Cage blank for freewheel with rolling elements, freewheel cage formed from such a blank, freewheel comprising such a cage, and method of mounting such a freewheel

A free wheel with rolling bodies, comprising:

• an inner ring,
• an outer ring,
• a plurality of rolling bodies each positioned in an annular space (E) arranged radially between the inner and outer rings,
• a cage that keeps the rolling bodies in position in the annular space, and
• a formed blank having an elongated strip defining housings for receiving the rolling bodies juxtaposed in a longitudinal rectilinear direction (X10) of the blank and fastening means disposed at both ends of the blank for fastening the two ends together in a configuration where the cage forms a closed loop, and wherein
• the blank is formed on itself perpendicular to its longitudinal direction (X10) and where the fastening means are engaged.

A method for assembling a free wheel having an inner ring, an outer ring, a plurality of rolling bodies each positioned in an annular space (E) arranged radially between the inner and outer rings, a cage that keeps the rolling bodies in position in the annular space, and a formed blank having an elongated strip defining housings for receiving the rolling bodies juxtaposed in a longitudinal rectilinear direction (X10) of the blank and fastening means disposed at both ends of the blank for fastening the two ends together in a configuration where the cage forms a closed loop, and wherein the blank is formed on itself perpendicular to its longitudinal direction (X10) and where the fastening means are engaged;

• comprising the steps of:
• a) positioning the blank flat, with its longitudinal direction (X10) rectilinear and horizontal;
• b) installing a rolling body in each housing of the blank;
• c) closing the blank on itself by bending it (F1, F2) in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal direction and causing its fastening means to engage.