eddy current probe

By employing a single housing design with a fixed induction coil and an inclined arrangement in the eddy current probe, the problem of complex installation of the eddy current probe is solved, achieving simplified assembly and improved measurement accuracy.

CN113776827BActive Publication Date: 2026-03-24AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-05-17
Publication Date
2026-03-24

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Abstract

A vortex probe comprising a first sensor element (16) comprising a first body (22) and a first induction coil (24) mounted to a distal portion (22b) of the first body, a second sensor element (18) comprising a second body (32) and a second induction coil (34) mounted to a distal portion (32b) of the second body, a probe housing (14) provided with a first through hole (26) and a second through hole (36), a proximal portion (22a) of the first body of the first sensor element being mounted inside the first through hole, a proximal portion (32a) of the second body of the second sensor element being mounted inside the second through hole, the distal portion of the first body and the distal portion of the second body protruding outwardly relative to the probe housing, and a cap (20) mounted to the probe housing and covering the distal portion of the first body and the distal portion of the second body and the first induction coil and the second induction coil.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of eddy current probes, and more particularly to eddy current probes for measuring the displacement of two surfaces of a component.

[0002] One advantageous application of this invention is for measuring the wear of rolling bearings (especially large-diameter rolling bearings) in order to predict the remaining life of the bearing. Background Technology

[0003] Large-diameter rolling bearings consist of two concentric inner and outer rings and at least two rows of rolling elements, such as rollers, arranged between the inner and outer rings. These rolling bearings are typically loaded in both the axial and radial directions, often under relatively large loads. In this case, refer to orientation roller bearings or slewing roller bearings.

[0004] Due to heavy loads, the components of a rolling bearing (more specifically, the raceways of the rolling elements) wear. Wear on the raceways and rolling elements leads to a significant increase in the initial bearing clearance. Wear exceeding a certain value can cause drastic bearing failure.

[0005] Measuring bearing wear by measuring the increase in clearance (causing relative axial and radial displacement of the rings) helps predict the remaining life of the bearing.

[0006] This undesirable movement can affect the proper functioning of the bearing and the application, and poses a risk of contact and collision between the bearing races. Other components attached to the bearing races may also collide.

[0007] Replacing bearings when they wear out is common. This maintenance intervention is costly, especially since it requires machine or facility downtime. Therefore, it is desirable to perform this maintenance intervention promptly before any contact occurs between the bearing races, but not too early.

[0008] To monitor bearing condition throughout its service life, a rolling bearing may include two eddy current sensors or eddy current probes mounted on two different surfaces of the outer ring and facing the inner ring. Each eddy current probe includes a body, an induction coil mounted on the body, a housing on which the body is fixed, and an output cable. The outer ring may also include an additional housing for mounting the two eddy current probes therein.

[0009] However, to perform this combined detection within a limited space, it is necessary to bring the two eddy current probes much closer together inside the housing than is typically allowed by the housing. This requires manual grinding of the housing to avoid interference between the eddy current probes within the housing. Summary of the Invention

[0010] One object of the present invention is to overcome this drawback.

[0011] The present invention relates to an eddy current probe, wherein the eddy current probe is provided with a first sensor element and a second sensor element, the first sensor element including a first body and a first induction coil mounted on the distal portion of the first body, and the second sensor element including a second body and a second induction coil mounted on the distal portion of the second body.

[0012] According to the overall features, the probe further includes a probe housing, the first sensor element and the second sensor element are fixed to the probe housing, and the probe housing is provided with a first through hole and a second through hole. The proximal portion of the first body of the first sensor element is installed inside the first through hole, the proximal portion of the second body of the second sensor element is installed inside the second through hole, and the distal portions of the first body and the distal portions of the second body protrude outward relative to the probe housing.

[0013] According to another general feature, the probe further includes a cap that is mounted on the probe housing and covers the distal portions of the first body and the second body, as well as the first induction coil of the first sensor element and the second induction coil of the second sensor element.

[0014] Because of this invention, the first and second induction coils are fixed to a single main probe housing, which allows for a compact design and avoids special manual grinding operations. This reduces the number of assembly operations.

[0015] Preferably, the cap is overmolded onto the probe housing, with the distal portions of the first and second bodies, as well as the first and second induction coils of the first and second sensor elements embedded within the cap. Alternatively, the cap can be secured to the probe housing by any other suitable method (e.g., press-fitting, gluing, etc.).

[0016] The first longitudinal axis of the first through hole and the second longitudinal axis of the second through hole of the probe housing are inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the probe, and the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis extend in two opposite directions.

[0017] In one embodiment, the cap includes a front surface with a first wall and a second wall extending obliquely in two opposite directions. The first wall is located in a continuation of the distal portion of the first body of the first sensor element and is oriented perpendicular to the axis of the first induction coil. The second wall is located in a continuation of the distal portion of the second body of the second sensor element and is oriented perpendicular to the axis of the second induction coil.

[0018] The proximal portions of the first and second bodies include securing components for attaching the first and second sensor elements to the probe housing. For example, the securing components may include threads.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first sensor element further includes a first output cable mounted on the proximal portion of the first body and extending outward relative to the probe housing, and the second sensor element further includes a second output cable mounted on the proximal portion of the second body and extending outward relative to the probe housing.

[0020] For each sensor element, since the outlet of the associated through-hole of the probe housing is aligned with the axis of the induction coil, an output cable with armor can be used.

[0021] Each of the first output cable and the second output cable extends within an associated first or second through hole in the probe housing.

[0022] In one embodiment, at least one of the first induction coil of the first sensor element and the second induction coil of the second sensor element has a circular (such as circular or semi-circular) cross-section. Alternatively or in combination, at least one of the first induction coil of the first sensor element and the second induction coil of the second sensor element has a polygonal (such as rectangular) cross-section. Using polygonal induction coils, the associated sensor element can cover the maximum possible surface area and achieve the highest possible detection range for a given probe housing size.

[0023] The present invention also relates to a bearing comprising a first and a second ring capable of rotating concentrically relative to each other.

[0024] Based on the overall characteristics, at least a first tapered groove and at least a second tapered groove are formed on the second ring and oriented toward the first ring. The first tapered groove has a tapered wall inclined relative to the axis of the bearing. The second tapered groove has a tapered wall inclined relative to the axis of the bearing. The tapered walls of the first groove and the second groove extend obliquely in two opposite directions.

[0025] According to another general feature, the bearing also includes an eddy current probe as defined above, which is mounted on the first ring and faces the conical wall of the first conical groove and the conical wall of the second conical groove of the second ring.

[0026] Preferably, the axis of the first induction coil of the probe is perpendicular to the conical wall of the second conical groove, and the axis of the second induction coil of the probe is perpendicular to the conical wall of the first conical groove.

[0027] Therefore, the measurement accuracy of the probe is improved. However, the probe can still be configured such that the axis of the probe's first induction coil is not perpendicular to the conical wall of the second conical groove, and / or the axis of the probe's second induction coil is not perpendicular to the conical wall of the first conical groove. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The invention and its advantages will be better understood by studying the detailed description of specific embodiments given by way of non-limiting examples and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] - Figure 1 This is a side view of an eddy current probe according to a first example of the present invention.

[0030] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Front view of the eddy current probe.

[0031] - Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Section III-III

[0032] - Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The cross section on IV-IV,

[0033] - Figure 5 yes Figure 2 The cross section on VV, and

[0034] - Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a front view of the eddy current probe according to the second and third examples of the present invention.

[0035] - Figure 8 It is equipped with Figures 1 to 5 A partial cross-section of the rolling bearing of an eddy current probe. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Figures 1 to 5 The eddy current probe 10 shown above is adapted to be mounted on a rolling bearing.

[0037] The probe 10 having a longitudinal axis 12 includes a single probe housing 14, a first sensor element 16 and a second sensor element 18 mounted on the probe housing 14, and a single cap 20 covering the first sensor element 16 and the second sensor element 18.

[0038] The first sensor element 16 and the second sensor element 18 are identical to each other. The first sensor element 16 includes a first body 22, which has a proximal portion 22a mounted on a probe housing 14 and a distal portion 22b projecting outward relative to the probe housing. The distal portion 22b extends from the proximal portion 22a. In the example shown, the first body 22 is made as a single component. Alternatively, the first body 22 can be made as at least two components.

[0039] The first sensor element 16 also includes a first induction coil 24 mounted on the distal portion 22b of the first body. The induction coil 24 extends about an axis 24a that is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis 12 of the probe. In other words, the axis 24a of the induction coil is formed at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis 12. The induction coil 24 is fixed to the distal portion 22b of the first body by any suitable means.

[0040] The probe housing 14 extends along the longitudinal axis 12. The probe housing 14 is provided with a first through-hole 26. The through-hole 26 is formed within the thickness of the probe housing 14. The probe housing 14 includes a front end 14a and an opposing rear end 14b. The probe housing 14 is defined by the front end 14a and the rear end 14b in the axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis 12. In the example shown, the front end 14a has a stepped form.

[0041] A through-hole 26 extends from the front 14a and opens on the rear 14b. The through-hole 26 extends along an axis 26a coaxial with the axis 24a of the induction coil. A proximal portion 22a of the first body extends within the through-hole 26. The proximal portion 22a is here secured within the through-hole 26 by screwing. Alternatively, the proximal portion 22a can be secured to the probe housing 14 by any suitable means. As previously described, a distal portion 22b of the first body protrudes outward relative to the probe housing 14. More precisely, the distal portion 22b of the first body protrudes outward relative to the front 14a of the probe housing. The distal portion 22b axially supports against the front 14a.

[0042] The first sensor element 16 also includes a first output connection cable 28 for transmitting sensing data, the first output connection cable 28 extending outward relative to the probe housing 14. The output cable 28 is mounted on the proximal portion 22a of the first body on the side opposite the distal portion 22b in the axial direction. The end of the output cable 28 is inserted into an opening (not shown) formed in the proximal portion 22a of the first body. The output cable 28 is secured to the opening. The output cable 28 can be secured by any suitable method (e.g., press-fit, glue, etc.).

[0043] The output cable 28 extends within the through-hole 26 of the probe housing and protrudes outward relative to the housing. The output cable 28 connects the induction coil 24 to a control unit (not shown) to transmit the sensed measurements. Alternatively, in the case of a wireless sensor element, the first sensor element 16 may not require such an output cable.

[0044] As previously stated, the first sensor element 16 and the second sensor element 18 are identical to each other.

[0045] The second sensor element 18 includes a second body 32, which has a proximal portion 32a mounted on the probe housing 14 and a distal portion 32b projecting outward relative to the probe housing. The distal portion 32b extends from the proximal portion 32a. In the example shown, the second body 32 is made as a single component. Alternatively, the second body 32 can be made as at least two components.

[0046] The second sensor element 18 also includes a second induction coil 34 mounted on the distal portion 32b of the second body. The induction coil 34 extends about an axis 34a that is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis 12 of the probe. In other words, the axis 34a of the induction coil is formed at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis 12. The induction coil 34 is fixed to the distal portion 32b of the second body by any suitable means.

[0047] The induction coils 24 and 34 of each sensor element 16, 18 may each have a circular cross-section. In the example shown, each induction coil 24, 34 has, as shown... Figure 2 The circular cross-section is shown. Alternatively, each induction coil 24, 34 can have other circular shapes, such as... Figure 6 The semicircle shown. In another variation, the cross-section of each induction coil 24, 34 can have other shapes, such as... Figure 7 The rectangular shape shown.

[0048] In such Figure 5In the intermediate plane of the probe 10 shown, a first angle is formed between the longitudinal axis 12 and coaxial axes 24a and 26a, and a second angle is formed between the longitudinal axis 12 and coaxial axes 34a and 36a. The first angle and the second angle are opposite (or relative). In the example shown, the values ​​of the first angle and the second angle are equal. Alternatively, these values ​​can be different from each other.

[0049] The probe housing 14 is provided with a second through hole 36. The through hole 36 is formed in the thickness of the probe housing 14. The through hole 36 extends from the front end 14a and opens on the rear end 14b. The through hole 36 extends along an axis 36a coaxial with the axis 34a of the induction coil. The proximal portion 32a of the second body extends within the through hole 36. The proximal portion 32a is hereby secured within the through hole 36 by screwing. Alternatively, the proximal portion 32a can be secured to the probe housing 14 by any suitable means. As previously described, the distal portion 32b of the second body protrudes outward relative to the probe housing 14. More precisely, the distal portion 32b of the second body protrudes outward relative to the front end 14a of the probe housing. The distal portion 32b is axially supported against the front end 14a.

[0050] The second sensor element 18 also includes a second output connection cable 38 for transmitting sensing data, the second output connection cable 38 extending outward relative to the probe housing 14. The output cable 38 is mounted on the proximal portion 32a of the second body on the side opposite the distal portion 32b in the axial direction. The end of the output cable 38 is inserted into an opening (not shown) formed in the proximal portion 32a of the second body. The output cable 38 is secured to the opening. The output cable 38 can be secured by any suitable method (e.g., press-fit, glue, overmolding the second body 32, etc.).

[0051] The output cable 38 extends within the through-hole 36 of the probe housing and protrudes outward relative to the housing. The output cable 38 connects the induction coil 34 to the control unit. Alternatively, in the case of a wireless sensor element, the second sensor element 18 may not require this output cable.

[0052] Cap 20 is mounted on probe housing 14 and covers the distal portion 22b of the first body of sensor element 16 and the distal portion 32b of the second body of sensor element 18. Cap 20 also covers the induction coils 24 and 34 of the sensor elements. Cap 20 also covers the front end 14a of probe housing.

[0053] The cap 20 is overmolded onto the distal portions 22b and 32b of the first body and the second body, the induction coils 24 and 34, and the front end 14a of the probe housing. The distal portions 22b and 32b of the sensor elements 16 and 18 and the induction coils 24 and 34 are embedded within the cap 20. The distal portions 22b and 32b and the induction coils 24 and 34 are not accessible from the outside. In other words, the protrusions of the sensor elements 16 and 18 relative to the front end 14a of the probe housing are encapsulated within the cap 20. For example, the cap 20 may be made of epoxy resin.

[0054] The cap 20 includes a front surface having a first wall 20a and a second wall 20b extending obliquely in two opposite directions. In the example shown, the front surface of the cap also has a connecting surface 20c between the first wall 20a and the second wall 20b. Alternatively, the second wall 20b may extend from the first wall 20a.

[0055] The first wall 20a of the cap is located in the continuation of the distal portion 32b of the second body of the sensor element 18 and is oriented perpendicular to the axis 34a of the second induction coil. The second wall 20b of the cap is located in the continuation of the distal portion 22b of the first body of the sensor element 16 and is oriented perpendicular to the axis 24a of the first induction coil.

[0056] As previously stated, probe 10 is suitable for mounting on a rolling bearing. Figure 8 The rolling bearing shown is a large-diameter rolling bearing comprising a first ring 100 and a second ring 102. In the example shown, the first ring 100 is the outer ring, and the second ring 102 is the inner ring.

[0057] As will be described later, probe 10 is mounted on outer ring 102. Outer ring 100 and inner ring 102 are concentric and extend axially along the bearing rotation axis X-X' that extends in the axial direction. Rings 100 and 102 are solid.

[0058] In the example shown, the rolling bearing includes two rows of axial rollers 104, 106 and one row of radial rollers 108. The two rows of axial rollers 104, 106 are arranged between the outer ring 100 and the inner ring 102 to form axial thrust, and the one row of radial rollers 108 is arranged between the outer ring 100 and the inner ring 102 to form radial thrust.

[0059] The outer ring 100 includes an annular groove 110 that opens radially inward toward the inner ring 102. The outer ring 100 includes an inner stepped cylindrical surface or hole (not shown) forming the groove 110.

[0060] The inner ring 12 includes an annular protruding nose 112 that engages in an annular groove 110 of the outer ring. The nose 112 extends radially outward. The protruding nose 112 protrudes radially from the outer cylindrical surface (not shown) of the inner ring.

[0061] Rows of rollers 104 and 106 are axially arranged between the nose 112 of the inner ring and the groove 110 of the outer ring. Rows of rollers 104 and 106 are arranged on both sides of the nose 112 of the inner ring. Rows of rollers 108 are radially arranged between the nose 112 of the inner ring and the groove 110 of the outer ring.

[0062] The probe 10 is configured to detect the relative displacement between the outer ring 100 and the inner ring 102. For this purpose, a first annular conical groove 114 and a second annular conical groove 116 are also formed on the inner ring 102. In the example shown, grooves 114 and 116 are formed on the outer cylindrical surface of the inner ring.

[0063] The first groove 114 extends radially inward from the outer cylindrical surface of the inner ring. The groove 114 includes an inwardly extending annular tapered portion or tapered wall 114a. The tapered wall 114a has a truncated conical shape. The tapered wall 114a is inclined relative to the axis X-X' of the rolling bearing. In other words, the tapered wall 114a is formed obliquely relative to the axis X-X'. In such a case... Figure 8 In the radial plane of the rolling bearing shown, a first cone angle (not shown) is formed between the tapered wall 114a of the groove and the outer surface of the inner ring. For example, preferably, the value of the first cone angle can include between 15° and 30°.

[0064] In the example shown, groove 114 is provided with an annular radial sidewall (not shown) that extends radially inward from the outer surface of the inner ring, and a tapered wall 114a extends from this annular radial sidewall. Alternatively, groove 114 may not have such a sidewall. In this case, the tapered wall 114a extends directly from the outer surface of the inner ring.

[0065] The second groove 116 extends radially inward from the outer surface of the inner ring. In the example shown, the second groove 116 extends axially from the first groove 114.

[0066] The groove 116 includes an inwardly extending annular tapered portion or tapered wall 116a. The tapered wall 116a has a truncated cone shape. The tapered wall 116a is inclined relative to the axis X-X' of the rolling bearing. The tapered wall 116a is inclined relative to the outer surface of the inner ring. A second cone angle (not shown) is formed between the tapered wall 116a and the outer surface of the inner ring. In the example shown, the value of this second cone angle is equal to the value of the first cone angle.

[0067] In the example shown, the second groove 116 is provided with an annular radial sidewall (not shown) that extends radially inward from the outer surface of the inner ring, and a tapered wall 116a extends from this annular radial sidewall. Alternatively, the groove 116 may not have such a sidewall. In this case, the tapered wall 116a extends directly from the outer surface of the inner ring.

[0068] As previously stated, in the example shown, the second groove 116 extends axially from the first groove 114. Here, the tapered wall 116a of the second groove extends from the tapered wall 114a of the second groove. Alternatively, cylindrical bottoms could connect these tapered walls to each other.

[0069] From the outer surface of the inner ring, the tapered wall 114a of groove 114 extends obliquely inward along a first direction, and the tapered wall 116a of groove 116a extends obliquely inward along a second direction opposite to the first direction. In the example shown, the tapered wall 116a of groove 116a is symmetrical to the tapered wall 114a of groove 114 with respect to a radial plane passing through the edge between the two walls.

[0070] The probe 10 faces the first groove 114 and the second groove 116 of the inner ring.

[0071] More precisely, the first wall 20a of the probe cap 20 faces the second groove 116. The first wall 20a faces the conical wall 116a of the groove. The second induction coil 34 is capable of measuring the distance to the conical wall 116a. The axis 34a of the induction coil is perpendicular to the conical wall 116a. The distance is measured along the axis 34a of the induction coil.

[0072] The second wall 20b of the cap 20 faces the first groove 114. The second wall 20b faces the conical wall 114a of the groove. The first induction coil 24 is capable of measuring the distance from the conical wall 114a. The axis 24a of the induction coil is perpendicular to the conical wall 114a. The distance is measured along the axis 24a of the induction coil.

[0073] The outer ring 100 is provided with a radial through hole 118, and the probe 10 is located in the radial through hole 118. The through hole 118 extends from the outer surface of the outer ring and is open in the hole. The through hole 118 faces the first groove 114 and the second groove 116 of the inner ring in the radial direction.

[0074] In the example shown, probe 10 is mounted in through-hole 118 and protrudes radially into the radial space between outer ring 100 and inner ring 102. Probe 10 also protrudes into first groove 114 and second groove 116. Probe 10 remains spaced apart from the tapered walls 114a, 116a of the grooves. Alternatively, probe 10 may be located entirely within through-hole 118.

[0075] In the example shown, the probe 10 is also provided with a plug 120 that closes and seals the through-hole 118, and an annular spacer 122 is provided axially between the probe housing 14 and the plug 120. The plug 120 and the spacer 122 are located radially within the through-hole 118. The spacer 122 is secured to the probe housing 14 by any suitable means (e.g., by press fit). The plug 120 is secured to the spacer 122 by any suitable means (e.g., by press fit).

[0076] The unit formed by the probe 10, plug 120, and spacer 122 is secured to the outer ring 100 by a plate 124 connected to the plug 120 and screwed onto the outer surface of the outer ring. The probe's output cables 28 and 38 extend within the spacer 122 and plug 120. The plug 120 is provided with a through opening (not shown) through which the output cables 28 and 38 pass.

[0077] In addition, as mentioned earlier, in this example, the first ring of the rolling bearing is the outer ring 100, and the second ring is the inner ring 102.

[0078] Alternatively, the opposite configuration can be provided, where the first ring forms the inner ring and the second ring forms the outer ring. In this case, each of the tapered grooves 114, 116 is formed on the axially inner cylindrical surface of the outer ring, which forms a hole in the outer ring, and the probe 10 is mounted on the inner ring.

[0079] In this example, the rolling bearing has three rows of rolling elements. Alternatively, the rolling bearing may include only one row of rolling elements, or two rows, or four or more rows of rolling elements. In the example shown, the rolling elements are rollers. Rolling bearings may include other types of rolling elements, such as balls. In another variation, the bearing may also be a sliding bearing without rolling elements.

[0080] In the example shown, probe 10 is mounted on a bearing. Alternatively, the probe can be mounted on other types of machine components.

Claims

1. An eddy current probe, comprising: - A first sensor element (16) includes a first body (22) and a first induction coil (24) mounted on a distal portion (22b) of the first body. - A second sensor element (18) includes a second body (32) and a second induction coil (34) mounted on the distal portion (32b) of the second body. - A probe housing (14) is provided, wherein the first sensor element (16) and the second sensor element (18) are fixed to the probe housing (14), and the probe housing (14) is provided with a first through hole (26) and a second through hole (36). The proximal portion (22a) of the first body of the first sensor element is installed inside the first through hole (26), and the proximal portion (32a) of the second body of the second sensor element is installed inside the second through hole (36). The distal portions (22b) of the first body and the distal portions (32b) of the second body protrude outward relative to the probe housing (14), and - Cap (20) is installed on the probe housing (14) and covers the distal portion (22b) of the first body and the distal portion (32b) of the second body, as well as the first induction coil (24) of the first sensor element and the second induction coil (34) of the second sensor element.

2. The eddy current probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cap (20) is overmolded onto the probe housing (14), and the distal portion (22b) of the first body and the distal portion (32b) of the second body, as well as the first induction coil (24) of the first sensor element and the second induction coil (34) of the second sensor element, are embedded in the cap (20).

3. The eddy current probe according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first longitudinal axis (26a) of the first through hole (26) of the probe housing and the second longitudinal axis (36a) of the second through hole (36) are inclined relative to the longitudinal axis (12) of the eddy current probe, and the first longitudinal axis (26a) and the second longitudinal axis (36a) extend in two opposite directions.

4. The eddy current probe according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The cap (20) includes a front end provided with a first wall (20a) and a second wall (20b) extending obliquely in two opposite directions, the second wall (20b) being located in a continuation of the distal portion (22b) of the first body of the first sensor element and oriented perpendicular to the axis (24a) of the first induction coil (24), and the first wall (20a) being located in a continuation of the distal portion (32b) of the second body of the second sensor element and oriented perpendicular to the axis (34a) of the second induction coil (34).

5. The eddy current probe according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The proximal portion (22a) of the first body and the proximal portion (32a) of the second body include fixing components for fixing the first sensor element (16) and the second sensor element (18) to the probe housing (14).

6. The eddy current probe according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first sensor element (16) further includes a first output cable (28) mounted on the proximal portion (22a) of the first body and extending outward relative to the probe housing (14), and the second sensor element (18) further includes a second output cable (38) mounted on the proximal portion (32a) of the second body and extending outward relative to the probe housing (14).

7. The eddy current probe according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one of the first induction coil (24) of the first sensor element and the second induction coil (34) of the second sensor element has a circular cross-section.

8. The eddy current probe according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one of the first induction coil (24) of the first sensor element and the second induction coil (34) of the second sensor element has a polygonal cross-section.

9. A bearing comprising a first ring (100) and a second ring (102) capable of rotating concentrically relative to each other, characterized in that, At least a first conical groove (114) and at least a second conical groove (116) are formed on the second ring and oriented toward the first ring (100). The first conical groove (114) has a conical wall (114a) inclined relative to the axis (X-X') of the bearing, and the second conical groove (116) has a conical wall (116a) inclined relative to the axis (X-X') of the bearing. The conical walls (114a) of the first conical groove and the conical walls (116a) of the second conical groove extend obliquely in two opposite directions. The bearing also includes an eddy current probe (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the eddy current probe (10) being mounted on the first ring and facing the conical walls (114a) of the first conical groove and the conical walls (116a) of the second conical groove of the second ring.

10. The bearing according to claim 9, characterized in that, The axis (24a) of the first induction coil (24) of the eddy current probe is perpendicular to the conical wall (116a) of the second conical groove, and the axis (34a) of the second induction coil (34) of the eddy current probe is perpendicular to the conical wall (114a) of the first conical groove.

Citation Information

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