BEARING HOUSING

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to a bearing housing. In particular the present invention relates to a bearing housing having a hygienic customized construction for use in environments where the environmental hygiene is highly prioritised in order to limit or even avoid deposit or accumulation of dirt, grime, microbial material, or allergens, on, in or around the bearing housing.

Background of the invention

For the last decade, the food and beverage industry has seen a significant increase in products that needs to be recalled because of contamination of microorganisms, allergens or dirt that are not intended to be present in the food product.

In this respect bacterial contamination and undeclared allergens together represent about 75% of the top FDA food recall causes based on units.

Many companies provide strict guidelines and measures on safety practice in the production zones to protect the food products. These might include measures such as posted signs encouraging hand-washing or purchasing hygienically designed "food grade" machines.

Due to the increasing number of recalls proactive food safety has become the foremost concern for food and beverage executives and different approached are used to reduce or avoid the contaminated food product.

One approach is the control of food products and production lines which is highly undesirable for the manufacture as inspection is time consuming and costly. Results of the inspection may lead to closure of the process line until the devices and equipment have been properly cleaned. This clearly has a strong impact on the turnover of the manufacturer in respect of down time, and no product production. Thus, the alternative approach is to ensure proper cleaning of the devices and equipment to ensure a clean and un-contaminated environment and to ensure the food safety is in top.

One of the risk zones for contamination with dirt, microorganisms and allergens and that has shown to be difficult to clean properly is the bearing housing and around the bearing housing.

Hence, an improved bearing housing would be advantageous, and in particular a bearing housing having a high mechanical strength, easy to produce, easy to customize, more environmentally friendly, which make wash-down and cleaning more efficient and/or more reliable resulting in a limitation or even to avoid deposit or accumulation of dirt, grime, microbial material, or allergens, on, in or around the bearing housing would be advantageous.

Summary of the invention

Thus, an object of the present invention relates to a bearing housing, preferably a bearing housing having a hygienic customized construction for use in environments where the environmental hygiene is highly prioritised in order to limit or even avoid deposit or accumulation of dirt, grime, microbial material, or allergens, on, in or around the bearing housing.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a bearing housing that solves the above mentioned problems of the prior art with mechanical strength, production difficulties, lack of customization, effect on the environment, efficiency in wash-down and cleaning.

Thus, one aspect of the invention relates to a bearing housing comprising at least two bearing housing elements having at least one cut-out suitable for receiving a bearing, wherein the at least two bearing housing elements are separated from each other by a first sealing.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a bearing housing comprising at least two bearing housing elements having at least one cut-out suitable for receiving a bearing, wherein a first bearing housing element is separated from a second bearing housing element by a first sealing. Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for providing a bearing housing element (preferably a first bearing housing element and/or a second bearing housing element) according to the present invention, the method comprises the step of:

(i) Providing a starting material;

(ii) cutting the starting material providing at least one cut starting material;

(iii) machining one or more surfaces of the at least one cut starting material, providing the bearing housing element.

Still another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for providing a bearing housing according to the present invention, the method comprises the step of:

(1) cutting and machining at least a first bearing housing element and a second bearing housing element;

(2) providing at least one cut-out in the first and second bearing housing elements;

(3) providing a first sealing;

(4) placing the first bearing housing element on one side of the first sealing and placing the second bearing housing element on the opposite side of the first sealing, providing the bearing housing according to the present invention.

An even further aspect of the present invention relates to a take-up bearing housing assembly according to the present invention.

Brief description of the figures

Figure 1 shows a bearing housing (1) according to the present invention. The bearing housing (1) shown in figure 1 comprising two bearing housing feet (14) and at least two bearing housing elements (2,3) having at least one cut-out (4) suitable for receiving a bearing (5), wherein the at least two bearing housing elements (2, 3) are separated from each other by a first sealing (6).

Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the bearing housing (1) as shown in figure 1. Figure 3 shows a bearing housing (1) according to the present invention. The bearing housing (1) shown in figure 3 comprising two bearings (5) in a single bearing housing (1).

Figure 4 shows a bearing housing (1) according to the present invention and as shown in figure 3, where the first bearing housing element (2) has been removed.

Figure 5 shows various non-limiting designs of bearing housing according to the present invention. Figure 5A shows a flange bearing having four bearing housing feet, figure 5B shows a flange bearing having two bearing housing feet and a closed end cover (19), figure 5C shows a take-up bearing housing, figure 5D shows a flange bearing having three bearing housing feet, figure 5E shows round flange bearing , figure 5F shows a pillow block bearing housing, and figure 5G shows a tapped base bearing housing.

Figure 6 shows a bearing housing (1) according to the present invention. The bearing housing (1) shown in figure 6 comprising four bearing housing feet (14) and at least two bearing housing elements (2,3) having at least one cut-out (4) suitable for receiving a bearing (5), wherein the at least two bearing housing elements (2, 3) are separated from each other by a first sealing (6).

Figure 7 shows a bearing housing (1) having a closed-cover according to the present invention. The bearing housing (1) shown in figure 2 comprising four bearing housing feet (14) and at least two bearing housing elements (2,3) having at least one cut-out (4) suitable for receiving a bearing (5), wherein the at least two bearing housing elements (2, 3) are separated from each other by a first sealing (6).

Figure 8 shows a take-up bearing housing assembly according to the present invention.

The present invention will now be described in more detail in the following.

Detailed description of the invention

Bearing housings are often one of the places in a hygienic environment, such as a food production site or a pharmaceutical site, where dirt, grime, microbial material (such as bacteria or fungus), or other fouling materials, such as allergens, may hide and accumulate resulting in contaminated products with undesirable components. Accordingly, the inventors of the present invention surprisingly found that simplifying and rebuilding the bearing housing, a bearing housing having a high mechanical strength, easy to produce, easy to customize, more environmentally friendly, and which make wash-down and cleaning more efficient and/or more reliable resulting in a limitation or even to avoid deposit or accumulation of dirt, grime, microbial material, or allergens, on, in or around the bearing housing can be provided.

Thus, a preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a bearing housing comprising at least two bearing housing elements having at least one cut-out suitable for receiving a bearing, wherein the at least two bearing housing elements are separated from each other by a first sealing.

The at least two bearing housing elements may comprise at least a first bearing housing element and a second bearing housing element.

The bearing housing according to the present invention may be comprising at least two bearing housing elements having at least one cut-out suitable for receiving a bearing, wherein a first bearing housing element is separated from a second bearing housing element by a first sealing.

The bearing housing elements of the present invention may preferably be forming part of the bearing housing body.

In an embodiment of the present invention the bearing housing body may comprise the first bearing housing element and the second bearing housing element.

In an embodiment of the present invention the bearing housing elements are made from a metal material, a plastic material, a ceramic material, or a combination hereof, preferably, a metal material.

In an embodiment of the present invention the first bearing housing element may be made of a metal material, a plastic material, a ceramic material, or a combination hereof.

In an embodiment of the present invention the second bearing housing element may be made of a metal material, a plastic material, a ceramic material, or a combination hereof.

The first bearing housing element and the second bearing housing material may be made of the same material, or the first bearing housing element and the second bearing housing material may be made of different materials.

Preferably, the first bearing housing element and the second bearing housing may be made of the same material. Preferably, the first bearing housing element and the second bearing housing may be made of a metal material.

In an embodiment of the present invention the metal material may be an iron material, a steel material, preferably, a stainless-steel material.

Preferably, the at least two bearing housing elements and the sealing are provided with at least two guiding means.

The guiding means may be provided for ensuring alignment of the at least two bearing housing elements and the first sealing, when assembling the bearing housing according to the present invention.

In an embodiment of the present invention the guiding means may include guiding pins on one bearing housing element and guiding holes in the other bearing housing element and guiding holes in the sealing.

The at least two bearing housing elements may be provided with at least one lubricant inlet. The lubricant inlet may allow the lubricant to move from a lubricant fitting to a space between the at least two bearing housing elements.

The lubricant fitting may be in fluid contact with the lubricant inlet.

Preferably, a sixth sealing may be provided between the lubricant fitting and the bearing housing element.

In an embodiment of the present invention at least one of the bearing housing elements may be provided with a lubricant fitting.

In a further embodiment of the present invention the at least one cut-out suitable for receiving a bearing may be a bearing shaped cut-out.

The at least one cut-out in the first bearing housing element may comprise a second sealing between first bearing housing element and the bearing (when a bearing may be inserted into the bearing housing). The at least one cut-out in the second bearing housing element may comprise a third sealing between second bearing housing element and the bearing (when a bearing may be inserted into the bearing housing).

The second sealing and/or the third sealing may provide a spherical structure facing the outer surface, preferably, the outer spherical surface, of the bearing.

When the bearing housing may be assembled, the bearing may be held in the cut-out of the first bearing housing element, the second bearing housing element and the first sealing and as the attachment means are tighten the bearing may become immobilised, e.g. by a pressure by the second sealing and/or the third sealing.

When the attachment means are slightly loosened, the bearing may be movable held in the cut-out of the first bearing housing element and the second bearing housing element.

In an embodiment of the present invention the second sealing may be substituted with a closed cover or an un-closed cover.

The closed cover avoid water, germs, and/or dirt to enter the space closed by the cover, such as the part of the end of the bearing housing, the end of the bearing and the end of a rotatable shaft when inserted into the bearing housing.

The un-closed cover allows the rotatable shaft when inserted into the bearing housing to go through the cover. Furthermore, the un-closed cover avoid water, germs, and/or dirt to enter the space closed by the cover, such as the part of the end of the bearing housing, the end of the bearing and part of the rotatable shaft when inserted into the bearing housing.

Preferably, the at least one cut-out in the first bearing housing element may comprise a second sealing between first bearing housing element and the bearing (when a bearing may be inserted into the bearing housing) and the at least one cut-out in the second bearing housing element comprises a third sealing between second bearing housing element and the bearing (when a bearing may be inserted into the bearing housing).

In an embodiment of the present invention the first sealing may be made from a material different from the material used in the second sealing and or the third sealing.

In a further embodiment of the present invention the second sealing and the third sealing are made from the same materials. In yet an embodiment of the present invention the second sealing and the third sealing are made from the same materials and the first sealing may be made from a material different from the material used in the second sealing and or the third sealing.

The sealings provided (e.g. the first sealing, the second sealing, the third sealing, the fourth sealing, the fifth sealing, the sixth sealing and/or the seventh sealing) may be provided to ensure that water does not enter the bearing housing in these joints.

The sealings (e.g. the first sealing, the second sealing, the third sealing, the fourth sealing, the fifth sealing, the sixth sealing and/or the seventh sealing) may be configured with contours which are adapted to the structure of the surfaces connected or elements connected and thereby substantially ensure a continuous or substantially continuous surface in the joints between surfaces or elements connected, resulting in that dirt, grime, microbial material (such as bacteria or fungus), or other fouling materials (e.g. allergens), may be hindered or prevented from hiding and/or accumulating.

The sealings according to the present invention may be prepared from a non-conductive material. The sealing may comprise a polymer material (not a fibrous material, like a fibre flock). The sealings or non-conductive material may be silicone. Preferably, the sealings may be prepared from silicone. The hardness and/or the elastic modulus of this silicone may vary, depending on the position of the sealing, e.g. the hardness and/or the elastic modulus of the first sealing may be different from (preferably higher that) the hardness and/or the elastic modulus of the second sealing and/or the third sealing.

The sealings according to the present invention may have a blue colour, preferably RAI- 5010, which provides an improved visual inspection of the hygienic level and/or cleaning quality.

Each of the sealings according to the present invention may preferably be provided as a one-piece sealing.

In an embodiment of the present invention the seal comprises a polymer material, preferably the seal comprises essentially a polymeric material.

The first sealing may be provided with a groove or a cut extending from the at least one lubricant inlet to the bearing (when inserted into the bearing housing). This groove or cut may allow lubricant to move from the lubricant fitting, through the lubricant inlet, to the outer surface of the outer ring of the bearing (when inserted into the bearing housing). In an embodiment of the present invention the first sealing may comprise a material having reduced deformation properties and/or increased hardness compared to the material used for the second sealing and/or the third sealing.

This reduced deformation properties and/or increased hardness of the first sealing (compared to the material used for the second sealing and/or the third sealing), may be provided to avoid deformation of the first sealing, e.g. when a lubricant is added to the bearing housing where the pressure from the inside of the first sealing may be increasing and pushing the sealing to move out of the position in the bearing housing.

In an embodiment of the present invention the first sealing may have an elastic modulus (modulus of elasticity) which is higher than the elastic modulus of the second sealing or the third sealing.

Preferably, this higher elastic modulus of the first sealing relative to the elastic modulus of the second sealing and/or the third sealing, may be based on the same thickness of the first sealing, the second sealing and the third sealing.

The elastic modulus may be the unit of measurement of an object's or substance's resistance to being deformed elastically (i.e., non-permanently) when a stress is applied to it. The elastic modulus of an object is defined as the slope of its stress-strain curve in the elastic deformation region. The higher the elastic modulus, the stiffer the material may be.

The guiding means may also assist in keeping the first sealing in the right position between the at least two bearing housing elements and reduce the risk of the first sealing to deform or move out of position when lubricant is added.

The at least one cut-out of the first bearing housing element may comprise a spherical concave shaped structure going from the inside of the first bearing housing element to the outside of the first bearing housing element.

The at least one cut-out of the second bearing housing element may comprise a spherical concave shaped structure going from the inside of the second bearing housing element (2) to the outside of the second bearing housing element.

The inside of the first and/or second bearing housing elements may be the side of the first and/or second bearing housing elements that is facing towards each other. The outside of the first and/or second bearing housing elements may be the side of the first and/or second bearing housing elements that is facing away from each other.

The spherical concave shaped structure of the at least one cut-out of the first and/or second bearing housing elements may in contact with a spherical convex shaped outer ring of the bearing, when inserted into the at least one cut-out.

During assembling, the bearing may be held and/or fixed between the first and/or second bearing housing elements, preferably, by allowing the spherical concave shaped structure of the at least one cut-out of the first and/or second bearing housing elements to tighten around the spherical convex shaped outer ring of the bearing.

In an embodiment of the present invention the at least one cut-out may be provided with a lubrication trace.

The lubrication trace may be provided for distributing the lubricant to the bearing, in particular to the outer surface of the bearing.

Preferably, the bearing may be an insert bearing comprising a spherical convex shaped outer ring.

In an embodiment of the present invention the bearing, in particular the insert bearing may be capable of angular movement during installation on the bearing housing and/or after being installed in the bearing housing.

Preferably, the angular movement is an angular movement of the rotatable shaft and/or the bearing relative to the bearing housing, in order to compensate for misalignment of the shaft relative to the bearing housing.

Misalignments causing angular movement of the shaft when inserted into a bearing housing may be caused by an angular misalignment of connected bearing housing and/or a parallel misalignment of connected bearing housing.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the bearing housing and/or the bearing may be capable of angular movement above 1.5 degrees without compromising seal performance; such as an angular movement of 1.75 degrees or more; e.g. 2 degrees or more; such as 2.5 degrees or more; e.g. 3 degrees or more; such as 3.5 degrees or more; e.g. 4 degrees or more; such as 4.5 degrees or more; e.g. 5 degrees or more; such as 6 degrees or more; e.g. 7 degrees or more; such as 8 degrees or more; e.g. 9 degrees or more; such as 10 degrees or more; e.g. in the range of 1.75-20 degrees; such as the range of 2-18 degrees; e.g. in the range of 3-17 degrees; such as the range of 4-16 degrees; e.g. in the range of 5-15 degrees; such as the range of 6-14 degrees; e.g. in the range of 7-13 degrees; such as the range of 8-12 degrees.

The width of the outer ring of the bearing may depend on the size of the bearing to be used and inserted into the at least one cut-out of the bearing housing.

The at least one cut-out according to the present invention may preferably be circular with a radius dependent on the radius of the outer ring of the bearing.

Preferably, the at least one cut-out of the at least two bearing housing elements may comprise a radius being smaller than the radius of the outer ring of the bearing in order to hold and/or fix the bearing in the bearing housing.

The extent to which the bearing may be fixed between the at least two bearing housing elements may depend on the intended use or the purpose of the use of the bearing housing.

In some applications it may be desirable that the bearing may have no or substantially no movement, axial movement, during use. In such applications the bearing may be tightly fixed in the bearing housing, preferably by tighten the attachment means.

In other applications it may be desirable that the bearing may be allowed to have some movement, axial movement, during use to compensate for potential non-axial movements, This movement may be allowed to reduce the restrain on the moving parts of the bearing and rather allow the bearing to move in the at least one cut-out of the bearing housing. In such applications the attachment means may be fixed less tightly to allow the movement.

In an embodiment of the present invention the bearing housing according to the present invention comprises a single cut-out for receiving just one bearing.

In another embodiment of the present invention the bearing housing according to the present invention comprises two or more cut-out for receiving two or more bearings in a single bearing housing.

Preferably, the bearing housing according to the present invention comprising two or more cut-out for receiving two or more bearings in a single bearing housing, comprises a single lubricant fitting providing lubricant to the two or more bearings when inserted in the two or more cut-outs in the single bearing housing.

In an embodiment of the present invention the surface of at least one of the one or more bearing housing elements may be provided with one or more spacer.

The one or more spacer(s) may be provided on the inside of the bearing housing elements to provide a certain distance between the at least two bearing housing elements when assembled.

The distance provided between the at least two bearing housing elements should be enough to allow non-axial movement of the bearing, but not so much that the contours of the first sealing ensuring a continuous or substantially continuous surface would be jeopardized.

The spacer provided on the inside of the bearing housing elements may be provided as a washer placed around the hole for receiving the attachment means. Preferably, the spacer may be provided in a thickness configures to provide a contact between the first bearing housing element, the second bearing housing element and the first sealing, preferably, providing a smooth exposed surface.

In an embodiment of the present invention the thickness of at least two bearing housing elements and the first sealing may be at least equal to (or substantially equal to) the width of the outer ring of the bearing.

Preferably, the first bearing housing element and/or the second bearing housing element may have a larger width than the width of the first sealing.

The substantially equal to may relate to a difference of at most 10%, such as a difference of at most 8%, e.g. a difference of at most 6%, such as a difference of at most 4%, e.g. a difference of at most 2%, such as a difference of at most 1%, e.g. a difference of at most 0.5%.

In an embodiment of the present invention the thickness of at least two bearing housing elements and the first sealing may be larger than the width of the outer ring of the bearing.

When the at least two bearing housing elements and the first sealing may be larger than the width of the outer ring of the bearing the diameter of the cut-out at the outside of the at least two bearing housing elements may be larger than the diameter of the cut-out at the contact point with the bearing. Thus, an angled exposed surface may be provided allowing draining of water.

In an embodiment of the present invention the thickness of the at least two bearing housing elements and the first sealing may preferably be determined relative to the longitudinal direction of the opening cut-out and/or the bearing.

Preferably, the bearing housing having a thickness of the at least two bearing housing elements and the first sealing, preferably determined relative to the longitudinal direction of the opening cut-out and/or the bearing, may be a flange bearing housing, a plate bearing housing, a take-up bearing housing, a round flange bearing housing, or the like. In an embodiment of the present invention the thickness of the at least two bearing housing elements and the first sealing may preferably be determined relative to the perpendicular direction, or substantially perpendicular direction, of the opening cut-out and/or the bearing.

Preferably, the bearing housing having a thickness of the at least two bearing housing elements and the first sealing, preferably determined relative to the perpendicular direction, or substantially perpendicular direction, of the opening cut-out and/or the bearing, may be a pillow block bearing housing, a tapped base bearing housing, or the like.

In an embodiment of the present invention the thickness of a bearing housing element (such as the first bearing housing elements and/or the second bearing housing elements) may be in the range of 4-20 mm, such as in the range of 5-18 mm, e.g. in the range of 6- 17 mm, such as in the range of 7-16 mm, e.g. in the range of 8-15 mm, such as in the range of 9-13 mm, e.g. in the range of 10-12 mm, such as in the range of 4-10 mm, e.g. in the range of 5-9 mm, such as in the range of 6-8 mm, such as in the range of 4-6 mm.

In an embodiment of the present invention the bearing housing may be provided with at least one bearing housing foot.

The one or more bearing housing feet may be used for attaching the bearing housing to a base by allowing an attachment means (at least one attachment means) to go through the bearing housing and through the centre of the bearing housing feet and through a base on which the bearing housing is to be attached. Preferably, the one or more bearing housing feet may be the only contact between the bearing housing and the base.

A fourth sealing (15) may be placed between at least one of the at least two bearing housing elements (preferably, the first bearing housing element or the second bearing housing element) and the at least one bearing housing feet.

Preferably the bearing housing feet may be orientated in the longitudinal direction, or substantially longitudinal direction, relative to the cut-out and in the longitudinal direction, or substantially longitudinal direction, of a rotating shaft to be inserted into the bearing housing.

In some applications the distance between the beating housing of the present invention and the base on which it may be attached may be extended for providing sufficient space for cleaning or to fulfil national regulations.

Thus, in an embodiment of the present invention the length of the one or more bearing housing feet may be changed to make an additional distance between the bearing housing and the base. The further extension of the one or more bearing housing feet may be provided by changing the length of the one or more bearing housing feet until the desired length has been reached.

A fifth sealing may be placed between each of the bearing housing feet and the base.

The bearing housing may be attached to a base using one or more attachment means which may go through one or more attachment holes in the the two or more bearing housing elements, through an attachment hole the first sealing, and through the at least one bearing housing feet.

In an embodiment of the present invention the attachment means may be bolts and nuts for attaching the bearing housing to the base.

Preferably a seventh sealing may be provided between the attachment means and the bearing housing.

The at least two bearing housing elements (and optionally the first sealing) may comprise one or more attachment means cut-outs (20). The one or more attachment means cutouts allows implementation of attachment means when securing a bearing housing according to the present invention to a base. In an embodiment of the present invention, the attachment holes may preferably provide a distance between the centre of the bearing housing, e.g. the centre of the cut-out, and the attachment means by at least 4 mm; such as at least 5 mm; e.g. at least 6 mm; such as at least 7 mm; e.g. at least 8 mm; such as in the range of 4-15 mm; e.g. in the range of 5-12 mm; such as in the range of 6-8 mm.

The term "a distance between the centre of the bearing housing" may be determined as the centre of the cross-sectional area of the bearing housing perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the longitudinal direction of the rotating shaft when inserted into the bearing housing.

In an embodiment of the present invention the bearing housing may comprise 1 bearing housing feet or more, such as 2 bearing housing feet or more, e.g. 3 bearing housing feet or more, such as 4 bearing housing feet or more, e.g. 5 bearing housing feet or more, such as 6 bearing housing feet or more, e.g. 8 bearing housing feet or more.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the bearing housing comprises 2-4 bearing housing feet

In a further embodiment of the present invention the bearing housing may not be in contact with the base.

In this situation, where the one or more bearing housing feet may be the only part of the bearing housing which is in contact with the base and/or where the bearing housing may not be in contact with the base, an open space may be left between the bearing housing (the part of the bearing housing facing the base) and the base.

Preferably, the open space between the bearing housing and the base, may be more than 1 mm, such as more than 3 mm, e.g. more than 5 mm, such as more than 1 cm, e.g. more than 1.5 mm, such as more than 2.5 mm, such as in the range of 0.1-5 cm; e.g. in the range of 0.2-3 cm; such as in the range of 0.3-3 cm; e.g. in the range of 0.5-2.75 cm; such as in the range of 0.75-2.54 cm.

Substantially perpendicular and/or substantially longitudinal of bearing housing may be subjected to some deviation between 0-20° are considered to be within the range of substantially longitudinal direction, or within the range of substantially perpendicular, to allow some misalignment without compromising the sealing construction (and e.g. the hygiene safety), strength and/or stability; such as between 1°-15°, e.g. between 1.5°-10°, such as between 2°-5°, e.g. about 3°.

Preferably, the bearing housing according to the present invention may be cut from a metal plate. In an embodiment of the present invention the bearing housing may not be a casted bearing housing, pressed bearing housing or a punched bearing housing.

The bearing housing according to the present invention may preferably be a customized bearing housing. A customized bearing housing may be a bearing housing that is produced by cutting (rather than casting, pressing and/or punching) and whereby the form and size are easily changes according to the need of the user and the application of the bearing housing.

In an embodiment of the present invention the bearing housing may be a hygienic bearing housing.

In an embodiment of the present invention all exposed surfaces of the bearing housing (the hygienic bearing housing) may have a smooth finish such that dirt, grime, microbial material (such as bacteria or fungus), or other fouling materials, such as allergens, may be cleaned from the exposed surface

Preferably, the bearing housing according to the present invention may be free of joints, pits, folds, cracks, crevices, and other imperfections in the final fabricated form, when installed on the machinery and/or when working within the specified load conditions.

Preferably, none of the exposed surfaces of the bearing housing according to the present invention comprising knurled exposed surfaces.

All the exposed surfaces of the bearing housing according to the present invention may be cleanable, preferably easily cleanable.

All the exposed surfaces of the bearing housing according to the present invention may preferably be inspectable.

In the context of the present invention the term "exposed surface" may relate to any surface that may be accessible to dirt, grime, microbial material (such as bacteria or fungus), or other fouling materials, such as allergens. In an embodiment of the present invention all the exposed surfaces of the bearing housing according to the present invention may be self-draining. In a further embodiment of the present invention the bearing housing comprises no exposed surfaces which has one or more pockets which may retain liquids.

In the context of the present invention, the term "self-draining" relates to an exposed surface constructed, designed and/or fabricated in a manner allowing aqueous suspension, such as aqueous cleaning suspension, like water, to escape and/or leaving the exposed surface.

In a preferred embodiment cleaning of the bearing housing may be by manual cleaning. During manual cleaning, removal of dirt, grime, microbial material, or other fouling materials may be affected by an aqueous suspension, e.g. chemical and/or water rinses, optionally with the assistance of one or a combination of brushes, non-metallic scouring pads and scrapers. Rinsing may be performed by high- or low-pressure hoses, and/or with cleaning aids manipulated by hand.

In order to limit accumulation and/or growth of dirt, grime, microbial material or other fouling materials on the exposed surfaces of the bearing housing and to improve drainage of aqueous suspension, e.g. water, from the exposed surface, the exposed surface of the bearing housing may be a smooth exposed surface.

In an embodiment of the present invention the exposed surface of the bearing housing may be smooth. Preferably, the smooth exposed surface of the bearing housing may allow drainage, preferably self-drainage, of liquids from the exposed surface.

Smoothness of the exposed surface of the bearing housing according to the present invention may be determined by the "Roughness Average (Ra)". Roughness Average or Ra is an arithmetical mean of the absolute values of the exposed surface profile departure within a sampling length. In the context of the present invention the roughness (Ra) of the exposed surface of the bearing housing may be determined according to the ISO 4287: 1997 standard.

Preferably the exposed surface of the bearing housing according to the present invention may comprise all the exposed surfaces of the bearing housing.

The exposed surface of the bearing housing may have a roughness below Ra 2.0 pm; such as Ra 1.8 pm; e.g. Ra 1.6 pm; such as Ra 1.4 pm; e.g. Ra 1.2 pm; such as Ra 1.0 pm; e.g. Ra 0.8 pm; such as Ra 0.6 pm; e.g. Ra 0.4 pm. Preferably, the bearing housing according to the present invention comprises no exposed surfaces; ledges and/or edges which are horizontal.

In an embodiment of the present invention the bearing housing all exposed surfaces; ledges and/or edges are curvilinear or curved.

In order to ensure high drainage effect at least one of the exposed surfaces; ledges and/or edges of the bearing housing, preferably all exposed surfaces; ledges and/or edges, may have an angle, may be founded or has a curvature relative to horizontal.

In an embodiment the present invention at least one of the exposed surfaces; ledges and/or edges of the bearing housing, preferably all exposed surfaces; ledges and/or edges, may have a radius of 1 mm or above improving water runoff from at least one of the exposed surfaces, preferably all the exposed surfaces; ledges and/or edges of the bearing housing; such as a radius of 2 mm or above; e.g. a radius of as 3 mm or above, such as a radius of 3.2 mm or above; e.g. a radius of 3.5 mm or above; such as a radius of 4 mm or above, e.g. 5 mm or above.

Preferably the bearing housing comprises no exposed surfaces; ledges and/or edges having a radius below 3.2 mm; such as below 3 mm; e.g. below 2.5 mm; such as below 1 mm; e.g. below 0.8 mm.

In an embodiment of the present invention all the exposed surfaces; ledges and/or edges of the bearing housing may have an angle, may be founded or has a curvature of at least 3 degree relative to horizontal; e.g. 3.2 degree or above relative to horizontal, such as 3.5 degree or above relative to horizontal; e.g. 3.75 degree or above relative to horizontal; such as 4 degree or above relative to horizontal, e.g. 5 degree or above relative to horizontal.

In an embodiment of the present invention the exposed surfaces, ledges and/or edges of the bearing housing may be constructed, designed and/or fabricated in accordance with national standards and/or directives, like one or more of:

• EN 1672-2:2005 Food machinery / General design principles/Part 2: Hygiene requirements.

• EN ISO 14 159 2004 Safety of machinery - Hygiene requirements for the design of machinery. Document 13 EHEDG guideline on the hygienic design of apparatus for open processes.

• EHEDG Class I: The hygienic design criteria evaluation report concludes that the designs meet the criteria for hygienic equipment class I for components situated in the non-food area and are accessible for easy cleaning without dismantling.

• 3-A sanitary standard for machine levelling feet and supports.

• USDA Guidelines for the sanitary design and fabrication of dairy processing equipment June 2001. and/or national regulations, such as one or more of:

• 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs.

• 853/2004 specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin.

• 854/2004 specific rules for the organization of official controls on products of animal origin intended for human consumption.

• 1935/2004 on materials and articles intended to come into contact with food.

In the context of the present invention the term "hygienic bearing housing" relates to a bearing housing adapted for reducing or preventing dirt, grime, microbial material, or other kind of fouling to access gap; joints; pits; folds; cracks; crevices; or other imperfections, in or between connecting exposed surfaces or elements.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the bearing housing according to the present invention may be used in environments with high hygienic requirements, high cleaning requirements and/or environments where low (or no) deposit or accumulation of dirt, grime, microbial material and/or allergens may be accepted.

A further preferred embodiment relates to the use of the bearing housing according to the present invention for use in food production industry, feed production industry, and/or pharmaceutical industry.

In an embodiment of the present invention the bearing housing according to the present invention may be provided with a built-in sensor. Preferably, the built-in sensor may transmit data, such as operating data or construction data to a mobile device and/or to a cloud surveillance of the bearing housing.

By introducing such sensor into the bearing housing according to the present invention a safer operation, a more efficient operation, an improved maintenance and/or a reduced downtime of the machinery may be provided. A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for providing one or more bearing housing elements (such as a first bearing housing element and/or a second bearing housing element) according to the present invention, the method comprises the step of:

(i) Providing a starting material;

(ii) cutting the starting material, providing at least one cut starting material; and

(iii) machining one or more surfaces of the at least one cut starting material providing a bearing housing element;

In an embodiment of the present invention the cutting may be performed using a laser cutting technique.

The starting material may be selected from a metal material, a plastic material, a ceramic material, or a combination hereof. Preferably, the starting material may be a metal material.

Machining may be performed to provide a smoot and/or hygienic surface of one or more surface(s) of the one or more bearing housing element

Preferably the machining may be manual or CNC machining.

Machining may include turning, grinding and milling using tools known in the art.

Machining may be performed on various materials, such as on metal materials, plastic materials, ceramic materials, and/or composite materials. Preferably, machining according to the present invention may be performed on metal materials.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for providing a bearing housing according to the present invention, the method comprises the step of:

(1) cutting and machining at least a first bearing housing element and a second bearing housing element;

(2) providing at least one cut-out in the first and second bearing housing elements; (3) providing a first sealing;

(4) placing the first bearing housing element on one side of the first sealing and placing the second bearing housing element on the opposite side of the first sealing, providing the bearing housing according to the present invention.

The cutting performed in steps (ii) and/or (1) may be made in any desired shape according to the customers need or request. Thus, the bearing housing according to the present invention may be a customized bearing housing.

When the bearing housing has been made comprising a first bearing housing element is separated from a second bearing housing element by a first sealing the cut-out in the first bearing housing element, the second bearing housing element and the first sealing may be aligned allowing implementation of a bearing.

As the bearing housing elements of the present invention are cut, preferably by laser cutting, it may be possible to customize the bearing housing according to individual needs as the form of the cut may easily be changed.

Furthermore, by cutting is may also be possible to cut different shapes and/or sizes of the bearing housing elements in order to optimize productivity of the bearing housing, reduce waste and be more environmentally friendly.

In an embodiment of the present invention the one or more surface(s) subjected to machining may preferably be any one or more exposed surfaces. Exposed surfaces may be defined herein and may relate to exposed surface when at least two bearing housing elements (in particular the first and the second bearing housing elements) and the first sealing may be assembled according to the present invention.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a take-up bearing housing assembly comprising a guide frame, a positioning screw and a take-up bearing housing according to the present invention.

Preferably, the guide frame comprises two guiding flanges and a connecting flange placed perpendicular on the two guiding flanges. Preferably, the connecting flange may be connecting the ends of the two guiding flanges.

In an embodiment of the present invention the guide frame may be made from one piece of material. The connecting flange may be provided with a cut-out (positioning screw cut-out) allowing the positioning screw to go through. When the positioning screw is inserted into the positioning screw cut-out a sealing may be placed between the positioning screw and the connecting flange. Preferably, the sealing may be placed between the positioning screw and the connecting flange, on both side of the connecting flange.

The positioning screw may be provided for position adjustment of the take-up bearing housing.

In an embodiment of the present invention the positioning screw may be provided with a connecting flange through part and a take-up bearing housing connecting part which connects the positioning screw with the take-up bearing housing.

Preferably a sealing may be provided between the positioning screw (or the take-up bearing housing connecting part) and the take-up bearing housing.

The connecting flange through part of the positioning screw may be hollow and provided with a thread on the inside of the hollow part. The take-up bearing housing connecting part may have a diameter matching the hollow part of the connecting flange through part, and the take-up bearing housing connecting part may be provided with a thread on the outside surface, preferably on part of the outside surface, of the take-up bearing housing connecting part. Preferably, the part of the take-up bearing housing connecting part provided with a thread on the outside surface, may be placed inside the hollow part of the connecting flange through part.

Thus, when adjusting the take-up bearing housing the connecting flange through part may be turned and the interaction between the thread on the inside of the connecting flange through part and the thread on the outside of the take-up bearing housing connecting part make the positioning screw to go shorter or longer moving (or adjusting) the take-up bearing housing.

The take-up bearing housing assembly may be secured to a base using attachment means described herein.

Preferably a sealing may be provided between the connecting flange through part and the take-up bearing housing connecting part; and a sealing may be provided between the attachment means and the take-up bearing housing assembly. Take-up bearing housing assembly may be used in applications with conveyor belts such as, fans and blowers, food processing equipment, and/or pharma processing equipment.

In an embodiment of the present invention the bearing housing according to the present invention may be provided with at least one conducting element. The conducting element may provide an electrical connection between the bearing and one or more bearing housing elements.

The at least one conducting element may be provided to solve the challenge with unmanaged static electricity, which may result in creation of sparks. In addition to the risk of humans being harmed by the static electricity created, the sparks, caused by static electricity, may in some industries significantly increase the risk of fires and explosions.

The conducting element may be included into the bearing housing as described in WO 2023/104709, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

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

The invention will now be described in further details in the following non-limiting detailed description of the drawings.

Detailed description of the drawings

Figure 1 shows a bearing housing (1) according to the present invention. The bearing housing (1) comprising two bearing housing feet (14) and two bearing housing elements (2,3) separated from each other by a first sealing (6). The two bearing housing elements (2,3) and the first sealing (6) have a cut-out (4) comprising a bearing (5). A second sealing (7) is provided between the first bearing housing element (2) and the bearing (5). A third sealing (not shown) is also provided between the second bearing housing element (3) and the bearing (5).

The first bearing housing element (2) of the bearing housing (1) is provided with a lubricant fitting (10), provided with a sixth sealing (17) between the lubricant fitting and the bearing housing element, for supplying a lubricant to the bearing (5). The lubricant fitting (10) is connected to a lubricant inlet (not shown), and the lubricant inlet may allow the lubricant to move from a lubricant fitting (10) to a space between the at least two bearing housing elements (2, 3) and into the bearing (5). The two bearing housing feet (14) are provided with a fifth sealing (16) between the bearing housing feet (14) and a base (not shown) and with a seventh sealing (18) between the attachment means (13) and the first bearing housing element (2).

Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the bearing housing (1) as shown in figure 1.

The bearing housing (1) comprising two bearing housing elements (2,3) separated from each other by a first sealing (6). The two bearing housing elements (2,3) and the first sealing (6) have a cut-out (4) comprising a bearing (5). A second sealing (7) provided between the first bearing housing element (2) and the bearing (5) and a third sealing (8) provided between the second bearing housing element (3) and the bearing (5).

The first sealing (6) is provided with a groove/cut (11) for receiving the lubricant added through the lubricant fitting (10) and the lubricant inlet (9) on the first bearing housing element (2).

The first bearing housing element (2), the second bearing housing (3) and the first sealing (6) are provided with guiding means (12). The guiding means may include guiding pins (12a) on one bearing housing element (2 or 3) and guiding holes (12b) in the other bearing housing element (2 or 3) and guiding holes (12c) in the first sealing (6). The guiding means (12) may be ensure alignment of the at least two bearing housing elements (2, 3) and the first sealing (6), when assembling the bearing housing (1) and/or the guiding means (12) may assist in keeping the first sealing (6) in the right position between the at least two bearing housing elements (2, 3) and reduce the risk of the first sealing (6) to deform or move out of position when lubricant is added.

The first bearing housing element (2) of the bearing housing (1) is provided with a lubricant fitting (10), provided with a sixth sealing (17) between the lubricant fitting and the bearing housing element, for supplying a lubricant to the bearing (5). The lubricant fitting (10) is connected to a lubricant inlet (9), and the lubricant inlet (9) may allow the lubricant to move from a lubricant fitting (10) to a space between the at least two bearing housing elements (2, 3) and into the bearing (5).

The bearing housing comprises two bearing housing feet (14) provided with a fifth sealing (16) between the bearing housing feet (14) and a base (not shown) and a fourth sealing (15) between the bearing housing and the bearing housing feet (14). and with a seventh sealing (18) between the attachment means (13) and the first bearing housing element (2).

Figure 3 shows a bearing housing (1) according to the present invention. The bearing housing (1) shown in figure 3 comprising two bearings (5) in a single bearing housing (1).

The bearing housing (1) comprising four bearing housing feet (14) and two bearing housing elements (2,3) - a first bearing housing element (2) and a second bearing housing element (3), separated from each other by a first sealing (6). The two bearing housing elements (2,3) and the first sealing (6) have two cut-outs (4) each comprising a bearing (5). The number of cut-outs (4) each comprising a bearing may be more than 2 depending on the particular application of the bearing housing (1). A second sealing (7) is provided between the first bearing housing element (2) and the bearings (5). A third sealing (not shown) is also provided between the second bearing housing element (3) and the bearings (5).

The first bearing housing element (2) of the bearing housing (1) is provided with a lubricant fitting (10), provided with a sixth sealing (17) between the lubricant fitting and the bearing housing element, for supplying a lubricant to the bearings (5). The lubricant fitting (10) is connected to a lubricant inlet (not shown), and the lubricant inlet may allow the lubricant to move from a lubricant fitting (10) to a space between the at least two bearing housing elements (2, 3) and into the bearings (5).

The four bearing housing feet (14) are provided with a fifth sealing (16) between the bearing housing feet (14) and a base (not shown) and with a seventh sealing (18) between the attachment means (13) and the first bearing housing element (2).

Figure 4 shows a bearing housing (1) according to the present invention and as shown in figure 3, where the first bearing housing element (2) has been removed.

The bearing housing (1) comprising four bearing housing feet (14) and a second bearing housing elements (3) and a first sealing (6). The second bearing housing elements (3) have two cut-outs (4) each comprising a bearing (5). The first sealing (6) comprises a cutout (4) comprising cut-out for the bearings (5) and the grove/cut (11) providing a fluid connection between the two bearings (5) and the lubricant inlet (9). In figure 4 the single lubricant inlet (9) is constructed to provide lubricant to both the bearings (5), alternatively a lubricant inlet (9) and a grove/cur (11) may be provided for each of the bearings (5) in the bearing housing (1). The number of cut-outs (4) each comprising a bearing (5) may be more than 2 depending on the specific use of the bearing housing (1). The second bearing housing element (3) and the sealing (6) are provided with guiding means (12/12b/12c) to ensure alignment of the at least two bearing housing elements and the first sealing (6) and avoid displacement of the first sealing (6) as mentioned earlier.

The bearing housing (1) is provided with four attachment means cut-out (20) for receiving the attachment means (not shown).

Figure 5 shows various non-limiting designs of bearing housing (1) according to the present invention. Figure 5A shows a flange bearing having four bearing housing feet, figure 5B shows a flange bearing having two bearing housing feet and a closed end cover (19), figure 5C shows a take-up bearing housing, figure 5D shows a flange bearing having three bearing housing feet, figure 5E shows round flange bearing, figure 5F shows a pillow block bearing housing, and figure 5G shows a tapped base bearing housing.

All designs shown in figure 5 show a bearing housing (1) comprising two bearing housing elements (2,3) separated from each other by a first sealing (6). The two bearing housing elements (2,3) and the first sealing (6) have a cut-out (4) comprising a bearing (5). A second sealing (7) is provided between the first bearing housing element (2) and the bearing (5). A third sealing (not shown) is also provided between the second bearing housing element (3) and the bearing (5).

The first bearing housing element (2) of the bearing housing (1) is provided with a lubricant fitting (10) for supplying a lubricant to the bearing (5). The lubricant fitting (10) is connected to a lubricant inlet (not shown), and the lubricant inlet may allow the lubricant to move from a lubricant fitting (10) to a space between the at least two bearing housing elements (2, 3) and into the bearing (5).

Figure 6 shows in the left-hand figure a front view of the bearing housing (1) according to the present invention. The bearing housing (1) comprising a first bearing housing element (2) comprising a cut-out (4) having a bearing (5) inserted. The first bearing housing element (2) comprises an attachment means cut-out (20) and three attachment means (13). The first bearing housing element (2) is provided with a lubricant fitting (10).

A first sealing (7) is placed between the bearing and the first bearing housing element (2) and a seventh sealing (18) may be placed between the attachment means and the first bearing housing element (2). The right-hand side og figure 6 shows a cross section following the view of section A-A, and shows a bearing housing (1) according to the present invention comprising a first bearing housing element (2) and a second bearing housing element (3) separated from each other by a first sealing (6). The two bearing housing elements (2,3) and the first sealing (6) have a cut-out (4) comprising a bearing (5). A second sealing (7) provided between the first bearing housing element (2) and the bearing (5) and a third sealing (8) provided between the second bearing housing element (3) and the bearing (5).

The first bearing housing element (2), the second bearing housing (3) and the first sealing

(6) are provided with guiding means (12). The guiding means may include guiding pins (12a) on one bearing housing element (2 or 3). The guiding means (12) may be ensure alignment of the at least two bearing housing elements (2, 3) and the first sealing (6), when assembling the bearing housing (1) and/or the guiding means (12) may assist in keeping the first sealing (6) in the right position between the at least two bearing housing elements (2, 3) and reduce the risk of the first sealing (6) to deform or move out of position when lubricant is added.

The view on the right-hand side of figure 6 shows a bearing housing with two bearing housing feet (14) provided with a fifth sealing (16) between the bearing housing feet (14) and a base (not shown) and a fourth sealing (15) between the bearing housing and the bearing housing feet (14). and with a seventh sealing (18) between the attachment means (13) and the first bearing housing element (2).

Figure 7 shows a similar bearing housing (1) as shown in figure 6 where the first sealing

(7) has been replaced with a closed end-cover (19).

Figure 8 shows a take-up bearing housing assembly (21) comprising a guide frame (22), a positioning screw (23) and a take-up bearing housing (1) according to the present invention. The guide frame (22) comprises two guiding flanges (24) and a connecting flange (25) are made from one piece of material and may be placed perpendicular on the two guiding flanges (24) at the end of the two guiding flanges (24).

The connecting flange (25) is provided with a cut-out (a positioning screw cut-out) allowing the positioning screw (23) to go through and a sealing (26) is placed between the positioning screw (23) and the connecting flange (25). The sealing (26) is placed between the positioning screw (23) and the connecting flange (25), on both sides of the connecting flange (25). The positioning screw (23) is provided with a connecting flange through part (23a); and a take-up bearing housing connecting part (23b) which connects the positioning screw (23) with the take-up bearing housing (1). A sealing (26) is provided between the connecting flange through part (23a) and the take-up bearing housing connecting part (23b).

When adjusting the take-up bearing housing (1) the connecting flange through part (23a) may be turned and the interaction between a thread on the inside of the connecting flange through part (23a) and a thread on the outside of the take-up bearing housing connecting part (23b) makes the positioning screw (23) to go shorter or longer moving (or adjusting) the take-up bearing housing (1).

The take-up bearing housing assembly (21) may be secured to a base using the attachment means (13). A sealing (26) is provided between the attachment means (13) and the take-up bearing housing assembly (21).

References

1. A bearing housing

2. first bearing housing elements

3. second bearing housing element

4. cut-out

5. bearing

6. first sealing between the first and second bearing housing elements

7. second sealing between the first bearing housing element and the bearing

8. third sealing between the second bearing housing element and the bearing

9. lubricant inlet

10. lubricant fitting

11. groove/cut of the first sealing

12. Guiding means

12a. Guiding pins

12b. Guiding holes in one housing element

12c. Guiding holes in the sealing

13. Attachment means

14. Bearing housing feet

15. Fourth sealing between the bearing housing and the feet

16. fifth sealing between the bearing housing feet and the base

17. sixth sealing between the lubricant fitting and the bearing housing element

18. seventh sealing between the attachment means and the bearing housing

19. Closed end-cover.

20. Attachment means cut-outs

21. A take-up bearing housing assembly

22. A guide frame

23. A positioning screw

23a. the connecting flange through part

23b. the take-up bearing housing connecting part

24. two guiding flanges

25. a connecting flange

26. sealing