Patent ID: 7442127
Filing Date: 2008-10-28
Classification: F16C

Abstract:
1. A propeller shaft comprising a hollow pipe member, a first yoke member and a second yoke member, said hollow pipe member having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a central portion disposed between said ends, wherein the first and second ends have first and second fittingly receiving portions formed therein, respectively, wherein each of the first fittingly receiving portion and the central portion of said hollow pipe member has a substantially identical internal diameter, which is smaller than an internal diameter of said second fittingly receiving portion; wherein the first and second yoke members are attached to the ends of said hollow pipe member, respectively; wherein said propeller shaft is configured such that when a compressive force greater than a predetermined force acts axially on said propeller shaft during use, further press-fitting insertion of said first yoke fitting portion is blocked by said stopper flange portion, which hits said first end of said hollow pipe member, and said second yoke fitting portion is press-fit further into an inner circumferential part of said hollow pipe member beyond said second fittingly receiving portion, with said inner circumferential part of said hollow pipe member beyond said second fittingly receiving portion being expanded and destroyed at an axially inward part thereof.