Hygienic seal for a bearing receptacle

Abstract

To provide a bearing storage part to be used in an environment where environmental sanitation is highly prioritized.SOLUTION: The invention relates to a socket receiving part (1) comprising a socket body (2) for holding a socket (3) and a shield (4) forming a shaft insert (6) for inserting a shaft into the socket receiving part (1), wherein the shield (4) is formed with a spherical outer surface 4a movable in contact with the socket receiving part body (2), and wherein the shield (3) rests on the socket (3) when attached to the socket receiving part body (2).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bearing seat for use in environments where environmental hygiene is a high priority, and in particular to a waterproof bearing seat for use in environments where environmental hygiene is a high priority, which allows for increased angular movement of a shaft when inserted into the bearing seat without compromising waterproofing, thereby reducing maintenance and reducing or even avoiding the adhesion or accumulation of dust, dirt, microbial matter, or allergens on, in, or around the bearing seat. [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 causes of FDA food recalls on a unit basis.

[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 the purchase of 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 manufacturing because the inspection or control is time consuming and expensive. The inspection or control can result in the shutdown of the process line until the equipment and facilities are properly cleaned. This obviously has a strong impact on manufacturing turnover in terms of downtime and lack of product production. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Therefore, an alternative approach is to ensure proper cleaning of equipment and facilities to ensure a clean and contamination-free environment and ensure 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 housing and the area around the bearing housing.

[0009] One challenge with bearing seats currently available is that the waterproof seal of the bearing seat can be difficult to install, because a misalignment of more than 1.5 degrees can cause angular movement of the shaft into the bearing, putting pressure on the seal, which can deform it and leave gaps that allow water to enter the bearing seat, resulting in an ineffective waterproofing and causing the bearing to rust and further wear. Additionally, dust, dirt, microbial matter, or allergens can hide, adhere, or accumulate within the bearing seat, making cleaning difficult and greatly increasing the possibility of contamination of manufactured products.

[0010] To keep the bearing housing waterproof, lubricating oil or grease is often used in large quantities to keep the water out of the bearing housing. Such lubrication has significant adverse hygiene effects, as bearing lubrication, especially excessive lubrication, can provide a fertile place for contaminants to hide and accumulate.

[0011] Therefore, an improved bearing housing would be advantageous, particularly one that is waterproof even with increased angular movement when misaligned during installation, allowing for more efficient and / or more reliable flushing and cleaning, and thereby reducing or even avoiding the adhesion or accumulation of dust, dirt, microbial matter, or allergens on, in, or around the bearing housing, even when misaligned. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] Therefore, one object of the present invention relates to a bearing receptacle for use in environments where environmental hygiene is a high priority.

[0013] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a waterproof bearing housing that allows for increased angular movement of the shaft when inserted into the bearing housing without compromising the waterproof effect, for example in the event of misalignment during installation, resulting in reduced maintenance, more efficient and / or more reliable flushing and cleaning compared to prior art bearing housings and the above-mentioned prior art problems associated with lubrication therewith, and the adhesion or accumulation of dust, dirt, microbial matter or allergens on, in or around the bearing housing can be reduced or even avoided.

[0014] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention relates to a bearing accommodating portion comprising a bearing body that holds a bearing and a shield that forms a shaft insertion portion for inserting a shaft into the bearing accommodating portion, the shield being formed with a spherical outer surface that is movable in contact with the bearing accommodating portion body, and the shield resting on the bearing when attached to the bearing accommodating portion body.

[0015] Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of a bearing seat according to the invention in environments with high hygiene requirements, high cleaning requirements and / or where low (or no) adhesion or buildup of dust, dirt, microbial material and / or allergens is acceptable.

[0016] According to yet another aspect of the invention, it 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.

[0017] A further aspect of the 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.

[0018] A still further aspect of the invention relates to the use of a sleeve comprising a polymer material as a sealing and as a plain bearing.

[0019] Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of a sleeve according to the invention in a bearing seat according to the invention.

[0020] Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a device, preferably a hygienic device, comprising a bearing receptacle according to the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 shows a hygienic bearing receptacle (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 receptacle (1), the shield (4) having 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). [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 includes a fixed bearing receptacle body (2a), a removable bearing receptacle cover (2b), and a removable bearing receptacle flat cover (2c). [Figure 3a] Figures 3a-3c show the effect achieved by the bearing receptacle (1) according to the invention. The bearing receptacle (1) shown in Figures 3a-3c, 4a-4c and 5a-5c is the same as that shown in Figures 1 and 2, and angular motion about the sphere centre (c) is shown. Figures 3a-3c show no angular motion (0°). [Figure 3b] Figures 3a-3c show the effect achieved by the bearing receptacle (1) according to the invention. The bearing receptacle (1) shown in Figures 3a-3c, 4a-4c and 5a-5c is the same as that shown in Figures 1 and 2, and angular motion about the sphere centre (c) is shown. Figures 3a-3c show no angular motion (0°). [Figure 3c] Figures 3a-3c show the effect achieved by the bearing receptacle (1) according to the invention. The bearing receptacle (1) shown in Figures 3a-3c, 4a-4c and 5a-5c is the same as that shown in Figures 1 and 2, and angular motion about the sphere centre (c) is shown. Figures 3a-3c show no angular motion (0°). [Figure 4a] The bearing housing (1) shown in Figures 3a-3c, 4a-4c, and 5a-5c is the same as that shown in Figures 1 and 2, and shows angular movement around the ball center (c). Figures 4a-4c show an angular movement of 5 degrees (5°). [Figure 4b] The bearing housing (1) shown in Figures 3a-3c, 4a-4c, and 5a-5c is the same as that shown in Figures 1 and 2, and shows angular movement around the ball center (c). Figures 4a-4c show an angular movement of 5 degrees (5°). [Figure 4c] The bearing housing (1) shown in Figures 3a-3c, 4a-4c, and 5a-5c is the same as that shown in Figures 1 and 2, and shows angular movement around the ball center (c). Figures 4a-4c show an angular movement of 5 degrees (5°). [Figure 5a] The bearing housing (1) shown in Figures 3a-3c, 4a-4c, and 5a-5c is the same as that shown in Figures 1 and 2, and shows angular movement around the spherical center (c). Figures 5a-5c show an angular movement of 10 degrees (10°). [Figure 5b] The bearing housing (1) shown in Figures 3a-3c, 4a-4c, and 5a-5c is the same as that shown in Figures 1 and 2, and shows angular movement around the spherical center (c). Figures 5a-5c show an angular movement of 10 degrees (10°). [Figure 5c] The bearing housing (1) shown in Figures 3a-3c, 4a-4c, and 5a-5c is the same as that shown in Figures 1 and 2, and shows angular movement around the spherical center (c). Figures 5a-5c show an angular movement of 10 degrees (10°). [Figure 6a] Figures 6a, 6b and 6c show the bearing housing legs (7) arranged symmetrically around the bearing housing base (2). [Figure 6b] Figures 6a, 6b and 6c show the bearing housing legs (7) arranged symmetrically around the bearing housing base (2). [Figure 6c] Figures 6a, 6b and 6c show the bearing housing legs (7) arranged symmetrically around the bearing housing base (2). [Figure 6d] Figure 6d shows a bearing housing (1) with three bearing housing legs (7). [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the front side of the hygienic bearing receptacle (1) according to the invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a hygienic bearing receptacle (1) according to the invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a hygienic bearing receptacle (1) according to the invention. [Figure 10]10 shows a side view of a sleeve 40 according to the present invention, which has a circular front end 41 and a circular rear end 42, with a circular opening 6 passing through the center of the front end 41 and the circular rear end 42, the circular rear end 42 being connected to the circular front end 41 by a spherical structure 44. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a front view of the sleeve (40) as shown in FIG. [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, with a circular opening 49 passing through the center of front end 41 and a circular rear end 42, with the circular rear end 42 connected to the circular front end 41 by a spherical structure 44. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows an exploded view of a hygienic bearing receptacle (1) according to the invention, with a sleeve (40).

[0022] The spherical structure on the outer surface of the shield can come into contact with a removable flat cover (2c) attached to the fixed bearing receptacle body (2a). When the bearing (3) is installed 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 seal (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).

[0023] 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).

[0024] 1 shows a bearing receptacle (1) with a closed end provided with a bearing receptacle cover (2b). However, if the shaft passes through the bearing housing, a shield arrangement according to the invention as described above can be arranged on both sides of the bearing receptacle body (2a).

[0025] Preferably, the one or more seals (9) introduced into the bearing receptacle (1) are configured with a profile that is adapted to the surface of the bearing receptacle to ensure a substantially continuous surface. Preferably, one or more of seals (9a), (9b), (9d), (9e) and / or (9f) are configured with a profile that is adapted to the surface of the bearing receptacle to ensure a substantially continuous surface of the bearing receptacle (1).

[0026] The shield 4 rests on the bearing 3, and the combined bearing 3 and shield 4 form a spherical structure, e.g., a sphere or hemisphere, with the same spherical center, forming a spherical seal. The combined bearing 3 and shield 4 are movable in contact with the bearing housing body 2, and the shaft 11 can move around the cone-like structure starting from the spherical center, and then move angularly around the spherical center of the shield 4. In addition to the angular movement of the shaft 11 when inserted into the bearing housing 1, the shaft 11 can also rotate. The rotation can start from the spherical center and move longitudinally or around the centerline of the shaft.

[0027] Misalignment that can cause angular movement of the shaft (11), shield (4) and / or bearing (3) can be caused by angular misalignment of the connected bearing housings and / or parallel misalignment of the connected bearing housings.

[0028] In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the shaft (11) (and shield (4) and / or shield (4) and bearing (3)) can have angular movement of at least 3.5 degrees, and in 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 and bearing housing watertight.

[0029] The bearing receptacle body (2) has two or more bearing receptacle legs (7) that attach the bearing receptacle (1) to the base (5) using attachment means (8) such as bolts and nuts. The bearing receptacle is attached to the base by bolts and nuts, and seals (9e) are provided at the joints between the bolts and legs and between the nuts and legs. Each of the bearing receptacle legs (7) extends from the bearing receptacle body (2) by an arm (10).

[0030] [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 includes a fixed bearing receptacle body (2a), a removable bearing receptacle cover (2b), and a removable bearing receptacle flat cover (2c).

[0031] The removable bearing housing flat cover (2c) is connected to the fixed bearing housing body (2a) and 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 of which is shown in Figure 2 by the solid circle.

[0032] 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) can move angularly about the spherical center (c) when inserted into the bearing housing (1). The angular movement about the spherical center (c) can occur either 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), also outside the bearing housing (1).

[0033] The shaft (and shield (4) and bearing (3)) can move angularly at least 3.5 degrees, preferably in the range of 3.5 to 17 degrees, without putting pressure on the bearing or causing undesired deformation of the sealing, thereby keeping the bearing (2) and bearing housing body (2) waterproof.

[0034] [Figures 3 to 5] Figures 3 to 5 show the operation achieved by the bearing receptacle (1) according to the present 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 motion about the sphere center (c) is 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°).

[0035] [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows four different types of rear parts of a hygienic bearing receptacle (1) according to the present invention, as defined by Figures 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d. The bearing receptacle (1) comprises a bearing receptacle body (2) that receives a rotating shaft (not shown in Figure 6) and two or more bearing receptacle legs (7) that attach 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).

[0036] FIG. 6a shows a bearing receptacle (1) with two bearing receptacle legs (7). The two bearing receptacle legs (7) are oriented longitudinally relative to the direction of the rotating shaft inserted into the bearing receptacle (1). FIG. 6b shows a bearing receptacle (1) with four bearing receptacle legs (7). The four bearing receptacle legs (7) are oriented longitudinally relative to the direction of the rotating shaft inserted into the bearing receptacle (1). FIG. 1c shows a bearing receptacle (1) with two bearing receptacle legs (7). The two bearing receptacle legs (7) are oriented perpendicular to the direction of the rotating shaft inserted into the bearing receptacle (1). FIG. 1d shows a bearing receptacle (1) with three bearing receptacle legs (7). The three bearing receptacle legs (7) are oriented longitudinally relative to the direction of the rotating shaft inserted into the bearing receptacle (1).

[0037] Figures 6a, 6b and 6c show bearing housing legs (7) arranged symmetrically around the bearing housing base (2). Figure 6d shows a bearing housing (1) with three bearing housing legs (7), which are arranged asymmetrically around the bearing housing base (2), with one bearing housing leg (7) attached to the bearing housing body (2) via one or more other bearing housing legs (7). Preferably, an annular connection of the bearing housing legs (7) can be provided (see Figure 6d).

[0038] In Figure 6, the bearing housing legs (7) are shown to have a length (measured from the top of the bearing legs (7a) to the base of the bearing legs (7b)) that is greater than the height of the arm (10). In fact, the bearing housing legs (7) are the only parts of the bearing housing that come into contact with the base when the bearing housing (1) is attached to the base. Because the bearing housing base (2) and arm (10) do not come into contact with the base when attached to the base, the open space between the bearing housing body (2) (and arm (10)) and the base (when attached to the base) allows easy access for cleaning the bearing housing from any angle.

[0039] The bearing housing body (2) includes a fixed bearing housing body (2a) connected to two bearing housing legs (7) (FIGS. 6a and 6c), three bearing housing legs (7) (FIG. 6d), or four bearing housing legs (7) (FIG. 6b) via an arm (10), and a removable bearing housing cover (2b) attached to the fixed bearing housing body (2a). A removable flat cover (2c) is provided on the side of the fixed bearing housing body (2a) opposite the removable bearing housing cover (2b). The removable flat cover (2c) includes a shaft insert (not shown).

[0040] Seals (9c) and (9b), respectively, are inserted between the fixed bearing receptacle body (2a) and the removable flat cover (2c), and between the fixed bearing receptacle body (2a) and the removable bearing receptacle cover (2b) to ensure that water does not enter the bearing receptacle (1) at their joints. The seals (9) are configured with a contour that is 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.

[0041] A seal (9f) is also provided at the base end of each of the bearing housing legs (7b) to prevent the accumulation of dust, dirt, microbial matter or other deposits at the joint between the bearing housing body (2) and the base.

[0042] The seal (9) may be prepared from a non-conductive soft silicone material, with the blue colour RAL 5010 providing an improved visual inspection of the hygiene level and / or cleaning quality.

[0043] The seal (9) according to the present invention helps to provide a waterproof bearing housing by preventing the ingress of water, dust and microbial activity.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The bearing housing (1) may be made from a tough polypropylene material, and the surface of the bearing housing (1) is smoothed to allow water to escape from the surface. The surface of the bearing housing (1) has a roughness of less than Ra 2.0 μm, such as Ra 1.8 μm, for example Ra 1.6 μm, for example Ra 1.4 μm, for example Ra 1.2 μm, for example Ra 1.0 μm, for example Ra 0.8 μm, for example Ra 0.6 μm, for example Ra 0.4 μm.

[0046] Mounted inside the bearing housing (1) is a bearing suitable for receiving a rotating shaft, which may be a ceramic bearing or a stainless steel bearing.

[0047] [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).

[0048] When the bearing receiving portion (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 receiving portion that comes into contact with the base.

[0049] The bearing accommodating body (2) is a fixed bearing housing body (2a) connected to the two bearing housing legs (7) via arms (10); and a removable flat cover (2c) containing a shaft insert (6).

[0050] A bearing suitable for receiving a rotating shaft is mounted inside the bearing receiving base (2), and a sealing (9d) is provided which can come into contact with the shaft when the shaft is inserted into the bearing receiving body (2). The sealing (9d) and the spherical outer surface (4) can be made of the same material, preferably one piece, or the sealing (9d) and the spherical outer surface (4) can be made of different materials. Preferably, the sealing (9d) and the spherical outer surface (4) can be made of the same material, preferably one piece.

[0051] The arm (10) is formed as a polyhedron, in particular a triangular prism, with a first of two triangular ends attached to the bearing receptacle body (2) and a second of the 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), which is larger than the radius of the curved ends attached to each of the two bearing receptacle legs (7).

[0052] The arm (10) has a length (l) that determines how far each of the bearing housing legs (7) extends from the bearing housing body (2), a height (h) defined in the 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.

[0053] 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).

[0054] The arm (10) does not come into contact with the base when the bearing accommodating portion (1) is attached to the base.

[0055] The tips 12 of the arms 10, which are formed as polyhedrons, in particular triangular prisms, point towards the base. This configuration of the arms 10 improves cleaning around the bearing housing by improving access for cleaning from all sides and angles of the bearing housing and by improving drainage.

[0056] [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).

[0057] 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 inserting portion for inserting the shaft (11).

[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bearing receptacle body 2 can include a fixed bearing receptacle body 2a, a removable bearing receptacle cover 2b, and a removable flat cover 2c, where the removable flat cover 2c includes a shaft insert for inserting the shaft 11, and the removable bearing receptacle cover 2b includes a shaft insert 6 for inserting the shaft 11. Such a configuration of the bearing receptacle according to the present invention can be provided for a bearing receptacle in which the shaft passes through, and therefore two shaft inserts 6 are required: one shaft insert 6 for inserting the shaft 11 into the bearing receptacle 1 and one for removing the shaft 11 from the bearing receptacle 1.

[0059] The bearing housing (1) according to the present invention is attached to the base (5) at the base ends (7b) of the bearing legs using attachment 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, and are provided with sealings (9f).

[0060] The bearing accommodating body (2) is a fixed bearing housing body (2a) connected to two bearing housing legs (7) via arms (10); and a removable flat cover (2c) containing a shaft insert.

[0061] [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).

[0062] The bearing accommodating body (2) can include a fixed bearing accommodating body (2a), a removable bearing accommodating cover (2b), and a removable flat cover (2c), the removable flat cover (2c) including a shaft inserting portion for inserting the shaft (11), and the removable bearing accommodating cover (2b) including a shaft inserting portion (6) for inserting the shaft (11).

[0063] Such a configuration of the bearing receptacle (1) as shown in Figure 9 according to the present invention can be provided for a bearing receptacle where the shaft passes through the bearing receptacle, and therefore two shaft inserts (6) are provided, one shaft insert (6) for inserting the shaft (11) into the bearing receptacle (1) and one for removing the shaft (11) from the bearing receptacle (1).

[0064] [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 front end 41 and the circular rear end 42, with the circular rear end 42 being connected to the circular front end 41 by a spherical structure 44. The circular opening 6 can pass through the sleeve 40 from the circular front end 41 to the circular rear end 42.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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).

[0067] The circular front end (41) can have a front circular opening (45), and the circular rear end (42) can have a rear circular opening (46), and the diameter of the front circular opening (45) can be smaller than the diameter of the rear circular opening (46).

[0068] A lip seal (47) may be provided in the front circular opening (45). The lip seal (47) may have a negative or neutral curvature configuration (48) relative to the sleeve (40). The negative or neutral curvature configuration (48) provided by the lip seal (47) may be negatively curvatured relative to the spherical structure (44). The negative or neutral curvature configuration (48) forms a lip seal (47) parallel or approximately 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 accommodating portion (1) (FIG. 11 or FIG. 12).

[0069] [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 that passes through the center of front end 41 and the circular rear end 42, with the circular rear end 42 connected to front end 41 by a spherical structure 44. Circular opening 49 allows passage through sleeve 40 from front end 41 to rear end 42.

[0070] The circular front end (41) can have a front circular opening (45), and the circular rear end (42) can have a rear circular opening (46), and the diameter of the front circular opening (45) can be smaller than the diameter of the rear circular opening (46).

[0071] [Figure 12] Figure 12 illustrates the interaction between sleeve 40, shaft 11, and bearing 3. Sleeve 40 has a circular forward end 41 and a circular rearward end 42, and a circular opening 49 that passes through the centers of the forward end 41 and the rearward end 42, with the rearward end 42 connected to the forward end 41 by a spherical structure 44. Circular opening 49 allows passage through sleeve 40 from forward end 41 to rearward end 42, through which shaft 11 is inserted. Figure 11 illustrates that sleeve 40 rests on bearing 3, and that sleeve 40 and bearing 3 together can form a spherical sphere or hemisphere with a common spherical center.

[0072] [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows an exploded view of a hygienic bearing receptacle (1) according to the invention, with a sleeve (40).

[0073] The hygienic bearing receptacle (1) includes a bearing body (2) for holding a bearing (3) and a sleeve (40) for forming a shaft insertion portion (6) (provided by a circular opening (49)) for inserting a shaft (11) into the bearing receptacle (1). The sleeve (40) has a circular front end with a front circular opening (45) and a circular rear end with a rear circular opening (46), forming the circular opening (49) through the centers of the circular front and rear ends. The diameter of the front circular opening (45) may be smaller than the diameter of the rear circular opening (46). The sleeve (40) is in contact with the bearing receptacle body (2) and is mounted on the bearing (3) when attached to the bearing receptacle body (2). The sleeve (40) may function as a seal between the bearing receptacle body (2) and the shaft (11) and may also function as a sliding bearing for the shaft (11).

[0074] 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 receiving body (2a). When the bearing (3) is attached to the bearing receiving body (2), the removable flat cover (2c) presses the sleeve (40) against the bearing (3).

[0075] The sleeve 40 is mounted on the bearing 3, and the combined bearing 3 and sleeve 40 can form a spherical structure, such as a sphere or hemisphere, with the same spherical center. The combined bearing 3 and sleeve 40 are movable in contact with the bearing housing body 2, and the shaft 11 can move around the cone-like structure starting from the spherical center, and then move angularly around the spherical center of the sleeve 40. In addition to the angular movement of the shaft 11 when inserted into the bearing housing 1, the shaft 11 can also rotate. The rotation can start from the spherical center and move longitudinally or around the centerline of the shaft.

[0076] 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 attachment 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).

[0077] The present invention will now be described in more detail below. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0078] Bearing housings are often one of the locations in hygienic environments, such as food, feed or pharmaceutical manufacturing sites, where dust, dirt, microbial matter (such as bacteria or fungi) or other deposits such as allergens can harbor and accumulate, potentially resulting in a product contaminated with undesirable ingredients.

[0079] In response, the present inventors have surprisingly found that by simplifying and restructuring the bearing housing, it is possible to ensure that the bearing housing is waterproof, even with increased angular movement if misaligned during installation, and to make it much easier to clean 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.

[0080] Therefore, 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.

[0081] The spherical shape of the shield can surround the shaft insert.

[0082] In one embodiment of the present invention, the shield may include a sleeve according to the present invention.

[0083] 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. A 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 provided for the introduction of the shaft).

[0084] 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 achieved, in particular at the contact points between the shield and / or sleeve and the shaft, more particularly at the contact points between the lip of the shield and / or sleeve and the shaft, which improves the hygiene of the shield and / or sleeve and the bearing housing that includes the shield and / or sleeve.

[0085] Additionally, the use of hollow shields and / or sleeves as described in this 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°).

[0086] In one embodiment of the invention, the circular leading edge has a radius that is smaller than the radius of the circular trailing edge. Preferably, the radius of the circular trailing edge is at least 10% larger than the radius of the circular leading edge, for example, the radius of the circular trailing edge is at least 20% larger than the radius of the circular leading edge, for example, the radius of the circular trailing edge is at least 30% larger than the radius of the circular leading edge, for example, the radius of the circular trailing edge is at least 40% larger than the radius of the circular leading edge, for example, the radius of the circular trailing edge is at least 50% larger than the radius of the circular leading edge, for example, the radius of the circular trailing edge is at least 60% larger than the radius of the circular leading edge.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve may be a plain bearing.

[0090] In a further embodiment of the invention, the shield and / or sleeve according to the invention may preferably be stationary relative 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.

[0091] In a further embodiment of the invention, the sleeve may be a seal, preferably a spherical sleeve.

[0092] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve may be a seal, preferably a spherical sleeve, and a plain bearing.

[0093] The sleeve according to the invention can preferably be provided in one piece of material.

[0094] A circular opening preferably passes through the sleeve from the circular front end to the circular rear end.

[0095] In one embodiment of the invention, the sleeve has a circular front end diameter that may be smaller than the circular rear end diameter.

[0096] 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, for example at least 30% smaller, such as at least 40% smaller, for example at least 45% smaller, such as at least 50% smaller, for example at least 55% smaller, such as at least 60% smaller, for example at least 70% smaller, such as at least 80% smaller, for example in the range of 10-80% smaller, such as in the range of 25-70% smaller, for example in the range of 40-60% smaller, such as in the range of 45-55% smaller.

[0097] 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 being smaller than the diameter of the rear circular opening.

[0098] In one embodiment of the invention, the front circular opening is provided with a lip seal.

[0099] The lip seal according to the present invention is preferably capable of providing resilient contact with the rotating shaft.

[0100] The lip seal may have a negative curvature or a neutral curvature relative to the sleeve.

[0101] Preferably, the negative curvature or neutral curvature formation forms a lip seal from the end of the spherical structure parallel or approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the shaft when inserted into the circular opening.

[0102] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve may include an organic compound.

[0103] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the organic compound may comprise an inert organic compound.

[0104] The organic compound may be a polymeric material. Preferably, the polymeric material comprises an olefinic compound. The olefinic compound may be formed into a fiber compound. Preferably, the olefinic compound may comprise polypropylene, polyethylene, or a combination of polypropylene and polyethylene.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] Inorganic materials may include metals such as steel, iron, silicates, or ceramics.

[0108] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve may comprise a Young's modulus (i.e., elastic modulus of elongation) in the range of 1000-1500 GPa, such as in the range of 1050-1400 GPa, for example in the range of 1100-1200 GPa, for example in the range of 1130-1170 GPa, for example in the range of 1140-1160 GPa.

[0109] If the Young's modulus (i.e., modulus of elasticity in elongation) becomes too low, such as below 1000 GPa, it may be difficult for the sleeve to maintain its shape. If the Young's modulus (i.e., modulus of elasticity in elongation) becomes too high, such as above 1500 GPa, the desired elasticity of the sleeve may be compromised.

[0110] Young's modulus (ie, modulus of elasticity in extension) may refer to a measure of a material's ability to withstand a change in length when subjected to longitudinal extension or compression.

[0111] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve is 20 x 10 -5 K -1 Less than, for example, 15 x 10 -5 K -1 For example, 13 x 10 -5 K -1 Less than, for example, 11 x 10 -5 K -1 For example, 10 x 10 -5 K -1 Less than, for example, 8 x 10 -5 K -1 For example, 6 x 10 -5 K -1 Less than, say, 2 x 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 .gtoreq..times ...

[0112] The coefficient of thermal expansion indicates the degree of change in magnitude of an object 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.

[0113] 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), for example less than 0.1% (w / w).

[0114] 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, an effect that is reversible.

[0115] 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), for example 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).

[0116] 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%.

[0117] The maximum strain of the sleeve may refer to the maximum stress required to cause permanent or irreversible deformation of the sleeve.

[0118] In one embodiment of the invention, the sleeve may elongate by at most 50%, such as at most 30%, for example at most 25%, such as at most 20% per 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%, for example at most 0.5%, such as 0.25% per 2% strain within 7 days in a relaxed state.

[0119] Proper adjustment of the maximum strain can significantly affect and increase the durability of the sleeve.

[0120] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve may comprise 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] In the context of the present invention, the term "coefficient of friction" depends on the material against which friction can occur. Preferably, the "coefficient of friction" according to the present invention can be determined for the material steel.

[0123] The coefficient of friction can be determined by the friction between the sleeve and a 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 one object against another object in contact with it. This ratio can depend on material properties and can have a value between 0 and 1.

[0124] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve may be a sleeve, preferably a self-supporting sleeve.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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 the sleeve can also provide sealing on the flat cover side.

[0127] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bearing includes a spherical outer surface of the outer ring.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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%.

[0130] 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 on the outer surface of the bearing outer ring can improve contact with a spherical or part-spherical structure of the bearing and shield combination.

[0131] 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 spherical hemisphere having a common spherical center.

[0132] The bearing housing may be described in some embodiments with the bearing attached to the bearing housing body. Although descriptions of other embodiments of the invention have been presented with the bearing not attached to the bearing housing body, consideration may be given to how the configuration may be when the bearing is attached to the bearing housing body, or when the bearing is later attached to the bearing housing body.

[0133] If the bearing receptacle body does not (directly) describe the combination of the bearing receptacle body and the bearing attached to it, the bearing can be attached to the bearing receptacle body later. Attaching the bearing to the bearing receptacle body can be done at any time from obtaining the bearing receptacle to after the bearing receptacle is attached to the base.

[0134] 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.

[0135] The bearing mounted in the bearing receptacle may be a ball bearing, a ceramic bearing, a plain bearing, or a roller bearing.

[0136] In a further embodiment of the invention, the 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.

[0137] In another embodiment of the invention, the bearing (if attached to the bearing housing body) and / or the shield may be movable in contact with the bearing housing body.

[0138] In one embodiment of the present invention, the shield may be a spherical sealing.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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 movement.

[0142] The anti-rotation means may fix or substantially fix the rotation of the shield and / or sleeve relative to the removable flat cover, bearing housing body and / or bearing housing cover.

[0143] In one embodiment of the present invention, the anti-rotation means comprises a complementary combination of recesses and protrusions.

[0144] The depression is Shields and / or sleeves, or Removable flat covers and / or bearing housing covers and The protrusion is Shields and / or sleeves, or Removable flat covers and / or bearing housing covers can be seen in one of

[0145] The bearing (if mounted in the bearing housing body) and / or the shield can be movable in contact with a removable flat cover.

[0146] In another embodiment of the invention, the bearing (if mounted in the bearing housing body) can be movable in contact with the bearing housing body. The shield can be movable in contact with the bearing housing body. Preferably, the bearing and the shield can be movable in contact with the bearing housing body.

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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.

[0149] In one embodiment of the present invention, the shield can include a plain bearing, which is preferably oriented toward the shaft when the shaft is inserted into the bearing receptacle via the shaft insert and into the bearing.

[0150] In another embodiment of the present invention, the bearing receptacle according to the present invention can include a bearing that can be mounted in the bearing receptacle body, and the bearing can 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.

[0151] 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 attached but when the bearing could be attached to the bearing seat body.

[0152] In one embodiment of the invention, the shield may include a seal between the bearing housing body and the shield.

[0153] The shield may have a first circular opening facing the outside 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.

[0154] 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.

[0155] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first circular opening in the shield may be provided with a sealing.

[0156] The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that by constructing a bearing housing with a spherical outer surface of the shield and a shield that mounts on a bearing with 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 achieved.

[0157] This configuration of the bearing seat according to the invention can result in a reduction of stresses on the bearing and / or avoid undesired deformation of the seal, thus significantly improving the waterproof properties of the bearing seat and the durability of the bearing, significantly reducing the maintenance of the bearing and avoiding lubrication.

[0158] Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, the shield and / or the shield and bearing may be capable of angular movement.

[0159] The angular movement can be movement about a center, such as the center of a spherical shield.

[0160] In one embodiment of the invention, the center of the shield may be the center of a sphere of which the shield is a particular part.

[0161] The angular motion may preferably be motion about a centerline of a cone, which may extend from the spherical center of the sphere and which may be formed in part by the combination of the shields when the shields are mounted on the bearing, along the shaft, through the shaft insert, and out of the bearing housing body.

[0162] 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.

[0163] 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 approximately 1.5 degrees without affecting 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 matter, or allergens in the bearing housing. This misalignment limit may be due to the configuration of the bearing housing and / or the static or fixed position of the bearing inside the bearing housing.

[0164] Misalignment that results in angular movement of the shaft when inserted into the bearing housing can be caused by angular misalignment of the connected bearing housing and / or by parallel misalignment of the connected bearing housing.

[0165] In a preferred embodiment of the present 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, for example 2 degrees or more, such as 2.5 degrees or more, for example 3 degrees or more, such as 3.5 degrees or more, for example 4 degrees or more, such as 4.5 degrees or more, for example 5 degrees or more, such as 6 degrees or more, for example 7 degrees or more, such as 8 degrees or more, for example 9 degrees or more, such as 10 degrees or more, for example in the range of 1.75 to 20 degrees, such as in the range of 2 to 18 degrees, for example in the range of 3 to 17 degrees, for example in the range of 4 to 16 degrees, such as in the range of 5 to 15 degrees, for example in the range of 6 to 14 degrees, for example in the range of 7 to 13 degrees, such as in the range of 8 to 12 degrees, without compromising sealing performance.

[0166] In the context of the present invention, the term "sealing performance" relates to the ability of the bearing housing to remain waterproof, to prevent water from entering the bearing housing, and to prevent dust, dirt, microbial matter, or allergens from entering and multiplying in the bearing housing. Maintaining sealing performance can also result in a reduction in stress on the bearing and / or avoid undesirable deformation 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 into the bearing housing body). In this way, the bearing housing can remain waterproof, which can significantly improve the durability of the bearing and / or significantly reduce maintenance.

[0167] If the bearing seat is prone to leaking and water gets into the bearing seat and / or dust, dirt, microbial matter or allergens get into the bearing seat, there will be a need for additional lubrication to prevent water from getting in and extensive thorough cleaning will be required to prevent 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 prevent water from getting into the bearing seat, lubrication may also result in additional bearing maintenance and bearing wear, which results in increased process line downtime and increased costs for materials and human labor, in addition to an increased risk of adhesion or accumulation of dust, dirt, microbial matter or allergens in the bearing seat.

[0168] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bearing housing body includes a fixed bearing housing body and a removable bearing housing cover attached to the fixed bearing housing body. Preferably, the bearing housing body includes a fixed bearing housing body connected to two or more bearing housing legs via arms, and a removable bearing housing cover attached to the fixed bearing housing body.

[0169] In another embodiment of the present invention, the bearing housing body includes a fixed bearing housing body and a removable flat cover in contact with the shield and including a shaft insert. Preferably, the bearing housing body includes a fixed bearing housing body connected to two or more bearing housing legs via arms and a removable flat cover in contact with the shield and including a shaft insert.

[0170] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the bearing housing body includes a fixed bearing housing body and a removable bearing housing cover attached to the fixed bearing housing body, and the bearing housing body includes a fixed bearing housing body and a removable flat cover in contact with the shield and including a shaft insert. Preferably, the bearing housing body includes a fixed bearing housing body connected to two or more bearing housing legs via arms, a removable bearing housing cover attached to the fixed bearing housing body, and a removable flat cover in contact with the shield and including a shaft insert.

[0171] A removable flat cover can be attached to the fixed bearing receptacle body on the side of the fixed bearing receptacle body facing away from the removable bearing receptacle cover.

[0172] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bearing housing body can include a fixed bearing housing body, a removable bearing housing cover, and a removable flat cover, the removable flat cover including a shaft insert for inserting the shaft, and the removable bearing housing cover including a shaft insert for inserting the shaft. Such a configuration of the bearing housing according to the present invention can be provided for a bearing housing in which the shaft passes through the bearing housing, and therefore two shaft inserts are required, one for inserting the shaft into the bearing housing and one for extracting the shaft from the bearing housing.

[0173] The circular structure on the outer surface of the shield can come into 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 come into contact with the shield, and a seal is provided between the removable flat cover and the shield. The removable flat cover can also have 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 that fits 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.

[0174] When the bearing receptacle can be provided with a fixed bearing receptacle body and a flat cover, a seal can be provided between the fixed bearing receptacle body and the flat cover.

[0175] When the bearing housing can be provided with a fixed bearing housing body and a removable bearing housing cover, a seal can be provided between the fixed bearing housing body and the removable bearing housing cover. Preferably, the seal between the fixed bearing housing body and the removable bearing housing cover can be configured with a contour that matches the surfaces of the fixed bearing housing body and the removable bearing housing cover, thereby ensuring a substantially continuous surface of the fixed bearing housing body and the removable bearing housing cover.

[0176] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a bearing can be mounted inside the bearing housing body. The bearing mounted in the bearing housing can be a steel ball bearing, a ceramic bearing, a plain bearing, or a roller bearing.

[0177] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the bearing housing may be a hygienic bearing housing.

[0178] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bearing accommodating body may comprise at least one mounting means for mounting the bearing accommodating body to the base, and preferably the bearing accommodating body may comprise at least two mounting means for mounting the bearing accommodating body to the base.

[0179] 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.

[0180] In addition to the unique configuration of the bearing housing of the present invention, which provides for overcoming 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.

[0181] Therefore, a preferred embodiment of the present invention 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 attaching 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.

[0182] 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.

[0183] 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.

[0184] One of the particular features of the bearing housing according to the invention can be that one or more bearing housing legs protrude next to the bearing housing body by introducing an arm between each of the one or more, preferably two or more, bearing housing legs and the bearing housing body. In this context, the term "extending from" relates to extending one or more bearing housing legs from the bearing housing body. Preferably, the one or more bearing housing legs extend or are extended from the bearing housing and are separated by an arm.

[0185] In one embodiment of the present invention, an arm may be used to extend one or more bearing housing legs from the bearing housing body between them. When three or more, or four or more bearing housing legs are connected to each other, one or more bearing housing legs may be attached to the bearing housing body via another bearing housing leg.

[0186] In the present context, the term "arm" relates to a piece of material used to create or maintain space between two elements, in particular between each of one or more, preferably two or more, bearing housing legs and the bearing housing body, and / or between the individual bearing housing legs. Arms according to the invention can be configured to improve and / or facilitate cleaning in, on or around the bearing housing, while at the same time providing strength and stability to the bearing housing.

[0187] 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.

[0188] In another embodiment of the invention, the arm may be made from a different material than the material used in one or more bearing housing legs and / or the bearing housing body.

[0189] 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.

[0190] 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.

[0191] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the bearing housing legs may include flanges.

[0192] The bearing housing legs or flanges may be provided with attachment means, which may include nuts and bolts that pass through the bearing housing legs or flanges, preferably longitudinally relative to the direction of the bearing housing legs or flanges, and through the base.

[0193] 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.

[0194] In further embodiments of the present invention, the base may be part of a machine, device, installation, or the like.

[0195] 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 deposits to hide and accumulate can be significantly reduced, and / or by restructuring the bearing housing, cleaning in, on and around the bearing housing becomes easier with easier 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.

[0196] In one embodiment of the invention, one or more bearing housing legs may be the only portion of the bearing housing that contacts the base.

[0197] In a further embodiment of the invention, the bearing housing body and / or the arm do not contact the base.

[0198] In this situation, if one or more bearing housing legs can be the only part of the bearing housing that comes into contact with the base, and / or if the bearing housing body and / or the arm do not come into contact with the base, then a free space is left between the parts of the bearing housing that do not come into contact with the base (e.g., the bearing housing body and / or the arm) and the base. Preferably, the free space between the bearing housing 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, for example 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.

[0199] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bearing housing 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 housing with the base may be provided by at least two legs.

[0200] 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 rotating shaft.

[0201] 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.

[0202] 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 achieved by introducing leg spacers 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.

[0203] 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 one or more bearing housing legs can be achieved by introducing leg spacers 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.

[0204] There will be an offset between corresponding bearing receptacles. Thus, terms such as "substantially vertical" and / or "substantially longitudinal" of a bearing receptacle can 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.

[0205] 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.

[0206] The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that the amount of material used to construct the part between the bearing housing body and the two or more bearing housing legs can be reduced, and 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.

[0207] The arm according to the present invention comprises: a length (l) that determines how far each of the one or more bearing housing legs extends from the bearing housing body, preferably each of the arms can have the same length (l); a height (h) defined in a direction from the bearing housing to the base, where each of the arms may preferably have the same height (h); a width (w) defined in a direction perpendicular to the direction from the bearing housing to the base, wherein each of the arms preferably has the same height (h); can have:

[0208] In one embodiment of the invention, one or more 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.

[0209] By constructing the bearing housing with one or more bearing housing legs having a length that can exceed the height of the arm, an open space can be provided between the arm and the base that can enhance and facilitate cleaning in, on, and around the bearing housing, as well as cleaning the bearing housing, bearing housing body, fixed bearing housing body, and / or one or more bearing housing legs from various angles.

[0210] 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.

[0211] 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, for example more than 1.5 mm, for example more than 2.5 mm, for example in the range of 0.1 to 5 cm, such as 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.

[0212] In one embodiment of the present invention, one width or arm may be less than or equal to the width of two or more bearing housing legs.

[0213] 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, so that the individual elements (such as two or more bearing housing legs, the bearing housing body, and / or the arms) can be easily distinguished.

[0214] In one embodiment of the invention, the arm may be easily distinguishable from one or more bearing housing legs.

[0215] In a further embodiment of the invention, the arm may be easily distinguishable from the bearing housing body.

[0216] In still further embodiments of the present invention, one or more bearing housing legs may be easily distinguishable from the bearing housing body.

[0217] In the present context, the term "easily distinguishable" relates 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.

[0218] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fixed bearing housing body, the arm and the one or more bearing housing legs can be manufactured, for example, by molding, preferably by one-piece molding.

[0219] As mentioned above, the configuration, design and / or construction of the arm can help to improve cleaning, and the arm according to the invention can improve drainage, such as being able to self-drain liquids, such as aqueous suspensions, for example aqueous cleaning solutions. By making cleaning easier and more effective, and by introducing easy-draining or even self-draining surfaces of the bearing housing, the occurrence and / or risk of hiding or accumulating dust, microbial matter or other contaminants, particularly in the arm, can be reduced or even avoided.

[0220] 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, or a hexagonal prism, etc. Preferably, the arm may be formed as a triangular prism.

[0221] 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.

[0222] In one embodiment of the invention, the arm has a first curved end aligned with the radius of the bearing housing body and a second curved end aligned with the radius of the bearing housing leg, preferably with the radius of the first curved end being greater than the radius of the second curved end.

[0223] In one embodiment of the present invention, the term "curved end" refers to an end that aligns and conforms with the surface to which it is attached.

[0224] 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.

[0225] In one embodiment of the present invention, a first end of the two triangular ends can be attached to the bearing housing body, and a second end of the two triangular portions can be attached to one of two or more bearing housing legs.

[0226] The arms may take different shapes depending on the shape, for example at least one edge of a triangular prism polyhedron may be straight, concave or convex.

[0227] 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.

[0228] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tip of the polyhedron, for example a triangular prism, may point towards the base.

[0229] 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.

[0230] 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.

[0231] In order to improve the 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 with a variety of different elements that can be joined together to form the bearing housing body.

[0232] In one embodiment of the present invention, the seal / sealing according to the present invention can preferably be configured with a contour that is 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, 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 seal provided in the first circular opening (which comes into contact with the shaft when the shaft is inserted into the bearing housing body).

[0233] The seal / 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.

[0234] The seal or sealing according to the present invention can be made from a non-conductive material. The seal, sealing or non-conductive material can be silicone. Preferably, the seal or sealing can be made 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.

[0235] In one embodiment of the present 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.

[0236] 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 stainless steel.

[0237] 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.

[0238] Preferably, the bearing housing according to the present invention will be free in its final manufactured form from seams, holes, dents, cracks, crevices and other defects when mounted on a machine and / or operating within specified load conditions.

[0239] Preferably, the exposed surfaces of the bearing receptacle according to the present invention do not include any jagged surfaces.

[0240] All exposed surfaces of the bearing receptacle according to the invention are preferably cleanable.

[0241] All exposed surfaces of the bearing receptacle according to the invention are preferably inspectable.

[0242] In the context of the present invention, the terms "surface" and "exposed surface" can be used interchangeably and relate to any surface that can be accessible to dust, dirt, microbial matter (such as bacteria or fungi), or other deposits such as allergens.

[0243] In one embodiment of the invention, all exposed surfaces of a bearing seat according to the invention may be self-draining, hi a further embodiment of the invention, the bearing seat does not include any surface with one or more pockets that may hold liquid.

[0244] 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 like water, to escape and / or exit the surface.

[0245] 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 deposits can be performed by an aqueous suspension, such as a chemical and / or water rinse, optionally with the aid of one or a combination of a brush, a non-metallic abrasive pad, and a scraper. Rinsing can be performed by a high-pressure or low-pressure hose and / or by a manually operated cleaning aid.

[0246] The surface of the bearing housing may be smooth 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.

[0247] 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-draining, of liquid from the surface.

[0248] The smoothness of the exposed surface of the bearing seat according to the present 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 surface roughness (Ra) of the bearing seat can be measured according to the ISO 4287:1997 standard.

[0249] Preferably, the surface of the bearing receptacle according to the present invention may include all exposed surfaces of the bearing receptacle.

[0250] The surface of the bearing housing may have a roughness of less than Ra2.0 μm, such as Ra1.8 μm, for example Ra1.6 μm, for example 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.

[0251] Preferably, the bearing receptacle according to the present invention does not include any exposed surfaces, ledges and / or edges that are horizontal.

[0252] In one embodiment of the invention, all exposed surfaces, ledges and / or edges of the bearing housing are curved or curved.

[0253] To ensure a high drainage effect, at least one, 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.

[0254] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the exposed surfaces, ledges and / or edges of the bearing housing, preferably all of the exposed surfaces, ledges and / or edges, 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 of the exposed surfaces, preferably all of the exposed surfaces, ledges and / or edges of the bearing housing.

[0255] Preferably, the bearing housing does not include any exposed surfaces, ledges and / or edges with a radius of less than 3.2mm, such as less than 3mm, for example less than 2.5mm, such as less than 1mm, for example less than 0.8mm.

[0256] In one embodiment of the present 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, for example 3.5 degrees or more relative to the horizontal, such as 3.75 degrees or more relative to the horizontal, for example 4 degrees or more relative to the horizontal, for example 5 degrees or more relative to the horizontal.

[0257] In one embodiment of the invention, the exposed surfaces, ledges and / or edges of the bearing housing comply 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: Sanitary Design Criteria Assessment Report states that the design meets the criteria for Sanitary Equipment Class I for components located in non-food areas and 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 food of animal origin, 854 / 2004 Special Regulations Governing Official Control over Products of Animal Origin for Human Consumption, 1935 / 2004 Regulation on materials and articles intended to come into contact with food, can be constructed, designed and / or manufactured in accordance with

[0258] The bearing receptacle according to the present invention may be provided with a bearing. The bearing according to the present invention may be a mechanical element that prevents relative movement only for the desired movement and reduces friction between a moving part, such as a shaft, and a non-moving part, such as the bearing receptacle. Preferably, the bearing receptacle may include a bearing suitable for receiving a rotating shaft.

[0259] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bearings may be ceramic bearings or stainless steel bearings. Preferably, the bearings may be ceramic bearings.

[0260] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bearing may be an oil-free bearing and / or a lubricant-free bearing. The configuration, design and construction of the bearing seat ensures a waterproof bearing seat, preferably a long-term waterproof property, of the bearing seat according to the present invention, with a reduced number of elements joined and protected by sealing.

[0261] In one embodiment of the invention, the bearing receptacle essentially consists of a bearing receptacle body having two or more bearing receptacle legs (preferably between two and four bearing receptacle legs) extending therefrom by arms, joints (and sealings) between the bearing receptacle body and a removable flat cover, joints (and sealings) between the bearing receptacle body and a removable bearing receptacle cover, joints (and sealings) between each of the bearing receptacle legs of the bearing receptacle body and the base, and joints (and sealings) between each of the bearing receptacle legs of the bearing receptacle body and each of the bolts used to attach the bearing receptacle to the base.

[0262] Preferably, the bearing receptacle 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 housing legs of the bearing housing body and a base; joints (and sealings) between each of the bearing housing legs of the bearing housing body and each of the bolts used to attach the bearing housing to the base; comprising (or consisting essentially of) The component may be configured with a contour adapted to the surface of the component, thereby ensuring a substantially continuous surface of the component in the bearing receptacle.

[0263] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bearing housing may be a hygienic bearing housing.

[0264] In the context of the present invention, the term "hygienic bearing housing" relates to a bearing housing that is 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 surfaces or elements that it connects.

[0265] In one embodiment of the invention, the bearing housing according to the invention may be provided with an on-board sensor, preferably capable of transmitting data, such as operational or configuration data, to a mobile device and / or cloud monitoring of the bearing housing.

[0266] The introduction of such sensors into a bearing housing according to the present invention can result in safer operation, more efficient operation, improved maintenance and / or reduced machine downtime.

[0267] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor is mounted within a removable bearing housing cover.

[0268] In one embodiment of the invention, the sensors may be configured to monitor one or more of vibration, temperature, leaks, moisture, external cleaning and / or location of the bearing housing.

[0269] 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 (or no) adhesion or buildup of dust, dirt, microbial material and / or allergens is acceptable.

[0270] 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.

[0271] A preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a device comprising a bearing receptacle according to the invention.

[0272] 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.

[0273] In one embodiment of the present invention, the device may be a sanitary device.

[0274] 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. 1. A seal (4, 40) formed as a sleeve, the seal (4, 40) having a circular front end (41) with a front circular opening (45) and a circular rear end (42) with a rear circular opening (46), and circular openings (6, 49) passing through centers (43) of the circular front end (41) and the circular rear end (42), the rear circular opening (46) of the rear end (42) being connected to the front circular opening (45) of the front end (41) by a spherical structure (44).

2. The seal (4, 40) of claim 1, wherein the seal is a spherical seal.

3. The seal (4, 40) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the seal is a plain bearing.

4. The seal (4, 40) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the diameter of the front circular opening (45) is smaller than the diameter of the rear circular opening (46).

5. The seal (4, 40) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the front circular opening (45) is provided with a lip seal (47).

6. The seal (4, 40) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the seal (4, 40) is provided with anti-rotation means.

7. The seal (4, 40) of claim 6, wherein the anti-rotation means comprises a complementary combination of recesses and protrusions (50a, 50b).

8. The seal (4, 40) of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the seal comprises a polymer material.

9. A bearing accommodating portion (1) includes a bearing body (2) for holding a bearing (3), and a seal (4, 40) forming a shaft inserting portion (6, 49) for inserting a shaft into the bearing accommodating portion (1), the seal (4, 40) being formed as a sleeve (4, 40), the sleeve (4, 40) having a circular front end (41) provided with a front circular opening (45), a circular rear end (42) provided with a rear circular opening (46), and circular openings (6, 49) passing through the centers (43) of the circular front end (41) and the circular rear end (42), a bearing receiving portion (1) having a rear circular opening (46) of the bearing receiving portion (1) in the front end (41) connected to a front circular opening (45) of the front end (41) by a spherical structure (44), the diameter of the front circular opening (45) being smaller than that of the rear circular opening (46), the front circular opening (45) being provided with a lip seal (47), the seal (4, 40) being formed with a spherical outer surface (4a), the seal (4, 40) being in contact with the bearing receiving portion body (2) and resting on the bearing (3) when attached to the bearing receiving portion body (2).

10. 10. The bearing seat (1) according to claim 9, wherein a bearing (3) is mounted inside the bearing seat body (2), said bearing (3) comprising a spherical outer surface of an outer ring.

11. 11. Bearing receptacle (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the seal (4, 40) and / or the seal (4, 40) and the bearing (3) are capable of angular movement.

12. The bearing housing 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 housing legs of the bearing housing body and a base; a joint (and sealing) between each of the bearing housing legs of the bearing housing body and each of the bolts used to attach the bearing housing to the base; Equipped with A bearing receptacle (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the component can be configured with a contour adapted to the surface of the component, thereby ensuring a substantially continuous surface of the component of the bearing receptacle.

13. Use of a bearing seat (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 12 in environments with high hygiene requirements, high cleaning requirements and / or in which low (or no) adhesion or accumulation of dust, dirt, microbial material and / or allergens is acceptable.

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