Rolling bearing

Abstract

Proposed is a rolling bearing, in particular an open-center large rolling bearing, comprising: two concentric bearing rings which are rotatable relative to one another and between which there is provided at least one bearing row comprising rolling elements, wherein at least one of the rolling elements is provided with at least one sensor for detecting at least one operating parameter; a power-generating means, in particular a generator, for supplying electrical power to the sensor; and an electronic component for transmitting the sensor data to an external evaluation and / or memory unit, wherein the power-generating means and the electronic component for transmitting sensor data are provided at opposite axial ends of the rolling element.

Description

[0001] Rolling bearings

[0002] The present invention relates to a rolling bearing, in particular in the form of a center-free large rolling bearing, with two concentric bearing rings which can be rotated relative to one another and between which at least one bearing row with rolling elements is provided, wherein at least one of the rolling elements is provided with at least one sensor for detecting at least one operating parameter, a generator for supplying the sensor with electrical energy and an electronic component for transmitting the sensor data to an external evaluation and / or storage unit.

[0003] Large diameter bearings, such as those used in slewing gear of cranes for the rotational support of the superstructure, tower, or boom of the crane, or in wind turbines for the rotational support of the rotor hub or the rotor blades on the rotor hub, are subject not only to high forces but also to bending moments introduced by the crane boom or the long rotor blades, which can lead to deformation of the bearing rings. Typically, the bearing rings are pressed together with high forces in one sector, while they are pulled apart with high forces in an opposite sector. So the rolling elements along the orbit are subjected to strong compressive forces in one sector and only very low forces in the opposite sector. Depending on the design, they may even lose contact with the raceways.Such large-diameter rolling bearings can be designed without a center and, regardless of this, can have diameters of more than half a meter, more than one meter, or even more than two meters, so that the deformations of the bearing rings can assume considerable dimensions.

[0004] To measure the loads and associated or resulting operating parameters such as temperature or vibration, the use of measuring rolling elements has already been proposed. Such measuring rolling elements have integrated sensors, for example, in the form of strain gauges or pressure sensors, which can detect deformations of the rolling element, from which the acting forces can then be deduced.

[0005] Batteries or energy storage devices such as accumulators or capacitors can be used to supply the sensors with electrical energy. These can also be integrated into the rolling elements and can be charged externally via suitable charging interfaces. However, charging the energy storage devices via such external interfaces is relatively complex, as charging cables can only be connected when the system is stationary. Contactless charging systems, such as inductive ones, are also difficult to implement in practice, as they require precise positioning, which is inherently difficult and usually also requires the bearing to be stationary.

[0006] In this respect, it has already been proposed to conduct so-called "energy harvesting" on the rolling bearing itself, i.e., to generate electrical energy directly at the rolling bearing. For this purpose, it has been proposed, in particular, to use miniaturized generators or, in the case of slewing bearings, generators adapted to their dimensions. These generators are attached partly to the rolling elements and partly to the rolling element cages or spacers. These generators are mounted partly on the rolling elements and partly on the rolling element cages or spacers. This utilizes the rotational movement of the rolling elements relative to the cage to generate electricity. In particular, permanent magnets can be attached to the cage or the associated support parts, relative to which coils integrated into the rolling elements rotate, so that the rotational movement of the rolling elements generates electricity. Such measuring rolling elements with integrated generators are already known in various forms, see for example EP 3 857 197 B1, DE 10 2017 210 286 A1 or DE 10 2016 116 118 A1.Sensors integrated into the rolling elements are also shown in the documents EP 0 637 734 B1, US 2018 / 0003227 A1 or US 10,767,703 B2, which intend to insert a bolt- or pin-shaped sensor element, including batteries for power supply and a radio antenna for transmitting the sensor data, into a central bore of the rolling elements.

[0007] Even though slewing bearings have considerable dimensions, it is still a challenge to accommodate not only the sensor technology itself but also the energy harvesting system, for example in the form of a generator with coils and magnets, as well as a data transmission interface for reading or transmitting the sensor data in a rolling element that is still small, particularly if the rolling element must not be weakened too much by excessively large bores or cavities due to the high loads.

[0008] This housing or arrangement problem is further exacerbated by the fact that certain sensor components are sensitive to influences from other components, such as vibrations, heat, and energy, current, or magnetic fields, and are therefore sensitive to their relative positioning. At the same time, all components must be balanced or arranged in such a way that the rolling element does not become unbalanced and that no special countermeasures such as asymmetrical bores for weight compensation are necessary.

[0009] For example, EP 3 857 197 B1 shows a measuring rolling element having a central through-bore in which a carrier plate is accommodated, dividing the bore cavity into two half-spaces, in which various components, each located on the plate, such as an inductive sensor element and a radio module for data transmission, are accommodated. A generator for the power supply is arranged on one end face of the rolling element, with coils arranged on the rolling element end face and magnets arranged on a cage part arranged adjacent to the coils.

[0010] Based on this, the present invention seeks to create an improved rolling bearing of the aforementioned type that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art and advantageously develops them further. In particular, an integrated energy generation module is intended to supply the sensors with electrical energy and avoid charging pauses, without compromising the high measurement accuracy of the sensors or adversely affecting the smooth running of the rolling bearing or its strength. At the same time, a simple and stable provision of the sensor data to an external storage or evaluation unit is to be achieved, for example, to enable online monitoring of the bearing.

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

[0012] It is therefore proposed that the components required for sensor detection, energy generation, and data transmission should not all be housed centrally inside a rolling element bore, but rather be distributed in a balanced manner and that the available space on the rolling element be utilized as far as possible. According to the invention, the generator for energy generation on the one hand and the electronic component for sensor data transmission and, if necessary, storage are provided at opposite, axial ends of the rolling element. This not only creates space for accommodating at least one sensor, but also largely prevents any influence on the electronic component from the generator, such as its eddy current fields or its temperature development. At the same time, a balanced arrangement is achieved that avoids imbalances on the rolling element and unfavorable weight distribution.The electronic component mentioned can be mounted outside of any holes that may be made in the rolling element to accommodate sensor components, or on an outer side of the rolling element. This eliminates the need to create a large-volume hole in the rolling element, which would noticeably weaken the rolling element's rigidity or strength, and a small hole is sufficient to accommodate a sensor element. This not only benefits the deformation stiffness of the rolling element itself, but also helps ensure smooth running of the bearing despite the presence of sensors, energy generators, and electronic components.

[0013] In a further development of the invention, the said electronic component can have a circuit board for storing and / or transmitting the sensor data, which can be arranged in a plane transverse to the axis of rotation of the rolling element, in particular perpendicular to it, on an end face of the rolling element. The end-face arrangement of the data transmission and / or storage circuit board simplifies data transmission and reduces negative circumstances such as obstruction of signal transmission by the rolling element shell or poor accessibility for a signal receiver. At the same time, the circuit board can be dimensioned relatively large on the end face without requiring a rolling element bore with a large diameter and thus weakening the strength, or compromising the installation space for the sensor due to axial space requirements.

[0014] Advantageously, said plate can be ring-shaped and / or have an annular enveloping surface, wherein said plate can be seated in an annular recess in the end face of the rolling element. The plate can, in particular, be countersunk and / or inserted flush with the surface into such a front-face recess in the rolling element, so that the plate does not protrude beyond the rolling element at the end face. Despite being easily accessible, a plate positioned in this way does not impair, in particular, the rolling element cage, which can surround the rolling element on said end face or extend along it.

[0015] Such an annular plate does not have to be designed in a closed ring shape, which it can nevertheless be, but can also be designed in the form of a slotted ring or a ring segment or half-moon shaped or in the manner of a three-quarter ring or possibly also comprise two half-ring or quarter-ring parts, which can then be inserted together in the said annular recess on the end face of the rolling element.

[0016] Such an annular plate on the end face of the rolling element allows a guide pin, a shaft stub, or an axle pin, which may be connected to the rolling element cage, to be inserted through the plate into the rolling element or to exit the rolling element at the end face where the plate is located. In other words, the annular plate, despite its end face location, does not impair the connection of the cage to the rolling element.

[0017] In particular, said rolling element can have a bore that extends coaxially to the rolling element's rotational axis through the circuit board. The cage's axle stub or guide pin can be accommodated in such a bore or can enter the rolling element and thereby penetrate the circuit board of the electronic component.

[0018] Alternatively, the blind hole or through-bore passing through the rolling element can also be closed or covered at the front by the said plate, in particular if the said plate is not ring-shaped but has, for example, a disc-shaped contour.

[0019] The aforementioned hole does not have to be created using a drill or involve drilling, but can also be created using other methods, such as erosion or cutting, such as laser cutting. The term "hole" is therefore to be understood as an elongated, hole-like recess that can also be created in the rolling element using a drill.

[0020] Said electronic component can have a wireless data transmission module, for example, a radio module or a Bluetooth module, to enable wireless transmission of the sensor data to an external storage and / or evaluation unit. Said data transmission module can be powered by the energy source provided on the rolling element, in particular by the generator, optionally with intermediate storage of the energy generated thereby.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the electronic component mentioned may also have another data transmission interface for transmitting the sensor data, for example a USB interface.

[0022] Regardless of its specific design, the data transmission module mentioned can, in an advantageous development of the invention, be integrated on or into the circuit board mentioned, for example, by means of an integrated circuit or an integrated antenna. Alternatively, the data transmission module mentioned can also be mounted or placed on the circuit board as an additional or separate component.

[0023] Regardless of the design of the data transmission module, the electronic component mentioned can be arranged to rotate so that it rotates with the rolling element on whose front side it is attached.

[0024] On the end face of the rolling element opposite the electronic component, a generator component can be mounted that also rotates with the rolling element. This can be, for example, one or more generator coils that can interact with permanent magnets arranged vertically, for example, those attached to the cage. In principle, however, a reverse arrangement would also be conceivable, with magnets attached to the rolling element and one or more coils mounted vertically, for example, on the stator.

[0025] In a further development of the invention, the generator can comprise a generator board provided with one or more coils. Said generator board, sometimes also referred to as a power board, can be mounted on the end face of the rolling element in a plane transverse to the rolling element's axis of rotation, in particular perpendicular thereto. Said generator board rotates with the rolling element. In a further development of the invention, the energy indicator can also comprise several generator boards, which can, for example, be arranged one above the other, in particular stacked in the axial direction of the rolling element.

[0026] Advantageously, said generator plate can be annular or define an annular envelope contour and be inserted into an annular recess in the end face of the rolling element, wherein the generator plate can be countersunk in said annular recess or positioned flush with the surface, so that the generator plate does not protrude beyond the end face of the rolling element.

[0027] When using such an annular generator plate, a guide pin or axle stub or axle bolt, which may be connected to the bearing cage or the spacer for the rolling elements, can engage through the generator plate into a bore in the rolling element, which can be designed as a blind bore or, in particular, as a through bore. In the aforementioned manner, the said bore does not have to be drilled, but can also be produced in another way, for example, by eroding or laser cutting.

[0028] However, the one or more generator plates do not have to be ring-shaped, but can also be designed, for example, in a closed disc shape. The aforementioned hole through the rolling element can also be covered by the generator plate; this can also be achieved with an annular generator plate if one or more eccentrically positioned through holes are used.

[0029] As an alternative to a bearing cage with a protruding shaft stub that engages the rolling element bore, the bearing cage can also have a cage pocket into which the rolling element can engage and be guided by the cage. Such a design with a cage pocket and engaging rolling element is particularly suitable when the rolling element bore is closed by the aforementioned generator circuit board—or by the circuit board of the electronic component—but can nevertheless also be used if an annular generator circuit board or an annular circuit board of the electronic component is provided.

[0030] In a further development of the invention, the magnets of the generator can be arranged opposite one another on the end face of the aforementioned generator plate, for example, on a cage or spacer part that extends along one end face of the rolling element. Such a directly opposite arrangement of the coils and the magnets of the generator allows for high energy generation efficiency even with relatively weak or small magnets. At the same time, a compact design can be achieved.

[0031] Alternatively or in addition to such magnets arranged opposite one another on the end face, the generator can also comprise magnets which are arranged radially inside the generator coils, in particular can be located inside a rolling element bore introduced into the rolling element on the end face.

[0032] In particular, such magnets positioned radially inside can be attached to the guide pin or axle stub or axle pin, which is connected to the cage or spacer and can engage the rolling element at the front.

[0033] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the generator can be designed in the form of a claw-pole generator, in which a rotor with a number of pole pairs n can rotate in a two-part stator. The two-part stator can comprise 2 x n claws or yokes, whereby in a given stator position all magnetic north poles of the rotor act on one yoke and all magnetic south poles of the rotor act on the other yoke. In a claw-pole generator, the magnetic flux results from the sum of the fields between all magnetic dipoles and is passed as a sum through the toroidal coil. This results in a large alternating magnetic field through the coil in relation to its size and a good energy yield. The rotor of such a claw-pole generator can be attached, in particular, to the front of the rolling element, while the two-part stator can be attached to the bearing cage or the spacer for the rolling elements.

[0034] In terms of sensor technology, the warehouse can be equipped in a variety of ways, with several sensors or sensor elements advantageously being provided to record various operating parameters. Depending on the desired monitoring requirements, however, it may also be sufficient to provide just one sensor to record a single operating parameter.

[0035] The at least one sensor is accommodated in particular in a central bore or a central, bore-like recess in the rolling element, wherein the sensor can be completely surrounded on the circumference by the material of the rolling element and / or can be accommodated in the rolling element without any axial projection.

[0036] In particular, in a further development of the invention, the said sensor can be arranged to rotate with the rolling element.

[0037] Advantageously, the sensor can be inserted circumferentially into the said rolling element bore with a precise fit, in particular in such a way that deformations and / or radial loads of the rolling element can act on the sensor.

[0038] In particular, the sensor can be pressed into the rolling element or held in the rolling element bore by a press fit. Such a press fit not only transfers deformations and loads of the rolling element directly to the sensor, but can also ensure sensitive sensory detection of other operating parameters such as temperature or vibration.

[0039] As an alternative to press-fitting, the sensor can also be encapsulated, for example, using a heat-transferring and / or force- and / or shock-transferring material, depending on the measurement variable the at least one sensor is intended to detect. Advantageously, the sensor can be designed to operate resistively, although other sensor principles can also be used. For example, a piezoelectric sensor or a capacitive sensor can be used.

[0040] For example, one or more strain gauges can also be used as a sensor, which can be placed in the aforementioned recess inside the rolling element. In particular, such a strain gauge or strain gauges can be applied, for example, glued, to the inner circumferential wall that defines the bore or recess inside the rolling element. Such strain gauges can be used in addition to or as an alternative to the aforementioned press-in sensor, whereby such strain gauges are easier to install, and the through-hole is easier to manufacture in terms of dimensional tolerances, than is the case with the aforementioned press-in sensor.

[0041] In an advantageous development, several strain gauges can be arranged distributed over the axial length of the inner recess or provided at different axial positions in order to obtain information about deformations of the rolling element in different axial sections. Alternatively or additionally, several strain gauges can also be provided at one axial position, in particular positioned distributed in the circumferential direction on the inner wall of the through-bore or recess.

[0042] By using several distributed strain gauges, even uneven or more complex deformations of the rolling element can be precisely characterized or recorded by sensors.

[0043] At least one of the following sensors can be integrated into the rolling element mentioned or mounted on the rolling element in the manner mentioned: a vibration sensor, a rotation angle sensor, an angular position sensor, a rolling element load sensor, a shape sensor for detecting load-related rolling element compression and / or rolling element ovalization, a temperature sensor, a deformation sensor, an acceleration sensor, an rotational speed sensor and an inertial measuring device IMU as well as a magnetometer for measuring magnetic field strengths.

[0044] The invention is explained in more detail below using a preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0045] Fig. 1 : a sectional view through a rolling bearing with a measuring rolling element according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention,

[0046] Fig. 2: a schematic, perspective exploded view of a claw pole generator for energy generation in a rolling element of the rolling bearing, and

[0047] Fig. 3: a partial sectional view through a rolling bearing according to a further embodiment of the invention, showing a rolling element and the cage surrounding it, wherein an energy storage device and sensors in the form of strain gauges are also provided inside the rolling element.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 1, the rolling bearing 1 can have two bearing rings 2, 3 that are arranged concentrically to one another and rotatable relative to one another. In particular, the rolling bearing 1 can be a centerless slewing bearing with a diameter of more than half a meter or more than one meter.

[0049] As Fig. 1 further shows, the bearing rings 2, 3 can be supported against one another by just a single bearing row 4, although it is also possible to provide multiple bearing rows to support the bearing rings 2, 3 against one another. The one or more bearing rows 4 can comprise an axial bearing or a radial bearing. Alternatively or additionally, a bearing row 4 can be provided which can transmit both axial forces and radial forces, for example in the form of a tapered roller bearing or an angular contact roller bearing with obliquely adjusted cylindrical rollers. The at least one bearing row 4 comprises a plurality of rolling elements 5, each of which rolls on raceways on the bearing rings 2, 3 and thereby supports the bearing rings 2, 3 against one another. A cage 14 can keep the rolling elements 5 at a distance or guide them relative to one another, wherein the cage 14 can have cage sections 4a extending on one side or both sides along the end faces of the rolling elements 5, cf.Fig. 1. The said cage sections 14a can in particular form cage rings which can extend along the inside and outside of the rolling elements 5.

[0050] As Fig. 1 further shows, the bearing cage 14 can have cage axes 15 in the form of axle stubs, which can engage at the front end into a rolling element bore 13 to guide the rolling element 5. The aforementioned cage axes 15 in the form of axle stubs 15a can be attached to the aforementioned cage sections 14a, see Fig. 1.

[0051] The rolling elements 5 can comprise cylindrical rollers, tapered rollers, spherical rollers, or possibly even balls. If more than one bearing row is used, several of these rolling element types can be provided in the rolling bearing 1. If balls are provided, the aforementioned "end faces" refer to the opposite sides of the ball on which the cage elements 14a or the axle stubs 15a are provided and / or on which the imaginary axis of rotation 11 of the rolling element 5 emerges from the respective ball. In particular, however, cylindrical, conical, or spherical rolling elements 5 can be provided, as shown in Fig. 1.

[0052] The said bore 13 through the rolling element 5 can be a through-bore through the entire rolling element and can be arranged coaxially to its axis of rotation 11.

[0053] The rolling element 5 is designed as a measuring rolling element and has an integrated sensor system with at least one sensor 6, which can be accommodated in the aforementioned bore 13. The aforementioned sensor 6 can, in particular, be pressed into the bore 13 so that the bore wall tightly encloses the outer wall of the sensor in order to transmit deformations or ovalization of the rolling element 5 to the sensor 6 or to be able to measure them through it.

[0054] Independently of this, the said sensor 6 can be designed in particular to operate resistively.

[0055] Said sensor 6 can be arranged between an energy generator, for example in the form of a generator 7, and an electronic component 8 for storing and transmitting the sensor data, wherein said energy generator and the electronic component can be arranged on opposite end faces of the sensor 6.

[0056] As Fig. 1 shows, the electronic component 8 can be arranged outside the bore 13, in particular on an end face of the rolling element 5.

[0057] The electronic module 8 can advantageously comprise a circuit board 10, which can be annular and can be positioned around the aforementioned bore 13 on the rolling element end face.

[0058] The rolling element end face can advantageously have an annular recess on its end face, in which the said annular circuit board 10 can be arranged countersunk, so that the electronic component 8 does not protrude beyond the rolling element 5 on the end face.

[0059] 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 can also be provided, for example, in the form of a magnetic USB interface, so that a magnetic USB cable 20 can be connected to the circuit board 10 for signal transmission.

[0060] Said circuit board 10 can also have a memory module in which the sensor data collected by the sensor 6 can be stored or temporarily stored before being transmitted to an external evaluation unit 9 via the data transmission module. Said evaluation unit 9 can be an electronic processing unit with 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.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 1, the electronic component 8 on the outside of the rolling element 5 can be connected to the sensor 6 via a data line in order to receive or query the sensor signals. Furthermore, the electronic component 8 can also be connected to the energy generator, for example, in the form of the generator 7, via a supply line in order to be supplied with electrical energy by the energy generator.

[0062] The said energy generator also supplies the sensor 6 with electrical current, which can be connected to the said energy generator via another power line.

[0063] Without Fig. 1 explicitly showing this, an intermediate storage device for temporarily storing the generated electrical energy can also be provided between the energy generator and the components to be supplied, such as the sensor 6 and / or the electronic module 8, for example in the form of a battery or an accumulator and / or a capacitor, which could also be arranged in the interior of the rolling element 5.

[0064] As Fig. 1 further shows, the generator 7 can be arranged on the end face of the rolling element 5 opposite the electronic component 8, wherein a generator board 17 can be designed in a ring-shaped manner similar to the board 10 of the electronic component 8 and can be arranged countersunk in an annular recess 18 on the end face of the rolling element 5, so that the generator board 1 does not protrude beyond the rolling element on the end face.

[0065] The aforementioned generator plate 17 can have one or more coils that can cooperate with permanent magnets 19. The aforementioned permanent magnets 19 can be arranged opposite one another on the end face of the generator plate 17, in particular, attached to the cage 14. Advantageously, the magnets 19 can be arranged on a pitch circle whose diameter essentially corresponds to the pitch circle on which the coils of the generator plate 17 are arranged. In other words, the coils and the permanent magnets 19 can be arranged approximately equally spaced from the rotation axis 11 and directly opposite one another on the end face, see Fig. 1.

[0066] Alternatively or additionally, permanent magnets 19 can also be arranged radially within the generator plate 17 to induce current in the coils of the generator plate 17. For example, the magnets 19 can be arranged on one of the axle stubs 15a of the bearing cage 14 and positioned countersunk in the bore 13, see Fig. 1.

[0067] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the energy generator can also comprise a claw-pole generator, see Fig. 2.

[0068] Such a claw pole generator can advantageously also be positioned on the front side of the rolling element 5, in particular on the front side opposite the electronic component 8.

[0069] As previously explained, the rotor of such a claw-pole generator can rotate with a number of pole pairs n in a two-part stator, see Fig. 2.

[0070] The two-part stator can comprise 2 x n claws or yokes, whereby in a given stator position, all magnetic north poles of the rotor act on one yoke and all magnetic south poles of the rotor act on the other yoke. In a claw-pole generator, the magnetic flux results from the sum of the fields between all magnetic dipoles and is passed as a sum through the toroidal coil. This results in a large alternating magnetic field through the coil relative to its size and a good energy yield. The rotor of such a claw-pole generator can be attached, in particular, to the front of the rolling element, while the two-part stator can be attached to the bearing cage or the spacer for the rolling elements.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 3, an 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 or approximately centrally in the rolling element bore 13. This can be advantageous because or if the energy storage device 21 has a relatively high weight compared to the other components.

[0072] A lithium polymer battery can advantageously be provided as the energy storage device, although in principle other batteries or rechargeable energy storage devices can also be used.

[0073] As Fig. 3 further shows, the aforementioned energy storage device 21 is accommodated in addition to the at least one sensor 6 inside the rolling element 5. Regardless of the use of the aforementioned energy storage device 21, a strain gauge can be provided as the sensor 6, whereby advantageously, several strain gauges can also be accommodated inside the rolling element 5, whereby such strain gauges can advantageously be attached, in particular glued, to the inner circumferential wall of the rolling bearing bore 13.

[0074] In order to be able to detect uneven or more complex deformations of the rolling element 5, a plurality of strain gauges are advantageously arranged distributed over the axial length of the bore 13 or provided at a plurality of axial positions, cf. Fig. 3. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of strain gauges can also be provided at an axial position, in particular glued to the bore wall distributed in the circumferential direction.

[0075] As Fig. 3 further shows, the circuit board 10 of the electronic component 8 can also be designed as a continuous disc and / or close the rolling element bore 13 at the front. Independently of this, the circuit board 10 can be recessed into a front-end recess of the rolling element 5, see Fig. 3. Independently of this, a foil antenna can be provided on the aforementioned circuit board 10 as a data transmission module 16. As previously mentioned, the data transmission module can also be integrated into the circuit board 10.

[0076] As Fig. 3 further shows, the generator 7 can comprise a plurality of generator circuit boards 17, which can be stacked one above the other. Irrespective of this, the at least one generator circuit board 17 can also be closed or non-ring-shaped, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0077] The rolling element bore 13 can be closed at the front by the aforementioned one or more generator plates, see Fig. 3. The one or more generator plates are advantageously arranged countersunk in a front-side recess of the rolling element, see Fig. 3.

[0078] In a further development of the invention, the magnets 19 that cooperate with the one or more generator plates 17 can be positioned or mounted in a component made of a non-ferromagnetic material, which can, for example, be disk-shaped. Independently of this, the said component to which the magnets 19 are attached can be firmly connected to the cage 14, wherein the said component is positioned opposite the rolling element end face, see Fig. 3.

[0079] As can be seen from the figures, the rolling bearing 1 is characterized in particular by the following aspects:

[0080] One aspect is that the energy generator 7 and the electronic component 8 for sensor data transmission are provided at opposite axial ends of the rolling element 5.

[0081] A further aspect is that the electronic module 8 has a circuit board 10 for data storage and / or transmission, which is arranged in a plane transverse to the axis of rotation 11 of the rolling body 5 on an end face of said rolling body 5.

[0082] A further aspect is that the plate 10 is annular and / or defines an annular envelope contour, wherein said plate 10 is countersunk in an annular recess 12 in the end face of the rolling element 5 and / or inserted flush with the surface.

[0083] A further aspect is that the rolling element 5 has a bore 13 which passes through the plate 10 coaxially to the rolling element rotation axis 11.

[0084] A further aspect is that a bearing cage 14 has a cage axis 15 which engages at the end face of the rolling element 5 and / or passes through the rolling element and passes through the said plate 10.

[0085] A further aspect is that the electronic component 8 is arranged to rotate with the rolling element 5.

[0086] A further aspect is that the said electronic component 8 has a wireless data transmission module 16, in particular a radio and / or Bluetooth transmission module.

[0087] A further aspect is that the at least one sensor 6 is located in a central bore 13 in the rolling element 5.

[0088] A further aspect is that the at least one sensor 6 is arranged to rotate with the rolling element 5.

[0089] A further aspect is that the at least one sensor 6 is circumferentially seated in the rolling element 5 with a precise fit such that deformations and / or vibrations of the rolling element 5 are directly transmitted to the sensor 6. A further aspect is that the at least one sensor 6 is pressed into the rolling element 5 and / or is held in the rolling element 5 by a press fit.

[0090] A further aspect is that 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 rotational speed sensor and an inertial measuring device IMU as well as a magnetometer for measuring magnetic field strengths.

[0091] A further aspect is that the sensor 6 is designed to operate resistively.

[0092] A further aspect is that the energy generator has a generator plate with one or more coils, which is arranged in a plane transverse to the axis of rotation 11 of the rolling body 5 on the front side of said rolling body 5.

[0093] A further aspect is that the generator plate 17 is annular and / or defines an annular envelope contour, wherein said generator plate 17 is countersunk or received flush with the surface in a front-side, in particular annular, recess 18 in the front side of the rolling body 5.

[0094] A further aspect is that the rolling element 5 has a bore 13 which passes through the generator plate 17 coaxially to the rolling element rotation axis 11.

[0095] A further aspect is that a bearing cage 14 has a cage axis 15 which engages at the end face of the rolling element 5 and / or passes through the rolling element and passes through the said generator plate 17.

[0096] A further aspect is that the energy generator has permanent magnets 19 which are arranged radially inside generator coils on the said cage axis 15.

[0097] A further aspect is that the energy generator has permanent magnets 19 which are arranged on the end face opposite the rolling element 5 and / or at approximately the same distance from the rolling element rotation axis 11 as generator coils.

[0098] Another aspect is that the energy generator has a claw pole generator.

Claims

Claims 1. Rolling bearing, in particular a centerless slewing bearing, with two concentric bearings (2, 3) which can be rotated relative to one another, between which at least one bearing row (4) with rolling elements (5) is provided, 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 the sensor (6) with electrical energy, and an electronic component (8) for transmitting the sensor data to an external evaluation and / or storage unit (9), characterized in that the energy generator (7) and the electronic component (8) for transmitting the sensor data are provided at opposite axial ends of the rolling element (5).

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

3. Rolling bearing according to the preceding claim, wherein the plate (10) is annular and / or defines an annular envelope contour, wherein said plate (10) is countersunk in an annular recess (12) in the end face of the rolling body (5) and / or is inserted flush with the surface.

4. Rolling bearing according to the preceding claim, wherein the rolling body (5) has a bore (13) which passes through the plate (10) coaxially to the rolling body rotation axis (11).

5. Rolling bearing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rolling body (5) has a bore (13) which is formed coaxially to the rolling body rotation axis (11) and is covered on the end face by at least one plate (8, 17).

6. Rolling bearing according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein a bearing cage (14) has a cage axis (15) which engages at the end face of the rolling element (5) and / or passes through the rolling element and passes through said plate (10).

7. Rolling bearing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic component (8) is arranged to rotate with the rolling body (5).

8. Rolling bearing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said electronic component (8) comprises a wireless data transmission module (16), in particular a radio and / or Bluetooth transmission module.

9. Rolling bearing according to the preceding claim, wherein the data transmission module (16) is integrated into a / the circuit board (10) of the electronic component (8) or is arranged as a separate component resting thereon.

10. Rolling bearing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor (6) is located in a central bore (13) in the rolling body (5).

11. Rolling bearing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor (6) is arranged to rotate with the rolling body (5).

12. Rolling bearing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor (6) is circumferentially seated in the rolling body (5) with a precise fit such that deformations and / or vibrations of the rolling body (5) are transmitted directly to the sensor (6).

13. Rolling bearing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sensor (6) is pressed into the rolling body (5) and / or in the rolling body (5) is held by a press fit.

14. Rolling bearing according to one of claims 1 -12, wherein the at least one sensor (6) comprises a strain gauge which is accommodated in the interior of the rolling element (5), in particular is glued to an inner circumferential 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 inside a / the rolling element bore (13) distributed in the longitudinal direction thereof and / or a plurality of strain gauges are arranged at one axial position distributed in the circumferential direction.

16. Rolling bearing according to 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 load-induced rolling element compression and / or rolling element ovalization, a temperature sensor, a deformation sensor, an acceleration sensor, a rotational speed sensor and an inertial measuring device IMU as well as a magnetometer for measuring magnetic field strengths.

17. Rolling bearing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (6) is designed to operate resistively.

18. Rolling bearing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic component (8) is designed to detect the measured variables of the at least one sensor (6) onboard.

19. Rolling bearing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy generator has at least one generator plate (17) with one or more coils, which is arranged in a plane transverse to the axis of rotation (11) of the rolling body (5) on the end face of said rolling body (5).

20. Rolling bearing according to the preceding claim, wherein several generator plates (17) are arranged stacked one above the other.

21. Rolling bearing according to the preceding claim, wherein the generator plate (17) is annular and / or defines an annular envelope contour, wherein said generator plate (17) is countersunk or received flush with the surface in a frontal, in particular annular, recess (18) in the front side of the rolling body (5).

22. Rolling bearing according to the preceding claim, wherein the rolling body (5) has a bore (13) which passes through the generator plate (17) coaxially to the rolling body rotation axis (11).

23. Rolling bearing according to one of the preceding claims 19 to 21, wherein the rolling body (5) has a bore (13) which is formed coaxially to the rolling body rotation axis (11) and is closed or covered at the end by the at least one generator plate (17).

24. Rolling bearing according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein a bearing cage (14) has a cage axis (15) which engages at the end face of the rolling body (5) and / or passes through the rolling body and passes through said generator plate (17).

25. Rolling bearing according to the preceding claim, wherein the energy generator comprises permanent magnets (19) arranged radially inside generator coils on said cage axis (15).

26. Rolling bearing according to one of claims 1 to 23, wherein a bearing cage (14) has a cage pocket into which the rolling body (5) engages and through which the rolling body is guided.

27. Rolling bearing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy generator comprises permanent magnets (19) which are arranged opposite the end face of the rolling body (5) and / or at approximately the same distance from the rolling body rotation axis (11) as generator coils.

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

29. Rolling bearing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy generator comprises a claw pole generator.

30. Rolling bearing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an energy storage device, preferably in the form of one or more lithium polymer batteries, is accommodated in the interior of the rolling body (5). 31 . Rolling bearing according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rolling element bore (13) and / or end-face recesses on the rolling element (5) are cast and / or foamed with a cast and / or foam material for the protection and / or positioning of components received therein.

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