Antistatic bearing housing

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bearing receptacle comprising a bearing receptacle body for holding a bearing, a shield forming a shaft insertion portion for inserting a shaft into the bearing receptacle, and at least one conductive element for providing an electrical connection from the inside of the bearing receptacle body to an outer material.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bearing seat for use in environments where environmental hygiene is a high priority, in particular to a waterproof bearing seat for use in areas where environmental hygiene is a high priority, whereby static electricity build-up is easily discharged from the bearing seat, thereby reducing maintenance, reducing or even avoiding the adhesion or accumulation of dust, dirt, microbial matter or allergens on, in or around the bearing seat, and extending the service life of the bearing seat and the bearing. [Background technology]

[0002] Over the last decade, the food and beverage industry has experienced a significant increase in products that have had to be recalled due to contamination with microorganisms, allergens or dust particles that are not intended to be present in the food product.

[0003] In this regard, bacterial contamination and undeclared allergens together represent approximately 75% of the top FDA food recall causes based on units.

[0004] Many companies have strict guidelines and measures in place regarding safe practices in production zones to protect food products. These may include measures such as signs encouraging hand washing or purchasing hygienically designed "food grade" machines.

[0005] Due to the increasing number of recalls, proactive food safety has become a top priority for food and beverage control commissions, and a variety of different approaches are being used to reduce or avoid contaminated food products.

[0006] One approach is inspection or regulatory control of food products and production lines, but this is highly undesirable for production because the inspection or control is time consuming and expensive. The inspection or control may result in the shutdown of the process line until the equipment and facilities are properly cleaned. This obviously has a strong impact on production turnover in terms of downtime and in terms of no product production.

[0007] Therefore, an alternative approach is to ensure proper cleaning of equipment and facilities to ensure a clean and contaminant-free environment while ensuring optimal food safety.

[0008] One of the risk areas for contamination with dust, microbial material and allergens, which presents difficulties in properly cleaning, is the bearing seat and the area around the bearing seat.

[0009] It is generally understood that static electricity can arise from the movement, sliding and rotation of parts, typically from motors, belts, agitator guides that slide against the belts, sprockets, rollers, and of course bearing housings. The choice of material and design of the bearing housings will be crucial to how big of a problem static electricity is and how the problem should be solved.

[0010] If this static electricity is not handled well, or if the static mitigation system (often a shaft grounding brush) is not maintained and fails, the static electricity will seek an alternative path to ground. That path may be the metal component closest to the shaft, typically a bearing or seal, and electrical arcing to that component is called electrostatic discharge. One of the problems with arcing would be that it corrodes the metal surfaces and widens the narrow gaps that these components depend on for proper operation. If undetected, electrostatic discharge can gradually destroy the bearings / sealings, change the shaft dynamics of the machine, and ultimately cause damage to the shaft, which would require costly rework. This can also result in increased contamination risk, cleaning difficulties and reduced productivity due to the change in shaft dynamics, and can also increase wear on the bearings and / or bearing housings.

[0011] An additional challenge with static electricity that is not handled well can be the possibility of sparks. Sparks caused by static electricity can be a significant fire hazard in some industries and a significant explosion hazard in many. Sparks release energy that can ignite flammable or explosive materials. While fire hazards can be obvious with flammable chemicals, industries where there is a lot of dust, such as flour mills, can also be an explosion hazard due to static sparks. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] Therefore, an improved bearing housing would be advantageous, in particular a bearing housing that is waterproof, even in the event of increased angular motion when misaligned during installation, that can be more efficiently and / or more reliably flushed and cleaned, and that thereby reduces or even avoids the adhesion or accumulation of dust, dirt, microbial matter, or allergens on, in or around the bearing housing, and that can discharge any static electricity that may build up. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT One object of the present invention is therefore a bearing seat for use in environments where environmental hygiene is a high priority.

[0014] In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a bearing housing for use in areas where environmental hygiene is a high priority, where any static electricity that may build up may be easily discharged from the bearing housing, thereby reducing maintenance and even reducing or avoiding the adhesion or accumulation of dust, dirt, microbial matter or allergens on, in or around the bearing housing, and also extending the service life of the bearing housing and the bearing.

[0015] Thus, one aspect of the invention relates to a bearing housing comprising a bearing housing body for holding a bearing, a shield forming a shaft insert for inserting a shaft into the bearing housing, and at least one conductive element providing an electrical connection from the inside of the bearing housing body to an outer material. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 shows a hygienic bearing receiving portion (1) comprising a bearing body (2) for holding a bearing (3) and a shield (4) forming a shaft insertion portion (6) for inserting a shaft into the bearing receiving portion (1), the shield (4) being formed with a spherical outer surface (4a) which is movable in contact with the bearing receiving portion body (2), the shield (4) resting on the bearing (3) when attached to the bearing receiving portion body (2). The shield (4) includes a seal (9a) between the bearing receiving portion body (2) and the shield (4).

[0017] The spherical structure on the outer surface of the shield can come into contact with a removable flat cover (2c) that is attached to the fixed bearing receptacle body (2a). When the bearing (3) is mounted in the bearing receptacle body (2), the removable flat cover (2c) presses the shield (4) against the bearing (3). The removable flat cover (2c) comes into contact with the shield (4), and a sealing (9a) is provided between the removable flat cover (2c) (or the bearing receptacle body (2)) and the shield (4). The removable flat cover (2c) also includes a seal (9c) between the removable flat cover (2c) and the fixed bearing receptacle body (2a).

[0018] Opposite the removable flat cover (2c), a removable bearing receptacle cover (2b) is attached to the fixed bearing receptacle body (2a). A seal (9b) is provided between the fixed bearing receptacle body (2a) and the removable bearing receptacle cover (2b).

[0019] 1 shows a bearing seat (1) having a closed end with a bearing seat cover (2b). However, if a shaft passes through the bearing seat, a shield arrangement according to the invention as described above can be arranged on both sides of the bearing seat body (2a).

[0020] Preferably, the one or more sealings (9) introduced into the bearing receptacle (1) are configured with a contour adapted to the surface of the bearing receptacle to ensure a substantially continuous surface. Preferably, one or more of the sealings (9a), (9b), (9d), (9e) and / or (9f) are configured with a contour adapted to the surface of the bearing receptacle to ensure a substantially continuous surface of the bearing receptacle (1).

[0021] The shield (4) rests on the bearing (3) and the combined bearing (3) and shield (4) can form a spherical structure, for example a sphere or hemisphere, such structures having the same spherical center, forming a spherical seal. The combined bearing (3) and shield (4) are movable in contact with the bearing receptacle body (2), and the shaft (11) can move angularly around the spherical center of the shield (4) after a movement around a cone-like structure starting from the spherical center. In addition to the angular movement of the shaft (11) when inserted in the bearing receptacle (1), the shaft (11) can perform a rotational movement. The rotational movement can be performed around the shaft's longitudinal direction or around the shaft's centerline starting from the spherical center.

[0022] Misalignment that may cause angular movement of the shaft (11), shield (4) and / or bearing (3) may be caused by angular misalignment of the connected bearing housings and / or parallel misalignment of the connected bearing housings.

[0023] In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the shaft (11) (and shield (4) and / or shield (4) and bearing (3)) is capable of angular movement of at least 3.5 degrees, and in the range of 3.5 to 17 degrees, without putting stress on the bearing or causing undesirable deformation of the seal, thereby keeping the bearing and bearing housing waterproof.

[0024] The bearing receptacle body (2) comprises two or more bearing receptacle legs (7) which attach the bearing receptacle (1) to a base (5) using attachment means (8) such as bolts and nuts. The bearing receptacle is attached to the base by bolts and nuts, with sealings (9e) provided at the joints between the bolts and the legs and between the nuts and the legs. Each of the bearing receptacle legs (7) extends from the bearing receptacle body (2) by an arm (10).

[0025] [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a hygienic bearing receptacle (1) according to the present invention. The hygienic bearing receptacle (1) comprises a bearing body (2) for holding a bearing (3) and a shield (4) forming a shaft insertion section (6) for inserting a shaft into the bearing receptacle (1). The bearing receptacle (1) is provided with two bearing receptacle legs (7) extending from the bearing receptacle body (2) by arms (10). The bearing receptacle body comprises a fixed bearing receptacle body (2a), a removable bearing receptacle cover (2b) and a removable bearing receptacle flat cover (2c).

[0026] The removable bearing housing flat cover (2c), when connected to the fixed bearing housing body (2a), presses the shield (4) against the bearing (3). The shield (4) combines with the bearing (3) to form a spherical structure, the two-dimensional structure being represented in FIG. 2 by a solid circle.

[0027] When the shield (4) is placed on the bearing (3), a spherical structure, such as a sphere or hemisphere, can be formed, such that the structure has the same spherical center, i.e., spherical center (c). The shaft (not shown in FIG. 2), when inserted into the bearing receptacle (1), can move angularly about the spherical center (c). The angular movement about the spherical center (c) can be performed around the longitudinal direction of the shaft in a conical direction starting from the spherical center (c), or around the centerline of the shaft starting from the spherical center (c), and outside the bearing receptacle (1).

[0028] The shaft (and shield (4) and bearing (3)) is capable of angular movement of at least 3.5 degrees, preferably within the range of 3.5 to 17 degrees, without putting pressure on the bearing or causing undesirable deformation of the sealing, thereby keeping the bearing (2) and bearing housing body (2) waterproof.

[0029] [Figures 3 to 5] Figures 3 to 5 show the operation achieved by the bearing receptacle (1) according to the invention. The bearing receptacle (1) shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5 is the same as that shown in Figures 1 and 2, and angular motions about the ball centre (c) are shown. Figure 3 shows no angular motion (0°), Figure 4 shows 5 degrees of angular motion (5°) and Figure 5 shows 10 degrees of angular motion (10°).

[0030] [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the rear of four different types of hygienic bearing receptacle (1) according to the invention, defined by Figures 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d. The bearing receptacle (1) comprises a bearing receptacle body (2) for receiving a rotating shaft (not shown in Figure 6) and two or more bearing receptacle legs (7) for mounting the bearing receptacle (1) to a base. Each of the two or more bearing receptacle legs (7) extends from the bearing receptacle body (2) by an arm (10).

[0031] FIG. 6a shows a bearing receptacle (1) with two bearing receptacle legs (7), which are oriented longitudinally with respect to the direction of the rotating shaft that is inserted into the bearing receptacle (1). FIG. 6b shows a bearing receptacle (1) with four bearing receptacle legs (7), which are oriented longitudinally with respect to the direction of the rotating shaft that is inserted into the bearing receptacle (1). FIG. 1c shows a bearing receptacle (1) with two bearing receptacle legs (7), which are oriented perpendicularly with respect to the direction of the rotating shaft that is inserted into the bearing receptacle (1). FIG. 1d shows a bearing receptacle (1) with three bearing receptacle legs (7), which are oriented longitudinally with respect to the direction of the rotating shaft that is inserted into the bearing receptacle (1).

[0032] Figures 6a, 6b and 6c show the bearing receptacle legs (7) arranged symmetrically around the bearing receptacle base (2). Figure 6d shows a bearing receptacle (1) with three bearing receptacle legs (7), which are arranged asymmetrically around the bearing receptacle base (2), one bearing receptacle leg (7) being attached to the bearing receptacle body (2) via one or more other bearing receptacle legs (7). Preferably, an annular connection of the bearing receptacle legs (7) can be provided (see Figure 6d).

[0033] In Figure 6, the bearing seat legs (7) are shown to have a length (measured from the top of the bearing seat (7a) to the base of the bearing seat (7b)) that is greater than the height of the arm (10). In fact, the bearing seat legs (7) are the only parts of the bearing seat (1) that come into contact with the base when the bearing seat is mounted on the base. Since the bearing seat base (2) and the arm (10) do not come into contact with the base when mounted on the base, the free space between the bearing seat body (2) (and arm (10)) and the base (when mounted on the base) allows easy access for cleaning the bearing seat from any angle.

[0034] The bearing receptacle body (2) includes a fixed bearing receptacle body (2a) connected to two bearing receptacle legs (7) (FIGS. 6a and 6c), three bearing receptacle legs (7) (FIG. 6d), or four bearing receptacle legs (7) (FIG. 6b) via an arm (10), and a removable bearing receptacle cover (2b) attached to the fixed bearing receptacle body (2a). A removable flat cover (2c) is provided on the side of the fixed bearing receptacle body (2a) opposite the removable bearing receptacle cover (2b). The removable flat cover (2c) includes a shaft insert (not shown).

[0035] Between the fixed bearing seat body (2a) and the removable flat cover (2c) and between the fixed bearing seat body (2a) and the removable bearing seat cover (2b) seals (9c and 9b, respectively) are inserted to ensure that water does not get into the bearing seat (1) at their joints. The seals (9) are configured with a contour adapted to the structure of the surfaces or elements to be connected, thereby ensuring a substantially continuous or nearly continuous surface at the joint between the connected surfaces or elements, so that dust, dirt, microbial matter (such as bacteria or fungi) or other deposits (e.g. allergens) can be hindered or prevented from hiding and / or accumulating.

[0036] A seal (9f) is also provided at the base end of each of the bearing housing legs (7b) to avoid the accumulation of dust, dirt, microbial matter or other deposits at the joint between the bearing housing body (2) and the base.

[0037] The seal (9) may be prepared from a non-conductive soft silicone material, the blue colour RAL 5010 providing an improved level of hygiene and / or visual inspection of cleaning quality.

[0038] The seal (9) according to the present invention helps to provide that the bearing housing is waterproof by preventing the ingress of water, dust and microbial activity.

[0039] The bearing receiving portion legs (7) are provided with mounting means (8) such as bolts or nuts for mounting the bearing receiving portion (1) to the base.

[0040] The bearing housing (1) may be made from a tough polypropylene material, the surface of the bearing housing (1) being smoothed to allow water to escape from said surface. The surface of the bearing housing (1) has a roughness of less than Ra2.0 μm, such as Ra1.8 μm, for example Ra1.6 μm, such as Ra1.4 μm, for example Ra1.2 μm, for example Ra1.0 μm, such as Ra0.8 μm, for example Ra0.6 μm, for example Ra0.4 μm.

[0041] Mounted inside the bearing housing (1) is a bearing suitable for receiving a rotating shaft. The bearing may be a ceramic bearing or a stainless steel bearing.

[0042] [Figure 7] 7 shows the front side of a hygienic bearing receptacle (1) according to the present invention. The bearing receptacle (1) comprises a bearing receptacle body (2) that receives a rotating shaft (not shown) and four bearing receptacle legs (7) that attach the bearing receptacle (1) to a base. Each of the bearing receptacle legs (7) extends from the bearing receptacle body (2) by an arm (10).

[0043] When the bearing receptacle (1) is attached to the base, a sealing (9f) is provided at the base end (7b) of the bearing leg, which is the only part of the bearing receptacle that comes into contact with the base.

[0044] The bearing housing body (2) is a fixed bearing receiving portion main body (2a) connected to the two bearing receiving portion legs (7) via an arm (10); and a removable flat cover (2c) containing a shaft insert (6).

[0045] Inside the bearing receptacle base (2) a bearing suitable for receiving a rotating shaft is mounted and a sealing (9d) is provided which can come into contact with the shaft when the shaft is inserted into the bearing receptacle body (2). The sealing (9d) and the spherical outer surface (4) can be of the same material, preferably one piece, or the sealing (9d) and the spherical outer surface (4) can be of different materials. Preferably, the sealing (9d) and the spherical outer surface (4) can be of the same material, preferably one piece.

[0046] The arm (10) is formed as a polyhedron, in particular as a triangular prism, with a first of two triangular ends attached to the bearing receptacle body (2) and a second of two triangular ends attached to one of the two bearing receptacle legs (7). The first triangular end has a curved end with a radius relative to the radius of the bearing receptacle body (2) that is larger than the radius of the curved ends attached to each of the two bearing receptacle legs (7).

[0047] The arm (10) has a length (l) which determines how far each of the bearing housing legs (7) extends from the bearing housing body (2), a height (h) defined in a direction from the bearing housing (1) to the base, and a width (w) defined in a direction perpendicular to the direction from the bearing housing (1) to the base.

[0048] During molding, the arm (10) is molded as an integral part of the fixed bearing receiving portion body (2a) and the two bearing receiving portion legs (7).

[0049] The arm (10) does not come into contact with the base when the bearing accommodating portion (1) is attached to the base.

[0050] The tip 12 of the arm 10, which is formed as a polyhedron, in particular a triangular prism, faces towards the base. This configuration of the arm 10 improves cleaning around the bearing housing by improving access for cleaning from all sides and angles of the bearing housing as well as improving drainage.

[0051] [Figure 8] 8 shows a hygienic bearing receptacle (1) according to the present invention. The bearing receptacle (1) comprises a bearing receptacle body (2) that receives a rotating shaft (11) and four bearing receptacle legs (7) that attach the bearing receptacle (1) to a base. Each of the four bearing receptacle legs (7) extends from the bearing receptacle body (2) by an arm (10).

[0052] The bearing accommodating body (2) includes a fixed bearing accommodating body (2a), a removable bearing accommodating cover (2b), and a removable flat cover (2c) including a shaft insertion portion for inserting the shaft (11).

[0053] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bearing seat body (2) may comprise a fixed bearing seat body (2a), a removable bearing seat cover (2b) and a removable flat cover (2c), the removable flat cover (2c) comprising a shaft insert for inserting the shaft (11), and the removable bearing seat cover (2b) comprising a shaft insert (6) for inserting the shaft (11). Such a configuration of the bearing seat according to the present invention may be provided for a bearing seat where the shaft passes through the bearing seat, and therefore two shaft inserts (6) are required, one shaft insert (6) for inserting the shaft (11) into the bearing seat (1) and one for removing the shaft (11) from the bearing seat (1).

[0054] The bearing seat (1) according to the present invention is attached to the base (5) at the base ends (7b) of the bearing legs using mounting means (8) such as bolts, the bearing legs being the only parts of the bearing seat that come into contact with the base (5) when the bearing seat (1) is attached to the base, and are provided with sealings (9f).

[0055] The bearing housing body (2) is a fixed bearing receiving portion main body (2a) connected to two bearing receiving portion legs (7) via arms (10); and a removable flat cover (2c) containing the shaft insert.

[0056] [Figure 9] 9 shows a hygienic bearing receptacle (1) according to the present invention. The bearing receptacle (1) comprises a bearing receptacle body (2) that holds a rotating shaft (11) and four bearing receptacle legs (7) that attach the bearing receptacle (1) to a base. Each of the four bearing receptacle legs (7) extends from the bearing receptacle body (2) by an arm (10).

[0057] The bearing accommodating portion body (2) can include a fixed bearing accommodating portion body (2a), a removable bearing accommodating portion cover (2b), and a removable flat cover (2c), the removable flat cover (2c) including a shaft insert portion for inserting the shaft (11), and the removable bearing accommodating portion cover (2b) including a shaft insert portion (6) for inserting the shaft (11).

[0058] Such a configuration of the bearing housing (1) as shown in FIG. 9 according to the present invention can be provided for a bearing housing where the shaft passes through the bearing housing, and thus two shaft inserts (6) are provided, one shaft insert (6) for inserting the shaft (11) into the bearing housing (1) and one for inserting the shaft (11) out of the bearing housing (1).

[0059] [Figure 10] 10 shows a side view of a sleeve (40) according to the present invention. The sleeve (40) has a circular front end (41) and a circular rear end (42) and a circular opening (6) passing through the center of the circular front end (41) and the circular rear end (42), the circular rear end (42) being connected to the circular front end (41) by a bulbous structure (44). The circular opening (6) can pass through the sleeve (40) from the circular front end (41) to the circular rear end (42).

[0060] The sleeve 40 may be a plain bearing and / or a seal, such as a spherical seal, etc. The sleeve 40 may be provided in one piece of material.

[0061] The sleeve (40) has a diameter at its circular front end (41) that may be smaller than the diameter at its circular rear end (42).

[0062] The circular front end (41) can have a front end circular opening (45) and the circular rear end (42) can have a rear end circular opening (46), and the diameter of the front end circular opening (45) can be smaller than the diameter of the rear end circular opening (46).

[0063] A lip seal (47) may be provided at the front circular opening (45). The lip seal (47) may have a configuration (48) of negative or neutral curvature with respect to the sleeve (40). The configuration (48) of negative or neutral curvature provided by the lip seal (47) may be negative with respect to the spherical structure (44). The configuration (48) of negative or neutral curvature forms a lip seal (47) parallel or nearly parallel to the longitudinal direction of the shaft 11 when the shaft 11 is inserted into the circular opening (49) that serves as the shaft insertion portion (6) for inserting the shaft into the bearing receiving portion (1) (FIG. 11 or FIG. 12).

[0064] [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows a front view of sleeve (40) as shown in Figure 10. Sleeve (40) has a circular front end (41) and a circular rear end (42) and a circular opening (49) through the center of the circular front end (41) and the circular rear end (42), which is connected to the circular front end (41) by a bulbous formation (44). Circular opening (49) allows passage through sleeve (40) from the circular front end (41) to the circular rear end (42).

[0065] The circular front end (41) can have a front end circular opening (45) and the circular rear end (42) can have a rear end circular opening (46), and the diameter of the front end circular opening (45) can be smaller than the diameter of the rear end circular opening (46).

[0066] [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows the interaction between sleeve (40), shaft (11) and bearing (3). Sleeve (40) has a circular front end (41) and a circular rear end (42) and a circular opening (49) passing through the center of the circular front end (41) and the circular rear end (42), with the circular rear end (42) connected to the circular front end (41) by a spherical formation (44). The circular opening (49) allows passage through sleeve (40) from the circular front end (41) to the circular rear end (42) and into which shaft 11 is inserted. Figure 11 shows that sleeve (40) rests on bearing (3) and that sleeve (40) and bearing (3) together can form a spherical sphere or a spherical hemisphere with a common spherical center.

[0067] [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows an exploded view of a hygienic bearing receptacle (1) according to the invention, comprising a sleeve (40).

[0068] The sanitary bearing receptacle (1) comprises a bearing body (2) for holding a bearing (3) and a sleeve (40) for forming a shaft insert (6) (provided by a circular opening (49)) for inserting a shaft (11) into the bearing receptacle (1), the sleeve (40) being formed with a circular front end having a front circular opening (45) and a circular rear end having a rear circular opening (46), forming a circular opening (49) passing through the center of the circular front end and the circular rear end, the diameter of the front circular opening (45) being smaller than the diameter of the rear circular opening (46). The sleeve (40) is movable in contact with the bearing receptacle body (2), and the sleeve (40) rests on the bearing (3) when attached to the bearing receptacle body (2). The sleeve (40) may be a seal between the bearing receptacle body (2) and the shaft (11) and may be a sliding bearing for the shaft (11).

[0069] The spherical structure (44) on the outer surface of the sleeve (40) can come into contact with a removable flat cover (2c) attached to the fixed bearing receptacle body (2a). When the bearing (3) is attached to the bearing receptacle body (2), the removable flat cover (2c) presses the sleeve (40) against the bearing (3).

[0070] The sleeve (40) rests on the bearing (3) and the combined bearing (3) and sleeve (40) can form a spherical structure, such as a sphere or hemisphere, such as structures with the same spherical center. The combined bearing (3) and sleeve (40) are movable in contact with the bearing receptacle body (2) and the shaft (11) can move angularly around the spherical center of the sleeve (40) after moving around a cone-like structure starting from the spherical center. In addition to the angular movement of the shaft (11) when inserted into the bearing receptacle (1), the shaft (11) can perform a rotational movement. The rotational movement can be around the shaft's longitudinal direction or around the shaft's centerline starting from the spherical center.

[0071] The bearing housing (1) according to the present invention is attached to the base (5) at the base ends of the bearing legs (7b) using mounting means (8) such as bolts, and the bearing legs are the only parts of the bearing housing that come into contact with the base (5) when the bearing housing (1) is attached to the base (5).

[0072] [Figure 14] 14 shows a hygienic bearing receptacle (1) according to the present invention. The bearing receptacle (1) comprises a bearing receptacle body (2) for holding a bearing (3), a shield (4) forming a shaft insert (6) for inserting a rotating shaft (11) into the bearing receptacle (1), and at least one conductive element (50) for providing an electrical connection from the inside of the bearing receptacle body (2) to the outside material.

[0073] FIG. 14 shows that the electrical connection via the hole (53) is configured to transfer static electricity brought about on the surface of the rotatable shaft (11), through the rotatable shaft (11) and, if the bearing (3) can be inserted into the bearing housing (1), through the at least one conductive element (50) to an outer material, for example a base (5) to which the bearing housing can be mounted.

[0074] The bearing receptacle includes two bearing receptacle legs (7) that mount the bearing receptacle (1) to the base (5) using mounting means (8). Each of the two bearing receptacle legs (7) extends from the bearing receptacle body (2) by an arm (10).

[0075] A shield (4) is formed with a spherical outer surface (4a) that is movable in contact with the bearing receptacle body (2), and the shield (4) rests on the bearing (3) when attached to the bearing receptacle body (2). The shield (4) includes a seal (9a) between the bearing receptacle body (2) and the shield (4).

[0076] The spherical structure on the outer surface of the shield can come into contact with a removable flat cover (2c) that is attached to the fixed bearing receptacle body (2a). When the bearing (3) is attached to the bearing receptacle body (2), the removable flat cover (2c) presses the shield (4) against the bearing (3). The removable flat cover (2c) comes into contact with the shield (4), and a sealing (9a) is provided between the removable flat cover (2c) (or the bearing receptacle body (2)) and the shield (4). The removable flat cover (2c) also includes a seal (9c) between the removable flat cover (2c) and the fixed bearing receptacle body (2a).

[0077] The bearing accommodating body (2) includes a fixed bearing accommodating body (2a), a removable bearing accommodating cover (2b), and a removable flat cover (2c) including a shaft insertion portion for inserting the shaft (11).

[0078] As described herein, since static electricity is generated during rotation of the shaft (11) and bearing (3) as well as carried to the surface of the rotating shaft, in order to discharge the static electricity, the present invention is provided with at least one conductive element (50) providing an electrical connection from the inside of the bearing housing body (2) to an outer material such as the base (5). The discharge of static electricity can be via at least one bearing housing leg (7) and / or at least one attachment means (8), and the flow of static electricity during discharge can be indicated by the serpentine dashed arrows in FIG. 14.

[0079] [Figure 15] 15 shows a bearing receptacle body (2) according to the invention, in which the bearing receptacle legs (7) extend from the bearing receptacle body (2) by arms (10). The bearing receptacle legs (7) are shown with a metal core (52) which may be suitable for receiving static electricity from the inside of the bearing receptacle body (2), preferably from the bearing (3).

[0080] At least one conductive element (50) formed by a spring and in moving physical contact with the stationary parts of the bearing (3) allows static electricity to be transferred from inside the bearing housing body (2) to the outside of the bearing housing.

[0081] Static electricity discharged from inside the bearing receptacle body (2) can be transferred from inside the bearing receptacle body (2) through the hole (53) in the bearing receptacle body (2) that passes through the arm (10) to the bearing receptacle leg (7), to the at least one conductive element (50), and to the metal core (52) of the bearing receptacle leg (7). The static electricity can be discharged by transferring it from the metal core (52) to the mounting means and to the base (5).

[0082] By merely forming a hole (53) from the inside of the bearing housing body to the metal core (52) of at least one leg (7) of the bearing housing, a high hygiene standard of the bearing housing can be maintained, since the hole (53) or the conductive element (50) does not provide any openings for the attachment or accumulation of dust, dirt or microbial matter and does not adversely affect cleaning.

[0083] The present invention will now be described in more detail below. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0084] Hygienic bearing housings are used in hygienic environments such as food, feed or pharmaceutical production sites, where dust, dirt, microbial matter (such as bacteria or fungi) or other deposits such as allergens can harbor and accumulate, which can result in a product contaminated with undesirable ingredients, and where static electricity can build up, which can be challenging for the equipment, the bearings and the bearing housing, and it would be a challenge to discharge this static electricity, preferably without compromising the hygienic effectiveness of the bearing housing.

[0085] In response, the present inventors have surprisingly found that by simplifying and restructuring the bearing housing, by ensuring that the bearing housing is waterproof, even under increased angular motion when misaligned during installation, cleaning on and around the bearing housing can be made much easier, and the occurrence of adhesion or accumulation of dust, dirt, microbial matter, or allergens on, in or around the bearing housing can be significantly reduced or even avoided, while at the same time ensuring proper discharge under hygienic conditions and meeting regulations in the United States and the European Union, without compromising the strength, robustness or stability of the bearing housing.

[0086] A preferred embodiment of the invention therefore relates to a bearing receptacle comprising a bearing receptacle body for holding a bearing and at least one conductive element for providing an electrical connection from the inside of the bearing receptacle body to the outside material.

[0087] A further preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a bearing receptacle comprising a bearing receptacle body for holding a bearing, a shield forming a shaft insertion portion for inserting a shaft into the bearing receptacle, and at least one conductive element for providing an electrical connection from the inside of the bearing receptacle body to an outer material.

[0088] Preferably, the outer material may be a different material from the bearing housing, or from the bearing if the bearing is inserted into the bearing housing, or from the shaft if the shaft is inserted into the bearing and the bearing housing.

[0089] The advantage of the at least one electrically conductive element may have particular relevance if the bearing housing body may be provided in a non-conductive material.

[0090] In one embodiment of the invention, the electrical connection may be configured to transfer static electricity through the bearing when the bearing is inserted into the bearing housing, through the at least one conductive element to the outer material.

[0091] In a further embodiment of the invention, the electrical connection may be configured to transfer static electricity from the rotatable shaft (when inserted into the bearing housing), through the bearing, when the bearing may be inserted into the bearing housing, to the outer material through the at least one conductive element.

[0092] If a bearing housing in which the bearing is provided can be mounted with a rotatable shaft mounted on the bearing / bearing housing, electrical currents, such as static electricity, can travel from the rotatable shaft, through the bearing to the at least one conductive element, and to the outer material.

[0093] Preferably, the non-conductive material may be a polymeric material, for example a plastic material, or a ceramic material.

[0094] In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one conductive element may include a conductive material.

[0095] The conductive material or conductive element may be made from a metallic material, preferably a conductive metallic material.

[0096] In one embodiment of the present invention, the metallic material may be selected from gold, copper or steel.

[0097] In further embodiments of the present invention, the conductive material may be a spring conductive material, which may be in the form of a spring (e.g., a spiral spring or a leaf spring), a flexible tap, a pogo pin, or the like.

[0098] Preferably, the at least one conductive element is capable of making physical contact with the bearing when the bearing is inserted into the bearing housing.

[0099] The at least one conductive element is preferably in moveable physical contact with the bearing when the bearing is inserted into the bearing housing. Preferably, the at least one conductive element is a moveable part.

[0100] In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one conductive element may be in physical contact with a stationary part of the bearing when the bearing is inserted into the bearing housing.

[0101] In a further embodiment of the invention, the electrical connection may be connected to one or more bearing housing legs and / or one or more mounting means to provide an electrical connection from the inside of the bearing housing body to the outer material.

[0102] In this case, an electrical connection from the inside of the bearing seat body (2) to the outer material may be provided by a conductive element via one or more bearing seat legs and / or one or more attachment means.

[0103] In one embodiment of the invention, the bearing housing body includes a shield forming a shaft insert for inserting a shaft into the bearing housing, the shield may be formed with a spherical outer surface that is movable in contact with the bearing housing body, and the shield rests on the bearing when attached to the bearing housing body.

[0104] The spherical outer surface of the shield may allow angular movement of the shaft and bearing without the conductive element losing physical contact with the bearing.

[0105] In one embodiment of the invention, the bearing housing body may be provided with at least one hole between the inside of the bearing housing body and the outer material, or between the inside of the bearing housing body and one or more bearing housing legs and / or one or more mounting means.

[0106] The holes allow for easy electrical connection between the bearing and the outer material, optionally via one or more bearing seat legs and / or one or more attachment means.

[0107] In one embodiment of the present invention, the outer material may be any material or surface capable of receiving static electricity generated in the bearing.

[0108] Preferably, the material or surface capable of receiving static electricity generated in the bearing may be a surface to which the bearing seat may be mounted.

[0109] By forming holes from the inside of the bearing housing body to the metal core of at least one leg of the bearing housing, the high hygiene standards of the bearing housing can be maintained and not compromised, since the holes or conductive elements do not provide any openings for the attachment or accumulation of dust, dirt or microbial matter and do not have a negative effect on cleaning.

[0110] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a bearing receptacle comprising a bearing body for holding a bearing and a shield forming a shaft insertion portion for inserting a shaft into the bearing receptacle, the shield being formed with a spherical outer surface that is movable in contact with the bearing receptacle body, the shield resting on the bearing when attached to the bearing receptacle body.

[0111] The bulbous shape of the shield can surround the shaft insert.

[0112] In one embodiment of the present invention, the shield may include a sleeve according to the present invention.

[0113] In a further embodiment of the invention, the shield and / or sleeve form a shell around the shaft. Preferably, the shell according to the invention is a hollow shell. The hollow shell according to the invention preferably provides an empty space between the shield and / or sleeve and the shaft. In one embodiment of the invention, the shell, in particular the hollow shell, does not comprise a solid structure (only a space is created through which the shaft is introduced).

[0114] The inventors of the present invention have found that by applying the shield and / or sleeve in the form of a hollow shell, a resilient effect of the shield and / or sleeve can be provided, in particular at the contact point between the shield and / or sleeve and the shaft, more particularly at the contact point between the lip of the shield and / or sleeve and the shaft, which resilient effect results in an improved hygiene effect of the shield and / or sleeve and of the bearing housing which comprises the shield and / or sleeve.

[0115] Additionally, the use of hollow shields and / or sleeves as described in the present invention allows the shaft to pass through the bearing housing and / or allows the user to change the longitudinal orientation of the bearing and shaft (by approximately 180°).

[0116] In one embodiment of the invention, the circular front end has a radius smaller than the radius of the circular rear end. Preferably, the radius of the circular rear end is at least 10% larger than the circular front end, for example, the radius of the circular rear end is at least 20% larger than the circular front end, for example, the radius of the circular rear end is at least 30% larger than the circular front end, for example, the radius of the circular rear end is at least 40% larger than the circular front end, for example, the radius of the circular rear end is at least 50% larger than the circular front end, for example, the radius of the circular rear end is at least 60% larger than the circular front end.

[0117] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a sleeve having a circular front end and a circular rear end and a circular opening through the center of the circular front end and the circular rear end, the rear end being connected to the front end by a spherical structure.

[0118] The present invention relates to the use of a sleeve comprising a polymer material as a sealing and as a plain bearing. Preferably, the sealing can be a sleeve according to the invention.

[0119] In one embodiment of the invention, the sleeve may be a plain bearing.

[0120] In a further embodiment of the invention, the shield and / or sleeve according to the invention may preferably be stationary with respect to the rotating shaft, meaning that the shield and / or sleeve may not rotate with the rotating shaft, in particular the shield and / or sleeve may not rotate.

[0121] In a further embodiment of the invention, the sleeve may be a seal, preferably a spherical sleeve.

[0122] In one embodiment of the invention, the sleeve may be a seal, preferably a spherical sleeve, and a plain bearing.

[0123] The sleeve according to the invention may preferably be provided in one piece of material.

[0124] A circular opening preferably passes through the sleeve from the circular front end to the circular rear end.

[0125] In one embodiment of the invention, the sleeve has a circular front end diameter that may be smaller than the circular rear end diameter.

[0126] In one embodiment of the invention, the diameter of the circular leading end may be at least 10% smaller than the diameter of the circular trailing end, such as at least 25% smaller, such as at least 30% smaller, such as at least 40% smaller, such as at least 45% smaller, such as at least 50% smaller, such as at least 55% smaller, such as at least 60% smaller, such as at least 70% smaller, such as at least 80% smaller, such as in the range of 10-80% smaller, such as in the range of 25-70% smaller, such as in the range of 40-60% smaller, such as in the range of 45-55% smaller.

[0127] The circular front end may have a front circular opening and the circular rear end may have a rear circular opening, the diameter of the front circular opening may be smaller than the diameter of the rear circular opening.

[0128] In one embodiment of the invention, the front circular opening is provided with a lip seal.

[0129] The lip seal according to the present invention is preferably capable of providing a resilient contact with a rotating shaft.

[0130] The lip seal may have a negative curvature arrangement or a neutral curvature arrangement relative to the sleeve.

[0131] Preferably, the negative curvature or neutral curvature formation forms a lip seal from the end of the spherical structure parallel or nearly parallel to the longitudinal direction of the shaft when inserted into the circular opening.

[0132] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve may include an organic compound.

[0133] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the organic compound may comprise an inert organic compound.

[0134] The organic compound may be a polymeric material. Preferably, the polymeric material comprises an olefinic compound. The olefinic compound may be formed as a fiber compound. Preferably, the olefinic compound may comprise polypropylene, polyethylene, or a combination of polypropylene and polyethylene.

[0135] Preferably, the sleeve comprises at least 10%, such as at least 20%, for example at least 30%, such as at least 40%, for example at least 50%, such as at least 75%, for example at least 80%, such as at least 90%, for example at least 95% organic compound.

[0136] The sleeve comprises less than 30%, such as less than 20%, such as less than 10%, such as less than 5%, such as less than 3%, such as less than 1% non-organic material.

[0137] Inorganic materials may include metals such as steel, iron, silicates, or ceramics.

[0138] In one embodiment of the invention, the sleeve may comprise a Young's modulus (i.e., elastic modulus in elongation) in the range of 1000-1500 GPa, such as in the range of 1050-1400 GPa, such as in the range of 1100-1200 GPa, such as in the range of 1130-1170 GPa, such as in the range of 1140-1160 GPa.

[0139] If the Young's modulus (i.e., elastic modulus in elongation) becomes too low, such as below 1000 GPa, it may be difficult to maintain the shape of the sleeve. If the Young's modulus (i.e., elastic modulus in elongation) becomes too high, such as above 1500 GPa, the desired elasticity of the sleeve may be compromised.

[0140] Young's modulus (ie, modulus of elasticity in extension) may refer to a measure of a material's ability to withstand change in length when subjected to longitudinal extension or compression.

[0141] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve is 20×10-5 K -1 Less than, for example, 15 x 10 -5 K -1 For example, 13×10 -5 K -1 Less than, for example, 11 x 10 -5 K -1 For example, 10×10 -5 K -1 Less than, for example, 8 x 10 -5 K -1 For example, 6×10 -5 K -1 Less than, say, 2×10 -5 K -1 ~20×10 -5 K -1 Within the range of, for example, 5×10 -5 K -1 ~18×10 -5 K -1 Within the range of, for example, 5×10 -5 K -1 ~15×10 -5 K -1 Within the range of, for example, 10×10 -5 K -1 ~12×10 -5 K -1 The thermal expansion coefficient may be in the range of .

[0142] The coefficient of thermal expansion indicates how much an object changes in magnitude with a change in temperature. Specifically, the coefficient of thermal expansion indicates the fractional change in magnitude per degree change in temperature at constant pressure, so a lower coefficient indicates a lower tendency for the object to change in magnitude.

[0143] In one embodiment the sleeve comprises a moisture absorption of less than 1% (w / w), such as less than 0.9% (w / w), for example less than 0.8% (w / w), such as less than 0.7% (w / w), for example less than 0.6% (w / w), such as less than 0.5% (w / w), for example less than 0.4% (w / w), such as less than 0.3% (w / w), for example less than 0.2% (w / w), such as less than 0.1% (w / w).

[0144] Moisture absorption as used in this context refers to the ability of the sleeve to absorb moisture from its environment. Absorbed moisture has been shown to act as a plasticizer, lowering the glass transition temperature and strength of plastics, but this is a reversible effect.

[0145] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve (40) has a moisture content in the range of 0.01-1% (w / w), such as in the range of 0.02-0.9% (w / w), for example in the range of 0.03-0.8% (w / w), for example in the range of 0.04-0.7% (w / w), for example in the range of 0.05-0.6% (w / w), such as in the range of 0.06-0.5% (w / w), for example in the range of 0.07-0.4% (w / w), for example in the range of 0.08-0.3% (w / w), for example in the range of 0.09-0.2% (w / w), for example about 0.1% (w / w).

[0146] In a further embodiment of the invention the sleeve has a maximum strain of at least 1%, such as at least 2%, for example at least 3%, such as at least 4%, for example at least 5%.

[0147] The maximum strain of the sleeve may refer to the maximum stress required to cause a permanent or irreversible deformation of the sleeve.

[0148] In one embodiment of the invention, the sleeve may achieve an elongation of at most 50%, such as at most 30%, such as at most 25%, such as at most 20%, for 2% strain when subjected to a constant stress resulting in a 2% strain at 20° C. for at most 6 hours. Preferably, the sleeve may recover from the applied stress to an elongation of at most 1%, such as at most 0.75%, such as at most 0.5%, such as at most 0.25%, for 2% strain within 7 days in a relaxed state.

[0149] Proper adjustment of the maximum strain can significantly affect and increase the durability of the sleeve.

[0150] In an embodiment of the invention, the sleeve may have a coefficient of friction (measured against steel) in the range of 0.005 to 0.4, such as in the range of 0.01 to 0.3, for example in the range of 0.05 to 0.25, such as in the range of 0.075 to 0.2, for example in the range of 0.09 to 0.19.

[0151] Preferably the sleeve comprises a coefficient of friction (measured against steel) lower than 0.4, such as lower than 0.3, such as lower than 0.25, such as lower than 0.2, such as lower than 0.19.

[0152] In the context of the present invention, the term "coefficient of friction" depends on the material with which friction can occur. Preferably, the "coefficient of friction" according to the present invention can be determined for the material steel.

[0153] The coefficient of friction can be determined by the friction between the sleeve and the shaft (preferably a steel shaft) when inserted into the circular opening. The coefficient of friction can be a ratio that determines the force resisting the movement of an object against another object in contact with the sleeve. This ratio can depend on the material properties and can have a value between 0 and 1.

[0154] In one embodiment of the invention, the sleeve may be a sleeve. Preferably, the sleeve may be a self-supporting sleeve.

[0155] In the context of the present invention, the term "self-supporting" relates to a sleeve that is not fixed or held in place by an external means. Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve does not include an external means such as a strap, e.g. a metal strap. Thus, the sleeve can be a self-supporting spherical seal and plain bearing.

[0156] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve can provide sealing on the shaft side when the shaft can be inserted into the sleeve, and further, the sleeve can provide sealing on the flat cover side.

[0157] In one embodiment of the invention, the bearing includes a spherical outer surface of the outer ring.

[0158] The radius of the spherical outer surface of the outer ring of the bearing may be the same or approximately the same as the radius of the spherical structure of the sleeve according to the invention and / or the shield according to the invention.

[0159] In the present context, the term "substantially the same" relates to a deviation of 10% or less, such as a deviation of 5% or less, such as a deviation of 2% or less, such as a deviation of 1%.

[0160] In a further embodiment of the invention, the bearing (when mounted in the bearing seat) includes a spherical outer surface of the outer ring. Preferably, this spherical structure of the outer surface of the outer ring of the bearing can improve contact with a spherical or part-spherical structure of the bearing and shield combination.

[0161] In a further embodiment of the invention, the shield may be mounted on a bearing, the shield and bearing together forming a spherical sphere or a spherical hemisphere having a common spherical centre.

[0162] The bearing seat may in some embodiments be described with a bearing attached to the bearing seat body, and although descriptions of other embodiments of the invention have been presented with the bearing not attached to the bearing seat body, it may be considered how the configuration may be when the bearing is attached to the bearing seat body, or when the bearing is later attached to the bearing seat body.

[0163] If the bearing receptacle body does not (directly) describe the combination of the bearing receptacle body and the bearing mounted thereon, the bearing can be mounted thereon at a later time. Mounting the bearing to the bearing receptacle body can be performed at any time from obtaining the bearing receptacle to after mounting the bearing receptacle to the base.

[0164] In one embodiment of the present invention, a bearing housing according to the present invention may include a bearing mounted in a bearing housing body.

[0165] The bearing mounted in the bearing seat may be a ball bearing, a ceramic bearing, a plain bearing, or a roller bearing.

[0166] In a further embodiment of the invention, a bearing receptacle according to the invention may include a bearing which may be mounted in the bearing receptacle body, and the bearing may be stationary or substantially stationary relative to the shield.

[0167] In another embodiment of the invention, the bearing (if mounted in the bearing housing body) and / or the shield may be movable in contact with the bearing housing body.

[0168] In one embodiment of the present invention, the shield may be a spherical sealing.

[0169] In another embodiment of the invention, the shield and / or sleeve does not include a separate seal, such as an O-ring, between the shield and / or sleeve and the shaft.

[0170] The shield and / or sleeve according to the invention may be provided with anti-rotation means, which may be provided to ensure that the spherical sealing of the shield and / or sleeve does not rotate with the rotation of the shaft when the shaft is inserted into the bearing seat.

[0171] In one embodiment of the invention, the shield and / or sleeve according to the invention may be provided with anti-rotation means. In a further embodiment of the invention, the anti-rotation means ensures that the shield and / or sleeve does not rotate with the rotation of the shaft but allows the bearing and the shield and / or sleeve according to the invention to perform angular movements.

[0172] The anti-rotation means may fix or substantially fix the rotation of the shield and / or sleeve relative to the removable flat cover, the bearing housing body and / or the bearing housing cover.

[0173] In one embodiment of the invention, the anti-rotation means comprises a complementary combination of recesses and protrusions.

[0174] The depression is Shields and / or sleeves, or Removable flat covers and / or bearing housing covers and The protrusions are Shields and / or sleeves, or Removable flat covers and / or bearing housing covers can be seen in one of

[0175] The bearing (if mounted in the bearing housing body) and / or the shield can be movable in contact with a removable flat cover.

[0176] In another embodiment of the invention, the bearing (if mounted in the bearing seat body) can be moveable in contact with the bearing seat body. The shield can be moveable in contact with the bearing seat body. Preferably, the bearing and the shield can be moveable in contact with the bearing seat body.

[0177] In further embodiments of the invention, the shield may be stationary or substantially stationary relative to the shaft when inserted into the bearing housing and / or relative to the shaft when inserted into the bearing via the shaft insert.

[0178] In the context of the present invention, the terms "shaft" and "rotating shaft" can be used interchangeably and relate to a shaft that is or is to be inserted into a bearing receptacle and into a bearing via a shaft insert.

[0179] In one embodiment of the invention, the shield may include a plain bearing, which is preferably oriented towards the shaft when the shaft is inserted into the bearing receptacle via the shaft insert and into the bearing.

[0180] In another embodiment of the invention, the bearing receptacle according to the invention may include a bearing that may be mounted in the bearing receptacle body and that may be stationary relative to the shaft when the shaft is inserted into the bearing receptacle. Preferably, the shaft is fixed to the bearing when inserted into the bearing receptacle via the shaft insert.

[0181] The term "when the shaft is inserted into the bearing seat" relates to the configuration of the bearing seat as it would be without the bearing mounted but when the bearing can be mounted in the bearing seat body.

[0182] In one embodiment of the invention, the shield may include a seal between the bearing housing body and the shield.

[0183] The shield can have a first circular opening facing an exterior of the bearing housing, the first circular opening preferably being capable of contacting the shaft when the shaft is inserted into the bearing housing through the shaft insert and into the bearing.

[0184] The shield can have a radius of a first circular opening that can tightly surround the shaft when the shaft is inserted through the shaft insert into the bearing housing and into the bearing.

[0185] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first circular opening in the shield may be provided with a sealing.

[0186] The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly discovered that by constructing a bearing housing having a spherical outer surface of the shield and a shield that mounts on a bearing having a spherical outer surface of the outer ring, increased angular motion of the shield (and / or the bearing when inserted into the bearing housing body, and / or the shaft when inserted into the bearing housing body and the bearing) can be provided.

[0187] This configuration of the bearing seat according to the invention can result in a reduction of the stresses on the bearing and / or avoid undesired deformations of the seals, thus significantly improving the waterproof properties of the bearing seat and the durability of the bearing, and significantly reducing the maintenance of the bearing and avoiding lubrication.

[0188] Thus, in one embodiment of the invention, the shield and / or the shield and bearing may be capable of angular movement.

[0189] The angular motion may be motion about a center, such as the center of a spherical shield.

[0190] In one embodiment of the invention, the centre of the shield may be the centre of a sphere of which the shield forms a particular part.

[0191] The angular motion may preferably be motion about a centerline of a cone that may extend from a spherical center of the sphere and that may be formed in part by the combination of the shields when the shields are mounted in the bearing, along the shaft, through the shaft insert, and out of the bearing housing body.

[0192] In addition to the angular movement of the shaft when inserted into the bearing housing, the shaft may undergo rotational movement, which may occur around the length of the shaft, i.e. around the centerline of the shaft.

[0193] Prior art bearing housings may allow for small angular movement or small misalignment of the shaft in an angular direction relative to the bearing housing. However, to maintain a waterproof and hygienic configuration of the bearing housing, prior art bearing housings may allow for a maximum angular movement or misalignment of about 1.5 degrees without affecting the sealing performance, resulting in a leaky bearing housing, which may allow water to enter the bearing housing and increase the risk of adhesion or accumulation of dust, dirt, microbial material, or allergens in the bearing housing. This misalignment limit may be due to the configuration of the bearing housing and / or the stationary or fixed position of the bearing inside the bearing housing.

[0194] Misalignment resulting in angular movement of the shaft when inserted into the bearing housing can result from angular misalignment of the connected bearing housings and / or parallel misalignment of the connected bearing housings.

[0195] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the shield and / or shield and bearing may be capable of angular movement of more than 1.5 degrees, such as 1.75 degrees or more, such as 2 degrees or more, for example 2.5 degrees or more, such as 3 degrees or more, for example 3.5 degrees or more, such as 4 degrees or more, for example 4.5 degrees or more, such as 5 degrees or more, for example 6 degrees or more, such as 7 degrees or more, for example 8 degrees or more, such as 9 degrees or more, for example 10 degrees or more, such as in the range of 1.75-20 degrees, for example in the range of 2-18 degrees, such as in the range of 3-17 degrees, for example in the range of 4-16 degrees, such as in the range of 5-15 degrees, for example in the range of 6-14 degrees, such as in the range of 7-13 degrees, for example in the range of 8-12 degrees, without compromising sealing performance.

[0196] In the context of the present invention, the term "sealing performance" relates to the fact that the bearing housing can remain waterproof and that water can be avoided from entering the bearing housing and that dust, dirt, microbial matter or allergens can be avoided from entering and growing in the bearing housing. Maintaining the sealing performance can also result in a reduction of stresses in the bearing and / or in avoiding undesirable deformations of the seal between the bearing housing body and the shield and / or the seal provided in the first circular opening (between the shield and the shaft when inserted in the bearing housing body). In this way, the bearing housing can remain waterproof and the durability of the bearing can be significantly improved and / or the maintenance can be significantly reduced.

[0197] If the bearing seat is leaky and water gets into the bearing seat and / or dust, dirt, microbial matter or allergens get into the bearing seat, there is a need for additional lubrication to avoid water getting in and extensive thorough cleaning is required to avoid adhesion or accumulation of dust, dirt, microbial matter or allergens in the bearing seat, which may significantly increase the risk of contamination of the sanitary environment. Furthermore, in addition to addressing water leakage into the bearing seat by lubrication to avoid water getting into the bearing seat, lubrication may also result in additional maintenance of the bearing and wear of the bearing, which results in increased downtime of the process line and increased costs of materials and human labor, in addition to increased risk of adhesion or accumulation of dust, dirt, microbial matter or allergens in the bearing seat.

[0198] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bearing seat body includes a fixed bearing seat body and a removable bearing seat cover attached to the fixed bearing seat body. Preferably, the bearing seat body includes a fixed bearing seat body connected to two or more bearing seat legs via arms and a removable bearing seat cover attached to the fixed bearing seat body.

[0199] In another embodiment of the present invention, the bearing receptacle body includes a fixed bearing receptacle body and a removable flat cover in contact with the shield and including a shaft insert. Preferably, the bearing receptacle body includes a fixed bearing receptacle body connected to two or more bearing receptacle legs via arms and a removable flat cover in contact with the shield and including a shaft insert.

[0200] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the bearing seat body includes a fixed bearing seat body and a removable bearing seat cover attached to the fixed bearing seat body, the bearing seat body including a fixed bearing seat body and a removable flat cover in contact with the shield and including a shaft insert. Preferably, the bearing seat body includes a fixed bearing seat body connected to two or more bearing seat legs via arms, a removable bearing seat cover attached to the fixed bearing seat body and a removable flat cover in contact with the shield and including a shaft insert.

[0201] A removable flat cover can be attached to the fixed bearing housing body on the side of the fixed bearing housing body facing away from the removable bearing housing cover.

[0202] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bearing seat body may comprise a fixed bearing seat body, a removable bearing seat cover and a removable flat cover, the removable flat cover comprising a shaft insert for inserting the shaft, and the removable bearing seat cover comprising a shaft insert for inserting the shaft. Such a configuration of the bearing seat according to the present invention may be provided for a bearing seat where the shaft passes through the bearing seat, and therefore two shaft inserts are required, one for inserting the shaft into the bearing seat and one for removing the shaft from the bearing seat.

[0203] The circular structure of the outer surface of the shield can be in contact with a removable flat cover attached to the fixed bearing receptacle body. When the bearing is attached to the bearing receptacle body, the removable flat cover presses the shield against the bearing. The removable flat cover can be in contact with the shield, and a seal is provided between the removable flat cover and the shield. The removable flat cover can also be provided with a seal between the removable flat cover and the fixed bearing receptacle body. Preferably, the seal between the removable flat cover and the fixed bearing receptacle body can be configured with a contour adapted to the surfaces of the removable flat cover and the fixed bearing receptacle body, thereby ensuring a substantially continuous surface of the removable flat cover and the fixed bearing receptacle body.

[0204] When the bearing receptacle may be provided with a fixed bearing receptacle body and a flat cover, a seal may be provided between the fixed bearing receptacle body and the flat cover.

[0205] If the bearing receptacle can be provided with a fixed bearing receptacle body and a removable bearing receptacle cover, a seal can be provided between the fixed bearing receptacle body and the removable bearing receptacle cover. Preferably, the seal between the fixed bearing receptacle body and the removable bearing receptacle cover can be configured with a contour adapted to the surfaces of the fixed bearing receptacle body and the removable bearing receptacle cover, thereby ensuring a substantially continuous surface of the fixed bearing receptacle body and the removable bearing receptacle cover.

[0206] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a bearing can be mounted inside the bearing receptacle body. The bearing mounted in the bearing receptacle can be a ball bearing, a ceramic bearing, a plain bearing, or a roller bearing.

[0207] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the bearing receptacle may be a hygienic bearing receptacle.

[0208] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bearing accommodating body may comprise at least one mounting means for mounting the bearing accommodating part to the base, and preferably, the bearing accommodating body may comprise at least two mounting means for mounting the bearing accommodating part to the base.

[0209] Preferably, the at least one, preferably at least two, attachment means for attaching the bearing housing to the base may be one or more bearing housing legs for attaching the bearing housing to the base, preferably two or more bearing housing legs for attaching the bearing housing to the base. Each of the one or more, preferably two or more, bearing housing legs may extend from the bearing housing body by an arm.

[0210] In addition to the unique configuration of the bearing housing of the present invention provided to overcome the problem of misalignment of the corresponding bearing housing by allowing for greater angular movement, the inventors of the present invention have also discovered that by simplifying and restructuring the bearing housing, it can be made easier to clean in, on and around the bearing housing, and the occurrence of adhesion or accumulation of dust, dirt, microbial matter, or allergens on, in or around the bearing housing can be significantly reduced or even avoided, while at the same time not compromising the strength, robustness or stability of the bearing housing.

[0211] A preferred embodiment of the present invention therefore relates to a bearing receptacle comprising a bearing receptacle body for receiving a rotating shaft and one or more, preferably two or more, bearing receptacle legs for mounting the bearing receptacle to a base, each of the one or more, preferably two or more, bearing receptacle legs extending from the bearing receptacle body by an arm.

[0212] In the context of the present invention, the term "mounting" relates to fixing one element to another element. In one embodiment of the present invention, the term "mounting a bearing housing to a base" relates to fixing the bearing housing to the base by making it immobile or substantially immobile.

[0213] The bearing housing can be mounted in a vertical or horizontal position relative to the base depending on the application and / or location of the bearing housing.

[0214] One of the particular features of the bearing seat according to the invention can be that one or more bearing seat legs protrude next to the bearing seat body by introducing an arm between each of the one or more, preferably two or more, bearing seat legs and the bearing seat body. In this context, the term "extending from" relates to the extension of the one or more bearing seat legs from the bearing seat body. Preferably, the one or more bearing seat legs extend or are extended from the bearing seat and are separated by an arm.

[0215] In one embodiment of the invention, an arm may be used to extend a bearing seat leg from the bearing seat body between one or more bearing seat legs. When three or more, or four or more bearing seat legs are connected to each other, one or more of the bearing seat legs can be attached to the bearing seat body via another bearing seat leg.

[0216] In the present context, the term "arm" relates to a piece of material used to create or maintain a space between two elements, in particular between each of one or more, preferably two or more, bearing seat legs and the bearing seat body and / or between the individual bearing seat legs. The arms according to the invention can be configured to improve and / or facilitate cleaning in, on or around the bearing seat and at the same time provide strength and stability to the bearing seat.

[0217] In one embodiment of the invention, the arms may be made from the same material as that used for one or more bearing housing legs and / or the bearing housing body.

[0218] In another embodiment of the invention, the arm may be made from a different material than the material used in one or more of the bearing housing legs and / or the bearing housing body.

[0219] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bearing housing comprises one or more bearing housing legs, for example two or more bearing housing legs, for example three or more bearing housing legs, for example four or more bearing housing legs, for example five or more bearing housing legs, for example six or more bearing housing legs, for example eight or more bearing housing legs, each extending from the bearing housing body by an arm.

[0220] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bearing receptacle comprises two to four bearing receptacle legs, each of which extends from the bearing receptacle body by an arm.

[0221] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the bearing housing leg may include a flange.

[0222] The bearing housing legs or flanges may be provided with attachment means, which may include nuts and bolts passing through the bearing housing legs or flanges, preferably longitudinally relative to the direction of the bearing housing legs or flanges, and through the base.

[0223] In one embodiment of the invention, each of the one or more bearing housing legs may include attachment means for attaching the bearing housing to the base.

[0224] In further embodiments of the present invention, the base may be a part of a machine, device, equipment, or the like.

[0225] The present inventors have surprisingly found that by reducing the amount of material in contact with the base, the area or location available for dust, dirt, microbial matter and / or other fouling matter to hide and accumulate can be significantly reduced, and / or by restructuring the bearing housing, it becomes easier to clean in, on and around the bearing housing with easy access for cleaning from all angles around the bearing housing. This improved construction surprisingly makes flushing and cleaning more efficient and / or more reliable, resulting in the reductions mentioned above.

[0226] In one embodiment of the invention, the one or more bearing housing legs may be the only portion of the bearing housing that contacts the base.

[0227] In a further embodiment of the invention, the bearing housing body and / or the arm do not contact the base.

[0228] In this situation, if one or more of the bearing seat legs can be the only part of the bearing seat that is in contact with the base and / or if the bearing seat body and / or the arm are not in contact with the base, then a free space is left between the parts of the bearing seat that are not in contact with the base (e.g. the bearing seat body and / or the arm) and the base. Preferably, the free space between the bearing seat body and the base and / or the free space between the arm and the base is more than 1 mm, such as more than 3 mm, for example more than 5 mm, for example more than 1 cm, such as more than 1.5 mm, for example more than 2.5 mm, for example in the range of 0.1 to 5 cm, for example in the range of 0.2 to 3 cm, for example in the range of 0.3 to 3 cm, for example in the range of 0.5 to 2.75 cm, for example in the range of 0.75 to 2.54 cm.

[0229] In one embodiment of the invention, the bearing receptacle body may have at least two contact points with the base. The contact points may preferably be visual contact points. Preferably, the contact points of the bearing receptacle with the base may be provided by at least two legs.

[0230] In one embodiment of the invention, the length of the one or more bearing housing legs may be substantially longitudinal with respect to the opening that receives the rotatable shaft.

[0231] In a further embodiment of the invention, the length of one or more bearing housing legs may be in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of a base on which the bearing housing may be mounted.

[0232] In one embodiment of the present invention, one or more bearing housing legs can be further extended to obtain a further distance between the bearing housing body and the base. Further extension of the one or more bearing housing legs can be brought about by introducing a leg spacer into each of the one or more bearing housing legs until a desired length is reached. Preferably, a seal is arranged between each of the leg spacers and each of the one or more bearing housing legs. Preferably, a seal can be arranged between each of the leg spacers and the base.

[0233] In one embodiment of the present invention, the one or more bearing housing legs can be further extended to obtain a further distance between the bearing housing body and the base. Further extension of the one or more bearing housing legs can be brought about by introducing a leg spacer into each of the one or more bearing housing legs until a desired length is reached. Preferably, a seal can be arranged between each of the leg spacers and each of the one or more bearing housing legs. Preferably, a seal can be arranged between each of the leg spacers and the base.

[0234] An offset occurs between corresponding bearing receptacles. Thus, terms such as "substantially vertical" and / or "substantially longitudinal" of a bearing receptacle may be subject to deviations between 0 and 20°, such as between 2° and 17°, for example between 3° and 15°, such as between 4° and 12°, for example between 5° and 11°, for example between 6° and 10°, and still be considered to be within the range covered by substantially longitudinal or within the range covered by substantially vertical, without compromising hygienic safety, strength or stability.

[0235] The inventors of the present invention have found that by reducing the amount of material used in constructing the bearing housing, cleaning around the bearing housing and cleaning around the bearing housing from various angles becomes easier, significantly more efficient and / or more reliable, thereby advantageously reducing or even avoiding the deposition or accumulation of dust, dirt, microbial matter or allergens on, in or around the bearing housing.

[0236] The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that the amount of material used to construct, in particular, the part between the bearing housing body and the two or more bearing housing legs can be reduced. The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that this part of the bearing housing (the part between the bearing housing body and each of the two or more bearing housing legs) can be replaced by an arm according to the present invention without compromising the strength, robustness or stability of the bearing housing.

[0237] The arm according to the present invention comprises: a length (l) that determines how far each of the one or more bearing seat legs extends from the bearing seat body, preferably each of the arms can have the same length (l); a height (h) defined in a direction from the bearing receptacle to the base, preferably each of the arms having the same height (h); a width (w) defined in a direction perpendicular to the direction from the bearing housing to the base, preferably each of the arms can have the same height (h); may have the following structure:

[0238] In one embodiment of the invention, one or more of the bearing housing legs may have a length (measured from the top of the bearing leg to the base) that exceeds the height of the arm.

[0239] By constructing the bearing housing with one or more bearing housing legs having a length that may exceed the height of the arm, an open space may be provided between the arm and the base that may improve and facilitate cleaning in, on and around the bearing housing, as well as facilitate cleaning of the bearing housing, bearing housing body, fixed bearing housing body, and / or one or more bearing housing legs from various angles.

[0240] In one embodiment of the invention, the arm may be positioned relative to the base and / or one or more bearing housing legs to provide an open space between the arm and the base.

[0241] Preferably, the free space between the arm and the base is more than 1 mm, such as more than 3 mm, for example more than 5 mm, for example more than 1 cm, such as more than 1.5 mm, for example more than 2.5 mm, for example within the range of 0.1 to 5 cm, such as within the range of 0.2 to 3 cm, for example within the range of 0.3 to 3 cm, for example within the range of 0.5 to 2.75 cm, for example within the range of 0.75 to 2.54 cm.

[0242] In one embodiment of the invention, one width or arm may be less than or equal to the width of two or more bearing housing legs.

[0243] The construction of the bearing housing in accordance with the present invention relative to prior art constructions of the bearing housing may involve removal of material around two or more bearing housing legs and / or removal of material between two or more bearing housing legs and the bearing housing body, such that the individual elements (such as the two or more bearing housing legs, the bearing housing body, and / or the arms) can be easily distinguished.

[0244] In one embodiment of the invention, the arm may be easily distinguishable from one or more bearing housing legs.

[0245] In a further embodiment of the invention, the arm may be easily distinguishable from the bearing housing body.

[0246] In still further embodiments of the present invention, one or more of the bearing housing legs may be readily distinguishable from the bearing housing body.

[0247] In this context, the term "easily distinguishable" refers to a clear distinction between elements of the bearing housing, such as a distinction between the bearing housing body and one or more bearing housing legs, between one or more bearing housing legs and an arm, and / or between the bearing housing body and an arm. In one embodiment of the invention, the distinction may be a visual differentiation.

[0248] In one embodiment of the invention, the fixed bearing housing body, the arm and the one or more bearing housing legs may be manufactured, for example, by molding, preferably by casting.

[0249] As mentioned above, the configuration, design and / or construction of the arm can help to improve cleaning, the arm according to the invention can improve drainage, such as being self-draining of liquids, such as an aqueous suspension, for example an aqueous cleaning liquid. By making cleaning easier and more effective, as well as by introducing easy draining or even self-draining surfaces of the bearing housing, the occurrence and / or risk of hiding or accumulating dust, microbial material or other contaminants, especially in the arm, can be reduced or even avoided.

[0250] In one embodiment of the present invention, the arm may be formed as a polyhedron such as a triangular prism, a regular square prism, a pentagonal prism, a hexagonal prism, etc. Preferably, the arm may be formed as a triangular prism.

[0251] In another embodiment of the invention, the polyhedron may be a frustum. In the context of the present invention, the term "frustum" relates to a structure topologically identical to a prism, with trapezoidal sides and upper and lower polygonal faces of different sizes.

[0252] In one embodiment of the invention, the arm has a first curved end aligned with a radius of the bearing housing body and a second curved end aligned with a radius of the bearing housing leg, preferably the radius of the first curved end being greater than the radius of the second curved end.

[0253] In one embodiment of the present invention, the term "curved end" refers to an end that is aligned and conforms to the surface to which it is attached.

[0254] The triangular prism may include three rectangular portions and two triangular ends, and preferably the two triangular ends have different dimensions. In one embodiment of the present invention, the triangular end connected to the bearing housing has a radius larger than the radius of the triangular end connected to one of the two or more bearing housing legs.

[0255] In one embodiment of the present invention, a first of the two triangular ends can be attached to the bearing housing body and a second of the two triangular portions can be attached to one of the two or more bearing housing legs.

[0256] The arms may take different forms depending on the shape, for example at least one edge of a triangular prism polyhedron may be straight, concave or convex.

[0257] For example, at least one edge of the triangular prism polyhedron may be concave and at least one length of the triangular prism edge may be convex.

[0258] In one embodiment of the invention, the tip of the polyhedron, for example a triangular prism, may point towards the base.

[0259] In one embodiment of the invention the term "tip of a polyhedron" relates to one of the edges of a polyhedron, e.g. of a triangular prism. Preferably, one of the edges of a polyhedron, e.g. of a triangular prism, faces towards the base, preferably directly towards the base.

[0260] The above-described structure of the bearing housing allows for easier, more efficient and / or more reliable cleaning by providing a limited amount of the bearing housing in contact with the base and / or a larger open space around the bearing housing, thereby reducing or even avoiding the deposition or accumulation of dust, dirt, microbial matter or allergens on, in or around the bearing housing.

[0261] In order to improve maintenance of the bearing housing, the bearing inside the bearing housing during use, and / or for easy mounting of the bearing and / or shaft within the bearing housing, the bearing housing body can be provided in a variety of different elements that can be joined together to form the bearing housing body.

[0262] In one embodiment of the present invention, the seal / sealing according to the present invention can preferably be configured with a contour adapted to the structure of the surfaces to be connected or the elements to be connected, thereby ensuring a substantially continuous or nearly continuous surface at the joint between the connected surfaces or the joint between the connected elements, such as the joint between the fixed bearing housing body and the removable bearing housing cover, and / or the joint between two or more bearing housing legs and the base, and / or the joint between the fixed bearing housing body and the flat cover, the joint between the bearing housing and the shield, and / or the sealing provided in the first circular opening (which contacts the shaft when the shaft is inserted into the bearing housing body).

[0263] Seals / sealing according to the present invention can prevent or inhibit dust, dirt, microbial matter (such as bacteria or fungi), or other deposits such as allergens from entering gaps or joints between connecting surfaces or elements.

[0264] The seal or sealing according to the present invention can be prepared from a non-conductive material. The seal, sealing or non-conductive material can be silicone. Preferably, the seal or sealing can be prepared from soft silicone. Preferably, the seal has a blue color, preferably RAL 5010, which provides an improved visual inspection of the hygiene level and / or cleaning quality.

[0265] In one embodiment of the invention, each of the two or more bearing housing legs may include a sealing between each of the two or more bearing housing legs and the base.

[0266] The bearing housing can be made of a plastic material or a metal material or a combination thereof. The plastic material may be selected from a polypropylene material. Preferably, the polypropylene material can be a tough polypropylene material. The metal material can be a stainless steel.

[0267] In one embodiment of the invention, all exposed surfaces of the bearing housing may have a smooth finish so that dust, dirt, microbial matter (such as bacteria or fungi), or other deposits such as allergens may be cleaned from the surfaces.

[0268] Preferably, the bearing seat according to the present invention will be free of seams, holes, dents, cracks, crevices and other defects in its final manufactured form when mounted on a machine and / or operating within specified load conditions.

[0269] Preferably, the exposed surfaces of the bearing housing according to the present invention do not include any jagged surfaces.

[0270] All exposed surfaces of the bearing seat according to the present invention are preferably capable of being cleaned.

[0271] All exposed surfaces of a bearing seat according to the present invention are preferably inspectable.

[0272] In the context of the present invention, the terms "surface" and "exposed surface" may be used interchangeably and relate to any surface that may be accessible to dust, dirt, microbial matter (such as bacteria or fungi), or other adherent matter such as allergens.

[0273] In one embodiment of the invention, all exposed surfaces of the bearing seat according to the invention may be self-draining. In a further embodiment of the invention, the bearing seat does not include any surface having one or more pockets that may hold liquid.

[0274] In the context of the present invention, the term "self-draining" refers to a surface that is constructed, designed and / or fabricated to allow an aqueous suspension, such as an aqueous cleaning fluid, such as water, to escape and / or exit the surface.

[0275] In a preferred embodiment, cleaning of the bearing housing can be performed by manual cleaning. During manual cleaning, removal of dust, dirt, microbial matter or other adherent matter can be performed by an aqueous suspension, e.g., chemical and / or water rinse, optionally with the aid of one or a combination of brushes, non-metallic abrasive pads and scrapers. Rinsing can be performed by high or low pressure hoses and / or by manually operated cleaning aids.

[0276] The surface of the bearing housing may be a smooth surface to inhibit the accumulation and / or growth of dust, dirt, microbial matter or other deposits on the exposed surface of the bearing housing and to improve the drainage of aqueous suspensions, e.g. water, from the surface.

[0277] In one embodiment of the invention, the surface of the bearing seat may be smooth. Preferably, the smooth surface of the bearing seat may allow drainage, preferably self-drainage, of liquid from the surface.

[0278] The smoothness of the exposed surface of the bearing seat according to the invention can be measured by the "average roughness (Ra)". The average roughness or Ra is an arithmetic measure of the absolute value of the surface profile deviation within a reference length. In the context of the present invention, the roughness (Ra) of the surface of the bearing seat can be measured according to the ISO 4287:1997 standard.

[0279] Preferably, the surface of the bearing seat according to the invention may include all exposed surfaces of the bearing seat.

[0280] The surface of the bearing seat may have a roughness of less than Ra2.0 μm, such as Ra1.8 μm, for example Ra1.6 μm, such as Ra1.4 μm, for example Ra1.2 μm, such as Ra1.0 μm, for example Ra0.8 μm, such as Ra0.6 μm, for example Ra0.4 μm.

[0281] Preferably, the bearing seat according to the present invention does not include any exposed surfaces, ledges and / or edges that are horizontal.

[0282] In one embodiment of the invention, all exposed surfaces, ledges and / or edges of the bearing housing are curved or curved.

[0283] To ensure a high drainage effect, at least one, and preferably all, of the exposed surfaces, bulges and / or edges of the bearing housing may have an angle and may be based on or have a curvature relative to the horizontal.

[0284] In one embodiment of the invention, at least one, preferably all, of the exposed surfaces, ledges and / or edges of the bearing housing may have a radius of 1 mm or more, such as a radius of 2 mm or more, for example a radius of 3 mm or more, such as a radius of 3.2 mm or more, for example a radius of 3.5 mm or more, such as a radius of 4 mm or more, for example a radius of 5 mm or more, which enhances the outflow of water from at least one, preferably all, of the exposed surfaces, ledges and / or edges of the bearing housing.

[0285] Preferably the bearing seat does not include any exposed surfaces, ledges and / or edges having a radius less than 3.2mm, such as less than 3mm, such as less than 2.5mm, such as less than 1mm, such as less than 0.8mm.

[0286] In one embodiment of the invention, all exposed surfaces, ledges and / or edges of the bearing housing may have an angle and may be based on or have a curvature of at least 3 degrees relative to the horizontal, such as 3.2 degrees or more relative to the horizontal, such as 3.5 degrees or more relative to the horizontal, such as 3.75 degrees or more relative to the horizontal, such as 4 degrees or more relative to the horizontal, such as 5 degrees or more relative to the horizontal.

[0287] In one embodiment of the invention, the exposed surfaces, ledges and / or edges of the bearing housing are in accordance with national standards and / or directives such as one or more of the following: EN 1672-2:2005 Food machinery / General design principles / Part 2: Hygiene requirements; EN ISO 14 159 2004 Safety of machinery - Hygienic requirements for the design of machinery, EHEDG Guideline Document 13 for the Hygienic Design of Open Processing Equipment, The EHEDG Class I: Sanitation Design Criteria Assessment Report states that the design meets the criteria for Sanitation Class I for components in non-food areas and that are accessible for easy cleaning without disassembly; 3-A Sanitary Standard for Machine Leveling Feet and Supports, USDA Guidelines for the Sanitary Design and Construction of Dairy Processing Equipment, June 2011, and / or national regulations, such as one or more of the following: 852 / 2004 Regulations on the hygiene of food products, 853 / 2004 Special hygiene rules for foods of animal origin, 854 / 2004, specific regulations governing official control over products of animal origin intended for human consumption; 1935 / 2004 Regulation on materials and articles intended to come into contact with food, It can be constructed, designed and / or manufactured in accordance with the present invention.

[0288] The bearing receptacle according to the invention may be provided with a bearing. The bearing according to the invention may be a machine element that prevents relative movement only for the desired movement and reduces friction between a moving part, e.g. a shaft, relative to a non-moving part, e.g. the bearing receptacle. Preferably, the bearing receptacle may include a bearing suitable for receiving a rotating shaft.

[0289] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bearings may be ceramic bearings or stainless steel bearings. Preferably, the bearings may be ceramic bearings.

[0290] In one embodiment of the invention, the bearing can be an oil-free bearing and / or a lubricant-free bearing. The configuration, design and construction of the bearing seat ensures a watertight bearing seat, preferably a long-term watertight property, of the bearing seat according to the invention, with a reduced number of elements that are joined and protected by sealing.

[0291] In one embodiment of the invention, the bearing seat essentially consists of a bearing seat body having two or more bearing seat legs (preferably between two and four bearing seat legs) extending therefrom by arms, joints (and sealings) between the bearing seat body and a removable flat cover, joints (and sealings) between the bearing seat body and a removable bearing seat cover, joints (and sealings) between each of the bearing seat legs of the bearing seat body and the base, and joints (and sealings) between each of the bearing seat legs of the bearing seat body and each of the bolts used to attach the bearing seat to the base.

[0292] Preferably, the bearing seat according to the invention comprises the following components: A bearing accommodating portion main body, one or more bearing housing legs extending from the bearing housing body by arms; a removable flat cover and a joint (and sealing) between the bearing housing body and the removable flat cover; a removable bearing housing cover and a joint (and sealing) between the bearing housing body and the removable bearing housing cover; a joint (and sealing) between each of the bearing seat legs of the bearing seat body and a base; joints (and sealings) between the respective bearing seat legs of the bearing seat body and the respective bolts used to attach the bearing seat to the base; comprising (or consisting essentially of) The component may be configured with a contour adapted to a surface of the component, thereby ensuring a substantially continuous surface of the component in the bearing seat.

[0293] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bearing housing may be a hygienic bearing housing.

[0294] In the context of the present invention, the term "hygienic bearing housing" relates to a bearing housing adapted to reduce or prevent the access of dust, dirt, microbial matter or other types of deposits to gaps, seams, holes, depressions, cracks, crevices or other imperfections in or between the connecting surfaces or elements.

[0295] In one embodiment of the invention, the bearing seat according to the invention may be provided with built-in sensors, preferably capable of transmitting data, such as operational or configuration data, to a mobile device and / or to cloud monitoring of the bearing seat.

[0296] The introduction of such sensors in a bearing housing according to the invention may result in safer operation, more efficient operation, improved maintenance and / or reduced machine downtime.

[0297] In one embodiment of the invention, the sensor is mounted within a removable bearing housing cover.

[0298] In one embodiment of the invention, the sensors may be configured to monitor one or more of vibration, temperature, leakage, moisture, external cleaning and / or location of the bearing housing.

[0299] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to the use of a bearing seat according to the present invention in environments with high hygiene requirements, high cleaning requirements and / or where low adhesion or build-up (or no adhesion or build-up) of dust, dirt, microbial material and / or allergens is acceptable.

[0300] Preferably, the invention relates to the use of a bearing seat according to the invention for use in the food production industry, the feed production industry and / or the pharmaceutical industry.

[0301] A preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a device comprising a bearing seat according to the invention.

[0302] The base may be part of a machine, device, installation etc. Preferably, the machine, device or installation may be a conveyor belt for the food production industry, feed production industry and / or pharmaceutical industry.

[0303] In one embodiment of the invention, the device may be a sanitary device.

[0304] It should be noted that embodiments and features described in the context of one of the aspects of the invention also apply to the other aspects of the invention.

Claims

1. A bearing receptacle (1) comprising a bearing receptacle body (2) for holding a bearing (3) and at least one conductive element (50) for providing an electrical connection from the inside of the bearing receptacle body (2) to an outer material.

2. 2. The bearing receptacle (1) of claim 1, wherein the electrical connection is configured to transfer static electricity through the bearing (3) when the bearing (3) is inserted into the bearing receptacle (1) and through the at least one conductive element (50) to the outer material.

3. 3. The bearing seat (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrical connection is configured to transfer static electricity from a rotatable shaft (when inserted into the bearing seat), through the bearing (when the bearing is inserted into the bearing seat), through the at least one conductive element to the outer material.

4. 4. A bearing receptacle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the outer material is a different material from the bearing receptacle (1), a different material from the bearing (3) when the bearing (3) is inserted into the bearing receptacle (1), or a different material from the shaft (11) when the shaft (11) is inserted into the bearing (3) and the bearing receptacle (1).

5. 5. Bearing seat (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearing seat body (2) is provided in a non-conductive material.

6. The bearing seat (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one conductive element (50) comprises an electrically conductive material.

7. 7. The bearing seat (1) according to claim 6, wherein the conductive material may be a spring conductive material, preferably in the form of a spring (e.g. a spiral spring or a leaf spring), a flexible tap, a pogo pin or the like.

8. The bearing seat (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrically conductive material can be made of a metallic material, preferably an electrically conductive metallic material.

9. 9. The bearing receptacle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one conductive element (50) is in physical contact with the bearing (3) when the bearing (3) is inserted into the bearing receptacle (1).

10. A bearing seat (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the electrical connection is connected to one or more bearing seat legs (7) and / or one or more mounting means (8) to provide an electrical connection from the inside of the bearing seat body (2) to the outer material.

11. The bearing accommodating portion (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the bearing accommodating portion main body (2) is provided with a shield (4) forming a shaft insertion portion (6) for inserting the shaft (11) into the bearing accommodating portion (1), the shield (4) is formed with a spherical outer surface (4a) that is movable in contact with the bearing accommodating portion main body (2), and the shield (4) is placed on the bearing (3) when attached to the bearing accommodating portion main body (2).

12. A bearing receptacle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the bearing receptacle body (2) is provided with at least one hole between the inside of the bearing receptacle body (2) and the outer material or between the inside of the bearing receptacle body (2) and the one or more bearing receptacle legs (7) and / or the one or more mounting means (8).

13. Bearing seat (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer material (51) can be any material or surface capable of receiving static electricity generated in the bearing (3).

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