Clutch release bearing device

Abstract

Clutch release bearing device, including an operating element, a rolling bearing furnished with rolling elements, with a non-rotating ring provided with a radial portion facing inwards and having a central opening, and with a rotating ring, the said rolling bearing being mounted on the operating element with which it may move axially, and a self-alignment sleeve placed between the non-rotating ring and the operating element and provided with a plurality of elastic ribs facing inwards.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A clutch release bearing device comprising:
 an inner non-rotating ring comprising a thin wall made by pressing of a metal sheet or a tube having an annular raceway for a row of rolling elements and an extension facing inwards in the form of a radial portion having a bore defining a circular central opening, said radial portion being configured to couple with a radial surface of an operating element;   an outer rotating ring comprising a thin wall made by pressing of a metal sheet or of a tube having an annular raceway for said row of rolling elements and a radial portion facing inwards configured to couple with a surface of a diaphragm of the clutch device; and   an elastic sleeve element comprising a thin sheet metal brace and a body of synthetic material with a plurality of splines extending radially inwards, configured to couple with an outer surface of said operating element;   wherein said metal brace comprises an axial portion adjusted in said bore of said radial portion of said inner non-rotating ring and a radial portion coupled to said radial portion of said inner non-rotating ring; and   wherein the elastic sleeve element comprises a sealing lip interacting with the rotating ring; and   wherein said elastic sleeve element entirely fits, during use, between a radial plane of contact of a diaphragm of the clutch device with the non-rotating ring and a radial plane passing through the center of the rolling elements.   
     
     
         16 . Device according to  claim 15 , wherein the sealing lip interacts with a radial surface of the rotating ring formed on a radial portion of the rotating ring facing inwards. 
     
     
         17 . Device according to  claim 15 , wherein the elastic sleeve element comprises an axial portion forming a narrow passage with the rotating ring. 
     
     
         18 . Device according to  claim 15 , wherein said metal brace comprises a second axial portion and said sealing lip is located on said second axial portion. 
     
     
         19 . Device according to  claim 15 , wherein the sealing lip interacts with a circular axial surface of the rotating ring formed by the bore of a radial portion facing towards the interior of the rotating ring. 
     
     
         20 . Device according to  claim 15 , wherein the sealing lip is made in one piece with the body of the sleeve. 
     
     
         21 . Device according to  claim 15 , wherein the rotating ring and non-rotating ring have a substantially constant thickness.