Method and device for detecting torque anomalies in a rolling bearing

A method for automatically detecting free torque anomalies in a rolling bearing having a first ring and a second ring arranged coaxially relative to each other and a plurality of rolling bodies arranged between the first ring and the second ring to permit relative rotation about a common axis of rotation, the method comprising:

• a) securing the first ring to a stationary support,
• b) mechanically connecting a first drag element to the second ring for fixed rotation with the second ring, the first drag element being configured, when acted upon by a driving force, to rotate the second ring relative to the first ring,
• c) using a motor-actuated second drag element operatively connected to the first drag element to produce the driving force to rotate the first drag element at a first predetermined angular speed about the axis of rotation at least 360° in a clockwise direction and at least 360° in a counterclockwise direction,
• d) generating an electrical signal indicative of a mechanical force between the first drag element and the second drag elements during the step c;
• and
• e) processing the electrical signal to calculate free torque values of the rolling bearing during the 360° clockwise rotation of the second ring and/or during the 360° counterclockwise rotation of the second ring.