Abstract: A self-aligning miniature ball bearing assembly is disclosed for being pressed into an opening formed in a substrate such as a sheet, a pillar block, a mounting flange, or a shaft. In one embodiment, the assembly is self-clinching when pressed into the opening and in an alternate embodiment the assembly is press-fittable into the opening and held with a friction fit. The miniature ball bearing of the assembly is mounted within a retainer and held against an angled bearing seat by a elastomeric compression ring. This allows the axis of the ball bearing to assume any orientation within a cone having a half angle of about 5 degrees with respect to an axis of the retainer. The ball bearing is thereby self-aligning upon receiving a shaft to be rotationally mounted in the assembly.

Abstract: A press-alignable bearing assembly comprises a generally cylindrical retainer configured to be pressed and held with an interference fit in an opening formed in a sheet of material such as metal or plastic. A bearing, such as a rolling bearing or a bushing, is mounted in the retainer for rotatably or slidably receiving a shaft when the retainer is mounted in the opening. In one embodiment, the bearing is press fit directly into the retainer and is rigidly secured by an interference fit. In another embodiment, the bearing is press fit into a bearing sleeve and the bearing sleeve is mounted in the retainer for limited rocking movement relative to the longitudinal axis of the retainer. With the later embodiment, the bearing is self-aligning with a shaft rotatably inserted therethrough. A further embodiment includes a spring clip and a retaining ring on the retainer for securing the retainer and an ancillary component to the sheet of material.

Abstract: A self clinching rolling bearing assembly comprises a generally cylindrical retainer configured to be press fit and self clinching in an opening formed in a sheet of metal. A rolling bearing, such as a needle bearing, is mounted into the retainer for rotatably receiving a shaft when the retainer is mounted in the opening. In one embodiment, the rolling bearing is press fit directly into the retainer and is rigidly secured by an interference fit. In another embodiment, the rolling bearing is press fit into a bearing sleeve and the bearing sleeve is mounted in the retainer for limited rocking movement relative to the longitudinal axis of the retainer. With the later embodiment, the rolling bearing is self aligning with a shaft rotatably inserted therethrough.