Inventors:
Christopher C. Cheney - Bowling Green OH
Daniel C. Perry - Temperance MI
Gregg W. Schabel - Northwood OH
Assignee:
Torque-Traction Technologies, Inc. - Holland OH
International Classification:
F16C 303
Abstract:
An axially collapsible driveshaft includes a first driveshaft tube section, a connecting member having a first end portion that is secured to the first driveshaft tube section, and a second driveshaft tube that is secured to a second end portion of the connecting member. During normal operation of the drive train assembly, torque is transmitted through the driveshaft by means of the securement between the first driveshaft tube section, the connecting member, and the second driveshaft tube section. However, if a relatively large axial force is applied to the end portions of the driveshaft, either or both of the end portions of the connecting member are designed to fracture, allowing relative axial movement to occur between the first driveshaft tube section and the second driveshaft tube section. An annular recess may be formed in the connecting member adjacent to either or both of the end portions that are secured to the driveshaft tube sections. Such a recess can be provided to weaken that end of the connecting member to insure that the fracture occurs reliably at the same location when a predetermined axial force is applied to the end portions of the driveshaft.