JPH0818409B2 - Composite fiber reinforced vehicle drive shaft and method for manufacturing fiber reinforced vehicle drive shaft - Google Patents

Description

Description: (a) Field of Industrial Application The present invention generally relates to a tubular member such as a drive shaft for a vehicle which is reinforced with fiber or reinforced, and more specifically, graphite reinforced. Aluminum drive shafts and methods of making such drive shafts.

(B) Background Art Over the past 10 years, there has been a continuous effort in the industry to reduce the weight of vehicles to improve fuel economy. In addition to miniaturizing and redesigning vehicles to make the best use of available space, a great deal of attention is being paid to making various vehicle components made of lighter weight materials. For example, in the field of drive shafts, it has been proposed to replace conventional steel drive shafts with lighter aluminum tubes. However, vibration problems can occur depending on the length of the drive shaft and the maximum speed at which the drive shaft rotates.

Tubular steel drive shafts or tubular aluminum drive shafts are typically sufficient to carry the required torsional forces,
When the shaft reaches a certain vehicle speed, typically referred to as the critical speed, the shaft becomes prone to whip or mechanical resonance. Therefore, multiple sectioning of the shaft is typically used to overcome the critical speed limitation for a single long drive shaft. In these cases, the individual drive shaft sections next to each other are connected to one another by a universal joint, which in turn is supported by a bearing mounting device mounted on the vehicle frame.

In order to accommodate the long drive shaft in such a way that the universal joint and the bearing mounting device can be eliminated, the metal tube is reinforced with a fiber-reinforced sleeve part, and the shaft is It has been proposed to increase the axial stiffness. For example, U.S. Patent Nos. 4,131,701 and
No. 4,214,932 discloses a fiber-composite aluminum drive shaft, in which the aluminum tube is covered with alternating layers of resin-impregnated fiberglass woven fabric and resin-impregnated fiber-reinforced sheet. This reinforced sheet is made of graphite fiber ± 5 ° to ± 20 ° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tube.
It consists of continuous unidirectional graphite fiber layers arranged at an angle between. Another approach to strengthening tubular metal drive shafts is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,272,971 which discloses drive shafts, in which the fiber reinforced layer is applied to the inner surface of an aluminum tube.

While the fiber-reinforced drive shafts described above have satisfactory operating performance, they have proven difficult and expensive to produce on a high volume basis.

(C) Summary of the Invention The present invention relates to a unique fiber reinforced or fiber reinforced aluminum drive shaft and a unique method of manufacturing such a drive shaft on a production base.

The drive shaft of this invention is a cylindrical metal tube having a vertical axis,
That is, the preferred embodiment of the present invention typically includes a metal tube constructed of aluminum. An isolation layer of cloth material surrounds the aluminum tube and adheres or adheres to the outer surface of the aluminum tube. A layer of reinforcing fiber surrounds the aluminum tube and adheres it to the outer surface of the isolation layer. In accordance with the present invention, the reinforcing fiber layer includes a plurality of individual reinforcing graphite fibers oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aluminum tube and uniformly located around the circumference of the aluminum tube. In the above-mentioned prior art, the graphite fibers were placed especially non-parallel to the longitudinal axis. The drive shaft further includes a cover layer of fibrous material surrounding the tube and adhered to the outer surface of the reinforcing fiber layer.

The present invention includes a unique approach to on-board production of fiber reinforced drive shafts. In the method according to the present invention, a plurality of cylindrical metal tubes each having a longitudinal axis are joined together by a plurality of connecting plastic plug members so as to form a series of longitudinally extending metal tubes. Splice each other. This series of metal tubes is fed along a longitudinal path through a device that applies the individual layers of composite fiber sleeves to the metal tubes.

Initially, an isolation layer of cloth material is applied around the outer surface of the metal tube. A plurality of individual reinforcing fibers are then applied around the perimeter of the metal tube such that the reinforcing fibers are parallel to the longitudinal plug of the metal tube. A cover layer of fibrous material is then applied around the outer surface of the reinforcing fiber layer.

While the individual layers are being applied to the metal tube, the vinyl ester liquid resin material is applied to saturate the individual layers, and then the drive shaft with the applied saturated layer is fed through a heated forming die, where The liquid resin is cured to firmly bond each layer to a series of metal tubes. As the series of metal tubes with the hardened composite sleeve on the surface exit the manufacturing equipment, these metal tubes are severed at the location of each interlocking plug member to form a plurality of individual fiber reinforced drive shafts. For example, if the yoke portion or spline shaft must be welded to the end of the drive shaft, the end of the composite sleeve may be removed during the welding operation by stripping the selected end portion of the composite reinforcement layer from the drive shaft. It has been found desirable to prevent heat damage to the.

The invention also relates to an alternative method of manufacturing a drive shaft.

(D) Embodiment Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on the embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a drive shaft (10) using a composite tubular member embodying the features of the present invention. The drive shaft (10) comprises an outer composite fiber reinforced or stiffening sleeve (12) which surrounds and is attached to the outside of a cylindrical metal tube (14). First shown as a yoke section
The second connecting members (16) and (18) are connected to opposite ends of the metal tube (14) so that the drive shaft is connected between the driving member and the driven member (neither is shown). . These connecting members are combined universal joint devices (not shown).
Although it is shown as a yoke portion for connecting to, it is clear that other types of connecting members, such as splined shafts, could be used.

The quick-connect members (16) and (18) are typically fixed to the ends of the metal pipe (14) by welding. The metal ends (20) (22) are separated inwardly from the end of the metal tube (14) to prevent damage to the composite sleeve (12) when installing the connecting member. To expose. As shown in the preferred manufacturing method described below, the reinforcing sleeve (12) is first formed over the entire length of the metal tube (14),
Subsequently, it is peeled off from the ends (20) (22) by cutting it with a saw in the peripheral direction and peeling it off. In another method, the reinforcing sleeve (12) is formed such that it does not cover the first ends (20) (22).

FIG. 2 shows a cross section through the metal tube (14) and a preferred example of the composite reinforcing sleeve (12). This metal tube (14) is typically a cylindrical aluminum tube made by conventional methods. The length, diameter, and wall thickness of the aluminum tube are determined by the particular aluminum alloy from which the aluminum tube is formed. At the same time, it can be changed each time it is used, depending on the specific power transmission requirements of the drive shaft. In either case,
Composite reinforced sleeve with special structure according to this invention (12)
It has been found that the use of the tube can substantially increase the axial stiffness of the aluminum tube and substantially reduce the tube weight as compared to a tubular aluminum drive shaft without a reinforcing sleeve.

The composite reinforcing sleeve (12) basically consists of three sections, that is, a separating layer (32), a fiber reinforcing layer (34), and a covering layer (36). As described below, in the preferred method of manufacture, the individual layers of sleeve (12) are adhered to each other and to the tube by vinyl ester.

The isolation layer (32) has individual layers (32a) (32b) (32c). The first isolation layer (32a) is composed of a thread, which is a plurality of longitudinally extending string materials that are equally spaced around the circumference of the metal tube. Although this layer is not essential for the functioning of the present invention, the contact between the metal tube (14) and the saw blade (not shown) at the time of stripping off the end portion of the reinforcing sleeve (12) as described later. Used as a visual display device to avoid In the preferred embodiment of the drive shaft, the isolation layer (32a) comprises a string of eight longitudinally extending polyesters that are evenly spaced around the perimeter of the metal tube.

The second isolation layer (32b) is composed of individual strips of thin screen-like cloth material having overlapping lateral edges that extend in the longitudinal direction and completely surround the metal tube. It has been found that direct contact between graphite and aluminum in this layer results in undesirable galvanic corrosion and therefore serves to isolate the fiber reinforced layer (34), typically graphite, from the aluminum tube (14). Let The exact width of the individual strips will depend on the outer diameter of the metal tube, as well as the number of strips used.
Although the number of strips of fabric material used to surround the metal tube can vary from use to use, the preferred embodiment uses four individual strips of fabric material.

The third isolation layer (32c) is similar to the first isolation layer (32a) and is composed of a plurality of polyester string sleds (th) that are longitudinally spaced about the circumference of the metal tube.
read). In the preferred embodiment, eight threads are used. This is also not an essential layer, but is used to form and hold a strip of cloth material at a location on the metal tube (14). Fiber separation layer (32a) (3
2c) is a separation layer (32b) made of cloth in FIG.
Although shown as spaced from both the metal tube (14) and the fiber reinforced layer (34), the isolation layer (32b) and the metal tube (14)
And between the separating layer (32b) and the fiber reinforced layer (34) in the space between the longitudinally extending filaments.
You will find that there is actually contact.

The fiber reinforced layer (34) is typically made of graphite and has a plurality of individual, independent reinforcing fiber strands or tows which, in the present invention, are preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis of the metal tube and are separated by a separating layer ( It is better to place it uniformly around 32). Each tow is composed of a predetermined number of individual vertically oriented graphite fibers. The exact number of graphite tows to be used will depend on the number of individual fibers placed in each tow and the total amount of reinforcement desired. In one of the preferred embodiments, 115 longitudinally arranged tows of graphite fibers are used, each tow comprised of 36,000 individual graphite fibers.

Individual layers (36a) (36b) for the covering layer (36) or protective layer
(36c) to act as a device for holding the vertically oriented graphite strands of the layer (34) adjacent to the metal tube (14). The first coating layer (36a) is composed of a circumferential covering of fiberglass strands. The number of circumferential coverings for a given length of tube is determined, depending on the number of individual glass fibers contained in each strand, as well as the amount of graphite applied to the tube. In the preferred embodiment, each strand consists of 1800 fibers of fiberglass, wrapped around a tube to obtain 20 turns per inch of length.

The second covering layer (36b) is another circumferential covering similar to that of the first covering layer (36a), but is used for the first and third isolation layers (32a) (32c). It has the same type of polyester fiber as the ivy. It should be noted that the layers (36
Although a) (36b) are mentioned here as overlying layers, they do not form separate layers so they are visible, because one overlying strand is typically the other layer. This is because it falls between the strands of the canopy and thus the layers (40) (42) appear as a single visual layer.

Third coating layer (36c) which is the outermost layer of the sleeve (12)
Is applied similar to that of the isolation layer (32b) and is identical in material properties to it to provide an outer fabric covering that produces a smooth outer surface on the drive shaft.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic of an apparatus for forming a composite tubular member of the type shown in FIG. 2 on a continuous basis. As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of metal pipes (14a) (14b) (14d) are placed in a state in which end portions are connected by a plurality of plug members (42)
The plug member (42), typically made of plastic material, is shown as a double end and has a protruding annular flange (4) centered with an outer diameter greater than that of the metal tube.
4) equipped. As will be described below, the protruding flange portion (44) serves as a visual reference to determine the specific location where the metal tube must be sawed after each layer of the composite sleeve has been applied and cured on the metal tube. Form an annular lifting part.

The device (40), which will be described in detail later, is used to apply various materials required for forming the composite fiber sleeve on the aluminum tube. The device (40) also includes a pair of pulling rollers (46) (4) (4) for pulling a series of longitudinally extending tubes at a predetermined rate along a longitudinally extending passageway through the device.
8) Have.

As shown in FIG. 3, at a first point (50), a first separating layer (32) of longitudinally extending and circumferentially separated fibers is provided.
Apply a). Fiber strings coming from a plurality of rolls (52) are fed into place on a tube (14) through a guide device (54) and a dispensing device (56), which may be pulleys or the like. Although four rolls are shown here, eight rolls are used in the preferred embodiment of the invention. Also, although the reels used are shown here as tapered rolls or reels, the reels should be of the centerfeed type as much as possible, with the last winding being on the outside and additional rolls hindering the process. It is better to be able to connect without.

Then, at a second point (58), a second isolation layer (32b) of strips of fabric material is applied. As shown, the layers (32
b) is applied in 4 segments. At the second point (58), the material of the second pipe (32b) is applied from the rolls (60) (62). Although not shown, the roll (62) is preferably placed along a line perpendicular to the line along which the roll (60) is placed. Each strip is matched to the shape of the tube (14) by a conical preformer (64).

Next, at the third point (66), the third string consisting of
A layer of cloth (32b) around the pipe (14) with an isolation layer (32c) of
To form. As with the first point, strings coming from a plurality of rolls are guided by the guiding device (70) and the applying device (72).
Through the pipe to a position around the pipe (14).

At the fourth point (74), almost half of the fiber reinforced layer (34) is applied. One set of rolls (76) has six for simplicity
Although shown as individual pieces, the number of graphite tows to be applied reaches about half of the actual number. The tow fed from the roll (76) passes through the individual holes in the shaped ring (78) into the metal tube (1
Match the shape of 4) and pass it through. Then, at the fifth point (80), the resin mixture is fed from the tank (82) through the pipe (84) to the dispensing end (86), from which the first half of the fiber reinforced layer (34) and the isolation below it. Cover the layer (32).

The resin mixture in the tank (82) is preferably a vinyl ester resin mixture of the type available under the trade name Derakane. Suitable resin admixtures are part numbers from Dow Chemical Company of Gioliet, IL.
Available as 411-35. Moreover, any conventional resin admixture can be used, but it must be chosen among those that remain flexible after curing. Although not shown, the catalyst or curing agent can be mixed with the resin mixture shortly before the mixture is applied to the partially formed sleeve.

At the 6th point (88), remove the desired number of graphite tows
A tube (1) from a pair of rolls (90) through a forming ring (92)
4), and at the seventh point (94) again through the pipe (96) and the dispensing end (98) with resin mixture from the tank (82).

A spinning head (104) having rolls (106) (108) for covering the coating layers (36a) (36b) in the circumferential direction is provided at the eighth point (100) and the ninth point (102), respectively. . It goes without saying that there may be more than one such spinning head (104) and more than one single roll may be used to apply the layers (36a) (36b). As mentioned above, the head (104) has the fiberglass material of the first coating layer (36a) on the roll (106) and the polyester string material of the second coating layer (36b) on the roll (108). Let As mentioned above, the covering layers (36a) (36b) are circumferential canopies, which in this embodiment are about 1 inch.
Apply at a rate of 20. At the 10th point (110), the tank (82)
The resin mixture from is applied through tube (112) and dispensing end (114).

Next, at the eleventh point (116), the final layer, that is, the third coating layer (36c) is applied. Rolls (60) to a pair of rolls (118)
It has the same textile material that it had, which is matched by the conical preformer (120) to the shape of the tube (14). A set of rolls (122) has the same fabric material as that provided by the rolls (62), which is piped (14) by the conical inlet (124) of the heated forming die (126). Match the shape of. As with the rolls (60) (62), the rolls (118) (122) are preferably placed along mutually perpendicular lines. The forming die (126) is
Not only does it form the surface of the continuous drive assembly shaft, but it also provides the proper heat supply for rapid curing of the resin mixture as the series of drive shafts are pulled through the device (40).

Then a continuous chain of composite tubular members (10)
It may be peeled off in the manner described above to form exposed metal ends (20) (22) at the protruding flange (44) which may then be attached to it by suitable welding techniques. it can. The composite tubular member made by the method of FIG. 3 is shown in FIG. 4 in a state before attachment of the connecting material.

It will be appreciated that other methods of realizing the key features of this invention can be used to make fiber reinforced aluminum drive shafts. For example, in the method shown diagrammatically in FIG. 5, a stiff, preformed, precut, and prehardened reinforced sleeve (130) of a predetermined length has a metal tube (1
Obtained by having an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of 4). As shown in FIG. 5, the reinforcing sleeve (13
(0) slides the metal pipe (132) coated with a layer of glue (134) so as to cover it.

Various types of glues or binders can be used in place of the glue (134). Such a structural adhesive that can be used is known in the industry as Metalbond 1133 and is sold by the Narmco division of Celanese, New York, NY, and is sold by Elastoma Modifai. -It is an epoxy material. Such adhesives are applied by brush or spray.

FIG. 6 diagrammatically shows another method for producing the composite tubular member according to the present invention. In this case, the fiber-reinforced sleeve (140) saturated with uncured resin to have an appropriate length.
Slide over the metal tube (142) and then cure to bond the sleeve (140) to the metal tube (142). If desired, a suitable structural adhesive can be used to aid in the attachment of the sleeve to the tube. In FIG. 6, the sleeve (140) is formed on the mandrel (148) and saturated with resin from the tank (150) through the tube (152) and the dispensing end (154), or Saturate the resin by any other convenient device such as a brush or spray. As mentioned above, the reinforcing sleeve (140) has three layers: the roll (1
56) Inner layer of insulating material supplied by 56, rolls (15
8) has an intermediate layer of longitudinally extending reinforcing fibers fed by 8) and an outer layer of coating material fed by rolls (160).

As shown in FIG. 6, by supplying the metal pipe (142) and separating the sleeve (140) from the mandrel (148) and sliding the metal pipe (142) toward the metal pipe (142), the sleeve (140) is separated from each metal. Positioned on the tube, the sleeve is then positioned by applying a circumferential force in a suitable manner, for example by pulling a forming die over it. The sleeve (140) is then cured in place over the metal tube (142) without heating, or by heating in any suitable manner.

The exact embodiment of the stiffening sleeve used in the method shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 may differ from the structure shown in FIG. 2 and obtained in the method of FIG. For example, the first and third isolation layers (32a) (32c) of FIG. 2 which provide a visual indication of stripping the sleeve end in the method of FIG. However, the reinforcing sleeve is not necessary because it is formed to a predetermined length before being applied to the metal tube. And in some cases,
The second isolation layer (32b) is also itself suitable for holding a preformed, hardened or uncured reinforcing sleeve in a metal tube between itself and the graphite and aluminum. Not necessary as it creates a good isolation layer. The outermost coating layer (36c) shown in FIG. 2 used for forming a smooth outer surface is not absolutely necessary, but a coating layer (for keeping the primary reinforcing fiber layer (34) in a normal position ( The use of the two different materials shown as 36a) and (36b) is similar.

The present invention has been described above in detail based on the embodiments,
It goes without saying that these embodiments can be subjected to various modifications and variations, such as rearranging the order of layers or increasing or decreasing layers without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view when the fiber-reinforced composite tubular member of the present invention is used for a drive shaft, and FIG. 2 is a straight line 2-2 of FIG. 1 showing each layer constituting a preferred embodiment of the fiber composite sleeve. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing one method of manufacturing the fiber-reinforced composite tubular member of the present invention on a continuous basis, in which the fiber-composite sleeves are temporarily joined together in the longitudinal direction. FIG. 4 is a side view of a composite fiber reinforced tubular member obtained by the method shown in FIG. 3, which is formed and cured around a series of metal tubes moving in a direction passage, FIG. Is a schematic showing another method of assembling the drive shaft, in which the preformed and hardened fiber composite sleeve is shown secured to the slide tube over the combined metal tubes, FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing still another embodiment of the method of the present invention, in which case The resin saturated fiber reinforced sleeve yet not cured were fit formed illustrates cured thereon then slid over the metal tube member. 10 …… Drive shaft, 12 …… Outer composite fiber reinforced sleeve, 14…
… Cylindrical metal tube, 16,18 …… Coupling member, 20,22 …… 14 metal end, 32 …… Separating layer, 34 …… Fiber reinforced layer, 36 …… Coating layer, Protective layer, 40 …… Composite Tubular member manufacturing equipment, 42 …… (metal pipe connection) plug member, 44 …… 42 flange part, 46, 48 ……
Tension roller, 50,58,66,74,80,88,94,100,102,110,116
...... Point, 52,68 …… Roll, 54,70 …… Guiding device, 56,7
2 …… Applying device, 60,62,118,122 …… Roll, 64,120 ……
Conical preformer, 76,90 …… Roll, 78,92 …… Forming ring, 82 …… Tank, 86,98,114 …… Dispensing end, 84,9
6,112 …… tube, 104 …… spinning bed, 106,108 …… roll, 124 …… conical inlet, 126 …… forming die, 130 ……
Sleeve, 132 ... Metal tube, 134 ... glue, 140 ... Sleeve, 142 ... Metal tube, 148 ... Mandrel, 150 ... Tank, 152 ... Pipe, 154 ... Dispensing end, 156,158,160 ... Roll .

Claims (30)

[Claims] 1. An elongated cylindrical metal tube having a longitudinal axis, and (b) another connecting member fixed to each end of the metal tube and suitable for connecting to a vehicle drive train component. (C) The metal tube has the isolation layer adjacent to the cylindrical surface of the metal tube, the fiber reinforcement layer adjacent to the isolation layer, and the coating layer adjacent to the fiber reinforcement layer. A cylindrical reinforcing sleeve which is fixed to the surface and extends in the longitudinal direction along the metal tube; (d) The separating layer, the fiber reinforcing layer and the coating layer are impregnated with these layers. A cured resin that forms a matrix so as to fix each other, and the isolation layer forms a barrier that prevents direct contact between the fiber reinforced layer and the cylindrical surface of the metal tube, and The fiber reinforced layer increases the rigidity of the metal tube, and the fiber reinforced layer is Formed by a plurality of different tows that are evenly located in the peripheral direction on the isolation layer in a relationship parallel to the longitudinal axis of the metal tube, each tow having a plurality of continuous reinforcing fibers, A composite fiber reinforced vehicle drive shaft, wherein the cover layer comprises a string material circumferentially positioned on the fiber reinforced layer so as to maintain the reinforcing fibers adjacent to the isolation layer. 2. The composite fiber reinforced vehicle drive shaft according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical reinforcing sleeve extends in the longitudinal direction along the metal pipe and between the connecting members. 3. The isolation layer comprises a plurality of flexible sheet material strips contacting the metal tube and extending longitudinally along the metal tube, the strips adjacent to each other. The composite fiber-reinforced vehicle drive shaft according to claim (1), wherein the elongated strip comprises overlapping longitudinal edge portions. 4. The isolation layer comprises an inner layer and an outer layer respectively disposed on opposite sides of the strip, the inner layer and the outer layer each being the metal tube. A composite fiber reinforced vehicle drive shaft as set forth in claim 3 including a plurality of string members extending longitudinally along said longitudinal axis and circumferentially spaced from one another about said longitudinal axis. . 5. The cover layer comprises a second plurality of strips of flexible sheet material deposited on the string material and extending longitudinally along the metal tube, the strips comprising: 7. The composite fiber reinforced vehicle drive shaft of claim 1 wherein the adjacent strips of the strip are provided with overlapping longitudinal edge portions. 6. The composite fiber reinforced vehicle drive shaft according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical surface of the metal tube is a cylindrical outer surface. 7. The composite fiber reinforced vehicle drive shaft according to claim 1, wherein the fiber reinforced layer comprises graphite fibers. 8. The composite fiber reinforced vehicle drive shaft according to claim 7, wherein the metal tube is made of aluminum. 9. The composite fiber reinforced vehicle drive shaft of claim 1, wherein the string material of the cover layer is circumferentially deposited and positioned on the fiber reinforced layer. 10. The composite fiber reinforced vehicle drive shaft according to claim 1, wherein the string material comprises continuous glass fibers. 11. A composite fiber reinforced vehicle drive shaft according to claim 1, wherein the coating layer comprises a polyester string material circumferentially applied to the fiber reinforced layer. 12. The composite fiber reinforced vehicle drive shaft of claim 1 wherein the coating layer comprises a layer of fabric material circumferentially attached to the string material. 13. (a) preparing a cylindrical metal tube having a tube longitudinal axis and specific power transmission requirements for a fiber-reinforced vehicle drive shaft; and (b) placing the metal tube in a longitudinal path. And (c) a longitudinal sleeve axis, a separating layer, and a plurality of continuous reinforcing fibers, which are arranged parallel to and around the longitudinal sleeve axis evenly in the peripheral direction. , A cylindrical reinforcing sleeve composed of a plurality of different tows and having a fiber-reinforced layer adjacent to the isolation layer and a coating layer adjacent to the fiber-reinforced layer, to improve rigidity in the axial direction of the metal tube. Forming on the metal tube while the metal tube is moving in the longitudinal path to increase, (d) the isolation layer on a longitudinally extending cylindrical outer surface of the metal tube. And the pipe longitudinal axis And the longitudinal sleeve axis are coaxial with each other, and the cylindrical reinforcing sleeve is fixed to the cylindrical outer surface of the metal tube while the metal tube is moved in the longitudinal path. And (e) to form an exposed metal end surface at each end of the metal tube so as to prevent damage to the reinforcing sleeve when attaching the metal connecting member to the metal tube, Removing selected end portions of the stiffening sleeve, and (f) a separate metal connecting member at each end of the metal tube to create the fiber reinforced vehicle drive shaft for attachment to a vehicle drive train. Fixing the metal tube having a specific power transmission requirement for the fiber-reinforced vehicle drive shaft, and the cylindrical reinforcing sleeve for increasing the axial rigidity of the metal tube. Producing the fiber-reinforced vehicle drive shaft by the blanking, method for producing a fiber-reinforced vehicle drive shaft. 14. The step (c) forms the isolation layer by longitudinally positioning each strip of fabric material by overlapping their longitudinal edge portions. A method for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced vehicle drive shaft according to claim (13), which is provided. 15. An inner layer comprising a plurality of string members extending longitudinally along the reinforcing sleeve and circumferentially spaced about the longitudinal sleeve axis, the step of forming the isolation layer, and Depositing outer layers on opposite sides of each strip,
A method for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced vehicle drive shaft according to claim (14). 16. The cover layer by applying a glass fiber string material circumferentially to the fiber reinforced layer in step (c) so as to maintain the fiber reinforced layer adjacent to the isolation layer. Forming a stage,
A method for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced vehicle drive shaft according to claim (15). 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the step of forming the coating layer further comprises the step of circumferentially adhering a polyester string material to the glass fiber string material. A method for manufacturing the fiber-reinforced vehicle drive shaft according to claim 1. 18. The fiber reinforced vehicle drive shaft of claim 17, wherein the step of forming the coating layer comprises depositing a fabric material on the polyester string material. Production method. 19. The fiber-reinforced vehicle drive according to claim 13, further comprising the step of adhering a liquid resin material to the isolation layer, the fiber-reinforced layer and the coating layer. Shaft manufacturing method. 20. The method further comprising the step of curing the liquid resin material to firmly bond the isolation layer, the fiber reinforced layer, and the coating layer to the metal tube. A method for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced vehicle drive shaft according to item (19). 21. The step (a) comprises the steps of preparing a plurality of cylindrical metal tubes each having a longitudinal axis and joining the metal tubes to form a series of longitudinally extending tubes. And a step of moving the series of tubes along a longitudinal path, and after the step (c), cutting the series of tubes to manufacture a plurality of fiber-reinforced tubular members. The method for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced vehicle drive shaft according to claim (13), further comprising a step. 22. The method further comprising the step of joining the series of tubes with a plurality of joint plug members, and after the step (c),
The method for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced vehicle drive shaft according to claim (21), comprising a step of cutting each of the joint plug members to separate the pipe. 23. (a) preparing a cylindrical metal tube; and (b) preparing a preformed fiber reinforced sleeve having a length shorter than the metal tube and different from the metal tube. (C) Subsequent to step (b), positioning the fiber reinforced sleeve on the metal tube to form a metal end surface exposed at each end of the metal tube; D) fixing the fiber reinforced sleeve to the metal pipe so as to increase the rigidity of the metal pipe in the axial direction, and (e) manufacturing a fiber reinforced vehicle drive shaft for attachment to a vehicle drive train component. And a step of fixing another metal connecting member to each end of the metal pipe, the method further including: 24. The method for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced vehicle drive according to claim 23, wherein the fiber-reinforced sleeve prepared in the step (b) is impregnated with a curable resin. 25. The fiber reinforced vehicle of claim 24, wherein said step (d) comprises the step of using an adhesive to secure said fiber reinforced sleeve to said metal tube. Drive shaft manufacturing method. 26. The fiber-reinforced sleeve is impregnated with an uncured curable resin material prior to the step (d), and the resin material is cured after the step (c). A method of manufacturing a fiber-cured vehicle drive shaft according to item (23). 27. The fiber according to claim 26, wherein the step (d) includes a step of curing the resin material so as to fix the fiber reinforced sleeve to the metal tube. Manufacturing method of reinforced vehicle drive shaft. 28. The fiber reinforced sleeve prepared in the step (b), comprising a longitudinal axis and a plurality of reinforcing fibers positioned in parallel with the longitudinal axis. 23) A method for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced vehicle drive shaft according to the item 23. 29. Prior to said step (d), said fiber-reinforced sleeve is impregnated with an uncured curable resin material, and after said step (c), a circumferential force is applied to said fiber-reinforced sleeve. The fiber-reinforced vehicle drive shaft according to claim (23), wherein said step (d) further comprises the step of curing a resin so as to fix said fiber-reinforced sleeve to said metal tube. Manufacturing method. 30. The method of manufacturing a fiber-reinforced vehicle drive shaft according to claim 29, wherein the force in the circumferential direction is applied by pulling a forming die on the fiber-reinforced sleeve.