GUIDE DEVICE AND MECHANICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING SUCH DEVICE
Patent Information
- Application Number
- MX2022015617
- Authority / Receiving Office
- MX · MX
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2020-06-30
- Filing Date
- 2022-12-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-25
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-05-28
AI Technical Summary
Existing guiding devices for construction machinery fail to provide effective predictive maintenance solutions, leading to costly downtime due to high mechanical stress and wear, necessitating improved wear detection and communication systems.
A guidance device with a metal component, sensors for wear detection, and a wireless communication system to transmit wear information, allowing predictive maintenance by detecting wear or play before critical malfunction.
Enables predictive maintenance by accurately detecting wear and communicating it, reducing downtime and maintenance costs through improved wear detection and communication.
Smart Images
Figure MX431509B0
Abstract
Description
The present invention relates to a guidance device comprising a metal component, a sensing device, and a wireless communication device. The field of the invention is that of guidance devices for moving parts in sliding friction contact. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The guide devices according to the invention are, for example, of the bearing type for guiding a shaft that forms the joint of a construction machine. Machine-mounted devices are subject to significant mechanical stress. Preventive and predictive maintenance solutions are implemented to avoid costly downtime. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The objective of the present invention is to propose a guidance device that allows predictive maintenance operations to be performed. To that end, the subject matter of the invention relates to a guide device comprising: - a metal component provided with a friction surface intended to receive a coupling part in sliding friction contact; - a system for detecting wear of the friction surface or clearance between the friction surface and the mating part, the system comprising one or more sensors; and - a wireless communication system connected to the detection system and configured to transmit information related to wear or play in the guide device. In this way, the invention allows the device to be used to communicate the degree of wear or looseness of the metal friction contact, in order to replace it before a critical malfunction. According to other advantageous features of the invention, taken individually or in combination: - The metal component consists of an annular bushing with a radial thickness of at least 5 millimeters. - The metal component consists of an annular bushing with a maximum radial thickness of 15 millimeters. - The guide device comprises a lubricant arranged on the friction surface. - The friction surface comprises mechanisms that act as a lubricant reservoir. - The mechanisms include cavities. - The mechanisms include slots. - The detection system is configured to detect wear on the friction surface at least within an angular range of 3° around a central axis of the metal component. The detection system is configured for 360° wear detection on the central axis. In this case, the operator assembling the guide device and its coupling does not need to ensure the detection system is correctly oriented. The maximum load zone is necessarily within the angular detection range, thus simplifying the device assembly. - The detection system comprises a plurality of sensors that are distributed around the central axis and that ensure the detection of wear in at least an angular range of 120°. - The sensors ensure the detection of wear in a plurality of angular intervals. - The sensors are distributed 360° around the central axis. - The detection system consists of three sensors distributed at 120° on the central axis. - The detection system consists of four sensors distributed at 90° on the central axis. The detection system is configured to detect wear within a single angular range of at least 3°, meaning in a single angular direction. In this case, the operator assembling the guide device and its coupling must ensure the detection system is correctly oriented, with the detection angle coinciding with the area of maximum load. The device is simpler and less expensive, but its assembly requires greater precision. The detection system is configured to detect wear over an angular range of at least 60°, preferably at least 120°. This provides a good compromise between device cost, detection accuracy, and mounting accuracy. - The detection system consists of a single sensor, which ensures the detection of wear on the friction surface in at least an angular range of 3°. The detection system comprises a plurality of sensors that ensure wear detection over at least an angular range of 60°. The sensors can be arranged within this single angular range of 60°, or within a more restricted range. - The sensor or sensors are arranged exclusively on one longitudinal side or on two longitudinal sides of the hub, each longitudinal side being defined at most two-fifths of the length of the annular hub. - Each longitudinal side is defined over one third of the length of the annular hub. - The sensor or sensors are arranged exclusively on one longitudinal side of the hub. - The sensor or sensors are distributed along both longitudinal sides of the hub. - The sensor or each of the sensors comprises at least one conductive wire having one end disposed at a certain depth below the friction surface. - The detection system is configured to detect different wear thresholds on the friction surface. - The sensor or each of the sensors comprises several conductive wires whose ends are arranged 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 indexing its axial position along the friction surface. ! LQCLn / ZZnZ / E / YIAI - Each sensor comprises means for indexing its radial position with respect to the friction surface. - The sensor or each of the sensors comprises a cylindrical envelope housed in a hole through the metal component between the friction surface and an opposing surface. - The radial indexing means comprise a collar formed in the cylindrical envelope of the sensor. - The detection system comprises a conductive strip that is arranged on one side in an annular groove formed on a surface of the metal component, opposite the friction surface, and on the other side is connected to each sensor and to the wireless communication system. - The communication system includes a transmitter configured to transmit information through metal components with a total thickness greater than 10 millimeters. The subject matter of the invention also relates to a mechanical system, characterized in that it comprises at least one guide device as described above, and a coupling part mounted in sliding friction contact with the friction surface, preferably oscillating sliding friction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The invention will be better understood from the following description, which is given only by way of non-limiting example and is made with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a mechanical system according to the invention, comprising a guide device and a shaft mounted on the device. Figure 2 is a side view of the device in the radial direction. Figure 3 is a section along line lll-lll in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a section along line IV-IV in Figure 2. Figure 5 is a larger scale view of detail V in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a section similar to Figure 4, showing a variation of the guidance device with sensors on both sides. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figures 1 and 5 show a mechanical system 1 according to the invention, comprising a guide bushing (10) according to the invention and a shaft (2) mounted in the device (10). For simplification, the shaft (2) is represented by two dashed lines. The device (10) is designed to guide the shaft (2) in sliding friction contact, particularly in oscillating sliding. The oscillatory motion corresponds to an incomplete rotation, back and forth, about the central axis. Either the axis (2) oscillates within the device (10), or the device (10) oscillates around the axis (2). In both cases, the loads exerted on the device (10) define a zone of maximum load, corresponding to a specific angular position. A lubricant, preferably grease, is placed on the friction interface between the device (10) and the shaft (2). The device (10) comprises a metal friction component (20), a detection system (30), and a wireless communication system (40). ! LQCLn / ZZnZ / E / YIAI The metal component (20) consists of an annular bushing (21) with an inner surface (22) and an outer surface (23) of cylindrical profiles. The inner surface (22) is a friction surface designed to receive the shaft (2) in sliding friction contact. Advantageously, the surface (22) may include mechanisms that act as a lubricant reservoir. These mechanisms may include cavities, grooves, and / or other types of mechanisms. The surfaces (22, 23) comprise annular grooves (24, 25) in the central portion, connected via holes (26) through the hub (21). The elements (24, 25, 26) constitute means for lubricating the surface (22). In one variant, for example, in the case of shaft or side lubrication, the hub (21) may be without elements (24, 25, 26). The means for lubricating the surface (22) may be of any type adapted to the intended application. The surface (23) comprises an annular groove (27) formed on one side of the groove (25). The surfaces (22, 23) are connected via holes (28) passing through the hub (21) at the edge of the groove (27). The elements (27, 28) constitute means for receiving the detection system (30). In one variant, if the hub (21) is devoid of elements (24, 25, 26), the elements (27, 28) may be arranged in the center. According to another variant, the slot (27) may be arranged in the central portion. According to another variation, the slot (27) may be arranged in the central portion, while the holes (28) are arranged on one side (29). In the longitudinal direction of the hub (21), a central portion and two longitudinal sides (29) surrounding the central portion are distinguished. Each longitudinal side (29) is defined at most by two-fifths of the length of the hub (21). Preferably, each longitudinal side (29) is defined by one-third of the length of the hub (21). The thickness of the bushing (21) depends on the intended application. The bushing (21) can have a thickness in the range of 5 to 15 millimeters, or more. This thickness is defined over the functional range of the friction surface (22), excluding any flange formed on one side (29). The detection system (30) is configured to detect wear of the friction surface (22). Alternatively, the detection system (30) could be configured to detect clearance between the friction surface (22) and the shaft surface (2). 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) consists of a layer of conductive wires incorporating the wires (33). The connector (34) may include an electronic chip configured to transform information relating to power loss into wear depth information. Alternatively, the connector (34) may comprise single wires belonging to the strip (31). The conductive strip (31) is arranged in the annular groove (27) formed on the outer surface (23) of the metal component (20). The conductive strip (31) is connected on one side to each sensor (32) via the conductive wires (33) and on the other side to the wireless communication system (40) via the connector (34). In the example shown in the figures, the detection system (30) comprises four sensors (32) LQCLn / ZZnZ / E / YIAI distributed at 90° on the central axis (X20) of the component (20). Thus, the detection system (30) ensures the detection of wear over an angular range of 360° around the central axis (X20). Advantageously, the sensors (32) are arranged exclusively on one longitudinal side (29) of the hub (21), without protruding from the central portion. In fact, when the mechanical system (1) is in operation, the mechanical stresses are generally concentrated on the sides (29) of the hub (21). The arrangement of the sensors (32) on one side (29) instead of in the central portion allows for improved wear detection and the possibilities of performing predictive maintenance before the system (1) suffers a critical malfunction. Each sensor (32) comprises a plurality of conductive wires (35, 36, 37), each of which has one end disposed at a predetermined depth below the friction surface (22). The wear of the conductive wire (35, 36, 37) is a function of the wear of the surface (22). The ends of the conductive wires (35, 36, 37) are disposed at different depths below the friction surface (22). The successive wear of the conductive wires (35, 36, 37) is linked to the progressive wear of the friction surface (22), according to different thresholds. In this way, the detection system (30) is configured to detect different wear thresholds of the friction surface (22). Each sensor (32) comprises a cylindrical housing (38) housed in a bore (28) that passes through the metal component (20) between the friction surface (22) and the outer surface (23). This housing (38) constitutes a means of indexing the angular and axial position of the sensor (32). Other solutions for forming angular and / or axial indexing means may be considered. The housing (38) housed in a bore (28) has the advantage of being a simple solution to implement. Preferably, each sensor (32) comprises means for indexing its radial position with respect to the friction surface (22). As an example, the radial indexing means may comprise a collar (39) formed in the cylindrical housing (38) of the sensor (32). Other solutions for forming the radial indexing means may be considered, which ensure that the threads (35, 36, 37) are positioned at the appropriate depth with respect to the surface (22). The wireless communication system (40) is connected to the detection system (30) and configured to transmit information related to wear or looseness of the guide device (10). The system (40) comprises a transmitter (42) that sends radio signals in all directions. If the device (40) is arranged in an enclosed environment, the transmitter (42) can be configured to transmit information through metal components with a total thickness exceeding 10 millimeters. In practice, the signals can be transmitted axially to an external reader located near the hub (21), through parts of its surroundings. According to one particular embodiment, the transmitter (42) may consist of an RFID chip. Other technologies may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, the communication system (40) may include a power source to power the detection system (30). Figure 6 shows a variation of the guidance device (10), comprising sensors (32) arranged on the two longitudinal sides (29), but not in the central portion. The device (10) can advantageously be mounted in two directions without requiring the operator to pay attention to its orientation. This configuration is also useful in cases of asymmetry in the distribution of mechanical stress between the two sides (29). Preferably, the communication system (40) comprises two transmitters (42), one on each side. This facilitates the connection between the sensor (32) and the transmitters (42) and ensures that a transmitter (42) is always close to the external reader arranged in the vicinity of the device (10). Furthermore, the device (1) may have a configuration different from that shown in Figures 1 to 6 without exceeding the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Moreover, the technical features of the various modalities and variations mentioned above may be combined in whole or in part. In this way, the device (10) can be adapted in terms of cost, functions, and performance.
Claims
1. A guide device (10), characterized in that it comprises: - a metal component (20) provided with a friction surface (22) intended to receive a coupling part (2) in sliding friction contact; - a detection system (30) for wear of the friction surface (22) or for clearance between the friction surface (22) and the coupling 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 relating to wear or clearance of the guide device (10).
2. The guide device (10) according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises a lubricant disposed on the friction surface (22).
3. The guide device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the friction surface (22) comprises mechanisms that act as a lubricant reservoir.
4. The guide device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the detection system (30) is configured for detecting wear of the friction surface (22) in an angular range of at least 3° around a central axis (X20) of the metal component (20).
5. The guide device (10) according to claim 4, further characterized in that the detection system (30) comprises a single sensor (32) that ensures the detection of wear of the friction surface (22) in an angular range of at least 3°.
6. The guide device (10) according to claim 4, further characterized in that the detection system (30) comprises a plurality of sensors (32) that are distributed around the central axis (X20) of the metal component (20) and that ensure the detection of wear in at least an angular range of 60°, preferably in an angular range of 360°.
7. The guide device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the sensor or sensors (32) are arranged exclusively on one longitudinal side (29) or on two longitudinal sides (29) of the metal component (20), each longitudinal side (29) being defined over at most two-fifths of the length of the annular hub (21).
8. The guide device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the metal component (20) is formed by an annular bushing (21) of at least 5 millimeters radial thickness.
9. The guide device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the metal component (20) is formed by an annular bushing (21) with a maximum radial thickness of 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, and a coupling part (2) mounted in sliding friction contact with the friction surface (22), preferably in oscillating sliding friction contact.