JP2003058976A - Wireless sensor, rolling bearing, management apparatus and monitoring system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a wireless sensor or a bearing, a management apparatus which can easily sort and manage detection information of a detected detection object and a monitoring system to be constituted of them. SOLUTION: The wireless sensor 2 adds identification information peculiar to respective sensor modules 4, 5 to the detection information such as vibration, temperature detected by the sensor modules 4, 5 respectively and transmits a signal R from a communication unit 10 by radio waves. On the other hand, the management apparatus 3 receiving the signal R classifies and files the detection information on the basis of the identification information included in the signal R. Then, the monitoring system 1 is designed to make the management apparatus 3 manage a plurality of wireless sensors 2 attached to movable shafts of processing machines or the like.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a wireless sensor or bearing device which is mounted on a vehicle such as an industrial machine, an automobile or a railroad vehicle and wirelessly transmits a signal indicating a driving state, and a transmitted signal. The present invention relates to a management device and a monitoring device using them.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A bearing for supporting a rotating shaft, which is an axle of a vehicle such as an automobile or a railway vehicle, and a linear motion device such as a ball screw or a linear guide, which is applied to an industrial machine such as a processing machine or an assembling device, and a bearing are Vibration (that is, change in acceleration) is caused by movement, and heat is generated due to friction. Since these vibrations and temperatures affect the life of bearings and linear motion devices, and are related to the accuracy of industrial machinery and the safety of vehicles, it is desirable to appropriately measure and monitor the rated state. In addition, the rotational speed of the rotating bearing is often monitored at all times because it is important for grasping the operating state of the device to which the bearing is attached.

Therefore, a general-purpose vibration sensor having an accelerometer, a general-purpose temperature sensor having a thermocouple or the like, or a rotation sensor for detecting a rotation speed is used as a housing or a linear motion of a target bearing. It is attached to the movable body of the device and is connected to the measuring device by wire to monitor vibration and temperature.

[0004]

In this case, if each sensor and the measuring device are connected and wired by wire, in a multi-axis control processing machine or an apparatus having many movable parts to be monitored, such as an assembly line. However, there is a problem that the wiring becomes complicated. Then, when disassembling the periphery of the sensor mounting portion for maintenance inspection or the like, the sensor and the cable have to be removed each time. Also,
When wiring to a movable part of a linear motion device such as a linear guide, there is a problem that the wiring is cut during use. When the sensor mounting portion moves, such as in a vehicle, it is necessary to mount measuring instruments on the vehicle body. Even when the measuring instruments are mounted on the vehicle body, the wheels of the vehicle are supported by a suspension or the like so as to move relative to the vehicle body in consideration of riding comfort. Therefore, there is a concern that the cable connected to the sensor mounted on the bearing of the wheel will be repeatedly bent as the vehicle travels and eventually be broken.

Therefore, according to the present invention, a wireless sensor or rolling bearing device which does not require wiring for transmitting a signal of the sensor, a management device which receives this signal, and this wireless sensor or rolling bearing device and the management device. An object of the present invention is to provide a monitoring device which is used in combination.

[0006]

In order to solve the above problems, a wireless sensor according to the present invention includes a detection unit for detecting a detection target and an information processing unit for processing information detected by the detection unit. And a communication device that wirelessly transmits the detection information processed by the processing unit.

Alternatively, the wireless sensor according to the present invention includes a detection unit for detecting a detection target, an information processing unit for processing the information detected by the detection unit, and the detection information processed by the processing unit for the detection. A communication device that wirelessly transmits together with identification information unique to the unit.

In this case, when the communication device for transmitting / receiving receives the command signal corresponding to the identification information of the detecting section, the command signal is designated by the command signal so that the user can arbitrarily obtain the detection information of the wireless sensor. Further, the detection information of the detection unit is transmitted together with the identification information. In addition, the communication device converts the signal detected by the detection unit or information related thereto into digital information and transmits it so that the user can easily identify the signal.

The bearing device according to the present invention has inner and outer races and a plurality of rolling elements arranged between these races, and one of the outer race and the inner race is a stationary ring. In a rolling bearing in which the other is a rotating wheel, one of the above wireless sensors is integrally fixed to the stationary wheel or a member attached to the stationary wheel, or integrated with the rotating wheel or a member attached to the rotating wheel. It is installed so that it moves automatically.

Alternatively, in the bearing device according to the present invention, a set of bearing rings, a pulser ring provided on a first bearing ring of the pair of bearing rings, and a second ring that rotates relative to the pulser ring. And the wireless sensor of any one of the above, which is attached to the orbital ring of the pulse sensor so as to face the pulser ring.

In this case, the bearing device FM outputs information about the periodic signal detected by the rotation speed sensor by the relative rotation of the pulsar ring and the wireless sensor.
Transmit by modulation method. Then, at least one of the rotation speed and the rotation speed of the bearing device obtained by the information processing unit is transmitted based on the wavelength or frequency of the periodic signal generated in the rotation speed sensor by the relative rotation of the pulser ring and the wireless sensor. To do. In addition, at least peculiar identification information is transmitted for each division of one cycle of the periodic signal generated in the rotation speed sensor by the relative rotation of the pulser ring and the wireless sensor.

The management device according to the present invention includes a communication device that receives a signal transmitted from a wireless sensor or a bearing device that includes a detection unit that detects a detection target, and the detection unit or the wireless sensor that is included in the signal. A signal processing unit that manages a received signal based on identification information unique to at least one of them. In this case, in order to prevent interference with signals of wireless sensors or bearing devices other than those managed by this management device, the communication device registers in advance with the management device based on the identification information unique to the detection unit included in the signal. The signal including the selected identification information is selected and received. Further, the communicator sends a command signal requesting a signal including the detection information to the wireless sensor or the bearing device so that the latest detection information of the wireless sensor or the bearing device can be obtained if necessary.

The monitoring device according to the present invention uses the above-mentioned wireless sensor or bearing device in combination with a management device. In the monitoring device, when a plurality of wireless sensors or bearing devices are used at the same time, the management device communicates with a carrier having a unique frequency different for each wireless sensor and each bearing device.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The monitoring device 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a wireless sensor 2 that detects a vibration or temperature to be detected and transmits the detection information, and a management device 3 that receives a signal R output from the plurality of wireless sensors 2. .

The wireless sensor 2 includes a vibration sensor module 4, a temperature sensor module 5, a multiplexer 6, an A / D converter 7, and a RAM (Random Access).
Memory) 8, a signal processing unit 9, and a communication device 10. The vibration sensor module 4 includes a vibration sensor as a detection unit that detects vibration that is an inspection target,
The change in vibration such as the detected acceleration is converted into an electric signal and output. The temperature sensor module 5 includes a temperature sensor as a detection unit that detects the temperature to be detected, and outputs the detected temperature by converting it into an electric signal.

The multiplexer 6 mixes the signals output from the vibration sensor module 4 and the temperature sensor module 5, respectively, so that they can be separated as independent detection information later. The hybrid by the multiplexer 6 may be a multiplex communication system or a time division system. Further, when the number of sensor modules 4 and 5 is one, this multiplexer 6 is unnecessary. Further, a plurality of A / D converters 7 may be provided without using the multiplexer 6.

The A / D converter 7 converts analog signals of the vibration sensor module 4 and the temperature sensor module 5 into digital signals. The RAM 8 is provided to temporarily store the detection information converted by the A / D converter 7 before processing it. The RAM 8 is an example of a storage device and may be any storage device that can temporarily store the detection information.

The signal processing unit 9 sequentially retrieves the detection information of the sensor modules 4 and 5 temporarily stored in the RAM 8 and performs processing such as comparison with the preset threshold values for vibration and temperature, and the like. Each sensor module 4,
It is output to the communication device 10 together with unique identification information for each 5. The vibration or temperature values themselves may be output to the communication device 10 together with the identification information. Further, it may be a processing unit in which the A / D converter 7, the RAM 8 and the signal processing unit 9 are integrated.

When the sensor modules 4 and 5 are provided with a plurality of detecting portions, the identification information may be for each detecting portion that has detected the detected information. In addition, the sensor modules 4, 5
If the identification information of each wireless sensor 2 is added to the identification information in addition to the identification information of each of them, the management device 3 side can further perform versatile classification management. Since the identification information is given to each detection unit, the sensor modules 4 and 5 may output the identification information by attaching it to the detection information.

The communication device 10 is capable of transmission and reception, and outputs the signal output from the signal processing unit 9 as a radio wave signal R.
Convert to and send. In an environment where it is difficult to use radio waves, it is preferable to use the communication device 10 that converts signals into ultrasonic waves or light, for example, infrared rays.

The wireless sensor 2 configured as described above multiplexes the detection information detected by the sensor modules 4 and 5 by the multiplexer 6, converts it into a digital signal by the A / D converter 7, and then stores it in the RAM 8. Store temporarily. The stored detection information is sequentially read by the signal processing unit 9 and subjected to processing such as calculation, and the signal R to which the unique identification information is attached to each of the sensor modules 4 and 5 is attached.
And is transmitted from the communication device 10. In addition, the interval for detecting vibration, temperature, etc. is a predetermined time interval, or
The amount of information can be reduced if the interval is set to be triggered by a predetermined threshold.

In this way, the wireless sensor 2
Since the detection information is transmitted by radio waves, no communication line is required.
Therefore, when it is attached to a movable shaft of a processing machine or the bearing of a vehicle, there is no need to worry about wiring work.
By using the wireless sensor 2 in this way, as a result, the wiring does not become complicated, and the number of wiring steps can be eliminated. Further, since the signal R transmitted from the wireless sensor 2 is provided with the identification information of each sensor module 4 and 5, even if the signal R is transmitted from a plurality of wireless sensors 2 at the same frequency, It is possible to identify each of the signals R. Therefore, the management device 3 that receives this signal R is the wireless sensor 2
Alternatively, the frequency does not have to be changed for each of the sensor modules 4 and 5, and the wireless sensor 2 to be received is
Even if you add, you can receive with the same settings. Then, the detection information detected by each wireless sensor 2 or each sensor module 4, 5 can be easily classified based on the identification information.

When the wireless sensor 2 receives the command signal Q corresponding to the individual identification information, the wireless sensor 2 detects the latest state of the sensor module designated by the command signal Q and transmits it together with the identification information from the communication device 10. To do. Therefore, if the user wants to check the detection information again,
The latest detection information of any wireless sensor can be easily obtained each time.

Note that, in FIG. 1, only one of the vibration sensor module 4 and the temperature sensor module 5 provided in the wireless sensor 2 may be used, or instead of these, or one of them, the rotation speed may be changed. A rotation speed sensor module for detecting the rotation speed may be provided, or each of the vibration sensor module 4, the temperature sensor module 5, and the rotation speed sensor module may be provided.

Next, the management device 3 will be described. Figure 1
The management device 3 shown in FIG.
And a RAM 13 and an interface 14. The communication device 11 receives a signal R transmitted by radio, for example, an electric wave from a plurality of wireless sensors 2 scattered around, and sends the signal R to the signal processing unit 12. In addition, communication device 1
The frequency of the radio wave used by 1 may be a single frequency, but it is preferable that at least two frequency bands can be used for transmission and reception.

The signal processing unit 12 detects the detection information included in the signal R based on the identification information unique to each wireless sensor 2 or each of the sensor modules 4 and 5 included in the transmitted signal R. Classify. The RAM 13 has a storage capacity sufficiently larger than that of the RAM 8 of the wireless sensor 2, and manages and stores the classified detection information (or signal R) individually. The RAM 13 is an example of a storage device, and may be any device that can manage and store the received detection information (or signal R) individually. The interface 14 is provided in parallel with the RAM 13 from the signal processing unit 12, and outputs the detection information classified by the signal processing unit 12 to the outside.

Further, the management device 3 transmits a command signal Q requesting the latest detection information of any wireless sensor 2 or sensor module 4, 5 from the communication device 11. The command signal Q includes the wireless sensor 2 designated by the user.
Alternatively, information corresponding to the identification information of the sensor modules 4 and 5, for example, identification information unique to the desired wireless sensor 2 or the sensor modules 4 and 5 is attached.

The management device 3 configured as described above receives the signals R transmitted from the plurality of wireless sensors 2 and outputs the detection information based on the identification information of the sensor modules 4 and 5 included in the signals R. The classified information is recorded and stored in the RAM 13, and the detection information stored in the RAM 13 is output from the interface 14 to the outside as needed. Therefore, based on the accumulated detection information of each wireless sensor 2 and each of the sensor modules 4 and 5, the operation status of each mechanical device is analyzed by the signal processing unit 12 of the management device 3 or taken out to the outside by the interface 14. Since information can be processed, more advanced and accurate analysis can be performed.

Next, the monitoring device 1 composed of the wireless sensor 2 and the management device 3 described above, the wireless sensor 2 when a predetermined time interval or a threshold value preset in the signal processing unit 9 of the wireless sensor 2 is exceeded. The vibration or temperature of the detection target is detected by 2, and identification information for each wireless sensor 2 or each sensor module 4, 5 is attached and transmitted.
Then, the management apparatus 3 receives the signal R, classifies the detection information for each identification information, and stores and manages it.

The monitoring device 1 also has a command signal Q corresponding to any wireless sensor 2 or sensor module 4, 5 such as a command including identification information unique to any wireless sensor 2 or sensor module 4, 5. By transmitting the signal Q from the management device 3, the sensor modules 4 and 5 of the wireless sensor 2 designated by the identification information included in the command signal Q, or the sensor module (4 or 5 designated by the identification information. The latest detection information of () can be transmitted (returned) as the signal R from the wireless sensor 2. Therefore, any wireless sensor 2 or sensor module 4, 5 desired by the user
The latest detection information of can be appropriately obtained in the management device 3.

Therefore, as shown in FIG.
The wireless sensor 2 of each movable axis 22 of the machine tool 21,
23, and the management device 3 is provided in the main body 24 of the machine tool. Then, the wireless sensor 2 detects the vibration, the temperature, or the speed of the rotation axis or the moving axis at predetermined time intervals, the detection information of each wireless sensor 2 is received by the management device 3, and the detection information is obtained for each identification information. Sort and store.

When the monitoring device 1 is applied to the machine tool 21 in this way, the wireless sensor 2 communicates wirelessly (radio waves), so that it can be easily attached to the movable shafts 22 and 23 and there is no communication wiring. Even when the surrounding area is disassembled for maintenance or the like, it can be easily attached and detached.
Also, when adding the wireless sensor 2,
Since it is easy to attach and the detection information is transmitted together with the identification information by the signal R, the management device 3 can classify and manage the detection information for each identification information like other wireless sensors 2. Furthermore, the user transmits the command signal with the identification information of the sensor module 4, 5 of the wireless sensor 2 of which the latest detection information is desired from the management device 3, so that the latest sensor module 4, 5 Detection information can be obtained. It should be noted that if this command signal is transmitted from the management device 3 by the input to the control panel 25 of the machine tool 21, it will be convenient for the user.

Further, the detection information stored in the management device 3 is passed through the interface 14 (FIG. 1) to the machine tool 2
When provided to the control panel 25 of No. 1, it is effective for self-diagnosis of the machine tool 21 and prevention of trouble.

When a plurality of monitoring devices 1 are used adjacent to each other, the identification information of the wireless sensor 2 to be received is preset in the management device 3, and the detection information of the wireless sensor 2 to be received is selected and received. To In this way, the signal from the wireless sensor 2 of another machine tool does not interfere.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of processing machines 26,
For example, when the detection information of each of the wireless sensors 2 provided in an NC lathe or a machining center is received by the management device 3 provided in a remote place and collectively managed, each processing machine 26
Signals R output from the wireless sensor 2 attached to the processing machine 26 are once collected for each processing machine 26 and transmitted to the management device 3. In this case, the detection information may be processed and accumulated for each processing machine 26, and the detection information may be output according to a command signal from the management device 3, or the detection information may be output each time the wireless sensor 2, Alternatively, it may be transmitted to the management device 3 together with the identification information of the sensor module. Also,
When the output of the wireless sensor 2 is small, the repeater 27
Should go through.

By doing so, in order to confirm and monitor the operation status of each processing machine 26, the user can process the processing machine 2
You don't have to go up to 6. Further, since the wireless sensor attached to the processing machine 26 and the management device 3 wirelessly communicate with each other, there is no need to lay a new communication line.
It is easy to introduce the monitoring device 1 into existing equipment.

In addition, a wireless sensor or processing machine 26
The mobile phone and PHS (Person
al Handyphone System) and mobile communication lines such as satellite phones, it is possible to centrally manage and monitor the operating conditions of bearings and gearboxes of automobiles and railway vehicles that move over a wide range in real time. In this case, the wireless sensor 2 to the management device 3 may communicate with each other using a mobile communication line, or the signal R of the wireless sensor may be transmitted to the nearby repeater 27 by radio waves, and the relay device 27 may be used. Up to 3 mobile communication lines, serial / parallel communication (wired), general telephone lines (wired), LAN
Communication may be performed using (Local Area Network), wired or wireless, or the Internet. In addition, the management device 3 side may receive via a general telephone line (wired).

The device on which the wireless sensor 2 is installed is
When moving to multiple buildings depending on work conditions or schedules, or when multiple of the above equipment is prepared to increase the operating rate of the line and used after being replaced conservatively, By sharing the management number and detection information of the wireless sensor between the management devices 3 installed in each room by using mobile communication, a general telephone line, a LAN, or the Internet, it is possible to monitor without fail. .

If a mobile communication line or a general telephone line is used for communication of the monitoring device 1, based on the detection information received by the management device 3, the processing in which the wireless sensor that has transmitted this detection information is attached. When it is determined that the aircraft 26, the car, and the railroad vehicle need maintenance and inspection, the management device 3 is set to automatically notify the mobile communication device carried by the maintenance person. It is also possible for the maintenance person to search the detection information of the wireless sensor using the mobile communication device.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The rolling bearing device 31 shown in FIG. 4A includes a bearing portion 32 and a sensor portion 33 which is a wireless sensor. The bearing 32 includes inner and outer races 34, 35, rolling elements 36 arranged between the races 34, 35, a retainer 37 for the rolling elements 36, and a seal or shield plate 351. Sensor unit 33
4B, a detection unit 38 that detects a detection target, a processing unit 39 that processes the detected information, and a communication device 40 that wirelessly transmits the signal output from the processing unit 39, as shown in FIG. 4B. And the detection unit 38, the processing unit 39, and the communication device 4
0 and a battery 41 for supplying electric power.

The sensor portion 33 is attached to a flange 43 formed toward the center of an outer ring spacer 42 which is integrally fixed or closely attached to the outer ring 35 of the bearing portion 32. The detection unit 38 includes a vibration sensor 44 that detects vibration (that is, a change in acceleration) and a temperature sensor 45 that detects temperature. The vibration sensor 44 and the temperature sensor 45 are attached to recesses 46a and 46b provided in a part of the outer ring spacer 42 facing the bearing portion 32 in order to detect more accurate vibration and temperature of the bearing portion 32, respectively. Has been. The recesses 46a and 46b to which the acceleration sensor 44 and the temperature sensor 45 are attached may be provided independently of each other, or may be provided in one. The bearing 32
When positively detecting the vibration and temperature of the inner ring 34 of the inner ring 34, the inner ring spacer 47 that is integrally fixed or closely attached to the inner ring 34 is used.
It is advisable to attach the sensor unit 33 to the. Further, a bearing device in which the sensor portion 33 is directly incorporated in the inner ring 34, the outer ring 35, the seal or the shield plate 351 may be used. Alternatively, the sensor device 33 may be a bearing device incorporated in a member attached to the inner ring 34 or the outer ring 35.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the processing unit 39 includes an amplifier 48, a comparator 49, a signal processing unit 50,
An ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying) modulator 51 is provided. The amplifier 48 converts the vibration signal detected by the vibration sensor 44 into an absolute value. The comparator 49 compares the signal of the vibration sensor 44 absolute valued by the amplifier 48 and the signal output from the temperature sensor 45 with a preset threshold value, and outputs the result. The signal processing unit 50 attaches to the detection information output from the comparator 49 the identification information unique to the acceleration sensor 44 or the temperature sensor 45 that has output the detection information, and determines that the detection information exceeds the threshold value. An alarm signal is attached to the detected information and output. The ASK modulator 51 includes a signal processing unit 50.
Modulates the signal output from the device and digitizes it (binary evolution)
To do. The modulation method for communication is FSK (Freq
Other methods such as a uency shift keying method may be used. The communication device 40 converts the signal digitized by the ASK modulator 51 into a radio wave and transmits it as a signal R.
Further, when the signal processing unit 50 appropriately controls the power supply to the detection unit 38, the ASK modulator 51, the communication device 40, etc., and suppresses the power consumption except at the time of detection and signal output, the life of the battery 41 is reduced. It is good because it can be extended.

When the sensor unit 33 is installed in a portion where the battery 41 cannot be replaced, or when vibration and temperature are constantly monitored, the inner ring spacer 47 has a multi-pole magnet (not shown) or a spur gear-like unevenness. And a coil (not shown) or a coil using a magnet together is provided on the flange 43 or the outer ring spacer 42 to configure a generator, and power is supplied to the detection unit 38, the processing unit 39, and the communication device 40 through a power supply circuit. Is good. It is more preferable to use a secondary battery together with the power supply circuit because the wireless sensor can operate even when the generator is not operating.

The signal R transmitted from the bearing device 31 is received by the management device 3 provided in the main body of the processing machine or vehicle to which the bearing device 31 is attached, or in a remote place. The management device 3 is the same as the management device 3 described in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

The bearing device 31 constructed as described above is
Since the detection information is output wirelessly, no communication line is required,
It can be easily attached as a movable shaft of a processing device or a bearing of a vehicle or the like. The signal R transmitted from the bearing device 31 is transmitted to each bearing device 31, each detection unit 38 of the bearing device 31, or the acceleration sensor 44 or the temperature sensor 45.
Since the unique identification information is attached to each of them, even if the signal R is transmitted at the same frequency, the management device 3 that receives the signal R receives the signal R for each bearing device 31, each detection unit 38, or the acceleration sensor. It is possible to easily identify the individual signal R for each 44 or the temperature sensor 45. It should be noted that the vibration sensor 44 and the temperature sensor 45 may be only one of them, or a rotation speed sensor may be provided instead of them or instead of either of them. In addition, the vibration sensor 44
Each of the temperature sensor 45 and the rotation speed sensor may be provided.

Further, even when the bearing device 31 to be received is added, it can be easily added because no communication line is required. Then, since the transmitted signal R is provided with the identification signal for each detection information, even if the signal R is transmitted at the same frequency, it can be easily classified.

Further, in the bearing device 31, the acceleration sensor 44, the temperature sensor 45, the detecting portions 38, or the command signal Q corresponding to the identification information unique to each bearing device 31.
Is received, the acceleration sensor 4 designated by the command signal Q
4, the temperature sensor 45, the detection unit 38, or all the detection units 38 of the bearing device 31 are detected, and the communication device 40 transmits the latest information together with the identification information. Therefore, whenever the user wants to obtain the detection information, the latest information of the arbitrary bearing device 31 can be easily obtained each time. If this bearing device 31 is used as a monitoring device for use with the management device 3 described in the first embodiment,
The same effects as those of the monitoring device 1 of the above embodiment can be obtained.

The block diagram of the bearing device 31 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5 may be replaced with the block diagram of the wireless sensor 2 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The block diagram shown in FIG. 1 of the wireless sensor 1 of the embodiment may be replaced with the block diagram shown in FIG. 5 of the bearing device 31 of the second embodiment. Further, the block diagram is not limited to this embodiment, and another block diagram may be used as long as it has the same effect.

Further, by using the bearing device 31 of the second embodiment attached to the rotary shaft of the machine tool 21 of FIG. 2 or the processing machine 26 of FIG. 3, the same effect can be obtained.

In addition to the rotary type rolling bearing,
It can also be applied to linear guides and ball screws. In the case of a linear guide or ball screw, the movable part corresponds to the rotating ring of the rolling bearing.

Regarding the third embodiment of the present invention,
ABS for monitoring the rotation speed of the wheels 62 of the automobile 61
Monitoring device 6 used in (Anti-lock Braking System)
3 will be described as an example with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10. In addition,
The same components as those of the wireless sensor, the bearing device, the management device, and the monitoring device described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

The monitoring device 63 shown in FIG. 6 includes a hub bearing device 64 attached to each wheel 62 of an automobile 61 and a vehicle body 6.
5 and a management device 66 attached to the device 5. The hub bearing device 64 includes the wheel bearing 6 as shown in FIG.
7, a pulser ring 68, and a wireless sensor 69. The wheel bearing 67 is provided with a set of race rings consisting of an outer ring 70, a first inner ring 71 and a second inner ring 72, and two rows of rolling elements 73 rollingly contacting these. Outer ring 70
Includes a flange 74 that is bolted to the knuckle portion K. The first inner ring 71 includes a flange 75 that is fixed to the wheel 62 with a bolt sandwiching the brake disc.
The first inner ring 71 has a spline 71a formed on the inner surface thereof, and a spline 76a formed on the outer surface of the axle 76.
And is fixed to the axle 76 with the nut 77. The second inner ring 72 fits into the first inner ring 71. First inner ring 7
As the first and second inner races 72 approach each other in the direction along the axis of rotation, the preload of the wheel bearing 67 increases.

The pulsar ring 68 has convex portions 78 formed at equal intervals along the circumferential direction, and is attached to the second inner ring 72. The pulsar ring 68 may be attached to a position that rotates relative to the wireless sensor 69, and thus may be attached to the rotation side that rotates together with the axle 76 in addition to the second inner ring 72. When the wireless sensor 69 is mounted on the rotating side, the pulsar ring 6
8 is attached to the fixed side.

The wireless sensor 69 is fixed to the outer ring 70 as shown in FIG. 7, and as shown in FIG. 8, a speed sensor module 79 for detecting the rotation speed, a signal processing section 80, a communication device 81, and And a power supply circuit 82. The wireless sensor 69 may be attached to the knuckle portion K, as long as it is attached to the knuckle ring 68 at a position where it rotates relative to the pulsar ring 68.

The speed sensor module 79 is equipped with a coil 83, a pole 84, a magnet 85, and a rotation detection circuit 86, as shown in FIG. The coil 83 has a pole 8 in the center.
4 is passed. The pole 84 is made of a member having a high magnetic permeability, such as an iron core. One end 84 a of the pole 84 is close to the convex portion 78 formed on the pulser ring 68. The magnet 85 is attached to the other end 84b of the pole 84. The rotation detection circuit 86 detects a change in the current of the coil 83. When the outer ring 70 and the second inner ring 72 rotate relatively, the convex portion 78 of the pulser ring 68 changes the magnetic flux density passing through the pole 84. The coil 83 generates an induced current due to the change in the magnetic flux density of the pole 84. The pulser ring 68 may be a ring in which holes are formed at regular intervals, or the N pole and the S pole are alternately attached at regular intervals, because the magnetic flux density passing through the coil 83 may be changed. It may be a magnetic body such as a magnetized multi-pole magnet. When a multi-pole magnet is used for the pulser ring, the magnet 85 attached to the other end 84b of the pole 84 may be omitted. Further, the shape of the pole 84 is not limited to the rod shape as long as it is a shape that generates an induced current in the coil, and may be another shape.

The signal processing unit 80 converts the continuous sine waveform signal detected by the rotation detecting circuit 86 into a binarized rectangular velocity signal 88 shown in FIG. 9A. In addition,
9A schematically shows the speed signal output from the signal processing unit in FIG. 8, and FIG. 9B shows the carrier wave modulated by the communication device by the FM modulation method based on the speed signal in FIG. The transmission signal is schematically shown, (C) schematically shows the identification information transmitted from the communication device in synchronization with the cycle of the speed signal of (A) and the digital signal of the speed information related to this identification information, (D) schematically shows a digital signal of identification information transmitted in synchronization with the cycle of the speed signal of (A). Further, the signal processing unit 80 includes a counter 87, which counts the number of peaks or troughs of a rectangular wave pulse to obtain the rotational speed or rotational speed of the hub bearing device 64, and a signal obtained by digitizing this is obtained. You may make it output as a speed signal. It is possible to prevent the speed signal 88 from changing due to noise or the like during transmission by making the rotation speed and the rotation speed into a numerical signal.

The communication device 81 uses the speed signal 88 generated by the signal processing unit 80 to generate a transmission signal 89 shown in FIG. 9B with a carrier having a wavelength sufficiently shorter than the frequency of the speed signal 88.
FM-modulates and transmits as signal R. In this case, each hub bearing device 64 uses a carrier of a different frequency so that the transmission signal 89 can be identified by the management device 66.

The power supply circuit 82 uses the current generated in the coil 83 to generate electric power and supplies electric power to the speed sensor module 79, the signal processing unit 80 and the communication device 81. Further, the power supply circuit 82 includes a secondary battery 90. Secondary battery 90
Stores the surplus power when the rotation speed of the hub bearing device 64 is stable, and discharges the stored power when the rotation speed of the hub bearing device 64 decreases and the supplied power cannot be sufficiently generated. To do. Therefore, the wireless sensor 69
Does not require power supply by cable,
It is suitable for long-term use because it does not have a power supply that requires replacement of primary batteries. The power supply circuit 82
Includes a rectifier circuit that converts the alternating current generated in the coil 83 into a direct current, a charging circuit that monitors the remaining power amount of the secondary battery 90, and controls charging and discharging.

The wireless sensor 69 may include an amplification circuit for amplifying the detected signal and a waveform shaping circuit for shaping the waveform of the signal in order to transmit the signal more reliably. When the frequency of the signal detected by the rotation detection circuit 86 is sufficiently higher than the frequency of the carrier wave, that is, when the rotation speed of the axle 76 is high and the detected signal is a high frequency, the frequency is close to the carrier wave. Therefore, the carrier wave may not be well modulated. In such a case, the signal processing unit 80 binarizes the signal detected by the rotation detection circuit 86, then counts the number of peaks or troughs of the rectangular wave by the counter 87, and determines the number of rotations or the rotation speed of the axle 76. A proportional square wave signal is output as a velocity signal. Then, using this, the carrier wave is modulated into the transmission signal 89 and transmitted as the signal R.

As shown in FIG. 8, the management device 66 includes a communication device 11, a signal processing unit 12, a RAM 13 and an interface 14. The communication device 11 uses each hub bearing device 6
4 receives the signal R transmitted from the control unit 4 and transmits the command signal Q to each hub bearing device 64. Also,
The communication device 11 has a duplexer 91 built therein. Duplexer 91
Demultiplexes the transmitted transmission signal 89 based on a carrier wave that differs for each hub bearing device 64. The signal processing unit 12 is
A speed signal 88 provided for each hub bearing device 64 and included in a transmission signal 89 transmitted from the hub bearing device 64.
To separate. In addition, instead of providing the duplexer, the communication device 1
One may be provided in a plural number, specifically, the number corresponding to the hub bearing device 64.

The wireless sensor 69 and the management device 6
The modulation method of the signal used between 6 may be FSK modulation, AM modulation, ASK modulation, etc. in addition to FM modulation.

The monitoring device 63 configured as described above is
When the automobile 61 travels, the first and second inner rings 71, 72 of the hub bearing device 64, the axle 76, and the pulser ring 68 rotate together with the wheels 62. The pulser ring 68 rotates relative to the wireless sensor 69 to change the magnetic flux density passing through the coil 83 provided in the speed sensor module 79. When the magnetic flux density fluctuates, the coil 83 generates a sinusoidally varying current. The power supply circuit 82 supplies electric power to the signal processing unit 80 and the communication device 81 using the generated current. In addition, the signal processing unit 80
Detects the fluctuation of this current, binarizes it, counts the number of pulses with a counter 87, and outputs a speed signal 88. Based on the speed signal 88, the communication device 81 transmits the transmission signal 89 obtained by FM-modulating the carrier wave to the management device 66. In this case, since the carrier wave has a different frequency for each hub bearing device 64, the transmitted signal can be received by the management device 66 without interference.

The management device 66 classifies the received transmission signal 89 into signals for each hub bearing device 64 and stores them in the RAM 13. RAM through the interface 14
The information on the speed signal stored in 13 is output to the control device that controls the traveling of the automobile 61 as necessary.

When the monitoring device 63 is applied to a vehicle whose wheels to be managed are far apart, such as a truck or train having many wheels,
The vehicle body 6 close to the wireless sensor 69 as shown in A part of FIG.
The communication device 11 of the management device 66 is arranged in the communication device 5 to communicate with the wireless sensor 69. In this case, the wiring W from the communication device 11 to the management device 66 is attached along the vehicle body 65 and is not bent by the traveling of the automobile 61. Thus, the corresponding communication device 11 is arranged near the wireless sensor 69 of the hub bearing device 64, and the same vehicle 6 is installed.
Hub bearing device 64 mounted on another wheel 62 in one
In the case of communicating with the transmission signal 89 of the wireless sensor 69 and the output transmission signal 89 which does not interfere with each other, the frequencies of the carrier waves set in the communication devices 81 of the hub bearing devices 64 may be the same.

The wireless sensor 69 is used in the hub bearing device 6.
The information detected by the speed sensor module 79 which is the detector of No. 4 or information related thereto is converted into digital information, and as shown in FIG.
May be transmitted. In this case, as the information detected by the speed sensor module or the information related thereto, the speed signal 88 generated based on the signal detected by the speed sensor module 79 and the number of pulses of this speed signal 88 are counted by the counter 87. The speed information 93 is replaced with numerical values such as the rotation speed and the rotation speed of the hub bearing device 64, the identification information 94 corresponding to each speed sensor module, and the time when the speed information 93 is detected. Note that FIG. 9C shows a case where the speed information 93 and the identification information 94 are transmitted as the digital signal 92.

This makes it easier for the management device 66 to identify the speed information 93 transmitted from the hub bearing device 64. Further, by transmitting the speed information 89 as the digital signal 92, even if the digital signal 92 is deteriorated due to ambient noise or the like, the speed information 89 can be reproduced on the receiving side, and the speed information 89 can be prevented from being lost. By attaching the identification information 94 to the speed information 89, the speed information 93 of each hub bearing device 64 can be transmitted by the carrier wave of the same frequency, so that the duplexer 91 of the management device 66 can be eliminated. it can. In this case, the management device 66
Includes a circuit for processing the speed information 93 according to the identification information 94 in the signal processing unit 12. The speed information 93 may be information on the number of pulses of the speed signal 88 counted by the counter 87 of the signal processing unit 80 of the wireless sensor 69,
It may be information obtained by converting the number of pulses into a rotation speed or a rotation speed. When the speed information 93 is subsequently transmitted after transmitting the identification information 94, the identification information 94 and the speed information 93 can be easily associated. The digital signal 92 including the identification information 94 and the speed information 93 is output according to the pulse of the speed signal 88.

Further, the wireless sensor 69 may transmit only the identification signal 94 as the signal R in accordance with the speed signal 88 as shown in FIG. 9D. In this case, a counter is provided in the signal processing unit 12 of the management device 66, and the period of the identification information 94 transmitted for each hub bearing device 64 is measured, whereby the speed signal 8 detected by each hub bearing device 64 is measured.
Play 8. By doing so, the speed signal 88 for each hub bearing device can be transmitted with a smaller amount of information without interference. Further, the frequency of transmission of the identification information 94 may be set for each rotation of the hub bearing device 64, or for one cycle of the current generated in the coil 83 of the speed sensor module 79 by the pulser ring 68, or for each arbitrary cycle. Good.

By applying the identification information 94 corresponding to each hub bearing device 64, the monitoring device 63 manages the number of hub bearing devices 64 corresponding to the number of bits of the identification information 94 by the management device 66.
You will be able to identify with. Therefore, it can be easily applied to vehicles with many wheels such as trucks and trains. Further, by increasing the number of bits and the number of identifiable information, it is possible to prevent interference with the speed information 93 transmitted from the hub bearing device 64 of another vehicle.
Considering prevention of interference with signals and information transmitted from hub bearing devices of other vehicles, the specific number of bits of the identification information 94 is 16 bits, 32 bits, 64 bits, or more. It is preferable.

The speed sensor module 79 may be provided with a coil 83 and a rod-shaped pole 84 arranged in the center thereof, or may meander along the circumferential direction for each convex portion 78 of the pulsar ring 68. It may be an annular coil. Pulser ring 68 and speed sensor module 79
And may be arranged between the rolling elements 73. Further, the form of the speed sensor module may be a passive type shown by being applied to the hub bearing device of the third embodiment or an active type. When the active type speed sensor module is applied, a coil for power generation is separately provided.

The hub bearing device 64 shown in FIG. 7 uses a ball bearing via a ball, but it may be a cylindrical roller bearing or a tapered roller bearing, or a single row bearing may be used in combination. Good. Moreover, the vibration sensor module 4, the temperature sensor module 5 shown in the first embodiment, and the vibration sensor 44 and the temperature sensor 45 shown in the second embodiment may be provided together with the speed sensor module 79. The signal transmission method is not limited to radio waves, but may be ultrasonic waves, infrared rays, light, or the like.

[0071]

According to the wireless sensor or the bearing device of the present invention, the detection unit for detecting the detection target, the information processing unit for processing the information detected by the detection unit, and the processing unit for processing the information detected by the detection unit. A communication device that wirelessly transmits detection information is provided, and the detected information can be wirelessly transmitted using radio waves, ultrasonic waves, light, or the like, so that there is no need to wire for transmitting signals. Further, in the case where the detecting portion is provided in the movable portion, there is no need to wire for sending a signal, so that there is no problem such as disconnection of the wire. Further, when used for a moving body such as a vehicle, the detection information can be managed not only on the moving body but also on the moving body, at a place different from the moving body.

Further, the detection unit for detecting the detection target, the information processing unit for processing the information detected by the detection unit, and the detection information processed by the processing unit are wirelessly transmitted together with the identification information unique to the detection unit. Since it was equipped with a communication device that transmits at
The signals transmitted from multiple wireless sensors can be easily identified. Also, when the command signal corresponding to the identification signal is received, the detection target of the detection unit designated by the command signal is detected, and the identification signal of this detection unit is transmitted together with the detection information, so that the user desires. Up-to-date information on any wireless sensor or bearing device that does can be easily obtained. By converting the detected information or information related thereto into digital information and transmitting the digital information, the signal deteriorated by ambient noise can be easily reproduced on the receiving side, so that the loss of information can be prevented.

A pulsar ring is provided on the first bearing ring of a pair of bearing rings that rotate relative to each other via rolling elements, and the wireless sensor of the present invention is attached to a second bearing ring that rotates relative to the pulsar ring. According to the bearing device of the present invention, the detected signal is wirelessly transmitted, and the current generated in the coil of the rotation speed sensor provided opposite to the pulser ring is used to power the circuit in the wireless sensor. Can be supplied. Therefore, it is not necessary to wire a signal line for transmitting the detected signal and an electric wire for supplying electric power to a circuit in the wireless sensor.

When a plurality of bearing devices are used at the same time, the bearing device according to the present invention, which transmits the information related to the detected signal by the FM modulation method, can be transmitted by using a unique carrier different for each bearing device. It is possible to prevent mutual interference of signals.

According to the bearing device of the present invention, which transmits at least one of the rotation speed and the rotation speed determined by the signal processing unit based on the periodic signal generated by the rotation speed sensor, the digitized information is transmitted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the detection information from changing while the signal is propagated.

According to the bearing device of the present invention, which transmits at least peculiar identification information for each one-period delimiter of the periodic signal generated in the rotation speed sensor, without interfering with the signal detected for each bearing device, It is possible to transmit to the monitoring device with a smaller amount of information.

Further, according to the management device of the present invention, the signal output from the wireless sensor or the bearing device is classified based on the identification information unique to the detection unit included in this signal, so that the management is facilitated. be able to. Then, according to the invention of the management device that selects the signal and receives the identification information registered in advance in the management device based on the identification information unique to the detection unit included in the signal, interference can be prevented more reliably. be able to.

Further, according to the wireless sensor or bearing device of the present invention and the monitoring device using the management device of the present invention, the wireless sensor or bearing device is unique to the detection part together with the detection information detected by the detection part. Since the identification information is transmitted and the management device classifies and manages the detection information based on the identification information, a plurality of wireless sensors or bearing devices can be simultaneously monitored.

According to the monitoring device of the present invention in which a plurality of wireless sensors and bearing devices according to the present invention are used at the same time, and the management device communicates with a unique carrier wave different for each wireless sensor and each bearing device, It is possible to prevent signal interference of the device.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a monitoring device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the monitoring device of FIG. 1 is applied to a machine tool.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the monitoring device of FIG. 1 is applied to a plurality of processing machines.

FIG. 4A is a sectional view showing a bearing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. (B) is F4-F of FIG. 4 (A)
The side view of the sensor part of the bearing device shown in FIG.

5 is a block diagram of the bearing device of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which a monitoring device according to a third embodiment of the present invention is applied to an automobile.

7 is a cross-sectional view of a hub bearing device used in the monitoring device of FIG.

8 is a block diagram of the monitoring device of FIG.

9 is a waveform diagram schematically showing the speed signal, the transmission signal, the speed information digital signal, and the identification information digital signal output from the signal processing unit of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 63 ... Monitoring device 2,69 ... Wireless sensor 3, 66 ... Management device 4 ... Vibration sensor module (vibration sensor) 5 ... Temperature sensor module (temperature sensor) 7 ... A / D converter (information processing unit) 8 ... RAM (information processing section) 9 ... Signal processing unit (information processing unit) 10 ... Communication device 11 ... communication device 12 ... Signal processing unit 31 ... Bearing device 33 ... Sensor unit (wireless sensor) 34 ... Inner ring 35 ... Outer ring 36 ... Rolling element 38 ... Detector 39 ... Processing unit (information processing unit) 40 ... Communication device 44 ... Vibration sensor 45 ... Temperature sensor 64 ... Hub bearing device (bearing device) 68 ... Pulsar ring 70 ... Outer ring (second bearing ring) 71 ... the first inner ring 72 ... second inner ring (first bearing ring) 73 ... rolling element 79 ... Speed sensor module (rotational speed sensor) 92 ... Digital signal 93 ... Speed information 94 ... Identification information Q ... Command signal R ... signal

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI Theme Coat (reference) G08C 23/04 G08C 23/00 C (72) Inventor Takeshi Takizawa 1-5-50 Kumei, Kugenuma, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa No. F-term within NSK Ltd. (reference) 2F073 AA19 AA31 AA35 AA36 AB01 BB01 BB04 BB07 BB09 BC02 BC04 BC05 CC01 CC08 CC12 CD11 EE01 EE12 GG01 GG04 GG09 2G024 AD18 BA11 CA09 CA13 CA17 DA09

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A wireless system comprising: a detection unit that detects a detection target; an information processing unit that processes information detected by the detection unit; and a communication device that wirelessly transmits the detection information processed by the processing unit. Sensor. 2. A detection unit for detecting a detection target, an information processing unit for processing information detected by the detection unit, and detection information processed by the processing unit together with identification information unique to the detection unit. A wireless sensor including a communication device that transmits by. 3. The wireless sensor according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit includes a vibration sensor that detects vibration, a temperature sensor that detects temperature, and a rotation speed sensor that detects rotation speed. At least one of the above is provided. 4. The wireless sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the communication device that performs transmission / reception receives a command signal corresponding to identification information of the detection unit. The detection information of the detection unit designated by the command signal is transmitted together with the identification information. 5. The wireless sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the communication device converts information detected by the detection unit or information related thereto into digital information and transmits the digital information. To do. 6. At least inner and outer races, and a plurality of rolling elements arranged between these races, wherein one of the outer race and the inner race is a stationary ring, and the other is A rotating wheel, wherein the wireless sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is integrally fixed to the stationary wheel or a member attached to the stationary wheel, or the rotating wheel or the rotating wheel. A bearing device provided so as to move integrally with a member attached to a wheel. 7. A set of bearing rings that rotate relative to each other via rolling elements, a pulsar ring provided on a first bearing ring of the set of bearing rings, and a relative rotation of the pulsar ring. A bearing device comprising: the wireless sensor according to any one of claims 3 to 5, which is mounted on a second bearing ring so as to face the pulser ring. 8. The bearing device according to claim 7, wherein information relating to a periodic signal detected by a rotation speed sensor of the wireless sensor is transmitted by an FM modulation method by the relative rotation of the pulser ring and the wireless sensor. To do. 9. The bearing device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the communication device has a wavelength or frequency of a periodic signal generated in a rotation speed sensor by relative rotation of the pulser ring and the wireless sensor. At least one of the rotation speed and the rotation speed of the bearing device, which is obtained based on the information processing unit, is transmitted. 10. The bearing device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the communication device divides one cycle of a periodic signal generated in the rotation speed sensor by the relative rotation of the pulser ring and the wireless sensor. At least unique identification information is transmitted for each. 11. A wireless sensor having a detection unit for detecting an object to be detected or a communication device for receiving a signal transmitted from a bearing device, the detection unit included in the signal, the wireless sensor, and the bearing device. And a signal processing unit that manages the received signal based on identification information unique to at least one of the above. 12. When receiving a signal transmitted from a wireless sensor or a bearing device having a detection unit for detecting a detection target, the management is performed based on identification information unique to the detection unit included in the signal. A management device comprising a communication device for selecting and receiving the signal including identification information registered in advance in the device. 13. A management device comprising a communication device that receives a signal transmitted from a wireless sensor or a bearing device and transmits a command signal requesting the signal to the wireless sensor or the bearing device. 14. The management device according to any one of claims 11 to 13 communicates with the wireless sensor and the bearing device by a digital signal. 15. Any one of claims 1 to 5
The wireless sensor according to claim 1 or the bearing device according to any one of claims 6 to 10, and the management device according to any one of claims 11 to 14. Monitoring equipment. 16. One of claims 1 to 5.
The wireless sensor according to claim 7, and claims 7 to 1.
A plurality of bearing devices according to any one of 0 are used at the same time, and the management device according to any one of claims 11 to 14 is provided for each of the wireless sensors and each of the bearing devices. A monitoring device that communicates with carrier waves of different unique frequencies.