Needle bearings especially for universal joints

Claim 2

In a bearing comprising an outer bearing race containing a plurality of bearing rollers, the improvement wherein one end of the bearing race is formed externally with a radially inwardly directed recess arrangement to prevent axial movement of the bearing rollers sufficient to fall out of the bearing race, and wherein an annular washer member for defining a radial flange around said race is received within said recess arrangement.

Claim 3

A bearing as set forth in claim 1, wherein the recess is circumferentially continuous.

Claim 4

A bearing as set forth in claim 1, wherein the recess consists of a series of circularly spaced indentations formed in the race and each adapted for engagement by an internal tooth of a star washer.

Claim 5

A bearing as set forth in claim 1 wherein the recess is a groove circumscribing the end region of the race.

Claim 6

A bearing as set forth in claim 1, wherein the washer member comprises a radial portion engaged in said recess and an axial portion depending from the radially outer region of said radial portion, said axial portion having an axial length substantially greater than the axial thickness of the radial portion.

Claim 7

A bearing as set forth in claim 4, wherein the bearing race is deep drawn from sheet metal and the groove is defined by forming a double fold at the end region of the race, said fold comprising an axially outermost and radially directed portion of said end region which is slightly axially spaced from an adjacent and radially inwardly directed race end portion.

Claim 8

A universal joint comprising a central block wherein are mounted a pair of mutually perpendicular shafts, said block and said shafts together constituting a cruciform member, a pair of fork members each having apertured arms by means of which a respective fork member is engaged with one of said shafts and a roller bearing interposed between each arm and the shaft portion which it engages, said bearing comprising an outer race, a plurality of rollers contained in said outer race, one end of said race being formed externally with a radially inwardly directed recess to prevent axial movement of the bearing rollers sufficient to fall out of the bearing race, and an annular washer received within said recess for defining a radial flange around said race.

Claim 9

A universal joint comprising a central block wherein are mounted a pair of mutually perpendicular shafts, said block and said shafts together constituting a cruciform member, a pair of fork members each having apertured arms by means of which a respective fork member is engaged with one of said shafts and a roller bearing interposed between each arm and the shaft portion which it engages, said bearing comprising an outer race, a plurality of rollers contained in said outer race, one end of said race being formed externally with a radially inwardly directed recess to prevent axial movement of the bearing rollers sufficient to fall out of the bearing race, and an annular washer received within said recess for defining a radial flange around said race.

Claim 10

A universal joint as set forth in claim 7, wherein a sealing ring is interposed between the center block and the adjacent end of each bearing race.

Claim 11

A universal joint as set forth in claim 7, wherein the axially exteNding portion of each washer member bears against the center block to constitute both a thrust washer and a seal.