Device for monitoring the lubrication condition of the bearings of the track rollers of the track of a tracked vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for monitoring the lubrication condition of a bearing of a track roller (1) of a running gear of a tracked vehicle by temperature monitoring, wherein the track roller (1) has at least one bearing journal (2), wherein the track roller (1) is mounted in a frame (3) of the tracked vehicle via the bearing journal (2), wherein a sensor device (4) is arranged in the region of the bearing journal (2), wherein the sensor device (4) is designed to transmit temperature data measured by the sensor device (4) wirelessly to a further processing device (5). In order to provide a device which can be retrofitted to existing tracked vehicles as well as being fitted to new vehicles in a simple and cost-effective manner, the invention proposes that the sensor device (4) is arranged on a fastening screw (6), wherein the fastening screw (6) is screwed into a threaded hole (7) in the bearing journal (2), wherein the track roller (1) is fastened to an element (8) of the frame (3) by means of the fastening screw (6), wherein the sensor device (4) comprises a temperature sensor (9) by means of which instantaneous temperature data can be measured, wherein the sensor device (4) contains an RFID transponder (10) by means of which the temperature data can be retrieved, wherein a reader (11) is arranged at a distance from the RFID transponder (10) which is suitable for reading out the retrieved temperature data, and wherein the reader (11) is configured to transmit the temperature data to the further processing device (5) for further processing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a device for monitoring the lubrication condition of the bearings of the track rollers of a tracked vehicle by means of temperature monitoring. Background Technology

[0002] These tracked vehicles can be used in the mining, construction, forestry, agriculture, landscaping, and materials handling industries, such as heavy equipment for moving soil and other materials, hydraulic and electric excavators, backhoe excavators, single-bucket excavators, and drilling rigs. They are used, for example, on mining or construction sites. These tracked vehicles are heavy equipment, some capable of moving thousands of kilograms of material at a time. The drive system beneath these tracked vehicles includes a tracked chassis. The tracked chassis is used to move heavy vehicles and large quantities of materials across a variety of terrains. The tracked chassis is designed to operate in various terrain conditions and can handle higher operating weights compared to wheeled components of the same size.

[0003] An apparatus according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from international patent application WO 2013 / 148735 A1 (“WO 735”).

[0004] As explained in WO 735, the roll assembly and bearing bushings are ideally well lubricated, and there are low-friction contact surfaces between the bearing bushing and the roll or between the bearing bushing and the shaft. Insufficient lubrication of the contact surfaces increases friction between the bearing bushing and the roll, leading to bearing bushing wear and ultimately damage to the roll assembly. Even with adequate lubrication, the bearing bushing will wear over time due to contact with the roll or shaft. Because the bearing bushing and lubricant are located inside the roll assembly, it is difficult to monitor the wear of the bearing bushing and the amount of lubricant in the roll assembly.

[0005] According to WO 735, roller assemblies in tracked vehicle chassis often fail due to insufficient lubrication. Without adequate lubrication, friction between the rollers and bearing bushings, or between the bearing bushings and the shaft, increases significantly, leading to component wear. One sign of insufficient lubrication is increased heat within the roller assembly.

[0006] Without continuous monitoring of the roller assemblies in the tracked vehicle's running gear, lubrication issues can go unnoticed, and bearing bushings often wear completely before wear is even noticed. The rollers then operate without bearing bushings. When the bearing bushings are fully worn and the rollers continue to run without them, the rollers will damage when they come into contact with other surfaces within the roller assembly. Metal-to-metal or steel-to-steel contact between the rollers and other surfaces in the roller assembly will cause wear and degradation on the roller surfaces and other component surfaces beyond what the parts can still repair. Ultimately, without lubricant, the rollers or bearing bushings will wear and seize.

[0007] When the rollers unexpectedly stop rotating, the tracked vehicle becomes unusable at the work site. Point-of-use failures during operation pose additional risks and maintenance problems, and incur additional repair and replacement costs. However, if lubrication issues or bearing bushing wear are detected early, the affected roller assembly can be repaired or replaced promptly and cost-effectively (e.g., as part of regular maintenance), preventing tracked vehicle failure at the work site.

[0008] In order to detect lubricant deficiency and the resulting wear at an early stage, WO 735 proposes to monitor the temperature of the roller assembly using a temperature sensor.

[0009] The monitoring device according to WO 735 has a roller assembly, which includes a fixed roller component and a bearing bushing. An opening is formed in the fixed roller component. A first sensor is disposed in the opening of the fixed roller component above the bearing bushing. The first sensor is configured to sense a first physical characteristic of the bearing bushing. The fixed roller component is configured as a shaft or a housing. The first sensor is a temperature sensor or a Hall effect sensor. A magnet is disposed on the roller assembly. A second sensor is disposed in the opening of the fixed roller component above the bearing bushing. The second sensor is configured to sense a second physical characteristic of the bearing bushing. A data transmission device is coupled to the first sensor. Data is collected from the sensor. The data collected by the sensor is transmitted to a receiving device.

[0010] Further processing of the measurement data is described in WO 735 as follows: Temperature sensors and Hall effect sensors generate output signals or output data in a monitoring device. The output signal or data from the monitoring device is transmitted to an external receiving device that outputs the signal or data. A transmitter or connection port is used to transmit the output signal or data from the monitoring device to an external receiving device, such as a computer. The transmitted data can then be uploaded to a computer or other device that processes the data.

[0011] Data from the monitoring device is used to monitor the operating status of the roller assembly. For example, when monitoring device 58 measures the temperature in end caps 52 and 54 and the thickness of sleeve 56, it generates an output signal or data that is transmitted wirelessly to a computer. Alternatively, the output data is accessed via a port connected to monitoring device 58. The output data is processed and used to determine whether roller assembly 50 is operating at the correct temperature and bearing bushing thickness. If the data indicates a problem with roller assembly 50, the problem can be identified immediately. For example, if the temperature data indicates that the roller assembly has reached an abnormally high temperature, a manual or automatic alarm is triggered. For example, if the roller assembly in the chassis reaches a certain temperature or becomes too hot, personnel can monitor the data and call the equipment operator. Alternatively, the computer contains an algorithm that automatically triggers an alarm to the equipment operator when the roller assembly reaches a certain temperature. A manual or automatic alarm is triggered when the Hall effect reaches a certain voltage and indicates severe wear of the bearing bushing. Therefore, monitoring device 58 provides real-time feedback on the temperature of roller assembly 50 and the thickness of the bearing bushing.

[0012] The disadvantage of the monitoring device for the running gear known from WO 735 is that the fixed roller component must have a specially suitable opening to accommodate the sensor, and the sensor interacts directly with the bearing bushing to record available temperature readings. Therefore, the solution known from WO 735 cannot be easily retrofitted to existing tracked vehicles without a running gear monitoring device. Furthermore, the known solution is also expensive for equipping new vehicles because multiple components must be machined and adapted to fit together in order to integrate the solution into the running gear of a tracked vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0013] One object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for monitoring the lubrication condition of the bearings of the track rollers of the running gear of a tracked vehicle by means of temperature monitoring, which enables both the retrofitting of existing tracked vehicles and the equipping of new vehicles in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0014] According to the invention, this objective is achieved by the apparatus of the invention. Advantageous further developments of the invention are indicated in the detailed embodiments.

[0015] According to the present invention, it has been recognized that the fastening screws used to secure the bearing journals of the track rollers to the frame of the tracked vehicle can be used as carrier elements for both the temperature sensor and the RFID transponder of the sensor device. This makes it very easy to retrofit existing tracked vehicles that do not have a temperature monitoring device with the temperature monitoring device according to the present invention. Similarly, it is also very easy to equip new vehicles with a temperature monitoring device.

[0016] According to the present invention, no specific modifications are required to the housing of the bearing journal accommodating the track roller. In particular, no opening for accommodating the temperature sensor is needed in the housing of the bearing journal accommodating the track roller. According to the present invention, all components required for temperature monitoring are carried by mounting screws. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is sufficient to provide fastening screws equipped with these components.

[0017] Retrofitting existing tracked vehicles with the temperature monitoring device according to the invention can be accomplished, for example, simply by replacing the original fastening screws with fastening screws that carry temperature sensors and RFID transponders.

[0018] Equipping a new vehicle with the device according to the invention is relatively simple. The existing design of the track rollers, the existing design of the housing accommodating the track roller bearing journals, and the known mounting of the track rollers on the chassis do not require modification. It is sufficient to use fastening screws designed according to the invention (i.e., those carrying temperature sensors and RFID transponders) as fastening screws.

[0019] In this invention, readily available and inexpensive sensor devices can be used. In these sensor devices, temperature sensors and RFID transponders can, for example, be arranged together as modular units in a single housing.

[0020] Therefore, this invention makes it easy and inexpensive to retrofit temperature monitoring devices onto existing tracked vehicles and integrate such devices into new vehicles for the following reasons: 1) No structural modifications are required to any component of the tracked vehicle chassis. Replacing the previous fastening screws with the fastening screws of the load-bearing sensor device according to the present invention is sufficient to measure and record the temperature data required for temperature and wear monitoring.

[0021] 2) The reader for reading temperature data from the RFID transponder is independent of the sensor device and can be attached to the tracked vehicle at a suitable location. For example, the reader can be located at an appropriate reading distance from the RFID transponder on a component of the chassis.

[0022] 3) The further processing device is independent of both the sensor device and the reader device. The further processing device can be, for example, a portable device such as a smartphone or a portable computer such as a tablet. For new vehicles, the further processing device can be integrated into the displays and dashboard in the cab or driver's compartment of the tracked vehicle. For existing vehicles, the further processing device can be subsequently installed as a separate unit in the vehicle's cab or driver's compartment.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening screw has a screw head, wherein an RFID transponder is disposed at the screw head. In this embodiment, the fastening screw itself does not need to be structurally modified. For example, the RFID transponder can be glued to the screw head. Alternatively, the RFID transponder can also be screwed or otherwise mechanically attached to the screw head. In another alternative, the RFID transponder can be soldered or welded to the screw head.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the screw head of the fastening screw has a recess in which at least one RFID transponder is disposed. By arranging the RFID transponder in the recess in the head of the fastening screw, the RFID transponder is contained in a protected manner. Therefore, it will not be damaged so quickly in the harsh operating environment of tracked vehicles, especially engineering vehicles.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening screw has a longitudinal hole in which at least a portion of the sensor device, particularly the temperature sensor, is arranged. By arranging the temperature sensor in the longitudinal hole of the fastening screw, the accuracy of temperature measurement can be improved because, compared to the case where there is no longitudinal hole for inserting the temperature sensor, the sensor is arranged closer to the bearing component, the supply of lubricant relative to the bearing component will be monitored, and in the event of insufficient lubricant supply, signs of wear will appear at the bearing component.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal hole is formed as a through hole, wherein a temperature sensor is disposed at the end of the through hole spaced apart from the screw head. This arrangement further improves the accuracy of temperature measurement because the sensor is positioned closer to the bearing component, allowing the supply of lubricant relative to the bearing component to be monitored, and in the event of insufficient lubricant supply, signs of wear will appear at the bearing component.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the reader is configured as a radio frequency antenna.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sensor device is designed as an active sensor device with an energy source or energy harvesting system, and the RFID transponder can be powered by the energy source or energy harvesting system. Due to its own energy source, this sensor device operates very reliably. Information loss rarely occurs when reading measurement data.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sensor device is configured as a passive sensor device without its own power source, wherein the reader has a power source, and the sensor device is configured to be actuated by the reader. In this embodiment, the sensor device is designed to be very low-maintenance, robust, and resistant to failure. When the power source is located on the reader, it can be more easily replaced or maintained than when the power source is located on the sensor device, because the reader can typically be located in a more accessible position on a tracked vehicle than the sensor device. If a reader is configured to read measurement data from multiple sensor devices on multiple track rollers, the maintenance requirements and labor involved in replacing the power source are also reduced compared to a device where each corresponding sensor device includes a power source.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the temperature sensor is designed as a thermocouple. This makes the sensor device robust and less prone to failure, thus making it ideal for use in harsh and dirty operating environments. Thermocouples are also inexpensive and readily available on the market.

[0031] Another objective of this invention is to provide a method for monitoring the lubrication condition of the bearings of the track rollers of a tracked vehicle's running gear by means of temperature monitoring, a method that can be used in a simple and cost-effective manner for both existing and new tracked vehicles.

[0032] This objective is achieved by the method of the present invention.

[0033] Further advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention are indicated in the detailed description.

[0034] Regarding this method, the present invention utilizes the knowledge that sufficiently accurate temperature measurements can be performed using sensor devices arranged on the fastening screws used to secure the track rollers to the frame. This allows for sufficient conclusions regarding the supply of lubricant to the bearings of the track rollers in the running gear of a tracked vehicle. This eliminates the need to place the temperature sensor as close as possible to the bearing journal, thereby omitting the need for special openings where the temperature sensor is positioned as directly as possible beside or above the bearing journal or bearing bushing of the track roller.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the RFID transponder is disposed on the free end of the fastening screw, and the reader is disposed on the frame. This allows the temperature monitoring device according to the invention to be installed easily and quickly.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the fastening screw includes a longitudinal hole, wherein temperature data is sensed by a temperature sensor at least partially disposed in the longitudinal hole. In this way, the accuracy of temperature measurement can be improved because the temperature sensor can be arranged close to the bearing component, the lubricant supply is monitored relative to the bearing component, and signs of wear appear on the bearing component in the event of insufficient lubricant supply.

[0037] If the longitudinal hole is designed as a through hole and the temperature sensor measures the temperature data at the end of the through hole spaced apart from the free end of the fastening screw, the measurement accuracy is even further improved compared to a scheme where the temperature sensor is placed in a longitudinal hole designed as a blind hole.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the sensor device is designed as an active sensor device with an energy source or energy harvesting system, and the RFID transponder is powered by the energy source or energy harvesting system. This method operates very reliably and is less prone to failure.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the sensor device is configured as a passive sensor device without its own power source, wherein the reader includes the power source, and the sensor device is excited by the reader. The method designed in this way operates very reliably and is less prone to failure. Because the power source is located on the reader, it is easier to replace or maintain the power source compared to arranging the power source on the respective sensor device. The reader can typically be located on a tracked vehicle in a more accessible position than the sensor device. Furthermore, if a reader is configured to read measurement data from multiple sensor devices, the maintenance requirements and labor involved in replacing the power source are reduced compared to a device where the respective sensor device includes a power source. Attached Figure Description

[0040] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are shown in schematic form. Figure 1 A side view from the outside of a portion of a tracked vehicle chassis having the device according to the invention; Figure 2 The basis for the components attached to the frame Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the track rollers of the device; Figure 3 is used according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 An enlarged view of a first embodiment of the fastening screw of the device, wherein the fastening screw carries a temperature sensor and an RFID transponder; Figure 4 is used according to Figure 1 and Figure 2An enlarged view of a second embodiment of the fastening screw of the device, wherein the fastening screw carries a temperature sensor and an RFID transponder; Figure 5 is used according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 An enlarged view of a third embodiment of the fastening screw of the device, wherein the fastening screw carries a temperature sensor and an RFID transponder; Figure 6 is used according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 An enlarged view of a fourth embodiment of the fastening screw of the device, wherein the fastening screw carries a temperature sensor and an RFID transponder. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Figure 1 A portion of the tracked vehicle chassis is shown in a side view from the outside. The shown portion of the running gear includes element 8 of the frame 3, track rollers 1 attached to the frame 3, and a track chain 20 running on the track rollers 1. The track chain 20 is driven by drive rollers 21. Figure 1 In the view shown from the outside, the track roller 1 has a bearing journal 2, in Figure 1 The bearing journal 2 cannot be seen in more detail (see...) Figure 2 The track roller 1 is fastened to the component 8 of the frame 3 by fastening screws 6. This is used to read the RFID transponder. Figure 1 A reader 11 (not shown) that collects temperature measurement data is attached to the frame 3. The distance between the reader 11 and the RFID transponder 10 arranged on the fastening screw 6 is selected such that even for the fastening screw 6 furthest from the reader 11, the maximum permissible distance for fault-free reading of measurement data is not exceeded.

[0042] Reader 11 wirelessly transmits temperature data to a further processing device. Figure 1 The further processing device 5 shown is a smartphone.

[0043] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the track roller 1 of the running gear of a tracked vehicle is shown from the outside. The track roller 1 has a central shaft, which includes an end bearing journal 2. The end bearing journal 2 has a threaded hole 7 that aligns with a through hole 25 provided in an element 8 of the frame 3. The bearing journal 2 is connected to the element 8 of the frame 3 by a fastening screw 6.

[0044] The bearing journal 2 is supported by the sleeve bearing 24.

[0045] The fastening screw 6 has a through hole 15. The fastening screw 6 carries a sensor device 4, which includes a temperature sensor 9 and an RFID transponder 10. The temperature sensor 9 is arranged in the through hole 15. The RFID transponder 10 is also arranged in the through hole 15 of the fastening screw 6. The temperature sensor 9 is arranged closer to the center of the vehicle and closer to the support point than the RFID transponder 10, at which the track roller 1 is supported on the bearing journal 2.

[0046] According to an alternative embodiment, a blind hole may also be provided in the fastening screw 6 instead of... Figure 2 Via 15 shown.

[0047] According to another alternative embodiment, the entire sensor device 4, including the temperature sensor 9 and the RFID transponder 10, can be arranged in a recess 13, which is located only in the screw head 12 of the fastening screw 6 (see FIG. 6). In this embodiment, it is advantageous that the shank of the fastening screw 6 can be designed as a solid bolt without a hole, and is therefore mechanically more flexible than a fastening screw 6 with a through hole or blind hole in its threaded shank.

[0048] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the RFID transponder 10 is arranged in the region of the screw head 12 of the fastening screw 6, such that it is positioned as close as possible to the reader 11. The reader 11 is fastened to the frame 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the reader 11 is designed as a high-frequency antenna and has its own power source via a battery (not shown).

[0049] Figure 3 shows the results according to Figure 2 An enlarged view of the fastening screw 6 with a through hole 15. A sensor device 4 with a temperature sensor 9 and an RFID transponder 10 is arranged in the through hole 15. The RFID transponder 10 is arranged at the outer end of the through hole 15. The temperature sensor 9 extends further into the fastening screw 6. The temperature sensor 9 and the RFID transponder 10 can be arranged in a common housing.

[0050] According to Figure 3, the sensor device 4 is passive. Temperature sensor 9 measures the temperature of fastening screw 6 at its location. The measured value is transmitted to and recorded by RFID transponder 10. RFID transponder 10 is activated by reader 11 (see...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 Reader 11 reads the collected temperature value from the RFID transponder. Reader 11 transmits the temperature data to further processing unit 5 (see...). Figure 1The further processing device 5 can be a mobile device such as a smartphone or a portable computer such as a tablet. Alternatively, the further processing device 5 can be a computer located in the cab or driver's compartment of the tracked vehicle, for example, integrated into the instrument panel or dashboard of the tracked vehicle, or installed as a separate device in the cab.

[0051] The present invention utilizes the understanding that temperature data measured by a temperature sensor does not necessarily have to be measured directly on the surface of the bearing element, i.e., directly on the surface of the bearing bushing as in WO 2013 / 148735 A1. Instead, it is sufficient to install the temperature sensor at a certain distance from the support point of the fastening screw and measure the temperature data there.

[0052] To determine whether the critical temperature has been reached, it is sufficient to monitor the temperature measured by temperature sensor 9 over time. If the critical temperature has been reached, the vehicle operator can take appropriate action.

[0053] A correlation table can also be created that shows the correlation between the temperature measured by temperature sensor 9 in the area of ​​the fastening screw and the temperature of bearing journal 2 or bearing bushing / sleeve bearing 24. For example, such a correlation table can be created by simultaneously measuring the temperature at the location of temperature sensor 9 and the temperature at bearing journal 2 or bearing bushing / sleeve bearing 24, and then comparing the two temperature values ​​measured at the same measurement time.

[0054] Data transmission from reader 11 to further processing device 5 can be wireless or wired. If the measured temperature value reaches or exceeds a predetermined limit, further processing device 5 can be configured to issue a warning signal. In this way, (e.g., periodic) maintenance measures can be performed before the tracked vehicle fails during operation at the construction site, i.e., before increased maintenance work and costs occur.

[0055] An advantage of the embodiment according to Figure 3 is that a low-cost sensor device 4 manufactured as a mass-produced product can be used. These sensor devices 4 are readily available on the market. They can be easily installed and work with the active reader 11 in a simple manner (“plug and play”).

[0056] Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of the invention, wherein a temperature sensor 9 is disposed at the inner end of a through-hole 15, and an RFID transponder 10 is disposed at the outer end of a through-hole 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the RFID transponder 10 is disposed in the same position as in the embodiment according to Figure 3. Temperature measurement data is transmitted from the temperature sensor 9 to the RFID transponder 10 via a connector 22. This connector 22 can be a wireless data transmission connector, but it can also be a wired cable for the transmission of temperature data.

[0057] The advantage of the embodiment according to FIG4 is that more accurate temperature measurement can be performed compared with the arrangement of temperature sensor 9 according to FIG3.

[0058] Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of the invention, wherein the fastening screw 6 does not have a through hole, but rather a blind hole 23. The design and arrangement of the sensor device 4 are similar to those in Figure 3. Because the hole of the receiving sensor device 4 is designed as a blind hole 23, the bolt of the fastening screw 6 is solid, enabling the fastening screw 6 to withstand a greater load than fastening screws with through holes and bolts with a hollow cylindrical design.

[0059] Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which neither a through hole nor a blind hole is provided in the fastening screw 6 to accommodate the sensor device 4. Instead, a recess 13 is provided in the screw head 12 of the fastening screw 6, in which the sensor device 4 is disposed. The recess 13 may be manufactured in the screw head 12, for example, by turning or milling.

[0060] This embodiment of the invention also has the advantage of using inexpensive sensor devices 4 manufactured as mass-produced items. These sensor devices 4 are readily available on the market. They can be easily installed and work with the active reader 11 in a simple manner (“plug and play”).

[0061] The proposed solution utilizes the following approach: temperature readings from a temperature sensor do not necessarily have to be measured directly on the surface of the bearing element, i.e., directly on the surface of the bearing bushing as in WO 2013 / 148735 A1. Instead, it is sufficient to mount the temperature sensor at a certain distance from the support point at the fastening screw and measure the temperature data there.

[0062] One possibility is that, when evaluating measured temperature values, the existing correlation between the temperature in the fastening screw area and the temperature in the bearing journal supporting the bearing journal or in the bearing bushing / sleeve bearing can be considered. For example, in testing, this correlation can be calculated by simultaneously measuring and comparing two temperature values.

[0063] According to another possibility, the development of the temperature trend over time measured by temperature sensor 9 can be observed as part of the evaluation of the measured temperature value.

[0064] List of reference numerals 1 Track roller 2. Bearing journal 3 Framework 4. Sensor Device 5. Further processing equipment 6 Fastening screws 7 Threaded hole 8. Frame components 9. Temperature sensor 10 RFID transponders 11 Reader 12 Screw heads 13 recess 14 Longitudinal holes 15 Through Holes 16. Free end of fastening screw 20 Track chains 21 Drive Rollers 22 Connectors 23 Blind Holes 24 sleeve bearing 25 through hole

Claims

1. An apparatus for monitoring the lubrication condition of the bearings of the track rollers (1) of the running gear of a tracked vehicle by means of temperature monitoring, wherein, The track roller (1) has at least one bearing journal (2), wherein the track roller (1) is mounted in the frame (3) of the tracked vehicle via the bearing journal (2), wherein a sensor device (4) is arranged in the area of ​​the bearing journal (2), wherein the sensor device (4) is configured to wirelessly transmit temperature data measured by the sensor device (4) to a further processing device (5). Its features are, The sensor device (4) is mounted on the fastening screw (6). The fastening screw (6) is screwed into the threaded hole (7) in the bearing journal (2). The track roller (1) is fastened to the element (8) of the frame (3) by the fastening screw (6). The sensor device (4) includes a temperature sensor (9), which can measure instantaneous temperature data. The sensor device (4) includes an RFID transponder (10), through which the temperature data can be acquired. The reader (11) is positioned at a distance from the RFID transponder (10) suitable for reading the acquired temperature data. Furthermore, the reader (11) is configured to transmit the temperature data to the further processing device (5) for further processing.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The fastening screw (6) includes a screw head (12), wherein the RFID transponder (10) is disposed at the screw head (12).

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The screw head (12) has a recess (13), in which at least the RFID transponder is arranged.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein, The fastening screw (6) has a longitudinal hole (14), in which at least a portion of the sensor device (4) is arranged.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The temperature sensor (9) is arranged in the longitudinal hole.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The longitudinal hole (14) is formed as a through hole (15), wherein the temperature sensor (9) is disposed at the end of the through hole (15) spaced apart from the screw head (12).

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The reader (11) is configured as a radio frequency antenna.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The sensor device (4) is designed as an active sensor device with an energy source or energy harvesting system, and the RFID transponder (10) is able to be powered by the energy source or the energy harvesting system.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The sensor device (4) is configured as a passive sensor device without its own energy source, wherein the reader (11) has an energy source, and the sensor device (4) is configured to be excited by the reader (11).

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The temperature sensor (9) is designed as a thermocouple.

11. A method for monitoring the lubrication condition of the bearings of the track rollers (1) of the running gear of a tracked vehicle by means of temperature monitoring, wherein, The temperature monitoring is performed by a sensor device (4) during the operation of the tracked vehicle, wherein the track roller (1) is mounted in the frame (3) of the tracked vehicle via at least one bearing journal (2), wherein the sensor device (4) is arranged in the area of ​​the bearing journal (2), and wherein the temperature data measured by the sensor device (4) is wirelessly transmitted to a further processing device (5). Its features are, The sensor device (4) is mounted on the fastening screw (6). The fastening screw (6) is screwed into the threaded hole (7) in the bearing journal (2). The track roller (1) is fastened to the element (8) of the frame (3) by the fastening screw (6). The sensor device (4) includes a temperature sensor (9), which measures instantaneous temperature data. The sensor device (4) includes an RFID transponder (10), through which the temperature data is acquired. The acquired temperature data is read by a reader (11) positioned at a distance from the RFID transponder (10) suitable for reading the temperature data. Furthermore, the temperature data is transmitted from the reader (11) to the further processing device (5) for further processing.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The RFID transponder (10) is disposed on the free end of the fastening screw (6), and the reader (11) is disposed on the frame (3).

13. The method according to any one of claims 11-12, wherein, The fastening screw (6) includes a longitudinal hole (14), and the temperature data is sensed by a temperature sensor (9) that is at least partially disposed in the longitudinal hole (14).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The longitudinal hole (14) is configured as a through hole (15), and the temperature sensor (9) measures the temperature data at the end of the through hole (15) spaced apart from the free end (16) of the fastening screw (6).

15. The method according to any one of claims 11-12, wherein, The sensor device (4) is designed as an active sensor device with an energy source or an energy harvesting system, and the RFID transponder is powered by the energy source or the energy harvesting system.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11-12, wherein, The sensor device (4) is configured as a passive sensor device without its own energy source, wherein the reader (11) includes an energy source and the sensor device (4) is excited by the reader (11).

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