EP2113055A1 - Devices for measuring and controlling fluid film thickness of a hydrostatic or hydrodynamic bearing - Google Patents

Devices for measuring and controlling fluid film thickness of a hydrostatic or hydrodynamic bearing

Info

Publication number
EP2113055A1
EP2113055A1 EP08705260A EP08705260A EP2113055A1 EP 2113055 A1 EP2113055 A1 EP 2113055A1 EP 08705260 A EP08705260 A EP 08705260A EP 08705260 A EP08705260 A EP 08705260A EP 2113055 A1 EP2113055 A1 EP 2113055A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pad
distance
sensor
bearing
load receiving
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP08705260A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2113055A4 (en
Inventor
Johan Larsson
Anna Lind
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
SKF AB
Original Assignee
SKF AB
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by SKF AB filed Critical SKF AB
Publication of EP2113055A1 publication Critical patent/EP2113055A1/en
Publication of EP2113055A4 publication Critical patent/EP2113055A4/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C17/00—Sliding-contact bearings for exclusively rotary movement
    • F16C17/12—Sliding-contact bearings for exclusively rotary movement characterised by features not related to the direction of the load
    • F16C17/24—Sliding-contact bearings for exclusively rotary movement characterised by features not related to the direction of the load with devices affected by abnormal or undesired positions, e.g. for preventing overheating, for safety
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C32/00—Bearings not otherwise provided for
    • F16C32/06—Bearings not otherwise provided for with moving member supported by a fluid cushion formed, at least to a large extent, otherwise than by movement of the shaft, e.g. hydrostatic air-cushion bearings
    • F16C32/0629—Bearings not otherwise provided for with moving member supported by a fluid cushion formed, at least to a large extent, otherwise than by movement of the shaft, e.g. hydrostatic air-cushion bearings supported by a liquid cushion, e.g. oil cushion
    • F16C32/064—Bearings not otherwise provided for with moving member supported by a fluid cushion formed, at least to a large extent, otherwise than by movement of the shaft, e.g. hydrostatic air-cushion bearings supported by a liquid cushion, e.g. oil cushion the liquid being supplied under pressure
    • F16C32/0644—Details of devices to control the supply of liquids to the bearings
    • F16C32/0648—Details of devices to control the supply of liquids to the bearings by sensors or pressure-responsive control devices in or near the bearings
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C33/00—Parts of bearings; Special methods for making bearings or parts thereof
    • F16C33/02—Parts of sliding-contact bearings
    • F16C33/04—Brasses; Bushes; Linings
    • F16C33/06—Sliding surface mainly made of metal
    • F16C33/10—Construction relative to lubrication
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16N—LUBRICATING
    • F16N29/00—Special means in lubricating arrangements or systems providing for the indication or detection of undesired conditions; Use of devices responsive to conditions in lubricating arrangements or systems
    • F16N29/02—Special means in lubricating arrangements or systems providing for the indication or detection of undesired conditions; Use of devices responsive to conditions in lubricating arrangements or systems for influencing the supply of lubricant
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16N—LUBRICATING
    • F16N2200/00—Condition of lubricant
    • F16N2200/06—Film thickness

Definitions

  • a pad to be a part of one of a hydrostatic or hydrodynamic bearing.
  • a device for measuring fluid film thickness of one of a hydrostatic or hydrodynamic bearing it relates to a pad to be a part of one of a hydrostatic or hydrodynamic bearing.
  • a third aspect of the present invention relates to a device for controlling fluid film thickness between a supported surface and a load receiving portion of a pad of one of a hydrostatic or hydrodynamic bearing.
  • a flow control device for controlling a fluid flow to of one of a hydrostatic or hydrodynamic bearing.
  • a fifth aspect of the present invention it relates to an arrangement.
  • a pad to be a part of one of a hydrostatic or hydrodynamic bearing comprises at least one receiving means for receiving a distance sensor.
  • the at least one receiving means is located such that the distance sensor, when mounted, faces a portion of the supported surface of a mechanical element. This offers the opportunity of being able to place a distance sensor in the receiving means and thereby measure the fluid film thickness of the hydrostatic or a hydrodynamic bearing.
  • pad also includes a segment.
  • bearing should be interpreted as either a hydrostatic bearing or a hydrodynamic bearing.
  • the bearing is one a segmented hydrostatic bearing and hydrodynamic bearing.
  • the bearing is one of a journal hydrostatic bearing and hydrodynamic bearing.
  • the sensors are of different types. In another embodiment, in the case of more than one distance sensors, the sensors are of the same type. In an embodiment, the at least one receiving means is at least one of:
  • a cavity for receiving the distance sensor where the cavity is placed such that the cavity faces a load receiving portion of the pad.
  • the cavity is intended to receive the sensor such that the sensing portion of the sensor is near the load receiving surface .
  • the term mounted is considered to include that the sensor is at least in a stationary position in relation to the surface of the supported surface.
  • the cavity has a second opening extending into the pad. This offers an opportunity of allowing sensor cables to go therethrough.
  • the second opening leads to at least one fluid channel of the pad.
  • the cavity presents a depth such that when a distance sensor is mounted, there is a volume between a load receiving portion of the pad and the part of the distance sensor nearest the load receiving surface.
  • the absolute distance between the load receiving surface of the pad and the part of the distance sensor nearest the load receiving surface is less than any one of 10, 6, 3, 2.5, 2, 1.75, 1.5, 1.25, 1.0, 0.75, 0.50, 0.25, 0.125, 0.0625, 0.03, 200 microns, 100 microns and 0 microns. This means that the distance sensor may be extend above the load receiving surface.
  • the volume is filled with at least one of: - A material not having a negative impact on the function of the sensor.
  • a material that is a non metallic material e.g. epoxy, phenol resin.
  • the material will cover the part of the sensor being closest to the load receiving portion of the pad.
  • the whole pad or a substantial part of the pad is made of the material.
  • the pad further comprises the at least one distance sensor in the sensor receiving means.
  • the at least one distance sensor is one of:
  • a contact free sensor an Eddy current sensor, inductive sensor, and a magnetic sensor.
  • - A contact sensor An Eddy current sensor, inductive sensor, and a magnetic sensor.
  • a device for measuring fluid film thickness of a bearing comprises at least one pad according to the first aspect.
  • the at least one distance sensor is arranged so as to measure the distance between the load receiving surface of a pad and the supported surface of a mechanical element.
  • the device compensates for an offset caused by the position of the sensor, e.g. in case of a volume between the sensing portion of the sensor and the load receiving portion.
  • the device offers an opportunity to verify theoretical solutions, control measures at start up or service/yearly inspection, and continuous/discontinuous monitoring of thickness.
  • the device is a device that outputs one of two possible outputs: presence of fluid film and absence of fluid film.
  • the output from the device is an electronic signal, corresponding to a fluid film thickness, i.e. the output is a thickness.
  • the device further comprises means for presenting the distance between the load receiving surface of a pad and the supported surface of a mechanical element. In an embodiment, the device further comprises means for storing the distance between the load receiving surface of a pad and the supported surface of a mechanical element, wherein the means for storing is located locally or remotely. In an embodiment, the device further comprises means for transmitting the distance between the load receiving surface of a pad and the supported surface of a mechanical element to one of: a remote receiver for evaluation, and a local receiver for evaluation. According to the third aspect, a device for controlling fluid film thickness between a supported surface and a load receiving portion of a pad of a bearing is disclosed.
  • an electric calculation unit for o reading distance data from at least one distance sensor, the at least one distance sensor being arranged so as to measure the distance between the load receiving surface of a pad and the supported surface of a mechanical element, o generating a control signal based on the distance data and a fluid film thickness reference, and o controlling, via the control signal, a flow generating means of a fluid supply system to change a fluid flow of the bearing, so that the difference between the distance data and the fluid film thickness reference decreases.
  • the device further comprises at least one pad according to the first aspect.
  • the electric calculation unit is:
  • the electric calculation unit calculates the fluid film thickness.
  • the electric calculation unit is located in at least one of bearing monitoring facility, a control unit of a fluid supply system, and a segment of the bearing.
  • a flow control device for controlling a fluid flow to a bearing.
  • the flow control device is intended to be used in a fluid supply system.
  • the flow control device comprises means for:
  • the device for controlling fluid film thickness between a supported surface and a bearing is a device according to the third aspect.
  • an arrangement is disclosed. It comprises:
  • the device for controlling the flow to the at least one pad, and -a flow supply system connected to the flow control device.
  • misalignments of a pad by having at least two sensors placed at different locations of the pad it is possible to indicate level of misalignment of the pad since a difference in the values read by the sensors leads to an indication that the pad is misaligned. Having three sensors leads to an opportunity of obtaining a plane which may be used to indicate pad misalignment.
  • one or more sensors lead to distance data that may be analysed in order to indicate periodicity in the data. Such periodicity indicates an inaccuracy of the supported surface .
  • one or more sensors lead to distance data that may be analysed in order to indicate periodicity in the data.
  • periodicity indicates imbalance of the supported surface/mechanical element of the supported surface .
  • FIG IA an embodiment of a pad 1 having two receiving means 3 for receiving a distance sensor 5 is given.
  • the pad 1 is a part of one of a hydrostatic or hydrodynamic bearing.
  • the pad 1 comprises at least one receiving means 3 for receiving a distance sensor 5 and the at least one receiving means 3 is located such that the distance sensor (s) 5, when mounted, faces a portion of the supported surface 7.
  • the receiving means 3 is a cavity for receiving the distance sensor 5. The cavity is placed such that the cavity faces a load receiving portion 9 of the pad.
  • the receiving means 3 is a holding structure fixed to the pad 1 such that the sensor 5, when mounted, faces a portion of the supported surface 7.
  • the receiving means 3 is surface of the pad 1 located on the pad 1 such that the sensor 5, when mounted, faces a portion of the supported surface 7.
  • the cavity has a second opening 11 extending into the pad 1, or through the pad 1.
  • the second opening 11 leads to at least one fluid channel 13 of the pad 1.
  • a pad 1 is disclosed, wherein the cavity presents a depth such that when a distance sensor 5 is mounted, there is a volume 15 between a load receiving portion 9 of the pad 1 and the part of the distance sensor 5 nearest the load receiving surface 9.
  • the absolute distance is less than any one of 10, 6, 3, 2.5, 2, 1.75, 1.5, 1.25, 1.0, 0.75, 0.50, 0.25, 0.125, 0.0625, 0.03, 200 microns, 100 microns and 0 microns.
  • the top of the sensor 5 extends above the surface of the load receiving portion 9.
  • the volume 15 is filled with at least one of a material not having a negative impact on the function of the sensor.
  • the whole pad 1 or a substantial part of the pad 1 is made of the material.
  • a schematic illustration of a device 17 for measuring fluid film thickness of a bearing is given. It comprises at least one pad 1 as described above and a means 19 for presenting the distance between the load receiving surface 9 of a pad 1 and the supported surface 7 of a mechanical element.
  • the means 19 is an alarm, e.g. a lamp, or a sound alarm, that indicates that there is no fluid film at all, or if is below a reference.
  • the means 19 is screen outputting one or more values of the thickness.
  • the necessary signal processing is performed by an electronic control unit 20.
  • the device 17 further comprises means 21, e.g. a memory, for storing the distance between the load receiving surface 9 of a pad 1 and the supported surface 7 of a mechanical element.
  • the memory 21 for storing is located locally or remotely.
  • the device 17 further comprises means 23 for transmitting the distance between the load receiving surface 9 of a pad 1 and the supported surface
  • a device 25 for controlling fluid film thickness between a supported surface 7 and a load receiving portion 9 of a pad 1 of a bearing is given. It comprises
  • the at least one distance sensor 5 is arranged so as to measure the distance between the load receiving surface 9 of a pad 1 and the supported surface 7 of a mechanical element

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Magnetic Bearings And Hydrostatic Bearings (AREA)

Abstract

Pad to be a part of one of a hydrostatic or hydrodynamic bearing, comprising: at least one receiving means (3) for receiving a distance sensor (5), and the at least one receiving means (3) being located such that the distance sensor (5), when mounted, faces a portion of the supported surface (7) of the pad (1). Applications within the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic bearings field, such as measuring and controlling fluid film thickness, are also disclosed.

Description

TITLE
Devices for measuring and controlling fluid film thickness of a hydrostatic or hydrodynamic bearing
TECHNICAL FIELD
According to a first aspect of the present invention, it relates to a pad to be a part of one of a hydrostatic or hydrodynamic bearing. According to a second aspect of the present invention, it relates to a device for measuring fluid film thickness of one of a hydrostatic or hydrodynamic bearing .
According to a third aspect of the present invention, it relates to a device for controlling fluid film thickness between a supported surface and a load receiving portion of a pad of one of a hydrostatic or hydrodynamic bearing.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, it relates to a flow control device for controlling a fluid flow to of one of a hydrostatic or hydrodynamic bearing.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, it relates to an arrangement.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
According to the first aspect, a pad to be a part of one of a hydrostatic or hydrodynamic bearing is disclosed. It comprises at least one receiving means for receiving a distance sensor. The at least one receiving means is located such that the distance sensor, when mounted, faces a portion of the supported surface of a mechanical element. This offers the opportunity of being able to place a distance sensor in the receiving means and thereby measure the fluid film thickness of the hydrostatic or a hydrodynamic bearing.
The term pad also includes a segment. In this disclosure the term bearing should be interpreted as either a hydrostatic bearing or a hydrodynamic bearing. In an embodiment, the bearing is one a segmented hydrostatic bearing and hydrodynamic bearing. In an embodiment, the bearing is one of a journal hydrostatic bearing and hydrodynamic bearing.
In an embodiment, in the case of more than one distance sensors, the sensors are of different types. In another embodiment, in the case of more than one distance sensors, the sensors are of the same type. In an embodiment, the at least one receiving means is at least one of:
• A cavity for receiving the distance sensor, where the cavity is placed such that the cavity faces a load receiving portion of the pad. The cavity is intended to receive the sensor such that the sensing portion of the sensor is near the load receiving surface .
• A holding structure fixed to the pad such that the sensor, when mounted or placed there, faces a portion of the supported surface. The term mounted is considered to include that the sensor is at least in a stationary position in relation to the surface of the supported surface.
• A surface of the pad located on the pad such that the sensor, when mounted, faces a portion of the supported surface. Mounting in this respect may include clamping, welding and fixing by e.g. glue or screws . In an embodiment, the cavity has a second opening extending into the pad. This offers an opportunity of allowing sensor cables to go therethrough.
In an embodiment, the second opening leads to at least one fluid channel of the pad.
In an embodiment, the cavity presents a depth such that when a distance sensor is mounted, there is a volume between a load receiving portion of the pad and the part of the distance sensor nearest the load receiving surface.
In an embodiment, the absolute distance between the load receiving surface of the pad and the part of the distance sensor nearest the load receiving surface is less than any one of 10, 6, 3, 2.5, 2, 1.75, 1.5, 1.25, 1.0, 0.75, 0.50, 0.25, 0.125, 0.0625, 0.03, 200 microns, 100 microns and 0 microns. This means that the distance sensor may be extend above the load receiving surface.
In an embodiment, the volume is filled with at least one of: - A material not having a negative impact on the function of the sensor.
- A material that is a non metallic material, e.g. epoxy, phenol resin.
- A material that is a non ferro metal. - A material that is a non electrically conducting metal.
This is crucial since the material will cover the part of the sensor being closest to the load receiving portion of the pad. In an embodiment, the whole pad or a substantial part of the pad is made of the material.
In an embodiment, the pad further comprises the at least one distance sensor in the sensor receiving means. In an embodiment, the at least one distance sensor is one of:
- A contact free sensor, an Eddy current sensor, inductive sensor, and a magnetic sensor. - A contact sensor.
According to the second aspect, a device for measuring fluid film thickness of a bearing is disclosed. The device comprises at least one pad according to the first aspect. The at least one distance sensor is arranged so as to measure the distance between the load receiving surface of a pad and the supported surface of a mechanical element. In an embodiment, the device compensates for an offset caused by the position of the sensor, e.g. in case of a volume between the sensing portion of the sensor and the load receiving portion. The device offers an opportunity to verify theoretical solutions, control measures at start up or service/yearly inspection, and continuous/discontinuous monitoring of thickness. In an embodiment, the device is a device that outputs one of two possible outputs: presence of fluid film and absence of fluid film. In an embodiment, the output from the device is an electronic signal, corresponding to a fluid film thickness, i.e. the output is a thickness.
In an embodiment, the device further comprises means for presenting the distance between the load receiving surface of a pad and the supported surface of a mechanical element. In an embodiment, the device further comprises means for storing the distance between the load receiving surface of a pad and the supported surface of a mechanical element, wherein the means for storing is located locally or remotely. In an embodiment, the device further comprises means for transmitting the distance between the load receiving surface of a pad and the supported surface of a mechanical element to one of: a remote receiver for evaluation, and a local receiver for evaluation. According to the third aspect, a device for controlling fluid film thickness between a supported surface and a load receiving portion of a pad of a bearing is disclosed. It comprises: - an electric calculation unit for o reading distance data from at least one distance sensor, the at least one distance sensor being arranged so as to measure the distance between the load receiving surface of a pad and the supported surface of a mechanical element, o generating a control signal based on the distance data and a fluid film thickness reference, and o controlling, via the control signal, a flow generating means of a fluid supply system to change a fluid flow of the bearing, so that the difference between the distance data and the fluid film thickness reference decreases.
In an embodiment, the device further comprises at least one pad according to the first aspect.
In an embodiment, the electric calculation unit is:
- located in the at least one distance sensor,
- in the case of more sensors than one, located in one of the sensors electrically associated with each other, and
- located remotely in view of the sensor (s) . In an embodiment, wherein, in case of more than one distance sensors, the electric calculation unit calculates the fluid film thickness.
In an embodiment, the electric calculation unit is located in at least one of bearing monitoring facility, a control unit of a fluid supply system, and a segment of the bearing.
According to the fourth aspect, a flow control device for controlling a fluid flow to a bearing is disclosed. The flow control device is intended to be used in a fluid supply system. The flow control device comprises means for:
- receiving a control signal from a device for controlling fluid film thickness between a supported surface and a load receiving portion of a pad of a bearing,
- controlling the fluid flow via a flow generating means in line with the control signal in order to control the thickness of the fluid film.
In an embodiment, the device for controlling fluid film thickness between a supported surface and a bearing is a device according to the third aspect.
According to the fifth aspect, an arrangement is disclosed. It comprises:
-the device according to the third aspect, -the flow control device according to the fourth aspect, for controlling the flow to the at least one pad, and -a flow supply system connected to the flow control device.
Based on the present invention, it is possible to indicate problems or situations of the following types.
• Misalignments of a pad • Misalignments of pads
• Inaccuracies of the supported surface
Regarding misalignments of a pad, by having at least two sensors placed at different locations of the pad it is possible to indicate level of misalignment of the pad since a difference in the values read by the sensors leads to an indication that the pad is misaligned. Having three sensors leads to an opportunity of obtaining a plane which may be used to indicate pad misalignment.
Regarding misalignments of pads, by having at least two sensors placed at different locations of at least two pads it is possible to indicate level of misalignment of the pads since a difference in the values read by the sensors leads to an indication that the pads are misaligned.
Regarding inaccuracies of the supported surface, one or more sensors lead to distance data that may be analysed in order to indicate periodicity in the data. Such periodicity indicates an inaccuracy of the supported surface .
Regarding imbalance, or misalignment, of the supported surface, one or more sensors lead to distance data that may be analysed in order to indicate periodicity in the data. Such periodicity indicates imbalance of the supported surface/mechanical element of the supported surface .
Features of any of the aspects are applicable to the other aspects. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
In Figure IA, an embodiment of a pad having two receiving means for receiving a distance sensor is given.
In Figure IB, an embodiment of a pad having a receiving means for receiving a distance sensor is given.
In Figures 2 and 3, embodiments of a pad having a receiving means for receiving a distance sensor are given.
In Figure 4, a schematic illustration of device for monitoring fluid film thickness is given.
In Figure 5, a schematic illustration of device for controlling fluid film thickness is given.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In Figure IA, an embodiment of a pad 1 having two receiving means 3 for receiving a distance sensor 5 is given. The pad 1 is a part of one of a hydrostatic or hydrodynamic bearing. The pad 1 comprises at least one receiving means 3 for receiving a distance sensor 5 and the at least one receiving means 3 is located such that the distance sensor (s) 5, when mounted, faces a portion of the supported surface 7. In Figure IA, the receiving means 3 is a cavity for receiving the distance sensor 5. The cavity is placed such that the cavity faces a load receiving portion 9 of the pad. In Figure IB, the receiving means 3 is a holding structure fixed to the pad 1 such that the sensor 5, when mounted, faces a portion of the supported surface 7. In Figure 1C, the receiving means 3 is surface of the pad 1 located on the pad 1 such that the sensor 5, when mounted, faces a portion of the supported surface 7.
In an embodiment, the cavity has a second opening 11 extending into the pad 1, or through the pad 1. In alternative, the second opening 11 leads to at least one fluid channel 13 of the pad 1.
In Figure 2, a pad 1 is disclosed, wherein the cavity presents a depth such that when a distance sensor 5 is mounted, there is a volume 15 between a load receiving portion 9 of the pad 1 and the part of the distance sensor 5 nearest the load receiving surface 9. There is an absolute distance between the load receiving surface 9 of the pad 1 and the part of the distance sensor 5 nearest the load receiving surface 9. The absolute distance is less than any one of 10, 6, 3, 2.5, 2, 1.75, 1.5, 1.25, 1.0, 0.75, 0.50, 0.25, 0.125, 0.0625, 0.03, 200 microns, 100 microns and 0 microns. In an embodiment, not shown, the top of the sensor 5 extends above the surface of the load receiving portion 9. The volume 15 is filled with at least one of a material not having a negative impact on the function of the sensor. The whole pad 1 or a substantial part of the pad 1 is made of the material. In Figure 4, a schematic illustration of a device 17 for measuring fluid film thickness of a bearing is given. It comprises at least one pad 1 as described above and a means 19 for presenting the distance between the load receiving surface 9 of a pad 1 and the supported surface 7 of a mechanical element. In an embodiment, the means 19 is an alarm, e.g. a lamp, or a sound alarm, that indicates that there is no fluid film at all, or if is below a reference. In an embodiment, the means 19 is screen outputting one or more values of the thickness. The necessary signal processing is performed by an electronic control unit 20. The device 17 further comprises means 21, e.g. a memory, for storing the distance between the load receiving surface 9 of a pad 1 and the supported surface 7 of a mechanical element. The memory 21 for storing is located locally or remotely. In an embodiment, the device 17 further comprises means 23 for transmitting the distance between the load receiving surface 9 of a pad 1 and the supported surface
7 of a mechanical element to one of a remote receiver for evaluation, and a local receiver for evaluation.
In Figure 5, a device 25 for controlling fluid film thickness between a supported surface 7 and a load receiving portion 9 of a pad 1 of a bearing is given. It comprises
-an electric calculation unit 27 for
—reading distance data from at least one distance sensor
5, the at least one distance sensor 5 is arranged so as to measure the distance between the load receiving surface 9 of a pad 1 and the supported surface 7 of a mechanical element,
—generating a control signal based on the distance data and a fluid film thickness reference, and —controlling, via the control signal, a flow generating means 29 of a fluid supply system 31 to change a fluid flow of the bearing, so that the difference between the distance data and the fluid film thickness reference decreases .

Claims

1. Pad to be a part of one of a hydrostatic or hydrodynamic bearing, comprising:
-at least one receiving means (3) for receiving a distance sensor (5),
-the at least one receiving means (3) being located such that the distance sensor (5) , when mounted, faces a portion of the supported surface (7).
2. Pad according to claim 1, wherein the at least one receiving means (3) is at least one of: -a cavity for receiving the distance sensor (5), the cavity being placed such that the cavity faces a load receiving portion (7) of the pad (1), -a holding structure fixed to the pad (1) such that the sensor (5) , when mounted, faces a portion of the supported surface (7), and
-a surface of the pad (1) located on the pad (1) such that the sensor (1), when mounted, faces a portion of the supported surface (7) .
3. Pad according to claim 2, wherein the cavity has a second opening (11) extending into the pad (1).
4. Pad according to claim 3, wherein the second opening (11) leads to at least one fluid channel (13) of the pad (D •
5. Pad according to claim 2, wherein the cavity presents a depth such that when a distance sensor (5) is mounted, there is a volume between a load receiving portion (7) of the pad (1) and the part of the distance sensor (5) nearest the load receiving surface (9) .
6. Pad according to claim 5, wherein the absolute distance between the load receiving surface (9) of the pad (1) and the part of the distance sensor (5) nearest the load receiving surface (9) is less than any one of 10, 6, 3, 2.5, 2, 1.75, 1.5, 1.25, 1.0, 0.75, 0.50, 0.25, 0.125, 0.0625, 0.03, 200 microns, 100 microns and 0 microns .
7. Pad according to claim 5, wherein the volume is filled with at least one of:
- a material not having a negative impact on the function of the sensor (5) ,
- a material that is a non metallic material,
- a material that is a non ferro metal, and - a material that is a non electrically conducting metal.
8. Pad according to claim 1, wherein the pad (1) further comprises the at least one distance sensor (5) for providing distance data.
9. Pad according to claim 8, wherein the at least one distance sensor (5) is one of:
-a contact free sensor, an Eddy current sensor, inductive sensor, magnetic sensor, and -a contact sensor.
10. Pad according to claim 7, wherein the whole pad (1) or a substantial part (1) of the pad (1) is made of the material .
11. Device for measuring fluid film thickness of a bearing, the bearing being a hydrostatic or a hydrodynamic bearing, comprising: -at least one pad (1) according to claim 8, the at least one distance sensor (5) being arranged so as to measure the distance between the load receiving surface (9) of a pad (1) and the supported surface (7) of a mechanical element.
12. Device according to claim 11, further comprising means (19) for presenting the distance between the load receiving surface (9) of a pad (1) and the supported surface (7) of a mechanical element.
13. Device according to claim 11, further comprising means (21) for storing the distance between the load receiving surface (9) of a pad (1) and the supported surface (7) of a mechanical element, wherein the means (21) for storing being located locally or remotely.
14. Device according to claim 11, further comprising means (23) for transmitting the distance between the load receiving surface (9) of a pad (1) and the supported surface (7) of a mechanical element to one of: -a remote receiver for evaluation, and -a local receiver for evaluation.
15. Device for controlling fluid film thickness between a supported surface (7) and a load receiving portion (9) of a pad (1) of a bearing, the bearing being one of a hydrostatic or a hydrodynamic bearing, comprising: -an electric calculation unit (27) for --reading distance data from at least one distance sensor (5) , the at least one distance sensor (5) being arranged so as to measure the distance between the load receiving surface (9) of a pad (1) and the supported surface (7) of a mechanical element, —generating a control signal based on the distance data and a fluid film thickness reference, and —controlling, via the control signal, a flow generating means (29) of a fluid supply system to change a fluid flow of the bearing, so that the difference between the distance data and the fluid film thickness reference decreases .
16. Device according to claim 15, further comprising at least one pad (1) according to claim 8.
17. Device according to claim 15, wherein the electric calculation unit (27) is:
-located in the at least one distance sensor (5), -in the case of more sensors (5) than one, located in one of the sensors (5) electrically associated with each other, -located remotely in view of the sensor (s) (5) .
18. Device according to claim 15, wherein, in case of more than one distance sensors (5) , the electric calculation unit (27) calculates the fluid film thickness .
19. Device according to claim 15, wherein the electric calculation unit (27) is located in at least one of bearing monitoring facility, a control unit of a fluid supply system, and a segment of the bearing.
20. Flow control device for controlling a fluid flow to a bearing, to be used in a fluid supply system, the bearing being one of a hydrostatic or hydrodynamic bearing, the flow control device comprising means for: -receiving a control signal from a device (17) for controlling fluid film thickness between a supported surface (7) and a load receiving portion (9) of a pad (1) of a bearing, -controlling the fluid flow via a flow generating means (29) in line with the control signal in order to control the thickness of the fluid film.
21. Flow control device according to claim 20, wherein the device (17) for controlling fluid film thickness between a supported surface (7) and a bearing is a device (17) according to claim 15.
22. An arrangement comprising: -the device (25) according to claim 16,
-the flow control device according to claim 20, for controlling the flow to the at least one pad (1), and -a flow supply system connected to the flow control device.
EP08705260A 2007-02-05 2008-02-04 DEVICES FOR MEASURING AND CONTROLLING THE THICKNESS OF A FLUID FILM OF A HYDROSTATIC OR HYDRODYNAMIC BEARING Withdrawn EP2113055A4 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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SE0700285 2007-02-05
PCT/SE2008/000094 WO2008097157A1 (en) 2007-02-05 2008-02-04 Devices for measuring and controlling fluid film thickness of a hydrostatic or hydrodynamic bearing

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EP2113055A4 EP2113055A4 (en) 2012-07-18

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DE102009041801A1 (en) * 2009-09-18 2011-03-24 Festo Ag & Co. Kg Air storage facility
DE102017223386A1 (en) * 2017-12-20 2019-06-27 Zf Friedrichshafen Ag Slide bearing assembly for a heavy shaft, in particular a wind turbine, and control system and method for lubricating oil supply thereof

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CA1055088A (en) * 1976-10-13 1979-05-22 Canadian General Electric Company Limited Heavy service bearing system
DE19832364A1 (en) * 1998-07-18 2000-01-20 Kloeckner Humboldt Wedag Process for monitoring and controlling the operation of rotary drums with slide shoes and slide shoe bearings therefor

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