Small cross-section bearing unit

A cross-section bearing unit comprising:

• a flanged outer ring,
• an inner ring coaxial with the outer ring, the inner ring having first and second axial ends, a radially outermost outer surface, and a radially innermost outer surface, the inner ring defining a groove in each of the first and second axial ends, the groove being radially spaced from the radially outermost outer surface and from the radially innermost outer surface,
• an axis of rotation,
• a plurality of rolling elements arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring so as to allow the relative rotation thereof about the axis, and a sealing device for preventing the entry of contaminants and, at the same, time, for preventing the leakage of a lubricating grease from the inside of the bearing unit;
• further comprising
• on each side of the bearing unit, a shaped sealing screen that is supported rotatably about an axis by the outer ring, and a labyrinth seal extending along a respective winding path defined by the shaped sealing screen and by the inner ring, wherein the shaped sealing screen is single-component unitary member, the shaped sealing screen having an end which is positioned inside of the groove of the associated one of first and second axial ends.