Bearing system with integrated electrical insulation for electric motor or machine

Abstract

Bearing system with integrated electrical insulation, in particular for an electric motor or electric machine. The system comprises a bearing (10) provided with a first (12) and a second (14) rotatable race and an insulation sleeve (26) provided with a bushing (28) and an electrically insulating lining (30) overmoulded between the second race and the bushing, said bushing being made in two parts (50, 52) each comprising an axial portion (46, 47) provided with a front face and a notch (40, 41) extending axially from the front face, and the insulating lining being overmoulded onto opposite lateral walls delimiting the notch in the circumferential direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of bearings, particularly to bearings used in electric motors, electric machines and related equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In an electric motor or machine, at least one rolling bearing is installed between the housing of the electric motor or machine and the rotating shaft to support the shaft.

[0003] During operation, as the shaft rotates, a potential difference may occur between the shaft and the housing of an electric motor or electric machine, which generates a current between the inner ring (fixed to the shaft) and the outer ring (fixed to the housing) of the rolling bearing.

[0004] Current flowing through the components of a rolling bearing can damage these components, particularly the rolling elements and the raceways formed on the inner and outer rings. Discharge can also generate vibration.

[0005] To overcome these shortcomings, it is known to replace the rolling elements of the bearing, which are made of the same steel as the inner and outer rings, with rolling elements made of ceramic. This is usually called a hybrid rolling bearing.

[0006] However, these hybrid rolling bearings are relatively expensive.

[0007] To overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings, it is also known to provide an insulating sleeve for the outer ring of a rolling bearing, the insulating sleeve having a bushing and an insulating lining, the insulating lining being made of an electrically insulating material and located radially between the outer ring and the bushing, the insulating lining being overmolded onto the outer ring and the bushing.

[0008] Sometimes, the adhesion between the insulating liner and the bushing is insufficient to immobilize them relative to each other.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention aims to overcome this shortcoming by proposing a bearing system that is simple in design and economical. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present invention relates to a bearing system comprising a bearing and an insulating sleeve, the bearing having a first ring and a second ring rotatable relative to each other, the insulating sleeve being mounted on the second ring of the bearing and having a bushing and an insulating lining, the insulating lining being radially positioned between the second ring and the bushing and being made of an electrically insulating material, the insulating lining being overmolded onto the second ring of the bearing and the bushing.

[0011] According to a general feature, the bushing is manufactured as at least two separate parts, each part including at least one axial portion having a front face, the front faces of the axial portions of the parts being at least partially axially spaced apart from each other.

[0012] According to another general feature, at least one of the axial portions of the component includes at least one notch, which extends at least partially axially from the front of the axial portion and is defined in the circumferential direction by two opposing lateral walls.

[0013] According to another general feature, the insulating liner is at least overmolded onto one of the inner and outer surfaces of the axial portion of the component, oriented radially on one side of the second ring of the bearing, overmolded onto the front surface of the axial portion, and overmolded onto the side wall of the notch.

[0014] Therefore, the material of the insulating liner received in the notch opposes the relative movement of the notched part of the bushing and the insulating liner in the circumferential direction by supporting it against the lateral wall. In other words, the rotation of the notched part of the bushing and the insulating liner relative to each other is hindered in both directions.

[0015] Preferably, at least one axial portion of the component of the bushing includes a plurality of so-called notches that are regularly distributed in the circumferential direction.

[0016] Advantageously, the gaps are identical to each other.

[0017] According to another feature, each of the axial portions includes at least one so-called notch, which is symmetrical to each other with respect to the radial midplane of the bearing system.

[0018] According to another feature, each of the axial portions includes at least one so-called notch, and each notch of one axial portion receives a region of the other axial portion, the region having a shape complementary to the notch that receives the region.

[0019] According to another feature, the at least one notch is defined axially by a bottom wall that connects to the side wall and defines a semi-rectangular contour with the side wall.

[0020] According to another feature, the at least one notch is defined axially by a bottom wall that connects to the side wall and defines a semi-circular profile with the side wall.

[0021] According to another feature, at least one of the lateral walls is oriented to be at least partially axially opposite to the front face (opposing).

[0022] In other words, by supporting the lateral wall, the material of the insulating liner received in the notch also opposes the relative movement of the bushing and the insulating liner toward the outside in the axial direction, i.e., preventing one from separating relative to the other.

[0023] For example, the at least one notch is defined axially by a bottom wall that connects to the side wall and defines a dovetailed contour with the side wall.

[0024] According to another feature, at least one of the components of the bushing has the shape of an open ring defined by the opposing lateral walls in the circumferential direction. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The invention will be more clearly understood by studying the detailed description of the embodiments provided by way of non-limiting example and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a bearing system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Elevation side view of the bearing system,

[0028] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 Half-section view of axis III-III,

[0029] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2Half-section view of axis IV-IV,

[0030] Figure 5 This is a side elevation view of a bearing system according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a side elevation view of a bearing system according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a side elevation view of a bearing system according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a side elevation view of a bearing system according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 9 This is an elevation side view of a bearing system according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and

[0035] Figure 10 yes Figure 6 A semi-stereoscopic diagram of the bearing system. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Figures 1 to 4 The illustrated bearing system includes a bearing 10, which has a first ring 12 and a second ring 14 that are rotatable relative to each other about the bearing's axis X-X'. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the first ring 12 is the inner ring of the bearing, and the second ring 14 is the outer ring.

[0037] The bearing system is designed not to conduct current. The bearing system has integrated electrical insulation.

[0038] The inner ring 12 and outer ring 14 of bearing 10 are concentric and extend axially along the bearing axis X-X'. The inner ring 12 and outer ring 14 are made of steel. The rings are solid.

[0039] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the bearing 10 also includes a row of rolling elements 16 (in this case, balls) radially positioned between the inner ring 12 and the outer ring 14. The rolling elements 16 are made of steel. The bearing 10 also includes a cage 17 for maintaining a regular circumferential spacing between the rolling elements 16.

[0040] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the system's bearing is provided with a single row of rolling elements 16. In a variation, the bearing may be provided with multiple rows of rolling elements. Furthermore, the rolling bearing may include rolling elements of a different type than balls, such as rollers. In another variation, the bearing may be a sliding bearing without rolling elements.

[0041] The inner ring 12 includes a cylindrical bore 12a, a cylindrical axial outer surface 12b radially opposite to the bore, and a first front face 12c and a second front face 12d radially opposite to the bore and the outer surface, defining the bore and the outer surface in the axial direction. The bore 12a and the outer surface 12b define the radial thickness of the inner ring 12. The bore 12a forms the inner surface of the inner ring. The first front face 12c and the second front face 12d define the axial length of the inner ring 12.

[0042] The inner ring 12 also includes an inner raceway 18 formed on the outer surface 12b for the rolling element 16. The raceway 18 is oriented radially outward.

[0043] The outer ring 14 includes a cylindrical axial outer surface 14a, a cylindrical hole 14b radially opposite to the outer surface 14a, and a first radial face 14c and a second radial face 14d axially defining the hole 14b and the outer surface 14a. The outer surface 14a and the hole 14b define the radial thickness of the outer ring 14. The first face 14c and the second face 14d define the axial length of the outer ring 14.

[0044] The front face 14c of the outer ring 14 is offset inward in the axial direction relative to the front face 12c of the inner ring 12. The front face 14d of the outer ring is offset inward in the axial direction relative to the front face 12d of the inner ring 12.

[0045] The outer ring 14 also includes an outer raceway 20 formed on the bore 14b for the rolling element 16. The raceway 20 is radially oriented inward.

[0046] The bearing system also includes an electrically insulating sleeve 26 mounted on the outer ring 14. The insulating sleeve 26 is mounted on the outer surface 14a of the outer ring 14.

[0047] The insulating sleeve 26 includes a bushing 28 and an insulating liner 30, the insulating liner 30 being radially positioned between the outer ring 14 and the bushing 28. In this case, the insulating liner 30 is overmolded onto the outer ring 14 and the bushing 28. The insulating sleeve 26 is secured to the outer ring 14, specifically, by adhesion between the insulating liner 30 and the outer ring 14.

[0048] The bushing 28 is composed of a separate first part 50 and a second part 52. These two separate parts 50 and 52 form half-flanges. The two parts 50 and 52 are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction.

[0049] Preferably, the components 50 and 52 of the bushing 28 are made of steel. Components 50 and 52 can advantageously be obtained from sheet metal blanks by cutting, stamping, and rolling. As a variation, components 50 and 52 can be obtained from tubes or from forged and / or rolled blanks, or even by deep drawing.

[0050] exist Figures 1 to 4 In the first exemplary embodiment shown, the components 50 and 52 of the bushing 28 are identical and symmetrical with respect to the radial median plane P of the system.

[0051] Each component 50, 52 is annular. Each component 50, 52 includes cylindrical annular axial outer surfaces 50a, 52a and cylindrical annular axial holes 50b, 52b radially opposite the outer surfaces 50a, 52a. The outer surfaces 50a, 52a and the holes 50b, 52b define the radial thickness of each component 50, 52. The holes 50b, 52b form the inner surfaces of components 50, 52, which are radially oriented on one side of the inner ring 12. The holes 50b, 52b are radially oriented inward, i.e., radially oriented on one side of the outer ring 14 and the insulating liner 30. The axis 25 of the holes 50b, 52b is coaxial with the axis X-X'.

[0052] Component 50 also includes a first front surface 50c and a second front surface 50d that define the hole 50b and the outer surface 50a in the axial direction and are radially opposed. Front surfaces 50c and 50d define the axial length of component 50.

[0053] Component 52 also includes a first front face 52a and a second front face 52d that define the hole 52b and the outer surface 52a in the axial direction and are radially opposed. Front faces 52c and 52d define the axial length of component 52. Front faces 50c and 52d define the axial dimension of the insulating sleeve 26, i.e., the axial length of the bearing system. Front faces 50d and 52c are axially spaced apart from each other, and in this case, front faces 50d and 52c are continuously spaced apart from each other in the axial direction over the entire circumference of components 50 and 52 of bushing 28.

[0054] The front face 14c of the outer ring 14 and the front face 50c of the component 50 are axially located on a first side relative to the radial intermediate plane P of the system, and the front face 14d of the outer ring 14 and the front face 52d of the component 52 are axially located on a second side opposite to the first side relative to the radial intermediate plane P. In this case, the radial intermediate plane P passes through the center of the rolling element 16.

[0055] The front face 14c of the outer ring 14 is offset axially inward relative to the front face 50c of component 50. The front face 14d of the outer ring 14 is offset axially inward relative to the front face 52d of component 52. In other words, the front faces 14c and 14d of the outer ring 14 are set back axially relative to the front faces 50c and 52d of components 50 and 52. In other words, the axial dimension of the outer ring 14 is smaller than the axial dimension of the insulating sleeve 26.

[0056] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the front faces 12c, 50c and 12d, 52d of the inner ring 12 and components 50, 52 are coplanar. Alternatively, different configurations can be provided. For example, components 50, 52 may extend axially to project relative to the faces 12c and 12d of the inner ring, or remain axially recessed from these faces.

[0057] Each component 50, 52 of the bushing includes an annular axial portion 46, 47 and an annular radial collar 48, 49 extending radially inward from the axial portion 46, 47. Each component 50, 52 has an L-shaped cross section, the branches of which are formed by the axial portion 46, 47 and the radial collar 48, 49, respectively.

[0058] Radial collars 48 and 49 extend from the axially outer ends of the axial portions 46 and 47 to the free ends 27a and 27b of the radial collars 48 and 49. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the radial collars 48 and 49 are continuous rings. Alternatively, at least one of the radial collars 48 and 49 may be in the form of regions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0059] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the radial collars 48, 49 extend radially beyond the outer surface 14a of the outer ring, that is, they protrude radially inward relative to the outer surface 14a. In other words, on each radial collar 48, 49, holes 50b, 52b protrude radially inward relative to the outer surface 14a.

[0060] Each radial collar 48, 49 is defined on the outside by the front faces 50c, 52d forming its outer surface.

[0061] Each radial collar 48, 49 has inner faces 23a, 23b that are axially opposite to the inner faces 50c, 52d. The inner faces 23a, 23b and the axially opposite inner faces 50c, 52d define the axial thickness of the collars 48, 49. For each collar 48 and 49, the inner faces 23a, 23b are axially oriented towards the inside of the system, and the outer faces 50c, 52d forming their outer faces are axially oriented towards the outside of the system.

[0062] The free ends 27a, 27b of each radial collar 48, 49 connect the inner surfaces 23a, 23b to the front surfaces 50c, 52d forming their outer surfaces.

[0063] Axial portions 46 and 47 extend radially outward from the radial ends of the radial collars 48 and 49 toward the inner side of the system. Axial portions 46 and 47 are defined on the inner side by front faces 50d and 52c.

[0064] In the first exemplary embodiment shown, the axial portions 46 and 47 are continuously annular.

[0065] On each axial portion 46, 47, holes 50b, 52b are radially recessed outward relative to the outer surface 14a.

[0066] The axial portions 46 and 47 of components 50 and 52 each have holes 50b and 52b respectively provided with grooves 54 and 56. The grooves 54 and 56 extend around the axis 25 of the corresponding holes 50b and 52b in the circumferential direction. Each groove 54 and 56 is oriented radially on one side of the outer ring 14, that is, oriented radially inward.

[0067] In the exemplary embodiment shown, each slot 54, 56 is annular. Alternatively, at least one of the two slots 54, 56 may not extend more than 360°.

[0068] Each groove 54, 56 is defined in the axial direction by two opposing lateral flanks, which have a rectangular profile in the axial section and are connected to each other by an axial base. Alternatively, other shapes may be provided, such as grooves with an inwardly oriented arc shape in the section.

[0069] The insulating liner 30 is made of an electrically insulating material. The insulating liner 30 can be made, for example, of a synthetic material (such as PEEK or PA46), or even of an elastomeric material (such as rubber). Advantageously, the insulating liner 30 is made of a flexible electrically insulating material.

[0070] The insulating lining 30 is annular.

[0071] The insulating liner 30 includes a cylindrical axial outer surface 30a, a cylindrical bore 30b radially opposite to the outer surface 30a, and opposing first radial face 30c and second radial face 30d defining the bore 30b and the outer surface 30a axially. The radial face 30c and 30d define the insulating liner 30 axially. The outer surface 30a and the bore 30b define the radial thickness of the insulating liner 30.

[0072] The outer surface 30a is in radial contact with the holes 50b and 52b of components 50 and 52. In other words, the insulating liner 30 covers the holes 50b and 52b. The hole 30b is in radial contact with the outer surface 14a and the front surfaces 14c and 14d of the outer ring. The hole 30b has a stepped shape.

[0073] The front side 30c of the insulating liner is offset outward in the axial direction relative to the front side 14c of the outer ring. The front side 30d of the insulating liner is offset outward in the axial direction relative to the front side 14d of the outer ring.

[0074] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the surfaces 30c, 50c and 30d, 52 of the insulating liner 30 and components 50, 52 are substantially coplanar. Alternatively, different arrangements may be provided. For example, components 50, 52 may extend axially from the insulating liner 30 relative to surfaces 30c and 30d, or remain axially set back from these surfaces.

[0075] The insulating liner 30 covers the inner surfaces 23a and 23b of each collar 48 and 49. The insulating liner 30 also covers the free ends 27a and 27b of each collar 48 and 49.

[0076] The insulating liner 30 includes an axial member 31, two radial end members 32 and 33, and an intermediate radial member 34. Each radial end member 32 and 33 extends radially inward from one of the axially opposite ends of the axial member 31, and the intermediate radial member 34 protrudes from the side of the axial member 31 opposite to the inner ring 12 and the outer ring 14. Thus, the radial member 34 protrudes radially outward from the axial member 31.

[0077] Axial component 31 is radially positioned between the outer surface 14a of outer ring 14 and the holes 50b and 52b of components 50 and 52. Axial component 31 covers the outer surface 14a of outer ring. Taking both axial and circumferential directions into account, axial component 31 completely covers the outer surface 14a of outer ring. Axial component 31 covers the holes 50b and 52b of components 50 and 52. Taking both axial and circumferential directions into account, axial component 31 also completely covers the holes 50b and 52b.

[0078] Axial component 31 includes two ribs 58 and 60, which extend radially outward from outer surface 30a and are each received within corresponding grooves 54 and 56 of components 50 and 52. Ribs 58 and 60 have shapes complementary to their corresponding grooves 54 and 56. Each rib 58 and 60 extends to project relative to the outer surface 30a of the insulating liner. Each rib 58 and 60 is formed on the outer surface 30a during the overmolding of the insulating liner 30.

[0079] Radial component 32 is partially axially positioned between radial collar 48 and the front face 14c of outer ring 14. Radial component 33 is partially axially positioned between radial collar 49 and the front face 14d of outer ring 14. Radial components 32 and 33 partially cover the front faces 14c and 14d of outer ring.

[0080] Radial member 34 is axially positioned between the front faces 50d and 52c of members 50 and 52. Radial member 34 at least partially covers the front faces 50d and 52c of members 50 and 52. In the first exemplary embodiment shown, radial member 34 completely covers the front faces 50d and 52c. Radial member 34 has a free end 35 that is radially opposite to axial member 31.

[0081] The radial member 34 advantageously extends continuously in the circumferential direction, i.e., the radial member 34 is annular. However, as a variation, the radial member may have interruptions, for example in a variation where the front faces 50d and 52c of members 50 and 52 will be partially supported against each other.

[0082] The axial portions 46 and 47 of the bushing components 50 and 52 and the radial portion 34 of the insulating liner 30 together define the outer surface of the bearing system. The outer surfaces 50a and 52a of the bushing components 50 and 52 and the free end 35 of the radial portion 34 of the insulating liner 30 together form the outer surface of the bearing system 10, in other words, define the outer diameter of the bearing system 10.

[0083] As will be described below, the radial portion 34 of the insulating liner 30 and the axial portions 46, 47 of the bushing portions 50, 52 are configured to improve the fixation of each of the portions 50, 52 relative to the insulating liner 30 in both directions in the circumferential direction.

[0084] The axial portions 46 and 47 each include multiple notches 40 and 41, each notch 40 and 41 extending axially from the front face 50d and 52c.

[0085] Each notch 40, 41 is defined in the circumferential direction by two opposing lateral walls 40a, 40b and 41a, 41b. Each notch 40, 41 is defined in the axial direction by bottom walls 40c, 41c, which connect to the lateral walls 40a, 40b and 41a, 41b, respectively. The lateral walls 40a, 40b and 41a, 41b are oriented in the axial direction. The bottom walls 40c, 41c are oriented in the radial plane.

[0086] Lateral walls 40a, 40b and bottom wall 40c, and lateral walls 41a, 41b and bottom wall 41c define the outline of notches 40, 41. This outline is semi-rectangular.

[0087] Gap 40 and 41 are regularly distributed in the circumferential direction.

[0088] The gaps 40 are the same for all of them.

[0089] Gap 41 is the same for all of them.

[0090] Notches 40 and 41 are also mirror images of notches 41 and 40. More specifically, each notch 40 and 41 is symmetrical with respect to the radial midplane P of the bearing system 10 with respect to the corresponding notch 41 and 40.

[0091] Each notch 40, 41 is filled with the material of the insulating liner 30. More specifically, the radial portion 34 of the insulating liner 30 extends axially in each notch 40, 41. Thus, the insulating liner 30 is overmolded onto the side walls 40a, 40b and 41a, 41b. The insulating liner 30 is also overmolded onto the bottom walls 40c, 41c.

[0092] The material of the insulating liner received in the notches 40, 41 resists the relative movement of the corresponding parts 50, 52 of the bushing 28 and the insulating liner 30 in the circumferential direction by supporting it against the lateral walls 40a, 40b and 41a, 41b. In other words, the rotation of the parts 50, 52 and the insulating liner 30 relative to each other is hindered in two directions.

[0093] To manufacture the bearing system, the method is carried out as follows.

[0094] In the first step, components 50 and 52 of bushing 28 and outer ring 14 of bearing are installed inside a mold provided for overmolding the insulating liner 30.

[0095] Then, in the second step, the insulating liner 30 is overmolded onto both the outer ring 14 and the bushing 28.

[0096] Then, in the third consecutive step, the integral assembly formed by the outer ring 14, the bushing 28, the components 50 and 52, and the insulating liner 30 is removed from the mold.

[0097] Then, in the fourth step, the front surfaces 50c and 52d of the bushing components 50 and 52 are ground. During this step, the outer surfaces 50a and 52a of the bushing components 50 and 52 and the raceway 20 of the outer ring may also be ground.

[0098] Finally, in the fifth step, the integral assembly formed by the outer ring 14, bushing 28 and insulating liner 30 is assembled with the row of rolling elements 16, cage 17 and inner ring 12.

[0099] Figure 5A second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The second exemplary embodiment is the same as the first example, except that the outlines of the notches 40 and 41 defined by the side walls 40a, 40b and the bottom wall 40c, and the notches 41a, 41b and the bottom wall 41c, are semi-circular.

[0100] Figure 6 A third exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein a plurality of notches 40 and a plurality of notches 41 are nested within each other. More specifically, each notch 40, 41 of an axial portion 46, 47 receives a region 42b, 42a of another axial portion 47, 46, the region 42b, 42a having a shape complementary to the corresponding notch 40, 41. Each region 42a, 42b is defined by two consecutive notches 40, 41. Each region 42a is defined in the circumferential direction by a lateral wall 40a of a first notch 40 and a lateral wall 40b of a second notch 40 that is continuous with the first notch 40. Each region 42b is defined in the circumferential direction by a lateral wall 41a of a first notch 41 and a lateral wall 41b of a second notch 41 that is continuous with the first notch 41. As a variation, only one region 42a and / or 42b may exist, each defined by the lateral walls 40a, 40b and / or 41a, 41b of the same notch 40 and / or 41.

[0101] In the first example, the outlines of the notches 40, 41 are semi-rectangular, thus providing a serrated appearance to the radial portion 34 of the insulating liner 30. As a variation, the outline can be semi-circular, thus providing a serpentine aspect to the radial portion 34 of the insulating liner 30.

[0102] It should be noted that in the first, second, and third examples described above, the notches 40 and 41 are specifically configured to counteract rotational movement of the components 50 and 52 relative to the insulating liner 30, i.e., movement in the circumferential direction. More specifically, each of the lateral walls 40a and 40b is oriented axially toward the other lateral wall 40b and 40a and / or only toward the front face 50d, and each of the lateral walls 41a and 41b is oriented axially toward the other lateral wall 41a and 41b and / or only toward the front face 52c.

[0103] Figures 7 to 9 The fourth, fifth and sixth exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown respectively, wherein the notches 40 and 41 are also configured to counteract the axial displacement of the members 50 and 52 relative to the insulating liner 30 in the axial direction.

[0104] Therefore, in these fourth, fifth, and sixth exemplary embodiments, at least one of the side walls 40a and 40b is oriented to be at least partially axially opposite to the front face 50d, and / or, at least one of the side walls 41a and 41b is oriented to be at least partially axially opposite to the front face 52c.

[0105] exist Figure 7 In the fourth example shown, notches 40 and 41 are similar to the notches in the first and second embodiments, except that their outlines are dovetail-shaped. Each of the side walls 40a and 40b is oriented axially opposite to the front face 50d. Each of the side walls 41a and 41b is oriented axially opposite to the front face 52c. In this example, the side walls 40a, 40b and 41a, 41b are rotated completely toward the corresponding front faces 50d and 52c; however, in variations, this may be applied to only a portion of at least one of these side walls 40a, 40b and 41a, 41b, the remainder of which is oriented, for example, in the axial direction.

[0106] exist Figure 8 In the fifth example shown, notches 40 and 41 are similar to those in the first example, except that their lateral walls 40a, 40b and 41a, 41b are inclined relative to the axial direction. Lateral walls 40b and 41a are oriented axially opposite to the front faces 50d and 52c, respectively. Lateral walls 40a and 41b are oriented axially toward the front faces 50d and 52c, respectively. Furthermore, notches 40 and 41 are not substantially opposite, but are offset from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0107] exist Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the sixth example shown, each axial portion 46, 47 is provided with a single notch 40, 41. These notches 40, 41 are similar to the notches in the fifth embodiment, except that they also each pass through the front face 50c and front face 52d openings of the components 50, 52. Therefore, each component 50, 52 has the shape of an open ring defined in the circumferential direction by the lateral walls 40a, 40b and the lateral walls 41a, 41b, respectively. As a variation, only one of the components 50, 52 has the shape of an open ring.

[0108] In the example shown, both components 50 and 52 are provided with notches 40 and 41, but in a variation, only one of the components 50 and 52 may be provided with at least one such notch 40 or 41.

[0109] As another variation, asymmetrical components 50, 52 can be provided, with bushings generated, for example, by association between component 50 of the first example and component 52 of the second embodiment.

[0110] In another variation, it may be proposed that the bushing 28 is composed of more than two parts, such as an additional annular part between part 50 and part 52, which has a notch (such as 40, 41) on at least one of its axially opposite front faces, and each notch is covered by an insulating liner.

[0111] Notches 40 and 41 are obtained, for example, by machining the axial portions 46 and 47 of components 50 and 52.

[0112] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first ring 12 of the bearing is the inner ring, and the second ring 14, on which the insulating liner 30 is overlaid, is the outer ring.

[0113] Alternatively, a reverse configuration can be provided, where the second ring 14 to which the insulating liner 30 is fixed is an inner ring. In this case, the insulating sleeve is located in the bore of the inner ring. Therefore, the insulating liner is radially positioned between the bore 12a of the inner ring and the corresponding outer surfaces of the bushing components, and the insulating liner covers and shapes these outer surfaces, which are radially oriented to one side of the second ring 14. The insulating liner is fixed at least to the inner surface of the inner ring and at least to the outer surface of the bushing components. In the insulating liner, the intermediate radial component then protrudes radially inward from the axial component.

Claims

1. A bearing system comprising a bearing (10) and an insulating sleeve (26), the bearing (10) having a first ring (12) and a second ring (14) rotatable relative to each other, the insulating sleeve (26) mounted on the second ring (14) of the bearing and having a bushing (28) and an insulating liner (30), the insulating liner (30) being radially positioned between the second ring (14) and the bushing (28) and being made of an electrically insulating material, the insulating liner (30) being overmolded onto the second ring (14) of the bearing and the bushing (28), characterized in that: - The bushing (28) is manufactured as at least two separate components (50, 52), each component including at least one axial portion (46, 47) having front faces (50d, 52c), the front faces (50d, 52c) of the axial portions (46, 47) of the components (50, 52) being at least partially axially spaced apart from each other. - At least one of the axial portions (46, 47) of the components (50, 52) includes at least one notch (40, 41), the at least one notch (40, 41) extending at least partially axially from the front face (50d, 52c) of the axial portion (46, 47) and defined in the circumferential direction by two opposing side walls (40a, 40b; 41a, 41b). - The insulating lining is at least overmolded onto one surface (50b, 52b) of the inner and outer surfaces of the axial portions (46, 47) of the components (50, 52) that is radially oriented to one side of the second ring (14) of the bearing (10), overmolded onto the front surface (50d, 52c) of the axial portions (46, 47), and overmolded onto the side walls (40a, 40b; 41a, 41b) of the notches (40, 41).

2. The bearing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one axial portion of the axial portion (46, 47) of the components (50, 52) of the bushing includes a plurality of the notches (40, 41) regularly distributed in the circumferential direction.

3. The bearing system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The gaps (40, 41) are identical to each other.

4. The bearing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Each of the axial portions (46, 47) includes at least one so-called notch (40, 41) that is symmetrical to each other with respect to the radial midplane of the bearing system (10).

5. The bearing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Each of the axial portions (46, 47) includes at least one so-called notch (40, 41), and the notch (40, 41) of one axial portion (46, 47) respectively receives a region (42b, 42a) of the other axial portion (47, 46), the region (42b, 42a) having a shape complementary to the notch (40, 41) that receives the region.

6. The bearing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The at least one notch (40, 41) is defined axially by a bottom wall (40c, 41c) that connects to the side walls (40a, 40b; 41a, 41b) and defines a semi-rectangular outline with the side walls.

7. The bearing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The at least one notch (40, 41) is defined axially by a bottom wall (40c, 41c) that connects to the side walls (40a, 40b; 41a, 41b) and defines a semi-circular profile with the side walls.

8. The bearing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, At least one of the side walls (40a, 40b; 41a, 41b) is oriented to be at least partially axially opposite the front face (50d, 52c).

9. The bearing system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The at least one notch (40, 41) is defined axially by a bottom wall (40c, 41c) that connects to the side walls (40a, 40b; 41a, 41b) and defines a dovetail-shaped profile with the side walls.

10. The bearing system according to any one of claims 1, 4, 5, 8 or 9, characterized in that, At least one of the components (50, 52) of the bushing (28) has the shape of an open ring defined in the circumferential direction by the opposing side walls (40a, 40b; 41a, 41b).

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