| 摘要 |
A support for rotatably supporting a portion of a shaft, specifically a drive shaft of a vehicle, is disclosed. An intermediate drive shaft support is required when three or more universal joints are embodied in a drive line between a transmission and a differential of the vehicle. An intermediate drive shaft is sufficiently long that it tends to bend or whip to an objectionable extent. The shaft support features a simplified, lower-cost bearing having fewer rolling elements in the form of balls or rollers between inner and outer races, there being from three to six and preferably four. Two rings are located on the sides of the rolling elements to uniformly circumferentially space the elements and can also provide lubricant seals. Each of the rings has a plurality of uniformly circumferentially spaced recesses in which portions of the rolling elements are received. Each of the rings can have annular sealing lips which engage the inner and outer races and can also have an annular ridge which engages a flinger located adjacent the inner race; to hold the ring in place. The races, rolling elements, and spacing and sealing rings can be made of lower cost materials which are also easier to manufacture.
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