Monitoring system for belt-operated chassis

Abstract

At least one physical scale monitoring system (70) including a temperature within at least one chassis component (20;50), the system comprising at least one sensor device (40) arranged within an individual chassis component (20;50) for a belt-type chassis (10) of a vehicle, the sensor device (40) being configured to detect a temperature within the chassis component (20;50) and generate a wireless measurement signal including temperature representative data; and a gateway (60) comprising a gateway wireless transceiver (67) for receiving the wireless measurement signal from the at least one sensor device (40), a gateway (60) comprising a central processing unit (68) operatively connected to the gateway wireless transceiver (67) configured to receive and store measurement signals comprising temperature representative data relating to the at least one sensor device (40), and a wireless access point (57) operatively connected to the central processing unit (68) configured to receive said measurement signals stored in the central processing unit (68) and generate corresponding wireless measurement signals, the wireless access point (57) serving as an entry point for accessing temperature representative data detected by the at least one sensor device (40).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for monitoring at least one physical quantity, including temperature, within at least one undercarriage component with a separate sensor device.

[0002] The present invention further relates to undercarriage components equipped with sensor devices, in particular roller assemblies. [Background technology]

[0003] Belted undercarriages are commonly used on work machines, such as earthmoving, mining, and demolition machines, to enable the machines to move over ground that is often uneven or has low grip.

[0004] A belt-type undercarriage typically includes two spaced-apart, parallel-positioned chain assemblies configured to receive and transmit drive torque to the ground. Each chain assembly includes a plurality of undercarriage components, typically including a closed-loop chain on a driving wheel and on an idler wheel (or idler) operably connected to a tensioner assembly. The undercarriage components further include a plurality of rollers between the driving wheel and the idler wheel configured to guide the chain during operation. The rollers typically include one or more upper rollers and a plurality of lower rollers.

[0005] A chain typically comprises a number of links, where a link refers to a single component of the chain that is connected to other components. Each link typically comprises a pair of plates facing each other. The links are interconnected by pins between them. Each pin is typically inserted into a hole on a plate and connects two links together.

[0006] A sole is usually installed on the link, which is in direct contact with the ground and has the task of transmitting traction to the ground and increasing the contact area between the machine and the ground. The type of sole used is determined by the ground on which the machine must work, the conditions of the environment in which the machine must work, and the specifications proposed by the machine manufacturer.

[0007] The undercarriage is typically subjected to very severe working conditions that may result from the overall weight of the machine, the high power transmitted from the machine engine to the ground, and / or the shape and configuration of the terrain the machine must work in. Accordingly, the components of the undercarriage are subjected to high mechanical stresses that may damage and wear the components themselves.

[0008] Bushings are typically used as external protection for rollers or pins to separate link plates from each other or engage drive and idler wheels. The rollers are made of metal, usually steel, and bushings are typically positioned radially on the exterior of the roller shaft to reduce friction between the moving parts. Bushings are typically made of non-ferrous metals or bimetallic alloys, such as bronze, and are therefore sometimes referred to as "bronze bushings." The bushings positioned on the exterior of the rollers can rotate integrally with the roller around the shaft, or they can be fixed relative to the rotating roller. Bushings are typically lubricated to reduce friction between the contact surfaces of the bushing and roller, or between the bushing and the shaft.

[0009] Insufficient lubrication increases friction which leads to wear of the bushing, which gradually reduces the thickness of the bushing, and ultimately damage to the underlying rollers or pins and / or other components of the chain.

[0010] Because wear on undercarriage components often requires machine downtime to perform repairs or replacements, solutions have been developed to measure the wear state of components.

[0011] A symptom of inadequate lubrication is heat generated in the bushings and rollers / pins due to increased friction between the contacting surfaces.

[0012] US Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0086398 relates to a belt-type assembly for a belt-type vehicle, comprising a support shaft, a rotating roller mounted on the periphery of the support shaft that rotates while supporting the inside of the belt, a first detection unit arranged between the support shaft and the roller for measuring the rotation speed or acceleration of the roller, a second detection unit for measuring the temperature of the lubricant between the support shaft and the roller, a third detection unit arranged on the roller for measuring the wear state of the roller, and a communication unit for communicating the values ​​measured by the detection units to the outside, wherein a receiving unit receives the measured values ​​wirelessly. A reservoir filled with lubricant is provided between the support shaft and the roller, and the second detection unit is a temperature sensor exposed to the reservoir containing the lubricant.

[0013] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0255354 describes a monitoring device within an undercarriage assembly having a roller assembly with a fixed roller component (shaft or housing) and a bushing. The monitoring device has two sensors that detect two separate physical properties of the bushing. In one example, the monitoring device has a temperature sensor that is used to determine the condition of the lubricant inside the roller assembly. The monitoring device can have a temperature sensor and a Hall effect sensor that generate an output signal. The document mentions that the output signal is transmitted to a computer through a wireless transmitter or the data is accessed through a port connected to the monitoring device.

[0014] WO 2016 / 032793 A1 relates to a link comprising a wear sensor positioned within a cavity in the body of the link, configured to generate a signal indicative of a wear parameter of the surface of the link, and a communication device receives the signal and transmits a corresponding signal to an on-board or off-board computer.

[0015] WO 2019 / 097556(A1) in the name of the present applicant relates to an element of a belt-type moving assembly having at least one seat open towards the outside to accommodate a wear sensor equipped with a processing unit equipped with a transceiver, where the transducer is of the consumable type and faces towards the outer surface subject to wear.

[0016] As indicated above, rollers are subjected to high mechanical stresses that can lead to roller wear. In particular, the applicant has noticed that some undercarriage components are subjected to high stresses during operations to move large earth-moving machines. One undercarriage component that is particularly at risk is the lower roller, whose function is to absorb the load transmitted by the machine and to guide the chain. Typically, large excavators are equipped with several lower rollers, for example, 8 to 32. During operation of the excavator, the lower rollers are subjected to rotation, which can result in a considerable increase in the temperature inside the rollers, which can reach critical values ​​that can affect the functional integrity of these components.

[0017] To ensure correct operation of the vehicle and at the same time minimize the number of machine downtimes, it is important to be able to know in real time the temperatures reached by the undercarriage components, and in particular the roller assemblies such as the lower rollers, upper rollers or idler rollers.

[0018] One approach is to have qualified personnel perform periodic checks of the roller temperature using a close range temperature reading tool such as an infrared gun. These periodic inspections require the machine to be taken out of operation for obvious safety reasons, resulting in limited machine downtime to perform the inspections.

[0019] The applicant has realized that transmitting measurement data directly from the detection unit of the undercarriage component to a remote station requires the components to be monitored to be very expensive and often requires the presence of bulky transmitting devices and / or relatively large batteries for powering such devices. In addition, belt-type vehicles, particularly those of large size such as mining excavators, are often used in remote locations where mobile connections to cellular telecommunications networks are scarce or unreliable.

[0020] The applicant has realized that remote monitoring of the vehicle, in real time or in any case periodically, at a distance of, for example, between 50 and 500 meters from the vehicle, of physical quantities representative of the current state of at least one or more chassis components, allows efficient management of possible criticality and consequently appropriate intervention or planning thereof.

[0021] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0086398 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0255354 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2016 / 032793 (A1) [Patent Document 4] International Publication No. 2019 / 097556(A1) [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0043980 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0022] The present invention relates to a monitoring system for at least one physical quantity in at least one chassis component, in particular in multiple chassis components, wherein the at least one physical quantity includes an internal temperature of one or more chassis components. [Means for solving the problem]

[0023] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a system for monitoring at least one physical quantity including a temperature within at least one undercarriage component, the system comprising: at least one sensor device disposed within an individual chassis component for a belt-type chassis of the vehicle, the sensor device configured to detect a temperature within the chassis component and generate a wireless measurement signal including data representative of the temperature; A gateway, the gateway comprising: - a gateway radio transceiver for receiving radio measurement signals from at least one sensor device; - a central processing unit operatively connected to the gateway wireless transceiver, the central processing unit configured to receive and store measurement signals including temperature representative data associated with at least one sensor device; and - a wireless access point operatively connected to the central processing unit, configured to receive said measurement signals stored in the central processing unit and to generate corresponding wireless measurement signals, the wireless access point serving as an entry point for accessing temperature representative data detected by the at least one sensor device. a gateway; Equipped with.

[0024] For example, according to the present disclosure, by connecting a mobile terminal or PC to a Wi-Fi network formed by a gateway installed in the vehicle, an operator at a certain distance from the belt-driven vehicle, typically between 20 m and 500 m, can remotely check data related to the latest status of the monitored chassis components.

[0025] In the present context, short-range radio signals mean radio signals that have an action range of about 5 meters to about 20 meters.

[0026] In this context, a medium-range radio signal means a radio signal having an operating range of about 20 meters to about 500 meters. Preferably, the radio measurement signal generated by the wireless access point is a medium-range radio signal having an operating range of 20 meters to 500 meters.

[0027] Preferably, the radio measurement signal generated by the wireless access point is a Wi-Fi signal.

[0028] Preferably, the radio measurement signals generated by the at least one sensor device are short-range radio signals transmitted in a connectionless broadcast manner. Preferably, the radio signals are Bluetooth signals, more preferably Bluetooth Low Energy.

[0029] Preferably, the gateway radio transceiver is configured to receive short-range radio signals, preferably Bluetooth, more preferably Bluetooth Low Energy.

[0030] Preferably, the gateway is positioned within range of short-range signals generated by at least one sensor device to enable the wireless gateway transceiver to receive wireless measurement signals from the at least one sensor device.

[0031] Preferably, the gateway comprises a wireless mobile phone modem connected to the central processing unit, configured to receive measurement signals from the central processing unit and to generate corresponding measurement signals at radio frequencies for a mobile telecommunications network, the measurement signals comprising data representative of the temperature of at least one chassis component.

[0032] Preferably, at least one sensor device is a plurality of sensor devices arranged inside an individual chassis component, each sensor device configured to detect the temperature inside the individual chassis component and generate a wireless measurement signal comprising temperature representative data.

[0033] Typically, at least one chassis component is located in a belt-type chassis, and the gateway is located in a vehicle with the belt-type chassis.

[0034] Preferably, the gateway comprises a CAN controller operatively connected to the central processing unit for receiving data relating to temperatures measured by at least one sensor device associated with measurement signals comprising temperature representation data stored in the central processing unit, the CAN controller being operatively connected to a communication network on board the vehicle.

[0035] Preferably, the sensor device comprises a temperature transducer housed within a first cavity disposed within the chassis component, and an electronic sensor module operably connected to the temperature transducer, the temperature transducer comprising a wireless transmitter configured to wirelessly generate a measurement signal including data representative of temperature.

[0036] Preferably, the monitoring system detects a wear parameter of the at least one undercarriage component in addition to the temperature of the at least one undercarriage component.

[0037] Preferably, the sensor device is configured to detect wear on the outer surface of the chassis component in addition to the temperature inside the chassis component, wherein the sensor device comprises a wear transducer arranged within the chassis component, wherein a wireless transmitter of the sensor device is configured to wirelessly generate measurement signals comprising data representative of wear parameters and / or temperature representative data of individual chassis components, and wherein a gateway wireless transceiver is configured to receive the wireless measurement signals comprising data representative of wear parameters and / or temperature representative data.

[0038] Preferably, the wear transducer is housed within a second cavity provided within the undercarriage component, the wear transducer being operably connected to the electronic sensor module, the second cavity having a first opening disposed at an outer surface of the undercarriage component, and the wear transducer having a first transducer end disposed at the first opening of the second cavity.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the undercarriage component is a roller assembly comprising a roller body having a central bore configured to receive a shaft axially across the roller body, first and second cavities are provided within the roller body, and an electronic sensor module is disposed within a housing sheet connected to the first and second cavities for operatively connecting to a temperature transducer and a wear transducer, respectively, the housing sheet being provided within the roller body as a recess facing the opening in an outer surface of the roller body.

[0040] Preferably, the electronic sensor module comprises circuit components, an electronic processor, a power source, and a wireless transmitter operatively connected to the electronic processor for receiving individual measurement signals comprising data representative of temperature and possibly wear parameters, and the wireless transmitter wirelessly generates corresponding measurement signals comprising data representative of temperature and possibly wear parameters.

[0041] Preferably, the electronic processor of the electronic sensor module is configured to receive measurement signals from the wear transducer in addition to measurement signals from the temperature transducer.

[0042] The term "chassis component" means any component of the chassis, such as, for example, a link, roller, or sole.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the undercarriage component is a roller, particularly a lower roller of the undercarriage.

[0044] The terms "axial", "axially", "radially" and "radially" are used in reference to an undercarriage component whose at least one physical quantity is to be monitored.

[0045] In particular, the terms "axial" and "axially" refer to a measure or quantity that is disposed on / measured in or extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the undercarriage component, the longitudinal axis being, for example, the axis of symmetry of the undercarriage component, such as, for example, the axis of symmetry of a roller.

[0046] The terms "radial" and "radially" refer to a measure or quantity disposed in / measured in / extending in a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of an undercarriage component.

[0047] The terms "radially inner / outer" refer to positions closer to or further from the longitudinal axis referred to above, respectively.

[0048] The terms "radially inward" and "radially outward" are used to indicate closer or farther positions, respectively, along a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the undercarriage component.

[0049] The terms "axially inner / outer" refer to locations closer to or farther from a point on an undercarriage component along the longitudinal axis or along a direction parallel to said axis, respectively.

[0050] The term "transducer" refers to a device that directly interacts with a measurand, i.e. the first element in a measurement chain that converts a physical quantity into an electrical signal related to the measurand.

[0051] The term "wear" means the gradual loss of material from the surface of a body, and when referring to an undercarriage component, the gradual loss of material from the surface of the undercarriage component.

[0052] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0053] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing a belt-type chassis. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an undercarriage component that may be monitored by a monitoring system, according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of details of the chassis component of FIG. 2 with some parts removed to show some details of the sensor device. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an undercarriage component that may be monitored by a monitoring system according to another embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an electronic sensor device that may be included in an undercarriage component. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a monitoring system for temperature and potentially wear of multiple undercarriage components, according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0054] In different drawings, elements that are the same or have similar functions are designated with the same reference signs.

[0055] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing some components of a typical belt-type chassis. The belt-type chassis 10 includes two belt assemblies 11, only one of which is visible in the figure. Each belt assembly 11 includes a chain 4 with multiple links 5 interconnected by pins and bushings (not shown), a return wheel ("idler") 1 (partially hidden by a casing 8 in the figure) located forward relative to the direction of travel, and a drive wheel 6 located rearward relative to the same direction. Between the return wheel 1 and the drive wheel 6, along the direction of travel of the chassis, multiple rollers 2, 3, specifically one or more upper rollers 3 and multiple lower rollers 2, are arranged in contact with the links 5 and adapted to guide the chain 4 during its movement. The lower rollers 2 are located within the lower portion of the belt assembly 11 and are designed to absorb loads and transmit them at the bottom to the chassis frame (not shown in this figure). The upper rollers 3 are arranged to guide the chain between the driving wheel 6 and the idler 1 and are usually present in smaller numbers than the lower rollers 2. The number of lower rollers 2 varies depending on the type and weight of the machine.

[0056] According to the present disclosure, at least one undercarriage component has a sensor device for monitoring the temperature inside the component.

[0057] 2 is a cross-sectional view of an undercarriage component that can be monitored by a monitoring system according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, the undercarriage component is a roller assembly, in particular a roller assembly of a lower roller. The cross-sectional plane is a longitudinal plane XY that includes the longitudinal axis Y of the roller assembly, which in this case is the longitudinal direction of deployment. In the normal working position, the longitudinal plane XY is transverse to the links of the chain and thus to the direction of movement of the belt-type undercarriage.

[0058] The roller assembly 20 comprises a roller body 21 having a central cylindrical bore axially traversing the roller body along a longitudinal axis Y, and a shaft 22 extending along the same longitudinal axis Y so as to coaxially traverse the central cavity of the roller body 21 for at least the entire length of the roller body 21. In the example shown in Figures 2-4, the shaft 22 extends axially beyond the roller body 21 such that two respective end portions of the shaft are axially externally disposed relative to the roller body 21.

[0059] The roller body 21 is delimited by a radially inner surface 18 having a generally cylindrical shape facing towards the shaft 22, in particular facing towards the outer surface of the shaft 22 having a generally cylindrical shape.

[0060] The roller body 21 is a movable element that can rotate about a shaft 22, which in turn is fixed relative to the rotational movement and generally relative to the chassis on which the shaft 22 is mounted. The longitudinal axis Y therefore defines the axis of rotation of the roller body 21.

[0061] Each end portion of the shaft 22 is firmly inserted into a respective closure element 23a, 23b which is integral with the shaft, each closure element 23a, 23b having a respective seat 28 for the insertion of a pin for fixing the roller assembly 20 to the frame of the belt-type undercarriage (element not shown).

[0062] The roller assembly 20 includes at least one bushing 27 mounted on the outer surface of the shaft 22 so as to be interposed between the outer surface of the shaft 22 and the inner surface 18 of the roller body 21. The roller body is mechanically coupled to the shaft 22 via the at least one bushing 27, which functions as a bearing between the two surfaces to reduce friction between the two surfaces.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the roller body 21 includes two radially outwardly extending flanges 24a, 24b. Alternatively, the roller body may include a single flange or multiple flanges.

[0064] The roller body 21 may be made of a single piece or may be formed by joining two half rollers 21a, 21b as shown in the example of Figures 2-4. The two half rollers 21a, 21b are arranged in abutment along the longitudinal axis Y and joined together by a weld line 26. The roller body may be made of steel. Two bushings 27a, 27b are positioned at each half roller 21a, 21b along the longitudinal axis Y.

[0065] It should be understood that a single bushing extending along direction Y may be interposed between the roller body and the shaft. At least one bushing 27a, 27b may be made of steel, bronze, or bimetallic bronze-steel.

[0066] At least one bushing 27a, 27b has a radially outer surface (not shown) in contact with the radially inner surface 18 of the roller body 21a, 21b, and a radially inner surface (not shown) in contact with the outer surface of the shaft 22.

[0067] Typically, a lubricant is inserted into the roller assembly 20 through a hole, which is closed with a plug, and the lubricant fills an annular chamber (not visible in the figure) positioned between the inner surface of the roller bodies 21a, 21b and the outer surface of the bushings 27a, 27b. The lubricant reduces friction during the rotational movement of the roller bodies on the outer surface of the bushings. Typically, the roller assembly 20 includes sealing elements to prevent the lubricant from escaping from the interior of the roller assembly and to prevent the ingress of external agents, which may potentially be abrasive or corrosive. In the example shown in Figures 2-4, the roller assembly 20 includes two assemblies of sealing rings 25, specifically individual pairs of O-rings 25, mounted on respective end portions of the shaft 22.

[0068] In the example shown, each closure element 23a, 23b is mounted on the shaft 22 so that a radially extending (along direction X) axially inner surface 23' (Fig. 3) of the respective closure element rests against a respective axially outer surface of the roller body 21. A sealing element 29 is arranged between the axially outer surface of the roller body 21 and the axially inner surface 23' of the respective closure element 23a, 23b.

[0069] The roller assembly 20 has a sensor device 40, shown in more detail in Figure 3. The sensor device 40 comprises a temperature transducer 35 for detecting the temperature inside the roller body 21. The temperature transducer 35 is disposed inside the roller body 21. The roller body 21 has a first cavity 37 therein for accommodating the temperature transducer 35. The first cavity 37 is bounded by a sidewall 37' that extends inside the roller body 21 along the cavity extension axis.

[0070] The first cavity 37 is open at a first end 37a in the direction of the cavity extension axis for inserting the temperature transducer 35 and generally for accessing the cavity. In the illustration, the first cavity 37 is connected to a housing sheet 38 through an opening in the first end 37a (FIG. 3).

[0071] A housing sheet 38 is configured to house an electronic sensor module 32 that is operatively and specifically physically connected to a temperature transducer 35. The electronic module 32 is configured to receive signals from the temperature transducer 35 and wirelessly generate signals that include data representative of the temperature.

[0072] The housing seat 38 is obtained in the roller body 21 as a recess facing the opening in the outer surface of the roller body 21, in particular in a first outer surface 39 of the roller body 21 (particularly in the case of the half roller 21a (FIG. 3)). The seat 38 may be, for example, parallelepiped or cylindrical. The first outer surface 39 is the axially outer surface of the roller body 21, extending generally radially along the axis X (in the example of the half roller 21a).

[0073] Preferably, the electronic sensor module 32 is inserted into a container 30 disposed inside a housing sheet 38 to better protect the circuit components and electronic devices contained in the electronic module 32. For example, the container 30 is a synthetic rubber box (to absorb vibrations) with a front opening facing the opening on the outer surface. The container 30 may be filled with epoxy resin, which further attenuates external stress and makes the electronic sensor module leak-tight.

[0074] Preferably, the opening in the first outer surface 39 is closed by a plug 54 of material that is transparent to the radio signals generated by the sensor module, where the plug is secured by a seeger 53.

[0075] A first cavity 37 is obtained inside the roller body 21, in particular the roller half 21a, so that its second end 37b in the direction of the cavity extension axis, opposite the first end 37a, is positioned near the bushing 27a.

[0076] Preferably, first cavity 37 is closed at second end 37b. Temperature transducer 35 has sensing portion 35a and is housed within first cavity 37 such that sensing portion 35a is located at second end 37b of first cavity 37. In this way, the instantaneous temperature of roller body 21 near bushing 27 is sensed, where a large temperature rise is expected due to the rotational action of roller body 21 on bushing 27 if the contact surfaces are insufficiently lubricated or if bushing 27 is thin or worn.

[0077] The second end 37b of the first cavity 37 is proximal to the bushing 27, and the first end 37a is distal to the bushing and proximal to the housing seat 38. Preferably, the second end 37b does not contact the outer surface of the bushing 27. For example, the second end 37b is at a distance (defined in the radial direction (X)) of 1 mm to 30 mm from the outer surface of the bushing 27.

[0078] The first cavity 37 can have a constant radial section along its cavity deployment axis, or can have a section of constantly varying area or shape along its deployment axis. In the example shown, the first cavity 37 has a generally cylindrical shape. In the embodiment shown, the cavity deployment axis of the first cavity 37 is oblique to the longitudinal axis Y, forming an angle with the longitudinal axis Y of less than 90° (e.g., 45°) with respect to the longitudinal axis Y.

[0079] The temperature transducer 35 is configured to generate an electrical signal representative of the measured temperature. For example, the temperature transducer 35 is a thermal probe, preferably an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) probe, which has a negative temperature coefficient that reduces resistance when the temperature increases. Preferably, the thermal probe is adapted to measure temperatures up to about 200°C. The thermal probe generally extends along a main direction, with a sensitive portion 35a for detection located within an end portion thereof.

[0080] The roller assembly 20, in particular the roller body 21, is provided with a second outer surface 33 intended to interact with a working surface (not shown), which may be, for example, the outer surface of another undercarriage component or the ground. If the undercarriage component is the roller assembly of Figures 2 to 4, the working surface is a surface of another undercarriage component, in particular a surface of a link of a belt-type undercarriage chain or of a bushing of the same link.

[0081] In the normal working position, the second outer surface 33 of the roller body 21 (the outer surface 33 whose wear state is to be monitored) is the outermost upper surface in the radial direction X.

[0082] Preferably, the roller assembly 20 includes a wear transducer 31 for detecting the degree of wear on the second outer surface 33 .

[0083] A wear transducer 31 is disposed inside the roller body 21. Specifically, the wear transducer 31 is inserted into a second cavity 34 obtained inside the roller body 21. The second cavity 34 is bounded by a sidewall 34' extending along a cavity extension axis. The cavity extension axis is along a radial direction X, transverse to the longitudinal axis Y, and preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Y. The second cavity 34 can have a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0084] In other embodiments not shown, the shape of the first cavity 37 and / or the second cavity 34 may be a regular polygonal-based prism, an oblique polygonal-based prism, or a truncated pyramid. The first cavity 37 and / or the second cavity 34 may have a constant radial section along the axial cavity deployment direction, or may have a section of varying area or shape along the axial cavity deployment direction.

[0085] The first cavity 34 and the second cavity 37 may be obtained, for example, by countersinking.

[0086] The second cavity 34 extends between a first end 34a and a second end 34b along a cavity development axis. The second cavity 34 has a first opening at the first end 34a facing the second outer surface 33. The first opening defines an entrance section for the second cavity 34. The cavity development axis of the second cavity 34 traverses the first opening 34a on the outer surface 33 and extends toward the interior of the roller body 21 to a second end 34b opposite the first end 34a. In the case of a cavity having a substantially cylindrical shape, the cavity development axis coincides with the axis of symmetry of the second cavity 34. The second cavity 34 has a second opening 12 near or at the second end 34b, which is connected to the seat 38 for an operative, and in particular physical, connection between the wear sensor 31 and the sensor module 32. In the example of Figures 2-4, the sheet 38 and the second cavity 34 are connected through a connecting cavity 13 which has an opening 12 on the second cavity and an opposite opening (not shown) on the housing sheet 38.

[0087] In the example shown, the first and second cavities inside the roller body are separated from each other and communicate only through the housing sheet 38 .

[0088] The wear transducer 31 is configured to generate an electrical signal representative of a wear parameter. The wear sensor 31 may be of a known type. For example, the wear sensor 31 may comprise an electrical circuit with a plurality of electrical elements connected in parallel between them, each of which has a predetermined measurable electrical characteristic (not shown in detail in the figures). These electrical elements may be, for example, resistors connected in parallel between them, arranged along the extension direction of the cavity, typically equidistant along the electrical circuit. The electrical elements may be arranged on a substrate having a main extension direction along which the substrate is inserted into the second cavity 34. An example of a wear sensor is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0043980.

[0089] A wear transducer 31 is disposed within the cavity so that an electrical element is progressively worn away with each contact with the working surface through an opening on the roller body's outer surface 33. The progressive removal of the electrical element causes a change in an electrical property, e.g., resistance, which, via a calibration factor, corresponds to a quantity indicative of wear, such as the thickness of the worn roller body relative to the initial position of the outer surface 33.

[0090] As described above, in addition to receiving and transmitting signals representative of temperature, the wear transducer 31 is operably connected to an electronic sensor module 32, which is designed to receive signals from the wear transducer and to wirelessly transmit signals representative of wear.

[0091] The sensor device 40 is preferably arranged in a portion 21' (shown in FIG. 3) of the roller body 21, in particular in a portion of the roller half 21a.

[0092] Preferably, the temperature transducer 35 is located within the portion 21' of the roller body 21 at a position radially inward of the wear sensor 31. Preferably, the temperature transducer is located at a position radially inward of the seat 38 that houses the sensor module 40.

[0093] Preferably, the first cavity 37 extends within a first region of the roller body 21, in particular within the roller half 21a, of the portion 21', while the second cavity 34 extends within a second region of the portion 21', where the second region is arranged radially outside the first region of the portion 21'. Preferably, the first and second regions of the portion 21' are radially continuous with one another. The radially inner region extends from the surface 18 of the roller body 21, while the second radially outer region comprises the second outer surface 33.

[0094] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a roller assembly that can be monitored by a monitoring system according to another embodiment. Compared to the embodiment of FIG. 2, roller assembly 50 includes, in addition to sensor device 40 described with reference to FIGS. 2-3, a second sensor device 15 arranged in second half roller 21b, in particular in portion 21" of second half roller 21b. Portions 21' and 21" are arranged one in front of the other in longitudinal direction Y. Second sensor device 15 includes a first cavity 16 for accommodating a second temperature transducer and a second cavity 17 for accommodating a wear transducer therein (the transducers and electronic sensor modules inserted in the respective cavities are not shown in FIG. 4).

[0095] In the example of FIG. 4, second sensor device 15 is designed and configured like sensor device 40. A wear sensor housed in second cavity 17 within second roller half 21b detects wear on the radially outer surface 33 of roller body 21 at a portion of that surface different from the portion measured by wear transducer 31. Similarly, a temperature transducer housed in first cavity 17 detects the temperature near bushing 27b to monitor two different longitudinal portions of bushing 27. First cavity 16 opens to seat 14 to house an electronic sensor module, which may be similar to electronic sensor module 32. Seat 14 faces the opening in the side of roller half 21b, which is the axially outer surface of roller half 21b.

[0096] 2-4 refer specifically to lower rollers on belt-type undercarriages, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to any particular type of roller. For example, the roller assembly may be an upper roller or an idler roller.

[0097] 5 generally shows an example of a sensor device for monitoring the temperature, and preferably also the wear, of a roller assembly, and generally of an undercarriage component, according to an embodiment. The sensor device 40 comprises an electronic sensor module 32, a temperature transducer 35, and a wear transducer 31. Each transducer 31, 35 is operatively connected to the electronic sensor module 32. The module 32 is preferably located inside the undercarriage component, near both the temperature transducer and the wear transducer.

[0098] In a typical configuration, the temperature transducer 35 is operably connected to the temperature transmitter 34 by electrical wires 42 connected to respective coupling terminals of the transducer 35. In the embodiment of Figures 2-4, the electrical wires 42 are connected to the temperature transmitter 43 at a first end 37a through an upper opening of the cavity 37.

[0099] The electronic sensor module 32 typically comprises one or more electronic boards having circuit tracks (not shown) on which electrical / electronic devices are mounted, and comprises a first connector 43 for electrically connecting electrical wires 42 to mating terminals of the temperature transducer 35 and a second connector 43 for electrically connecting to mating terminals of the wear transducer 31.

[0100] The electronic sensor module 32 typically comprises circuit components, generally designated 48, operatively connected to electrical connectors 42, 43 for acquiring signals from the transducers 31, 35 and for output production of electrical signals representative of the physical quantity being measured.

[0101] An electrical signal representative of a physical quantity to be measured is denoted in the present description and claims by a measurement signal.

[0102] The circuit component 48 comprises a first circuit component for managing the signal from the temperature transducer 35, which may comprise a conditioning circuit for the analog signal from the temperature transducer 35 and possibly an amplifier for converting the input signal into an analog output signal of voltage or current or a digital output signal. Typically, the output electrical signal from the circuit component is a digital electrical signal. For this purpose, the first circuit component may comprise an analog-to-digital A / D signal converter. The output electrical signal from the first circuit component contains data representative of the instantaneous temperature measured by the temperature transducer 35 in the roller body 21.

[0103] The electronic sensor module 32 includes a power source 41, such as a button cell battery, for powering the electrical circuits and electrical / electronic devices.

[0104] In embodiments further including a wear sensor 31 within the roller assembly 20, the circuit component 48 further includes a second circuit component for managing the signal from the wear transducer 31, which may include conditioning circuitry for the analog signal from the wear transducer, and possibly an amplifier and an A / D converter. The second circuit component is designed to convert the input signal from the wear transducer 31 into an analog or digital voltage or current output signal. Typically, the output electrical signal from the circuit component is a digital signal and includes data representative of the wear parameter (instantaneous, i.e., at the moment of measurement) measured by the wear transducer 31 within the roller body 21.

[0105] The electronic sensor module 32 comprises an electronic processor 49, in particular a microprocessor, associated with a memory device (not shown) for receiving measurement signals from the circuit components 48, for storing these measurement signals, and for sending these measurement signals to a wireless transmitter 47 for wireless transmission of the measurement signals via an antenna 45.

[0106] The wireless transmitter 47 is configured to generate signals at radio frequencies. In particular, the wireless transmitter 47 is a radio frequency transmitter configured to receive measurement signals from the processor 49 including data representative of the temperature and / or wear parameters, and to generate separate signals at radio frequencies (RF) including data representative of the temperature and / or wear parameters. The wireless transmitter 47 is operably connected to the antenna 45 for transmitting the RF signals.

[0107] The radio transmitter 47 may be integrated with the microprocessor 49 in a single electronic component.

[0108] A / D conversion of the measurement signals from the transducers may be performed by a microprocessor 49 .

[0109] The wear parameter is a physical quantity that is determined starting from a measured electrical property, such as, for example, electrical resistance. In a manner known per se, the measured electrical resistance is converted by a second circuit component 48 into an electrical voltage signal that is sent to a microprocessor 49. The microprocessor 49 is configured to convert the voltage into a digital physical quantity that indicates the amount of material loss due to wear. The physical quantity may be the surface thickness lost due to wear (e.g., in millimeters).

[0110] 5, the electronic sensor module 32 comprises a single printed circuit board (PCB) 46, and to make the sensor module more compact, the circuit components 48, the electronic devices 49, 47, and the antenna 45 are mounted on the single printed circuit board 46. For example, the antenna 45 is a planar on-chip RF antenna.

[0111] In typical practice, the processor 49 may be configured to initiate measurements by each transducer 35, 31 at a preset rate that defines a sampling period. Typically, the sampling period of the temperature transducer 35 is less than the sampling period of the wear transducer 31. For example, the processor 49 may be configured to issue a temperature measurement, and thus receive a signal indicative of the temperature of the roller assembly, every 1 or 2 minutes, and to issue a measurement indicative of wear every 12 or 24 hours.

[0112] A processor 49 receives measurement signals from circuitry 48, including separate measurement signals representative of the temperature and data indicative of the wear parameter. The received signals may be sent independently of each other to a wireless transmitter 47 and then transmitted wirelessly as separate radio signals.

[0113] Typically, the data-containing radio signals utilize packet communication technology, where the radio signals are transmitted in data packets. Preferably, the processor 49 is configured to form data packets containing data representative of wear and temperature parameters contained in the measurement signals received at a particular moment by the transducers 31, 25. The data packets are sent to the wireless transmitter 47, which transmits these data packets wirelessly.

[0114] Preferably, the wireless transmitter 47 is configured to generate a short-range radio signal, particularly having an operating range of about 5 meters to about 20 meters. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the wireless transmitter 47 utilizes low-power Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology.

[0115] Preferably, the radio transmitter 47 is configured to transmit the RF signal in a connectionless broadcast manner, where, as is commonly known, the communication channel is one-way without acknowledgement of receipt of the message to allow the transmitted signal to be received by any collecting device, or configured to receive the signal on the same communication channel at a distance useful for receiving the signal.

[0116] For example, the BLE communication channel is on the 2.4 GHz band. Typically, the wireless transmitter 47 periodically transmits an RF signal containing data representative of the temperature inside the roller assembly, for example every 10 seconds.

[0117] 6 is a block diagram of a system for monitoring the temperature of a plurality of undercarriage components, according to an embodiment. For example, the plurality of undercarriage components may be a plurality of lower roller assemblies as described with reference to FIGS. 2-4.

[0118] Each undercarriage component is equipped therein with a sensor device 40 configured to detect at least one physical quantity and to generate a wireless measurement signal including data representative of the at least one physical quantity measured, the at least one physical quantity including temperature, and the wireless measurement signal including data representative of the detected temperature. An electronic sensor module is mounted on the undercarriage component, preferably near the temperature transducer and facing outward from the undercarriage component.

[0119] In particular, the sensor device may be in accordance with the sensor device described with reference to FIGS.

[0120] The electronic sensor module is connected to at least one transducer for measuring a physical quantity, the at least one transducer generating an electrical signal representative of the measured quantity by a respective transmitter connected thereto, and the electronic sensor module further comprises a wireless transmitter operatively connected to the at least one transducer, typically by a microprocessor, the wireless transmitter configured to receive the electrical signal representative of the physical quantity being measured and to wirelessly transmit a measurement signal containing data representative of the physical quantity. Preferably, the wireless measurement signal is a radio signal, preferably a radio frequency (RF) signal. Preferably, the wireless transmitter of each sensor device 40 is configured to periodically transmit a radio signal containing data representative of temperature in a connectionless broadcast manner.

[0121] In particular, the wireless transmitter of the sensor device 40 is a Bluetooth transmitter, preferably BLE.

[0122] The wireless measurement signal transmitted by the sensor device 40 includes data representative of a quantity from at least one transducer of the sensor device. In particular, the at least one transducer includes a temperature transducer, and the measured quantity is an instantaneous temperature value, i.e., at the moment of measurement. Alternatively, the temperature value may be an average value or a maximum temperature value of values ​​measured over a predetermined time interval. In another example, the wireless measurement signal may include both the instantaneous temperature value and the maximum temperature value. The predetermined time interval may be selected as a function of the periodicity of the transmission of the radio signal from the sensor device.

[0123] The sensor device 40 may be according to the embodiment of FIG.

[0124] Although the illustrated embodiment refers specifically to managing temperature-related and preferably wear-related signals, it should be understood that the monitoring system described herein may be configured to receive signals related solely to wear or other physical quantities measured within chassis components.

[0125] 6, a monitoring system 70 comprises a gateway 60 in wireless communication with sensor devices 40 located within individual chassis components. To this end, the gateway 60 comprises a gateway wireless transceiver 67 configured to receive radio signals from the sensor devices 40 of the plurality of sensor devices.

[0126] In an example implementation, BLE signals periodically transmitted by a plurality of sensor devices 40 are received by a gateway wireless transceiver 67 and transmitted to a central processing unit 68, such as a microprocessor, e.g., ESP32. The central processing unit 68 typically includes a non-volatile storage device, and the measurement signals received by the gateway wireless transceiver 67 are saved in the non-volatile storage device.

[0127] In a typical manner, the central processing unit 68 and the gateway radio transceiver 67 communicate using electrical lines 66 for receiving / transmitting data, using separate physical layer interfaces (not shown) equipped on the central processing unit 68 and the gateway radio transceiver 67. For example, the physical layer interface is a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) interface.

[0128] The gateway 60 comprises a wireless access point 57 configured to act as an entry point for data relating to the measurement signals that is stored in a central processing unit 68 .

[0129] The measurement signals, possibly in the form of data packets, transmitted by each sensor device 40 are received by a gateway transceiver 67 configured to transmit the measurement signals to a central processing unit 68. Upon receiving the measurement signals, the gateway transceiver 67 transmits the measurement signals to the wireless access point 57.

[0130] The wireless access point 57 is configured to generate a medium-range wireless signal, in particular having an operating range of about 20 meters to about 500 meters.

[0131] Preferably, the wireless access point 57 is configured to emit a Wi-Fi radio signal, for example according to the standard IEEE 802.11 communication protocol. The coverage range of the Wi-Fi signal can be 100-150 meters in an outdoor environment in typical use when the gateway is installed in or near a belt-type vehicle.

[0132] As is commonly known, the wireless access point 57 typically comprises a processor for receiving measurement signals from a central processing unit 68 and for storing the measurement signals in a memory device associated with the processor, and a Wi-Fi transceiver configured to receive the measurement signals from the processor and to transmit the measurement signals wirelessly via a Wi-Fi antenna.

[0133] A central processing unit 68 is operatively connected to the wireless access point 57 via electrical lines 65 for receiving / transmitting data, in particular through a physical layer interface (in particular a UART interface) that the Wi-Fi access point 57 is equipped with.

[0134] In this way, any client terminal 56 with Wi-Fi connectivity, such as a smartphone, tablet or PC, can connect to the Wi-Fi access point 57 acting as a hotspot and, through known authentication procedures, request access to data related to the measurement signals stored in the central processing unit 68 of the gateway 60.

[0135] Preferably, the wireless access point 57 may be configured to operate as both an access point and a Wi-Fi station simultaneously. When operating as a Wi-Fi station, the access point 57 is configured to transmit data stored in the central processing unit 68 to another wireless access point external to the gateway 60.

[0136] Preferably, a radio processing unit 68 is in communication with a radio communication module for transmitting measurement signals received by the gateway radio transceiver 67 to a remote server or remote terminal via a mobile telecommunications network. Preferably, the gateway 60 comprises a mobile connection module 58 for connection with a mobile telecommunications network 63 (2G, 3G, 4G, LTE, ...). The mobile connection module 58 is in particular a cellular radio modem that typically integrates a SIM card with a user identification code (these elements are not shown in the figures). A central processing unit 68 is operatively connected to the cellular radio modem 58. As is commonly known, the cellular radio modem 58 modulates / demodulates the measurement signals received by the central processing unit 68 to generate individual measurement signals in the cellular telecommunications network 63.

[0137] Through a cellular telecommunications network 63, the measurement signals can be transmitted from the module 58 to a remote server or to an operator's mobile terminal located at any distance from the measurement location. In the usual manner, the cellular radio modem 58 is equipped with a physical layer interface (e.g., UART) for communicating with the physical layer interface of the central processing unit 68 via an electrical line 69 for receiving / transmitting data.

[0138] The measurement signals transmitted by the mobile connectivity module 58 may be received remotely by a server (not shown) and may be displayed, for example, by an operator.

[0139] A gateway 60 is placed near the belt-type chassis, where a number of chassis components are equipped with individual sensor devices 40 at a distance therefrom, such as to enable measurement signals to be received by the gateway 60. This distance is generally determined by the wireless communication technology and the power of the emitted signal. In the case of BLE radio signals, this distance is typically between 5 meters and 50 meters.

[0140] The gateway 60 may be placed inside a vehicle mounted on a belt-type chassis, and is preferably enclosed in a box made of a sturdy material to protect the electronic devices, since belt-type vehicles are typically subjected to high stresses.

[0141] Typically, a vehicle is equipped with an on-board communication network 61 (Controller Area Network), also called a CAN-BUS network, which uses a standardized communication protocol (CAN protocol) using serial data transmission for communication between a microcontroller and electronic devices installed in the vehicle and for detecting vehicle parameters (brake, engine temperature, battery, headlights, etc.). A vehicle 61' (schematically shown in Figure 6) is equipped with an on-board communication network 61.

[0142] Preferably, the gateway 60 comprises a CAN controller 52 configured to convert data associated with the measurement signals stored in a central processing unit 68 into data associated with the measurement signals according to the CAN protocol. The CAN controller 52 is operatively connected to the central processing unit 68 by an electrical line 64. For this purpose, the central processing unit 68 and the CAN controller 52 comprise a physical layer interface for communication, for example an SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface).

[0143] The CAN controller 52 is connected to a CAN on-board communication network 61, typically via a CAN network cable 66. Typically, the CAN-BUS network is connected to one or more on-board displays for displaying functional parameters and for controlling warning lights. Measurement signals sent to the CAN device 61 can be displayed, for example, by an operator on board the vehicle.

[0144] In one embodiment, the electronic devices of the gateway are supplied with current by a power supply module 55 via an electrical line 59 .

[0145] In one embodiment, power supply module 55 is a battery.

[0146] In another embodiment, the power supply module 55 is a DC / DC voltage converter connected by an electric line 59 to the onboard electrical network of the vehicle 61′ and configured to convert the voltage of the onboard electrical network, which is typically between 9 V and 36 V, into a voltage suitable for operation of the electronic devices of the gateway 60, for example 3.3 V.

[0147] The gateway 60 is preferably implemented on a printed circuit board (PCB). In particular, the gateway radio transceiver 67, the Wi-Fi wireless access point 57, and, if present, the mobile connectivity module and CAN controller 52 are mounted on a single PCB. Preferably, the power supply module 55 is mounted on the same PCB.

[0148] The measurement signals transmitted by the sensor device 40 via Bluetooth may be received by a mobile phone terminal or portable device 62 located near the belt-type chassis or in communication with the sensor device 40 via Bluetooth.

[0149] Preferably, the measurement signal transmitted by each sensor device 40 includes an individual sensor device identifier. The measurement signals, including data representative of at least one measured quantity, are stored in the central processing unit 68 in association with the individual sensor device identifier 40.

[0150] Advantageously, the monitoring system allows for the management of measurement signals of multiple sensor devices in a belt-operated vehicle in real time, both remotely and in the vicinity of the sensor devices, via a single wireless connection to the individual sensor devices.

[0151] The present invention further relates to an undercarriage component equipped with a sensor device.

[0152] Preferably, the undercarriage component comprises a roller assembly, the roller assembly comprising: - a roller body extending along a longitudinal axis Y, the roller body comprising a central bore axially traversing the roller body, the central bore being configured to receive a shaft about which the roller body can rotate; - a first cavity obtained inside the roller body for accommodating a temperature transducer therein, the first cavity extending inside the roller body along a cavity extension axis and opening at a first end in the direction of the cavity extension axis for insertion of the temperature transducer; Equipped with The first cavity is connected to a housing sheet through an opening at the first cavity end, the housing sheet being obtained within the roller body as a recess facing toward the opening in the first outer surface of the roller body, and the housing sheet houses an electronic sensor module operably connected to a temperature transducer through the first end of the first cavity.

[0153] Preferably, the electronic sensor module is configured to receive signals from the temperature transducer and to wirelessly transmit signals containing data representative of the temperature.

[0154] Preferably, the electronic sensor module comprises a power source, circuit components operatively connected to the temperature transducer, an electronic processor operatively connected to the circuit components, and a wireless transmitter operatively connected to the electronic processor for receiving individual measurement signals including data representative of temperature, and the wireless transmitter wirelessly generates corresponding measurement signals including data representative of temperature.

[0155] Preferably, the sensor device is configured to detect wear on the outer surface of the roller assembly in addition to the temperature inside the roller assembly, the sensor device comprising a wear transducer housed in a second cavity provided inside the roller body and operably connected to the electronic sensor module, the second cavity having a first opening located at the second outer surface of the roller body, the wear transducer configured to generate a signal representative of a wear parameter of the outer surface.

[0156] Preferably, the wear transducer comprises a first transducer end located at the first opening of the second cavity.

[0157] Preferably, the electronic processor of the electronic sensor module is configured to receive measurement signals from the wear transducer in addition to measurement signals from the temperature transducer, and the wireless transmitter is configured to wirelessly generate corresponding measurement signals comprising data representative of the wear parameters and / or temperature of the individual roller assemblies.

[0158] Preferably, the roller assembly includes a bushing mounted on the outer surface of the shaft so as to be interposed between the outer surface of the shaft and the radially inner surface of the roller body, and the roller body is mechanically coupled to the shaft via the bushing.

[0159] Preferably, the first cavity has a first open end and a second end opposite the first end along the cavity deployment axis, the first cavity is connected to the housing seat through the opening in the first end, and the second end is located near the bushing. Preferably, the first cavity is closed at the second end.

[0160] The sensor device described in this example allows its inclusion within a moving part of an undercarriage component, such as a roller body rotating about a fixed shaft. This arrangement of a single electronic sensor module for transmitting data related to the temperature inside the undercarriage component and data related to another physical quantity, such as a physical quantity indicative of the wear state of the undercarriage component, improves compactness and thereby allows for complete monitoring of the moving part of the undercarriage component.

[0161] Those skilled in the art will recognize that various features of the above-described embodiments can be combined to obtain other embodiments, all of which are within the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A monitoring system (70) for at least one physical quantity including a temperature within at least one chassis component (20; 50), said monitoring system (70) comprising: at least one sensor device (40) arranged in an individual chassis component (20; 50) for a belt-type chassis (10) of a vehicle (61'), said sensor device (40) being configured to detect a temperature inside said chassis component (20; 50) and to generate a wireless measurement signal comprising data representative of the temperature; A gateway (60), comprising: a gateway radio transceiver (67) for receiving radio measurement signals from said at least one sensor device (40); a central processing unit (68) operatively connected to said gateway wireless transceiver (67), configured to receive and store said wireless measurement signals containing temperature representative data associated with said at least one sensor device (40); and a wireless access point (57) operatively connected to said central processing unit (68), configured to receive said wireless measurement signals stored in said central processing unit (68) and to generate corresponding wireless measurement signals, said wireless access point (57) serving as an entry point for accessing said temperature representation data detected by said at least one sensor device (40); a gateway (60) comprising: Equipped with the sensor device (40) comprises a temperature transducer (35) housed in a first cavity (37) disposed inside the chassis component (20; 50), and an electronic sensor module (32) operatively connected to the temperature transducer (35), the electronic sensor module (32) comprising a wireless transmitter (47) configured to wirelessly generate a measurement signal comprising data representative of temperature; a wear transducer (31) housed in a second cavity (34) obtained inside the chassis component (20; 50), the wear transducer (31) being operatively connected to the electronic sensor module (32), the second cavity (34) having a first opening (34a) arranged at an outer surface (33) of the chassis component (20; 50), the wear transducer (31) having a first transducer end arranged at the first opening (34a) of the second cavity (34); A monitoring system (70).

2. 2. The monitoring system (70) of claim 1, wherein the radio measurement signal generated by the wireless access point (57) is a medium-range radio signal having an operating range of 20 meters to 500 meters.

3. The monitoring system (70) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the radio measurement signals generated by the wireless access points (57) are Wi-Fi signals.

4. 4. The monitoring system (70) according to claim 1, wherein the radio measurement signals generated by the at least one sensor device (40) are short-range radio signals transmitted in a connection-free broadcast manner.

5. 5. The surveillance system (70) of claim 4, wherein the short-range radio signal is a Bluetooth signal.

6. 6. The monitoring system (70) of claim 4 or 5, wherein the gateway (60) is positioned within the range of the short-range radio signals generated by the at least one sensor device (40) to enable the gateway radio transceiver (67) to receive the radio measurement signals from the at least one sensor device (40).

7. 7. A monitoring system (70) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the gateway (60) comprises a wireless mobile phone modem (58) connected to the central processing unit (68) and configured to receive the wireless measurement signals from the central processing unit (68) and to generate corresponding measurement signals at radio frequencies for a mobile telecommunications network (63), the wireless measurement signals comprising data representative of the temperature of the at least one chassis component (20; 50).

8. 8. A monitoring system (70) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one sensor device (40) is a plurality of sensor devices arranged inside an individual chassis component (20; 50), each sensor device being configured to detect the temperature inside the individual chassis component (20; 50) and to generate a wireless measurement signal comprising temperature representative data.

9. 9. A monitoring system (70) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one chassis component (20; 50) is arranged in a belt-type chassis (10) and the gateway (60) is arranged in a vehicle having the belt-type chassis (10).

10. 10. The monitoring system (70) of claim 9, wherein the gateway (60) comprises a CAN control unit (52) operatively connected to the central processing unit (68) for receiving data related to temperatures measured by the at least one sensor device (40) associated with the wireless measurement signals including temperature representation data stored in the central processing unit (68), the CAN control unit (52) being operatively connected to a communication network (61) onboard the vehicle.

11. the sensor device (40) is configured to detect wear on an outer surface (33) of the chassis component (20; 50) as well as the temperature inside the chassis component (20; 50), the sensor device (40) comprises a wear transducer (31) arranged in the chassis component (20; 50), and the wireless transmitter (47) of the sensor device (40) is configured to wirelessly generate measurement signals comprising data representative of a wear parameter and / or data representative of the temperature of the chassis component (20; 50), the gateway wireless transceiver (67) is configured to receive wireless measurement signals containing data representative of wear parameters and / or data representative of temperature, A monitoring system (70) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. 2. The monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the undercarriage component is a roller assembly comprising a roller body having a central bore configured to receive a shaft axially across the roller body, the first and second cavities are obtained inside the roller body, the electronic sensor module is disposed in a housing seat connected to the first cavity and the second cavity for operatively connecting to the temperature transducer and the wear transducer, respectively, the housing seat being obtained in the roller body as a recess facing an opening in an outer surface of the roller body.

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