Rolling element for a rolling bearing, rolling bearing and bearing assembly

Abstract

This invention relates to rolling elements for rolling bearings, rolling bearings, and bearing assemblies. The rolling element (100) includes: a rolling element body (11) having a receiving space; a wireless power supply module for generating electrical energy based on the movement of the rolling element; and a controller function module (16) for monitoring at least one physical operating parameter, wherein the wireless power supply module and the controller function module are arranged adjacent to each other within the receiving space along the axial direction of the rolling element and are electrically connected to each other, wherein the wireless power supply module includes a generator (12) having a first component (121) and a second component (122) arranged coaxially and rotatable relative to each other, the first component being fixed relative to the rolling element body, and the second component having a mass block (14) arranged offset from the rotation axis of the generator. The rolling bearing includes an inner ring (200), an outer ring (300), and the aforementioned rolling element. The bearing assembly includes the aforementioned rolling bearing and a signal receiving and transmitting device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of rolling bearing technology, and more particularly to the field of rolling bearing testing technology. Specifically, this invention relates to a rolling element for a rolling bearing, a rolling bearing itself, and a bearing assembly. Background Technology

[0002] In traditional bearing monitoring, sensors are placed on the outer surface of the bearing housing connected to the bearing or on the outer casing of the entire equipment containing the bearing to monitor various operating parameters of the bearing during operation, such as load, temperature, and vibration. In other words, traditional technology uses operating condition information close to the bearing under test to represent the actual operating condition of the bearing. For example, in actual monitoring, changes in physical quantities at the bearing housing or equipment casing can be measured to estimate the bearing's operating state. However, when the bearing located inside the equipment is far from the vibration sensor located on the equipment casing, or when the rigid connection is poor, the load, temperature, and vibration signals that the sensor measures on the casing to characterize the bearing condition will be significantly attenuated, or even invalid. For example, in planetary gear reducers, there is no direct connection between the bearing located on the planetary gears and the gearbox casing, making it impossible to obtain the true condition of the bearing from the operating parameters measured on the casing. When it is necessary to install sensors inside the planetary gear reducer, since the planetary gears and planet carriers are rotating, there is no ideal installation position for the sensors. In this case, traditional technology cannot effectively detect the bearing's condition.

[0003] To address this, a solution has emerged that integrates rolling elements with wireless sensors, aiming to directly measure the operating parameters inside the bearing.

[0004] For example, Chinese patent document CN 107542757 A discloses a battery-driven load measurement sensor bearing. However, in this solution, limited by the battery's energy, the sensor can only monitor the operating condition of the rolling bearing for a short period of time.

[0005] For example, Chinese patent document CN 115370664 A discloses a self-powered bearing for generating electricity using piezoelectric ceramics. In this design, the deformation of the piezoelectric ceramic required to provide electrical energy is achieved by the deformation of the rolling elements; in other words, to enable the piezoelectric ceramic to generate electricity, the piezoelectric ceramic material must be forced to deform, otherwise sufficient electrical energy cannot be generated. However, the rolling elements must have sufficient load-bearing capacity to fulfill the basic function of bearing the load, and the stiffness cannot be designed too small to accommodate large deformations. Under such design requirements, the electrical energy generated by the piezoelectric ceramic is very small, and functionally insufficient to complete the subsequent measurement and communication tasks. Therefore, for the structure described in this document, whether sacrificing the stiffness of the rolling elements and the overall lifespan of the bearing to allow the piezoelectric ceramic to provide more electrical energy to better meet measurement needs, or sacrificing power generation capacity to more effectively meet the required bearing lifespan, the underlying mechanism of power generation is contradictory and irreconcilable. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a rolling bearing monitoring scheme, which enables the measurement of various internal operating parameters of the bearing during its operation.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, the above objective is achieved by a rolling element for a rolling bearing. The rolling element comprises: a rolling element body having a receiving space; a wireless power supply module for generating electrical energy based on the motion of the rolling element; and a controller function module for monitoring at least one physical operating parameter, wherein the wireless power supply module and the controller function module are disposed adjacent to each other within the receiving space along the axial direction of the rolling element, and the wireless power supply module is electrically connected to the controller function module, wherein the wireless power supply module includes a generator having a first component and a second component arranged coaxially and rotatable relative to each other, the first component being fixed relative to the rolling element body, and the second component having a mass block disposed offset from the rotation axis of the generator.

[0008] In some preferred embodiments, the wireless power supply module further includes a connector, which is generally rod-shaped and extends along the axial direction of the rolling element. The connector is arranged on the axial end side of the generator's back-to-controller functional module, and the connector is connected to the second component and the mass block at its two axial ends, respectively.

[0009] In some preferred embodiments, the wireless power supply module further includes a base that surrounds the first component and fixes the first component to the inner wall of the rolling body.

[0010] In some preferred embodiments, the controller functional module includes:

[0011] Control unit, configured to plan system operation and hibernation / intermittent mechanisms;

[0012] A power supply management unit, configured for energy management;

[0013] Sensor unit, configured to measure at least one physical condition parameter; and

[0014] A wireless transmission unit is configured to establish wireless communication with a host computer outside the rolling body for data transmission and / or the reception and feedback of commands.

[0015] Preferably, the sensor unit includes a strain load ring, wherein the strain load ring is generally annular and includes a fixed section and a measuring section distributed adjacent to each other along the axial direction, wherein the fixed section has a cylindrical or frustum-shaped outer peripheral contour and is fixedly installed in the receiving space by a tight fit, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the measuring section has a plane distributed along the circumferential direction, the plane extends tangentially along the rolling element, and strain gauges are disposed on the plane.

[0016] Preferably, the sensor unit includes a temperature sensor and / or a MEMS sensor.

[0017] Preferably, the wireless transmission unit is configured to conduct wireless communication via the Bluetooth protocol.

[0018] In some preferred embodiments, the rolling element further includes an end cap that encloses the receiving space formed by the rolling element body on the axial end side where the wireless power supply module is provided; and / or, the rolling element further includes a non-metallic filler that encloses the receiving space formed by the rolling element body on the axial end side where the controller function module is provided.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the invention, the above-mentioned objective is achieved by a rolling bearing. The rolling bearing includes: an inner ring; an outer ring; and at least one rolling element according to the above embodiment, wherein the rolling element is arranged radially between the inner ring and the outer ring.

[0020] According to a third aspect of the invention, the above-mentioned objective is achieved by a bearing assembly. The bearing assembly includes a rolling bearing according to the above-described embodiment; and a signal receiving and transmitting device located outside the rolling bearing, for wirelessly receiving signals emitted from rolling elements located within the rolling bearing and for transmitting signals to the rolling elements.

[0021] By means of the embodiments of the present invention, the rolling elements of the rolling bearing are transformed into mechatronic composite rolling elements, and the rolling bearing is implemented as a completely new sensor bearing. Here, the original functions of the rolling bearing, such as support and power transmission, can be maintained, while also enabling the measurement of various operating parameters during the operation of the rolling bearing, such as load, temperature and vibration, as well as the self-powering of the internal system required for its own measurement and the completion of wireless signal transmission to the outside of the bearing. In particular, the composite rolling element provided by the embodiments of the present invention can achieve the following advantages: (i) The composite rolling element provides both sensing and measurement functions and is also a component of the bearing itself, directly reflecting the physical conditions such as the load on the bearing itself, and is not limited by the measurement limitations of traditional technology due to the complex connection structure between the sensor and the bearing being measured; (ii) The self-powered composite rolling element can generate electricity continuously for a long time, and can serve for a longer time in the acquisition and monitoring of operating condition signals compared with the integrated battery system; (iii) The generator integrated in the self-powered rolling element has a small internal resistance and can generate a large power current, so that the integrated sensing system can obtain a stable power supply, the measurement interval is shorter, and the real-time performance of capturing operating condition signals is stronger; (iv) The generator in the self-powered rolling element can use existing power supply devices, which are technically mature, highly reliable, low in cost, highly practical, and easy to mass-produce. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The features, advantages and technical effects of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a rolling bearing according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is an axial sectional view of a rolling element according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0025] Figure 3 It is by Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the strain load loop of the controller function module in the rolling element. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Figure 1 A perspective view of a rolling bearing according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 As shown, the rolling bearing includes an inner ring 200, an outer ring 300, and rolling elements arranged radially between the inner ring 200 and the outer ring 300. The rolling bearing also includes a cage (not shown). Here, the rolling elements comprise one, two, or more composite rolling elements 100 according to embodiments of the present invention, integrating wireless passive measurement functionality and load-bearing functionality.

[0027] exist Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, two composite rolling elements 100 are arranged among the rolling elements of the rolling bearing. Preferably, the two composite rolling elements 100, or in other embodiments, more than two composite rolling elements 100, are evenly distributed along the circumference of the rolling bearing, thereby covering a larger measurement area, such as the load measurement area. In other embodiments, the rolling bearing uses only composite rolling elements 100, i.e., no traditional rolling elements are used, thereby enabling comprehensive monitoring of the bearing's operating status.

[0028] Figure 2 An axial sectional view of a composite rolling element 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0029] The rolling element 100 includes a rolling element body 11, a wireless power supply module, and a controller function module 16.

[0030] refer to Figure 2 The rolling element body 11 is made of steel. In this example, the rolling element body 11 has the basic structure of a cylindrical roller, particularly its outer contour; however, in other embodiments, the rolling element body 11 may also have a tapered roller, a drum roller, or any other known type of rolling element structure with a defined axis of rotation. It should be noted that, within the scope of this document, unless otherwise stated, the terms "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" refer to the axis of rotation of the rolling element 100, or the rolling element body 11. Specifically, "axial" is the direction of the aforementioned axis of rotation or a direction parallel to the aforementioned axis of rotation. "Radial" is a direction perpendicular to and intersecting the aforementioned axis of rotation. "Circumferential" is a direction around the aforementioned axis of rotation.

[0031] refer to Figure 2 The rolling element body 11 is preferably made of steel and includes an axially extending cavity that forms a receiving space. In this embodiment, the cavity is integrally constructed as a cylindrical cavity, wherein the central axis of the cylindrical cavity coincides with the rotation axis of the rolling element body 11. Those skilled in the art will understand that the degree of hollowness of the cavity needs to be determined based on the bearing size and its required load-bearing capacity.

[0032] The wireless power supply module and the controller function module 16 are arranged adjacent to each other along the axial direction of the rolling element 100 within the receiving space formed by the rolling element body 11. The wireless power supply module and the controller function module 16 are electrically connected here by means of electrodes 17.

[0033] refer to Figure 2The rolling element 100 also includes an end cap 19, preferably made of metal, which closes the receiving space formed by the rolling element body 11 at the axial end where the wireless power supply module is located. Here, the receiving space is closed at the axial end, for example, by welding the metal end cap 19. The rolling element 100 also includes a non-metallic filler, such as a potting compound, which closes the receiving space formed by the rolling element body 11 at the axial end where the controller function module 16 is located. Here, potting compound can be used to make the controller function module 16 a stable whole, thereby ensuring the stability of the electronic components and circuits in the controller function module 16. Wireless signals can freely pass through the non-metallic filler, thereby meeting the requirements for wireless signal transmission and reception. Preferably, a potting compound stop ring 18 is provided at the opening at the axial end of the receiving space where the controller function module 16 is located.

[0034] The wireless power supply module is used to generate electrical energy based on the motion of the rolling body 100. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the wireless power supply module includes a miniature generator 12. The generator 12 has a first component 121 and a second component 122. The first component 121 and the second component 122 are arranged coaxially with each other and are rotatable relative to each other. In this embodiment, the first component 121 is hollow, and the second component 122 is partially arranged radially inside the first component 121. Here, the generator 12 can utilize existing power supply devices, which are technologically mature, highly reliable, low-cost, practical, and easy to mass-produce. Here, the first component 121 is fixed relative to the rolling body 11 by means of a base 15. Specifically, the base 15 surrounds the first component 121 and fixes the first component 121 to the inner wall of the rolling body 11. The second component 122 is equipped with a mass block 14 arranged off-axis from the rotation axis of the generator 12, i.e., the common rotation axis of the first component 121 and the second component 122. In this embodiment, the wireless power supply module also includes a connector 13, which is generally rod-shaped and extends axially along the rolling body 100. Connector 13 is arranged on the axial end side of the generator 12 opposite to the controller function module 16, and connector 13 connects the second component 122 and the mass block 14 at both ends of the axial direction, respectively.

[0035] During the operation of the rolling bearing, the rolling element 100 reciprocates around the rotation axis of the rolling bearing while simultaneously rotating on its own axis. Here, through the oscillating system formed by the additional mass block 14 arranged in the second component 122 of the generator 12, the generator 12, based on the kinetic energy of the rolling element's rotation during the rolling bearing operation and the gravitational effect of the mass block, creates a speed difference between the second component 122 and the first component 121 of the generator 12. This causes the coil within the generator 12 to cut magnetic lines of force within the magnetic field during this relative rotational motion, thereby generating a voltage that fluctuates periodically. This electrical energy is stored and managed to provide intermittent power for subsequent sensing measurements. Here, because the generator 12 itself has very low internal resistance, the generated current is relatively large, and the output power of the generator 12 is also relatively large, thus meeting the power supply requirements of the sensing system in the composite rolling element. Since the integrated sensing system can receive a stable power supply, the measurement interval is shorter, and the real-time capture of operating condition signals is stronger.

[0036] The controller function module 16 is used to monitor at least one physical operating parameter. Therefore, the controller function module 16 is preferably implemented using digital circuits and standardized chips, which ensures batch stability, system stability, and the reliability of sensor measurements. Functionally, the controller function module 16 includes a control unit, a power management unit, a sensor unit, and a wireless transmission unit.

[0037] The control unit is configured to plan the system's operation and hibernation mechanisms, ensuring sufficient power for periodic acquisition and storage of signals such as temperature, vibration, and load, establishment of communication with the host computer, data transmission, and command reception and feedback.

[0038] The power management unit is configured for energy management. This power management unit is equipped with energy storage functionality.

[0039] The sensor unit is configured to measure at least one physical condition parameter. In this embodiment, the sensor unit includes a strain load ring 161, a temperature sensor, and a MEMS sensor.

[0040] The strain load ring 161 is used to measure the load borne by the rolling element 100. The structure of the strain load ring 161 is shown in [reference needed]. Figure 3 A perspective view of strain load ring 161 is shown. (Reference) Figure 2 and Figure 3The strain load ring 161 is made of metal and is integrally annular. The strain load ring 161 includes a fixed section 1611 and a measuring section 1612 distributed adjacent to each other along the axial direction. The fixed section 1611 has a cylindrical outer peripheral profile and is fixedly mounted within a receiving space by a tight fit. Here, a glue-filled stop ring 18 can be arranged adjacent to the strain load ring 161 and additionally provides axial stopping for the strain load ring 161. The outer peripheral surface of the measuring section 1612 is constructed with a plane 1613 distributed along the circumferential direction, extending tangentially along the rolling element 100. The plane 1613 is formed, for example, by milling. Strain gauges 1614 are disposed on the plane 1613. In some embodiments, strain gauges can be adhered to the plane 1613. In other embodiments, the strain gauge can be constructed by first coating an insulating layer (such as aluminum oxide) onto the plane 1613, then coating it with a strain material, and finally obtaining the strain gauge by etching or machining. This design facilitates the mass industrial production of standardized stress measurement rings, eliminating the need for inefficient calibration of each strain structure. Furthermore, to achieve electrical connection with the strain gauge 1614, through-holes 1615 are constructed within the plane 1613, penetrating both the inner and outer radial sides of the strain load ring 161. The load borne by the rolling element 100 is transferred to the measuring section 1612 through the fixed section 1611 and measured by the strain gauge 1614 at the platform 1613. In this embodiment, the outer periphery of the fixed section 1611 is cylindrical, making it particularly suitable for cylindrical rollers, drum rollers, etc., primarily for measuring the radial load of bearings. In other embodiments, such as when the rolling elements are tapered rollers, the outer periphery of the fixed section is constructed as a frustum, i.e., a truncated cone, so that the radial and axial loads of the bearing can be measured; for this purpose, the cavity of the rolling element body needs to be constructed with a corresponding tapered inner profile.

[0041] A temperature sensor is used to measure the temperature of the rolling element 100. A MEMS sensor (microelectromechanical system sensor) is used to measure vibration-related physical parameters. Highly integrated and miniaturized standard MEMS sensors can be used here.

[0042] The wireless transmission unit is configured to establish wireless communication with a host computer outside the rolling element 100 for data transmission and / or command reception and feedback. Here, the wireless transmission unit is configured to communicate wirelessly via the Bluetooth protocol. In this embodiment, the high sampling rate and multi-channel capability ensure reliable and convenient data acquisition, capable of meeting tasks such as acquiring vibration, temperature, and multiple loads corresponding to multiple strain gauges 1614 on the strain load ring 161.

[0043] In some embodiments of the present invention, a bearing assembly is provided, comprising: a rolling bearing as described above and a signal receiving and transmitting device (not shown). The signal receiving and transmitting device can be a host computer or a component of a host computer. The signal receiving and transmitting device is located outside the rolling bearing, particularly outside the equipment containing the rolling bearing. The signal receiving and transmitting device is used to wirelessly receive signals emitted from the rolling element 100 located within the rolling bearing and to transmit signals to the rolling element 100. For example, the host computer can transmit data via a standard communication protocol (such as Bluetooth communication) to achieve external acquisition and display of monitoring signals.

[0044] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0045] List of reference numerals

[0046] 100 rolling elements

[0047] 200 Inner Circle

[0048] 300 outer ring

[0049] 11 Rolling body

[0050] 12 generators

[0051] 121 First Component

[0052] 122 Second Component

[0053] 13 Connectors

[0054] 14 mass blocks

[0055] 15. Base

[0056] 16 Controller Functional Modules

[0057] 161 Strain Loading Loop

[0058] 1611 Fixed Section

[0059] 1612 Measurement Section

[0060] 1613 Plane

[0061] 1614 strain gauge

[0062] 1615 Through Hole

[0063] 17 electrodes

[0064] 18. Glue-filled stop ring

[0065] 19 End Caps

Claims

1. A rolling element (100) for a rolling bearing, wherein, The rolling element (100) includes: The rolling body (11) has a receiving space; A wireless power supply module is used to generate electrical energy based on the motion of the rolling body (100); and The controller function module (16) is used to monitor at least one physical operating parameter. The wireless power supply module and the controller function module (16) are arranged adjacent to each other along the axial direction of the rolling body (100) within the receiving space, and the wireless power supply module is electrically connected to the controller function module (16). The wireless power supply module includes a generator (12), which has a first component (121) and a second component (122) arranged coaxially and rotatable relative to each other. The first component (121) is fixed relative to the rolling body (11), and the second component (122) is provided with a mass block (14) arranged off the axis of rotation of the generator (12).

2. The rolling element (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The wireless power supply module also includes a connector (13), which is a rod extending along the axial direction of the rolling body (100). The connector (13) is arranged on the axial end side of the generator (12) facing away from the controller function module (16), and the connector (13) is connected to the second component (122) and the mass block (14) at both ends of the axial direction.

3. The rolling element (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The wireless power supply module also includes a base (15), which surrounds the first component (121) and fixes the first component (121) to the inner wall of the rolling body (11).

4. The rolling element (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The controller functional module (16) includes: Control unit, configured to plan system operation and hibernation / intermittent mechanisms; A power supply management unit, configured for energy management; Sensor unit, configured to measure at least one physical condition parameter; and A wireless transmission unit configured to establish wireless communication with a host computer outside the rolling body (100) for data transmission and / or the reception and feedback of commands.

5. The rolling element (100) according to claim 4, wherein, The sensor unit includes a strain load ring (161), wherein the strain load ring (161) is generally ring-shaped and includes fixed sections (1611) and measuring sections (1612) distributed adjacently along the axial direction. The fixed section (1611) has a cylindrical or frustum-shaped outer periphery and is fixedly installed in the receiving space by a tight fit. The outer peripheral surface of the measurement section (1612) is constructed with a plane (1613) distributed along the circumferential direction. The plane (1613) extends tangentially along the rolling body (100), and strain gauges (1614) are provided on the plane (1613).

6. The rolling element (100) according to claim 4, wherein, The sensor unit includes a temperature sensor and / or a MEMS sensor.

7. The rolling element (100) according to claim 4, wherein, The wireless transmission unit is configured to conduct wireless communication via the Bluetooth protocol.

8. The rolling element (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The rolling element (100) further includes an end cap (19), which encloses the receiving space formed by the rolling element body (11) on the axial end side where the wireless power supply module is disposed; and / or The rolling element (100) also includes a non-metallic filler that encloses the receiving space formed by the rolling element body (11) on the axial end side where the controller function module (16) is located.

9. A rolling bearing, comprising: Inner circle (200); Outer ring (300); and At least one rolling element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the rolling element (100) is arranged radially between the inner ring (200) and the outer ring (300) of the rolling bearing.

10. A bearing assembly, comprising: At least one rolling bearing according to claim 9; and A signal receiving and transmitting device is located outside the rolling bearing and is used to wirelessly receive signals emitted from the rolling element (100) located inside the rolling bearing and to send signals to the rolling element (100).

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