PROPELLER SHAFT

摘要

A propeller shaft for automobiles comprises a cylindrical-shaped body (1) of fiber reinforced plastics and a joint (2) press fitted into and joined to both ends of the body, said body (1) comprising a main layer (1a) extending along the entire length of the body (1) to enclose reinforced fibers which are helically wound at an angle of +/-5 to 30 DEG relative to an axial direction of the body, and a partial layer (1b) formed integral with and provided inside the main layer (1a) to enclose hooped, reinforced fibers. The joint (2) has an inclined surface (2c) extending downward toward an interface between the joint (2) and the body (1) or an upright surface (2d) having an outer diameter equal to or smaller than that of the partial layer (1b) and abutting against an outer end surface of the partial layer (1b) or a wedge (2f) having a tip end thereof opposed to an interface between the main layer (1a) and the partial layer (1b). When a compressive load is applied on the joint (2) in an axial direction, the inclined surface (2c), upright surface (2d) and the wedge (2f) separate the main layer (1a) from the partial layer (1b), so that breakage of the body (1) progresses whereby an energy absorbing effect owing to the body of a crushable construction is displayed.