Sensor Or Inspection Features; Liquid Metal Or Shipping Protection Features; Bearing Member Integral With Seal Patents (Class 384/448)
  • Patent number: 8690441
    Abstract: A wheel bearing device for a motor vehicle, having an inner ring arrangement, formed for rotationally fixed reception of a first rotary partner, particularly an axle stump, or a shaft, an outer ring arrangement, which is connected and/or connectable and rotationally fixed with a second rotary partner, a multitude of rolling elements, which roll between the inner ring arrangement and the outer ring arrangement, so that inner ring arrangement and outer ring arrangement and/or the rotary partners are rotatable against each other, and an electric sensor device, which, using mechanical contact, is arranged and/or formed for detecting an operating status of the wheel bearing device. The sensor device has a stationary sensor element and a rotating sensor element, which can work together to form the mechanical contact. One of the sensor elements is connected with the inner ring arrangement without the interposition of the first rotary partner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jens Heim, Christian Mock, Ralf Hund, Tilman Ulrich
  • Publication number: 20140093199
    Abstract: A bearing unit for a railway vehicle, which is disposed in an axle box disposed at each of opposite ends of an axle of a railway vehicle, includes an inner ring secured to the axle; an outer ring disposed outside the inner ring, and secured to the axle box; and rolling elements rollably disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring. A displacement-load sensor is disposed at an inner peripheral surface of the outer ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hideki FUJIWARA
  • Publication number: 20140086517
    Abstract: A wheel support bearing assembly, including rolling elements interposed between raceway surfaces of an outer member and an inner member, one of the members serving as a stationary member, a plurality of sensor units, each including a strain generator member having at least two fixation contact segments and at least two sensors mounted on the strain generator member to sense strain in the strain generator member. The strain generator members are formed of a single band-shaped strain generator body continuously joining the plurality of sensor units. The at least two fixation contact segments are arranged at the same axial positions and spaced from each other along a circumferential direction of an outer diametric surface of the stationary member. Load on the wheel support bearing assembly is estimated by an estimator based on output signals of the at least two sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takayuki Norimatsu, Kentarou Nishikawa, Toru Takahashi, Ayumi Akiyama
  • Patent number: 8672553
    Abstract: A load detecting device for a roller bearing includes: a strain gauge that is provided in a roller arranged rollably between a first bearing ring and a second bearing ring and that detects a load applied to the roller; a position detecting sensor that detects a rotation position of the roller in a revolution direction of the roller; and a data logger that is provided for the roller and that records and stores a detection signal from the stain gauge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Shinya Matsuda, Takeshi Teramoto
  • Patent number: 8662755
    Abstract: Provided is a roller bearing device, which is suitable for preventing misdetection of a rotation sensor when a moment load is applied. A thin motor 100 includes a cross roller bearing 14 having an inner ring 14a and an outer ring 14b, a stator 22 supported by the inner ring 14a, a rotor 12 supported by the outer ring 14b, a motor unit 16 that applies rotation torque to the rotor 12, and a resolver 30 that detects a rotation angle position of the rotor 12. The resolver 30, the cross roller bearing 14, and the motor unit 16 are arranged in the recited order from the radially inner side on a radially identical plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Hayao Watanabe, Masaki Kuwahara, Kazuhiro Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8664944
    Abstract: An angle measuring system includes a first component group and a second component group, the first component group being mounted in a manner allowing rotation about an axis relative to the second component group. The first component group includes a ring having a running surface and an angle scaling. The second component group has a further ring having a further running surface, as well as a sensor for scanning the angle scaling. Rolling elements are arranged between the running surfaces, the angle scaling being applied such that a geometric pattern of the angle scaling in a first region differs from a geometric pattern of the angle scaling in a second region as a function of radial runouts of the running surfaces and/or of the rolling elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventor: Johann Mitterreiter
  • Patent number: 8657502
    Abstract: An inner ring of a wheel bearing device has a ring mounting surface on which a pulsar ring for detecting a rotation speed of an axle is mounted and first and second inner raceway surfaces which are arranged along an axis of the axle and on which rolling elements roll. The inner ring includes a first inner ring member that has the first inner raceway surface and the ring mounting surface and a second inner ring member that has the second inner raceway surface and a portion that is spaced apart in an axial direction from the second inner raceway surface toward one side at a distance that is longer than or equal to a distance in the axial direction between the first inner raceway surface and the ring mounting surface. A diameter of the portion is smaller than a diameter of the ring mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeaki Furusawa, Yutaka Koma, Shinichi Okubo
  • Patent number: 8651744
    Abstract: Provided is a roller bearing device, which is suitable for preventing misdetection of a rotation sensor when a moment load is applied. A thin motor 100 includes a cross roller bearing 14 having an inner ring 14a and an outer ring 14b, a stator 22 supported by the inner ring 14a, a rotor 12 supported by the outer ring 14b, a motor unit 16 that applies rotation torque to the rotor 12, and a resolver 30 that detects a rotation angle position of the rotor 12. The resolver 30, the cross roller bearing 14, and the motor unit 16 are arranged in the recited order from the radially inner side on a radially identical plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Hayao Watanabe, Masaki Kuwahara, Kazuhiro Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8641287
    Abstract: A wheel bearing apparatus incorporating a rotational speed detecting apparatus has an outer member, an inner member and double row rolling elements contained between inner and outer raceway surfaces of the inner and outer members. A pulser ring is fit onto the outer circumference of the inner ring. A cylindrical sensor cap is fit into the inner circumference of the inner-side end of the outer member. A mounting portion axially projects from a radially outer portion of the sensor cap. An inserting bore is formed in the mounting portion so that it axially extends at a position corresponding to the pulser ring. A sensor unit is mounted in the inserting bore. A rotational speed sensor is embedded in the sensor unit to oppose the pulser ring, via a predetermined axial air gap. The position of a gate of a mold is set on the mounting portion of the sensor cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Inoue, Kohei Yoshino, Yoshihiro Itoh
  • Patent number: 8636418
    Abstract: A wheel bearing arrangement, especially for utility vehicles, having a rotating outer ring (5, 6), a stationary inner ring (3, 2) and rolling elements rolling between these rings, the inner ring being fixed on a stationary axle journal (4) and the outer ring inside a wheel hub (1) having a signal transmitter (9). In order to make it easier to fit a sensor arrangement to the wheel bearing arrangement and to increase driving safety, a sensor (13) interacting with the signal transmitter is arranged so as to axially abut on the inner ring and is then fastened to the spindle by a fastening element (12, 16), thereby allowing, once the bearing rings are mounted, the sensor to be positioned on the inner ring via a stop surface formed onto the sensor and then to be permanently immobilized by a screw or other fastening element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jens Heim
  • Patent number: 8636417
    Abstract: In a wheel support structure for a motorcycle, a magnetic encoder 34 for detecting rotational speed is mounted and fastened to the inner circumferential surface of a cylindrical section 36a, which extends outward in the axial direction from the outer ring 22, of an encoder installation plate 35a that is attached to the end section in the axial direction of the outer ring 22 of the one of the rolling bearings 21a on the side toward the other rolling bearing 4, or is mounted and attached to the side surface toward the side of the other rolling bearing 4 of a slinger 73, which is attached to the end section in the axial direction of the outer ring 22b of the one of the rolling bearings 21a on the side toward the other rolling bearing 4 such that the end surface on the inner diameter side closely faces the outer surface of the inner ring 24 to form labyrinth space 42.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouichi Kakuda, Hirokazu Yajima, Aya Kikuchi, Takashi Fujioka
  • Publication number: 20140010488
    Abstract: This instrumented bearing comprises a bearing and a sensor unit for sensing the angular position of the rotatable ring with respect to the fixed ring of the bearing, an encoder element which is fastened to the rotatable ring, and a sensing element fastened to the fixed ring, adapted to sense a parameter representative of the rotation speed of the rotatable ring. The sensing element is mounted in a casing fastened with the fixed ring. The casing provides a peripheral wall mounted on the fixed ring and which includes at least one snap portion adapted to be received in a recess of a surface of the fixed ring, and at least one axial blocking portion adapted to abut against a lateral surface of the fixed ring, perpendicular to the rotation axis of the instrumented bearing. Each snap portion and each blocking portion alternate around a central axis (X6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Francois Niarfeix, Alexandre Taillepied
  • Publication number: 20140003751
    Abstract: A rolling bearing device equipped with IC tags is proposed which includes a tapered roller bearing. In the tapered roller bearing, tapered rollers are rotatably retained by a retainer between an outer race and an inner race. The outer end metal surface portions of the inner race and the outer race have holes, in which IC tags capable of non-contact communication are attached through shock-absorbing bodies made of an elastic rubber material. Even when the surface of the outer race or inner race is a surface for receiving a preload, the strain, vibration or impact caused by external force and exerted on the surface is absorbed in the shock-absorbing body made of an elastic rubber material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Hiroyoshi Ito
  • Patent number: 8616775
    Abstract: Provided is a roller bearing device, which is suitable for preventing misdetection of a rotation sensor when a moment load is applied. A thin motor 100 includes a cross roller bearing 14 having an inner ring 14a and an outer ring 14b, a stator 22 supported by the inner ring 14a, a rotor 12 supported by the outer ring 14b, a motor unit 16 that applies rotation torque to the rotor 12, and a resolver 30 that detects a rotation angle position of the rotor 12. The resolver 30, the cross roller bearing 14, and the motor unit 16 are arranged in the recited order from the radially inner side on a radially identical plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Hayao Watanabe, Masaki Kuwahara, Kazuhiro Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20130343633
    Abstract: A bearing (X) inside which a lubricant is able to be sealed is provided with: a rotary motion body (X2) that moves when a rotation drive force is applied; and a rotation angle indicator (X6) that is provided on the rotary motion body (X2) and that is moved, in conjunction with the movement of the rotary motion body (X2), to a position that corresponds to the rotation angle of the rotary motion body (X2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Takehisa Takano, Hiroyuki Nose, Akira Ito
  • Patent number: 8602654
    Abstract: A bearing temperature monitoring device and bearing device provided with the monitoring device composed so that occurrence of scratch on the rotation shaft supported by the bearing caused by a bearing temperature carrying member integrated in the bearing such that its top end surface faces the rotation shaft, are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaaki Kaikogi, Kazuhiko Yamashita, Takashi Nakano, Yuichiro Waki, Motohisa Uesato, Yutaka Yamada
  • Publication number: 20130322799
    Abstract: A tapered roller bearing (1) with two coaxial bearing rings (2, 3) and a multiplicity of tapered rollers (4) which are arranged between the bearing rings (2, 3), are guided in a cage (10, 11, 12) and roll on raceways (7, 8) on the bearing rings (2, 3), with a rim (9) at the large diameter of the inner bearing ring (3), wherein the cage (10, 11, 12) is formed of side rings (10, 11) and webs (12) which connect them, with the formation of pockets (13) for the tapered rollers (4), and elastic projections (14) are arranged on one side ring (10), which projections (14) interact with the rim (9) and prestress the cage (10, 11, 12) with the tapered rollers (4) axially against the rim (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thorsten Schlegel, Armin Necker, Werner Motzkus
  • Publication number: 20130322801
    Abstract: The sensing of a mechanical load on a rolling element bearing, in operational use of the bearing, is carried out by measuring the strain on a surface (212) of the bearing that faces in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of the mechanical load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Nicolaas Simon Willem Den Haak, Brian Murray, Andreas Clemens Van Der Ham
  • Publication number: 20130322800
    Abstract: A temporary support member for a sensor unit of a bearing assembly having a first part for accommodating at least a part of a sensor body of the sensor unit, a second part for accommodating, in a coiled configuration, a cable connected to the sensor body and a third part for accommodating a connector mounted at a free end of the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Loic Abgrall, Alexandre Taillepied, Olivier Verbe
  • Patent number: 8596146
    Abstract: A wheel support bearing assembly includes rolling elements interposed between double row rolling surfaces of outer and inner members, which are opposed to each other. Electronic components including a plurality of the sensor units, a signal processing IC for processing respective sensor output signals thereof and a signal cable for transmitting the processed output signal to the outside of the bearing assembly are arranged inwardly of an annular protective covering to provide an annular sensor assembly. The sensor assembly is fitted to a peripheral surface of a stationary member in a fashion coaxial with the stationary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Yujiro Ono, Kentarou Nishikawa, Koji Kametaka, Takayuki Norimatsu, Kentaro Ikki, Toru Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8585298
    Abstract: A wheel bearing apparatus incorporating a rotation speed detecting apparatus has an outer member, an inner member, double row rolling elements, a pulser ring, a cup-shaped sensor cap and a rotation speed sensor. The sensor cap is press-formed from anti-corrosion steel sheet into a cup-shaped configuration with a cylindrical fitting portion, to be press-fit into the end of the outer member, and a bottom portion, extending radially inward from the fitting portion to cover the inner-side end of the inner member. The rotation speed sensor is oppositely arranged so that it abuts or is positioned in close proximity to the bottom portion and accordingly the pulser ring. The rotation speed sensor and pulser ring oppose one another a predetermined axial air gap via the bottom portion. An elastic member is pressed and elastically deformed between the fitting portion of the sensor cap and the end of the outer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Komori, Yasuhiro Aritake
  • Publication number: 20130301966
    Abstract: This temporary support member for a sensor unit of a bearing assembly is stackable with a similar support member when a sensor unit is mounted on each one of the support member and the similar support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Loic Abgrall, Alexandre Taillepied, Olivier Verbe
  • Patent number: 8569918
    Abstract: A bearing assembly for an electrical motor, including a shaft, a housing, and a main bearing between the shaft and the housing, the shaft being surrounded by a rigid sleeve for functioning as an auxiliary bearing in case of a breakdown of the main bearing and as a grease sealing under normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: ABB AB
    Inventors: Peter Isberg, Per-Olof Lindberg
  • Publication number: 20130272637
    Abstract: A rolling bearing sensor, especially a rotational speed sensor, having a housing and a signal pick-up which is arranged in the housing in a manner secured against rotation and is arranged, with the housing, in a stationary receptacle in a stationary part of a rolling bearing or in a stationary component adjoining a rolling bearing, for example, an axle journal, where the housing has an outer design via which the rolling bearing sensor in the receptacle is secured against rotation in a form-fitting manner. The sensor may have a groove which runs in the axial direction and interacts with a screw or a projection. Alternatively, a securing element which predefines a defined angular position may be pushed onto the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Marc-Andre Schaefer, Jens Heim
  • Publication number: 20130272636
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rolling bearing for rotatively mounting a machine element, including a sensor for measuring a mechanical load acting on the rolling bearing. The rolling bearing can be a wheel bearing of a motor vehicle, for example, or the bearing of a gearbox shaft. The rolling bearing includes a first bearing ring and a second bearing ring, which can be rotated with respect to the first bearing ring. A bearing inner space, which has at least one first axial section in which rotatable rolling elements are arranged, is formed between the first bearing ring and the second bearing ring. The rolling bearing further includes at least one sensor for measuring a mechanical load acting on the rolling bearing, in particular for measuring a force or torque, or a physical variable derived from a force or torque, for example, angular momentum or mechanical tension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Jens Heim, Robert Heuberger
  • Patent number: 8540431
    Abstract: A sensor-equipped wheel support bearing assembly includes a sensor unit provided in an outer member, which serves as a stationary member. The sensor unit has a strain generator and a sensor for detecting a strain occurring in the generator. A principal load estimator estimates the load acting on the wheel, with the use of an average value of a signal from the sensor, and an amplitude processed load estimator estimates the load, using amplitude of a signal wave outputted from the sensor, resulting from passage of rolling elements. A drift amount estimator estimates a drift amount of an estimated load output utilizing the average value and the amplitude, which is used to correct the estimated load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Kentarou Nishikawa, Toru Takahashi, Takayuki Norimatsu, Kentaro Ikki
  • Patent number: 8535009
    Abstract: A two-row tapered roller bearing includes an outer ring (1) having an outer diameter of at least one meter, a first inner ring (2) and a second inner ring (3) that is disposed axially adjacent the first inner ring (2). A first set of conically-formed roller bodies (4) roll between the outer ring (1) and the first inner ring (2) and a second set of conically-formed roller bodies (5) are disposed axially adjacent the first roller bodies (4) and roll between the outer ring (1) and the second inner ring (3). A first sealing ring (11) is disposed axially adjacent the outer ring (1), is connected with the outer ring (1) and slips on a slip surface (16) of the first inner ring (2) in a contacting manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventor: Matthias Hofmann
  • Patent number: 8534126
    Abstract: A sensor mounting cover is for a rolling-contact bearing and includes a transverse wall and an axial projection joined to the transverse wall and provided with a through-seat for housing a sensor. The sensor faces the bearing from a window defined by an inner edge of the seat and a closure element is associated with the axial projection and is arranged at least around the inner edge so as to close the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventor: Andrea Serafini
  • Patent number: 8531672
    Abstract: A lubricant deterioration detecting device includes an arcuate optical fiber having one end positioned in face-to-face relation with a light emitting element and also having the opposite end positioned in face-to-face relation with a light receiving element, and a measuring gap for intervening a lubricating agent is provided in a portion of the arcuate optical fiber. In the vicinity of the measuring gap, a resistance element, the amount of deformation of which varies with change in state of lubrication performed with the lubricating agent, is provided for flowing of the lubricating agent within the measuring gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Takahashi, Kentarou Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 8523446
    Abstract: This wheel support bearing assembly includes an outer member, an inner member, and a plurality of rows of rolling elements between opposed rolling surfaces in both members. At least one sensor unit is provided on the outer diametric surface of the outer member, which is stationary. The sensor unit is made up of a strain generating member having two or more contact fixing segments adapted to be fixed to an outer diametric surface of the outer member in contact therewith and a sensor fitted to the strain generating member for detecting a strain induced in this strain generating member. A groove is provided in the outer diametric surface of the outer member at a location adjacent to the neighboring two contact fixing segments of the sensor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Isobe, Toru Takahashi, Takayoshi Ozaki
  • Publication number: 20130223778
    Abstract: Provided is a sensor-equipped wheel support bearing assembly for rotatably supporting a wheel, including a sensor unit associated with one of outer and inner members that serve as a stationary member. The sensor unit includes a strain generator member that has at least three fixation contact segments fixedly in contact with the stationary member and at least two strain sensors mounted on the strain generator member. A first load estimator is provided to estimate load acting on the bearing assembly, using an average value of output signals of the sensors. A second load estimator is provided to estimate load acting on the bearing assembly, using the average value and an amplitude value of output signals of the sensors. An estimated load provider is provided to sum these outputs from the load estimators in a ratio that depends on wheel rotation speed, for outputting an estimated load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Toru Takahashi, Ayumi Akiyama, Takayuki Norimatsu, Kentarou Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 8521469
    Abstract: A relative bearing sensor for determining an orientation of a device. The relative bearing sensor including a ferromagnetic housing, and wherein the ferromagnetic housing includes a ferromagnetic ball configured to roll with respect to an orientation of the ferromagnetic housing, a magnetic flux sensor, a permanent magnet configured to emit a plurality of magnetic flux lines through the magnetic flux sensor, the plurality of magnetic flux lines steered by a location of the ferromagnetic ball, and a processor programmed. The processor is programmed to determine a flux angle of the plurality of magnetic flux lines, compare the determined flux angle with a predefined flux angle, and determine an orientation of the relative bearing sensor based on the comparing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Keith Robert Wootten
  • Patent number: 8511902
    Abstract: A wheel bearing device for a motor vehicle, having an inner ring arrangement, formed for rotationally fixed reception of a first rotary partner, particularly an axle stump, or a shaft, an outer ring arrangement, which is connected and/or connectable and rotationally fixed with a second rotary partner, a multitude of rolling elements, which roll between the inner ring arrangement and the outer ring arrangement, so that inner ring arrangement and outer ring arrangement and/or the rotary partners are rotatable against each other, and an electric sensor device, which, using mechanical contact, is arranged and/or formed for detecting an operating status of the wheel bearing device. The sensor device has a stationary sensor element and a rotating sensor element, which can work together to form the mechanical contact. One of the sensor elements is connected with the inner ring arrangement without the interposition of the first rotary partner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jens Heim, Christian Mock, Ralf Hund, Tilman Ulrich
  • Publication number: 20130211742
    Abstract: The mechanical load on a rolling element bearing is determined from the deformation of the rolling element bearing. The local deformation caused by the rolling contact forces is used to determine an average contribution to the mechanical load in order to average out the effect on the deformation as a result of the spread in diameter of the rolling elements of the bearing. The global deformation of the rolling element bearing is determined to calculate a dynamic contribution to the mechanical load. The dynamic contribution takes into account the variations of the mechanical load on the relevant time-scales that have been omitted from the average contribution as a result of the averaging operation. The total mechanical load is the sum of the average contribution and the dynamic contribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventor: Hendrik Anne Mol
  • Publication number: 20130202235
    Abstract: A sensor subassembly for a vehicle has at least one sensor unit arranged in a cap-shaped plastic part. The cap-shaped plastic part is carried by a retaining bush and seals off the retaining bush at one end. An associated device is configured to measure rotational movement of a wheel bearing. A resilient sealing and compensating element in pressed in between the-shaped plastic part and the retaining bush, in a first sealing area for sealing off a first leakage path, so that the cap-like plastic part, in conjunction with the sealing and compensating element, seals off the retaining bush tightly at one end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Kenichi Ninomiya, Matthias Waibler, Anwar Hegazi, Andreas Fink, Mirko Scheer
  • Publication number: 20130188897
    Abstract: A rolling element bearing comprises a groove with preferably an indentation in the bottom down the middle of the groove all around the bearing. The groove is to both accommodate a Bragg grated optical fibre and to increase the perceived sensitivity of the optical fibre by weakening the bearing and thereby creating larger deformation for specific loads/vibrations than if the groove was not there.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Adam Reedman, Hongyu Yang
  • Publication number: 20130177269
    Abstract: A sensor equipped wheel support bearing assembly, in which a continuous estimated load can be obtained depending on various inputted load conditions is provided. The sensor equipped wheel support bearing assembly includes a sensor unit provided in a stationary member, and a load estimating unit. The load estimating unit includes a load estimation calculating section for calculating the load using an estimation calculating equation, an evaluation value calculation section for calculating an evaluation value, which provides a parameter switching index in the estimation calculating equation, from sensor output signals, and a parameter switching section for switching the parameter based on a comparison result of the evaluation value with a threshold value. The load estimation calculating section includes a calculation correcting block for correcting the calculation result on both sides of the threshold value within a predetermined evaluation value region containing the threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ayumi Akiyama, Toru Takahashi, Kentarou Nishikawa, Takayuki Norimatsu
  • Patent number: 8474920
    Abstract: A protective cap is installed in a wheel hub to protect a wheel speed sensor and bearing assembly from intrusion of dirt. The hub has inner and outer end faces, and a central bore having splines for engagement by a splined driveshaft. The speed sensor system has a segmented disc rotating with the hub and a sensor mounted on a housing and extending into proximity with the segmented disc. The protective cap includes a stem for insertion through the central bore and a head having an under face for engaging with the inner end face of the hub. The head has a distal rim portion overlapping the housing to allow rotation of the protective cap relative the housing to prevent entry of dirt to the speed sensor system and bearing. The stem has yieldable retainers for engaging with the outer end face of the hub to retain the protective cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Avissai Alcantara Burguete, Ricardo Guerrero Melendez, Marcos Portillo Martinez
  • Patent number: 8469597
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the preload of duplex rolling element bearings systems under various temperatures is described. A spacer or a plurality of spacers may be located adjacent to the rings of the duplex rolling element bearings. The spacer or spacers may be heated or cooled to increase or decrease the axial dimension of the spacer or spacers. Changing the axial dimension of the spacers changes the preload of the duplex rolling element bearing system. The preload of the system may be estimated by receiving an input from a sensor or sensors located on the duplex rolling element bearings system. The sensor may be a temperature sensor or a force transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Wayne Smith, James Hanks
  • Patent number: 8461827
    Abstract: The invention relates to a roller bearing (01), with a revolving bearing component (05) and a stationary bearing component (04), and with a capacitive sensor unit (02). The capacitive sensor unit (04) comprises a pivoted sensor element (08), which is connected to the revolving bearing component (05), and a stationary sensor element (09). The sensor units (08, 09) form a capacitor. At least one of the sensor elements (08, 09) bears a first material measure (14, 16), so that a change arises in the capacitance of the capacitor when there is a relative motion in the sensor areas (08, 09). The sensor unit also includes a means for generating a periodic electrostatic field between the sensor plates, and a processing and amplifying electronics unit for evaluating the change in capacitance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignees: SICK Stegmann GmbH, Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG, INA Drivers & Mechatronics GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Josef Siraky, Dirk Schmidt, Jörg Kegeler
  • Patent number: 8449194
    Abstract: A sensor-equipped wheel support bearing assembly capable of accurately detecting load without affected by hysteresis is provided. The assembly includes a vehicle body fitting flange having bolt holes at respective circumferential portions in the form of projecting pieces. A sensor unit including a strain generating member having contact fixing segments to be fixed to the stationary member and a cutout portion, and a sensor element for detecting strain in a periphery of the cutout portion is provided with the contact fixing segments at positions of the same size in an axial direction relative to the outer diametric surface of the stationary member. The contact fixing segments are spaced each other an angle about an axis of the stationary member, and the angle between the contact fixing segments at respective end portions of the sensor unit is smaller than half the angle between the projecting pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Isobe, Toru Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20130121629
    Abstract: An annular sensor holder (5) has an axial end (15) including a protrusion (18). The axial end (15) is fitted in a circumferential groove (7), such as a seal groove, of a bearing race (2) fitted to a stationary member (9) so that the sensor holder (5) can slide in the circumferential direction relative to the bearing race (2). In this state, the sensor holder (5) is coupled to the stationary member (9) by means of a fixing arrangement (19). Thus, when the bearing race (2) creeps, the sensor holder (5) slides relative to the bearing race (2) and does not rotate relative to the stationary member (9). This prevents breakage of connecting wires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventors: Seiichi Takada, Hiroyoshi Ito
  • Patent number: 8439568
    Abstract: In a wheel support bearing assembly including double row rolling elements between an outer member and an inner member, a sensor unit is fitted to one of the outer and inner members, which serves as a stationary member. The sensor unit is made up of a sensor mounting member and at least one or more strain sensors fitted to the sensor mounting member. A sensor signal processing circuit to process an output signal from the strain sensor is provided in the sensor mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Takayoshi Ozaki, Tomomi Ishikawa, Kentarou Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 8434947
    Abstract: A sensor-equipped wheel support bearing assembly, in which a load imposed on the wheel can be accurately detected without influences from hysteresis is provided. This wheel support bearing assembly includes an outer member having a plurality of rolling surfaces, an inner member having rolling surfaces opposed respectively to the rolling surfaces of the outer member, and rolling elements between the rolling surfaces. A sensor unit is provided in a stationary member of one of the outer and inner members, which unit includes a strain generating member having two contact fixing segments to be fixed to the stationary member and a sensor fitted to the strain generating member for detecting a strain induced in this strain generating member. The two contact fixing segments are arranged at respective positions held at the same phase in a direction circumferentially of the stationary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Isobe, Toru Takahashi, Takayoshi Ozaki
  • Publication number: 20130101245
    Abstract: A wheel bearing apparatus incorporating a rotational speed detecting apparatus has an outer member, an inner member and double row rolling elements contained between inner and outer raceway surfaces of the inner and outer members. A pulser ring is fit onto the outer circumference of the inner ring. A cylindrical sensor cap is fit into the inner circumference of the inner-side end of the outer member. A mounting portion axially projects from a radially outer portion of the sensor cap. An inserting bore is formed in the mounting portion so that it axially extends at a position corresponding to the pulser ring. A sensor unit is mounted in the inserting bore. A rotational speed sensor is embedded in the sensor unit to oppose the pulser ring, via a predetermined axial air gap. The position of a gate of a mold is set on the mounting portion of the sensor cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicants: Nakanishi Metal Works Co., Ltd., NTN Corporation
    Inventors: NTN Corporation, Nakanishi Metal Works Co., Ltd.
  • Patent number: 8419288
    Abstract: A hub unit bearing H1 includes a rotational speed detector 9 which is made up of an encoder 6 and a sensor 8. A seal 5b on a side facing a center side of a vehicle includes a primary seal 5bp and a secondary seal 5bq which are disposed in that order in an axial direction from rolling elements 32 on a side facing the center side of the vehicle towards the center side of the vehicle so as to define a primary sealed space portion I between the vehicle's center side facing rolling elements 32 and the primary seal 5bp and a secondary sealed space portion II between the primary seal 5bp and the secondary seal 5bq, with the rotational speed detector 9 disposed within the secondary sealed space portion II.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Kaneko, Eishi Shibuya, Masaru Hashida
  • Patent number: 8419364
    Abstract: The fan has an arrangement for monitoring the ageing of at least one of its bearing, the arrangement including a reference ambient temperature sensor and a processing circuit for comparing the temperature difference between the temperature measured by the temperature sensor or by each temperature sensor fitted directly on the corresponding bearing and the temperature measured by the reference temperature sensor with a first predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Technofan
    Inventor: Laurent Bouchard
  • Patent number: 8393795
    Abstract: A wheel bearing apparatus incorporating a rotational speed detecting apparatus has a protecting cover. A cylindrical fitting portion of the cover is press-fit into the end inner circumference of the outer member. A donut-shaped shielding portion extends radially inward from the fitting portion, via a radially reducing portion. A bottom portion is continuous with the shielding portion, via a stepped portion, to close the inner-side end of the inner member. A sealing member is integrally adhered to the outer circumference of the radially reducing portion. The sealing member and annular portion has a diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the fitting portion of the protecting cover. The sealing member projected portion has a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the fitting portion of the protecting cover. The projected portion is press-fit into the end inner circumference of the outer member via a predetermined interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Aritake, Kazuo Komori
  • Patent number: 8393793
    Abstract: A sensor-equipped wheel support bearing assembly capable of accurately detecting load acting on the vehicle wheel by reducing concentration of strain on a cutout portion corner area of a strain generating member in a sensor unit is provided. The wheel support bearing assembly having rolling elements interposed between rolling surfaces in outer and inner members, includes at least one sensor unit provided in a stationary member, which is one of the outer and inner members. The sensor unit includes a strain generating member, having two or more contact fixing segments secured to the stationary member in contact therewith, and a sensor fitted to the strain generating member for detecting a strain in the strain generating member. The strain generating member has a cutout portion between the contact fixing segments, and corner area of such cutout portion is of an arcuately sectioned shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Isobe, Kentarou Nishikawa, Toru Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8382377
    Abstract: A wheel speed detecting apparatus incorporating a wheel speed detecting apparatus has an inner ring axially secured on a wheel hub. A protecting cover, with a substantially dish-shaped configuration, is press-formed from a non-magnetic austenitic stainless steel sheet. The cover includes a cylindrical fitting portion adapted to be fit onto the outer member. A disc-shaped shielding portion extends radially inward from the fitting portion. A bottom portion extends from the shielding portion, via an inclined portion, to close the inner side end of the inner member. The protecting cover is positioned to abut against a stepped portion formed on the end face or the inner circumference of the outer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Kazunari Yamamoto, Kohei Yoshino, Nobukatsu Uchiyama