Patent ID: 7896554
Filing Date: 2011-03-01
Classification: F16C

Abstract:
1. A propeller shaft for a motor vehicle comprising: a plurality of split shafts coupled by a joint, an inner shaft of the joint provided in one split shaft and a tubular outer of the joint provided in the other split shaft, a bearing positioned on the inner shaft and supported by an inner periphery of an annular support member, the bearing being positioned between a front stopper means and a rear stopper means in an axial direction sandwiching the bearing on the inner shaft; the front stopper means and the rear stopper means each have an outer periphery having an inner flange portion, an outer flange portion and an annular groove between the inner flange portion and the outer flange portion, the inner flange portion of each stopper means is positioned closer to the bearing than the outer flange portion of each stopper means in the axial direction; a first seal member and a second seal member positioned within the inner periphery of the annular support member, the first seal member and the second seal member coming into slidable contact with an outer periphery of the front stopper means and the rear stopper means, respectively; the first seal member and the second seal member are positioned between the inner flange portion of the respective stopper means and the bearing; the annular support member having an outer end extending in the axial direction, the outer end surrounding the outer periphery of one of the front stopper means or rear stopper means, and a gap is formed between the outer periphery of the stopper means and the outer end of the annular support member, the gap forms a labyrinth seal; a cover provided at the outer end of the annular support member, the cover comprising: