Development of hub unit for drive wheels with built-in ABS sensor
～Weight and cost reduction achieved by separating seal and ABS sensor～

JTEKT has succeeded in developing a drive wheel hub unit with built-in ABS sensor and separate seal that possesses less weight and simplifies the axle unit assembly process.

The introduction in recent years of ABS and other types of system control devices in connection with advances in vehicle movement control has increased the load on suspension parts, and given this situation, automakers have sought both to reduce hub unit size and weight in order to reduce the weight under the springs and improve design freedom of the axle peripheral parts and also to improve ABS sensor reliability.

In order to prevent brake lockup, ABS control makes use of sensors installed around the front and rear wheel bearings to detect wheel rotational speed. In the case of the developed product, by building the ABS sensor into the hub unit, the ABS sensor mounting seat conventionally used in attachment to the knuckle arm been eliminated, reducing both size and weight. Also, by means of a labyrinth structure established in the clearance between the ABS sensor cover and driveshaft, water resistance has been improved, the conventional deflector eliminated, the number of parts reduced, and knuckle arm machining and the axle assembly process simplified, resulting in reduced cost. Because the ABS sensor is bolted to the sensor cover, uniform use of general-purpose sensors is possible regardless of bearing size and ABS sensor replacement during vehicle servicing is simplified.

JTEKT will continue aiming to develop products that raise automobile safety and that are environmentally friendly because of their compactness, low weight, and high efficiency.

※Hub unit

A unit forming part of the suspension that composes a hub and bearing and connects the vehicle body and wheel.

※Deflector

A labyrinth part on the knuckle arm or driveshaft that reduces hub unit exposure to water.

Features of developed product

■ Reduced weight

AThe knuckle arm ABS sensor mounting seat has been eliminated by building the ABS sensor into the hub unit (and knuckle arm design freedom has been improved).

■ Cost reduction by fewer parts and process simplification

(1)

A labyrinth structure has been established in the clearance between the ABS sensor cover and driveshaft, making the driveshaft deflector unnecessary.

(2)

The process to press the deflector onto the driveshaft, knuckle arm surface machining and hole chamfering for sensor attachment, tapping, the air gap adjustment process, etc. have become unnecessary.

 

■ Simplification of ABS sensor replacement

Because the ABS sensor is bolted to the sensor cover, easy replacement during vehicle servicing is possible.

Appearance of developed product