Bearing device with integrated electrical insulation, in particular for an electric motor or machine, and associated manufacturing methods

Abstract

The bearing device comprises a bearing 10, which is provided with a first ring 12 and a second ring 14. The device comprises at least one insulating sleeve 26, which is attached to the second ring 14 and provided with a bushing 28 and with an insulating insert 30 made of electrically insulating material. The insulating insert is overmolded onto the second ring 14 and onto at least one of the outer and inner surfaces of the bushing 28 that define its radial thickness. The device further comprises an anti-rotation device 32, which is provided with at least one first retaining pin 42, which is at least partially seated in first slots 34, 40 of the bushing, the insulating insert and the second ring, a carrier 44 to which the first retaining pin is attached, and at least one axial retaining element 46 of the device.

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of bearings, which are used in particular in electric motors, electric machines and related devices. State of the art

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

[0003] During operation, when the shaft rotates, a difference in electrical potential can occur between the shaft and the housing of the electric motor or machine, generating an electric current between the inner ring of the rolling bearing, which is integral with the shaft, and the outer ring, which is integral with the housing.

[0004] The electric current flowing through the components of the rolling bearing can destroy these components, especially the rolling elements and raceways on the inner and outer rings. Electrical discharges can also cause vibrations.

[0005] To overcome these disadvantages, it is known to replace the bearing's rolling elements, which are made of the same steel as the inner and outer rings, with ceramic rolling elements. The term "hybrid rolling bearing" is then generally used.

[0006] However, such hybrid roller bearings are relatively expensive.

[0007] To overcome the aforementioned disadvantages, it is also known to equip the outer ring of the rolling bearing with an insulating sleeve, which is provided with a bushing and with an insulating insert made of an electrically insulating material and inserted radially between the outer ring and the bushing.

[0008] To attach the insulating insert to the outer ring and the bushing without any additional elements or specific machining of the outer ring, the insulating insert can be overmolded.

[0009] With such a solution, however, the insulating insert and the socket can be separated from each other during operation.

[0010] The present invention therefore aims to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages by providing a storage device that has a simple and economical design. Summary of the invention

[0011] The invention relates to a bearing device comprising a bearing provided with a first ring and a second ring which are rotatable relative to each other.

[0012] The device further comprises at least one insulating sleeve attached to the second ring of the bearing. The insulating sleeve is provided with a bushing and an insulating insert that is radially inserted between the second ring of the bearing and the bushing. The insulating insert is made of electrically insulating material.

[0013] The bushing comprises an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface, which define the radial thickness of the bushing. The insulating insert is overmolded onto the second ring of the bearing and onto at least one of the outer and inner surfaces of the bushing.

[0014] According to a general characteristic, at least one slot is provided on the socket.

[0015] According to another general characteristic, at least one first slot is provided on the insulating insert. This first slot of the insulating insert is located at least partially in the radial continuation of the first slot of the bushing.

[0016] According to another general feature, the device comprises at least one anti-rotation device which is provided with at least one first retaining pin which is at least partially seated in the first slot of the bushing, the insulating insert and the second ring of the bearing.

[0017] “Retaining pin that sits at least partially in the slot” means a retaining pin that sits directly in the slot or indirectly in the slot with an inserted intermediate element, for example a part of the insulating insert.

[0018] The anti-rotation device is further provided with a carrier to which the retaining pin is attached and an axial retaining element of the anti-rotation device, which interacts with at least one of the second ring of the bearing, the insulating insert and the bushing.

[0019] This provides a bearing device with integrated electrical insulation and is economical compared to conventional hybrid rolling bearings. Furthermore, the device is easy to manufacture and install in the associated electric motor or machine.

[0020] Furthermore, the anti-rotation device allows the bushing, insulating insert, and second ring of the bearing to be manufactured integrally in the circumferential direction. The risk of relative movement between the insulating insert, the bushing, and the second ring is limited in the circumferential direction, particularly in the case of temperature fluctuations.

[0021] “Circular direction” means the direction perpendicular to both the axial direction and the radius of the bearing device, in other words tangential to a circle centered on the axis of the bearing device.

[0022] “Axial direction” means the direction parallel to the axis of the bearing device.

[0023] "Retaining pin" refers to an element that allows the socket to be manufactured integrally with the insulating insert, and which can be of any shape in cross-section, for example polygonal, such as square or rectangular, or also circular, oval, crescent-shaped, etc.

[0024] The anti-rotation device can be made at least partially from electrically insulating material.

[0025] Alternatively, the anti-rotation device may be made of an electrically conductive material, provided that it is surrounded at least at one end by an electrically insulating material.

[0026] The axial retaining element of the anti-rotation device can be arranged on the support. Alternatively, the axial retaining element can be arranged on the first retaining pin.

[0027] According to a particular embodiment, the axial retaining element interacts by snap-fit ​​connection with at least one of the second ring of the bearing, the insulating insert and the bushing, and preferably with at least one slot of one of the second ring of the bearing, the insulating insert and the bushing.

[0028] According to a particular embodiment, the carrier of the anti-rotation device is ring-shaped. In this case, the anti-rotation device can further be provided with at least one second retaining pin, which is attached to the carrier and is at least partially seated in second slots of the bushing, the insulating insert, and the second ring of the bearing, wherein the second slot of the insulating insert is located at least partially in the radial extension of the second slot of the bushing, and the second slot of the second ring is located in the radial extension of the second slot of the insulating insert.

[0029] According to a particular embodiment, the support for the anti-rotation device extends almost to the first ring in order to form a dynamic annular seal with the first ring. "Dynamic seal" refers to a seal that is created between two parts in relative motion.

[0030] The bushing can also comprise two opposing radial end faces that limit the axial length of the bushing. The insulating insert can also comprise two opposing radial end faces that limit the axial length of the insert.

[0031] The first slot of the socket can be formed on one of its end faces.

[0032] The first slot of the insulating insert can be formed on one of its end faces.

[0033] The first slot of the second ring of the bearing can be formed at one end of the end face of the second ring.

[0034] The anti-rotation device can be flush with or offset from the end face of the bushing, the end face of the insulating insert and the end face of the second ring of the bearing.

[0035] Alternatively, the anti-rotation device can project axially from the end face of the bushing, the end face of the insulating insert and the end face of the second ring of the bearing.

[0036] In this case, the anti-rotation device can extend into a slot formed in the housing in which the bearing device is mounted, in order to prevent the bearing device from rotating relative to the housing.

[0037] If the insulating insert is made of a synthetic or elastomeric material, the device is less sensitive to temperature fluctuations.

[0038] In one particular embodiment, the bushing is made of metal. The bushing can therefore be easily machined to a predetermined radial tolerance.

[0039] In one embodiment, the insulating insert covers the entire surface of the bushing. In this case, the insulating insert completely covers the surface of the bushing in both the axial and circumferential directions.

[0040] According to a first embodiment, the bushing defines the outer surface of the device. In this case, the second ring is the outer ring of the bearing.

[0041] According to an alternative second embodiment, the bushing defines the inner surface of the device. In this case, the second ring is the inner ring of the bearing.

[0042] In one particular embodiment, the bearing comprises at least one series of rolling elements arranged between the raceways of the first and second rings. The rolling elements may be made of metal.

[0043] The invention also relates to an electric motor comprising a housing, a shaft and at least one bearing device as defined above and mounted radially between the housing and the shaft. Brief character description

[0044] The present invention is better understood by considering the detailed description of embodiments listed as a completely non-limiting example and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which: [ Fig. 1] a half view, in axial section, of a bearing device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention is, [ Fig. 2] a front view of the bearing device in Fig. 1 is, [ Fig. 3] a partial sectional view along line III-III of Fig. 2 is, [ Fig. 4] a perspective view of the storage device in Fig. 1 to 3 is, [ Fig. 5] a perspective partial exploded view of the storage device in the Fig. 1 to 4 is, [ Fig. 6] a detailed view of Fig. 5 is, [ Fig. 7] a perspective view of an anti-rotation device of the bearing assembly in the Fig. 1 to 5 is, [ Fig. 8] is a flowchart that shows a manufacturing process of the bearing device in the Fig. 1 to 5 shows, [ Fig. 9] is a flowchart that shows a different manufacturing process for the bearing device in the Fig. 1 to 5 shows, [ Fig. 10] a perspective view of a storage device according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention is, [ Fig. 11] a perspective partial exploded view of the storage device in Fig. 10 is, [ Fig. 12] a perspective view of a storage device according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention is, [ Fig. 13] a perspective partial exploded view of the storage device in Fig. 12 is, and [ Fig. 14] a half view, in axial section, of the bearing device in Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 is. Detailed description of the invention

[0045] The in Fig. The bearing device shown in Figure 1 comprises a bearing 10 provided with a first ring 12 and a second ring 14, which are rotatable relative to each other about the axis XX' of the bearing. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first ring 12 is the inner ring of the bearing and the second ring 14 is the outer ring of the bearing.

[0046] The bearing device is designed so that it does not conduct electrical currents. The bearing device has integrated electrical insulation.

[0047] The inner ring 12 and the outer ring 14 of the bearing are concentric and extend axially along the axis XX' of the bearing. The inner ring 12 and the outer ring 14 are made of steel. The rings are solid.

[0048] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the bearing 10 also includes a series of rolling elements 16, in this case balls, which are inserted radially 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 to maintain the uniform circumferential spacing of the rolling elements 16. The bearing 10 may also be equipped with seals or flange rings.

[0049] The inner ring 12 comprises a cylindrical bore 12a, a cylindrical, axial outer surface 12b radially opposite the bore, and two opposing radial end faces (without reference numerals) that axially delimit the bore and the outer surface. 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.

[0050] The inner ring 12 also includes an inner raceway 18 for the rolling elements 16, which is formed on the outer surface 12b. The raceway 18 is directed radially towards the outside.

[0051] The outer ring 14 comprises a cylindrical, axial outer surface 14a, a cylindrical bore 14b radially opposite the outer surface 14a, and two opposing radial end faces 14c, 14d that axially delimit the bore. The outer surface 14a and the bore 14b define the radial thickness of the outer ring 14. The bore 14b has a stepped shape.

[0052] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the outer surface 14a of the ring has two different diameters. Alternatively, the outer surface 14a could have a single diameter.

[0053] The outer ring 14 further comprises an outer raceway 20 for the rolling elements 16, which is formed on the bore 14b. The raceway 20 is directed radially inwards.

[0054] The outer ring 14 also includes two annular slots 14e, 14f ( Fig. 1 and Fig. 3), which are formed at the bore 14b, extend radially outwards and are arranged axially on both sides of the rolling elements 16.

[0055] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, a groove 22 is provided on the end face 14c of the outer ring. The groove 22 is axially oriented towards the outside of the outer ring and is open. The groove 22 has a bottom that is axially offset towards the inside of the ring relative to the end face 14c. The bottom of the groove 22 forms a shoulder. In this case, the bottom of the groove 22 extends radially to simplify manufacturing. The groove 22 is annular in this case.

[0056] Similarly, a groove 24 is provided on the end face 14d of the outer ring. The groove 24 is axially oriented towards the outside of the outer ring and is open. The groove 24 has a bottom that is axially offset towards the inside of the ring relative to the end face 14d. The bottom of the groove 24 forms a shoulder. In this case, the bottom of the groove 24 extends radially. The groove 24 is annular in this case. The grooves 22 and 24 are symmetrical to each other relative to a radial center plane of the outer ring. The grooves 22 and 24 axially delimit the outer surface 14a.

[0057] The bearing assembly also includes an electrically insulating sleeve 26, which is attached to the outer ring 14. The insulating sleeve 26 is attached to the outer surface 14a of the outer ring 14. The insulating sleeve 26 is integral with the outer ring 14.

[0058] The insulating sleeve 26 comprises a bushing 28 and an insulating insert 30, which is inserted radially between the outer ring 14 and the bushing 28. The insulating insert 30 is overmolded onto the outer ring 14 and the bushing 28.

[0059] As described in more detail below, the bearing device also includes a first and a second anti-rotation device 32, 33 to prevent the bushing 28, the insulating insert 30 and the outer ring 14 of the bearing from rotating together.

[0060] The bushing 28 is annular. The bushing 28 extends axially. In this case, the bushing 28 is made from a single part. Alternatively, the bushing 28 could be made from several parts that abut one another, for example, two identical parts. The bushing 28 comprises a cylindrical annular axial outer surface 28a and an annular bore 28b opposite the outer surface 28a. The bore 28b forms the inner surface of the bushing 28. The bore 28b is directed radially inward, i.e., toward the outer ring 14.

[0061] The bushing 28 also includes two opposing radial end faces 28c, 28d, which axially define the bore and the outer surface. The end faces 28c, 28d define the axial length of the bushing. The outer surface 28a and the bore 28b define the radial thickness of the bushing 28. The outer surface 28a of the bushing defines the outer surface of the bearing device 10. In other words, the outer surface 28a defines an outer diameter of the bearing device 10.

[0062] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the end faces 28c, 28d of the bushing are each coplanar with the end faces 14c, 14d of the outer ring. Alternatively, other arrangements could be provided. For example, the bushing 28 could have a smaller or larger axial dimension and be axially recessed from the end faces 14c, 14d of the outer ring, or could project from the faces.

[0063] With reference to Fig. 6 A first slot 34 is formed on the bushing. The first slot 34 is formed on the end face 28d of the bushing. The slot 34 is directed axially outwards and is open. The slot 34 opens radially into the bore 28b of the bushing. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the slot 34 also opens radially onto the outer surface 28a of the bushing.

[0064] The slot 34 is circumferentially bounded by two opposing lateral flanks 34a, 34b, which are connected to each other by a radial base 34c. In this case, the flanks 34a, 34b are straight and extend radially. The base 34c also extends radially and is directed axially outwards. Alternatively, the slot 34 could have no base, with the flanks 34a, 34b being directly connected to each other.

[0065] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, a first slot 36 is formed on the outer ring. The slot 36 is formed on the outer surface of the groove 22 of the outer ring and opens onto the end face 14d and into the bore 14b. The slot 36 is open axially outwards. The slot 36 is open radially outwards and inwards. The slot 36 has an open end in the radial direction. The slot 36 is bounded circumferentially by two flanks 36a, 36b.

[0066] The insulating insert 30 is made of electrically insulating material. The insulating insert 30 can be made, for example, of a synthetic material such as PEEK or PA46, or alternatively of an elastomeric material such as rubber.

[0067] With regard to the Fig. In sections 1 to 6, the insulating insert 30 is radially inserted between the outer surface 14a of the outer ring and the bore 28b of the bushing. The insulating insert 30 covers the outer surface 14a of the outer ring. In this case, the insulating insert 30 completely covers the outer surface 14a in both the axial and circumferential directions. The insulating insert 30 also covers the grooves 22 and 24 of the inner ring. The insulating insert 30 also partially covers the slot 36 of the outer ring. The insulating insert 30 partially covers the flanks 36a and 36b of the slot 36.

[0068] The insulating insert 30 also covers the bore 28b of the bushing. In this case, the insulating insert 30 also completely covers the bore 28b in the axial and circumferential directions.

[0069] The insulating insert 30 also covers the slot 34 of the socket. The insulating insert 30 covers the flanks 34a, 34b and the bottom 34c of the slot.

[0070] The insulating insert 30 is annular. The insulating insert 30 extends axially. The insulating insert 30 comprises a cylindrical axial outer surface 30a, a cylindrical bore 30b radially opposite the outer surface 30a, and two opposing radial end faces 30c, 30d that axially delimit the bore and the outer surface. The radial end faces 30c, 30d limit the axial length of the insulating insert 30. The outer surface 30a is in radial contact with the bore 28b of the bushing. The portion of the insulating insert 30 that covers the slot 34 forms a protrusion that extends radially outward. The bore 30b is in radial contact with the outer surface 14a of the outer ring and with the grooves 22, 24. The bore 30b has a stepped shape. The part of the insulating insert 30 that covers the slot 36 forms a protrusion that extends radially inwards.

[0071] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the surfaces 14c, 30c, 28c and 14d, 30d, 28d of the outer ring, the insulating insert and the bushing are each coplanar.

[0072] Alternatively, other arrangements can be provided. For example, the insulating insert 30 could have a reduced axial dimension and be axially recessed from surfaces 14c, 14d of the outer ring. Alternatively, the insulating insert 30 could have a larger axial dimension and project axially from surfaces 14c, 14d of the outer ring. In this case, the insulating insert 30 can at least partially cover surfaces 14c, 14d. As a further variant, the insulating insert 30 could at least partially cover surfaces 28c, 28d of the bushing.

[0073] Alternatively or in combination, the bushing 28 could project axially from the insulating insert 30 relative to the surfaces 30c, 30d or could be axially recessed from these surfaces.

[0074] Again with reference to Fig. 6. The insulating insert 30 also includes a first slot 40, which is formed in the part of the insert that covers the slot 34 of the bushing and forms the outer protrusion. Part of the slot 40 extends into the radial continuation of the slot 34. The slot 40 extends into the radial thickness of the insert. The slot 40 is open radially on the outside and radially on the inside. The slot 36 of the outer ring of the bearing is located in the radial continuation of the slot 40. The slot 40 is directed axially outwards and is open. The slot 40 opens onto the end face 30d of the insulating insert.

[0075] The slot 40 is bounded circumferentially by two opposing radial flanks 40a, 40b, which are connected to each other by a radial base 40c. In this case, viewed from the front, the slot 40 has an overall cross shape. Alternatively, the slot 40 could have a different shape, for example, a parallelepiped shape. In this case, the flanks 40a, 40b are straight.

[0076] As stated above, the bearing device includes an anti-rotation device 32. With reference to the Fig. 4, Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 shows the anti-rotation device 32, which is provided with a retaining pin 42 and a carrier 44 to which the pin is attached. The carrier 44 sits in the bore 14b of the outer ring of the bearing. More precisely, the carrier 44 sits in the slot 14f of the bore 14b.

[0077] The retaining pin 42 is secured in the slot 40 of the insulating insert. The retaining pin 42 is indirectly secured in the slot 34 of the bushing, with the portion of the insulating insert that delimits the slot 40 being inserted. The retaining pin 42 presses circumferentially against the flanks 40b, 40c of the slot 40 of the insulating insert. The shape of the retaining pin 42 matches the shape of the slot 40 of the insulating insert. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the pin 42 is therefore cross-shaped with a radial main portion and a branch. In this case, the retaining pin 42 is radially recessed from the outer surface 28a of the outer ring. Alternatively, the retaining pin could be flush with the outer surface 28a.

[0078] The retaining pin 42 extends from the support 44. The retaining pin 42 extends radially outwards from the support 44. The support 44 is in the form of a section that extends circumferentially over a limited angular area, which may be, for example, between 5° and 20°.

[0079] The anti-rotation device 32 also includes two hooks 46 extending radially from the support 44. The hooks 46 extend radially outwards from the support 44. The hooks 46 are located circumferentially on both sides of the retaining pin 42. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the hooks 42 extend within the slot 14f of the outer ring 14 of the bearing. The hooks 46 engage within the slot 14f and interact with it by means of a snap-fit ​​connection to ensure axial retention of the anti-rotation device relative to the outer ring 14. Each hook 46 bears against a wall of the slot 14f in the axial direction to ensure this axial retention. The hooks 46 form means for securing the anti-rotation device 32 to the outer ring 14.

[0080] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the anti-rotation device 32 is flush with the end face 28d of the bushing, the end face 30d of the insulating insert, and the end face 14d of the outer ring. Alternatively, the anti-rotation device 32 could be recessed from the end faces 28d, 30d, 14d of the bushing, the insulating insert, and the outer ring, or alternatively, project axially from these faces. As stated above, the storage device also includes the second

[0081] Anti-rotation device 33. The second anti-rotation device 33 is diametrically opposite the first anti-rotation device 32 and identical to it. The anti-rotation device 33 is attached to the bushing 28, the insulating insert 30 and the outer ring 14 in the same manner as the anti-rotation device 32, and this attachment is not described in more detail.

[0082] The first and second anti-rotation devices 32, 33 are made of electrically insulating material in this case. The anti-rotation devices 32, 33 can, for example, be made of a synthetic material such as PEEK or PA46, or alternatively, of an elastomeric material such as rubber. Alternatively, the anti-rotation devices 32, 33 could be made of electrically conductive material and be surrounded at least at one end by an electrically insulating material.

[0083] The storage device is manufactured as follows.

[0084] In a Fig. In the first step 50, as shown in Figure 8, slot 34 and the diametrically opposite slot (without reference numeral) of bushing 28 are machined. Slot 36 and the diametrically opposite slot (without reference numeral) of the outer ring 14 of the bearing are also machined.

[0085] In a second subsequent step 52, the first and second anti-rotation devices 32, 33 are attached to the outer ring 14 by a simple axial pressure in order to snap them into the slot 14f of the ring.

[0086] In a third subsequent step 54, the bearing 10, or only the outer ring 14, and the bushing 28 are fixed in a mold designed for overmolding the insulating insert 30. In this position fixed in the mold, the bushing 28 is axially spaced from the outer ring 14 of the bearing.

[0087] In a fourth subsequent step 56, the insulating insert 30 is overmolded onto the outer ring 14 of the bearing, onto the bushing 28, and onto the anti-rotation devices 32, 33. The slot 40 is formed during the overmolding step of the insulating insert 30.

[0088] Then in a fifth step 58, the uniform arrangement formed by the bearing 10, or just the outer ring 14, the bushing 28, the insulating insert 30 and the rotational safety devices 32, 33 is removed from the mold.

[0089] In another implementation method, which in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the following procedure is used to manufacture the storage device.

[0090] In a first step 60, slot 34 and the diametrically opposite slot (without reference numeral) of bushing 28 are machined. Slot 36 and the diametrically opposite slot (without reference numeral) of the outer ring 14 of the bearing are also machined.

[0091] In a second subsequent step 62, the bearing 10, or only the outer ring 14, and the bushing 28 are fixed in a mold designed for forming the insulating insert 30. In this position, the bushing 28 is axially spaced from the outer ring 14 of the bearing.

[0092] In a third subsequent step 64, the insulating insert 30 is overmolded onto both the outer ring 14 of the bearing and the bushing 28.

[0093] Then, in a fourth subsequent step 66, the uniform arrangement formed by the bearing 10, or just the outer ring 14, the bushing 28 and the insulating insert 30, is removed from the mold.

[0094] Then, in a fifth subsequent step, slot 40 and the diametrically opposite slot (without reference numeral) of the insulating insert are machined. Alternatively, the recesses of these slots could be formed directly in the mold.

[0095] Finally, in a sixth step 70, the first and second anti-rotation devices 32, 33 are attached to the outer ring 14.

[0096] The exemplary embodiment shown in the Fig. 10 and Fig. Figure 11, in which identical elements bear the same reference numerals, differs from the first example in that the device comprises a single anti-rotation device 62 to prevent the bushing 28, the insulating insert 30 and the outer ring 14 of the bearing from rotating together.

[0097] The anti-rotation device 62 comprises an annular support 64, which sits in the bore 14b of the outer ring of the bearing, and two retaining pins 42, which are supported by the support. More precisely, the support 64 sits in the slot 14f of the bore 14b. The retaining pins are diametrically opposed. In this example, the retaining pins 42 are each in the form of a parallel wedge. The retaining pins 42 are secured in the slots of the bushing, the insulating insert, and the outer ring in a manner similar to the first example.

[0098] The anti-rotation device 62 also includes two hooks 66 extending radially from the support 64. The hooks 66 extend radially outwards from the support 64. Each hook 66 extends circumferentially around the support 64 from one retaining pin 42 to the other. Each hook 66 is continuous in the circumferential direction from one retaining pin 42 to the other. Alternatively, it would be possible to provide hooks that are spaced apart in the circumferential direction from one retaining pin 42 to the other.

[0099] In a similar manner to the first example, the hooks 66 extend into the slot 14f of the outer ring 14 of the bearing to ensure axial retention of the anti-rotation device 62 relative to the outer ring.

[0100] The exemplary embodiment shown in the Fig.Figures 12 to 14, in which identical elements bear the same reference numeral, differ from the second example mainly in that the support 64 of the anti-rotation device 62 has a larger radial dimension. The support 64 extends almost to the outer surface 12b of the inner ring of the bearing, thus forming a dynamic annular seal by means of a narrow gap. The support 64 is also provided at its lower end with a lip 64a, which extends axially inwards to lengthen the narrow gap formed between the support 64 and the inner ring 12 of the bearing.

[0101] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the carrier 64 forms a dynamic seal with the inner ring 12 by means of a narrow gap. Alternatively, the carrier 64 could form a dynamic seal with the inner ring 12 through frictional contact.

[0102] In this exemplary embodiment, the hooks 46, which are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, are provided circumferentially on both sides of the retaining pins 42.

[0103] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the anti-rotation device is held axially on the outer ring of the bearing. Alternatively, or in combination, the anti-rotation device could be held axially on the outer surface of the bushing. In another variant, the anti-rotation device could be held axially on the insulating insert.

[0104] 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 insert 30 is overmolded, is the outer ring.

[0105] Alternatively, a reverse arrangement can be used in which the second ring 14, onto which the insulating insert 30 is overmolded, is the inner ring. In this case, the insulating sleeve is located in the bore 12a in the inner ring. The insulating insert is then inserted radially between the bore 12a of the inner ring and the outer surface of the bushing. The insulating insert is overmolded on the inner ring and at least on the outer surface of the bushing. The bore of the bushing delimits the bore of the bearing device. In this reverse arrangement, the anti-rotation device is held axially against the inner ring of the bearing. Alternatively, or in combination, the anti-rotation device could be held axially against the bore of the bushing. In another variant, the anti-rotation device could be held axially against the insulating insert.

[0106] In the described exemplary embodiment, the bearing of the device is provided with a single row of rolling elements. As a variant, the bearing can be provided with multiple rows of rolling elements. Additionally, the rolling bearing can include elements other than balls, for example, rollers. In another variant, the bearing can be a plain bearing without rolling elements.

Claims

[1] Bearing device comprising a bearing (10) having a first ring (12) and a second ring (14) rotatable relative to each other, and an insulating sleeve (26) attached to the second ring (14) of the bearing and provided with a bushing (28) and with an insulating insert (30) inserted radially between the second ring (14) and the bushing (28) and made of electrically insulating material, wherein the bushing comprises an outer surface (28a) and an inner surface (28b) opposite the outer surface, which limit the radial thickness of the bushing, wherein the insulating insert (30) is overmolded onto the second ring (14) of the bearing and onto at least one of the outer and inner surfaces of the bushing (28), characterized by , that - at least a first slot (34) is provided on the bushing (28), at least a first slot (40) is provided on the insulating insert (30), and at least a first slot (36) is provided on the second ring (14) of the bearing, wherein the first slot (40) of the insulating insert is arranged at least partially in the radial extension of the first slot (34) of the bushing, and the first slot (36) of the second ring is arranged in the radial extension of the first slot (40) of the insulating insert, and that - the bearing device further comprises at least one anti-rotation device (32; 62) which is provided with at least one first retaining pin (42) which is at least partially seated in the first slots (34, 36, 40) of the bushing, the insulating insert and the second ring of the bearing, a support (44; 64) to which the first retaining pin (42) is attached, and at least one axial retaining element (46; 66) of the device which interacts with at least one of the second ring (14) of the bearing, the insulating insert (30) and the bushing (28). [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the axial retaining element (46; 66) of the anti-rotation device is arranged on the support (44; 64). [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the axial retaining element (44; 64) of the anti-rotation device interacts with at least one of the second ring (14) of the bearing, the insulating insert (30) and the bushing (28) by means of a snap-fit ​​connection. [4] Device according to claim 3, wherein the axial retaining element (44; 64) of the anti-rotation device interacts with at least one slot (14f) of at least one of the second ring (14) of the bearing, the insulating insert (30) and the bushing (28) by means of a snap closure. [5] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier (64) of the anti-rotation device is ring-shaped. [6] Device according to claim 5, wherein the anti-rotation device is further provided with at least one second retaining pin (42) which is attached to the carrier (64) and is seated at least partially in second slots of the bushing, the insulating insert and the second ring (14) of the bearing, wherein the second slot of the insulating insert is arranged at least partially in the radial extension of the second slot of the bushing and the second slot of the second ring is arranged in the radial extension of the second slot of the insulating insert. [7] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier (64) of the anti-rotation device extends almost to the first ring (12) to form a dynamic annular seal with the first ring. [8] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first slot (34) of the bushing is formed on one of the end faces (28d) of the bushing, the first slot (40) of the insulating insert is formed on one of the end faces (30d) of the insulating insert and the first slot (36) of the second ring of the bearing is formed on one of the end faces (14d) of the second ring. [9] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-rotation device (32; 62) is made at least partially of electrically insulating material. [10] Electric motor comprising a housing, a shaft and at least one bearing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which is mounted radially between the housing and the shaft.

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