Abstract: A bearing unit for a vehicle wheel comprises a three-point or four-point bearing with an inner and an outer race, each with a bearing groove containing a series of rolling elements, which inner race has means for fixing to the suspension construction for the wheel. At least the outer race has a radially inward pointing bearing flange, which outer race bearing flange is provided with means for fixing a wheel thereto. The bearing unit can also be used for a driven front wheel comprising a constant-velocity joint, in which the outer ring of the joint has an external diameter which is at most equal to the internal diameter of the outer race, and is smaller than the internal diameter of the inner race. Because the joint is situated in the bearing, the bearing unit is compact.

Abstract: The rolling-contact bearing comprises a rotating race and a non-rotating race through each of which there pass ducts (6, 7) for passage of fluid, rolling elements (3) between the rotating and non-rotating races, and a sealing device (8) fitted between the rotating and non-rotating races in order to form a leaktight intermediate chamber (14) communicating with the ducts (6, 7) for the passage of fluid. The intermediate chamber has two flexible walls (11) of which the free end parts form two sealing lips (12) in frictional contact with a contact surface (13) of one of the races (2) of the bearing. The frictional contact surfaces (13) are inclined with respect to the axis (XX') of rotation of the bearing. The flexible walls (11) extend substantially parallel to the contact surfaces so that the contact pressure between the sealing lips and the surfaces varies in the same direction as the pressure of the fluid in the intermediate chamber (14) of the sealing device.

Abstract: Free-wheel device having clamping cams, intended to be mounted between an external cylindrical sliding path (5) and an internal cylindrical sliding path (4) comprising a cage (3) of generally cylindrical shape provided with a plurality of apertures (8) for the passage of at least part of each cam (2) and a strap spring (1) of generally cylindrical shape provided with a plurality of windows (9) within which the cams are mounted, each cam bearing against a rim of the corresponding window defining a pivoting edge (10) for the cam and subjected to the action of a pivoting tongue (11) fixed to the spring, tending to cause the cam to pivot in the direction favouring clamping while exerting a thrust on the cam towards the pivoting ridge (10), characterized in that the position and the shape of the zone of contact between the cam and the pivoting tongue are selected in a manner such that the lever arm (l) of the variable force (F) exerted by the tongue relative to the pivoting edge (10) varies in inverse proportion t

Abstract: Spring for a free-wheel device with wedging cams, of the type comprising a series of main undulations (8) provided with apertures (9) for allowing the cams (2) to pass through and for holding them, and a plurality of tilting tongues (12) each acting on one of the side faces of a cam in the direction assisting the wedging action, characterized in that the rear edge of each aperture has a flat portion (10) folded back towards the outside and capable of bearing against a surface portion (22) of the rear side of the cam, the tilting tongue (12) being located on the side where the front edge of the aperture (9) is located.

Abstract: Free wheel, the cage (5) of which consists of two identical half cages (6, 7) each incorporating an intermediate cylindrical envelope (8) which is firmly fixed to portions forming surfaces (9, 10), which may or may not be continuous, for bearing against the surfaces of the shaft (1) and the bore (2), or the same side as, or on the side remote from the row of cams (3), the said intermediate envelope (8) incorporating notches (12 to 18) of such a shape that it allows the two half cages when positioned facing one another to be fitted together by an axial movement, enclosing the said spring between the central envelope (8) and the surface (9) for bearing upon the shaft, and leaving rectangular openings (15-17, 16, 15-17, 16) for cams (3) to be radially introduced, which thus lock axially the two half cages.