GUIDANCE DEVICES AND MECHANICAL SYSTEMS COMPRISING SUCH DEVICES
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- ID · ID
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CENT STEPHANOIS DE RECH MECANIQUES HIDROMECANIQUE & FROTTEMENT
- Filing Date
- 2021-05-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing guiding devices for moving parts in sliding friction connections do not facilitate predictive maintenance, leading to costly downtime due to critical failures from wear and mechanical stress.
A guiding device equipped with a metal component, a wear detection system using sensors, and a wireless communication system to transmit wear information, allowing for predictive maintenance by monitoring friction surface wear and clearance.
Enables predictive maintenance by detecting wear and clearance, preventing critical failures and reducing downtime through timely replacement of worn components.
Smart Images
Figure 0_ABST
Abstract
Description
Description GUIDANCE DEVICES AND MECHANICAL SYSTEMS CONSISTING OF A DEVICE LIKE THAT Invention Engineering Field The present invention relates to a guidance device comprising a metal component, a detection device and a wireless communication device. The field of the present invention is devices for guiding moving parts in sliding friction contact. Background of the Invention The guiding devices according to the present invention are, for example, of the bearing type for guiding an axle forming an articulation of a construction machine. Devices mounted on machines are subjected to high mechanical stress. Preventive and predictive maintenance solutions are implemented to avoid costly downtime. Brief Description of the Invention The object of the present invention is to provide a guidance device that enables predictive maintenance operations to be performed. For this purpose, the subject matter of the present invention is a guiding device comprising: - a metal component provided with a friction surface intended to receive a bearing member in a sliding friction relationship; - a sensing system of wear of the friction surface or of a clearance between the friction surface and the bearing member, the system comprising one or more sensors; and - a wireless communication system connected to the detection system and configured to transmit information relating to wear or clearance out of the guidance device. Thus, the present invention enables a device to be used to communicate the degree of wear or clearance of a metal friction component, in order to replace it before a critical failure occurs. In accordance with other advantageous features of the present invention, taken independently or in combination: - The metal component is formed by an annular sleeve having a radial thickness of at least 5 millimeters. - The metal component is formed by an annular sleeve having a radial thickness of at most 15 millimeters. - The guide device comprises a lubricant disposed on the friction surface. - The friction surface comprises a particular shape that acts as a reservoir for the lubricant. - The particular shape comprises cavities. - The particular shape comprises grooves. - The detection system is configured to detect wear of the friction surface at least over an angular range of 3° about a central axis of the metal component. - The detection system is configured for 360° detection of wear on the central axis. In this case, the operator performing the installation of the guide device and its attached parts does not need to ensure that the detection system is correctly oriented. In fact, the maximum load zone is definitely located within the angular detection range. Therefore, the assembly of the device is simplified. - The detection system consists of a number of sensors distributed on the central axis and which ensure the detection of wear over at least an angular range of 120°. - The sensors ensure the detection of wear over a number of angular ranges. - The sensors are distributed over 360° on the central axis. - The detection system consists of three sensors distributed over 120° on the central axis. - The detection system consists of four sensors distributed over 90° on the central axis.- The detection system is configured for wear detection over a single angular range of at least 3°, i.e., in a single angular direction. In this case, the operator mounting the guide device and its attachment must ensure that the detection system is correctly oriented, with the angular range of the detection coinciding with the maximum load zone. The device is simpler and less expensive, but its assembly requires greater precision. - The detection system is configured for wear detection over at least an angular range of 60°, preferably at least 120°. This provides a good compromise between device cost, detection accuracy and assembly accuracy. - The detection system consists of a single sensor, which ensures wear detection of the friction surfaces over at least an angular range of 3°. - The detection system comprises a plurality of sensors that ensure the detection of wear over at least an angular range of 60°. The sensors may be located over this single angular range of 60°, or over a more restricted range. - The sensor or sensors are located exclusively on one longitudinal side or on two longitudinal sides of the sleeve, each longitudinal side defined above being at most two-fifths of the length of the annular sleeve. - Each longitudinal side is defined over one-third of the length of the annular sleeve. - The sensor or sensors are located exclusively on one longitudinal side of the sleeve. - The sensor or sensors are distributed over the two longitudinal sides of the sleeve. - The sensor or each sensor comprises at least one conductive cable having one end located at a given depth below the friction surface.- The detection system is configured to detect different wear thresholds of the friction surfaces. - The sensor or each sensor consists of several conductive cables having ends placed at different depths below the friction surface. - Each sensor consists of a means for indexing its angular position about the central axis. - Each sensor consists of means for indexing its axial position along the friction surface. - Each sensor consists of means to index its radial position with respect to the friction surface. - The sensor or each sensor comprises a cylindrical envelope loaded into an opening through which the metal component passes between the friction surface and a facing surface. - The radial indexing device comprises a collar formed on the cylindrical envelope of the sensor. - The detection system comprises a conductive strip disposed on one side in an annular groove formed on a surface of the metal component facing the friction surface and connected on the other side to each sensor and to a wireless communication system. - The communication system comprises a transmitter configured to transmit information through metal components having a total thickness of more than 10 millimeters. The subject matter of the present invention also concerns a mechanical system, characterized therein in that the mechanical system comprises at least one guiding device as described above, and an attached member mounted in sliding friction contact with a friction surface, preferably sliding friction with oscillation. Short Description of Image The present invention will be better understood from the explanation below, which is given solely by way of non-limiting example and is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a mechanical system according to the present invention, comprising a guide device and an axle mounted on the device. Figure 2 is a side view of the device in a radial direction. Figure 3 is a segment along line IIIIII in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a segment along line IVIV in Figure 2. Figure 5 is a larger scale view of the V detail in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a section similar to Figure 4, showing a variation of the guidance device with sensors on both sides. Complete Description of the Invention Figures 1 and 5 show a mechanical system (1) according to the present invention, which comprises a guide sleeve (10) according to the present invention, and an axle (2) mounted on a device (10). For simplification purposes, the axle (2) is shown by two dashed lines. The device (10) is designed to guide the axle (2) in a sliding friction connection, in particular sliding with oscillation. The oscillatory motion corresponds to an imperfect rotation, backwards and forwards, about the central axis. Either the axle (2) oscillates on the device (10), or the device (10) oscillates on the axle (2). In both cases, the loads applied to the device (10) determine a zone of maximum load, which corresponds to a specific angular position. A lubricant, preferably grease, is placed at the friction interface between the device (10) and the axle (2). The device (10) comprises a metal friction component (20), a detection system (30), and a wireless communication system (40). The metal component (20) is formed by a ring-shaped sleeve (21) provided with an inner surface (22) and an outer surface (23) with cylindrical profiles. The inner surface (22) forms a friction surface intended to receive the axle (2) in a sliding friction connection. Advantageously, the surface (22) may comprise a particular shape that acts as a reservoir for lubricant. Such particular shape may comprise cavities, grooves and / or other particular types of shapes. The surfaces (22, 23) comprise annular grooves (24, 25) in the center, which are connected via an opening (26) passing through a sleeve (21). The elements (24, 25, 26) form a means for lubricating the surfaces (22). In a variation, for example in the case of lubrication by axle or by side, the sleeve (21) may be without elements (24, 25, 26). The means for lubricating the surfaces (22) may be of any type adapted to the intended application. The surface (23) comprises a ring-shaped groove (27) formed on one side of the groove (25). The surfaces (22, 23) are connected via an opening (28) passing through a sleeve (21) at the boundary of the groove (27). The elements (27, 28) form a means for receiving the detection system (30). In a variation, if the sleeve (21) is without elements (24, 25, 26), the elements (27, 28) may be positioned in the middle. According to another variation, the groove (27) may be positioned in the center. According to a further variation, the groove (27) may be positioned in the center, while the opening (28) may be positioned on a side (29). In the longitudinal direction of the sleeve (21), a central portion and two longitudinal sides (29) surrounding the central portion can be distinguished. Each longitudinal side (29) is determined above a maximum of two-fifths of the length of the sleeve (21). Preferably, each longitudinal side (29) is determined above a maximum of one-third of the length of the sleeve (21). The thickness of the sleeve (21) depends on the envisaged application. The sleeve (21) may have a thickness in the range of 5 to 15 millimeters, or more. This thickness is determined over the functional range of the friction surface (22), which excludes any shoulders formed on a side (29). The detection system (30) is configured to detect wear of the friction surface (22). Alternatively, the detection system (30) may be configured to detect clearance between the friction surface (22) and a surface of the axle (2). The detection system (30) includes a conductive strip (31), a plurality of sensors (32) connected to the strip (31) via conductive cables (33), and a connector (34) adapted to connect the system (30) to the system (40). The strip (31) is formed by a layer of conductive cables incorporating the cables (33). The connector (34) may include an electronic chip configured to convert power loss information into wear depth information. Alternatively, the connector (34) may comprise simple cables belonging to the strip (31). The conductive strip (31) is positioned in a ring-shaped groove (27) formed on the outer surface (23) of the metal component (20). The conductive strip (31) is connected on one side to each sensor (32) via a conductive cable (33) and on the other side to the wireless communication system (40) via a connector (34). In the example of the drawings, the detection system (30) comprises four sensors (32) distributed over 90° on the central axis (X20) of the component (20). Thus, the detection system (30) ensures the detection of wear over an angular range of 360° on the central axis (X20). Preferably, the sensors (32) are located exclusively on a longitudinal side (29) of the sleeve (21), without protruding above the middle part. In fact, when the mechanical system (1) is in operation, the mechanical stresses are generally concentrated on the sides (29) of the sleeve (21). Placing the sensors (32) on a side (29) rather than in the center allows for improved wear detection and the opportunity to perform a predictive maintenance operation before the system (1) experiences a critical failure. Each sensor (32) comprises a plurality of conductive wires (35, 36, 37), each of which has one end disposed at a given depth below the friction surface (22). The wear of the conductive wires (35, 36, 37) is a function of the wear of the surface (22). The ends of the conductive wires (35, 36, 37) are disposed at different depths below the friction surface (22). The successive wear of the conductive wires (35, 36, 37) is associated with the gradual wear of the friction surface (22), corresponding to different thresholds. Accordingly, the detection system (30) is configured to detect different wear thresholds of the friction surface (22). Each sensor (32) comprises a cylindrical envelope (38) loaded into an opening (28) that passes through a metal component (20) between a friction surface (22) and an outer surface (23). This envelope (38) forms a means for indexing the angular and axial position of the sensor (32). Other solutions for forming an angular and / or axial indexing means can be envisioned. The envelope (38) loaded into an opening (28) has the advantage of being a simple solution to implement. Preferably, each sensor (32) comprises a means for indexing its radial position with respect to the friction surface (22). As an example, the radial indexing means may comprise a collar (39) formed on a cylindrical envelope (38) of the sensor (32). Other solutions for forming the radial indexing means are conceivable, which make it possible to ensure that the cables (35, 36, 37) are positioned at the correct depth with respect to the surface (22). A wireless communication system (40) is connected to the sensing system (30) and is configured to transmit information relating to wear or clearance from the guidance device (10). The system (40) comprises a transmitter (42) that transmits radio signals in all directions. If the device (40) is placed in a closed environment, the transmitter (42) may be configured to transmit information through metallic components having a total thickness of more than 10 millimeters. In practice, the signals may be transmitted in an axial direction to an external reader placed on the periphery of the casing (21), through part of the environment. According to a particular embodiment, the transmitter (42) may be formed by an RFID chip. Other technologies may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, the communication system (40) may include an energy source to power the detection system (30). Figure 6 shows a variation of the guidance device (10), consisting of sensors (32) located on two longitudinal sides (29), but not in the center. The device (10) can preferably be mounted in two directions, without the operator being forced to pay attention to its orientation. This configuration is also useful when there is a gap in the distribution of mechanical stresses between the two sides (29). Preferably, the communication system (40) consists of two transmitters (42), one on each side. This simplifies the connection between the sensor (32) and the emitter (42), and ensures that an emitter (42) is always close to an external reader located on the periphery of the device (10). Furthermore, the device (1) may have an equivalent different from the equivalent of Figures 1 to 6 without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the claims. Furthermore, the technical features of the various embodiments and variations mentioned above may be combined in whole or in part. Thus, the device (10) may be customized in terms of cost, 5 function and performance.
Claims
1. A guidance device (10) comprising: - a metal component (20) provided with a friction surface (22) intended to receive a bearing member (2) in sliding friction contact; - a detection system (30) of wear of the friction surface (22) or of a clearance between the friction surface (22) and the bearing member (2), the detection system (30) comprising one or more sensors (32); and - a wireless communication system (40) connected to the detection system (30) and configured to transmit information relating to wear or clearance out of the guidance device (10).
2. A guiding device (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterized therein in that it comprises a lubricant disposed on the friction surface (22).
3. A guide device (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized therein in that the friction surface (22) comprises a particular shape which acts as a reservoir for the lubricant.
4. A guiding device (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized therein that the detection system (30) is configured for detecting wear of the friction surface (22) over an angular range of at least 3° about a central axis (X20) of the metal component (20).
5. A guidance device (10) as claimed in claim 4, characterized therein in that the detection system (30) comprises a single sensor (32) that ensures the detection of wear of the friction surface (22) over an angular range of at least 3°.
6. A guidance device (10) as claimed in claim 4, characterized therein in that the detection system (30) comprises a plurality of sensors (32) distributed on a central axis (X20) of the metal component (20) and which ensures the detection of wear over at least an angular range of 60°, preferably over an angular range of 360°.
7. A guiding device (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized therein in that the sensor or sensors (32) are disposed exclusively on one longitudinal side (29) or on two longitudinal sides (29) of the metal member (20), each of which longitudinal side (29) is determined to be above a maximum of two-fifths of the length of the ring-shaped sleeve (21).
8. A guide device (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized therein in that the metal member (20) is formed by an annular sleeve (21) having a radial thickness of at least 5 millimeters. 5 9. A guide device (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized therein in that the metal member (20) is formed by a ring-shaped sleeve (21) having a radial thickness of at most 15 10 millimeters.
10. A mechanical system (1), characterized therein that it comprises at least one guiding device (10) as claimed in any one of 15 claims 1 to 9, and an attachment member (2) mounted in a sliding friction relationship with a friction surface (22), preferably in a sliding friction relationship with oscillation.