JPH09158957A - Boots for uniform joint with adapter - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the cost of manufacture by decreasing a required number of work processes in case of manufacturing and mounting. SOLUTION: A boot 10 is constituted of a bellows 12 fixing a tip end part fitted to a drive shaft 3 of a uniform joint 1 and a resin-made adapter 14 having an elastic fitting part 14a of thin thickness holding a base end part of this bellows 12 also fixing a lock mounting part 14b to an outer ring 1a of the uniform joint 1.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a constant velocity joint boot mainly used for a propeller shaft of an automobile. More specifically, the present invention provides a bellows whose tip is fixed to the drive shaft of a constant velocity joint, and an adapter which holds the base end of this bellows and whose base end is fixed to the outer ring of the constant velocity joint. The present invention relates to a structure of an adapter for a constant velocity joint boot with an adapter.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Propeller shafts are used in FR type and four-wheel drive automobiles. A constant velocity joint is then used to connect the propeller shaft to the drive shaft. As shown in FIG. 8, a constant velocity joint 1 and a drive shaft 3
The joint portion with is covered with the boot 4. And
The interior of the boot 4 is filled with grease. As a result, the contact portion of the constant velocity joint 1 is always filled with grease to operate smoothly, and dust or the like is prevented from adhering to the contact portion. Here, the boot 4 is composed of a cylindrical adapter 5 made of metal and a bellows 6 formed of an elastic body such as rubber.

The adapter 5 is provided with a fastening portion 5a formed by expanding the base end portion and a caulking portion 5b formed by bending the tip end portion inward. The fastening portion 5a is screwed to the outer ring 1a of the constant velocity joint 1 with a bolt 8. On the other hand, the bellows 6 includes a base end portion that is crimped and held by the crimp portion 5b of the adapter 5, an intermediate portion that is curved toward the constant velocity joint 1, and a tightening band that is fitted to the drive shaft 3. 7 and a tip portion tightened by 7.

[0004]

However, in the boot structure described above, since the adapter 5 is made of metal and has a complicated shape, it is necessary to perform metal pressing by deep drawing during manufacturing. Then, metal pressing in about 8 to 10 steps must be performed, and a press die corresponding to each step must be prepared.

Further, since the adapter 5 is made of metal and easily rusts, it is necessary to subject its surface to a rust preventive treatment such as a plating treatment or a chromate treatment. In addition, adapter 5 and bellows 6
When connecting and, the caulking portion 5b must be caulked with the base end portion of the bellows 6 inserted in the caulking portion 5b of the adapter 5.

[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to perform a lot of processing and work for assembling the boot 4 and attaching it to the constant velocity joint 1, and it is difficult to reduce the manufacturing cost.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a boot for a constant velocity joint with an adapter, which can reduce the work steps at the time of manufacturing and mounting and can reduce the manufacturing cost.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, a boot for a constant velocity joint with an adapter according to a first aspect of the present invention has a bellows whose tip portion is fixed to a drive shaft of the constant velocity joint, and a bellows of the bellows. It is configured with a resin adapter that holds the base end and is fixed to the outer ring of the constant velocity joint.

Therefore, the adapter is extremely easily manufactured by injection molding or the like. Further, the weight is reduced and the influence on the rotation of the constant velocity joint and the drive shaft is reduced.

Further, in the boot for a constant velocity joint with an adapter according to claim 2, the adapter is provided with an elastic fitting portion for holding the base end portion of the bellows.

Therefore, when the base end portion of the bellows is assembled to the elastic fitting portion of the adapter, the resin elastic fitting portion is deformed and spread. When the base end portion of the bellows is housed in the internal space of the elastic fitting portion, the elastic fitting portion restores its original shape and holds the base end portion of the bellows.

Furthermore, in the boot for a constant velocity joint with an adapter according to claim 3, the elastic fitting portion of the adapter is thin.

Therefore, the elastic fitting portion can be deformed with a smaller force. When the base end portion of the bellows is assembled to the elastic fitting portion, the elastic fitting portion is easily deformed and spread.

In the boot for a constant velocity joint with an adapter according to a fourth aspect of the invention, the elastic fitting portion of the adapter is made of a soft resin and the other portions are made of a hard resin.

Therefore, the elastic fitting portion can be deformed with a smaller force. Then, when the base end portion of the bellows is assembled to the elastic fitting portion, the elastic fitting portion is easily deformed and spread.

Further, the boot for a constant velocity joint with an adapter according to claim 5 is continuous with the end portion of the elastic fitting portion of the adapter, and the base end portion of the bellows is fitted to the elastic fitting portion when fitting the base end portion thereof. An introduction portion is provided that guides the end portion into the elastic fitting portion.

Therefore, when the base end portion of the bellows is assembled to the elastic fitting portion, the base end portion is guided to the introduction portion. Then, as the base end portion is guided by the introduction portion and approaches the elastic fitting portion, the end portion of the elastic fitting portion is expanded. Accordingly, the base end portion of the bellows can be easily pushed into the elastic fitting portion, and the bellows can be easily assembled to the adapter.

Further, in the boot for a constant velocity joint with an adapter according to claim 6, the adapter and the base end of the bellow are bonded.

Further, in the boot for a constant velocity joint with an adapter according to claim 7, the adapter and the base end of the bellow are welded.

Further, in the boot for a constant velocity joint with an adapter according to claim 8, the adapter and the base end portion of the bellow are integrated at the same time when the bellow is molded.

Therefore, a step for connecting the adapter and the bellows is required.

[0022]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The structure of the present invention will be described below in detail based on the embodiments shown in the drawings. In the present embodiment, the boot mounted on the constant velocity joint provided on the propeller shaft of the automobile is described.

As shown in FIG. 1, a boot 10 for a constant velocity joint with an adapter according to the present invention holds a bellows 12 made of an elastic material such as rubber or resin, and a base end portion of the bellows 12 which is made of resin. The adapter 14 is made of resin and has a thin elastic fitting portion 14a.
The boot 10 is assembled to the constant velocity joint with the tip end of the bellows 12 fixed to the drive shaft 3 of the constant velocity joint 1 and the base end portion of the adapter 14 fixed to the outer ring 1a of the constant velocity joint 1.

The adapter 14 has a cylindrical shape. An enlarged diameter fastening portion 14b is formed at the base end portion of the adapter 14, and is fastened to the outer ring 1a of the constant velocity joint 1 by a bolt 8 or the like. Further, a cylindrical fitting portion 14c is formed on the outer edge of the fastening portion 14b, and the outer ring 1a is formed.
Is fitted to the outer circumference of. A seal is provided between the fastening portion 14b and the fitting portion 14c and the outer ring 1a.

On the other hand, at the tip of the adapter 14, there is formed a reduced diameter portion 14e which is bent inward and reduced in diameter.
Then, on the inner edge of the reduced diameter portion 14e, a thin elastic fitting portion 14a having a shape gradually expanded toward the constant velocity joint 1 is formed.
Are formed. At the end of the elastic fitting portion 14a, a thin-walled introduction portion 14f having a shape gradually reduced toward the constant velocity joint 1 is formed.

Further, in the internal space surrounded by the elastic fitting portion 14a, the tip portion 14d of the adapter and the reduced diameter portion 14e,
The base end of the bellows 12 made of an elastic body is housed.
An inclined portion 12a is formed on a side surface of the base end portion that contacts the elastic fitting portion 14a, and the thickness gradually increases toward the end portion. Then, this inclined portion 12a forms the elastic fitting portion 14a.
Pressed by. As a result, the bellows 12 is held by the adapter 14.

The inner space surrounded by the elastic fitting portion 14a and the tip portion 14d is shaped so as to gradually narrow toward the constant velocity joint 1. Therefore, even if an external force acts on the base end portion of the bellows 12 in a direction in which the base end portion of the bellows 12 is detached from the adapter 14, the inclined portion 12a is sandwiched between the elastic fitting portion 14a and the tip end portion 14d. Elastic fitting part 1
Since it is pressed against the inner surface of 4a, it does not come off easily.

The central portion of the bellows 12 is curved so as to be close to the constant velocity joint 1. Further, the tip portion of the bellows 12 is fitted to the drive shaft 3, and the tightening band 7
Is tightened. As a result, a seal is made between the bellows 12 and the drive shaft 3.

The boot 10 is filled with grease. The grease reduces the friction of the constant velocity joint 1.

When assembling the boot 10 described above, the base end portion of the bellows 12 is guided by the introduction portion 14f of the adapter 14 and pushed. Here, the wall thickness of the base end portion of the bellows 12 is made larger than the width of the inlet of the elastic fitting portion 14a. However, since the elastic fitting portion 14a has elasticity and is thin, it is easily deformed. Therefore, by pushing the base end portion of the bellows 12 into the introducing portion 14f, the elastic fitting portion 14a is pressed.
Is expanded in the direction of the drive shaft 3, and the width of the inlet of the elastic fitting portion 14a is increased. On the other hand, since the bellows 12 is made of an elastic material such as rubber, the base end thereof is crushed and the wall thickness is slightly reduced. As a result, the base end portion of the bellows 12 can be accommodated in the internal space surrounded by the elastic fitting portion 14a, the tip end portion 14d, and the reduced diameter portion 14e.

When the assembled boot 10 is attached to the constant velocity joint 1, the adapter 14 is fixed to the outer ring 1a of the constant velocity joint 1 with bolts 8. Then, the bellows 12 is fitted to the drive shaft 3 and the tightening band 7 is tightened.

When the constant velocity joint 1 and the drive shaft 3 rotate, centrifugal force acts on the boot 10. The elastic fitting portion 14a and the introducing portion 14f of the adapter 14 are
Because it is thin, it is deformed by centrifugal force. At this time, the elastic fitting portion 14a presses the inclined portion 12a of the bellows 12.
As a result, the elastic fitting portion 14a comes into close contact with the inclined portion 12a, and the base end portion of the bellows 12 is firmly held by the elastic fitting portion 14a. For this reason, the sealing property between the adapter 14 and the bellows 12 is improved, and the bellows 12 is unlikely to come off from the adapter 14.

The above-described embodiment is an example of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, one end of a cylindrical member 16 made of a resin softer than the resin forming the adapter 14 is joined to the inner edge of the reduced diameter portion 14e at the tip of the adapter 14 by simultaneous molding. Can be one. The cylindrical member 16 is formed with an elastic fitting portion 16a and an introducing portion 16b. According to this structure, the portion excluding the elastic fitting portion is made of a hard resin capable of retaining its shape, and the cylindrical member 16 constituting the substantial elastic fitting portion is made of a soft resin. Therefore, the base end portion of the bellows 12 can be more easily assembled. Further, when the boot 10 rotates, the elastic fitting portion 1
6a becomes more susceptible to the centrifugal force, and the sealing property is further improved. The adapter 14 and the cylindrical member 16 may be joined together by adhesion or welding.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, an engaging projection 14g having a longitudinal direction in the axial direction may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the introducing portion 14f of the adapter 14 every 90 degrees. According to this structure, when the boot 10 is rotated, the introduction portion 14f presses the bellows 12 under the influence of the centrifugal force. As a result, the engagement protrusion 14g bites into the bellows 12. Here, since the engaging projection 14g has the axial direction as the longitudinal direction, the bellows 12 is prevented from sliding with respect to the adapter 14 in the rotational direction. For this reason,
The sealing property between the adapter 14 and the bellows 12 is improved. In this embodiment, the engaging projections are formed at four positions every 90 degrees, but any angle and number may be used. Further, the shape of the engagement protrusion 14g may be another shape such as a dot shape.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the elastic fitting portions 14a and 16a and the introduction portion 1 are provided at the tip portion of the adapter 14.
4f and 16b, but the introduction portion 14
It does not matter if the structure does not have f and 16b. According to this structure, the weight of the adapter 14 can be reduced. Further, since the structures of the elastic fitting portions 14a and 16a are not changed, the sealing property is sufficiently secured and the bellows 12 is not easily disengaged. As a specific structure, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the introduction part 14f of the adapter 14 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 can be eliminated.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, a thin intermediate portion 14h having a shape gradually reduced in diameter toward the constant velocity joint 1 is formed between the reduced diameter portion 14e and the elastic fitting portion 14a. Can be In this case, the shape of the base end portion of the bellows 12 is changed to the elastic fitting portion 14a, the intermediate portion 14h, and the reduced diameter portion 14
It is desirable to secure the sealing property by making the shape equal to the internal space surrounded by e and the tip portion 14d. According to this structure, since the elastic fitting portion 14a and the intermediate portion 14h are thin, the area in close contact with the bellows 12 increases. Therefore, the sealing property is further improved, and the bellows 12 becomes difficult to come off.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the adapter 1
The reduced diameter portion 14e of No. 4 has a shape in which the wall thickness gradually decreases toward the inside, and between the reduced diameter portion 14e and the elastic fitting portion 14a,
It is possible to adopt a structure in which a thin intermediate portion 14h having a shape in which the diameter is gradually reduced toward the constant velocity joint 1 is formed. In this case, it is desirable that the base end portion of the bellows 12 has the same shape as the internal space surrounded by the elastic fitting portion 14a, the intermediate portion 14h, the reduced diameter portion 14e, and the tip portion 14d to ensure the sealing property. According to this structure, not only the elastic fitting portion 14a and the intermediate portion but also the reduced diameter portion 14e are easily deformed, so that the bellows 12 can be more firmly attached to the base end portion. Therefore, the sealing property is further improved, and the bellows 12 becomes difficult to come off.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the bellows 12 is held on the adapter 14 by the elastic fitting portions 14a and 16a, but the bellows 12 and the adapter 14 may be fixed by adhesion.

When the bellows 12 is made of resin, the bellows 12 and the adapter 14 may be fixed by welding such as vibration and ultrasonic waves.

Further, the bellows 12 and the adapter 14 may be coupled at the same time when the bellows 12 is molded.

[0041]

As is apparent from the above description, in the boot for a constant velocity joint with an adapter according to claim 1, since the adapter is made of a lightweight resin, the boot as a whole is lightweight. Therefore, the influence on the rotation of the constant velocity joint and the drive shaft can be reduced. Further, since it is easier to process and does not require anticorrosion treatment as compared with a metal adapter, it is possible to reduce the work process for production and reduce the production cost.

In the boot for a constant velocity joint with an adapter of claim 2, since the adapter is provided with the elastic fitting portion for holding the base end portion of the bellows, the base end portion of the bellows can be easily mounted. Therefore, the boot assembling work can be performed quickly. In addition, since the elastic fitting part holds the base end of the bellows after mounting, it is possible to prevent the bellows from slipping out of the elastic fitting part or grease leaking from the joint part between the adapter and the bellows. can do.

In the boot for a constant velocity joint with an adapter according to claim 3, since the elastic fitting portion of the adapter is formed to be thin, elastic deformation is easily performed and mounting of the base end portion of the bellows is easier. Can be done.

In the boot for a constant velocity joint with an adapter according to claim 4, since the elastic fitting portion of the adapter is made of a soft resin and the other portions are made of a hard resin, the elastic fitting is performed while maintaining the rigidity of the adapter. The joint portion can be deformed with a smaller force, and the base end portion of the bellows can be mounted more easily.

Furthermore, in the boot for a constant velocity joint with an adapter according to the fifth aspect, since the introduction portion is provided, the base end portion of the bellows can be easily pushed into the elastic fitting portion. Therefore, the base end portion of the bellows can be attached more easily and quickly.

Further, in the boot for a constant velocity joint with an adapter according to claim 6 or 7, since the adapter and the base end of the bellow are adhered or welded to each other, the sealing property is improved and the bellow is securely held. .

Further, in the boot for a constant velocity joint with an adapter according to claim 8, since the adapter and the bellow are integrated at the time of molding the bellow, the work steps can be reduced and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a boot for a constant velocity joint with an adapter of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a tip end portion of an adapter of another embodiment of a boot for a constant velocity joint with an adapter of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a tip portion of an adapter of another embodiment of a boot for a constant velocity joint with an adapter of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state cut along line IV-IV in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a coupling portion between an adapter and a bellows according to still another embodiment of the boot for a constant velocity joint with an adapter of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a coupling portion between an adapter and a bellows of a boot for a constant velocity joint with an adapter according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a coupling portion between an adapter and a bellows of another embodiment of the boot for a constant velocity joint with an adapter of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view showing a conventional boot for a constant velocity joint with an adapter.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 constant velocity joint 1a outer ring 3 drive shaft 10 boot 12 bellows 14 adapter 14a elastic fitting part 14f introducing part 16a elastic fitting part 16b introducing part

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A constant velocity joint with an adapter comprising a bellows whose tip is fixed to a drive shaft of a constant velocity joint, and an adapter which holds a base end of the bellows and is fixed to an outer ring of the constant velocity joint. Boot for constant velocity joint with an adapter, wherein the adapter is made of resin. 2. The boot for a constant velocity joint with an adapter according to claim 1, wherein the adapter is provided with an elastic fitting portion for holding a base end portion of the bellows. 3. The boot for a constant velocity joint with an adapter according to claim 1, wherein the elastic fitting portion of the adapter is formed thin. 4. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the elastic fitting portion of the adapter is made of a soft resin and the other portion is made of a hard resin. Boots for quick joints. 5. The elastic fitting portion is connected to the end portion of the adapter, and the base end portion is guided into the elastic fitting portion when fitting the base end portion of the bellows to the elastic fitting portion. A boot for a constant velocity joint with an adapter according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising: 6. The boot for a constant velocity joint with an adapter according to claim 1, wherein the adapter and a base end portion of the bellows are adhered to each other. 7. The constant velocity joint with an adapter according to claim 1, wherein the bellows is made of a resin, and the adapter and the base end of the bellows are welded to each other. Boots. 8. The boot for a constant velocity joint with an adapter according to claim 1, wherein the adapter and the base end portion of the bellow are integrated when the bellow is molded.