System for generating electrical energy in linear movement device
The system addresses the inefficiency of existing energy harvesting technologies in linear motion devices by using ferromagnetic rolling elements within a static magnetic field to induce voltage in an induction coil, effectively converting mechanical energy into electrical energy for autonomous device powering.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024207990
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-12-04
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-29
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-16
AI Technical Summary
Existing energy harvesting technologies in linear motion devices are not sufficiently effective in generating a large amount of electrical energy, making them inefficient for powering sensors and other devices without external energy sources.
A system that utilizes rolling elements made of ferromagnetic material moving within a static magnetic field generated by a permanent magnet, inducing a voltage in an induction coil due to the change in magnetic flux as the rolling elements move.
This system efficiently converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, allowing for the autonomous powering of devices such as sensors, processors, and communication interfaces, reducing the need for external energy sources and extending battery life.
Smart Images

Figure 2025090019000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a system for generating electrical energy in a linear motion device comprising a first device component and a second device component, wherein the second device component is supported by the first device component via rolling elements, and as a result, the second device component is linearly movable relative to the first device component. Further, the present invention relates to a linear motion device comprising such a system, for example, a shaped rail guide having rolling elements arranged between a first device component and a second device component movable relative to the first device component.
Background Art
[0002] A linear motion device is a mechanical system configured to achieve linear motion with minimal friction and high precision. The device is a combination of a first device component (e.g., fixed) and a second device component movable relative to the first device component, and the special characteristics and shapes of these two components can be changed.
[0003] In one implementation of a linear motion device designed as a shaped rail guide, the first device component is composed of, for example, a metal guide rail. Depending on special configurations and technical requirements, the rail can have different profiles. It functions as a robust sliding surface and reference surface for the guide carriage. In the case of a shaped rail guide, the guide carriage, also alternatively called a guide slider, moves along the guide rail. Thus, it constitutes the moving device component. The guide carriage can take various shapes depending on its specific implementation and can be used for various purposes, for example, for carrying loads.
[0004] An alternative implementation configuration of a linear motion device is a ball screw drive device in which a precisely manufactured spindle with a special helical contour serves as a fixed device component. The spindle functions both as a guide component and as a drive component for the moving device component (spindle nut). In such a ball screw drive device that provides an efficient way to convert rotational motion into linear motion, the spindle nut moves linearly along the contour of the spindle when the spindle rotates, corresponding to the contour of the spindle.
[0005] A prominent feature of many such linear motion devices is that they incorporate rolling elements. These can be realized as balls or rollers and are strategically placed between the moving and fixed device components to effectively reduce friction. In a shaped rail guide, the rolling elements roll between the guide carriage and the guide rail, whereas in a ball screw drive device, the rolling elements move between the threads of the spindle and the spindle nut to convert rotational motion into linear motion.
[0006] Many of the latest applications of linear motion devices use sensors that can be placed on moving device components, such as the guide carriage of a shaped rail guide. These sensors typically require power. To supply electrical energy to the sensors placed on the guide carriage, it is common, for example, to supply energy from an external energy source via a cable connected to the guide carriage. The drawback is that, in particular, the corresponding cable connections are often expensive and prone to failure. Instead, batteries can be deployed to supply energy to each sensor and placed on the guide carriage, resulting in the elimination of the cable connection to the external energy source. The drawback is that, in particular, the batteries have to be replaced from time to time.
[0007] "Energy Harvesting" refers to the process of obtaining energy from an external power source and converting it into a usable form. This concept has been gaining importance in many technical fields in recent years, especially with regard to the realization of sustainable and energy-efficient solutions. In particular, in linear motion devices such as profile rail guides, ball screw drives, and other mechanical systems that play an important role in automation technology and precision mechanical structures, there are excellent reasons for energy harvesting solutions.
[0008] In the case of battery-operated linear motion devices, energy harvesting can contribute to extending battery life by utilizing an additional energy source. Many of the latest applications use sensors distributed at multiple locations, for example, on moving device components (such as guide carriages) of linear motion devices. Those sensors require energy, and in many cases, it is not practical to regularly supply power with a new battery. Therefore, an energy harvester can provide a solution. Various technologies have already been developed or used to convert the kinetic energy or thermal energy generated during the operation of a mechanical device into electrical energy for reuse. These include mechanisms such as friction wheels or pressure wheels, piezoelectric bodies that generate electricity by mechanical pressure as a result of vibrations during operation, and thermoelectric generators (TEGs) that obtain electrical energy from temperature differences, for example, between a guide carriage and its surroundings. However, in linear motion devices, in many cases, those technologies are not sufficiently effective in generating a large amount of energy.
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0009] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a system for generating electrical energy in a linear motion device and a linear motion device equipped with such a system that overcomes the drawbacks of the above-described solutions and enables efficient, flexibly usable, and inexpensive energy harvesting.
Means for Solving the Problem
[0010] In the present invention, the above-described problem is solved by a system for generating electric energy in a linear motion device having the features of claim 1 and a linear motion device having the features of claim 35.
[0011] This system for generating electric energy is defined for a linear motion device including a first device component and a second device component, where the second device component is supported by the first device component via rolling elements. As a result, the second device component is linearly movable relative to the first device component. These rolling elements move relative to both the first device component and the second device component when the second device component moves relative to the first device component during the operation of the linear motion device.
[0012] In the present invention, this system for generating electric energy includes rolling elements movable along the moving direction during the operation of the linear motion device, and these rolling elements are made of a ferromagnetic material. As a result, these rolling elements are suitable for influencing a magnetic field according to the position of the rolling elements within this one spatial region. There is a device for generating a static magnetic field within one spatial region that the rolling elements must sequentially cross when moving along the moving direction during the operation of the linear motion device, and at least one induction coil having at least one coil winding. Based on the change in the position of the rolling elements when the rolling elements move through this one spatial region along the moving direction, this induction coil (or this at least one coil winding) receives a change in magnetic flux that induces a voltage in the at least one coil winding. The at least one induction coil is arranged relatively fixedly with respect to the device for generating the static magnetic field.
[0013] The system for generating electric energy in the linear motion device according to the present invention provides a plurality of advantages.
[0014] This system directly converts mechanical energy generated by the movement of a second device component (e.g., a guide carriage or guide slider of a forming rail guide) along a first device component (e.g., the guide rail of a forming rail guide) into electrical energy. This makes it possible to efficiently utilize the generated kinetic energy.
[0015] The regenerated electrical energy can be used to power electrical devices such as sensors, processors, or communication interfaces on the moving device component (e.g., the guide carriage or guide slider). This can reduce or even eliminate the need for an external energy source.
[0016] The generated electrical energy can be collected and stored in an energy storage device, and as a result, it can be utilized as needed. This can extend the life of a battery-operated system or reduce the need to replace the battery periodically.
[0017] This system can be directly incorporated into existing linear motion devices such as forming rail guides or ball screw drive devices (ball rotary spindles). There is no need to add movable parts, which improves reliability and durability.
[0018] These rolling elements themselves do not need to be objects with permanent magnetization. These rolling elements only need to be composed of a ferromagnetic material that reacts to an external magnetic field provided by a device that generates a static magnetic field such that each rolling element affects the magnetic field provided around the rolling element, for example, with respect to the spatial transition of magnetic field lines or with respect to the intensity of the magnetic field. From this, a magnetic field that depends on the instantaneous position of each rolling element can be obtained with respect to the direction and / or magnitude of the intensity of the magnetic field around the rolling element. As a result, when the rolling element moves relative to the induction coil (i.e., during the relative movement of the first device component with respect to the second device component), a change in magnetic flux occurs that induces a voltage in at least one coil turn of the induction coil by electromagnetic induction.
[0019] A high relative magnetic permeability is achieved by using rolling elements made of a soft magnetic material (e.g., steel). This improves the energy conversion efficiency because the rolling elements have an effective influence on the spatial propagation of magnetic field lines.
[0020] During the movement of a second device component (e.g., a guide carriage or a guide slider) relative to a first device component, a voltage is periodically induced in an induction coil by electromagnetic induction. This can be useful for applications that require or can utilize such a periodic energy source.
[0021] As is apparent from the accompanying drawings, there are a plurality of implementation configurations in which the structure for generating a magnetic field and the arrangement form of the induction coil are different. This gives the developer a high degree of flexibility when adapting to specific applications or structural requirements.
[0022] In an advantageous implementation configuration of the system according to the present invention, the device for generating a static magnetic field is defined as being constituted by a permanent magnet made of a hard magnetic material.
[0023] In this advantageous implementation configuration Using a permanent magnet made of a hard magnetic material has several advantages. Thus, a permanent magnet made of a hard magnetic material ensures a certain stable magnetic field that is not affected by external influences or the arrangement form of the rolling elements. A permanent magnet made of a hard magnetic material has a long service life and loses its magnetic force very slowly over time. Since this magnetic field is generated by the permanent magnet, no external energy source is required for the operation of this system.
[0024] In an improved configuration of this advantageous implementation configuration, the permanent magnet is configured in a substantially U shape, both ends thereof have different magnetic poles, and the space between these two ends is configured to be traversed by the magnetic field lines of the static magnetic field and also by the rolling elements during the operation of the linear motion device.
[0025] Due to the U-shaped configuration of these permanent magnets, magnetic field lines converge between their two ends. This special arrangement causes most of the magnetic flux of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnets to converge within the rolling elements. This leads to an optimal utilization of the magnetic field.
[0026] In this case, the rolling elements can be either spherical or roller-shaped, which provides flexibility in the structure. Depending on the position of the rolling elements, the transition of the magnetic field lines changes, which causes different magnetic field strengths and magnetic field distributions. This characteristic can be utilized for the control and modulation of the magnetic field. Since the permanent magnets are composed of hard magnetic materials, the transition of the magnetic field lines inside the magnets is not affected or only slightly affected by the position of the rolling elements. This ensures the steady performance of the system.
[0027] In an advantageous alternative implementation of the system according to the present invention, the device for generating a static magnetic field is composed of magnetized objects, a permanent magnet made of a hard magnetic material with opposite ends having different magnetic poles, and two magnetic flux guiding members, where the first terminal end of the first magnetic flux guiding member is connected to one end of the permanent magnet, and the first terminal end of the second magnetic flux guiding member is connected to the opposite end of the permanent magnet. It is provided with.
[0028] This alternative implementation is different from the above-described implementation and its improved configurations in that magnetic flux guiding members are added. These magnetic flux guiding members made of soft magnetic materials with high relative magnetic permeability play an important role in operating and controlling the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnets.
[0029] The main advantage of this alternative implementation with respect to the implementation using a permanent magnet (without using a magnetic flux guiding member) is, in particular with respect to the induction coil, an improved method of controlling and manipulating the magnetic flux. This magnetic flux guiding member provides a method of adapting the magnetic field, in particular with respect to the spatial transition of the magnetic field lines and magnetic field strength, according to the relative arrangement of each of the permanent magnet, the rolling element and the induction coil, by a suitable selection of the shape of each magnetic flux guiding member and the relative permeability of each material of the magnetic flux guiding member.
[0030] Therefore, this alternative implementation, in particular when the magnetic flux guiding member is configured as a laminated plate (i.e., a laminated structure of a number of thin plates or foils made of a soft magnetic material and electrically insulated from each other) suitable for preventing the generation of eddy currents in the magnetic flux guiding member during the movement of the rolling element, minimizes the possible energy losses (caused in particular by the generation of eddy currents in the magnetic flux guiding member during the movement of the rolling element relative to each magnetic flux guiding member) while providing improved magnetic field control and maximum induced voltage. Thereby, this alternative implementation is very efficient and, in particular, has good performance.
[0031] In an advantageous embodiment of the above-described implementation, a magnetic pole piece made of a soft magnetic material is arranged at at least one second end of the two magnetic flux guiding members adjacent to the at least one induction coil to optimize the spatial transition of the magnetic field lines around the at least one induction coil.
[0032] By using a magnetic pole piece made of a soft magnetic material, the spatial transition of the magnetic field lines of the magnetic field around the induction coil can be optimized. The main purpose of this optimization is to maximize the electrical energy generated during the movement of the moving device component of the linear motion device. This means converting most of the mechanical energy of the moving device component into electrical energy. For this optimization, the shape of the magnetic pole piece and the relative permeability of the magnetic pole piece material can be selected. The shape of the magnetic pole piece can be changed according to the shape of the rolling element and the arrangement of the coil windings of the induction coil.
[0033] In another alternative implementation configuration of the system according to the present invention, the device for generating a static magnetic field is composed of a permanent magnet and an L-shaped magnetic flux guiding member respectively, and is provided with two U-shaped magnetized objects arranged at intervals symmetrically with respect to the moving direction of the rolling element in a mirror image manner. The rolling element is defined to sequentially cross the space between the two magnetized objects where the magnetic field lines of the static magnetic field cross during the operation of the linear motion device.
[0034] The magnetic flux density in the space between these two magnetized objects changes with the position of the rolling element, whereby the magnetic field strength can be set for a given application. The change in the position of the rolling element and the associated change in the magnetic flux induce a voltage in the induction coil and are thus utilized for energy generation and recovery.
[0035] This alternative implementation configuration can be considered advantageous in a given application that requires a specific interaction between the magnetic field and the rolling element, as different from other implementation configurations, the magnetic field lines extend parallel to the moving direction of the rolling element over at least a region. Overall, this alternative implementation configuration provides a promising means of generating and controlling a magnetic field for the rolling element, especially considering the high energy recovery performance.
[0036] In yet another alternative implementation configuration of the system according to the present invention, the device for generating a static magnetic field is provided with two magnetized objects of the same configuration having an E-shaped contour, arranged at intervals symmetrically with respect to the moving direction of the rolling element in a mirror image manner. The E-shaped contour has three legs, and a permanent magnet is attached to the central leg. The rolling element is defined to sequentially cross the space between these two magnetized objects where the magnetic field lines of the static magnetic field cross during the operation of this linear motion device.
[0037] The mirror-symmetrical arrangement of two magnetized objects with these E-shaped contours creates a uniform and consistent magnetic field in the space between them. This enables a reliable interaction with the rolling elements that cross it. Furthermore, the E-shaped contour with these three legs can generate a specific magnetic field configuration. In this case, the central leg with the permanent magnet can play the role of generating a strongly centered magnetic field within the area where the rolling elements move.
[0038] During operation, these rolling elements sequentially cross the space where the magnetic field lines cross, thus ensuring an invariant magnetic interaction that contributes to the efficient generation and recovery of energy.
[0039] A linear motion device according to the present invention includes a first device component and a second device component, and the second device component is supported by the first device component via rolling elements, so that the second device component can move linearly relative to the first device component. The linear motion device according to the present invention includes at least one system for generating electrical energy according to the present invention, and a device for generating a static magnetic field and at least one induction coil are fixedly arranged with respect to the first device component or fixedly arranged with respect to the second device component.
[0040] The advantages of such a linear motion device according to the present invention are obvious.
[0041] This linear motion device enables the conversion of mechanical energy generated during the movement of a moving device component (for example, a guide carriage or a guide slider) into electrical energy. This is called "energy harvesting".
[0042] The generated electrical energy can be directly stored in a first or second device component in which a device generating a static magnetic field and at least one induction coil are fixedly arranged. This can contribute to autonomously supplying energy to electrical devices or systems (e.g., sensors, processors, and communication interfaces) attached to these device components, thereby reducing or avoiding an external energy source or frequent battery replacement.
[0043] Integrating the system for generating electrical energy according to the present invention into a linear motion device enables a compact and efficient solution that does not require additional external devices or systems. Furthermore, there are various implementation configurations of this system, which provides high flexibility when integrating into various applications or configurations of the linear motion device.
[0044] Since the system for generating electrical energy according to the present invention is mainly based on magnetic characteristics and induction, there are fewer movable parts that may wear out, which results in a long lifespan and low maintenance requirements of the linear motion device.
[0045] This method of recovering and reusing this energy can reduce energy consumption, thereby also reducing the carbon footprint. Energy harvesting can reduce the need for an external energy source or regular battery replacement, which can also result in cost reduction in the long term.
[0046] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description of multiple implementation configurations of the present invention based on the following drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0047]
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BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0048] The accompanying drawings illustrate different variations of an innovative system for generating electrical energy for linear motion devices such as profiled rail guides or spindle guides / ball screw drive devices.
[0049] In a linear motion device, there is usually (often fixed) a first device component (guide member), for example, a guide rail in the case of a profiled rail guide, or a spindle in the case of a spindle guide or ball screw drive device. A second device component (guide component) guided by the first guide device, for example, a guide carriage in the case of a profiled rail guide, or a spindle nut in the case of a spindle guide or ball screw drive device, moves along this first device component and is supported by the first device component by rolling elements, for example, rollers or balls.
[0050] The linear motion device can be operated in different operating modes. In the case of a shaped rail guide, in particular a rolling element recirculating guide, the continuous rotational or circulating movement of the balls or rollers takes place along a closed path. These are typically used in applications where the load has to be continuously moved in both directions without the need for a return motion mechanism.
[0051] The system for generating electrical energy proposed here can in particular be attached to the moving device components of such a linear motion device. This comprises devices PM, MK1, MK2, MK3 which generate a static magnetic field and define a spatial region RB through which the rolling elements WK (rollers or balls) have to move when, during the operation of the linear motion device, a first device component moves relative to a second device component. These rolling elements WK are made of a ferromagnetic material, for example a soft ferromagnetic material with a high magnetic permeability, i.e. they influence the passage of the magnetic field lines FL of the static magnetic field.
[0052] When the second device component moves along the first device component, the magnetic field in the vicinity of the rolling elements WK (rollers or balls) changes relative to each of the devices PM, MK1, MK2, MK3 which generate the static magnetic field, depending on the respective position of the rolling elements.
[0053] Outside the devices PM, MK1, MK2, MK3 which generate the static magnetic field, there are at least one induction coil IS, IS1, IS2 each having at least one coil winding, arranged at a given position relative (i.e. fixed) to each of the devices PM, MK1, MK2, MK3 which generate the static magnetic field. These induction coils IS, IS1, IS2 are further arranged such that the change in the magnetic field caused by the movement of the second device component relative to the first device component causes a temporal change in the magnetic flux in the induction coils IS, IS1, IS2. The law of induction shows that these changes in magnetic flux induce a voltage U ind in the induction coils IS, IS1, IS2.
[0054] During the movement of this linear motion device, the induction coils IS, IS1, and IS2 generate a voltage that changes due to the temporal change of the magnetic flux. This voltage can be converted into a DC voltage using conventional electronic devices and the generated electrical energy can be stored in the energy storage ES (see Fig. 5).
[0055] In this process, often called "energy harvesting", the mechanical energy of the moving device components is converted into and stored as electrical energy. This stored electrical energy can be used to operate electrical devices such as the sensors S1, S2, the processor, and the communication interface KS attached to the moving device components (see Fig. 5).
[0056] The accompanying drawings are schematic diagrams for illustrating the related technical effects. In particular, the depicted transition of the magnetic field lines is schematic and not accurately calculated.
[0057] There are different embodiments, which differ in the configuration of the devices PM, MK1, MK2, MK3 that generate the static magnetic field, the spatial spread of the magnetic field lines with respect to the moving direction BR of the rolling elements WK (rollers or balls), and the arrangement of the induction coils IS, IS1, IS2.
[0058] Figs. 1 to 4 illustrate different drawings of a first embodiment of a system for generating electrical energy in a linear motion device according to the present invention. These drawings illustrate different operating states in different arrangements of the rolling elements WK relative to the device PM that generates the static magnetic field.
[0059] In these figures, the rolling elements WK are illustrated as balls, but rollers can also be used as the rolling elements WK (see Fig. 19).
[0060] In this case, the device PM that generates the static magnetic field is substantially U-shaped and is composed of a single permanent magnet PM with different magnetic poles at both ends.
[0061] Magnetic field lines FL extend within the spatial region RB between the two ends of the permanent magnet PM such that the total energy of the magnetic field is minimized. This causes a significant portion of the magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet PM to converge within the rolling elements WK. Each of the individual rolling elements WK has a corresponding magnetization that coincides with the spatial variation of the magnetic field.
[0062] It is important that the arrangement of the rolling elements WK relative to the permanent magnet PM has no effect, or only a slight effect, on the passage of the magnetic field lines FL since it is composed of a hard magnetic material.
[0063] Figures 1 to 4 illustrate the magnetic field lines FL inside the rolling elements WK, which extend substantially perpendicular to the moving direction BR of the rolling elements WK.
[0064] In this embodiment, an induction coil IS is arranged within the space RB between the two ends of the permanent magnet PM, which is traversed by the magnetic field lines FL and also by the rolling elements WL. More precisely, this induction coil IS is arranged within the region between one end of the permanent magnet PM and the region through which the rolling elements WK sequentially pass when a moving second device component moves along the first device component.
[0065] This induction coil IS is composed of one or more coil windings, and these coil windings extend in a ring shape around a central axis that is substantially perpendicular to the moving direction BR of the rolling elements WK. That is, each coil winding of the induction coil IS surrounds a planar region that is substantially parallel to the moving direction BR of the rolling elements WK.
[0066] In the arrangement of the rolling elements illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the magnetic field within the region between the two ends of the permanent magnet PM converges within the volume of a single rolling element WK. As a result, the magnetic flux corresponding to the windings of the induction coil IS is relatively large.
[0067] In the arrangement of the rolling elements illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the transition of the magnetic flux lines FL is changed so that the magnetic field within the space region RB between the two ends of the permanent magnet PM is distributed over the volumes of two rolling elements WK where the magnetic field is continuous. As a result, the magnetic flux corresponding to the coil windings of the induction coil IS is clearly reduced compared to FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0068] Therefore, the change in the position of the rolling elements WK from the arrangement according to FIGS. 1 and 2 to the arrangement according to FIGS. 3 and 4 causes a change in the magnetic flux within the region of the induction coil IS. This change in magnetic flux induces a voltage U in the windings of the induction coil IS, as indicated by the symbol "~" for the alternating voltage at the winding ends of the induction coil IS. ind to be induced.
[0069] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the process of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy in a linear motion device according to the present invention, here in a shaped rail guide 10 comprising a guide carriage 20 and a guide rail 15 illustrated in FIG. 5. In this example, the guide carriage 20 of the shaped rail guide 10 is linearly movable in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 15 and comprises one basic body 21 and two end caps 22 fixed to two front faces of this basic body 21 facing each other in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 15.
[0070] In this example, the guide carriage 20 of the forming rail guide 10 is supported by the guide rail 15 via a plurality of rolling elements WK. In this case, the rolling elements WK are arranged in a plurality of rolling element circulation passages formed in the guide carriage 20, and these passages each extend along a ring-shaped closed curve. Correspondingly, when the guide carriage 20 moves in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 15, the rolling elements WK can circulate along the ring-shaped closed circulation track. Two sections of these ring-shaped closed tracks each extend in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 15 to or through the position of the basic body 21, and the other two sections of each of these ring-shaped closed tracks each extend through the two end caps 22 (the spatial extension of these closed circulation tracks of the rolling elements WK is not shown in FIG. 5).
[0071] In the example according to FIG. 5, the conversion process from mechanical energy to electrical energy is assembled from a plurality of key components.
[0072] First, in a linear motion device, that is, in the forming rail guide 10 in the example according to FIG. 5, mechanical energy is generated. For this purpose, (as indicated by the double arrow marked near the guide carriage 20 in FIG. 5) the guide carriage 20 is moved in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 15. Then, this energy is transmitted to the "energy converter" EW corresponding to the system for generating electrical energy according to the present invention. The core of this energy converter EW is a device for generating a static magnetic field, that is, in this example, the arrangement form of the permanent magnet PM shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, combined with the induction coil IS in which a voltage U ind is induced when the guide carriage 20 moves in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 15. The generation of this voltage U ind is based on the principle that when the rolling elements WK of the forming rail guide 10 move relative to the device PM for generating a static magnetic field, thereby causing a change in magnetic flux in the induction coil IS, the generation of electrical energy occurs.
[0073] In order to make this induced voltage U ind usable for an electronic device, first of all, it must be rectified. This is done using a rectifier GR that converts an alternating voltage into a direct voltage. The direct voltage thus generated is then stored in an energy storage ES. Various devices, for example, a capacitor or a battery, can serve as the energy storage ES.
[0074] Finally, the stored energy is used to supply power to various electronic devices, for example, a DC voltage converter (DC / DC converter) GSW and a microprocessor MP that can be supplied with energy via this DC voltage converter GSW. This special system of FIG. 5 shows components such as sensors S1 and S2 that can be used to collect predetermined data. Furthermore, there is a wireless communication interface KS. This can be used to wirelessly transmit the data collected by sensors S1, S2 to another system or device. As is clear from FIG. 5, sensors S1, S2 and the wireless communication interface KS can be connected to the microprocessor MP in order to enable data transmission.
[0075] In the example according to FIG. 5, an energy converter EW consisting of a device PM that generates a static magnetic field and an induction coil IS can be fixedly arranged, for example, on a guide carriage 20, so that when the guide carriage 20 moves along the guide rail 15, the energy converter EW is moved together with the guide carriage 20. In this case, the energy converter EW can be installed near the circulating path of the rolling element WK, for example, at a location of the basic body 21, in a depression formed in the basic body 21, on one of the end caps 22, or in a depression formed on one of the end caps 22 (not shown in FIG. 5). Correspondingly, the remaining electronic devices (rectifier GR, energy storage ES, DC voltage converter GSW, microprocessor MP, sensors S1, sensors S2, wireless communication interface KS) shown in FIG. 5 can be fixedly arranged on the guide carriage 20 or integrated into the guide carriage 20.
[0076] The energy converter EW can form a compact unit together with one or more of the aforementioned electronic devices (for example, the rectifier GR, the energy storage ES, one or more sensors S1 and / or S2), and this unit can be mounted, for example, on a single support or within a single housing. Advantageously, such a unit can be installed as a whole near the circular orbit of the rolling element WK, for example, at the location of the basic body 21, in the recess formed within the basic body 21, on one of the end caps 22, or in the recess formed on one of the end caps 22 (not shown in FIG. 5).
[0077] FIG. 5 as a whole gives an intuitive overview of the energy conversion process and the energy utilization process in a specific technical system according to the present invention, which aims to efficiently convert the mechanical movement in a linear motion device into electrical energy and make it available for various electronic applications.
[0078] FIGS. 6 to 9 illustrate different drawings of a second implementation configuration of a system for generating electrical energy in the linear motion device according to the present invention. These drawings are similar to FIGS. 1 to 4 and illustrate different schematic diagrams and arrangement forms of the rolling element WK with respect to the device MK1 for generating a static magnetic field.
[0079] This second implementation configuration is basically different from the first implementation configuration in that the permanently magnetized PM is replaced by a magnetized object. This magnetized object labeled MK1 is composed of one permanent magnet PM1 and two magnetic flux guiding members FLS1, FLS2. This permanent magnet PM1 is a uniformly magnetized cube made of a hard magnetic material and has different magnetic poles at its opposite ends. These two magnetic flux guiding members FLS1 and FLS2 are composed of a soft magnetic material with a relatively high relative permeability and a large saturation magnetization, and are magnetized by the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet PM1.
[0080] In this second embodiment, the rolling elements WK (in this case, balls) are arranged such that when a moving device component (e.g., a guide carriage or slider) moves along a fixed device component (e.g., a guide rail), it must cross the space region RB between both ends of the magnetic flux guiding members FLS1 and FLS2. The arrangement of the permanent magnet PM1, the magnetic flux guiding members FLS1, FLS2, and the rolling elements WK has the effect that within the regions of these components, the magnetic force lines FL extend along a substantially ring-shaped closed curve.
[0081] Figures 6 and 8 illustrate the second embodiment observed from the same perspective, i.e., a perspective perpendicular to the moving direction BR of the rolling elements WK. However, Figure 8 illustrates the operating state in which the rolling elements WK are displaced in the moving direction BR by an interval approximately equal to the radius of the rolling elements WK as compared to the operating state shown in Figure 6.
[0082] Figure 7 shows the same arrangement of the rolling elements as in Figure 6, but is a plan view observed parallel to the moving direction BR in the VII-VII plane of Figure 6. Figure 9 shows the same arrangement of the rolling elements as in Figure 8, but is a plan view observed parallel to the moving direction BR in the IX-IX plane of Figure 8.
[0083] The magnetic force lines FL inside the rolling elements WK also extend substantially perpendicular to the moving direction BR of the rolling elements WK in the embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 9.
[0084] Also in this second embodiment, the induction coil IS is disposed in a space region RB between the free end of one magnetic flux guiding member FLS1 and the free end of the other magnetic flux guiding member FLS2. More precisely, the induction coil IS is located between one end of one magnetic flux guiding member FLS1 and a region within the space between the ends of the two magnetic flux guiding members FLS1 and FLS2 that the rolling element WK sequentially crosses when the moving device component moves along the fixed device component. This induction coil IS is similar to the induction coil in the first embodiment and is composed of one or more coil windings that extend in a ring shape around the central axis of the induction coil IS, facing in a direction substantially perpendicular to the moving direction BR of the rolling element WK.
[0085] In the operating states illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the arrangement of the rolling elements is such that the static magnetic field generated in the region between the second end (opposite to the permanent magnet PM1) of one magnetic flux guiding member FLS1 and the second end (opposite to the permanent magnet PM1) of the other magnetic flux guiding member FLS2 converges into the volume of a single rolling element WK. Thereby, the magnetic flux corresponding to the coil windings of the induction coil IS becomes relatively large.
[0086] In the arrangement of the rolling elements in the operating states according to FIGS. 8 and 9, the transition of the magnetic force lines FL is changed such that the static magnetic field generated in the region between the second end (opposite to the permanent magnet PM1) of one magnetic flux guiding member FLS1 and the second end (opposite to the permanent magnet PM1) of the other magnetic flux guiding member FLS2 is dispersed into the volumes of two consecutive rolling elements WK. Thereby, the magnetic flux corresponding to the coil windings of the induction coil IS is clearly reduced compared to the operating state illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0087] The change in the position of the rolling element WK from the arrangement according to FIGS. 6 and 7 to the arrangement according to FIGS. 8 and 9, and vice versa, has the effect of changing the magnetic flux within the region of the induction coil IS. This change induces a voltage represented by the symbol "~" for the alternating voltage at the winding ends of the induction coil IS in the windings of the induction coil IS.
[0088] In summary, the second implementation configuration according to FIGS. 6 to 9 is mainly different from the first implementation configuration in that there are flux guiding members FLS1 and FLS2. When the rolling elements WK transition between the two arrangement forms, these flux guiding members FLS1 and FLS2 cause a larger magnetic flux change, thereby realizing a higher induced voltage U ind To minimize the possible energy loss caused by the generation of eddy currents in one of the flux guiding members FLS1 and FLS2 during the movement of the rolling elements relative to each flux guiding member FLS1 or FLS2, advantageously, the flux guiding members FLS2 and FLS2 can be realized as laminated plates made of soft magnetic materials respectively.
[0089] As the soft magnetic material for the flux guiding members FLS1 and FLS2, materials having particularly high relative permeability, low coercive force and high saturation magnetization (such as alloys of NiFe, SiFe or CoFe, etc.) are advantageous.
[0090] FIGS. 10 to 13 illustrate different aspects of a third implementation configuration of a system for generating electrical energy in a linear motion device according to the present invention. This implementation configuration is substantially similar to the second implementation configuration illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 9. However, the prominent difference is that a so-called pole piece PS made of soft magnetic material is formed at the second end (opposite to the permanent magnet PM1) of one of the two flux guiding members near the induction coil IS.
[0091] This pole piece PS enables the magnetic field near the induction coil IS to be changed and controlled as desired. The main purpose of this change and control is to increase the electrical energy generated by the movement of the moving device components of the linear motion device. In other words, it is to maximize the efficiency of converting the mechanical energy of the moving device components into electrical energy.
[0092] To achieve this objective, the shape of the magnetic pole piece PS and the permeability of the material of the magnetic pole piece to be used can be carefully selected. In particular, the geometric shape of the magnetic pole piece PS can be configured according to the geometric shape of the rolling element WK (for example, a ball or a roller) and the arrangement form of the coil windings of the induction coil IS.
[0093] To ensure maximum energy conversion from the mechanical energy of the linear motion device to electrical energy, in the arrangement forms of the rolling element WK shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the magnetic flux corresponding to the coil windings of the induction coil IS is maximized, while in the arrangement forms of the rolling element WK shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the magnetic field around the induction coil IS should be optimized by the magnetic pole piece PS so that this magnetic flux is minimized.
[0094] A special realization form of the third implementation configuration according to FIGS. 10 to 13 enables this optimization. This magnetic pole piece PS has a surface that is convexly curved on the side facing the induction coil IS, that is, bulges outward. Further, this magnetic pole piece PS is arranged symmetrically with respect to the extension of the central axis of the induction coil IS. This central axis is defined as a line that extends at a right angle through the center point of the plane defined by the coil windings of the induction coil IS.
[0095] Due to this special realization form of the magnetic pole piece PS, the magnetic flux in the rolling element WK is controlled, and in the arrangement form of the rolling element according to FIGS. 12 and 13, the magnetic flux becomes particularly small, which is also due to the convexly curved surface of the magnetic pole piece PS.
[0096] The result of this optimization is that when the rolling element WK moves between the positions shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 on one hand and the positions shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 on the other hand, a significant change in magnetic flux occurs. This generates a high induced voltage U ind to be generated.
[0097] Figures 14 and 15 illustrate a fourth implementation configuration of a system for generating electrical energy in a linear motion device according to the present invention. Two different arrangements of the rolling elements WK with respect to the devices MK2 and MK3 that generate a static magnetic field are shown in side views, each viewed from a direction perpendicular to the moving direction BR of the rolling elements WK.
[0098] The devices for generating a static magnetic field used in this implementation configuration are composed of two identical, substantially U-shaped magnetized objects MK2 and MK3. Each of these magnetized objects MK2 and MK3 is composed of a permanent magnet PM2 and an L-shaped magnetic flux guiding member FLS3 made of a soft magnetic material. One end of this magnetic flux guiding member FLS3 is connected to the end face of the permanent magnet PM2 and is thus magnetized by the permanent magnet PM2. The opposite end of this magnetic flux guiding member FLS3 forms the second leg of the U-shaped magnetized objects MK2 and MK3.
[0099] The two magnetized objects MK2 and MK3 are arranged at intervals on opposite sides of a spatial region RB through which the rolling elements WK sequentially pass in the moving direction BR when one moving device component (for example, a guide carriage or a guide slider) moves in the longitudinal direction of the other device component (for example, a guide rail). This arrangement is shown in a mirror image form at intervals with respect to the moving direction BR of the rolling elements WK as shown in Figures 14 and 15. In this case, they are rollers as the rolling elements WK, and Figures 14 and 15 illustrate side views parallel to the longitudinal axes of these rollers, respectively.
[0100] These two magnetized objects MK2 and MK3 extend in the moving direction BR of the rolling elements WK and have an extension approximately equal to the diameter of the rolling elements WK with respect to the moving direction BR.
[0101] FIG. 14 illustrates an operating state in which the rolling elements WK are arranged in the moving direction BR such that one of two consecutive rolling elements WK is within the gap space between the permanent magnets PM2 of the magnetic bodies MK2 and MK3. At the same time, the other of these two consecutive rolling elements WK is within the gap space between one end of the second leg of the magnetized object MK2 formed by the magnetic flux guiding member FLS3 and one end of the second leg of the magnetized object MK3 formed by the magnetic flux guiding member FLS3 as well.
[0102] In the operating state according to FIG. 15, the rolling elements WK are displaced by approximately half of the diameter of the rolling element in the moving direction BR as compared to the arrangement form in the operating state according to FIG. 14.
[0103] In any case, the two magnetized objects MK2, MK3 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the moving direction BR of the rolling elements WK with a gap therebetween, and the magnetization of the permanent magnets PM2 of the two magnetized objects MK2 and MK3 is directed in a direction such that it faces a direction perpendicular to the moving direction BR of the rolling elements WK. In this case, the magnetization of the permanent magnet PM2 of one magnetized object MK2 and the magnetization of the permanent magnet PM2 of the other magnetized object MK3 face opposite directions, and in FIGS. 14 to 19, the polarities are respectively assigned the symbol "S" for the "S pole" and the symbol "N" for the "north pole".
[0104] Therefore, when one moving device component of the linear motion device moves in the longitudinal direction of the other device component of the linear motion device, the two magnetized objects MK2 and MK3 generate a magnetic field within the space region RB that the rolling elements WK must sequentially cross. The magnetic force lines FL (indicated by dashed lines in FIGS. 13 and 14) of the magnetic field extend at least partially parallel to the moving direction BR of the rolling elements WK, which is different from the aforementioned implementation configuration in FIGS. 1 to 13.
[0105] In the arrangement of the rolling elements according to FIG. 14, the rolling element WK is magnetized relatively strongly between the magnetized objects MK2 and MK3 because it is precisely in the gap space between the permanent magnets PM2 and between the free legs of the magnetized flux guiding members FLS2 and FLS3. This creates a relatively high magnetic flux density in the space between the two magnetized objects MK2 and MK3 as shown in FIG. 14.
[0106] In contrast, in the operating state according to FIG. 15, the rolling element WK is positioned such that both the permanent magnets PM2 of the magnetized objects MK2 and MK3 and the free legs of the flux guiding members FLS2 and FLS3 of the magnetized objects MK2 and MK3 are in the "intermediate position" between two consecutive rolling elements WK. In this arrangement, the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet PM2 and transmitted by the flux guiding members FLS2 and FLS3 is dispersed approximately around two consecutive rolling elements WK and its periphery.
[0107] Therefore, these two magnetized objects MK2 and MK3 generate a magnetic field in both arrangements of the rolling elements in which the magnetic force lines FL extend at least partially parallel to the moving direction BR of the rolling element WK.
[0108] As shown by the dashed lines in FIGS. 14 and 15, the change in the position of the rolling element WK when transitioning from the arrangement according to FIG. 14 to the arrangement according to FIG. 15 causes a change in the spatial transition of the magnetic force lines FL, and thus a change in the magnetic flux, with respect to the arrangement of the magnetized objects MK2 and MK3 and the induction coil IS2. This induces a voltage U ind in the induction coil IS2 whose central axis extends on the same straight line as the moving direction BR of the rolling element WK. Therefore, the coil windings of the induction coil IS2 extend in a ring shape around the spatial region RB that the rolling element WK must sequentially cross as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. The coil windings of the induction coil IS2 are arranged in a space-saving form between the two legs of the U-shaped magnetized objects MK2 and MK3 (i.e., between the legs formed by the permanent magnet PM2 and the legs formed by the flux guiding members FLS2 and FLS3, respectively).
[0109] Figures 16 to 19 illustrate detailed views of two alternative forms of a system for generating electrical energy in a linear motion device according to the present invention, based on the fourth implementation configuration according to FIGS. 14 and 15 described above. These alternative forms are herein referred to as the fifth implementation configuration (FIGS. 16 and 17) and the sixth implementation configuration (FIGS. 18 and 19).
[0110] In the fifth implementation configuration according to FIGS. 16 and 17, another structural modification of the devices MK2, MK3 for generating a static magnetic field is defined. In FIGS. 14 and 15, two magnetized objects MK2 and MK3 consisting of an L-shaped magnetic flux guiding member FLS3 and a permanent magnet PM2 are used, while in the fifth implementation configuration according to FIGS. 16 and 17, the configuration of these magnetized objects MK2 and MK3 is changed. Here, two magnetized objects MK2 and MK3 of the same configuration are shown in side views as seen from a direction perpendicular to the moving direction BR of the rolling element WK, and the magnetized objects MK2 and MK3 each have an E-shaped contour with a total of three legs arranged at intervals in the moving direction BR. The central legs of these E-shaped magnetized objects MK2 and MK3 form the permanent magnet PM2 on the side facing the space region RB through which the rolling element WK passes. The remaining portions of the magnetized objects MK2 and MK3 are formed by magnetic flux guiding members FL2, FLS3 having an E-shaped contour, and the lengths of the central legs of the magnetic flux guiding members FLS2, FLS3 in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction BR are shortened by lengths equal to the lengths of the attached permanent magnets PM2, respectively.
[0111] Another major difference in this fifth implementation configuration compared to FIGS. 14 and 15 is the arrangement and number of induction coils. In this fifth implementation configuration, instead of the single induction coil IS2 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, two separate induction coils IS1 and IS2 are used. These two induction coils IS1 and IS2 are arranged at intervals in sequence as seen in the moving direction BR of the rolling element WK so as to be on the opposite sides of the permanent magnet PM2 attached to the central leg.
[0112] Magnetic field lines FL generated by magnetized objects MK2 and MK3 are shown by dashed lines in FIGS. 16 and 17. As is clear, the magnetic field generated within the region of induction coil IS1 is oriented in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of induction coil IS1 (or in a direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the coil windings of induction coil IS1). Correspondingly, the magnetic field generated within the region of induction coil IS2 is oriented in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of induction coil IS2 (or in a direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the coil windings of induction coil IS2).
[0113] The change in the position of rolling element WK when transitioning from the arrangement according to FIG. 16 to the arrangement according to FIG. 17 causes a change in the spatial transition of magnetic field lines FL with respect to the arrangement of magnetized objects MK2 and MK3 and induction coils IS1 and IS2. Therefore, it causes a change in magnetic flux both within the region of induction coil IS1 and within the region of induction coil IS2. As a result, voltages are induced in each coil winding of induction coil IS1 and each coil winding of induction coil IS2 respectively due to the change in magnetic flux within the region of induction coil IS1 and within the region of induction coil IS2.
[0114] In this fifth embodiment, significant changes have been made to the configuration of magnetized objects MK2 and MK3, as well as to the arrangement and number of induction coils IS1 and IS2. These changes are aimed at optimizing the function of the system. A special feature of these changes is the arrangement of induction coils IS1 and IS2 on both sides around the central permanent magnet PM2. This makes it possible to detect different polarities in the static magnetic field affected by rolling element WK. This enables more accurate and finer measurement by detecting the action of rolling element WK on the magnetic field from different directions. That is, this fifth embodiment aims to improve the sensitivity and accuracy of the system regarding the interaction between rolling element WK and the magnetic field.
[0115] The sixth implementation configuration according to FIGS. 18 and 19 is also based on the fourth implementation configuration according to FIGS. 14 and 15 with respect to the structure. However, here, additional measures are taken to further improve the performance. In the permanent magnets PM2 of the magnetized objects MK2 and MK3, magnetic field focusing devices MKO made of a soft magnetic material with a high relative permeability are attached to the sides facing the spaces crossed by the rolling elements WK, respectively. The role of this magnetic field focusing device MKO is to focus the magnetic field near each rolling element WK into as small a space as possible.
[0116] This change can be used to improve the magnetic field strength very close to each rolling element WK, which can also improve the efficiency of generating energy. When the magnetic field near each rolling element WK becomes stronger, this can increase the change in magnetic flux when the rolling element WK moves. This can also increase the voltage U ind induced in the induction coil IS2, which improves the efficiency of generating energy.
[0117] Therefore, this sixth implementation configuration aims to improve the performance of the system by using the magnetic field focusing devices MKO. These magnetic field focusing devices MKO focus the magnetic field near the rolling elements WK to better detect the change in magnetic flux.
[0118] In particular, the system proposed here can be used as an innovative approach for the operation and monitoring of the guide carriage in the profiled rail guide. By directly integrating the system proposed here (the "energy harvester") into the guide carriage, potential problems in the field of power supply and cable wiring can be avoided.
[0119] The main advantage of this system is that the guide carriage can operate independently. The generated energy is used to operate both the sensor device that collects important data such as the amount and / or state of the lubricant lubricating the rolling elements, and the humidity and / or temperature around the rolling elements, and the wireless data transmission device. This eliminates the need for an external power supply, which can be considered a great advantage in many industrial applications, especially in fields where cable wiring is problematic or expensive.
[0120] In particular, the realization of a method for independently supplying energy for this wireless data transmission is the main advantage of the system proposed here. Although WLAN and Bluetooth are commonly used protocols, in industrial environments where noise or other problems may occur, it is important to ensure the reliability and security of those connections at all times.
[0121] The use of the rectifier GR and the energy storage ES ensures the efficient use and storage of the generated energy. This ensures the continuous supply of the energy required for the sensor device and the data transmission device.
[0122] Finally, the combination of the system for generating energy, the sensor technology system, and the wireless data transmission system in the linear motion device (for example, a shaped rail guide or a ball screw drive) proposed here has the potential to revolutionize the method of monitoring using the linear motion device. It not only provides an independent energy source but also enables improved monitoring and data transmission that can contribute to the optimization of operation and the early detection of problems.
Claims
1. 1. A system for generating electrical energy in a linear motion device, comprising: The linear motion device (10) comprises a first device component (15) and a second device component (20), the second device component (20) is supported on the first device component (15) via a rolling body (WK), so that the second device component (20) can move linearly relative to the first device component (15), and when the second device component moves relative to the first device component during operation of the linear motion device (10), the rolling body (WK) moves relative to the first device component and the second device component; The system that generates this electrical energy is A rolling element (WK) movable along a moving direction (BR) during operation of the linear motion device; the rolling elements (WK) are made of a magnetically permeable material, so that they are suitable for influencing a magnetic field as a function of their position in the spatial region (RB), A device (PM, MK1, MK2, MK3) that generates a static magnetic field in a spatial region (RB) that a rolling element (WK) must cross sequentially as it moves along a moving direction (BR) during operation of the linear motion device; At least one induction coil (IS, IS1, IS2) with at least one coil winding, the at least one induction coil (IS, IS1, IS2) generating a voltage (U) on the at least one coil winding due to a change in position of the rolling element (WK) as the rolling element (WK) moves through the spatial region (RB) along a moving direction (BR). ind and at least one induction coil arranged fixedly relative to devices (PM, MK1, MK2, MK3) that generate a static magnetic field so as to receive a change in magnetic flux that induces a magnetic field in the device (PM, MK1, MK2, MK3).
2. 2. The system of claim 1, A system in which the rolling elements (WK) move circularly along a closed path or in which the rolling elements (WK) move along a fixed path, at the end of which they return to their starting position.
3. 3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, The system, wherein the rolling elements (WK) are configured as balls or rollers.
4. In the system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The system in which the devices (PM, MK1, MK2, MK3) that generate the static magnetic field are composed of permanent magnets (PM) made of hard magnetic material.
5. 5. The system of claim 4, The system comprises a permanent magnet (PM) configured in an approximately U-shape, two ends of which have different magnetic poles, and a space between these two ends which is passed by the magnetic field lines (FL) of a static magnetic field and is configured to be traversed by the rolling elements (WK) during operation of the linear motion device (10).
6. In the system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The device for generating the static magnetic field is constituted by a magnetized object (MK1), This object, a permanent magnet (PM1) made of a hard magnetic material, the opposing ends of which have different magnetic poles; The system comprises two magnetic flux guiding members (FLS1, FLS2), a first end of the first magnetic flux guiding member (FLS1) being connected to one end of the permanent magnet (PM1) and a first end of the second magnetic flux guiding member (FLS2) being connected to the other end of the permanent magnet (PM1) opposite the one end.
7. 7. The system of claim 6, The system in which the two magnetic flux guide members (FLS1, FLS2) are made of a soft magnetic material with high relative permeability.
8. 8. The system according to claim 6 or 7, The system is configured such that the magnetized object (MK1) is configured in an approximately U-shape, and the space between the second end of one magnetic flux guide member (FLS1) and the second end of the other magnetic flux guide member (FLS2) is passed by the magnetic field lines (FL) of the static magnetic field and is crossed by the rolling body (WK) during operation of the linear motion device.
9. 9. The system of claim 8, The system in which the magnetic field lines (FL) in the area of the permanent magnet (PM1), the two flux guide members (FLS1, FLS2) and the rolling elements (WK) extend along a closed curve in the shape of an approximately ring.
10. 10. The system according to claim 8 or 9, The system, in which the magnetic flux guide elements (FLS1, FLS2) are realized and arranged in such a way that the spatial progression of the magnetic field lines (FL) varies depending on the respective positions of the rolling elements (WK) relative to the magnetic flux guide elements (FLS1, FLS2).
11. In the system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, The system further comprises a pole piece (PS) made of a soft magnetic material arranged at a second end of at least one of the two magnetic flux guide members (FLS1, FLS2) adjacent to the at least one induction coil (IS) in order to optimize the spatial progression of the magnetic field lines (FL) around the at least one induction coil (IS).
12. 12. The system of claim 11, The system wherein the geometric shape of the pole pieces and the relative permeability of the pole piece material are optimized to ensure maximum energy conversion from mechanical energy of the linear motion device to generate electrical energy.
13. 13. The system according to claim 11 or 12, The system, wherein the geometric shape of the pole pieces is configured depending on the geometric shape of the rolling elements (WK) and the arrangement of at least one coil winding of the induction coil (IS).
14. In the system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, The system, wherein said pole piece (PS) has a convexly curved surface on the side facing said at least one induction coil (IS).
15. In the system according to any one of claims 11 to 14, The system wherein the pole pieces (PS) are configured symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the induction coil (IS).
16. In the system according to any one of claims 5, 8 to 15, The system in which the magnetic field lines (FL) extend approximately perpendicular to the direction of movement (BR) of the rolling elements (WK).
17. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, The system, wherein the at least one induction coil (IS) is arranged in or at a spatial region (RB) which the rolling body (WK) sequentially crosses as it moves along the movement direction (BR) during operation of the linear motion device.
18. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, The system wherein the at least one induction coil (IS) has one or more coil windings extending in a ring shape around a central axis of the induction coil (IS).
19. 20. The system of claim 18, The system, wherein one or more coil windings of the at least one induction coil (IS) each enclose a surface area oriented substantially parallel to the direction of movement (BR) of the rolling elements (WK).
20. In the system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The system comprises an apparatus for generating the static magnetic field, which comprises two U-shaped magnetized objects (MK2, MK3), each of which is composed of a permanent magnet (PM2) and an L-shaped magnetic flux guide member (FLS3), and which are arranged in mirror symmetry with a relative gap between them with respect to the direction of movement (BR) of the rolling element (WK), and the rolling element (WK) sequentially crosses the spatial region (RB) between the two magnetized objects (MK2, MK3) through which the magnetic field lines (FL) of the static magnetic field pass during operation of the linear motion device.
21. 21. The system of claim 20, The system, wherein the extension in the direction of movement (BR) of the magnetized bodies (MK2, MK3) is approximately equal to the diameter of the rolling elements (WK).
22. 22. The system according to claim 20 or 21, The system in which, when a rolling element (WK) is located between the permanent magnets (PM2) of the two magnetized bodies (MK2, MK3), the rolling element (WK) that follows or precedes it is located between the ends of the flux guide members (FLS3) of the two magnetized bodies (MK2, MK3).
23. In the system according to any one of claims 20 to 22, The system, wherein the at least one induction coil (IS2) is arranged such that at least one coil winding of the at least one induction coil (IS2) extends in a ring shape around a spatial region (RB) that is crossed in sequence by the rolling elements (WK).
24. 24. The system of claim 23, The at least one induction coil (IS2) is arranged such that at least one coil winding of the at least one induction coil (IS2) extends through a gap space between the permanent magnet (PM2) and the magnetic flux guide member (FLS3) of one magnetized body (MK2) and a gap space between the permanent magnet (PM2) and the magnetic flux guide member (FLS3) of the other magnetized body (MK3), respectively.
25. In the system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The system comprises two identical magnetized objects (MK2, MK3) having an E-shaped contour, which are spaced apart from each other and arranged in mirror symmetry with respect to the direction of movement (BR) of a rolling element (WK), and the E-shaped contour has three legs, with a permanent magnet (PM2) attached to the central leg, and the rolling element (WK) sequentially crosses the spatial region (RB) between the two magnetized objects (MK2, MK3) through which the magnetic field lines (FL) of the static magnetic field pass during operation of the linear motion device.
26. 26. The system of claim 25, The system comprises two induction coils (IS1, IS2) arranged one behind the other on opposite sides of a permanent magnet (PM2) as viewed in the direction of movement (BR) of a rolling element (WK), and at least one coil winding of each of the two induction coils extends in a ring shape around a spatial region (RB) that is crossed in sequence by the rolling element (WK).
27. 27. The system of claim 26, The system in which the two induction coils (IS1, IS2) are arranged so as to detect different polarities of the static magnetic field influenced by the rolling element (WK).
28. In the system according to any one of claims 20 to 27, The system in which the magnetic field lines (FL) extend partially parallel to the direction of movement (BR) of the rolling elements (WK).
29. In the system according to any one of claims 20 to 28, The system is equipped with a magnetic field focusing device (MKO) made of a soft magnetic material with high relative permeability attached to the permanent magnet (PM2) of one magnetized object (MK2) and / or the permanent magnet (PM2) of the other magnetized object (MK3) in order to concentrate the magnetic field in as small a space as possible near the rolling body (WK).
30. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 29, A voltage (U ind The system further comprises a rectifier (GR) for converting the DC voltage to a DC voltage.
31. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 30, The system further comprises an energy storage (ES) selected from the group consisting of a capacitor and a capacitor for storing the generated electrical energy for further use.
32. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 31, The system is configured to use the generated electrical energy to power an electrical device in a first device component (15) or a second device component (20) of a linear motion device (10).
33. 33. The system of claim 32, The system, wherein the electrical device comprises at least one sensor (S1, S2).
34. 34. The system according to claim 32 or 33, The system, wherein said electrical equipment comprises at least one wireless communication interface (KS) for data transmission.
35. A linear motion device (10) comprising at least one system according to any one of claims 1 to 34, comprising a first device component (15) and a second device component (20), the second device component (20) being supported on the first device component (15) via rolling elements (WK) so that the second device component (20) is linearly movable relative to the first device component (15), wherein the device for generating a static magnetic field and the at least one induction coil are arranged fixedly relative to the first device component or fixedly relative to the second device component.
36. 36. The linear motion device according to claim 35, The linear motion device is configured as a profiled rail guide (10) with a guide rail as a first device component (15) and a guide carriage or guide slider as a second device component (20).
37. 36. The linear motion device according to claim 35, The linear motion device is configured as a ball screw drive device having a spindle as a first device component and a spindle nut as a second device component, and the device generating the static magnetic field is fixedly arranged relative to the spindle nut.