Rolling bearing

Abstract

The invention relates to a rolling bearing, in particular a hollow pivotal bearing, comprising two concentric bearing rings which can be rotated relative to each other and between which at least one bearing row having rolling elements is arranged, the at least one rolling element is provided with at least one sensor for detecting at least one operating parameter, an energy generator, in particular a generator, for providing electrical energy to the sensor, and an electronic component for transmitting sensor data to an external evaluation and / or storage unit, an energy generator and electronics for transmitting sensor data are provided on opposite axial ends of the rolling element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a rolling bearing, in particular in the form of a hollow large rolling bearing, which comprises two concentric bearing rings that can rotate relative to each other and between which at least one bearing row with rolling elements is arranged, wherein at least one rolling element is provided with at least one sensor for detecting at least one operating parameter, a generator for providing electrical energy to the sensor, and electronic components for transmitting the sensor data to an external evaluation and / or storage unit. Background Art

[0002] Large rolling bearings, such as those used in crane slewing gear to provide rotatable support for the crane's superstructure, tower, or boom, or in wind turbines to rotatably mount the rotor hub or rotor blades to the rotor hub, must withstand not only high forces but also bending moments induced by the crane boom or long rotor blades, which can cause bearing ring deformation. Typically, the bearing rings are pressed together by high forces in one sector and pulled apart by high forces in the opposing sector. Consequently, the rolling elements running along the track experience strong compressive forces in one sector and only minimal forces in the opposing sector, potentially even losing contact with the raceway, depending on the design. These large rolling bearings can be hollow, but their diameters can exceed half a meter, one meter, or even two meters, so bearing ring deformations can be significant.

[0003] In order to detect loads and related or resulting operating parameters (such as temperature or vibrations), it has been proposed to use measuring rolling elements. These measuring rolling elements have integrated sensors (for example, in the form of strain gauges or pressure sensors) that detect the deformation of the rolling element and thus the applied force can be inferred from the measured deformation.

[0004] The sensors can be powered using batteries or energy storage devices such as accumulators or capacitors. These devices can also be integrated into the rolling elements and charged externally via a suitable charging interface. However, externally charging the energy storage device via such an external interface is relatively complex, as the charging cable can only be connected when the bearing is stationary. Contactless charging systems (such as inductive charging systems) are also difficult to implement in practice, as they require precise positioning, which is difficult in itself, and usually also require the bearing to be stationary.

[0005] In this regard, proposals have been made to implement so-called "energy harvesting" within the rolling element bearings themselves, i.e., to generate electrical energy directly at the rolling element bearings. For this purpose, proposals have been made to use miniaturized generators, or, in the case of large rolling element bearings, generators adapted to their dimensions; these generators are mounted partly on the rolling elements and partly on the rolling element cage or spacers, so as to utilize the rotational motion of the rolling elements relative to the cage to generate electricity. In particular, permanent magnets can be mounted on the cage or related supporting components, with coils integrated in the rolling elements rotating relative to these permanent magnets, thereby utilizing the rotational motion of the rolling elements to generate electricity.

[0006] Such measuring rolling elements with integrated generators are already known in various embodiments, for example, see EP 3857197 B1, DE 102017210286 A1, or DE 102016116118 A1. EP 0637734 B1, US 2018 / 0003227 A1, or US 10,767,703 B2 also disclose sensors integrated into rolling elements. These documents suggest inserting a bolt-shaped or pin-shaped sensor element into a central hole of the rolling element. The sensor element contains a battery for power supply and a radio antenna for transmitting sensor data.

[0007] Despite the considerable size of the slewing bearing, it remains a challenge to accommodate the sensors themselves as well as the energy harvesting system (e.g. in the form of a generator with coils and magnets) and the data transmission interface for reading or transmitting the sensor data in the still smaller rolling elements, especially if the rolling elements cannot be weakened too much by high loads due to overly large holes or cavities.

[0008] The housing and placement issues are further exacerbated by the fact that some sensor components are sensitive to the influence of other components (e.g., vibration, heat, energy, current, or magnetic fields). At the same time, all components must be balanced and arranged in such a way that the rolling elements are not unbalanced and no special measures, such as asymmetric bores, are required to compensate for weight.

[0009] For example, EP 3857197 B1 discloses a measuring rolling element comprising a central through-hole housing a carrier circuit board that divides the hole into two half-spaces. In other words, the half-spaces contain various components, such as an inductive sensor element and a wireless module for data transmission. A generator for powering the rolling element is arranged at one end face of the rolling element, with a coil disposed on the end face of the rolling element and a magnet disposed on the adjacent cage portion. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Based on this, the present invention aims to design an improved rolling bearing that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art and further optimizes it. In particular, the present invention aims to power the sensor system via an integrated energy generation module and avoid charging interruptions without compromising the high measurement accuracy of the sensor system or even adversely affecting the smooth operation or strength of the rolling bearing. Furthermore, the present invention enables simple and stable transmission of sensor data to an external memory or evaluation unit, for example, for online bearing monitoring.

[0011] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a rolling bearing according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0012] Therefore, it is proposed that the components required for sensor detection, energy generation, and data transmission should not all be centrally located within the rolling element bore, but rather distributed evenly, making the most of the available space on the rolling element. According to the present invention, the generator for energy generation and the electronic components for sensor data transmission and, where necessary, storage are located at opposite axial ends of the rolling element. This not only frees up space for the at least one sensor but also minimizes the effects of the generator on the electronic components, such as their eddy current fields or temperature changes. Simultaneously, a balanced arrangement is achieved, thus avoiding rolling element imbalance and unfavorable weight distribution.

[0013] In particular, the electronic components can be housed outside any holes formed in the rolling elements for accommodating sensor components, or mounted externally to the rolling elements. This eliminates the need for large holes in the rolling elements, which would significantly reduce their stiffness or strength, while small holes are sufficient to accommodate sensor components. This not only improves the deformation stiffness of the rolling elements themselves but also helps ensure smooth operation of the bearing in the presence of sensors, energy generators, and electronic components.

[0014] In a further development of the invention, the electronic components can include a circuit board for sensor data storage and / or transmission, which can be arranged at the end face of the rolling element in a plane transverse to, and in particular perpendicular to, the axis of rotation of the rolling element. The arrangement of the data transmission and / or storage circuit board at the end face simplifies data transmission and reduces disadvantages such as obstructions to signal transmission by the rolling element housing or inaccessibility of the signal receiver. At the same time, the circuit board can be relatively large at the end face, without requiring a large diameter rolling element bore, thereby preventing a reduction in strength or compromising the sensor's installation space due to axial space requirements.

[0015] Advantageously, the circuit board can be annular and / or include an annular envelope surface, wherein the circuit board can be located within an annular recess in the end face of the rolling element. In particular, the circuit board can be embedded and / or inserted flush with the end face recess of the rolling element, so that the circuit board does not protrude beyond the end face of the rolling element. Despite being easily accessible, a circuit board positioned in this manner does not interfere with a rolling element cage that can surround or extend along the rolling element at the end face.

[0016] This annular circuit board does not have to be constructed as a closed ring, although it can be a closed ring, but can also be constructed in the form of a slotted ring, a ring segment or a half-moon or three-quarter ring, or can also include two half-ring or quarter-ring parts, which can then be inserted together into the annular groove in the end face of the rolling element.

[0017] The annular circuit board on the end face of the rolling element allows a guide pin, a shaft stub, or an axle pin, which can be connected to the rolling element cage, to be inserted through the circuit board into the rolling element or to be exposed from the rolling element at the end face where the circuit board is located. In other words, even though the annular circuit board is located at the end face, it does not hinder the connection between the cage and the rolling element.

[0018] In particular, the rolling element may include a hole passing through the circuit board in a coaxial manner with the axis of rotation of the rolling element. The shaft head or guide pin of the cage can be received in the hole or enter the rolling element and pass through the circuit board of the electronic component.

[0019] Alternatively, the blind hole or through-hole through the rolling element can also be closed or covered at the end face by the printed circuit board, in particular if the printed circuit board is not designed in an annular manner but has, for example, a disk-shaped contour.

[0020] The holes do not necessarily have to be made using a drill or be associated with a drilling process, but can be made using other methods, such as erosion or cutting (e.g., laser cutting). Here, the term "hole" is understood to mean an elongated, hole-like groove, but can also be made on a rolling element using a drill.

[0021] The electronic component may include a wireless data transmission module, such as a radio module or a Bluetooth module, for wirelessly transmitting the sensor data to an external memory and / or an evaluation unit. The data transmission module may be powered by a power source arranged on the rolling element, in particular by the generator, and may optionally include an intermediate storage device for storing the energy generated thereby.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, the electronic component may further comprise another data transmission interface for transmitting sensor data, such as a USB interface.

[0023] Regardless of the specific configuration, in another advantageous refinement of the present invention, the data transmission module can be integrated on or in the circuit board, for example, via an integrated circuit or an integrated antenna. Alternatively, the data transmission module can also be installed or placed on the circuit board as an additional or independent component.

[0024] Regardless of the configuration of the data transmission module, the electronic component may be arranged such that the electronic component rotates together with the rolling element at the end face of which the electronic component is fixed.

[0025] The generator component that rotates with the rolling elements can be attached to the end face of the rolling elements opposite the electronic components. This component can be, for example, one or more generator coils that can interact with vertically arranged permanent magnets, for example, attached to a cage. However, an opposite arrangement is also conceivable, i.e., the magnets can be arranged on the rolling elements, while one or more coils can be arranged vertically, for example, on the stator.

[0026] In a further refinement of the present invention, the generator may include a power generation circuit board provided with one or more coils. The power generation circuit board (sometimes also referred to as a power board) may be fixed to an end face of the rolling element in a plane transverse to the rotation axis of the rolling element, particularly in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rolling element. The power generation circuit board rotates together with the rolling element.

[0027] In a further development of the present invention, the energy indicator may also comprise a plurality of generator circuit boards, which may be arranged one above the other, for example, may be stacked in particular in the axial direction of the rolling elements.

[0028] Advantageously, the generator circuit board can be constructed in an annular manner or define an annular envelope contour and be inserted into an annular groove in the end face of the rolling element, wherein the generator circuit board can be embedded or positioned in the annular groove in a surface-flush manner so that the generator circuit board does not protrude beyond the end face of the rolling element.

[0029] When using such a ring generator circuit board, guide pins, shaft stubs, or axle pins, which can be connected to a bearing cage or a rolling element spacer, can be inserted through the generator circuit board and engage in holes in the rolling elements. These holes can be designed as blind holes, in particular through holes. In this way, the holes do not necessarily need to be drilled but can be produced by other means, such as by etching or laser cutting.

[0030] However, the one or more generator circuit boards do not have to be annular, but can be designed, for example, as a closed disk. The holes through the rolling elements can also be covered; in the case of one or more eccentrically positioned through-holes, the generator circuit board can also be realized by an annular generator circuit board.

[0031] As an alternative to a bearing cage having a protruding stub that engages in the holes of the rolling elements, the bearing cage may also include a cage pocket into which the rolling elements engage to be guided by the cage. This configuration having a cage pocket and rolling elements engaged in the cage pocket is particularly suitable for situations where the rolling element holes are enclosed by a generator circuit board (or also a circuit board for an electronic component), but it can also be used when a ring-shaped generator circuit board or a ring-shaped circuit board for an electronic component is provided.

[0032] In a further refinement of the present invention, the generator's magnets can be positioned opposite the end faces of the generator's circuit board, for example, on cages or spacers extending along the end faces of the rolling elements. By arranging the generator's coils and magnets directly opposite each other at the end faces, higher power generation efficiency can be achieved even with relatively weak or small magnets. This also allows for a more compact design.

[0033] Alternatively or in addition to such magnets arranged opposite the end faces, the generator may further include magnets arranged radially inside the generator coils, in particular inside rolling element holes formed at the end faces of the rolling elements.

[0034] In particular, such a radially inner-positioned magnet can be fixed to a guide pin, a shaft stub or a shaft pin which is connected to a cage or a spacer and can engage in an end face of a rolling element.

[0035] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the generator can be constructed as a claw-pole generator, in which a rotor with n pole pairs rotates within a two-part stator. This two-part stator can include 2×n claws or yokes, where, at a given stator position, all the rotor's magnetic north poles act on one yoke, while all the rotor's magnetic south poles act on the other yoke. In a claw-pole generator, the magnetic flux is generated by the sum of the magnetic fields between all magnetic dipoles and passes through the toroidal coil in this summed form. This results in a large alternating magnetic field in the coil relative to its size, resulting in good energy output.

[0036] In particular, the rotor of such a claw-pole generator can be fastened to the end faces of the rolling elements, while the two-part stator can be fastened to a bearing cage or a spacer for the rolling elements.

[0037] Bearings can be configured in various ways with regard to sensor systems, for example with multiple sensors or sensor elements to detect different operating parameters. However, depending on the monitoring required, just one sensor may be sufficient to detect a single operating variable.

[0038] In particular, the at least one sensor is accommodated in a central hole or a central hole-like recess in the rolling element, wherein the sensor can be completely surrounded on the circumferential side by the material of the rolling element and / or can be accommodated in the rolling element without axial protrusion.

[0039] In particular, in a further development of the invention, the sensor can be arranged to rotate together with the rolling element.

[0040] Advantageously, the sensor can be inserted into the rolling element bore with an exact fit on the circumferential side, in particular so that deformations and / or radial loads of the rolling element can act on the sensor.

[0041] In particular, the sensor can be pressed into the rolling element or fixed in the rolling element bore with an interference fit. This interference fit not only transmits the deformation and load of the rolling element directly to the sensor, but also ensures sensitive sensing of other operating parameters such as temperature or vibration.

[0042] As an alternative to pressing in, the sensor can also be potted, for example using a heat-transmitting and / or force- and / or shock-transmitting material, depending on which measured variables the at least one sensor is to detect.

[0043] Advantageously, the sensor can be designed to operate in a resistive manner, but other sensor principles can also be used in principle, for example, piezoelectric sensors or capacitive sensors.

[0044] For example, one or more strain gauges can be used as sensors, placed in the grooves within the rolling element. Specifically, the one or more strain gauges are mounted (e.g., bonded) to the inner circumferential wall defining the hole or groove within the rolling element. Such strain gauges can supplement or replace the aforementioned press-in sensors, making them easier to install and making the through-holes easier to manufacture with respect to dimensional tolerances.

[0045] In an advantageous further development, multiple strain gauges may be distributed over the axial length of the inner groove or provided at different axial positions in order to obtain deformation information of the rolling element in different axial sections. Alternatively or additionally, multiple strain gauges may be provided at a single axial position, in particular distributed circumferentially on the inner wall of the through-hole or groove.

[0046] By using multiple distributed strain gauges, non-uniform or more complex deformations of the rolling element can also be accurately characterized or detected by the sensor.

[0047] At least one of the following sensors can be integrated into the rolling element or mounted on the rolling element in the described manner: a vibration sensor, a rotation angle sensor, an angular position sensor, a rolling element load sensor, a shape sensor for detecting load-induced compression of the rolling element and / or ovalization of the rolling element, a temperature sensor, a deformation sensor, an acceleration sensor, a rotation speed sensor and an inertial measurement unit IMU, as well as a magnetometer for measuring magnetic field strength. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0049] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view showing a rolling bearing with measuring rolling elements according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,

[0050] Figure 2 A schematic exploded perspective view of a claw-pole generator for generating electricity in a rolling element of a rolling bearing, and

[0051] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a rolling bearing according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown, illustrating rolling elements and a cage surrounding the rolling elements, wherein an energy storage device and a sensor in the form of a strain gauge are further provided inside the rolling elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, the rolling bearing 1 may include two concentrically arranged bearing rings 2, 3 that are rotatable relative to each other. In particular, the rolling bearing 1 may be configured as a hollow large rolling bearing with a diameter exceeding half a meter or more than one meter.

[0053] like Figure 1 As further shown, the bearing rings 2 and 3 can be supported against one another by only a single bearing row 4, wherein a plurality of bearing rows can be provided to support the bearing rings 2 and 3 against one another. The one or more bearing rows 4 can include axial bearings or radial bearings. Alternatively or additionally, a bearing row 4 can also be provided that is capable of transmitting both axial and radial forces, for example in the form of a tapered roller bearing or an angular contact roller bearing with inclined cylindrical rollers.

[0054] The at least one bearing row 4 includes a plurality of rolling elements 5, each rolling element 5 rolling on a raceway on the bearing rings 2, 3, thereby supporting the bearing rings 2, 3 against each other. The cage 14 can keep the rolling elements 5 at a certain distance or guide them relative to each other, wherein the cage 14 can include a cage portion 14a extending along the end surface of the rolling element 5 on one side or both sides, see Figure 1 In particular, the above-mentioned cage portion 14 a may form a cage ring extending along the inside and outside of the rolling elements 5 .

[0055] like Figure 1 As further shown, the bearing cage 14 can include a cage shaft 15 in the form of a stub, which can engage at its end face into the rolling element bore 13 to guide the rolling elements 5. The cage shaft 15 in the form of a stub 15a can be fixed to the cage part 14a, see Figure 1 .

[0056] The rolling elements 5 may comprise cylindrical rollers, tapered rollers, barrel rollers or balls, wherein, if there are multiple bearing rows, multiple types of these rolling elements may be provided in the rolling bearing 1. If balls are provided, the term "end faces" refers to the two opposite sides of the balls on which the cage elements 14a or the shaft heads 15a are located and / or on which the virtual axis of rotation 11 of the rolling element 5 projects from the respective balls. However, in particular, as Figure 1 As shown, cylindrical, conical or spherical rolling elements 5 can be provided.

[0057] Said hole 13 passing through the rolling element 5 may be a through hole passing through the entire rolling element and may be arranged in a coaxial manner with the axis of rotation 11 of the rolling element.

[0058] The rolling element 5 is configured as a measuring rolling element and has an integrated sensor system comprising at least one sensor 6, which can be accommodated in the aforementioned hole 13. In particular, the aforementioned sensor 6 can be pressed into the hole 13 so that the hole wall tightly surrounds the outer wall of the sensor, so that the deformation or ovalization of the rolling element 5 is transmitted to the sensor 6 or can be measured by the sensor 6.

[0059] Independently of this, the sensor 6 can in particular be designed to operate in a resistive manner.

[0060] The sensor 6 may be arranged between an energy generator, for example in the form of a generator 7 , and electronic components 8 for storing and transmitting sensor data, wherein the energy generator and the electronic components may be arranged at opposite end faces of the sensor 6 .

[0061] like Figure 1As shown, the electronic component 8 can be arranged outside the hole 13 , in particular at an end face of the rolling element 5 .

[0062] The electronic component 8 can advantageously comprise a circuit board 10 which can be of annular configuration and can be positioned around the aforementioned hole 13 at the end face of the rolling element.

[0063] The end face of the rolling element may advantageously include an annular groove at its end face, and the annular circuit board 10 may be arranged to be embedded in the annular groove so that the electronic component 8 does not protrude beyond the end face of the rolling element 5 .

[0064] A data transmission module, for example in the form of a radio or Bluetooth module, can be provided on the circuit board 10. Alternatively or additionally, a USB interface, for example in the form of a magnetic USB interface, can also be provided so that a magnetic USB cable 20 can be connected to the circuit board 10 in terms of signal technology.

[0065] The circuit board 10 may also include a storage module in which the sensor data collected by the sensor 6 can be stored or temporarily stored and then transmitted via a data transmission module to the external evaluation unit 9. The evaluation unit 9 may be an electronic computing unit comprising a processor, a program memory and a working memory in order to be able to execute evaluation routines, for example in the form of stored software.

[0066] like Figure 1 As shown, the electronic module 8 located outside the rolling element 5 can be connected to the sensor 6 via a data line to receive or query the sensor signal. In addition, the electronic module 8 can also be connected to an energy generator (such as a generator 7) via a power supply line to be powered by the energy generator.

[0067] The energy generator also supplies power to a sensor 6 which may be connected to the energy generator via another power line.

[0068] Although Figure 1 This is not explicitly shown, but an intermediate storage device for temporarily storing the generated electrical energy can also be provided between the energy generator and the component to be powered (e.g. the sensor 6 and / or the electronic module 8), for example in the form of a battery or accumulator and / or a capacitor, which can also be arranged inside the rolling element 5.

[0069] like Figure 1 As further shown, the generator 7 can be arranged at the end face of the rolling element 5 opposite to the electronic component 8, wherein a generator circuit board 17 similar to the circuit board 10 of the electronic component 8 can be constructed in an annular shape and can be arranged to be embedded in the annular groove 18 at the end face of the rolling element 5, so that the generator circuit board 1 does not protrude beyond the end face of the rolling element.

[0070] The generator circuit board 17 may include one or more coils that may cooperate with the permanent magnets 19 .

[0071] The permanent magnet 19 can be arranged opposite the end face of the generator circuit board 17, in particular fixed to the holder 14. Advantageously, the magnet 19 can be arranged on a pitch circle whose diameter substantially corresponds to the pitch circle on which the coil of the generator circuit board 17 is located. In other words, the coil and the permanent magnet 19 can be arranged at approximately the same distance from the rotation axis 11 and directly opposite each other at the end face, see Figure 1 .

[0072] Alternatively or additionally, permanent magnets 19 may also be arranged radially within the generator circuit board 17 to induce current in the coil of the generator circuit board 17. For example, the magnet 19 may be arranged on one of the shaft heads 15a of the bearing holder 14 and positioned so as to be embedded in the hole 13, see Figure 1 .

[0073] According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the energy generator can also comprise a claw pole generator (Klauenpolgenerator), see Figure 2 .

[0074] The claw-pole generator can also advantageously be positioned at an end face of the rolling element 5 , in particular at an end face opposite the electronic component 8 .

[0075] As mentioned above, the rotor of this claw-pole generator can rotate with n pole pairs in a two-part stator, see Figure 2 .

[0076] A two-part stator can consist of 2 x n claws or yokes. At a given stator position, all the rotor's magnetic north poles act on one yoke, while all the rotor's magnetic south poles act on the other. In a claw-pole generator, the magnetic flux is generated by the sum of the magnetic fields between all the magnetic dipoles and conducted through the toroidal coil in this summed form. This results in a large alternating magnetic field relative to the coil size, resulting in good energy output.

[0077] In particular, the rotor of such a claw-pole generator can be fastened to the end faces of the rolling elements, while the two-part stator can be fastened to a bearing cage or to spacers for the rolling elements.

[0078] like Figure 3 As shown, the energy storage device 21 can also be accommodated inside the rolling element 5, wherein the energy storage device 21 can be positioned, for example, centrally in the rolling element hole 13 or approximately in the middle. This is advantageous when the energy storage device 21 is relatively heavy compared to other components.

[0079] Advantageously, a lithium polymer battery can be provided as the energy storage device, although other batteries or rechargeable energy storage devices can also be used in principle.

[0080] like Figure 3 As further shown, in addition to the at least one sensor 6, the energy storage device 21 is also accommodated inside the rolling element 5. Regardless of the use of the energy storage device 21, a strain gauge can be provided as the sensor 6, wherein advantageously, a plurality of strain gauges can also be accommodated in the rolling element 5, wherein these strain gauges can advantageously be fixed (in particular, adhesively bonded) to the inner peripheral wall of the rolling bearing bore 13.

[0081] In order to be able to detect uneven or more complex deformations of the rolling element 5, it is advantageous if a plurality of strain gauges are distributed over the axial length of the hole 13 or are arranged at a plurality of axial positions, see Figure 3 Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of strain gauges can also be arranged at one axial position, in particular distributed in the circumferential direction, and bonded to the hole wall.

[0082] like Figure 3 As further shown, the circuit board 10 of the electronic component 8 can also be constructed as a continuous disk and / or an end face that closes the rolling element hole 13. Independently of this, the circuit board 10 can also be embedded and accommodated in the end face groove of the rolling element 5, see Figure 3 .

[0083] Independently of this, a foil antenna can be provided on the aforementioned circuit board 10 as the data transmission module 16. As mentioned above, the data transmission module can also be integrated into the circuit board 10.

[0084] like Figure 3 As further shown, the generator 7 can include a plurality of generator circuit boards 17, which can be arranged to be stacked together. Independently of this, the at least one generator circuit board 17 can also be configured as a closed or non-annular shape, such as Figure 3 shown.

[0085] The end faces of the rolling element holes 13 may be closed by the one or more generator circuit boards, see Figure 3 The one or more generator circuit boards are advantageously arranged to be embedded in the end face grooves of the rolling elements, see Figure 3 .

[0086] In a further development of the invention, the magnet 19 cooperating with the generator circuit board or circuit boards 17 can be positioned or mounted in a component made of non-ferromagnetic material, which component can be designed in the form of a disk, for example. Independently of this, the component fixed to the magnet 19 can be firmly connected to the cage 14, wherein the component is positioned opposite the end face of the rolling element, see Figure 3 .

[0087] As can be seen from the figure, the rolling bearing 1 is particularly characterized by the following aspects:

[0088] In one aspect, the energy generator 7 and the electronic components 8 for transmitting sensor data are arranged on opposite axial ends of the rolling elements 5 .

[0089] In another aspect, the electronic component 8 comprises a circuit board 10 for data storage and / or transmission, which is arranged at an end face of said rolling element 5 in a plane transverse to the axis of rotation 11 of the rolling element 5 .

[0090] In another aspect, the circuit board 10 is annular and / or defines an annular envelope contour, wherein the circuit board 10 is embedded in an annular groove 12 in the end face of the rolling element 5 and / or is inserted in a surface-flush manner.

[0091] In another aspect, the rolling element 5 comprises a hole 13 passing through the circuit board 10 in a coaxial manner with the rolling element rotation axis 11 .

[0092] In another aspect, the bearing cage 14 comprises a cage shaft 15 which engages in the end faces of the rolling elements 5 and / or passes through the rolling elements and passes through said circuit board 10 .

[0093] In another aspect, the electronic component 8 is arranged to rotate together with the rolling element 5 .

[0094] In another aspect, said electronic component 8 comprises a wireless data transmission module 16 , in particular a radio and / or Bluetooth transmission module.

[0095] In another aspect, the at least one sensor 6 is located in the central hole 13 in the rolling element 5 .

[0096] In another aspect, the at least one sensor 6 is arranged to rotate together with the rolling element 5 .

[0097] In another aspect, the at least one sensor 6 is located in the rolling element 5 with an exact fit on the circumferential side, so that deformations and / or vibrations of the rolling element 5 are directly transmitted to the sensor 6 .

[0098] - In another aspect, the at least one sensor 6 is pressed into the rolling element 5 and / or is retained in the rolling element 5 by an interference fit.

[0099] - In another aspect, the at least one sensor 6 comprises at least one of the following sensor elements: a vibration sensor, a rotation angle sensor, an angular position sensor, a rolling element load sensor, a shape sensor for detecting load-induced rolling element compression and / or rolling element ovalization, a temperature sensor, a deformation sensor, an acceleration sensor, a rotation speed sensor and an inertial measurement unit IMU and a magnetometer for measuring magnetic field strength.

[0100] In another aspect, the sensor 6 is configured to operate in a resistive manner.

[0101] In another aspect, the energy generator comprises a generator circuit board with one or more coils, which is arranged at the end faces of said rolling elements 5 in a plane transverse to the axis of rotation 11 of the rolling elements 5 .

[0102] In another aspect, the generator circuit board 17 is annular and / or defines an annular envelope contour, wherein the generator circuit board 17 is embedded in an end face (in particular annular) groove 18 in the end face of the rolling element 5 and / or is accommodated in a surface-flush manner.

[0103] - In another aspect, the rolling element 5 comprises a hole 13 passing through the generator circuit board 17 in a coaxial manner with the axis of rotation 11 of the rolling element.

[0104] In another aspect, the bearing cage 14 comprises a cage shaft 15 which engages in the end faces of the rolling elements 5 and / or passes through the rolling elements and passes through said generator circuit board 17 .

[0105] In another aspect, the energy generator comprises permanent magnets 19 arranged radially along said cage axis 15 within the generator coils.

[0106] - In another aspect, the energy generation comprises permanent magnets 19 arranged opposite the end faces of the rolling elements 5 and / or at a distance from the axis of rotation 11 of the rolling elements that is substantially equal to the distance of the generator coils from the axis of rotation 11 of the rolling elements.

[0107] - In another aspect, the energy generator comprises a claw pole generator.

Claims

1. A rolling bearing, in particular a large hollow rolling bearing, comprising two concentric bearing rings (2, 3) capable of rotating relative to each other, at least one bearing row (4) comprising rolling elements (5) being arranged between the two concentric bearing rings, wherein: At least one of the rolling elements (5) is provided with at least one sensor (6) for detecting at least one operating parameter, an energy generator, in particular a generator (7), for supplying power to the sensor (6), and an electronic component (8) for transmitting the data of the sensor to an external evaluation and / or storage unit (9), characterized in that the energy generator (7) and the electronic component (8) for transmitting the data of the sensor are arranged at opposite axial ends of the rolling element (5).

2. Rolling bearing according to the preceding claim, wherein The electronic component (8) comprises a circuit board (10) for data storage and / or transmission, which is arranged at the end face of the rolling element (5) in a plane transverse to the rotation axis (11) of the rolling element (5).

3. Rolling bearing according to the preceding claim, wherein The circuit board (10) is annular in shape and / or defines an annular envelope contour, wherein the circuit board (10) is embedded and / or inserted in a surface-flush manner into an annular groove (12) in the end face of the rolling element (5).

4. Rolling bearing according to the preceding claim, wherein The rolling element (5) comprises a hole (13) passing through the circuit board (10) in a coaxial manner with the axis of rotation (11) of the rolling element.

5. The rolling bearing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The rolling element (5) comprises a hole (13) which is configured coaxially with the axis of rotation (11) of the rolling element and is covered at the end face by at least one circuit board (8, 17).

6. Rolling bearing according to any of the two preceding claims, wherein The bearing cage (14) comprises a cage shaft (15) which engages in the end faces of the rolling elements (5) and / or passes through the rolling elements and passes through the circuit board (10).

7. A rolling bearing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The electronic component (8) is arranged to rotate together with the rolling element (5).

8. A rolling bearing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The electronic component (8) comprises a wirelessly operated data transmission module (16), in particular a radio and / or Bluetooth transmission module.

9. A rolling bearing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The data transmission module (16) is integrated into one of the electronic components (8) or the printed circuit board (10) or is arranged flat thereon as a separate component.

10. A rolling bearing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The at least one sensor (6) is located in a central hole (13) in the rolling element (5).

11. A rolling bearing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one sensor (6) is arranged to rotate together with the rolling element (5).

12. A rolling bearing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one sensor (6) is located in the rolling element (5) with an exact fit on the circumferential side, so that deformations and / or vibrations of the rolling element (5) are directly transmitted to the sensor (6).

13. A rolling bearing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one sensor (6) is pressed into the rolling element (5) and / or is held in the rolling element (5) by an interference fit.

14. The rolling bearing according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The at least one sensor (6) comprises a strain gauge, which is housed inside the rolling element (5), in particular bonded to the inner peripheral wall of the rolling element (5).

15. Rolling bearing according to the preceding claim, wherein A plurality of strain gauges are arranged at different axial positions in the hole of the rolling element or inside the hole (13) and distributed along the longitudinal direction of the hole, and / or a plurality of strain gauges are arranged at one axial position and distributed along the circumference of the hole.

16. A rolling bearing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The at least one sensor (6) comprises at least one of the following sensor elements: a vibration sensor, a rotation angle sensor, an angular position sensor, a rolling element load sensor, a shape sensor for detecting compression of the rolling element and / or ovalization of the rolling element caused by load, a temperature sensor, a deformation sensor, an acceleration sensor, a rotation speed sensor and an inertial measurement unit IMU and a magnetometer for measuring magnetic field strength.

17. A rolling bearing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The sensor (6) is configured to operate in a resistive manner.

18. A rolling bearing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The electronic component (8) is configured to detect a measured variable of the at least one sensor (6) on board the aircraft.

19. A rolling bearing according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The energy generator comprises at least one generator circuit board (17) with one or more coils, which is arranged at the end face of the rolling element (5) in a plane transverse to the rotation axis (11) of the rolling element (5).

20. A rolling bearing according to any preceding claim, wherein A plurality of generator circuit boards (17) are arranged to be stacked one on top of the other.

21. Rolling bearing according to the preceding claim, wherein The generator circuit board (17) is annular in design and / or defines an annular envelope contour, wherein the generator circuit board (17) is embedded or accommodated flush with the surface in an in particular annular end face groove (18) in the end face of the rolling element (5).

22. Rolling bearing according to the preceding claim, wherein The rolling element (5) comprises a hole (13) passing through the generator circuit board (17) in a coaxial manner with the axis of rotation (11) of the rolling element.

23. A rolling bearing according to any one of the preceding claims 19 to 21, wherein The rolling element (5) has a hole (13) which is configured coaxially with the rolling element rotation axis (11) and is closed or covered at the end face by the at least one generator circuit board (17).

24. Rolling bearing according to any of the two preceding claims, wherein The bearing cage (14) comprises a cage shaft (15) which engages in the end faces of the rolling elements (5) and / or passes through the rolling elements and passes through the generator circuit board (17).

25. Rolling bearing according to the preceding claim, wherein The energy generator comprises permanent magnets (19) which are arranged radially along the cage axis (15) within the generator coil.

26. The rolling bearing according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein The bearing cage (14) comprises cage pockets, in which the rolling elements (5) engage and through which they are guided.

27. A rolling bearing according to any preceding claim, wherein: The energy generator comprises a permanent magnet (19) which is arranged opposite to an end face of the rolling element (5) and / or is arranged at a distance from the rotation axis (11) of the rolling element that is substantially equal to the distance of the generator coil from the rotation axis (11) of the rolling element.

28. Rolling bearing according to the preceding claim, wherein The magnet (19) is arranged or mounted in or on a support component made of a non-ferromagnetic material, which is fixedly connected to the bearing cage (14).

29. A rolling bearing according to any preceding claim, wherein: The energy generator includes a claw-pole generator.

30. A rolling bearing according to any preceding claim, wherein An energy storage device is housed inside the rolling element (5), preferably in the form of one or more lithium polymer batteries.

31. A rolling bearing according to any preceding claim, wherein: The hole (13) of the rolling element and / or the end face groove on the rolling element (5) are cast and / or foamed with casting and / or foaming materials to protect and / or position the components accommodated therein.

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