Bearing housing design

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bearing accommodating portion 1 comprising a bearing accommodating portion main body 2 that receives a rotating shaft and two or more bearing accommodating portion legs 4 that attach the bearing accommodating portion 1 to a base 10, each of the two or more bearing accommodating portion legs 4 extending from the bearing accommodating portion main body 2 by an arm 6.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bearing housing for use in environments where environmental hygiene is of paramount importance. In particular, the present invention relates to a bearing housing for use in environments where environmental hygiene is of paramount importance in order to suppress or even avoid the adhesion or accumulation of dust, dirt, microbial substances, or allergens on, in, or around the bearing housing. [Background technology]

[0002] Over the past decade, the food and beverage industry has experienced a significant increase in the number of products that need to be recalled due to contamination by microorganisms, allergens, or dust that were not intended to be present in food products.

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

[0004] Many companies have established strict safety guidelines and measures in their manufacturing zones to protect food products. These may include measures such as postings recommending handwashing or purchasing hygienically designed "food-grade" machinery.

[0005] The increase in recalls has made proactive food safety a top priority for food and beverage control boards, and various different approaches are being used to reduce or avoid contaminated food products.

[0006] One approach is to control food products and production lines, but this is highly undesirable for manufacturing because inspections are time-consuming and costly. Inspections may result in shutting down the process line until equipment and facilities are properly cleaned. This clearly has a strong impact on production turnover in terms of downtime and the absence of product manufacturing. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Therefore, an alternative approach is to ensure proper cleaning of equipment and facilities to maintain a clean and uncontaminated environment while ensuring the best possible food safety.

[0008] One of the risk areas for contamination by dust, microbial substances, and allergens, which is difficult to clean properly, is the bearing housing and the area surrounding it. The challenges are often as follows: (i) Excessive lubrication can provide a safe place for contaminants to hide and accumulate, such as bearing lubrication. (ii) Due to the design of the bearing housing, dust, microbial substances and allergens may be hidden and accumulate in various places around the bearing housing (e.g., at specific angles, on various different surfaces that can be approached, or on hidden surfaces), it may be difficult to wash the bearing housing with water during cleaning. (iii) Gaps or joints that occur in conventional bearing housings when the individual components of the bearing housing are joined together, or when conventional bearing housings are mounted to the base of a device or equipment, may similarly make rinsing with water difficult, and these gaps or joints (along with other holes, recesses, cracks, splits, or other defects in the bearing housing) may provide safe places for dust, microorganisms and allergens to hide and accumulate, which may be difficult to reach during cleaning. It is located there.

[0009] Therefore, an improved bearing housing is preferable, in particular, one that allows for more efficient and / or more reliable rinsing and cleaning, thereby suppressing or even avoiding the adhesion or accumulation of dust, dirt, microbial matter, or allergens on, in, or around the bearing housing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention relates to a bearing housing for use in an environment where environmental hygiene is highly prioritized.

[0011] In particular, an object of the present invention is a bearing housing that makes washing and cleaning more efficient and / or more reliable, and solves the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, which involves the adhesion or accumulation of dust, dirt, microbial substances, or allergens on, in, or around the bearing housing.

[0012] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention is a bearing housing (1), comprising a bearing housing body (2) for receiving a rotating shaft, and two or more bearing housing legs (4) for mounting the bearing housing (1) on a base, wherein each of the two or more bearing housing legs (4) extends from the bearing housing body (2) by an arm (6).

[0013] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the bearing housing (1) according to the present invention in an environment having high hygiene requirements, high cleaning requirements, and / or an environment where low adhesion or low accumulation (or no adhesion or no accumulation) of dust, dirt, microbial substances, and / or allergens is tolerated.

[0014] A further aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the bearing housing (1) according to the present invention in a hygienic environment.

[0015] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, it relates to the use of the bearing housing (1) according to the present invention in the food manufacturing industry, the feed manufacturing industry, and / or the pharmaceutical industry. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] [Figure 1]Figure 1 shows the rear parts of four different types of the hygienic bearing housing (1) according to the present invention, defined by Figures 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d. The bearing housing (1) comprises a bearing housing body (2) for receiving a rotating shaft (not shown in Figure 1), and two or more bearing housing legs (4) for mounting the bearing housing (1) on a base. Each of the two or more bearing housing legs (4) extends from the bearing housing body (2) by means of an arm (6). [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the front side of the hygienic bearing housing (1) according to the present invention. The bearing housing (1) comprises a bearing housing body (2) for receiving a rotating shaft (not shown), and four bearing housing legs (4) for mounting the bearing housing (1) on a base. Each of the two or more bearing housing legs (4) extends from the bearing housing body (2) by means of an arm (6). [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the hygienic bearing housing (1) according to the present invention. The bearing housing (1) comprises a bearing housing body (2) for receiving a rotating shaft (11), and four bearing housing legs (4) for mounting the bearing housing (1) on a base. Each of the two or more bearing housing legs (4) extends from the bearing housing body (2) by means of an arm (6).

[0017] Figure 1a shows a bearing housing (1) having two bearing housing legs (4). The two bearing housing legs (4) are oriented in the longitudinal direction with respect to the direction of the rotating shaft inserted into the bearing housing (1). Figure 1b shows a bearing housing (1) having four bearing housing legs (4). The four bearing housing legs (4) are oriented in the longitudinal direction with respect to the direction of the rotating shaft inserted into the bearing housing (1). Figure 1c shows a bearing housing (1) having two bearing housing legs (4). The two bearing housing legs (4) are oriented in the perpendicular direction with respect to the direction of the rotating shaft inserted into the bearing housing (1). Figure 1d shows a bearing housing (1) having three bearing housing legs (4). The three bearing legs (4) are oriented in the longitudinal direction with respect to the direction of the rotating shaft inserted into the bearing housing (1).

[0018] Figures 1a, 1b, and 1c show bearing housing legs (4) arranged symmetrically around the bearing housing base (2). Figure 1d shows a bearing housing (1) having three bearing housing legs (4), which are arranged asymmetrically around the bearing housing base (2), with one bearing housing leg (4) being attached to the bearing housing body (2) via one or more other bearing housing legs (4). Preferably, annular connections can be provided for the bearing housing legs (4) (see Figure 1d).

[0019] In Figure 1, it is shown that the bearing housing legs (4) are longer than the height of the arms (6) (measured from the top (4a) of the bearing legs to the base (4b) of the bearing legs). In fact, the bearing housing legs (4) are the only parts of the bearing housing that come into contact with the base when the bearing housing (1) is mounted on the base. The bearing housing base (2) and arms (6) do not come into contact with the base when mounted on the base, so the space created between the bearing housing body (2) (and arms (6)) and the base (when mounted on the base) allows for easy access to clean the bearing housing from any angle.

[0020] The bearing housing body (2) includes a fixed bearing housing body (2a) connected via an arm (6) to two bearing housing legs (4) (Figures 1a and 1c), three bearing housing legs (4) (Figure 1d), or four bearing housing legs (4) (Figure 1b), 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 to the removable bearing housing cover (2b). The removable flat cover (2c) includes a shaft insertion portion (not shown).

[0021] Seals (3c and 3b, respectively) are inserted between the fixed bearing housing body (2a) and the removable flat cover (2c), and between the fixed bearing housing body and the removable bearing housing cover (2b) to ensure that water does not enter the bearing housing (1) at their joints. The sealing (3) is configured to have a contour that conforms to the structure of the connected surfaces or connected elements, thereby substantially ensuring a continuous or substantially continuous surface at the joints between the connected surfaces or connected elements, as a result of preventing or stopping dust, dirt, microbial matter (bacteria or fungi, etc.), or other adhering substances (e.g., allergens) from hiding and / or accumulating.

[0022] Seals (3a) are also provided at the base end of each bearing housing leg (4b) to prevent the accumulation of dust, dirt, microbial matter, or other adhering substances at the joint between the bearing housing body (2) and the base.

[0023] The seal (3) is prepared from a non-conductive soft silicone material. Using blue RAL 5010 improves the visual inspection of hygiene levels and / or cleaning quality.

[0024] The sealing (3) according to the present invention helps to make the bearing housing waterproof by preventing water, dust, and microbial activity from entering.

[0025] The bearing housing legs (4) are equipped with mounting means (9), such as bolts or nuts, for attaching the bearing housing (1) to the base.

[0026] The bearing housing (1) is made of a durable polypropylene material, and the surface of the bearing housing (1) is smoothed to allow water to drain from the surface. The surface of the bearing housing (1) has a roughness of less than Ra2.0μm, for example Ra1.8μm, for example Ra1.6μm, for example Ra1.4μm, for example Ra1.2μm, for example Ra1.0μm, for example Ra0.8μm, for example Ra0.6μm, for example Ra0.4μm.

[0027] A bearing suitable for receiving a rotating shaft is mounted inside the bearing housing (1). The bearing can be a ceramic bearing or a stainless steel bearing.

[0028] [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the front side of the hygienic bearing housing (1) according to the present invention. The bearing housing (1) comprises a bearing housing body (2) for receiving a rotating shaft (not shown) and four bearing housing legs (4) for attaching the bearing housing (1) to a base. Each of two or more bearing housing legs (4) extends from the bearing housing body (2) by an arm (6).

[0029] When the bearing housing (1) is attached to the base, a seal (3a) is provided at the base end (4b) of the bearing leg, which is the only part of the bearing housing that comes into contact with the base.

[0030] The bearing housing body (2) is A fixed bearing housing body (2a) is connected to two bearing housing legs (4) via an arm (6), Includes a removable flat cover (2c) including a shaft insertion portion (7).

[0031] A bearing suitable for receiving a rotating shaft is mounted inside the bearing housing base (2), and a sealing (3d) is provided that can come into contact with the shaft when the shaft is inserted into the bearing housing body (2).

[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sealing (3d) may be formed having a spherical structure. Preferably, the spherical structure of the sealing (3d) has the same or substantially the same radius as the spherical structure of the outer rim of the bearing inserted into the bearing housing (1). The spherical structure of the outer rim may be defined in the longitudinal direction of the shaft when inserted into the bearing housing (1).

[0033] The arm (6) is formed as a polyhedron, particularly a triangular prism. The first of two triangular ends is attached to the bearing housing body (2), and the second of two triangular ends is attached to one of the two bearing housing legs (4). The first triangular end has a curved end with a radius relative to the radius of the bearing housing body (2), which is larger than the radius of the curved end attached to each of the two bearing housing legs (4).

[0034] The arm (6) has a length (l) that determines how far each of the two bearing housing legs (4) 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 the direction perpendicular to the direction from the bearing housing (1) to the base.

[0035] During molding, the arm (6) is molded as a single unit with the fixed bearing housing body (2a) and the two bearing housing legs (4).

[0036] The arm (6) does not come into contact with the base when the bearing housing (1) is attached to the base.

[0037] The tip (8) of the arm (6), which is formed as a polyhedron, particularly a triangular prism, faces towards the base. This structure of the arm (6) improves access for cleaning from all sides and angles of the bearing housing, and enhances drainage, thereby improving cleaning around the bearing housing.

[0038] [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a hygienic bearing housing (1) according to the present invention. The bearing housing (1) comprises a bearing housing body (2) for receiving a rotating shaft (11) and four bearing housing legs (4) for attaching the bearing housing (1) to a base. Each of two or more bearing housing legs (4) extends from the bearing housing body (2) by an arm (6).

[0039] The bearing housing body (2) includes a fixed bearing housing body (2a), a removable bearing housing cover (2b), and a removable flat cover (2c) which includes a shaft insertion portion for inserting the shaft (11).

[0040] The bearing housing (1) according to the present invention is attached to the base (10) at the base end (4b) of the bearing legs using mounting means (9) such as bolts, and these bearing legs are the only parts of the bearing housing that come into contact with the base (10) when the bearing housing (1) is attached to the base, and are provided with a seal (3a).

[0041] The bearing housing body (2) is A fixed bearing housing body (2a) is connected to two bearing housing legs (4) via an arm (6), Includes a removable flat cover (2c) including a shaft insertion section.

[0042] Next, the present invention will be described in more detail below. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0043] Bearing housings are often located in hygienic environments such as food manufacturing plants or pharmaceutical plants, where dust, dirt, microbial substances (bacteria or fungi, etc.), or other adhering substances such as allergens can hide and accumulate, potentially resulting in products contaminated with undesirable components. In response, the inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that by simplifying and redesigning the bearing housing, it is possible to make cleaning the inside, top, and surrounding areas of the bearing housing much easier, and the occurrence of adhesion or accumulation of dust, dirt, microbial substances, or allergens on, inside, 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.

[0044] Therefore, a preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a bearing housing comprising a bearing housing body for receiving a rotating shaft and two or more bearing housing legs for attaching the bearing housing to a base, wherein the two or more bearing housing legs extend from the bearing housing body by arms.

[0045] In the context of the present invention, the term "attach" refers to fixing one element to another. In one embodiment of the present invention, the term "attach the bearing housing to the base" refers to fixing the bearing housing to the base by making it immobile or substantially immobile.

[0046] A bearing housing can be provided to support a bearing that is configured to receive a rotating shaft. The bearing housing can also protect the bearing from contamination while retaining lubricating oil inside the bearing housing.

[0047] The bearing housing can be mounted vertically or horizontally to the base, depending on the application and / or location of the bearing housing.

[0048] One of the distinctive features of the bearing housing according to the present invention is that two or more bearing housing legs protrude from the bearing housing body by introducing an arm between each of the two or more bearing housing legs and the bearing housing body. In this case, the phrase "extending from" refers to extending two or more bearing housing legs from the bearing housing body. Preferably, the two or more bearing housing legs extend from or are extended from the bearing housing and separated by an arm.

[0049] In one embodiment of the present invention, the arm may be used to extend a bearing housing leg from the bearing housing body between two or more bearing housing legs. When three or more bearing housing legs are connected to each other, one or more bearing housing legs can be attached to the bearing housing body via another bearing housing leg.

[0050] In this context, the term “arm” refers to a material piece used to create or maintain space between two elements, particularly between each of two or more bearing housing legs and the bearing housing body, and / or between individual bearing housing legs. The arms according to the present invention can be configured to improve and / or facilitate cleaning inside, on or around the bearing housing, and at the same time to provide strength and stability to the bearing housing.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, the arm can preferably provide a distance of at least 4 mm, for example at least 5 mm, for example at least 6 mm, for example at least 7 mm, for example at least 8 mm, for example in the range of 4 to 15 mm, for example in the range of 5 to 12 mm, for example in the range of 6 to 8 mm, between the center of the bearing housing and the mounting means.

[0052] The term "distance from the center of the bearing housing" can be defined as the center of the cross-sectional area of ​​the bearing housing, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rotating shaft when inserted into the bearing housing.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present invention, the arm can be made from the same material used for two or more bearing housing legs and / or bearing housing body.

[0054] In another embodiment of the present invention, the arm may be made from a material different from the material used in two or more bearing housing legs and / or bearing housing body.

[0055] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bearing housing comprises 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. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bearing housing comprises two to four bearing housing legs, each extending from the bearing housing body by an arm.

[0056] In further embodiments of the present invention, the bearing housing legs may include flanges.

[0057] The bearing housing legs or flanges may be provided with mounting means. The mounting means may include nuts and bolts, the bolts passing through the bearing housing legs or flanges, preferably longitudinally with respect to the direction of the bearing housing legs or flanges, and also through the base.

[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the two or more bearing housing legs may be provided with mounting means for attaching the bearing housing to a base.

[0059] In further embodiments of the present invention, the base can be part of a machine, apparatus, equipment, etc.

[0060] The inventors of this invention have surprisingly found that by reducing the amount of material in contact with the base, the areas or locations that can be used for concealing and accumulating dust, dirt, microbial matter and / or other adhering substances can be significantly reduced, and / or by redesigning the bearing housing, it becomes easier to clean the inside, top and around the bearing housing with easy access for cleaning from all angles around the bearing housing. Surprisingly, this improvement in construction makes rinsing and cleaning more efficient and / or more reliable, resulting in the aforementioned reductions.

[0061] In one embodiment of the present invention, two or more bearing housing legs may be the only part of the bearing housing that contacts the base.

[0062] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the bearing housing body and / or arm do not come into contact with the base.

[0063] In this situation, if two or more bearing housing legs can be the only parts of the bearing housing that contact the base, and / or if the bearing housing body and / or arms do not contact the base, a gap is left between the parts of the bearing housing that do not contact the base (e.g., the bearing housing body and / or arms) and the base. Preferably, the gap between the bearing housing body and the base, and / or the gap between the arms and the base is greater than 1 mm, for example greater than 3 mm, for example greater than 5 mm, for example greater than 1 cm, for example greater than 1.5 mm, for example greater than 2.5 mm, for example within the range of 0.1 to 5 cm, for example within the range of 0.2 to 3 cm, for example within the range of 0.3 to 3 cm, for example within the range of 0.5 to 2.75 cm, for example within the range of 0.75 to 2.54 cm.

[0064] In one embodiment of the present invention, the lengths of two or more bearing housing legs are substantially longitudinal with respect to the opening that receives the rotating shaft.

[0065] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the lengths of two or more bearing housing legs are substantially perpendicular to the direction of the base to which the bearing housing is mounted.

[0066] In one embodiment of the present invention, two 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 two or more bearing housing legs can be achieved by introducing leg spacers between each of the two or more bearing housing legs until a desired length is reached. Preferably, a seal is placed between each of the leg spacers and each of the two or more bearing housing legs. Preferably, a seal is placed between each of the leg spacers and the base.

[0067] Therefore, the substantially vertical and / or substantially longitudinal displacement of the bearing housing may be subject to some deflection, such as between 0 and 20°, for example between 1° and 15°, for example between 1.5° and 10°, for example between 2° and 5°, for example around 3°, which is considered to be within the substantially longitudinal or substantially vertical range, in order to allow a certain degree of displacement without compromising hygienic safety, strength, or stability.

[0068] 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, and as a result, it is advantageous to suppress or even avoid the adhesion or accumulation of dust, dirt, microbial matter, or allergens on, inside, or around the bearing housing.

[0069] The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that, in particular, the amount of material used to construct the portion between the bearing housing body and two or more bearing housing legs can be reduced. The inventors of the present invention have also surprisingly found that, instead of this portion of the bearing housing (the portion between the bearing housing body and each of the two or more bearing housing legs), an arm according to the present invention can be used without compromising the strength, robustness, or stability of the bearing housing.

[0070] The arm according to the present invention is A length (l) that determines how far each of the two or more bearing housing legs extends from the bearing housing body, preferably such that each arm has the same length (l), A height (h) defined in the direction from the bearing housing to the base, preferably such that each arm can have the same height (h), A width (w) defined in a direction perpendicular to the direction from the bearing housing to the base, preferably such that each arm has the same height (h), It can have.

[0071] In one embodiment of the present invention, two or more bearing housing legs have a length that exceeds the height of the arm (measured from the top of the bearing leg to the base).

[0072] By constructing a bearing housing with two or more bearing housing legs that are longer than the height of the arm, a gap can be created between the arm and the base. This gap can improve and facilitate cleaning inside, on, and around the bearing housing, and can also facilitate cleaning of the bearing housing, bearing housing body, fixed bearing housing body, and / or two or more bearing housing legs from various angles.

[0073] In one embodiment of the present invention, the arm can be positioned relative to the base and / or two or more bearing housing legs such that there is space between the arm and the base.

[0074] Preferably, the clearance between the arm and the base is greater than 1 mm, for example, greater than 3 mm, for example, greater than 5 mm, for example, greater than 1 cm, for example, greater than 1.5 mm, for example, greater than 2.5 mm, for example, within the range of 0.1 to 5 cm, for example, within the range of 0.2 to 3 cm, for example, within the range of 0.3 to 3 cm, for example, within the range of 0.5 to 2.75 cm, for example, within the range of 0.75 to 2.54 cm.

[0075] In one embodiment of the present invention, the width of two or more bearing housing legs (4) is less than or equal to the width of two or more bearing housing legs (4).

[0076] The construction according to the present invention, compared to the construction of the bearing housing in the prior art, may involve the removal of material around two or more bearing housing legs and / or the removal of material between the two or more bearing housing legs and the bearing housing body, and the individual elements (two or more bearing housing legs, the bearing housing body, and / or arms, etc.) can be easily distinguished.

[0077] In one embodiment of the present invention, the arm can be easily distinguished from two or more bearing housing legs.

[0078] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the arm can be easily distinguished from the bearing housing body.

[0079] In further embodiments of the present invention, two or more bearing housing legs can be easily distinguished from the bearing housing body.

[0080] In this context, the phrase "easily distinguishable" refers to clear differences between elements of the bearing housing, such as differences between the bearing housing body and two or more bearing housing legs, between two or more bearing housing legs and arms, and / or between the bearing housing body and arms. In one embodiment of the present invention, the differences may be visual distinctions.

[0081] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fixed bearing housing body, the arm, and two or more bearing housing legs can be manufactured, for example, by molding, preferably by integral molding.

[0082] As described above, the configuration, design, and / or fabrication of the arm can help improve cleaning, and the arm according to the present invention can improve discharge, for example, by being able to self-discharge liquids such as aqueous suspensions, which are aqueous cleaning solutions. By making cleaning easier and more effective, and by introducing easy discharge or even self-discharging the surface of the bearing housing, the occurrence and / or risk of concealment or accumulation of dust, microbial matter, or other contaminants can be reduced or even avoided, particularly in the arm.

[0083] In one embodiment of the present invention, the arm can be formed as a polyhedron such as a triangular prism, a square prism, a pentagonal prism, or a hexagonal prism. Preferably, the arm can be formed as a triangular prism.

[0084] In another embodiment of the present invention, the polyhedron may be a frustum. In the context of the present invention, the term "frustum" refers to a structure that is topologically identical to a prism, having a trapezoidal side and upper and lower polygonal faces of different sizes.

[0085] In one embodiment of the present 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, the radius of the first curved end is greater than the radius of the second curved end.

[0086] In one embodiment of the present invention, the term "curved end" refers to an end that is aligned with and conforms to the surface to which it is attached.

[0087] The triangular prism may include three rectangular sections and two triangular ends, preferably the two triangular ends having different dimensions. In one embodiment of the present invention, the triangular end connected to the bearing housing has a larger radius than the triangular end connected to one of the two or more bearing housing legs.

[0088] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first of the two triangular ends can be attached to the bearing housing body, and the second of the two triangular portions can be attached to one of two or more bearing housing legs.

[0089] 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.

[0090] For example, at least one edge of a triangular prism polyhedron is concave, and at least one length of the edge of the triangular prism is convex.

[0091] In one embodiment of the present invention, for example, the tip of a triangular prism polyhedron can be oriented toward the base.

[0092] In one embodiment of the present invention, the term "edge of the polyhedron" refers to, for example, one of the edges of a triangular prism polyhedron. Preferably, for example, one of the edges of the triangular prism polyhedron faces toward the base, and preferably directly toward the base.

[0093] The aforementioned structure of the bearing housing allows for easier, more efficient, and / or more thorough cleaning by ensuring that a limited portion of the bearing housing is in contact with the base and / or by providing greater space around the bearing housing, thereby suppressing or even preventing the adhesion or accumulation of dust, dirt, microbial matter, or allergens on, in, or around the bearing housing.

[0094] To improve maintenance of the bearing inside the bearing housing during use, and / or to facilitate the installation of the bearing and / or shaft into the bearing housing, the bearing housing body may be provided with a variety of different elements that can be joined together to form the bearing housing body.

[0095] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bearing housing body may include a fixed bearing housing body and a removable bearing housing cover attached to the fixed bearing housing body. The fixed bearing housing may preferably be connected to two or more bearing housing legs via arms according to the present invention.

[0096] In further embodiments of the present invention, the bearing housing body may include a fixed bearing housing body and a removable flat cover including a shaft insertion portion. The fixed bearing housing may preferably be connected to two or more bearing housing legs via arms according to the present invention.

[0097] In further embodiments of the present invention, the bearing housing body may include a fixed bearing housing body, a removable bearing housing cover attached to the fixed bearing housing body, and a removable flat cover including a shaft insertion portion. The fixed bearing housing may preferably be connected to two or more bearing housing legs via arms according to the present invention.

[0098] The removable flat cover can be attached to the fixed bearing housing body on the side of the fixed bearing housing body opposite the removable bearing housing cover.

[0099] If the bearing housing can be provided with a fixed bearing housing body and a flat cover, a seal can be provided between the fixed bearing body and the flat cover.

[0100] If the bearing housing can be equipped 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.

[0101] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fixed bearing housing body may have a symmetrical structure. In this context, the term “symmetrical structure” refers to a design of the fixed bearing housing body that can accommodate a removable bearing housing cover and a removable flat cover. The symmetrical structure allows for the attachment of the removable bearing housing cover and the removable flat cover to both sides of the fixed bearing housing body. This symmetrical structure allows for the attachment of bearing housings to both sides of the base depending on the configuration in which the bearing housings are mounted, and may be determined, for example, depending on the available space, cleanability, and / or functionality of the bearing housings.

[0102] In one embodiment of the present invention, the seal / sealing according to the present invention may preferably be configured to have a contour that conforms to the structure of the surfaces or elements to be connected, thereby substantially ensuring a continuous or substantially continuous surface at joints between connected surfaces or connected elements, such as the joint between the fixed bearing housing body and the removable bearing housing cover, and / or the joint between two or more bearing housing legs and the base, and / or the joint between the fixed bearing housing body and the flat cover. The seal / sealing according to the present invention can prevent or stop dust, dirt, microbial matter (bacteria or fungi, etc.), or other adhering substances such as allergens from entering the gaps or joints between the connected surfaces or elements.

[0103] The seal or sealing according to the present invention can be prepared from a non-conductive material. The seal, sealing, or non-conductive material may be silicone. Preferably, the seal or sealing can be prepared from soft silicone. Preferably, the seal is blue, preferably RAL 5010, which provides an improved visual inspection of hygiene levels and / or cleaning quality.

[0104] In one embodiment of the present invention, the seal comprises a polymer material, and preferably, the seal comprises essentially a polymer material.

[0105] In one embodiment of the present invention, the seal (3d) can be a sliding bearing.

[0106] The seal according to the present invention can preferably be provided as a single piece of material.

[0107] In one embodiment of the present invention, the polymer material may include an organic compound. The organic compound may include an inert organic compound.

[0108] Preferably, the polymer material contains an olefin compound. The olefin compound may be formed as a fiber compound. Preferably, the olefin compound may include polypropylene, polyethylene, or a combination of polypropylene and polyethylene.

[0109] Preferably, the seal contains at least 10%, for example, at least 20%, for example, at least 30%, for example, at least 40%, for example, at least 50%, for example, at least 75%, for example, at least 80%, for example, at least 90%, for example, at least 95% of the organic compound.

[0110] The seal contains less than 30% non-organic material, for example less than 20%, for example less than 10%, for example less than 5%, for example less than 3%, for example less than 1%.

[0111] Non-organic materials may include metals such as steel, iron, silicates, or ceramics.

[0112] In one embodiment of the present invention, the seal may have a Young's modulus (i.e., modulus of elasticity) in the range of 1000 to 1500 GPa, for example, in the range of 1050 to 1400 GPa, for example, in the range of 1100 to 1200 GPa, for example, in the range of 1130 to 1170 GPa, for example, in the range of 1140 to 1160 GPa.

[0113] If the Young's modulus (i.e., the modulus of elasticity) is too low, such as below 1000 GPa, it may be difficult to maintain the shape of the seal. If the Young's modulus (i.e., the modulus of elasticity) is too high, such as above 1500 GPa, the desired elasticity of the seal may be compromised.

[0114] Young's modulus (i.e., the modulus of elasticity) may be a measure of how well a material can withstand changes in length when subjected to longitudinal elongation or compression.

[0115] In one embodiment of the present invention, the seal is 20 × 10 -5 K -1Less than, for example, 15×10 -5 K -1 Less than, for example, 13×10 -5 K -1 Less than, for example, 11×10 -5 K -1 Less than, for example, 10×10 -5 K -1 Less than, for example, 8×10 -5 K -1 Less than, for example, 6×10 -5 K -1 Less than, for example, 2×10 -5 K -1 ~20×10 -5 K -1 Within the range of, for example, 5×10 -5 K -1 ~18×10 -5 K -1 Within the range of, for example, 5×10 -5 K -1 ~15×10 -5 K -1 Within the range of, for example, 10×10 -5 K -1 ~12×10 -5 K -1 May have a coefficient of thermal expansion within the range of.

[0116] The coefficient of thermal expansion represents the degree of the change in the size of an object accompanying a temperature change. Specifically, the coefficient of thermal expansion indicates the fractional change in size per degree of temperature change at a constant pressure, and thus, a relatively low coefficient represents a relatively low tendency for a change in size.

[0117] In one embodiment, the seal includes moisture absorption of less than 1% (w / w), for example, less than 0.9% (w / w), for example, less than 0.8% (w / w), for example, less than 0.7% (w / w), for example, less than 0.6% (w / w), for example, less than 0.5% (w / w), for example, less than 0.4% (w / w), for example, less than 0.3% (w / w), for example, less than 0.2% (w / w), for example, less than 0.1% (w / w).

[0118] In this context, moisture absorption refers to the ability of the seal to absorb moisture from its environment. The absorbed moisture has been shown to act as a plasticizer, lowering the glass transition temperature and plastic strength, but this is a reversible effect.

[0119] In one embodiment of the present invention, the seal contains moisture absorption in the range of 0.01 to 1% (w / w), for example, in the range of 0.02 to 0.9% (w / w), for example, in the range of 0.03 to 0.8% (w / w), for example, in the range of 0.04 to 0.7% (w / w), for example, in the range of 0.05 to 0.6% (w / w), for example, in the range of 0.06 to 0.5% (w / w), for example, in the range of 0.07 to 0.4% (w / w), for example, in the range of 0.08 to 0.3% (w / w), for example, in the range of 0.09 to 0.2% (w / w), for example, about 0.1% (w / w).

[0120] In further embodiments of the present invention, the seal includes a maximum strain of at least 1%, for example, at least 2%, for example, at least 3%, for example, at least 4%, for example, at least 5%.

[0121] The maximum strain of a seal may be related to the maximum stress required to cause permanent or irreversible deformation of the seal.

[0122] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the seal is subjected to a constant stress that results in a 2% strain at 20°C for at most 6 hours, it can elongate by at most 50%, for example, at most 30%, for example, at most 25%, for example, at most 20% relative to the 2% strain. Preferably, the seal can recover to an elongation of at most 1%, for example, at most 0.75%, for example, at most 0.5%, for example, at most 0.25% relative to the 2% strain within 7 days of relaxation from the applied stress.

[0123] Proper adjustment of the maximum strain significantly affects the durability of the seal and can also enhance its durability.

[0124] In one embodiment of the present invention, the seal may include a coefficient of friction (measured against steel) in the range of 0.005 to 0.4, for example, in the range of 0.01 to 0.3, for example, in the range of 0.05 to 0.25, for example, in the range of 0.075 to 0.2, for example, in the range of 0.09 to 0.19.

[0125] Preferably, the seal has a coefficient of friction (measured against steel) lower than 0.4, for example lower than 0.3, for example lower than 0.25, for example lower than 0.2, for example lower than 0.19.

[0126] In the context of the present invention, the term "coefficient of friction" is determined according to the materials in which friction may occur. Preferably, the "coefficient of friction" according to the present invention can be determined for steel, which is the material.

[0127] The coefficient of friction can be determined by the friction between the seal (3d) and the shaft (preferably a steel shaft) when inserted into the bearing housing. The coefficient of friction may be a ratio that determines the force with which one object resists the movement of another object in contact with it. This ratio can be determined according to the material properties and can have a value between 0 and 1.

[0128] In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the two or more bearing housing legs may be provided with a seal between each of the two or more bearing housing legs and the base.

[0129] The bearing housing can be made from plastic material, metal material, or a combination thereof. The plastic material may be selected from polypropylene material. Preferably, the polypropylene material can be a strong polypropylene material. The metal material can be stainless steel.

[0130] In one embodiment of the present invention, all exposed surfaces of the bearing housing can have a smooth finish so that dust, dirt, microbial substances (bacteria or fungi, etc.), or other adhering substances such as allergens can be washed off the surface.

[0131] Preferably, the bearing housing according to the present invention may be free of seams, holes, depressions, cracks, splits, and other defects in its final manufactured form when mounted on a machine and / or operating within specified load conditions.

[0132] Preferably, the exposed surface of the bearing housing according to the present invention does not contain any jagged surfaces.

[0133] Preferably, all exposed surfaces of the bearing housing according to the present invention can be made washable.

[0134] Preferably, all exposed surfaces of the bearing housing according to the present invention can be made inspectable.

[0135] In the context of the present invention, the terms “surface” and “exposed surface” are interchangeable and refer to any surface that can be made accessible to dust, dirt, microbial matter (such as bacteria or fungi), or other adhering substances such as allergens.

[0136] In one embodiment of the present invention, all exposed surfaces of the bearing housing according to the present invention can be self-discharging. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the bearing housing does not include any surfaces having one or more pockets that may hold liquid.

[0137] In the context of the present invention, the term "self-discharging" refers to a surface configured, designed and / or manufactured such that an aqueous suspension, such as a water-based cleaning solution, can escape and / or leave the surface.

[0138] In a preferred embodiment, cleaning of the bearing housing can be performed by manual cleaning. During manual cleaning, the removal of dust, dirt, microbial matter, or other adhering substances can be optionally performed with an aqueous suspension, such as a chemical and / or water rinse, with the help of a brush, a non-metallic polishing pad, and a scraper, or a combination thereof. The rinsing can be performed by a high-pressure hose or a low-pressure hose and / or by a manually operated cleaning aid.

[0139] To suppress the accumulation and / or growth of dust, dirt, microbial matter, or other adhering substances on the exposed surface of the bearing housing, and to improve the discharge of aqueous suspensions, such as water, from the surface, the surface of the bearing housing can be made smooth.

[0140] In one embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the bearing housing can be made smooth. Preferably, the smooth surface of the bearing housing can allow liquid to be discharged from the surface, preferably by self-discharge.

[0141] The smoothness of the exposed surface of the bearing housing according to the present invention can be measured by the "average roughness (Ra)". The average roughness, or Ra, is an arithmetic means 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 housing can be measured according to the ISO 4287:1997 standard.

[0142] Preferably, the surface of the bearing housing according to the present invention may include all exposed surfaces of the bearing housing.

[0143] The surface of the bearing housing may have a roughness of less than Ra2.0μm, for example Ra1.8μm, for example Ra1.6μm, for example Ra1.4μm, for example Ra1.2μm, for example Ra1.0μm, for example Ra0.8μm, for example Ra0.6μm, for example Ra0.4μm.

[0144] Preferably, the bearing housing according to the present invention does not include any horizontal exposed surfaces, protrusions, and / or edges.

[0145] In one embodiment of the present invention, all exposed surfaces, protrusions, and / or edges of the bearing housing are curved or curved.

[0146] To ensure a high discharge rate, at least one of the exposed surfaces, protrusions, and / or edges of the bearing housing, preferably all of the exposed surfaces, protrusions, and / or edges, may have an angle, which may be based on or have a curvature with respect to a horizontal line.

[0147] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the exposed surfaces, protrusions, and / or edges of the bearing housing, preferably all of the exposed surfaces, protrusions, and / or edges, may have a radius of 1 mm or more, for example, a radius of 2 mm or more, for example, a radius of 3 mm or more, for example, a radius of 3.2 mm or more, for example, a radius of 3.5 mm or more, for example, a radius of 4 mm or more, for example, a radius of 5 mm or more, which enhances water outflow from at least one of the exposed surfaces, preferably all of the exposed surfaces, protrusions, and / or edges of the bearing housing.

[0148] Preferably, the bearing housing does not include any exposed surfaces, protrusions, and / or edges having a radius of less than 3.2 mm, for example less than 3 mm, for example less than 2.5 mm, for example less than 1 mm, for example less than 0.8 mm.

[0149] In one embodiment of the present invention, all exposed surfaces, protrusions and / or edges of the bearing housing can have an angle, which may be based on or have a curvature of at least 3 degrees with respect to the horizontal, for example 3.2 degrees or more with respect to the horizontal, for example 3.5 degrees or more with respect to the horizontal, for example 3.75 degrees or more with respect to the horizontal, for example 4 degrees or more with respect to the horizontal, for example 5 degrees or more with respect to the horizontal.

[0150] In one embodiment of the present invention, the exposed surface, protrusions and / or edges of the bearing housing comply with one or more of the following national standards and / or directives, namely: 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 regarding the hygienic design of open-type processing equipment. The EHEDG Class I: Sanitary Design Standards Assessment Report states that the design meets the standards for Sanitary Equipment Class I for components located in non-food areas, and that they are easily accessible for cleaning without disassembly. 3-A Hygiene Standard for Machine Leveling Legs and Supports USDA Guidelines for the Hygienic Design and Construction of Dairy Processing Facilities, June 2011. and / or one or more of the following national regulations, namely: 852 / 2004 Regulations concerning the hygiene of food products, 853 / 2004 Special sanitary regulations concerning animal-derived foods, 854 / 2004 Special regulations governing public control over animal-derived products for human consumption. 1935 / 2004 Regulations concerning materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. It can be constructed, designed and / or manufactured accordingly.

[0151] A bearing can be provided in the bearing housing according to the present invention. The bearing according to the present invention is a mechanical element that prevents relative movement only to a desired movement and reduces friction between a moving part, such as a shaft, and a non-moving part, such as a bearing housing. Preferably, the bearing housing may include a bearing suitable for receiving a rotating shaft.

[0152] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bearing may be a ceramic bearing or a stainless steel bearing. Preferably, the bearing may be a ceramic bearing.

[0153] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bearing may be an oil-free bearing and / or a lubrication-free bearing. Through the configuration, design, and fabrication of the bearing housing, a reduced number of elements that are joined and protected by sealing ensure a waterproof bearing housing, preferably with long-term waterproofing properties, as described in the present invention.

[0154] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bearing housing is essentially a bearing housing body having two or more bearing housing legs (preferably between two and four bearing housing legs) extending from the bearing housing body by arms; a joint (and sealing) between the bearing housing body and a removable flat cover; a joint (and sealing) between the bearing housing body and a removable bearing housing cover; a joint (and sealing) between each of the bearing housing legs of the bearing housing body and a base; and 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. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bearing housing can be a hygienic bearing housing.

[0155] In the context of the present invention, the term "hygienic bearing housing" refers to a bearing housing that reduces or prevents dust, dirt, microbial matter, or other types of adhering substances from approaching gaps, joints, holes, depressions, cracks, or other defects on or between connecting surfaces or elements.

[0156] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bearing housing according to the present invention can be used in environments having high hygiene requirements, high cleaning requirements, and / or environments in which low adhesion or low accumulation (or no adhesion or accumulation) of dust, dirt, microbial substances and / or allergens is acceptable.

[0157] Further preferred embodiments relate to the use of the bearing housing according to the present invention in the food manufacturing industry, the feed manufacturing industry, and / or the pharmaceutical industry.

[0158] In one embodiment of the present invention, a built-in sensor may be provided in the bearing housing according to the present invention. Preferably, the built-in sensor can transmit data such as operation data or configuration data to a mobile device and / or a cloud monitoring unit of the bearing housing.

[0159] By introducing such sensors into the bearing housing according to the present invention, safer operation, more efficient operation, improved maintenance, and / or reduced machine downtime can be achieved.

[0160] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor is mounted within a removable bearing housing cover.

[0161] In one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor may be configured to monitor one or more of the following: vibration, temperature, leakage, moisture, external cleaning, and / or location of the bearing housing.

[0162] It should be noted that the examples and features described in one aspect of the present invention also apply to other aspects of the present invention.

Claims

1. A bearing housing (1) comprising a bearing housing body (2) for receiving a rotating shaft, and two or more bearing housing legs (4) for attaching the bearing housing (1) to a base (10), wherein the bearing housing body (2) comprises a fixed bearing housing body (2a) and removable bearing housing covers (2b, 2c), wherein the removable bearing housing cover (2b) surrounds the outer end for receiving the rotating shaft, or the removable bearing housing cover (2c) includes an opening into which a shaft is inserted, through which the rotating shaft is inserted during operation, and each of the two or more bearing housing legs (4) extends from the fixed bearing housing body (2a) by an arm (6), and the two or more bearing housing legs (4) are the only parts of the bearing housing (1) that are in contact with the base (10).

2. The bearing housing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the arm (6) is formed as a polyhedron having a tip (8).

3. The bearing housing (1) according to claim 2, wherein the polyhedron is a triangular prism, a quadrangular prism, a pentagonal prism, or a hexagonal prism.

4. The length of the two or more bearing housing legs (4) is substantially longitudinal with respect to the opening that receives the rotating shaft, and / or substantially perpendicular to the direction of the base (10) to which the bearing housing (1) is attached, according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The bearing housing (1) according to claim 2, claim 3, or claim 4 as a dependent of claim 2 or 3, wherein the tip (8) of the polyhedron is facing toward the base (10).

6. The bearing housing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the two or more bearing housing legs (4) includes a seal between each of the two or more bearing housing legs (4) and the base (10).

7. The bearing housing (1) is made of a plastic material, as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The bearing housing (1) according to claim 7, wherein the plastic material is selected from polypropylene material.

9. Use of the bearing housing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 in an environment having high hygiene requirements, high cleaning requirements, and / or an environment in which low adhesion or low accumulation (or no adhesion or accumulation) of dust, dirt, microbial substances and / or allergens is acceptable.

10. Use of the bearing housing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 in the food manufacturing industry, the feed manufacturing industry, and / or the pharmaceutical industry.

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