Patent attributes
A bearing assembly and method of installation. A ball bearing includes an outer race, an inner race, and a separate L-shaped sleeve. In one embodiment, the sleeve is comprised of an axially extending body and a radially extending flange. The axially extending body is configured to be located between an inner diameter of the inner race and a transmission shaft, and the radially extending flange is configured to be located between an inner side surface of the inner race and the transmission shaft. The L-shaped sleeve with splines makes it feasible to sequentially press fit both the inner race and the outer race of the ball bearing. The spline in the axially extending body of the sleeve can slip-fit with the transmission shaft, allowing for ease of assembly, and enabling a press-fit connection between the ball bearing outer race and housing. This arrangement can help reduce wear, particularly to the housing, and better control axial movement of the bearing assembly due to gear thrust load direction change during operation.
