Guide device and mechanical system comprising such a device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a guide device (10) comprising a metal component (20) with a friction surface (22) intended to receive a mating part (2) in sliding frictional contact, a detection system (30) for detecting wear of the friction surface (22) or a gap between the friction surface (22) and the mating part (2), the detection system (30) comprising one or more sensors (32), and a wireless communication system (40) connected to the detection system (30) and configured to transmit information regarding the wear or the gap to the outside of the guide device (10).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a guide device comprising a metallic component, a detection device and a wireless communication device.The field of the invention is that of devices for guiding moving parts in sliding frictional contact. [Background technology]

[0002] The guide device according to the invention is, for example, of the bearing type that guides the shafts that form the joints of the construction machine.

[0003] Machine-mounted devices are subjected to high mechanical stresses and to avoid costly downtime, preventative and predictive maintenance solutions are implemented. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The object of the invention is to propose a guide device that makes it possible to carry out predictive maintenance operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] For this purpose, the subject of the present invention is a metal component provided with a friction surface intended to receive a mating part in sliding frictional contact; a system for sensing wear of the friction surface or a gap between the friction surface and the mating part, the sensing system comprising one or more sensors; - a wireless communication system connected to the detection system and configured to transmit information about the wear or gap to the outside of the guide device; The present invention relates to a guide device comprising:

[0006] The present invention therefore enables a device to be used to communicate the level of wear or clearance of metallic friction components in order to replace them before serious malfunction occurs.

[0007] According to other advantageous features of the invention, taken individually or in combination: The metal component is formed by an annular bushing having a radial thickness of at least 5 millimeters. The metal component is formed by an annular bushing having a radial thickness of at most 15 millimeters. The guide device comprises a lubricant disposed on the friction surface. The friction surface is provided with a mechanism that acts as a reservoir for the lubricant. - The mechanism comprises a cavity. The mechanism comprises a groove. The detection system is configured to detect wear of the friction surface over an angular range of at least 3° about the central axis of the metal component. - The detection system is configured for 360° wear detection around the central axis. In this case, the operator who installs the guide device and its mating part does not need to ensure that the detection system is correctly oriented. In fact, the zone of maximum load is always included in the angular detection range. Therefore, assembly of the device is simplified. The detection system comprises a number of sensors distributed around a central axis and ensuring detection of wear over an angular range of at least 120°. - The sensor ensures wear detection over multiple angle ranges. - The sensors are distributed over 360° around a central axis. The detection system comprises three sensors distributed over 120° around a central axis. The detection system comprises four sensors distributed at 90° around a central axis. - The detection system is configured to detect wear over a single angular range of at least 3°, i.e., in a single angular direction. In this case, the operator installing the guide device and its mating part must ensure that the angular range of detection coincides with the maximum load zone and that the detection system is correctly oriented. The device becomes simpler and less expensive, but its assembly requires more precision. The detection system is configured to detect wear over an angular range of at least 60°, preferably over an angular range of at least 120°, which offers a good compromise between the cost of the device, the accuracy of the detection and the accuracy of the assembly. - The detection system comprises a single sensor, which reliably detects wear of the friction surface over an angular range of at least 3°. The detection system comprises a plurality of sensors that reliably detect wear over an angular range of at least 60°. The sensors can be positioned over this single angular range of 60° or over a more limited range. - The sensor or sensors are arranged on one longitudinal side of the bushing or on only two longitudinal sides, each longitudinal side being defined over at most two-fifths of the length of the annular bushing. Each longitudinal side is defined over one-third of the length of the annular bushing. The sensor or sensors are arranged on only one longitudinal side of the bush. - One or more sensors are distributed over the two longitudinal sides of the bush. The or each sensor comprises at least one electrically conductive wire having one end located at a given depth below the friction surface. The detection system is configured to detect different wear thresholds of the friction surface. The or each sensor comprises several conductive wires having ends located at different depths below the friction surface. Each sensor comprises means for indexing its angular position around the central axis. Each sensor comprises means for determining its axial position along the friction surface. Each sensor comprises means for determining its radial position relative to the friction surface. The or each sensor comprises a cylindrical outer casing housed in an opening passing through the metal component between the friction surface and the opposite surface. The radial indexing means comprises a collar formed on the cylindrical periphery of the sensor. The detection system is arranged, on the one hand, in an annular groove formed on the surface of the metal component opposite the friction surface, and, on the other hand, comprises a conductive strip connected to each sensor and to a wireless communication system. The communication system includes a transmitter configured to transmit information through a metal component having an overall thickness greater than 10 millimeters.

[0008] The subject of the present invention also relates to a mechanical system, characterized in that it comprises at least one guide device as described above and a mating part mounted in sliding friction contact with a friction surface, preferably sliding friction with vibration.

[0009] The invention will be better understood from the following description, given purely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a mechanical system according to the invention, comprising a guide device and a shaft attached to the device; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a side view of the device in a radial direction. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of detail V of FIG. 4. [Figure 6]5 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4 showing a variation of the guide device with sensors on both sides. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] 1 and 5 show a mechanical system 1 according to the invention, which comprises a guide bush 10 according to the invention and a shaft 2 attached to the device 10. For simplicity, the shaft 2 is shown by two dashed lines. The device 10 is designed in particular to guide the shaft 2 in sliding friction contact, i.e., sliding with vibration.

[0012] The oscillatory motion corresponds to an incomplete rotation back and forth about a central axis. Axis (2) oscillates within device (10), or device (10) oscillates about axis (2). In both cases, the load applied to device (10) defines a region of maximum load corresponding to a particular angular position.

[0013] A lubricant, preferably grease, is disposed at the friction interface between the device (10) and the shaft (2).

[0014] The device (10) comprises a metallic friction component (20), a detection system (30), and a wireless communication system (40).

[0015] The metal component (20) is formed by an annular bushing (21) with an inner surface (22) and an outer surface (23) having a cylindrical profile. The inner surface (22) constitutes a friction surface intended to receive the shaft (2) in sliding friction contact. Advantageously, the surface (22) can be provided with features that act as a reservoir for the lubricant. The features can comprise cavities, grooves, and / or other types of features.

[0016] The surfaces (22, 23) are provided in their central parts with annular grooves (24, 25) connected via an opening (26) passing through the bushing (21). The elements (24, 25, 26) constitute means for lubricating the surface (22). In a variant, for example in the case of axial or lateral lubrication, the bushing (21) can be devoid of elements (24, 25, 26). The means for lubricating the surface (22) can be of any type adapted to the intended use.

[0017] The surface (23) comprises an annular groove (27) formed on one side of the groove (25). The surfaces (22, 23) are connected at the boundary of the groove (27) via an opening (28) passing through the bushing (21). The elements (27, 28) constitute means for receiving the detection system (30). In a variant, if the bushing (21) is devoid of the elements (24, 25, 26), the elements (27, 28) can be arranged centrally.

[0018] According to another variant, the groove (27) can be located in the central portion. According to a further variant, the groove (27) can be located in the central portion, while the openings (28) are located on the side surfaces (29).

[0019] In the longitudinal direction of the bushing 21, a central portion and two longitudinal sides 29 can be distinguished that surround the central portion, each of which is defined over at most two-fifths of the length of the bushing 21. Preferably, each of the longitudinal sides 29 is defined over one-third of the length of the bushing 21.

[0020] The thickness of the bushing (21) depends on the intended application. The bushing (21) can have a thickness ranging from 5 to 15 millimeters or more. This thickness is defined relative to the functional area of ​​the friction surface (22), excluding any shoulders formed on the side surfaces (29).

[0021] The detection system (30) is configured to detect wear on the friction surface (22). Alternatively, the detection system (30) may be configured to detect a gap between the friction surface (22) and the surface of the shaft (2).

[0022] The detection system 30 includes a conductive strip 31, a plurality of sensors 32 connected to the strip 31 via conductive wires 33, and a connector 34 adapted to connect the system 30 to the system 40. The strip 31 is composed of a layer of conductive wires incorporating the wires 33. The connector 34 can include an electronic chip configured to convert information about power loss into wear depth information. Alternatively, the connector 34 can include simple wires belonging to the strip 31.

[0023] The conductive strips (31) are disposed in annular grooves (27) formed on the outer surface (23) of the metal component (20). The conductive strips (31) are connected, on the one hand, to the respective sensors (32) via conductive wires (33) and, on the other hand, to the wireless communication system (40) via connectors (34).

[0024] In the example shown in the figures, the detection system (30) comprises four sensors (32) distributed over 90° around the central axis (X20) of the component (20), so that the detection system (30) can reliably detect wear over an angular range of 360° around the central axis (X20).

[0025] Advantageously, the sensor 32 is arranged only on the longitudinal sides 29 of the bush 21, without protruding above the central portion. Indeed, when the mechanical system 1 is in operation, the mechanical stresses are generally concentrated on the sides 29 of the bush 21.

[0026] Locating the sensor (32) on the side (29) rather than in the center improves the chances of detecting wear and performing predictive maintenance work before the system (1) suffers a serious malfunction.

[0027] Each sensor 32 comprises a plurality of conductive wires 35, 36, 37, each having one end positioned at a given depth below the friction surface 22. Wear of the conductive wires 35, 36, 37 is in response to wear of the surface 22. The ends of the conductive wires 35, 36, 37 are positioned at different depths below the friction surface 22. Successive wear of the conductive wires 35, 36, 37 is linked to progressive wear of the friction surface 22 according to different thresholds. Thus, the detection system 30 is configured to detect different wear thresholds of the friction surface 22.

[0028] Each sensor (32) comprises a cylindrical outer casing (38) housed in an opening (28) passing through the metal component (20) between the friction surface (22) and the outer surface (23). This outer casing (38) constitutes a means for indexing the angular and axial position of the sensor (32). Other solutions for forming the angular and / or axial indexing means can also be envisaged. An outer casing (38) housed in an opening (28) has the advantage of being a simple solution to implement.

[0029] Preferably, each sensor (32) comprises means for indexing its radial position relative to the friction surface (22). By way of example, the radial indexing means may comprise a collar (39) formed on the cylindrical outer periphery (38) of the sensor (32). Other solutions for forming the radial indexing means are also conceivable, which ensure that the wires (35, 36, 37) can be positioned at the correct depth relative to the surface (22).

[0030] The wireless communication system (40) is connected to the sensing system (30) and is configured to transmit information regarding the wear or gap outside the guide device (10).

[0031] The system 40 includes a transmitter 42 that transmits a wireless signal in all directions. When the device 40 is placed in an enclosed environment, the transmitter 42 can be configured to transmit information through metal components having a total thickness of more than 10 millimeters. In fact, the signal can be transmitted axially through some parts of the environment to an external reader located near the bushing 21.

[0032] According to a particular embodiment, the transmitter 42 may comprise an RFID chip, although other technologies may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0033] Additionally, the communication system (40) may include an energy source for powering the detection system (30).

[0034] Figure 6 shows a variation of the guide device 10 with sensors 32 located on two longitudinal sides 29 rather than in the central portion. The device 10 can be advantageously mounted in two orientations without the operator having to pay attention to its orientation. This configuration is also useful when the distribution of mechanical stress between the two sides 29 is asymmetric. Preferably, the communication system 40 includes two transmitters 42, one on each side. This facilitates connection between the sensors 32 and the emission source 42 and ensures that the emission source 42 is always in close proximity to an external reader located near the device 10.

[0035] Furthermore, device 10 may have different configurations than those of Figures 1-6 without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, the technical characteristics of the various embodiments and variants described above may be combined in whole or in part. Thus, device 10 may be tailored in terms of cost, functionality, and performance. [Explanation of symbols]

[0036] 1 Mechanical systems and devices 2-axis 10 Guide bushes, devices, guide devices 20 Metallic Components 21 Bush 22 Inner surface, friction surface 23 External surface 24 Annular groove 25 Annular groove 26 Opening 27 Annular groove 28 Opening 29 Longitudinal side 30 Detection System 31 Conductive Strip 32 sensors 33 Conductive Wire 34 Connector 35 Conductive Wire 36 Conductive Wire 37 Conductive Wire 38 Encirclement 39 Color 40 Wireless Communication Systems 42 Transmitters, emission sources X20 center axis

Claims

1. A guide device (10), comprising: a metal component (20) provided with a friction surface (22) intended to receive a mating part (2) in sliding frictional contact; a detection system (30) for the wear of said friction surface (22) or the gap between said friction surface (22) and said mating part (2), said detection system (30) comprising one or more sensors (32); a wireless communication system (40) connected to said detection system (30) and adapted to transmit information relating to wear or gaps to the outside of said guide device (10); Equipped with the or each sensor (32) comprises at least one conductive wire having one end disposed at a given depth below the friction surface, the conductive wire being configured to detect when wear of the friction surface has reached the given depth below the friction surface; The or each sensor (32) comprises a cylindrical outer casing housed in an opening through the metal component between the friction surface and an opposite surface.

2. The guide device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a lubricant disposed on the friction surface (22).

3. 3. A guide device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the friction surface (22) comprises a mechanism that acts as a reservoir for a lubricant.

4. 4. The guide device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the detection system (30) is configured to detect wear of the friction surface (22) over an angular range of at least 3° around a central axis (X20) of the metal component (20).

5. 5. The guide device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the detection system (30) comprises a single sensor (32) for reliably detecting wear of the friction surface (22) over an angular range of at least 3°.

6. 5. The guide device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the detection system (30) comprises a plurality of the sensors (32) distributed around the central axis (X20) of the metal component (20) and reliably detecting wear over an angular range of at least 60°.

7. 7. A guide device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the metal component (20) is formed by an annular bushing (21) having a radial thickness of at least 5 millimeters.

8. 8. The guide device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the side of the annular bushing (21) comprises a central portion and two longitudinal side surfaces (29) axially sandwiching the central portion, the one or more sensors (32) being arranged on only one longitudinal side surface (29) of the metal component (20) or on only two longitudinal side surfaces (29), the longitudinal side surfaces (29) being defined over a maximum of two-fifths of the length of the annular bushing (21).

9. 9. A guide device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the metal component (20) is formed by an annular bushing (21) having a radial thickness of at most 15 millimeters.

10. A mechanical system (1), characterized in that it comprises at least one guide device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, intended to receive a mating part (2) in sliding frictional contact with the mating part (2).

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