Arrangement for monitoring a bearing

Abstract

An arrangement for monitoring a bearing, in particular a bearing which is arranged in a rail vehicle, the bearing (LAG) having an outer side (ARAS) which is at least partially surrounded by an electrically conductive layer (ELS). The electrically conductive layer (ELS) is electrically insulated from the outer side (ARAS) of the bearing (LAG). The electrically conductive layer (ELS) is thermally coupled to the outer side (ARAS) of the bearing (LAG). The electrically conductive layer (ELS) is electrically connected to an evaluation device (WERT). The evaluation device (WERT) is designed to determine an electrical resistance value (R(T)) of the electrically conductive layer (ELS). The evaluation device (WERT) is designed to compare the determined electrical resistance value (R(T)) of the electrically conductive layer (ELS) with a previously known resistance value in order to determine wear of the bearing (LAG) by means of the comparison.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Order for monitoring a warehouse

[0003] The invention relates to an arrangement for monitoring a bearing, in particular a bearing that is arranged in a rail vehicle.

[0004] Introduction and State of the Art

[0005] Bearings, especially rolling or ball bearings, are used in motors, fans, pumps, compressors, etc.

[0006] A large number of bearings are used, particularly in rail vehicles. To detect wear in a timely manner and to prevent bearing malfunctions, the bearings are regularly maintained or bearing monitoring systems are used.

[0007] Thus, with the help of a visual inspection of the bearing or with the help of a manual check by a maintenance technician, any wear or damage to the bearing can be determined cost-effectively using simple means.

[0008] It is also known to measure vibrations at the bearing at fixed intervals in order to detect signs of irregularities or signs of bearing wear at an early stage.

[0009] It is also common practice to replace bearings regularly, for example after a predetermined service life. This approach has the disadvantage that bearings that may still be usable are replaced prematurely, which, over the lifetime of a rail vehicle, results in increased maintenance costs.

[0010] Task

[0011] The object of the invention described below is therefore to provide an improved monitoring of a bearing that is reliable and cost-effective.

[0012] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent claims. Description of the invention

[0013] The invention relates to an arrangement for monitoring a bearing. The bearing has an outer surface that is at least partially enclosed by an electrically conductive layer. The electrically conductive layer is electrically insulated from the outer surface of the bearing. The electrically conductive layer is thermally coupled to the outer surface of the bearing. The electrically conductive layer is electrically connected to an evaluation device.

[0014] The evaluation device is designed to determine the electrical resistance value of the electrically conductive layer. The evaluation device is designed to compare the determined electrical resistance value of the electrically conductive layer with a previously known resistance value in order to determine bearing wear by comparison.

[0015] In an advantageous further development, the bearing is a rolling bearing or a ball bearing.

[0016] In an advantageous further training course, the bearing is an integral part of a rail vehicle.

[0017] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the bearing has a cylindrical outer ring as its outer surface. An electrically insulating first insulating layer is arranged on the outer surface of the cylinder of the outer ring. The electrically conductive layer is then arranged on top of the first insulating layer. Finally, an electrically insulating second insulating layer is arranged on top of the electrically conductive layer. In total, the first insulating layer electrically insulates the outer surface of the cylinder from the electrically conductive layer, while the second insulating layer electrically and / or thermally insulates the electrically conductive layer from the bearing's surroundings.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the electrically conductive layer is made of graphene. Graphene is known to be a carbon allotrope with a two-dimensional structure in which each carbon atom is bonded to three other carbon atoms via covalent bonds. This results in a honeycomb-like pattern. Each carbon atom is also involved in a double bond, so that electrons from the double bonds are free to move throughout the entire honeycomb structure. Graphene surfaces are exceptionally stiff and strong. They exhibit a modulus of elasticity almost as high as that of diamond. At the same time, graphene has a very high tensile strength, approximately 125 times that of steel. In an advantageous embodiment, the electrically conductive layer has two connection points to which the evaluation device is connected.

[0019] The two connection points are preferably arranged opposite each other (viewed in the radial direction of the cylinder).

[0020] In an advantageous further development, the device for evaluation is designed to determine the electrical resistance value of the electrically conductive layer, wherein the resistance value depends on a temperature of the electrically conductive layer, and wherein the temperature is determined by the wear of the bearing.

[0021] In an advantageous further development, the device is trained to evaluate and compare the electrical resistance value with a previously known base resistance value of the bearing in its original state or of an identical bearing in its original state.

[0022] In an advantageous further development, the evaluation device is trained to compare the electrical resistance value with a previously known base resistance value of the bearing, which shows no signs of wear.

[0023] In an advantageous further development, the evaluation device is trained to compare the electrical resistance value with a previously known base resistance value of an identical bearing that shows no signs of wear.

[0024] Advantages:

[0025] The present invention uses preferably continuous resistance measurement to determine temperature profiles at a monitored bearing and to evaluate these profiles. Based on this comparison, conclusions are then drawn about the bearing's wear.

[0026] The present invention enables continuous and specific monitoring of the mechanical wear of the bearing.

[0027] The graphene coating used in the present invention enables the acquisition of precise data on temperature changes in the bearing, directly indicating its condition. The present invention provides real-time data on temperature profiles. This allows for the precise determination of a time for preventive maintenance on the monitored bearing, enabling timely implementation of this maintenance.

[0028] The present invention enables early detection of bearing problems, thereby increasing the reliability and efficiency of maintenance.

[0029] The present invention simplifies existing maintenance processes. Invasive measures, such as the removal of bearing components, are avoided.

[0030] The present invention makes it possible to measure temperature profiles across the graphene layer directly at the installed bearing.

[0031] The present invention enables the automated storage and analysis of temperature profiles. Based on this, a data-driven correlation between a measured wear pattern and actual mechanical wear is made possible.

[0032] The present invention enables objective decision-making regarding maintenance needs and makes resource utilization efficiently plannable.

[0033] The present invention enables the optimization of the bearing or engine performance of a rail vehicle and the operating costs of the rail vehicle.

[0034] The present invention enables precise and continuous monitoring of temperature profiles, thereby optimizing engine performance and maintenance strategies. Operating costs are reduced and environmental impact is minimized.

[0035] Character description:

[0036] The invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of a drawing.

[0037] This shows:

[0038] FIG 1 a bearing monitored according to the invention and

[0039] FIG 2 shows a detail with reference to FIG 1. FIG 1 shows a bearing LAG monitored according to the invention, while FIG 2 shows a detail thereof with reference to FIG 1.

[0040] The LAG bearing is shown here as an example of a rolling bearing or a ball bearing and is an example component of a rail vehicle not shown in detail here.

[0041] The LAG bearing has a cylindrical outer ring AR. On the inner surface ARIS of the outer ring AR, balls KG of the LAG bearing are arranged, which are guided circularly along the inner surface of the cylinder by inner bearing components.

[0042] On the outer surface of the cylinder ARAS of the outer ring AR, three superimposed layers are applied in the form of a sandwich arrangement (viewed radially outwards from the cylinder):

[0043] On the outer side of the cylinder ARAS, an electrically insulating first insulating layer IS01 is arranged,

[0044] An electrically conductive layer ELS is arranged on the first insulating layer IS01, and

[0045] An electrically insulating, second insulating layer IS02 is arranged on the electrically conductive layer ELS.

[0046] The first insulating layer, IS01, separates or insulates the cylinder exterior, ARAS, from the electrically conductive layer, ELS. The second insulating layer, ISO2, separates or insulates the electrically conductive layer, ELS, from the bearing environment, LAG.

[0047] The electrically conductive layer ELS is made of graphene and has two connection points AP1, AP2, to which a device for evaluating VALUE is connected.

[0048] The evaluation device determines an electrical resistance value R(T) of the electrically conductive layer ELS, where the resistance value depends on a temperature T of the electrically conductive layer ELS. This temperature T, in turn, is determined by the wear or by the properties of the bearing LAG or by its bearing components (outer ring AR, balls KG, inner bearing components, etc.).

[0049] The evaluation device WERT therefore continuously evaluates electrical resistance values ​​R(T) of the bearing LAG based on temperature profiles and compares these with a previously known base resistance value of a bearing in its original condition or of a bearing that shows no signs of wear.

[0050] By calculating the difference in resistance values, conclusions are drawn about the wear of the LAG bearing, thus enabling a real-time and highly accurate assessment of the bearing condition.

[0051] As the bearing wears down, the resistance values ​​will deviate more and more from the previously known baseline resistance value. This enables precise and early detection of bearing wear and improves the reliability and efficiency of necessary maintenance.

[0052] The described indirect temperature measurement is taken directly at the bearing, thus avoiding adverse measurement influences from other components (e.g., motors).

[0053] Preferably, the resistance measurement described above is performed when the bearing is at rest and during operation: when at rest, the bearing exhibits the known baseline resistance value. As soon as the bearing is started up and rotating, its temperature increases according to a pattern that is characteristic for each bearing in a device and depends on the installation and operating conditions of the device or the bearing.

[0054] As the bearing wears out, the recorded resistance values ​​begin to deviate increasingly from the previously known baseline resistance value. These deviations indicate bearing wear and enable precise, real-time bearing diagnostics.

[0055] The resistance values ​​are stored and processed by numerical algorithms. These algorithms are programmed to create statistical correlations between the various input data and to issue warnings if certain patterns deviate from a predefined norm.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Order for the monitoring of a warehouse, with a warehouse (LAG) and with an evaluation facility (VALUE), - in which the bearing (LAG) has an outer surface (ARAS) that is at least partially covered by an electrically conductive layer (ELS), - in which the electrically conductive layer (ELS) is electrically insulated from the outside (ARAS) of the bearing (LAG), - in which the electrically conductive layer (ELS) is thermally coupled to the outer surface (ARAS) of the bearing (LAG), - in which the electrically conductive layer (ELS) is electrically connected to the evaluation device (VALUE), - in which the device for evaluation (VALUE) is designed to determine an electrical resistance value (R(T)) of the electrically conductive layer (ELS), - in which the evaluation (VALUE) device is designed to compare the determined electrical resistance value (R(T)) of the electrically conductive layer (ELS) with a previously known resistance value in order to determine wear of the bearing (LAG) by comparison.

2. Arrangement according to claim 1, - where the bearing (LAG) is a rolling bearing or a ball bearing, and / or - where the bearing (LAG) is part of a rail vehicle.

3. Arrangement according to claim 2, - in which the bearing (LAG) has a cylindrical outer ring (AR) as its outer surface, - in which an electrically insulating first insulating layer (ISO1) is arranged on the outer side (ARAS) of the outer ring (AR), - in which the electrically conductive layer (ELS) is arranged on the first insulating layer (ISO1), and - in which an electrically insulating second insulating layer (ISO2) is arranged on the electrically conductive layer (ELS), so that - the first insulating layer (ISO1) electrically insulates the cylinder outer surface (ARAS) from the electrically conductive layer (ELS), and so that the second insulating layer (ISO2) electrically and / or thermally insulates the electrically conductive layer (ELS) from the bearing environment (LAG).

4. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, - in which the electrically conductive layer (ELS) is made of graphene, and / or - in which the electrically conductive layer (ELS) has two connection points (AP1, AP2) to which the evaluation (VALUE) device is connected.

5. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, - in which the device for evaluation (VALUE) is designed to determine the electrical resistance value (R(T)) of the electrically conductive layer (ELS), - where the resistance value (R(T)) depends on a temperature (T) of the electrically conductive layer (ELS), and - where the temperature (T) is determined by the wear of the bearing (LAG).

6. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, - where the evaluation (VALUE) device is designed to compare the electrical resistance value (R(T)) with a previously known base resistance value of an identical bearing (LAG) in its original state, and / or - in which the evaluation (VALUE) device is designed to compare the electrical resistance value (R(T)) with a previously known base resistance value of an identical bearing (LAG) that shows no signs of wear.

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