JP2007056949A

JP2007056949A - Flexible boot for constant speed universal joint

Info

Publication number: JP2007056949A
Application number: JP2005241443A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Tomoshige Kobayashi; 智茂小林; Teruaki Fujio; 輝明藤尾
Original assignee: NTN Corp; NTN Toyo Bearing Co Ltd
Current assignee: NTN Corp
Priority date: 2005-08-23
Filing date: 2005-08-23
Publication date: 2007-03-08

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simplify the setting work and manufacturing process of a boot. <P>SOLUTION: In a constant speed universal joint storing a torque transmission member 2c between an outside joint member 2a and an inside joint member 2b, and extending a shaft 2e connected to the inside joint member 2b outside the joint, the flexible boot 1 is arranged between the outer periphery of the outside joint member 2a and the intermediate part outer periphery of the shaft 2e. The flexible booth 1 is provided with a bellows 1a comprising a cylindrical large-diameter part 1a1 fastened to the outer peripheral surface of the outside joint member 2a and a cylindrical small-diameter part 1a2 fastened to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 2e, and a cross sectional U-shaped bend 1a5 connecting between the large-diameter part 1a1 and the small-diameter part 1a2, and an adapter 1b for reinforcement vulcanized and incorporated in the bellows 1a from the large-diameter part 1a1 and an end of the bend 1a5 in the bellows 1a. An extending part 1b1 extending to the inner peripheral surface of the outside joint member 2a, and grasping the adapter 1b in the large-diameter part 1a1 and the outside joint member 2a in the large-diameter part 1a1 is installed in the adapter 1b consecutively. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、プロペラシャフト用に好適な等速自在継手用フレキシブルブーツに関する。 The present invention relates to a flexible boot for a constant velocity universal joint suitable for a propeller shaft.

等速自在継手用フレキシブルブーツは、継手内部に封入されたグリースの漏れ出しや継手内部への異物侵入防止を目的として、等速自在継手の円筒状外側継手部材の開口端外周と、内側継手部材にスプライン結合されるシャフト外周に、それぞれ固定される。フレキシブルブーツには、蛇腹状の屈曲部を有するものと、断面Ｕ字形の屈曲部を有するものとがあり、それぞれ、用途に応じて使い分けられている。 The flexible boot for constant velocity universal joints is designed to prevent leakage of grease sealed inside the joint and prevent foreign matter from entering the joint. Are fixed to the outer periphery of the shaft splined to each other. Flexible boots include those having a bellows-like bent portion and those having a bent portion having a U-shaped cross section.

プロペラシャフト用等速自在継手は、ドライブシャフト用等速自在継手と比較して常用回転域がかなり高速である。このため、プロペラシャフト用等速自在継手に使用されるフレキシブルブーツは、回転膨張しにくいＵ宇型の屈曲部を有すものが使用される。 The constant-velocity universal joint for propeller shafts has a considerably higher normal rotation range than the constant-velocity universal joint for drive shafts. For this reason, the flexible boot used for the constant velocity universal joint for propeller shafts has a U-shaped bent portion which is difficult to rotate and expand.

図４に従来のプロペラシャフト用の等速自在継手を示す。この等速自在継手のブーツ１１は本体がゴム等の可撓性材料からなり、金属製円筒状の補強用アダプタ１３を介して等速自在継手１２の外側継手部材１２ａに固定される大径部１１ａと、等速自在継手１２のシャフト１２ｂにブーツバンド１５で固定される小径部１１ｂと、大径部１１ａと小径部１１ｂとを接続する断面Ｕ字形の屈曲部１１ｃとを備える。アダプタ１３の一端部はブーツ１１の大径部１１ａを抱込み把持し、他端部は外側継手部材１２ａに対するシール性と抜け止め強度を確保するために、外側継手部材１２ａの端部外周面にＯリング１４を介して圧入された後、ローリング加締等によって加締固定される。ブーツ１１の略Ｕ字形の屈曲部１１ｃは、アダプタ１３の内周面とシャフト１２ｂの外周面との間の空間部に介挿され、継手が作動角をとって回転する際、半径方向の屈伸動作を繰り返す。 FIG. 4 shows a conventional constant velocity universal joint for a propeller shaft. The boot 11 of this constant velocity universal joint is made of a flexible material such as rubber, and has a large diameter portion fixed to the outer joint member 12a of the constant velocity universal joint 12 via a metal cylindrical reinforcing adapter 13. 11a, a small diameter portion 11b fixed to the shaft 12b of the constant velocity universal joint 12 by a boot band 15, and a bent portion 11c having a U-shaped cross section connecting the large diameter portion 11a and the small diameter portion 11b. One end of the adapter 13 holds and holds the large-diameter portion 11a of the boot 11, and the other end is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the end of the outer joint member 12a in order to ensure sealing performance and retaining strength against the outer joint member 12a. After being press-fitted through the O-ring 14, it is crimped and fixed by rolling caulking or the like. The substantially U-shaped bent portion 11c of the boot 11 is inserted into a space between the inner peripheral surface of the adapter 13 and the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 12b, and when the joint rotates at an operating angle, the bending and stretching in the radial direction is performed. Repeat the operation.

この種のブーツは、前述したように、回転膨張しにくい断面Ｕ字形であることと、屈曲部１１ｃの膨張変位がアダプタ１３によって規制されることから、蛇腹状ブーツに比べて耐回転膨張性に優れる。しかしながら、図４に示すブーツでは、外側継手部材１２ａへの取付けに際し、Ｏリング１４の装着や、アダプタ１３の圧入、加締作業、さらには防錆処理が必要であり、取付作業に手間と熟練を要する。また、製造工程においても、外側継手部材の外周面に対するＯリング溝の加工と、アダプタ圧入に際しての寸法公差管理等が非常に複雑であった。 As described above, this type of boot has a U-shaped cross-section that is difficult to rotate and expand, and the expansion displacement of the bent portion 11c is restricted by the adapter 13, so that it is more resistant to rotation and expansion than the bellows-shaped boot. Excellent. However, the boot shown in FIG. 4 requires the mounting of the O-ring 14, the press-fitting of the adapter 13, the caulking work, and the rust prevention treatment when attaching to the outer joint member 12a. Cost. Also in the manufacturing process, the processing of the O-ring groove on the outer peripheral surface of the outer joint member and the management of dimensional tolerances when the adapter is press-fitted are very complicated.

そこで、図５のように、やや小型化したアダプタ１３ａをブーツと共に加硫一体化し、ＯリングとＯリング溝を不要にし、大径部１１ｄはブーツバンド１６で外側継手部材１２ａに固定するようにしたブーツ１１が提案されている（特許文献１）。
特開平１１−１５９５３８号公報 Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the slightly downsized adapter 13 a is vulcanized and integrated with the boot so that the O-ring and the O-ring groove are unnecessary, and the large-diameter portion 11 d is fixed to the outer joint member 12 a with the boot band 16. A boot 11 is proposed (Patent Document 1).
JP 11-159538 A

しかし、この改良型フレキシブルブーツはアダプタ１３ａが一体成形されるために、加硫成形型内でのアダプタ１３ａの位置決め不良等に起因して、アダプタ１３ａの回転中心位置とブーツ１１ないしベローズの回転中心位置とが微妙にズレて製造されてしまう場合がある。プロペラシャフト用等速自在継手は常用回転域が高速であるため、製造時に上記ズレ量が僅かでも発生すると、ブーツ１１が遠心力で振れ回る可能性がある。ブーツ１１が振れ回ると振動や騒音の発生原因となり、ひどい場合はブーツ１１が外れる事態ともなる。 However, since the adapter 13a is integrally formed in this improved flexible boot, the rotation center position of the adapter 13a and the rotation center of the boot 11 or the bellows are caused by poor positioning of the adapter 13a in the vulcanization mold. In some cases, the position may be slightly shifted. Since the constant velocity universal joint for the propeller shaft has a high speed in the normal rotation range, the boot 11 may be swung around by a centrifugal force if a slight deviation occurs during manufacture. If the boot 11 is swung around, it may cause vibration and noise, and if it is severe, the boot 11 may come off.

本発明はかかる課題を解決するものであって、加硫一体型アダプタを有するブーツの振れ回りやブーツ外れを抑制することを目的とする。 The present invention solves this problem, and an object of the present invention is to suppress swinging of the boot having the vulcanized integrated adapter and boot disengagement.

本発明の等速自在継手用ブーツは、外側継手部材と内側継手部材との間にトルク伝達部材を収容し、前記内側継手部材に連結されたシャフトが継手外へ延在してなる等速自在継手の、前記外側継手部材の外周と前記シャフトの中間部外周との間に配設されるフレキシブルブーツであって、前記外側継手部材の外周面に固定される筒状の大径部、前記シャフトの外周面に固定される筒状の小径部、および前記大径部と小径部との間を接続する断面Ｕ字形の屈曲部で構成されるベローズと、前記ベローズの大径部から屈曲部の端部にかけてベローズ内に加硫一体化された補強用アダプタとを備え、前記アダプタに、前記外側継手部材の内周面へと延在して前記大径部内のアダプタと共に外側継手部材を挟持する延在部を連設したことを特徴とする。 The constant velocity universal joint boot of the present invention accommodates a torque transmission member between an outer joint member and an inner joint member, and a constant velocity universal formed by a shaft connected to the inner joint member extending outside the joint. A flexible boot disposed between the outer periphery of the outer joint member and the outer periphery of the intermediate portion of the shaft of a joint, a cylindrical large-diameter portion fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the outer joint member, the shaft A bellows composed of a cylindrical small-diameter portion fixed to the outer peripheral surface, a bent portion having a U-shaped cross section connecting between the large-diameter portion and the small-diameter portion, and from the large-diameter portion of the bellows to the bent portion A reinforcing adapter that is vulcanized and integrated into the bellows over the end, and extends to the inner peripheral surface of the outer joint member to sandwich the outer joint member together with the adapter in the large-diameter portion. It is characterized by extending the extension part continuously

従来の加硫一体型アダプタを有するブーツの振動やブーツ外れの問題は、ブーツの回転中心位置（可僥性部分）とアダプタの回転中心位置とがずれることにより、高速回転時にアンバランスを生じることが原因であった。本発明では、外側継手部材の内周面へと延在して大径部内のアダプタと共に外側継手部材を挟持する延在部をアダプタに連設することによりブーツの振れ回りを抑制する。 Problems with vibration and boot disengagement of boots with conventional vulcanized integrated adapters can cause unbalance during high-speed rotation due to misalignment between the rotation center position (flexible part) of the boot and the rotation center position of the adapter. Was the cause. In the present invention, the swinging of the boot is suppressed by connecting the adapter with an extending portion that extends to the inner peripheral surface of the outer joint member and sandwiches the outer joint member together with the adapter in the large diameter portion.

前記アダプタの延在部は、アダプタの円周方向に連続して形成してもよいが、アダプタの円周方向複数箇所に間欠的に形成してもよい。アダプタに作用する力はそれほど大きくないことを考慮すると、前記延在部をアダプタの円周方向複数箇所に間欠的に形成する方がブーツの重量軽減と材料節約に資することになる。 The extension portion of the adapter may be formed continuously in the circumferential direction of the adapter, but may be formed intermittently at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the adapter. In consideration of the fact that the force acting on the adapter is not so great, the intermittent formation of the extending portions at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the adapter contributes to weight reduction and material saving of the boot.

アダプタの材料には一般の鋼板を使用することができ、その場合、前記延在部を含めて一体鋼板の曲げ成形で構成することも可能であるし、延在部のみ別体鋼板で形成しておいて、これをアダプタ本体に溶接付けするようにしてもよい。また、アダプタをその延在部を含めて繊維強化プラスチックで一体成形することも可能である。 A general steel plate can be used as the material of the adapter, and in that case, it is possible to be configured by bending the integrated steel plate including the extension portion, or only the extension portion is formed of a separate steel plate. This may be welded to the adapter body. It is also possible to integrally mold the adapter with its fiber reinforced plastic including its extension.

本発明は以上のように、外側継手部材の内周面へと延在して大径部内のアダプタと共に外側継手部材を挟持する延在部をアダプタに連設したから、製造時にベローズとアダプタとの中心位置が多少ずれていたとしても、外側継手部材に対するアダプタの装着によって両者の中心位置が正確に整合され、かつアダプタが外側継手部材に対して位置決めされるため、等速自在継手が高速回転してもブーツが振れ回りすることがなく、振れ回りに伴う振動や騒音の発生、さらにはブーツ外れといった問題を解消することができる。また、本発明のブーツは、外側継手部材との間にＯリングを使用しないので、外側継手部材に対するＯリング溝加工や、アダプタの圧入に際しての寸法公差管理等、複雑で煩わしい作業が一切なく、従来のブーツと比較して簡単低コストに製造可能である。 In the present invention, as described above, since the extended portion that extends to the inner peripheral surface of the outer joint member and sandwiches the outer joint member together with the adapter in the large-diameter portion is connected to the adapter, Even if the center position of the joint is slightly deviated, the adapter is attached to the outer joint member so that the center position of both is accurately aligned and the adapter is positioned with respect to the outer joint member. Even if the boots do not swing around, it is possible to solve problems such as vibrations and noises associated with the swinging, and even the boots coming off. In addition, since the boot of the present invention does not use an O-ring between the outer joint member, there is no complicated and troublesome work such as O-ring groove processing for the outer joint member and dimensional tolerance management when the adapter is press-fitted, Compared to conventional boots, it can be manufactured at low cost.

以下、本発明の実施形態を図１〜図３に基づき説明する。図１は、本発明に係るフレキシブルブーツ１をプロペラシャフト用の固定型等速自在継手２に取付けた状態を示す。等速自在継手２は、内周面に複数の曲線状の案内溝２ａ１を軸方向に形成した外側継手部材２ａ、外周面に複数の曲線状の案内溝２ｂ１を軸方向に形成した内側継手部材２ｂ、外側継手部材２ａの案内溝２ａ１と内側継手部材２ｂの案内溝２ｂ１とが協働して形成されるボールトラックに配されたボール２ｃ、ボール２ｃを作動角の角度２等分面内に保持する保持器２ｄ、および、内側継手部材２ｂにセレーション（又はスプライン）嵌合されたシャフト２ｅを備える。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows a state in which a flexible boot 1 according to the present invention is attached to a fixed type constant velocity universal joint 2 for a propeller shaft. The constant velocity universal joint 2 includes an outer joint member 2a in which a plurality of curved guide grooves 2a1 are formed in the axial direction on the inner peripheral surface, and an inner joint member in which a plurality of curved guide grooves 2b1 are formed in the axial direction on the outer peripheral surface. 2b, the ball 2c and the ball 2c disposed on the ball track formed by the cooperation of the guide groove 2a1 of the outer joint member 2a and the guide groove 2b1 of the inner joint member 2b are within the angle bisector of the operating angle. A retainer 2d for holding, and a shaft 2e that is serrated (or spline) fitted to the inner joint member 2b are provided.

ブーツ１は、クロロプレンゴム（ＣＲゴム）等からなる可撓性のベローズ１ａと、金属製円筒状の補強用アダプタ１ｂで構成される。ベローズ１ａは、筒状の大径部１ａ１と、筒状の小径部１ａ２と、大径部１ａ１から内径側に連続して延びた段部１ａ３と、段部１ａ３から軸方向に連続して延びた筒部１ａ４と、筒部１ａ４から略Ｕ字形に屈曲して小径部１ａ２に連続した屈曲部１ａ５とを備える。そして、大径部１ａ１から筒部１ａ４を含む領域に、金属製円筒状の補強用アダプタ１ｂが加硫一体化にて埋設されている。なお、小径部１ａ２の構成は図５および図６に示す従来のブーツ１１と同じであって、ブーツバンド１５でシャフト２ｅに固定される。 The boot 1 includes a flexible bellows 1a made of chloroprene rubber (CR rubber) or the like and a metal cylindrical reinforcing adapter 1b. The bellows 1a includes a cylindrical large-diameter portion 1a1, a cylindrical small-diameter portion 1a2, a step portion 1a3 continuously extending from the large-diameter portion 1a1 to the inner diameter side, and a step portion 1a3 extending in the axial direction continuously. A cylindrical portion 1a4, and a bent portion 1a5 which is bent from the cylindrical portion 1a4 into a substantially U shape and continues to the small diameter portion 1a2. And the metal cylindrical reinforcement adapter 1b is embed | buried by the vulcanization integration in the area | region containing the cylinder part 1a4 from the large diameter part 1a1. The configuration of the small diameter portion 1a2 is the same as that of the conventional boot 11 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, and is fixed to the shaft 2e by a boot band 15.

以上のように、アダプタ１ｂは加硫一体化によりベローズ１ａ内に埋設されているが、図２（Ａ）に示すように、ベローズ１ａの筒部１ａ４内に延びたアダプタ１ｂの一端は外側継手部材２ａ側に１８０°折返され、外側継手部材２ａの内周面へと所定長で延在している。この結果、大径部１ａ１内のアダプタ本体部１ｂ２と前記延在部１ｂ１との間に、外側継手部材２ａの開口端が挟持される。なお、図示例ではベローズ１ａはこの延在部１ｂ１を含めてアダプタ１ｂ全体を被覆するが、延在部１ｂ１のみベローズ１ａから突出して継手内部に露出する構造としてもよい。この場合は延在部１ｂ１が直接外側継手部材２ａの内周面に当接することになる。 As described above, the adapter 1b is embedded in the bellows 1a by vulcanization integration. As shown in FIG. 2A, one end of the adapter 1b extending into the cylindrical portion 1a4 of the bellows 1a is an outer joint. It is folded 180 ° toward the member 2a and extends to the inner peripheral surface of the outer joint member 2a with a predetermined length. As a result, the open end of the outer joint member 2a is sandwiched between the adapter main body 1b2 in the large diameter portion 1a1 and the extending portion 1b1. In the illustrated example, the bellows 1a covers the entire adapter 1b including the extending portion 1b1, but only the extending portion 1b1 may protrude from the bellows 1a and be exposed inside the joint. In this case, the extending portion 1b1 directly contacts the inner peripheral surface of the outer joint member 2a.

ベローズ１ａの大径部１ａ１は、外側継手部材２ａの外周面に嵌合される。外側継手部材２ａの外周面には、平らな底を有する凹部２ａ２が形成されており、ベローズ１ａの大径部１ａ１はこの凹部に嵌合される。大径部１ａ１の外周にはブーツバンド４が装着され、大径部１ａ１が凹部２ａ２に圧着される。なお、図２（Ａ）ではアダプタ本体部１ｂ２をブーツバンド４と凹部２ａ２に挟まれる位置まで延在させてはいないが、さらに延在させることにより、ブーツバンド４によって凹部２ａ２に加締め固定するようにしてもよい。 The large diameter portion 1a1 of the bellows 1a is fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the outer joint member 2a. A concave portion 2a2 having a flat bottom is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer joint member 2a, and the large diameter portion 1a1 of the bellows 1a is fitted into the concave portion. A boot band 4 is attached to the outer periphery of the large diameter portion 1a1, and the large diameter portion 1a1 is pressure-bonded to the recess 2a2. In FIG. 2A, the adapter main body 1b2 is not extended to a position sandwiched between the boot band 4 and the recess 2a2. However, by further extending, the adapter main body 1b2 is caulked and fixed to the recess 2a2 by the boot band 4. You may do it.

アダプタ１ｂの延在部１ｂ１は、図２（Ａ）のように、アダプタ本体部１ｂ２と一体に形成してもよいが、図２（Ｂ）のアダプタ１ｂ’ように、延在部１ｂ’１を別体で形成しておいて、本体部１ｂ’２に対して溶接付けしてもよい。また、アダプタ１ｂは外側継手部材２ａを単に挟持可能であればよいから、アダプタ１ｂの材質としては鋼板製の他、繊維強化プラスチックなども採用可能である。なお、アダプタ１ｂは、図３のように円周方向全周に沿って連続的に形成してもよいが、円周方向複数箇所（例えば２箇所ないし３箇所）に間欠的に形成してもよい。 The extension 1b1 of the adapter 1b may be formed integrally with the adapter main body 1b2 as shown in FIG. 2A, but the extension 1b′1 like the adapter 1b ′ shown in FIG. 2B. May be formed separately and welded to the main body 1b′2. Since the adapter 1b only needs to be able to simply hold the outer joint member 2a, the adapter 1b can be made of a steel plate, fiber reinforced plastic, or the like. The adapter 1b may be formed continuously along the entire circumference in the circumferential direction as shown in FIG. 3, or may be formed intermittently at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction (for example, 2 to 3 locations). Good.

以上、本発明の実施形態について説明したが、本発明のブーツは図１の固定型等速自在継手に限らず、摺動型等速自在継手、ダブルオフセット型、クロスグルーブ型、トリポード型等、他形式の等速自在継手にも同様に適用することができる。また、プロペラシャフト用等速自在継手に限らず、ドライブシャフト用等速自在継手にも適用可能なことは勿論である。 As mentioned above, although the embodiment of the present invention has been described, the boot of the present invention is not limited to the fixed type constant velocity universal joint of FIG. 1, but is a sliding type constant velocity universal joint, a double offset type, a cross groove type, a tripod type, etc. The present invention can be similarly applied to other types of constant velocity universal joints. Of course, the present invention can be applied not only to the constant velocity universal joint for propeller shafts but also to the constant velocity universal joint for drive shafts.

本発明の実施形態のブーツを固定型等速自在継手に取付けた状態を示す断面図。Sectional drawing which shows the state which attached the boot of embodiment of this invention to the fixed type constant velocity universal joint. （Ａ）はベローズ大径部の拡大断面図、（Ｂ）はアダプタの変形例を含む同様の拡大断面図。(A) is an expanded sectional view of a bellows large diameter part, (B) is the same expanded sectional view including the modification of an adapter. （Ａ）はフレキシブルブーツの一部切欠き斜視図、（Ｂ）はそのフレキシブルブーツのアダプタのみの斜視図。(A) is a partially cutaway perspective view of a flexible boot, (B) is a perspective view of only the adapter of the flexible boot. 従来のフレキシブルブーツを装着した等速自在継手の断面図。Sectional drawing of the constant velocity universal joint equipped with the conventional flexible boot. 従来の別のフレキシブルブーツを装着した等速自在継手の断面図。Sectional drawing of the constant velocity universal joint equipped with another conventional flexible boot.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１フレキシブルブーツ
１ａベローズ
１ａ１大径部
１ａ２小径部
１ａ３段部
１ａ４筒部
１ａ５屈曲部
１ａ６薄膜
１ｂアダプタ
１ｂ小径部
１ｂ１延在部
２固定型等速自在継手
２ａ外側継手部材
２ａ１案内溝
２ａ２凹部
２ｂ内側継手部材
２ｂ１案内溝
２ｃボール
２ｄ保持器
２ｅシャフト
４ブーツバンド
１１ブーツ
１１ａ大径部
１１ｂ小径部
１１ｃ屈曲部
１１ｄ大径部
１２等速自在継手
１２ａ外側継手部材
１２ｂシャフト
１３アダプタ
１３ａアダプタ
１４Ｏリング
１５ブーツバンド
１６ブーツバンド DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Flexible boot 1a Bellows 1a1 Large diameter part 1a2 Small diameter part 1a3 Step part 1a4 Tube part 1a5 Bending part 1a6 Thin film 1b Adapter 1b Small diameter part 1b1 Extension part 2 Fixed type constant velocity universal joint 2a Outer joint member 2a1 Guide groove 2a2 Recessed part 2b Inner side Joint member 2b1 Guide groove 2c Ball 2d Cage 2e Shaft 4 Boot band 11 Boot 11a Large diameter portion 11b Small diameter portion 11c Bending portion 11d Large diameter portion 12 Constant velocity universal joint 12a Outer joint member 12b Shaft 13 Adapter 13a Adapter 14 O-ring 15 Boot band 16 Boot band

Claims

外側継手部材と内側継手部材との間にトルク伝達部材を収容し、前記内側継手部材に連結されたシャフトが継手外へ延在してなる等速自在継手の、前記外側継手部材の外周と前記シャフトの中間部外周との間に配設されるフレキシブルブーツであって、前記外側継手部材の外周面に固定される筒状の大径部、前記シャフトの外周面に固定される筒状の小径部、および前記大径部と小径部との間を接続する断面Ｕ字形の屈曲部で構成されるベローズと、前記ベローズの大径部から屈曲部の端部にかけてベローズ内に加硫一体化された補強用アダプタとを備え、前記アダプタに、前記外側継手部材の内周面へと延在して前記大径部内のアダプタと共に外側継手部材を挟持する延在部を連設したことを特徴とする等速自在継手用フレキシブルブーツ。 A torque transmission member is accommodated between the outer joint member and the inner joint member, and a shaft connected to the inner joint member extends outside the joint. A flexible boot disposed between the outer periphery of the intermediate portion of the shaft, a cylindrical large diameter portion fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the outer joint member, and a cylindrical small diameter fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft And a bellows composed of a bent portion having a U-shaped cross section connecting the large diameter portion and the small diameter portion, and vulcanized and integrated into the bellows from the large diameter portion of the bellows to the end of the bent portion. A reinforcing adapter, and an extended portion that extends to the inner peripheral surface of the outer joint member and sandwiches the outer joint member together with the adapter in the large-diameter portion. Flexible boots for constant velocity universal joints

前記アダプタの延在部を、前記アダプタの円周方向複数箇所に間欠的に形成したことを特徴とする等速自在継手用フレキシブルブーツ。 A flexible boot for a constant velocity universal joint, wherein the extended portion of the adapter is intermittently formed at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the adapter.

前記アダプタをその延在部を含めて鋼板の曲げ成形で構成したことを特徴とする請求項１の等速自在継手用フレキシブルブーツ。 The flexible boot for a constant velocity universal joint according to claim 1, wherein the adapter is formed by bending a steel plate including an extending portion thereof.

前記アダプタをその延在部を含めて鋼板製にすると共に前記延在部をアダプタ本体に対して溶接付けしたことを特徴とする請求項１の等速自在継手用フレキシブルブーツ。 2. The flexible boot for a constant velocity universal joint according to claim 1, wherein the adapter is made of a steel plate including the extension portion, and the extension portion is welded to the adapter main body.

前記アダプタをその延在部を含めて繊維強化プラスチックで一体成形したことを特徴とする請求項１の等速自在継手用フレキシブルブーツ。 The flexible boot for a constant velocity universal joint according to claim 1, wherein the adapter is integrally formed of fiber reinforced plastic including an extension portion thereof.