claims 3 and 4, wherein the conductive metallic strips (500, 502, 504a-504e) are made from folded metal sheets.
6. Set of sensor units according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the conductive metallic strips (500, 502, 504a-504e) have a thickness comprised between 0.1 and 2 millimeters.
7. Set of sensor units according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein each electrical connection device (403w-403z) comprises a first circular conductive strip (500) in electrical contact with each sensing cell (401 ) and which is connected to the ground.
8. Set of sensor units according to claim 7, wherein each electrical connection device (403w-403z) comprises a second circular conductive strip (502) in electrical contact with each sensing cell (401 ) and which is connected to an electrical power feeding system.
9. Set of sensor units according to claim 8, wherein each electrical connection device (403w-403z) 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).
10. Set of sensor units according to claim 9, wherein each sensing cell (401 a-401 e) is removably mounted in a housing (4034) of the circular body (4030) of each electrical connection device (403w-403z).
1 1 . Set of sensor units according to claim 10, wherein each sensing cell (401 ) includes 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 each electrical connection device (403w-403z).
12. Set of sensor units according to claim 1 1 , 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 (X- X') of the rotating element (22), at least on an angular portion of the circular body (403w- 403z).
13. Set of sensor units according to claim 12, 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 rotating element (22), and wherein the connection tabs (401 1 , 4013, 4015) of the sensing cells (401 ) are oriented in a radial direction.
14. Set of sensor units according to claim 13, 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.
15. Set of sensor units according to any of claims 3 to 14, wherein each sensor body
(40) includes a connection area (4036) for connecting a 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.
16. Set of sensor units according to claim 15, wherein each 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 ).
17. Set of sensor units according to one of claims 1 and 2, wherein each electrical connection device (403w-403z) comprises a printed circuit board connecting the sensing cells (401 ) to the signal processing unit (405).
18. A set (AS) of bearing assemblies (Aw, Ax, Ay, Az), in particular of the rolling type, each comprising a sensor unit (4w-4z) of a set (S4) of sensor units according to one of the previous claims.
PCT/IB2011/001861 2011-07-05 2011-07-05 Set of sensor units and set of bearing assemblies comprising sensor units of such a set WO2013005068A1 (en)

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Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IB2011/001861 WO2013005068A1 (en) 2011-07-05 2011-07-05 Set of sensor units and set of bearing assemblies comprising sensor units of such a set

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DE102015202126A1 (en) * 2015-02-06 2016-08-11 Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG Ring-shaped connecting element for the electrical and mechanical connection of electronic modules, electronic module assembly for installation in a cylindrical space and rolling bearing assembly
DE102015202129A1 (en) 2015-02-06 2016-08-11 Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG Electronic module assembly for installation in a cylindrical space and rolling bearing assembly
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Cited By (10)

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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
DE102015202126A1 (en) * 2015-02-06 2016-08-11 Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG Ring-shaped connecting element for the electrical and mechanical connection of electronic modules, electronic module assembly for installation in a cylindrical space and rolling bearing assembly
DE102015202129A1 (en) 2015-02-06 2016-08-11 Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG Electronic module assembly for installation in a cylindrical space and rolling bearing assembly
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US11129289B2 (en) 2015-10-27 2021-09-21 Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG Bearing assembly with incorporated electric line for providing multiple operating voltages

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