Bearing device and maintenance method for bearing device

Abstract

To provide a bearing device capable of easily replacing with another component when the bearing is damaged and replacement is needed while suppressing machining to the bearing device to the minimum, and a maintenance method of the bearing device.SOLUTION: A bearing device 1 includes: an outer ring (fixing member) 7 fixed to an outer lace 2; a magnetic ring (rotor) 8 fixed to an inner lace 3; and a circuit board 10 that is mounted on the outer ring (fixing member) 7 and transmits information regarding the state of the bearing B to the outside. The magnetic ring (rotor) 8 and a stator 9 constitute a claw pole type generator. An engagement section 21 for being engaged with a fixture is formed on the outer ring (fixing member) 7.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a bearing device and a method for maintaining the bearing device. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART In a bearing device (bearing with wireless sensor) in which a generator, a sensor, and a wireless communication function are mounted on the bearing, a sensor mounting structure is known that does not require replacing the entire bearing when replacing the sensor.

[0003] The mounting structure disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2017-48846 (Patent Document 1) is a structure for mounting a sensor for detecting state quantities around a bearing to a rolling bearing having an inner ring, an outer ring, and rolling elements. In Patent Document 1, a bearing-side female thread portion and a bearing-side male thread portion are formed as bearing-side thread portions coaxial with the bearing axis on the outer peripheral surface or the inner peripheral surface end of at least one of the inner ring and the outer ring. Patent Document 1 further forms a tone-ring-side male thread portion and a cover-side female thread portion as sensor-side thread portions that threadably engage with the bearing-side thread portions, and the bearing-side thread portion and the sensor-side thread portion are threadably engaged to mount the sensor to the rolling bearing. Patent Document 1 also discloses that when replacing the sensor, the bearing-side thread portion and the sensor-side thread portion are disengaged from each other. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-48846 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] If the mounting structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used, when replacing the sensor, it is only necessary to unclamp the screws, and there is no need to replace the entire bearing. With the mounting structure of Patent Document 1, even if the bearing needs to be replaced due to damage, the sensor, tone ring, and cover can be removed from the bearing and these parts can be reused.

[0006] However, the mounting structure of Patent Document 1 requires threading on the outer and inner rings of the bearing and the cover on which the sensor is mounted. Also, with the mounting structure of Patent Document 1, the rotation direction may be restricted to prevent loosening of the screws due to rotation, which limits the applications of the structure.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a bearing device and a maintenance method for a bearing device that allows other parts to be easily reused when the bearing is damaged and needs to be replaced, while minimizing the processing required for the bearing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a bearing device including at least one bearing including a stationary ring, a rotating ring, and rolling elements. The bearing device includes a fixed member fixed to one of the stationary ring or the rotating ring, a rotor fixed to the other of the stationary ring or the rotating ring so as to face the fixed member, and a circuit board mounted on the fixed member and transmitting information related to the state of the bearing to an external device. At least one of the fixed member or the rotor is formed with an engagement portion that engages with a jig.

[0009] A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to a maintenance method for a bearing device, in which a fixing member removed from a bearing is fixed to another bearing by hooking a jig onto an engagement portion of the fixing member.

[0010] A third aspect of the present disclosure relates to a maintenance method for a bearing device, in which a jig is hooked onto an engagement portion of a rotor to fix a magnetic ring removed from a bearing to another bearing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a bearing device and a maintenance method for the bearing device that minimizes processing of the bearing device and allows other parts to be easily reused when the bearing is damaged and needs to be replaced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a bearing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the periphery of an engaging portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a generator. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which two magnetic ring members of the same shape are arranged opposite each other. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which two magnetic ring members are fitted together. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing how the removed sensor unit is attached to a new magnetic ring bearing. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a bearing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the periphery of an engaging portion according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a bearing device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the periphery of an intermediate member according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a bearing device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the periphery of a pin according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, when numbers, quantities, etc. are mentioned, the scope of the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to those numbers, quantities, etc., unless otherwise specified. The same reference numerals are used for the same or equivalent parts, and redundant descriptions may not be repeated. It is intended from the beginning that the configurations in the embodiments may be used in appropriate combinations.

[0014] [Embodiment 1] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a bearing device 1 according to a first embodiment, and Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the periphery of an engaging portion 21 according to the first embodiment. The bearing device 1 shown in Fig. 1 is exemplified by a bearing with a wireless sensor. The bearing device 1 includes a bearing B, an outer ring 7, a magnetic ring 8, a stator 9, and a circuit board 10. The bearing B includes an outer ring (stationary ring) 2, an inner ring (rotating) 3, rolling elements 4, a cage 5, and a seal 6.

[0015] The outer ring 7 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is fixed by press-fitting into the inner diameter portion of the outer ring 2. An engagement portion 21 is formed on the outer diameter surface of the cylindrical portion 7a of the outer ring 7. The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 7a of the outer ring 7 is the same as the outer diameter of the outer ring 2. The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 7a of the outer ring 7 may be formed slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the outer ring 2. An insulating portion 11 is fixed to the inner diameter surface of the outer ring 7.

[0016] A partition wall 11a is provided in the heat insulating part 11. Two spaces are formed in the heat insulating part 11, one on the bearing B side and the other on the opposite side. The end face 11b on the bearing B side abuts against the vertical part 7b of the outer ring 7. A magnetic ring 8, which functions as a rotor, is fixed to the outer diameter surface of the inner ring 3. A stator 9 is fixed to the space on the opposite side of the partition wall 11a of the heat insulating part 11 so as to face the magnetic ring 8. The stator 9 is fixed to the outer ring 7 via the heat insulating part 11. Note that the bearing device 1 may have a space on the bearing B side without providing the end face 11b. Specifically, in the bearing device 1, the heat insulating part 11, which has an L-shaped cross section and also serves as the partition wall 11a, is fixed to the outer ring 7, and the depth can be adjusted to provide a space on the bearing B side.

[0017] The circuit board 10 is fixed with screws, adhesive, or the like to the end face (vertical surface) of the outer ring 7 adjacent to the end face of the outer ring 2 of the bearing B. The circuit board 10 is disposed in the bearing B-side space between the partition wall 11a of the heat insulating portion 11 and the vertical portion 7b of the outer ring 7. A lid 12 is disposed on the outer end face of the stator 9. The lid 12 is press-fitted or adhesively fixed to the inner diameter surface of the outer ring 7. The lid 12 has a two-layer structure including a heat dissipation portion 12a and a heat insulating layer 12b. The heat dissipation portion 12a is disposed on the inner diameter side that abuts against the stator 9 and is made of a metal material with high thermal conductivity (e.g., aluminum, copper, iron, etc.). The heat insulating layer 12b is disposed on the outer diameter side and is made of a heat insulating material with low thermal conductivity (e.g., an insulating material such as resin). The lid 12 may be entirely made of an insulating material (non-conductive material) such as resin.

[0018] The magnetic ring 8 and the stator 9 constitute the generator G. The generator G is a claw-pole generator. The bearing B is, for example, a deep groove ball bearing with balls as the rolling elements 4, and here we will explain an inner ring rotating type as an example, with the inner ring 3 being the rotating ring and the outer ring 2 being the stationary ring.

[0019] The magnetic ring 8, which functions as a rotor, includes a core metal 8a and a multi-pole magnet 8b, and is fixed to the inner ring (rotating ring) 3. The multi-pole magnet 8b is made by vulcanizing and bonding a magnetic material, for example, a mixture of magnetic powder and rubber, to the core metal 8a, and then magnetizing the N and S poles alternately in the circumferential direction.

[0020] The stator 9 includes two identically shaped magnetic ring members 13 (13-1, 13-2), a bobbin 14, and a coil 15. The winding of the coil 15 is wound multiple times around the bobbin 14 in the circumferential direction. While an example using the bobbin 14 is shown here, the stator 9 may also be configured using an air-core coil that does not use the bobbin 14.

[0021] Mounted on the circuit board 10 are a power supply circuit 16 that rectifies the AC power generated by the generator G and converts it to DC, a sensor 17 that monitors the condition of the bearing B, and a wireless communication circuit 20 that wirelessly transmits the output of the sensor 17 to the outside. The sensor 17 includes a temperature sensor 18 and an acceleration sensor 19. The temperature sensor 18 is mounted on the back surface of the circuit board 10 so that it can be placed in a position close to the bearing B. The temperature sensor 18 is inserted into a recess 7c (groove or hole) provided in the vertical portion 7b of the outer ring 7. The circuit board 10 is an expensive component with multiple sensors attached.

[0022] The start and end ends (not shown) of coil 15 are connected to circuit board 10 via groove 12c provided on the side of lid 12 and groove 11c provided on the outer periphery of heat insulating part 11. Note that routing of each end of coil 15 is omitted in FIG. 1. AC power output from generator G as inner ring 3 rotates is converted to DC by power supply circuit 16. A protective film such as resin may be applied to the surface of circuit board 10.

[0023] The circuit board 10 on which the wireless communication circuit 20 is mounted is disposed opposite the heat insulating portion 11. By using an insulator (non-conductive material) such as a resin with low thermal conductivity as the heat insulating portion 11 and an insulating material for the heat insulating layer 12b formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lid 12, a cylindrical insulator is formed between the outer ring 7 and the stator 9. As a result, the wireless communication circuit 20 is not sealed with a conductive material such as metal, enabling wireless communication using the antenna portion 20a. Note that the wireless communication circuit 20 may be formed as a separate substrate (not shown) and disposed between the lid 12 and the stator 9. In this case, the material of the portion of the lid 12 facing the antenna portion 20a of the wireless communication circuit 20 is preferably an insulating material.

[0024] The stator 9 of the generator G is thermally insulated from metal components such as the outer ring 7 by a heat insulating section 11. Heat generated by iron loss in the stator 9 when the magnetic ring 8 fixed to the inner ring 3 rotates to generate electricity is not directly conducted to the bearing B side. Therefore, only the heat generated by the rotation of the bearing B can be detected by the temperature sensor 18.

[0025] No seal 6 is provided on the side of bearing B where magnetic ring 8 is fixed. However, a lid 12 is provided to cover magnetic ring 8 and stator 9, and the gap between the parts is narrow, resulting in a labyrinth seal (non-contact seal) structure that can prevent the intrusion of foreign matter, etc.

[0026] Lid 12 has a two-layer structure with heat dissipation section 12a, which has high thermal conductivity, and heat insulating layer 12b, which has low thermal conductivity, surrounding it. Lid 12 has folded section 12d, which wraps around the inner diameter side of core metal 8a of magnetic ring 8, to increase the volume and surface area of ​​heat dissipation section 12a, which cools stator 9. Folded section 12d improves the sealing performance of lid 12.

[0027] Because the end face of the stator 9 abuts against the heat dissipation portion 12a, the heat generated by the stator 9 can be efficiently dissipated to the outside by the heat dissipation portion 12a. The heat insulating layer 12b prevents the temperature of the heat dissipation portion 12a from being directly transferred to the outer ring 7, thereby preventing the heat generated by the stator 9 from affecting the bearing B. The heat dissipation portion 12a and the heat insulating layer 12b can effectively cool the stator 9 while suppressing heat transfer to the bearing B. The heat dissipation performance can be further improved by forming grooves (not shown) on the outer surface of the heat dissipation portion 12a to increase the surface area.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, an engagement portion 21 that functions as a removal portion for removing the outer ring 7 from the outer ring 2 is formed on the outer diameter surface of the cylindrical portion 7a of the outer ring 7. The engagement portion 21 is provided with a stepped portion 21a having a surface that is approximately perpendicular to the rotation axis. For example, the outer ring 7 can be removed from the outer ring 2 by pushing or hitting the stepped portion 21a of the engagement portion 21 in the direction away from the bearing B side with a tool (not shown), such as a flat-head screwdriver. In this way, the outer ring 7, which incorporates the stator 9 of the generator G and the circuit board 10 including the sensor 17, can be removed from the outer ring 2 as the sensor unit 22.

[0029] Bearing B of bearing device 1 may need to be replaced due to damage such as peeling on the rolling surface. The sensor unit 22 is not fixed with adhesive and can be easily removed from the outer ring 2 by pressing the step portion 21a with a jig or applying an impact. The removed sensor unit 22 can be reused by attaching it to a new bearing B. In this way, bearing device 1 minimizes processing of bearing device 1, and other parts can be easily reused when bearing B is damaged and needs to be replaced. Reusing the sensor unit 22, including the outer ring 7, can reduce replacement costs.

[0030] The first embodiment relates to a maintenance method for a bearing device 1, in which a jig is hooked onto the engaging portion 21 of the outer ring 7, and the outer ring 7 removed from one bearing B is fixed to another bearing B. This maintenance method minimizes the amount of processing required on the bearing device 1, and makes it possible to easily reuse the sensor unit 22 including the outer ring 7 when the bearing B is damaged and needs to be replaced.

[0031] FIG. 3 shows the schematic configuration of generator G. Generator G is a claw-pole generator. The magnetic rotor is composed of a ring-shaped multi-pole magnet 8b. The stator 9 is composed of a coil 15 and a magnetic yoke surrounding it. The magnetic yoke is composed of a magnetic ring member 13 (13-1, 13-2). Magnetic flux emitted from the north pole of the multi-pole magnet 8b enters the magnetic yoke through the claw 13b, which is a magnetic pole, circulates around the coil, and enters the south pole of the multi-pole magnet 8b through the adjacent claw 13b. When the positions of the north and south poles of the multi-pole magnet 8b are swapped depending on the rotation angle of the magnetic rotor, the direction of the magnetic flux is reversed. The alternating magnetic field generated in this way generates an alternating voltage across both ends of the coil 15.

[0032] The structure of the stator 9 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a diagram showing two magnetic ring members 13 of the same shape arranged opposite each other. In reality, a bobbin 14 around which a coil 15 is wound is housed in the space between the two magnetic ring members 13-1 and 13-2, but for ease of explanation, the bobbin 14 around which the coil 15 is wound is omitted here. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the two magnetic ring members 13 fitted together.

[0033] Grooves 13a and claws 13b opening toward the shaft are alternately formed in a comb-like pattern on the inner circumferential edge of the magnetic ring member 13 (13-1, 13-2). Recesses 13c and protrusions 13d are formed on the end face 13f of the magnetic ring member 13 (13-1, 13-2). The magnetic ring member 13 is designed so that when two identically shaped magnetic ring members 13-1 and 13-2 are placed opposite each other and the claws 13b are alternately arranged, the protrusions 13d of the magnetic ring member 13-2 are positioned relative to the recesses 13c of the magnetic ring member 13-1, thereby engaging with each other.

[0034] The recesses 13c and protrusions 13d on the end faces 13f of each magnetic ring member 13 are fitted together so that the claws 13b on each magnetic ring member 13 are alternately arranged. This makes it easy to arrange the magnetic ring members 13 so that the gaps between the claws 13b are uniform. Furthermore, because multiple recesses 13c and protrusions 13d are arranged in the circumferential direction, the magnetic ring members 13 can be fixed in position without shifting in the circumferential direction.

[0035] The number of magnetized poles and the magnetic pole pitch are equal between the north and south poles of the magnetic ring 8. A hole 13e provided on the side surface of the magnetic ring member 13 is used to pull out the end of the coil 15 to the outside.

[0036] 1 has a circuit board 10 fixed in a position close to bearing B. Therefore, the bearing device 1 can measure the acceleration caused by vibrations generated by bearing B using an acceleration sensor 19 mounted on the circuit board 10 before the vibrations attenuate. Furthermore, in abnormality diagnosis based on the measured acceleration, a signal with little attenuation can be used for diagnosis, making it possible to accurately diagnose an abnormality in bearing B.

[0037] In the bearing device 1, the stator 9 and the outer ring 7 are thermally insulated by a heat insulating portion 11. As a result, the bearing device 1 is not affected by the heat generated in the stator 9, and a temperature sensor 18 mounted on the circuit board 10 can accurately monitor the temperature rise of the bearing B. The bearing device 1 is provided with a lid 12 that has a heat dissipation portion 12a with excellent thermal conductivity and good heat dissipation properties at the portion that abuts the outer end face of the stator 9, so that the heat generated in the stator 9 can be effectively dissipated to the outside. The lid 12 of the bearing device 1 is provided with a heat insulating layer 12b made of an insulator with low thermal conductivity and excellent heat insulating properties around the outer periphery of the heat dissipation portion 12a. This prevents the temperature of the heat dissipation portion 12a from being directly transferred to the outer ring 7, and prevents the heat generated in the stator 9 from affecting the bearing B.

[0038] When communicating the sensor output wirelessly, it is preferable that at least the antenna portion 20a of the circuit board 10 on which the wireless communication circuit 20 is mounted be positioned opposite the heat insulating portion 11 at a position that does not overlap with the stator 9 in the axial direction. By using an insulator (non-conductive material) such as resin for the heat insulating portion 11 and the heat insulating layer 12b, a ring-shaped insulator layer is formed between the outer ring 7 and the stator 9. By using an insulator layer that allows radio waves to pass through, the wireless communication circuit 20 has a structure that is not sealed with a conductive material such as metal, enabling wireless communication.

[0039] In the bearing device 1, a claw-pole generator has been described as an example of the generator G, but other generators may also be used. In the bearing device 1, the outer ring 2 of the bearing B may be fixed to a rotating member to serve as a rotating ring, and the inner ring 3 may be fixed to a stationary member to serve as a stationary ring.

[0040] In the bearing device 1, the surface of the magnetic ring 8 facing the stator 9 may be heat-insulating coated to suppress the temperature rise due to radiant heat from the stator 9, and to suppress the transfer of heat to the inner ring 3.

[0041] FIG. 6 shows how the removed sensor unit 22 is attached to a new magnetic ring bearing 23. A magnetic ring bearing 23 is prepared by fixing a new magnetic ring 8 to the inner ring 3 of a new bearing B. The sensor unit 22 removed from the used bearing device 1 is press-fitted and fixed to the outer ring 2 of the new magnetic ring bearing 23 for reuse. This reduces the cost of manufacturing a new bearing device 1.

[0042] The bearing device 1 of embodiment 1 has a structure in which the sensor unit 22 is press-fitted and fixed into the outer ring 2. This eliminates the need for machining such as threading on the bearing B, allowing for a compact configuration. In the bearing device 1 of embodiment 1, the sensor unit 22 can be easily removed by applying an external force to the stepped portion 21a of the engaging portion 21 in the direction away from the bearing B side. This allows the sensor unit 22 to be reused.

[0043] In the bearing device 1 of the first embodiment, the engagement portion 21 used when removing the sensor unit 22 from the bearing B is provided with a stepped portion 21a. The engagement portion 21 may be formed by forming a rectangular hole in the cylindrical portion 7a of the outer ring 7. The shape of the hole is not limited to a rectangular shape.

[0044] [Embodiment 2] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of bearing device 1A of embodiment 2, and Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of the periphery of engaging portion 8a1 of embodiment 2. In bearing device 1A of embodiment 2, engaging portion 8a1 is provided on magnetic ring 8, allowing magnetic ring 8 to be reused. In the following, in bearing device 1A, the same components as those in bearing device 1 of Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals and detailed description will not be repeated.

[0045] In the bearing device 1A, a plurality of engagement portions 8a1 are formed on the vertical portion 8a2 of the core metal 8a. The shape of the engagement portions 8a1 is a circular hole or an elongated hole (or sector-shaped hole). In the bearing device 1A, the engagement portions 8a1 are formed at four locations in the circumferential direction, for example.

[0046] When removing the magnetic ring 8 from the bearing device 1A, a jig (not shown) is inserted into the hole in the engaging portion 8a1, and the jig is hooked onto the end portion 8a3 or the vertical portion 8a2 of the core metal 8a, for example, to pull out the magnetic ring 8. This removes the magnetic ring 8 from the inner ring 3, and the removed magnetic ring 8 can be reused. When fixing the removed magnetic ring 8 to the inner ring 3 of a new bearing B, the press-fit depth can be controlled using a jig (not shown).

[0047] The core metal 8a of the magnetic ring 8 is a press-molded product made of thin metal plate. Because the core metal 8a is thin, care must be taken to prevent deformation when removing the magnetic ring 8. Note that the core metal 8a may be made thicker to prevent deformation when removing the magnetic ring 8 from the inner ring 3.

[0048] The second embodiment relates to a maintenance method for the bearing device 1A, in which a jig is hooked onto the engaging portion 8a1 of the magnetic ring 8, and the magnetic ring 8 removed from one bearing B is fixed to another bearing B. This maintenance method minimizes the amount of processing required on the bearing device 1A, and makes it possible to easily reuse the magnetic ring 8 when the bearing B is damaged and needs to be replaced.

[0049] [Embodiment 3] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of bearing device 1B of embodiment 3, and Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of the periphery of intermediate member 24 of embodiment 3. In bearing device 1B of embodiment 3, magnetic ring 8 is fixed to inner ring 3 via intermediate member 24. In the following, in bearing device 1B, the same components as those in bearing device 1 of Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals and detailed description will not be repeated.

[0050] The magnetic ring 8 of the bearing device 1B is fixed in advance to the outer diameter surface of an intermediate member 24. The intermediate member 24 with the magnetic ring 8 fixed thereto is then fixed to the outer diameter surface of the inner ring 3 by press-fitting or the like. The intermediate member 24 is a ring member with an L-shaped cross section that is thicker than the plate thickness of the core metal 8a of the magnetic ring 8. The intermediate member 24 has a cylindrical portion 24a extending in the axial direction and a flange portion 24b extending in the radial direction. The magnetic ring 8 of the bearing device 1B can be positioned at a specified axial position without using a dedicated press-fitting jig by press-fitting it until the flange portion 24b abuts against the end face of the inner ring 3.

[0051] An engagement portion 24c is formed on the flange portion 24b of the intermediate member 24 on the side that abuts against the end face of the inner ring 3. The engagement portion 24c is a recess machined around the entire circumference. When removing the magnetic ring 8 from the bearing device 1B, a tool (not shown), such as a flathead screwdriver, can be inserted into the engagement portion 24c to remove the intermediate member 24 from the inner ring 3. This prevents deformation of the magnetic ring 8 and makes it easier to reuse the magnetic ring 8 to which the intermediate member 24 is fixed. When reusing the magnetic ring 8 of the bearing device 1B, no dedicated press-fitting tool is required, making reassembly easier. Note that instead of machining the engagement portion 24c around the entire circumference, recesses may be provided at multiple locations on the circumference.

[0052] [Embodiment 4] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of bearing device 1C of embodiment 4, and Fig. 12 is an enlarged view of the periphery of pin 26 of embodiment 4. In bearing device 1C of embodiment 4, pin 26 is fixed to outer ring 2. In the following, in bearing device 1C, the same components as those in bearing device 1 of Fig. 1 and bearing device 1B of Fig. 9 are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0053] 11, a plurality of (two or more) holes 25 are provided in the end surface of the outer ring 2 (stationary ring) of the bearing BA of the bearing device 1C. A pin 26 is fixed in each hole 25 by press-fitting, bonding, or press-fitting and bonding, etc.

[0054] The outer ring 7A has a vertical portion 7A1 that abuts against the end face of the outer ring 2, and a cylindrical portion 7A2 that is arranged coaxially with the outer diameter surface of the outer ring 2. As in Fig. 1, a stator 9 and a circuit board 10 including a sensor 17 are mounted on the inner diameter side of the cylindrical portion 7A2, forming a sensor unit 22A. As in Fig. 9, the magnetic ring 8 is fixed to the inner ring 3 via an intermediate member 24.

[0055] A plurality of (two or more) holes 27 are formed in the vertical portion 7A1 of the outer ring 7A. By fitting pins 26 into the holes 27 and fixing them, the sensor unit 22A can be fixed (placed) on the end face of the bearing BA. An engagement portion 21 is formed in the cylindrical portion 7A2 of the outer ring 7A, as in FIG. 1. The engagement portion 21 has a step portion 21a that is approximately perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0056] In bearing device 1C, pin 26, which is fixed to outer ring 2 of bearing BA, is press-fitted (interference-fitted) into hole 27 of sensor unit 22A. This makes it easy to integrate bearing BA and sensor unit 22A and align them coaxially. To separate sensor unit 22A from bearing BA, similar to FIG. 1, step 21a of engagement part 21 can be struck on the side opposite bearing BA with a tool (not shown), such as a flat-head screwdriver.

[0057] In the bearing device 1C, the joint portion (press-fit portion) in the hole 27 between the bearing BA and the sensor unit 22A is small, so the sensor unit 22A (outer ring 7A) can be easily removed from the outer ring 2. The removed sensor unit 22A can be reused by attaching it to a new bearing BA. In the bearing device 1C, the magnetic ring 8 to which the intermediate member 24 is fixed can be reused, as in FIG. 9. This allows the bearing device 1C to reduce the cost of replacing the sensor unit 22A and the magnetic ring 8.

[0058] (summary) The present disclosure relates to a bearing device 1 comprising at least one bearing B including an outer ring 2 which is a stationary ring, an inner ring 3 which is a rotating ring, and rolling elements 4. The bearing device 1 comprises an outer ring 7 as a fixed member fixed to either the outer ring 2 or the inner ring 3, a magnetic ring 8 as a rotor fixed to the other of the outer ring 2 or the inner ring 3 so as to face the outer ring 7, and a circuit board 10 mounted on the outer ring 7 and transmitting information relating to the state of the bearing B to the outside. At least one of the outer ring 7 or the magnetic ring 8 is formed with an engagement portion 21, 8a1 with which a jig engages.

[0059] By providing such a configuration, it is possible to minimize the amount of processing required on the bearing device 1, and when the bearing B is damaged and needs to be replaced, it is possible to easily reuse other parts.

[0060] Preferably, the outer ring 7 holds the circuit board 10. The engagement portion 21 is a stepped portion 21a having a surface that is approximately perpendicular to the rotation axis of the bearing B, and the stepped portion 21a is formed at a position facing one end of the bearing.

[0061] By providing such a configuration, the outer ring 7 of the bearing device 1 can be easily reused by simply forming the step portion 21a in the outer ring 7. In the event that the bearing B is damaged and needs to be replaced, the outer ring 7 can be easily reused.

[0062] Preferably, the magnetic ring 8 includes a core 8a and a multi-pole magnet 8b, and the engaging portion 8a1 is formed on the core 8a.

[0063] With this configuration, by simply forming the engaging portion 8a1 on the core metal 8a of the bearing device 1A, the magnetic ring 8 can be easily reused when the bearing B is damaged and needs to be replaced.

[0064] Preferably, the magnetic ring 8 includes an intermediate member 24 for fixing to the inner ring 3, and the engaging portion 24c is formed on the intermediate member 24.

[0065] With this configuration, by simply forming the engaging portion 24c on the intermediate member 24 of the bearing device 1B, the magnetic ring 8 can be easily reused when the bearing B is damaged and needs to be replaced.

[0066] Preferably, a plurality of axially extending pins 26 are fixed to one end of the outer ring 2, and a plurality of holes 27 are formed in the outer ring 7A at positions opposite the plurality of pins 26, and the bearing BA and the outer ring 7A are fixed by fitting the plurality of pins 26 into the plurality of holes 27.

[0067] With this configuration, the outer ring 7A can be easily reused by simply fixing the pin 26 to the outer ring 2 of the bearing device 1C and forming a hole 27 in the outer ring 7A, in the event that the bearing BA is damaged and needs to be replaced.

[0068] Preferably, a stator 9 is disposed on the opposite side of the circuit board 10 from the bearing B, and the magnetic ring 8 and the stator 9 constitute a claw-pole type generator.

[0069] By providing such a configuration, a claw-pole type generator can be provided in which the magnetic ring 8 can be reused.

[0070] Preferably, the circuit board 10 includes a power supply circuit 16 that receives the output of the generator G and generates a power supply voltage, at least one sensor 17 that detects the state of the bearing B, and a wireless communication circuit 20 that is supplied with the power supply voltage and wirelessly transmits the output of the at least one sensor 17 to the outside.

[0071] By providing such a configuration, the state of the bearing B can be transmitted to the outside.

[0072] The present disclosure relates to a maintenance method for a bearing device 1, in which the outer ring 7 removed from a bearing B is fixed to another bearing B by hooking a jig onto the engagement portion 21 of the outer ring 7.

[0073] By providing such a configuration, it is possible to minimize the amount of processing required on the bearing device 1, and to easily reuse the outer ring 7 when the bearing B is damaged and needs to be replaced.

[0074] The present disclosure relates to a maintenance method for a bearing device 1A, in which a magnetic ring 8 removed from a bearing B is fixed to another bearing B by hooking a jig onto an engaging portion 8a1 of the magnetic ring 8.

[0075] By providing such a configuration, it is possible to minimize the amount of processing required on the bearing device 1A, and to easily reuse the magnetic ring 8 when the bearing B is damaged and needs to be replaced.

[0076] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C bearing device, 2 outer ring, 3 inner ring, 4 rolling element, 5 cage, 6 seal, 7, 7A outer ring (fixed member), 7A2, 7a, 24a cylindrical portion, 8 magnetic ring (rotor), 8a1, 21, 24c engaging portion, 8a core, 8b multi-pole magnet, 9 stator, 10 circuit board, 11 heat insulating portion, 11a partition wall, 12 lid, 12a heat dissipation portion, 12b heat insulating layer, 12d folded portion, 13 magnetic ring member, 14 bobbin, 15 coil, 16 power supply circuit, 17 sensor, 18 temperature sensor, 19 acceleration sensor, 20 wireless communication circuit, 20a antenna portion, 21a stepped portion, 22, 22A sensor unit, 23 bearing with magnetic ring, 24 intermediate member, 24b Flange part, 25 hole part, 26 pin, 27 hole part, B, BA bearings, G generator.

Claims

1. A bearing device comprising at least one bearing including a stationary ring, a rotating ring, and a rolling element, a fixing member fixed to either the stationary wheel or the rotating wheel; a rotor fixed to the other of the stationary ring and the rotating ring so as to face the fixed member; a circuit board mounted on the fixed member and configured to transmit information about the state of the bearing to an external device; Equipped with the rotor includes an intermediate member for fixing to the rotating wheel; The intermediate member has an engaging portion with which a jig engages.

2. The bearing device according to claim 1 , wherein the fixing member is an outer ring that holds the circuit board.

3. The bearing device according to claim 1 , wherein the rotor includes a core and a multi-pole magnet.

4. A plurality of pins extending in the axial direction are fixed to one end of the stationary ring, the outer ring has a plurality of holes formed at positions facing the plurality of pins, The bearing device according to claim 2 , wherein the bearing and the outer ring are fixed together by fitting the pins into the holes.

5. the rotor is a magnetic ring; a stator is disposed on the opposite side of the circuit board from the bearing; 5. The bearing device according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic ring and the stator form a claw-pole type generator.

6. The circuit board includes: a power supply circuit that receives the output of the generator and generates a power supply voltage; at least one sensor for detecting a condition of the bearing; The bearing device according to claim 5 , further comprising: a wireless communication circuit to which the power supply voltage is supplied and which wirelessly transmits an output of the at least one sensor to an external device.

7. A maintenance method for a bearing device, comprising: using the bearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, hooking the jig onto the engaging portion of the rotor, and fixing the rotor removed from the bearing to another bearing.

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