Clutch device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clutch device, in which the pressure side cam portion of a pressure plate comprises: a pressure side auxiliary cam portion, including a pressure side auxiliary cam surface; a pressure side main body portion, located between the pressure side auxiliary cam portion and the pressure side sliding cam portion; and a first step portion, formed between a main outer peripheral surface of the pressure side main body portion and a secondary outer peripheral surface of the pressure side auxiliary cam portion, the secondary outer peripheral surface being located radially inward than the main outer peripheral surface, the secondary outer peripheral surface being inclined radially inward toward a second direction, and at least the step portion side outer peripheral surface adjacent to the first step portion in the main outer peripheral surface being inclined radially outward toward a second direction.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-108659 filed on July 5, 2022 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-083872 filed on May 22, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated into this specification by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a clutch device, and more particularly to a clutch device that arbitrarily transmits or cuts off the rotational driving force of an input shaft that is rotationally driven by a prime mover such as an engine to an output shaft. Background Art

[0004] In the past, vehicles such as two-wheeled motor vehicles were equipped with clutch devices. The clutch device is arranged between the engine and the drive wheel, and transmits or cuts off the rotational driving force of the engine to the drive wheel. The clutch device usually includes a plurality of input-side rotating plates that rotate by the rotational driving force of the engine and a plurality of output-side rotating plates connected to an output shaft that transmits the rotational driving force to the drive wheel. The input-side rotating plates and the output-side rotating plates are alternately arranged in the stacking direction, and the rotational driving force is transmitted or cut off by pressing and separating the input-side rotating plates and the output-side rotating plates.

[0005] For example, Japanese Patent Gazette No. 5847551 and International Publication No. 2018 / 172176 disclose a clutch device having a clutch center portion and a pressure plate disposed in a manner that allows approach and separation relative to the clutch center portion. The pressure plate is configured to be able to press the input side rotating plate and the output side rotating plate. In this way, in the clutch device, the clutch center portion and the pressure plate are assembled and used.

[0006] In addition, the clutch center portion and pressure plate of the clutch device of Japanese Patent Gazette No. 5847551 and International Publication No. 2018 / 172176 have an auxiliary cam surface that generates a force in a direction that causes the pressure plate to approach the clutch center portion when the engine's rotational driving force is able to be transmitted to the output shaft, thereby increasing the pressing force between the input-side rotating plate and the output-side rotating plate, and a sliding cam surface that causes the pressure plate to move away from the clutch center portion when the rotational speed of the clutch center portion exceeds the rotational speed of the pressure plate, thereby reducing the pressing force between the input-side rotating plate and the output-side rotating plate.

[0007] In the clutch device as described above, the auxiliary cam surface of the pressure plate frequently contacts the auxiliary cam surface of the clutch center portion, and the sliding cam surface of the pressure plate frequently contacts the sliding cam surface of the clutch center portion. Therefore, in order to suppress the wear of the auxiliary cam surface and the sliding cam surface and the generation of abnormal noise during contact, it is desirable to effectively supply clutch oil to the auxiliary cam surface and the sliding cam surface.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a clutch device capable of efficiently supplying clutch oil to an assist cam surface and a sliding cam surface. Summary of the invention

[0009] The clutch device of the present invention is a clutch device for transmitting or cutting off the rotational driving force of the input shaft to the output shaft, wherein it comprises: a clutch central part, which is accommodated in a clutch housing that holds a plurality of input-side rotating plates that are rotationally driven by the rotational drive of the input shaft, and is rotationally driven together with the output shaft; and a pressure plate that is arranged in a manner that can approach or move away from the clutch central part and can rotate relatively, and holds at least a part of a plurality of output-side rotating plates that are alternately arranged with the input-side rotating plates, and can press the input-side rotating plates and the output-side rotating plates, the pressure plate having a plurality of pressure-side cam portions, which have a direction that causes the pressure plate to approach the clutch central part in order to increase the pressing force between the input-side rotating plates and the output-side rotating plates when the pressure plate rotates relative to the clutch central part. The cam portion is provided with a pressure side auxiliary cam surface for applying force to the clutch, and the pressure side cam portion comprises: a pressure side auxiliary cam portion, including the pressure side auxiliary cam surface; a pressure side main body portion, adjacent to the pressure side auxiliary cam portion, and located on the side opposite to the rotation direction of the pressure plate relative to the pressure side auxiliary cam portion; and a step portion, formed between the main outer circumferential surface of the pressure side main body portion and the secondary outer circumferential surface of the pressure side auxiliary cam portion, and extending in the axial direction of the output shaft, the secondary outer circumferential surface being located radially inward of the main outer circumferential surface, when the direction in which the pressure plate approaches the central portion of the clutch is set as a first direction, and the direction in which the pressure plate moves away from the central portion of the clutch is set as a second direction, the secondary outer circumferential surface is inclined radially inward toward the second direction, and at least the outer circumferential surface on the step portion side adjacent to the step portion in the main outer circumferential surface is inclined radially outward toward the second direction.

[0010] According to the clutch device of the present invention, the pressure side cam portion has a step portion formed between the main outer peripheral surface of the pressure side main body portion and the secondary outer peripheral surface of the pressure side auxiliary cam portion and extending in the axial direction of the output shaft. Here, the secondary outer peripheral surface is located radially inward of the main outer peripheral surface. And, at least the outer peripheral surface of the step portion side adjacent to the step portion in the main outer peripheral surface is inclined radially outward toward the second direction. And, the pressure plate is configured to rotate in the direction from the pressure side main body portion to the pressure side auxiliary cam portion. Therefore, the clutch oil flowing in the direction opposite to the above-mentioned direction on the secondary outer peripheral surface is intercepted by the step portion and accumulated on the surface of the secondary outer peripheral surface. Since the pressure side auxiliary cam portion including the secondary outer peripheral surface includes the pressure side auxiliary cam surface, the clutch oil accumulated on the surface of the secondary outer peripheral surface is supplied to the pressure side auxiliary cam surface. Here, since the direction in which the secondary outer peripheral surface is inclined relative to the axial direction of the output shaft is opposite to the direction in which the stepped portion side outer peripheral surface is inclined relative to the axial direction of the output shaft, the height of the stepped portion can be increased, and the amount of clutch oil accumulated on the surface of the secondary outer peripheral surface, that is, the amount of clutch oil supplied to the pressure side auxiliary cam surface can be increased. In this way, the clutch oil can be effectively supplied to the pressure side auxiliary cam surface and to the center side auxiliary cam surface via the pressure side auxiliary cam surface.

[0011] Another clutch device according to the present invention is a clutch device that transmits or cuts off the rotational driving force of an input shaft to an output shaft, and includes: a clutch central portion, which is accommodated in a clutch housing that holds a plurality of input-side rotating plates that are rotationally driven by the rotational drive of the input shaft, and is rotationally driven together with the output shaft; and a pressure plate that is arranged in a manner that can approach or move away from the clutch central portion and can rotate relatively, and holds at least a portion of a plurality of output-side rotating plates that are alternately arranged with the input-side rotating plates, and can press the input-side rotating plates and the output The clutch plate has a plurality of pressure-side cam portions, each of which is located radially outward from the cylindrical portion and has a pressure-side auxiliary cam surface for increasing the pressing force between the input-side rotating plate and the output-side rotating plate when the clutch central portion rotates relative to the clutch central portion, and a pressure-side auxiliary cam surface for generating a force in a direction in which the pressure plate approaches the clutch central portion in order to increase the pressing force between the input-side rotating plate and the output-side rotating plate, and a pressure-side auxiliary cam surface for reducing the pressing force between the input-side rotating plate and the output-side rotating plate and moving the pressure plate away from the clutch central portion. The cam portion of the embodiment of the present invention is a pressure side sliding cam surface; and a pressure side cam hole, which is formed by passing through the pressure side cam portion adjacent to the pressure side cam portion at a radially outer side than the cylindrical portion, the pressure side cam portion comprising: a pressure side auxiliary cam portion, including the pressure side auxiliary cam surface; a pressure side sliding cam portion, including the pressure side sliding cam surface; and a pressure side main body portion, located between the pressure side auxiliary cam portion and the pressure side sliding cam portion, the cylindrical portion comprising: a cam hole side outer peripheral surface, located on the inner peripheral side of the pressure side cam hole; and a cam portion side outer peripheral surface, located on the radially outer side than the cam hole side outer peripheral surface, and adjacent to the pressure side cam portion. The force side sliding cam portion is adjacent, the pressure plate has a step portion formed between the outer peripheral surface of the cam hole side and the outer peripheral surface of the cam portion side and extending in the axial direction of the output shaft, the pressure plate is configured to rotate in the direction from the pressure side main body portion to the pressure side auxiliary cam portion, when the direction of the pressure plate approaching the clutch center portion is set as a first direction, and the direction of the pressure plate moving away from the clutch center portion is set as a second direction, the outer peripheral surface of the cam hole side is inclined radially inwardly toward the second direction, and the outer peripheral surface of the cam portion side is inclined radially outward toward the second direction.

[0012] According to another clutch device of the present invention, the pressure plate has a step portion formed between the outer peripheral surface of the cam hole side of the cylindrical part and the outer peripheral surface of the cam part and extending in the axial direction of the output shaft. Here, the outer peripheral surface of the cam part is located radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the cam hole side. In addition, the outer peripheral surface of the cam hole side is inclined radially inward toward the second direction, and the outer peripheral surface of the cam part side is inclined radially outward toward the second direction. In addition, the pressure plate is configured to rotate in the direction from the pressure side main body to the pressure side auxiliary cam part. Therefore, the clutch oil flowing on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical part flows along the step portion and flows in the direction opposite to the above direction on the outer peripheral surface, and flows to the pressure side auxiliary cam part. Here, since the direction in which the outer peripheral surface of the cam hole side is inclined relative to the axial direction of the output shaft is opposite to the direction in which the outer peripheral surface of the cam part side is inclined relative to the axial direction of the output shaft, the height of the step portion can be increased, and the amount of clutch oil accumulated on the surface of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical part, that is, the amount of clutch oil supplied to the pressure side auxiliary cam surface can be increased. In this way, the clutch oil can be efficiently supplied to the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface and to the center-side auxiliary cam surface via the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface.

[0013] Another clutch device according to the present invention is a clutch device for transmitting or cutting off the rotational driving force of an input shaft to an output shaft, wherein the clutch device comprises: a clutch central portion, which is accommodated in a clutch housing that holds a plurality of input-side rotating plates that are rotationally driven by the rotational drive of the input shaft, and is rotationally driven together with the output shaft; and a pressure plate that is arranged in a manner that can approach or move away from the clutch central portion and can rotate relatively, and holds at least a part of a plurality of output-side rotating plates that are alternately arranged with the input-side rotating plates, and can press the input-side rotating plates and the output-side rotating plates, the pressure plate having a plurality of pressure-side cam portions, the plurality of pressure-side cam portions having pressure-side auxiliary cam surfaces that generate a force in a direction that causes the pressure plate to approach the clutch central portion in order to increase the pressing force between the input-side rotating plates and the output-side rotating plates when the pressure plate rotates relatively with respect to the clutch central portion, the clutch central portion comprising: an output shaft holding portion that is connected to the output shaft; and a plurality of center-side cam portions that are located radially outward of the output shaft holding portion and have a pressure-side auxiliary cam surface that is located radially outward of the output shaft holding portion and has ... The central side auxiliary cam surface is configured to be able to contact the pressure side auxiliary cam surface when the pressure plate is relatively rotated, and to generate a force in a direction that causes the pressure plate to approach the central part of the clutch in order to increase the pressing force between the input side rotating plate and the output side rotating plate. The central side cam portion includes: a central side auxiliary cam portion including the central side auxiliary cam surface; a central side main body portion adjacent to the central side auxiliary cam portion and located on the same side as the rotation direction of the central part of the clutch relative to the central side auxiliary cam portion; and a step portion formed between a main inner circumferential surface of the central side main body portion and a secondary inner circumferential surface of the central side auxiliary cam portion and extending in the axial direction of the output shaft, when the direction in which the pressure plate approaches the central part of the clutch is set as a first direction and the direction in which the pressure plate moves away from the central part of the clutch is set as a second direction, the secondary inner circumferential surface is located radially outward of the main inner circumferential surface and is inclined radially outward toward the first direction, and at least the inner circumferential surface of the step portion side adjacent to the step portion in the main inner circumferential surface is inclined radially inward toward the first direction.

[0014] According to other clutch devices according to the present invention, the central side cam portion has a step portion formed between the main inner peripheral surface of the central side main body portion and the secondary inner peripheral surface of the central side auxiliary cam portion and extending in the axial direction of the output shaft. Here, the secondary inner peripheral surface is located radially outward from the main inner peripheral surface and is inclined radially outward toward the first direction. Moreover, at least the inner peripheral surface of the step portion side adjacent to the step portion in the main inner peripheral surface is inclined radially inward toward the first direction. Moreover, the clutch central portion is configured to rotate in the direction from the central side auxiliary cam portion to the central side main body portion. Therefore, the clutch oil flowing on the main inner peripheral surface flows along the step portion and flows toward the secondary inner peripheral surface. Moreover, since the central side auxiliary cam portion including the secondary inner peripheral surface includes the central side auxiliary cam surface, the clutch oil flowing on the secondary inner peripheral surface is supplied to the central side auxiliary cam surface. Here, since the direction in which the secondary inner peripheral surface is inclined relative to the axial direction of the output shaft is opposite to the direction in which the inner peripheral surface on the step portion side is inclined relative to the axial direction of the output shaft, the height of the step portion can be increased, and the amount of clutch oil accumulated on the surface of the secondary inner peripheral surface, that is, the amount of clutch oil supplied to the central side auxiliary cam surface can be increased. In this way, the clutch oil can be effectively supplied to the central side auxiliary cam surface and to the pressure side auxiliary cam surface via the central side auxiliary cam surface.

[0015] The clutch assembly of claim 1, wherein the clutch assembly comprises a plurality of central cam portions, the central cam portions being arranged to move the plurality of input-side rotating plates and the output-side rotating plates relative to the clutch assembly and being configured to move the plurality of ... The clutch is an axially parallel relationship between the central axis and the central axis, and the central axis is actuated by a force generated by the central axis and a force generated by the central axis.

[0016] According to the clutch device of the present invention, the central side cam portion has a step portion formed between the main outer peripheral surface of the central side main body portion and the secondary outer peripheral surface of the central side auxiliary cam portion and extending in the axial direction of the output shaft. Here, the secondary outer peripheral surface is located radially inward of the main outer peripheral surface. And, at least the step portion side outer peripheral surface adjacent to the step portion in the main outer peripheral surface is inclined radially outward in the first direction. And, the clutch central portion is configured to rotate in the direction from the central side auxiliary cam portion to the central side main body portion. Therefore, the clutch oil flowing on the main outer peripheral surface flows along the step portion and flows toward the secondary outer peripheral surface. And, since the central side auxiliary cam portion including the secondary outer peripheral surface includes the central side auxiliary cam surface, the clutch oil flowing on the secondary outer peripheral surface is supplied to the central side auxiliary cam surface. Here, since the direction in which the secondary outer peripheral surface is inclined relative to the axial direction of the output shaft is opposite to the direction in which the stepped portion side outer peripheral surface is inclined relative to the axial direction of the output shaft, the height of the stepped portion can be increased, and the amount of clutch oil accumulated on the surface of the secondary outer peripheral surface, that is, the amount of clutch oil supplied to the central side auxiliary cam surface can be increased. In this way, the clutch oil can be effectively supplied to the central side auxiliary cam surface and to the pressure side auxiliary cam surface via the central side auxiliary cam surface.

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a clutch device capable of efficiently supplying clutch oil to the assist cam surface and the sliding cam surface.

[0018] The above and other elements, features, steps, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view of a clutch device according to an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of a central portion of a clutch according to an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a plan view of a central portion of a clutch according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a pressing plate according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a plan view of a pressing plate according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a pressing plate according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a plan view of a pressing plate according to one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a side view showing a part of the pressure-side cam portion according to one embodiment in an enlarged manner.

[0027] Fig. 9 This is a perspective view of a part of the press plate according to one embodiment, which is enlarged.

[0028] Fig.10 It is a plan view showing a state in which a clutch center portion and a pressure plate according to an embodiment are assembled.

[0029] Fig.11A This is a schematic diagram for explaining the functions of the center-side auxiliary cam surface and the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface.

[0030] Fig. 11B This is a schematic diagram for explaining the functions of the center side sliding cam surface and the pressure side sliding cam surface.

[0031] Fig.12 It is a perspective view showing the structure of a first step portion and its surroundings according to one embodiment.

[0032] Fig.13 It is a perspective view showing the structure of a second step portion and its surroundings according to one embodiment.

[0033] Fig.14 It is a perspective view showing the structure of a third step portion and its surroundings according to one embodiment.

[0034] Fig.15 It is an exploded perspective view of a clutch center portion and a pressure plate according to another embodiment.

[0035] Fig.16 It is a plan view of a clutch center portion according to another embodiment.

[0036] Fig.17 This is a perspective view of a pressing plate according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the clutch device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described herein are not intended to specifically limit the present invention. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to components / parts having the same function, and repeated descriptions are appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0038] <First Embodiment>

[0039] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the clutch device 10 involved in the present embodiment. The clutch device 10 is provided in a vehicle such as a two-wheeled motor vehicle, for example. The clutch device 10 is a device for transmitting or cutting off the rotational driving force of the input shaft (crankshaft) of the engine of the two-wheeled motor vehicle to the output shaft 15, for example. The clutch device 10 is a device for transmitting or cutting off the rotational driving force of the input shaft to the drive wheel (rear wheel) via the output shaft 15. The clutch device 10 is arranged between the engine and the transmission.

[0040] In the following description, the direction in which the pressure plate 70 of the clutch device 10 and the clutch center portion 40 are arranged is referred to as direction D, the direction in which the pressure plate 70 approaches the clutch center portion 40 is referred to as a first direction D1, and the direction in which the pressure plate 70 moves away from the clutch center portion 40 is referred to as a second direction D2. In addition, the circumferential direction of the clutch center portion 40 and the pressure plate 70 is referred to as a circumferential direction S, and the direction from the pressure side cam portion 90 on one side to the pressure side cam portion 90 on the other side with respect to the circumferential direction S is referred to as a first circumferential direction S1 (refer to Figure 5 ), the direction from the other side pressure side cam portion 90 to the one side pressure side cam portion 90 is set as the second circumferential direction S2 (refer to Figure 5 ). In the present embodiment, the axial direction of the output shaft 15, the axial direction of the clutch housing 30, the axial direction of the clutch central portion 40, and the axial direction of the pressure plate 70 are the same direction as the direction D. In addition, the pressure plate 70 and the clutch central portion 40 rotate in the first circumferential direction S1. However, the above directions are merely directions determined for the convenience of explanation, and do not limit the setting method of the clutch device 10 at all, nor the present invention at all.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the clutch device 10 includes an output shaft 15 , an input-side rotating plate 20 , an output-side rotating plate 22 , a clutch housing 30 , a clutch center 40 , a pressure plate 70 , and a stopper plate 100 .

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the output shaft 15 is a shaft body formed in a hollow shape. The end of one side of the output shaft 15 supports the input gear 35 and the clutch housing 30 described later in a rotatable manner via a needle bearing 15A. The output shaft 15 fixedly supports the clutch center part 40 via a nut 15B. That is, the output shaft 15 rotates integrally with the clutch center part 40. The end of the other side of the output shaft 15 is connected to, for example, a transmission (not shown) of a two-wheeled vehicle.

[0043] like Figure 1As shown, the output shaft 15 has a push rod 16A and a pressing member 16B disposed adjacent to the push rod 16A in the hollow portion 15H thereof. The hollow portion 15H has a function as a flow path for clutch oil. The clutch oil flows in the output shaft 15, that is, in the hollow portion 15H. The push rod 16A and the pressing member 16B are disposed in a manner that allows sliding movement in the hollow portion 15H of the output shaft 15. One end portion of the push rod 16A (the end portion on the left side in the figure) is connected to a clutch operating lever (not shown) of the two-wheeled vehicle. By operating the clutch operating lever, the push rod 16A slides in the hollow portion 15H and presses the pressing member 16B in the second direction D2. A portion of the pressing member 16B protrudes outwardly (in the second direction D2 in this case) of the output shaft 15 and is connected to a release bearing 18 disposed on the pressure plate 70. The push rod 16A and the pressing member 16B are formed to be smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow portion 15H, and the flowability of the clutch oil is ensured in the hollow portion 15H.

[0044] The clutch housing 30 is formed of an aluminum alloy. The clutch housing 30 is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape. Figure 1 As shown, the clutch housing 30 includes a bottom wall 31 formed in a substantially circular shape and a side wall 33 extending in the second direction D2 from an edge of the bottom wall 31. The clutch housing 30 holds a plurality of input-side rotating plates 20.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , an input gear 35 is provided on the bottom wall 31 of the clutch housing 30. The input gear 35 is fixed to the bottom wall 31 by rivets 35B via a torque damper 35A. The input gear 35 meshes with a drive gear (not shown) that is rotated by the rotation drive of the input shaft of the engine. The input gear 35 is independently driven to rotate integrally with the clutch housing 30 from the output shaft 15.

[0046] The input side rotating piece 20 is driven to rotate by the rotation of the input shaft. Figure 1 As shown, the input side rotating plate 20 is held on the inner peripheral surface of the side wall 33 of the clutch housing 30. The input side rotating plate 20 is held in the clutch housing 30 by spline fitting. The input side rotating plate 20 is provided in a manner that can be displaced along the axial direction of the clutch housing 30. The input side rotating plate 20 is provided in a manner that can rotate integrally with the clutch housing 30.

[0047] The input side rotating piece 20 is a member pressed against the output side rotating piece 22. The input side rotating piece 20 is a flat plate formed in an annular shape. The input side rotating piece 20 is formed by punching a thin plate made of SPCC (cold rolled steel sheet) material into an annular shape. Friction members (not shown) made of a plurality of paper sheets are attached to the surface and back of the input side rotating piece 20. Grooves with a depth of several μm to several tens of μm are formed between the friction members for retaining clutch oil.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the clutch center 40 is accommodated in the clutch housing 30. The clutch center 40 is arranged concentrically with the clutch housing 30. The clutch center 40 has a cylindrical body 42 and a flange 68 extending radially outward from the outer peripheral edge of the body 42. The clutch center 40 holds a plurality of output-side rotating plates 22 alternately arranged with the input-side rotating plates 20 in the direction D. The clutch center 40 is driven to rotate together with the output shaft 15.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, the main body 42 has an annular base wall 43, an outer peripheral wall 45 located radially outward of the base wall 43 and extending in a second direction D2, an output shaft retaining portion 50 arranged in the center of the base wall 43, a plurality of central side cam portions 60 connected to the base wall 43 and the outer peripheral wall 45, and a central side interlocking portion 58.

[0050] The output shaft holding portion 50 is formed in a cylindrical shape. An insertion hole 51 is formed in the output shaft holding portion 50 for the output shaft 15 to be inserted and splined. The insertion hole 51 is formed in a manner that penetrates the base wall 43. An inner peripheral surface 50A of the output shaft holding portion 50 where the insertion hole 51 is formed is formed with a plurality of spline grooves along the axial direction. The output shaft holding portion 50 is connected to the output shaft 15.

[0051] like Figure 2As shown, the outer peripheral wall 45 of the clutch central part 40 is arranged radially outward from the output shaft holding part 50. A spline fitting part 46 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall 45. The spline fitting part 46 has a plurality of central side fitting teeth 47 extending in the axial direction of the clutch central part 40 along the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall 45, a plurality of spline grooves 48 formed between adjacent central side fitting teeth 47 and extending in the axial direction of the clutch central part 40, and an oil discharge hole 49. The central side fitting teeth 47 hold the output side rotating plate 22. The plurality of central side fitting teeth 47 are arranged in the circumferential direction S. The plurality of central side fitting teeth 47 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S. The plurality of central side fitting teeth 47 are formed in the same shape. The central side fitting teeth 47 protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall 45. The oil discharge hole 49 is formed in a manner that penetrates the outer peripheral wall 45 in the radial direction. The oil discharge hole 49 is formed between adjacent center-side engaging teeth 47. That is, the oil discharge hole 49 is formed in the spline groove 48. The oil discharge hole 49 is formed on the side of the center-side cam portion 60. The oil discharge hole 49 is formed on the side of the center-side sliding cam surface 60S of the center-side cam portion 60. The oil discharge hole 49 is formed on the second circumferential direction S2 side of the center-side sliding cam surface 60S. The oil discharge hole 49 is formed on the first circumferential direction S1 side of the boss portion 54 described later. In the present embodiment, three oil discharge holes 49 are formed at three locations in the circumferential direction S of the outer peripheral wall 45. The oil discharge holes 49 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S. The oil discharge hole 49 connects the inside and the outside of the clutch center portion 40. The oil discharge hole 49 is a hole for discharging the clutch oil flowing out from the output shaft 15 into the clutch center portion 40 to the outside of the clutch center portion 40.

[0052] The output side rotating piece 22 is held by the spline fitting portion 46 of the clutch center portion 40 and the pressure plate 70. A portion of the output side rotating piece 22 is held by the center side fitting teeth 47 and the spline grooves 48 of the clutch center portion 40 through spline fitting. The other portion of the output side rotating piece 22 is held by the pressure side fitting teeth 77 (see FIG. 1 ) described later of the pressure plate 70. Figure 4 The output side rotating piece 22 is provided so as to be displaceable along the axial direction of the clutch central portion 40. The output side rotating piece 22 is provided so as to be rotatable integrally with the clutch central portion 40.

[0053] The output side rotating piece 22 is a component that is pressed against the input side rotating piece 20. The output side rotating piece 22 is a flat plate formed in an annular shape. The output side rotating piece 22 is formed by punching a thin plate made of SPCC material into an annular shape. Grooves with a depth of several μm to tens of μm for retaining clutch oil are formed on the surface and back of the output side rotating piece 22. Surface hardening treatment is applied to the surface and back of the output side rotating piece 22 to improve wear resistance. It should be noted that the friction member provided on the input side rotating piece 20 can also be provided on the output side rotating piece 22 instead of the input side rotating piece 20, and can also be provided on the input side rotating piece 20 and the output side rotating piece 22 respectively.

[0054] The central cam portion 60 is formed in a table shape with a cam surface, and the cam surface is composed of an inclined surface constituting an assist & slide (registered trademark) mechanism that generates a force that increases the pressing force (pressing force) between the input side rotating piece 20 and the output side rotating piece 22, that is, an assist torque, or a force that causes the input side rotating piece 20 and the output side rotating piece 22 to move away from each other in advance and shift to the half clutch state, that is, a sliding torque. The central cam portion 60 is formed in a manner that protrudes from the base wall 43 in the second direction D2. Figure 3 As shown, the center cam portions 60 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S of the clutch center portion 40. In the present embodiment, the clutch center portion 40 has three center cam portions 60, but the number of center cam portions 60 is not limited to three.

[0055] like Figure 3As shown, the central side cam portion 60 is located radially outward from the output shaft holding portion 50. The central side cam portion 60 includes a central side auxiliary cam portion 61 including a central side auxiliary cam surface 60A, a central side sliding cam portion 62 including a central side sliding cam surface 60S, and a central side main body portion 63 located between the central side auxiliary cam portion 61 and the central side sliding cam portion 62. The central side auxiliary cam portion 61, the central side main body portion 63, and the central side sliding cam portion 62 are formed integrally. In the present embodiment, the clutch central portion 40 rotates in a direction from the central side auxiliary cam portion 61 to the central side main body portion 63 (i.e., the first circumferential direction S1). The central side main body portion 63 is adjacent to the central side auxiliary cam portion 61. The central side main body portion 63 is located on the same side as the rotation direction of the clutch central portion 40 (i.e., the first circumferential direction S1) relative to the central side auxiliary cam portion 61. The central side main body portion 63 is adjacent to the central side sliding cam portion 62. The central side main body portion 63 is located on the side opposite to the rotation direction (i.e., the first circumferential direction S1) of the clutch central portion 40 relative to the central side sliding cam portion 62. The central side auxiliary cam surface 60A is configured to generate a force in a direction that causes the pressure plate 70 to approach the clutch central portion 40 in order to increase the pressing force (pressing force) between the input side rotating piece 20 and the output side rotating piece 22 when the pressure plate 70 is relatively rotated. In the present embodiment, when the above-mentioned force is generated, the position of the pressure plate 70 relative to the clutch central portion 40 does not change, and the pressure plate 70 does not need to be physically close to the clutch central portion 40. It should be noted that the pressure plate 70 may also be physically displaced relative to the clutch central portion 40. The central side sliding cam surface 60S is configured to cause the pressure plate 70 to move away from the clutch central portion 40 in order to reduce the pressing force (pressing force) between the input side rotating piece 20 and the output side rotating piece 22 when the pressure plate 70 is relatively rotated. In the center-side cam portions 60 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction S, the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A of one center-side cam portion 60L and the center-side sliding cam surface 60S of the other center-side cam portion 60M are arranged to face each other in the circumferential direction S.

[0056] like Fig.14As shown, the central side cam portion 60 has a third step portion 65 formed between the main inner peripheral surface 63A of the central side main body portion 63 and the secondary inner peripheral surface 61A of the central side auxiliary cam portion 61. The third step portion 65 is an example of a step portion. The third step portion 65 extends in the axial direction (i.e., direction D) of the output shaft 15. The third step portion 65 is inclined in a manner that the more it goes in the second direction D2, the more it is located radially outward. It should be noted that the third step portion 65 can also be parallel to the axis of the output shaft 15. The secondary inner peripheral surface 61A is located radially outward from the main inner peripheral surface 63A. The secondary inner peripheral surface 61A is inclined radially outward toward the first direction D1. That is, the secondary inner peripheral surface 61A is inclined in a manner that the more it goes in the first direction D1, the more it moves away from the main inner peripheral surface 63A radially outward. It should be noted that the secondary inner peripheral surface 61A can also be parallel to the axis of the output shaft 15. The secondary inner peripheral surface 61A is connected to the central side auxiliary cam surface 60A. At least the step portion side inner peripheral surface 63AG adjacent to the third step portion 65 in the main inner peripheral surface 63A is inclined radially inward toward the first direction D1. That is, the step portion side inner peripheral surface 63AG is inclined in a manner that the further it goes toward the first direction D1, the further it moves away from the secondary inner peripheral surface 61A radially inward. As a result, the radial length of the third step portion 65 (i.e., the height of the third step portion 65) becomes longer (i.e., higher) as it goes toward the first direction D1. It should be noted that the main inner peripheral surface 63A may also be inclined radially inward as a whole toward the first direction D1. The clutch oil flowing on the main inner peripheral surface 63A is easily guided to the secondary inner peripheral surface 61A by flowing along the third step portion 65, and is supplied to the central side auxiliary cam surface 60A.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, the clutch central portion 40 has a plurality of (three in the present embodiment) protrusions 54. The protrusions 54 are components that support the pressure plate 70. The plurality of protrusions 54 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S. The protrusions 54 are formed in a cylindrical shape. The protrusions 54 are located radially outward of the output shaft retaining portion 50. The protrusions 54 extend toward the pressure plate 70 (i.e., toward the second direction D2). The protrusions 54 are provided on the base wall 43. A portion for the bolts 28 (see FIG. 2 ) is formed on the protrusions 54. Figure 1 The screw hole 54H extends in the axial direction of the clutch center portion 40.

[0058] like Figure 2 As shown, the central side fitting portion 58 is located radially outward from the output shaft holding portion 50. The central side fitting portion 58 is located radially outward from the central side cam portion 60. The central side fitting portion 58 is located on the second direction D2 side from the central side cam portion 60. The central side fitting portion 58 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall 45. The central side fitting portion 58 is configured to be connected to the pressure side fitting portion 88 (see Figure 4) is externally fitted in a slidable manner. The inner diameter of the central side fitting portion 58 is formed in a manner having a fitting tolerance relative to the pressure side fitting portion 88 to allow the flow of clutch oil flowing out from the top end portion 15T of the output shaft 15. That is, a gap is formed between the central side fitting portion 58 and the pressure side fitting portion 88 described later. In the present embodiment, for example, the central side fitting portion 58 is formed to have an inner diameter that is 0.1 mm larger than the outer diameter of the pressure side fitting portion 88. The dimensional tolerance between the inner diameter of the central side fitting portion 58 and the outer diameter of the pressure side fitting portion 88 is appropriately set according to the amount of clutch oil to be circulated, but is, for example, greater than 0.1 mm and less than 0.5 mm.

[0059] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the clutch central portion 40 has a central cam hole 43H that penetrates a portion of the base wall 43. The central cam hole 43H extends from the side of the output shaft holding portion 50 to the outer peripheral wall 45. The central cam hole 43H is formed between the central auxiliary cam surface 60A of the central cam portion 60 and the protrusion 54. When viewed from the axial direction of the clutch central portion 40, the central auxiliary cam surface 60A and a portion of the central cam hole 43H overlap.

[0060] like Figure 2 As shown, an R surface 43AR is formed at the connection portion between the inner peripheral surface 45A of the outer peripheral wall 45 and the base wall 43, which is the surface facing the center side cam hole 43H. The R surface 43AR is provided with an angle R. The R (i.e., radius) of the R surface 43AR decreases as it moves from the flange 68 side toward the second direction D2.

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, the pressure plate 70 is arranged in a manner that it can approach or move away from the clutch central part 40 and can rotate relatively. The pressure plate 70 is configured to be able to press the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22. The pressure plate 70 is arranged concentrically with the clutch central part 40 and the clutch housing 30. The pressure plate 70 has a main body 72 and a flange 98 connected to the outer peripheral edge of the main body 72 on the second direction D2 side and extending radially outward. The main body 72 protrudes in the first direction D1 than the flange 98. The pressure plate 70 holds at least a portion of the plurality of output side rotating plates 22 alternately arranged with the input side rotating plates 20.

[0062] like Figure 4 As shown, the main body 72 includes a cylindrical portion 80, a plurality of pressure-side cam portions 90, a pressure-side fitting portion 88, and a spring receiving portion 84 (see also Figure 6 ).

[0063] The cylindrical portion 80 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical portion 80 is formed integrally with the pressure side cam portion 90. The cylindrical portion 80 accommodates the top end portion 15T of the output shaft 15 (see Figure 1The release bearing 18 is housed in the cylindrical portion 80 (see Figure 1 The cylindrical portion 80 is a portion that receives the pressing force from the pressing member 16B. The cylindrical portion 80 is a portion that receives the clutch oil flowing out from the top end portion 15T of the output shaft 15. Fig.13 As shown in FIG. 1 , the cylindrical portion 80 includes a cam hole side outer peripheral surface 80AG located on the inner peripheral side of the pressure side cam hole 73H described later, and a cam portion side outer peripheral surface 80AH adjacent to the pressure side sliding cam portion 92 described later. The cam portion side outer peripheral surface 80AH is located radially outward of the cam hole side outer peripheral surface 80AG. The cam portion side outer peripheral surface 80AH is a surface continuous with the pressure side sliding cam surface 90S.

[0064] The pressure side cam portion 90 is formed in a table shape having a cam surface, which is composed of an inclined surface constituting an assist & slide (registered trademark) mechanism that slides relative to the center side cam portion 60 to generate an assist torque or a slide torque. The pressure side cam portion 90 is formed so as to protrude in the first direction D1 from the flange 98. Figure 5 As shown, the pressure-side cam portions 90 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S of the pressure plate 70. In the present embodiment, the pressure plate 70 has three pressure-side cam portions 90, but the number of the pressure-side cam portions 90 is not limited to three.

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown, the pressure side cam portion 90 is located radially outward of the cylindrical portion 80. The pressure side cam portion 90 has a pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A (also refer to Figure 7 and Fig. 9) of the pressure side auxiliary cam portion 91, the pressure side sliding cam portion 92 including the pressure side sliding cam surface 90S, and the pressure side main body portion 93 located between the pressure side auxiliary cam portion 91 and the pressure side sliding cam portion 92. The pressure side auxiliary cam portion 91, the pressure side main body portion 93 and the pressure side sliding cam portion 92 are formed integrally. In the present embodiment, the pressure plate 70 rotates in the direction from the pressure side main body portion 93 to the pressure side auxiliary cam portion 91 (i.e., the first circumferential direction S1). The pressure side main body portion 93 is adjacent to the pressure side auxiliary cam portion 91. The pressure side main body portion 93 is located on the side opposite to the rotation direction of the pressure plate 70 (i.e., the first circumferential direction S1) relative to the pressure side auxiliary cam portion 91. The pressure side main body portion 93 is adjacent to the pressure side sliding cam portion 92. The pressure side main body portion 93 is located on the same side as the rotation direction of the pressure plate 70 (i.e., the first circumferential direction S1) relative to the pressure side sliding cam portion 92. The pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A is configured to be able to contact the center side auxiliary cam surface 60A. The pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A is configured to generate a force in a direction that causes the pressure plate 70 to approach the clutch center portion 40 in order to increase the pressing force (pressing force) between the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22 when the clutch center portion 40 is relatively rotated. The pressure side sliding cam surface 90S is configured to be able to contact the center side sliding cam surface 60S. The pressure side sliding cam surface 90S is configured to cause the pressure plate 70 to move away from the clutch center portion 40 in order to reduce the pressing force (pressing force) between the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22 when the clutch center portion 40 is relatively rotated. In the pressure side cam portion 90 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction S, the pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A of the pressure side cam portion 90L on one side and the pressure side sliding cam surface 90S of the pressure side cam portion 90M on the other side are arranged opposite to each other in the circumferential direction S. The pressure side sliding cam surface 90S is located on the opposite side of the pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A across the pressure side main body portion 93.

[0066] like Fig.12As shown, the pressure side cam portion 90 has a first step portion 95 formed between the main outer peripheral surface 93A of the pressure side main body portion 93 and the secondary outer peripheral surface 91A of the pressure side auxiliary cam portion 91. The first step portion 95 is an example of a step portion. The first step portion 95 extends in the axial direction (i.e., direction D) of the output shaft 15. The first step portion 95 is inclined in a manner that the more it goes in the second direction D2, the more it is located radially outward. It should be noted that the first step portion 95 can also be parallel to the axis of the output shaft 15. The secondary outer peripheral surface 91A is located radially inwardly of the main outer peripheral surface 93A. The secondary outer peripheral surface 91A is inclined radially inwardly toward the second direction D2. That is, the secondary outer peripheral surface 91A is inclined in a manner that the more it goes in the second direction D2, the more it moves away from the main outer peripheral surface 93A radially inwardly. It should be noted that the secondary outer peripheral surface 91A can also be parallel to the axis of the output shaft 15. The secondary outer peripheral surface 91A is connected to the pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A. At least the step-side outer peripheral surface 93AG adjacent to the first step portion 95 in the main outer peripheral surface 93A is inclined radially outward toward the second direction D2. That is, the step-side outer peripheral surface 93AG is inclined in a manner that the further it goes toward the second direction D2, the further it moves away from the secondary outer peripheral surface 91A radially outward. As a result, the radial length of the first step portion 95 (i.e., the height of the first step portion 95) becomes longer (i.e., higher) as it goes toward the second direction D2. It should be noted that the main outer peripheral surface 93A may also be inclined radially outward as a whole toward the second direction D2. The clutch oil flowing toward the second circumferential direction S2 on the secondary outer peripheral surface 91A is intercepted by the first step portion 95 and accumulated on the surface of the secondary outer peripheral surface 91A. As a result, the clutch oil accumulated on the surface of the secondary outer peripheral surface 91A is supplied to the pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A.

[0067] like Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , a chamfered portion 90AP chamfered linearly is formed at the end portion in the circumferential direction S of the pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A of the pressure side cam portion 90. The angle of the chamfered portion 90AP (the angle in the first direction D1 and the first circumferential direction S1 side) is a right angle. More specifically, the chamfered portion 90AP is formed at the end portion 90AB in the first circumferential direction S1 of the pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A.

[0068] Here, the functions of the center cam portion 60 and the pressure cam portion 90 will be described. When the engine speed increases and the rotational driving force input to the input gear 35 and the clutch housing 30 can be transmitted to the output shaft 15 via the clutch center portion 40, as shown in FIG. Fig.11A As shown, a rotational force in the first circumferential direction S1 is applied to the pressure plate 70. Therefore, a force in the first direction D1 is generated on the pressure plate 70 by the action of the center side auxiliary cam surface 60A and the pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A. As a result, the pressing force between the input side rotating piece 20 and the output side rotating piece 22 is increased.

[0069] On the other hand, when the rotation speed of the output shaft 15 exceeds the rotation speed of the input gear 35 and the clutch housing 30 and a reverse torque is generated, as shown in FIG. Fig. 11B As shown, a rotational force in the first circumferential direction S1 is applied to the clutch central portion 40. Therefore, the central side sliding cam surface 60S and the pressure side sliding cam surface 90S act to move the pressure plate 70 in the second direction D2 to release the pressing force between the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22. In this way, adverse conditions on the engine and the transmission caused by reverse torque can be avoided.

[0070] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the pressure side fitting portion 88 is located radially outward from the pressure side cam portion 90. The pressure side fitting portion 88 is located on the second direction D2 side from the pressure side cam portion 90. The pressure side fitting portion 88 is configured to be aligned with the center side fitting portion 58 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 2 ) is embedded in a slidable manner.

[0071] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the pressure plate 70 has a pressure side cam hole 73H that penetrates the main body 72 and a portion of the flange 98. The pressure side cam hole 73H is located radially outward of the cylindrical portion 80. The pressure side cam hole 73H extends from the side of the cylindrical portion 80 to the radially outward of the pressure side fitting portion 88. The pressure side cam hole 73H is formed between the pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A and the pressure side sliding cam surface 90S of the adjacent pressure side cam portion 90. Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A and a portion of the pressure-side cam hole 73H overlap when viewed from the axial direction of the pressure plate 70. When viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15, the pressure-side cam hole 73H includes a first portion 73HA having a first length of a circumferential length L7 from one end of the circumferential direction S to the auxiliary outer peripheral surface 91A, and a second portion 73HB located radially outward of the first portion 73HA and having a second length of a circumferential length L8 from one end of the circumferential direction S to the other end that is longer than the first length.

[0072] like Figure 4As shown, the pressure plate 70 has a plurality of pressure side interlocking teeth 77 arranged on the flange 98. The pressure side interlocking teeth 77 hold the output side rotating piece 22. The pressure side interlocking teeth 77 protrude from the flange 98 in the first direction D1. The pressure side interlocking teeth 77 are located radially outward from the cylindrical portion 80. Located radially outward from the pressure side cam portion 90. The pressure side interlocking teeth 77 are located radially outward from the pressure side cam portion 90. The pressure side interlocking teeth 77 are located radially outward from the pressure side interlocking portion 88. A plurality of pressure side interlocking teeth 77 are arranged in the circumferential direction S. A plurality of pressure side interlocking teeth 77 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, since a portion of the pressure side interlocking teeth 77 is removed, the interval of the portion is expanded, but the other adjacent pressure side interlocking teeth 77 are arranged at equal intervals.

[0073] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the spring receiving portion 84 is formed in the pressure side cam portion 90. The spring receiving portion 84 is formed in a manner of being recessed from the second direction D2 to the first direction D1. The spring receiving portion 84 is formed in an elliptical shape. The spring receiving portion 84 receives the pressure spring 25 (see Figure 1 The spring receiving portion 84 is provided with a protrusion 54 (see Figure 2 ) is inserted into the insertion hole 84H. That is, the insertion hole 84H is formed through the pressure side cam portion 90. The insertion hole 84H is formed in an elliptical shape.

[0074] like Figure 1 As shown, the pressure spring 25 is accommodated in the spring accommodation portion 84. The pressure spring 25 is held by the protrusion 54 inserted into the insertion hole 84H of the spring accommodation portion 84. The pressure spring 25 urges the pressure plate 70 toward the clutch center portion 40 (i.e., toward the first direction D1). The pressure spring 25 is, for example, a coil spring obtained by winding spring steel into a spiral shape.

[0075] Fig.10 4 is a plan view showing a state where the clutch center portion 40 and the pressure plate 70 are combined. Fig.10 In the state shown, the pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A and the center side auxiliary cam surface 60A are not in contact, and the pressure side sliding cam surface 90S and the center side sliding cam surface 60S are not in contact. At this time, the pressure plate 70 is closest to the clutch center portion 40. This state is set as the normal state of the clutch device 10. Fig.10 As shown, the circumferential distance L5 between the protrusion 54 and the end 84HA on the pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A side (i.e., the first circumferential direction S1 side) of the insertion hole 84H is normally shorter than the circumferential distance L6 between the protrusion 54 and the end 84HB on the pressure side sliding cam surface 90S side (i.e., the second circumferential direction S2 side) of the insertion hole 84H.

[0076] like Fig.13 As shown, the pressure plate 70 includes a second step portion 96 formed between the outer peripheral surface 80A of the cylindrical portion 80 and the pressure side sliding cam portion 92. The second step portion 96 is an example of a step portion. The second step portion 96 is formed between the cam hole side outer peripheral surface 80AG and the cam portion side outer peripheral surface 80AH. The second step portion 96 extends in the axial direction of the output shaft 15 (i.e., direction D). The second step portion 96 is inclined in a manner that it is located radially outward as it goes in the second direction D2. It should be noted that the second step portion 96 may also be parallel to the axis of the output shaft 15. The outer peripheral surface 80A of the cylindrical portion 80 is located radially inward of the pressure side sliding cam portion 92. The second step portion 96 is located on the second circumferential direction S2 side of the pressure side sliding cam surface 90S. The second step portion 96 extends from the end of the cylindrical portion 80 on the first direction D1 side to the end of the pressure side fitting portion 88 on the second direction D2 side. The second step portion 96 extends to the pressure side cam hole 73H. When viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15, the second step portion 96 is adjacent to the radially innermost portion of the edge portion of the pressure side cam hole 73H in the first circumferential direction S1. The cam hole side outer peripheral surface 80AG of the cylindrical portion 80 is inclined radially inward toward the second direction D2. The cam portion side outer peripheral surface 80AH of the cylindrical portion 80 is inclined radially outward toward the second direction D2. As a result, the radial length of the second step portion 96 (i.e., the height of the second step portion 96) becomes longer (i.e., higher) as it goes toward the second direction D2. The clutch oil flowing on the outer peripheral surface 80A of the cylindrical portion 80 flows along the second step portion 96 and flows in the second circumferential direction S2 on the outer peripheral surface 80A, and is supplied to the pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A of the pressure side auxiliary cam portion 91.

[0077] like Figure 1 As shown, the stopper plate 100 is provided in a manner capable of contacting the pressure plate 70. The stopper plate 100 is a member for preventing the pressure plate 70 from moving away from the clutch central portion 40 in the second direction D2 by a predetermined distance or more. The stopper plate 100 is fixed to the boss 54 of the clutch central portion 40 by the bolt 28. The pressure plate 70 is fixed by tightening the bolt 28 to the boss 54 via the stopper plate 100 in a state where the boss 54 of the clutch central portion 40 and the pressure spring 25 are arranged in the spring receiving portion 84. The stopper plate 100 is formed in a substantially triangular shape in a plan view.

[0078] Here, when the pressure plate 70 contacts the stopper plate 100, the pressure side sliding cam surface 90S and the center side sliding cam surface 60S contact each other with an area of ​​50% to 90% of the pressure side sliding cam surface 90S and an area of ​​50% to 90% of the center side sliding cam surface 60S, respectively. In addition, when the pressure plate 70 contacts the stopper plate 100, the pressure spring 25 is separated from the side wall of the spring receiving portion 84. That is, the pressure spring 25 is not clamped by the protrusion 54 and the spring receiving portion 84, and excessive stress is suppressed from being applied to the protrusion 54.

[0079] Here, the length L1 in the circumferential direction S from the end 90AA in the first direction D1 of the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A of one of the pressure-side cam portions 90L located on the first circumferential direction S1 side to the end 90SA in the first direction D1 of the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S of the other pressure-side cam portion 90M located on the second circumferential direction S2 side (see Figure 5 ) is greater than the circumferential length L2 (see Figure 3 )long.

[0080] In addition, when viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15, an angle θ1 is formed by the center of the pressure plate 70 (here, the center 80C of the cylindrical portion 80), an end 90AB in the first circumferential direction S1 of a pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A of one of the pressure side cam portions 90L adjacent in the circumferential direction S and an end 90SB in the first circumferential direction S1 of a pressure side sliding cam surface 90S of the other pressure side cam portion 90M located on the second circumferential direction S2 side (refer to Figure 5 ) is greater than the angle θ2 (refer to the angle θ2 of the center 50C of the output shaft holding portion 50, the end 60AB of the center auxiliary cam surface 60A of one center cam portion 60 in the second circumferential direction S2, and the end 60SB of the center sliding cam surface 60S in the second circumferential direction S2. Figure 3 ) is large. Angle θ1 is an angle formed by a straight line passing through the center 80C and the end 90AB of the cylindrical portion 80 and a straight line passing through the center 80C and the end 90SB. Angle θ2 is an angle formed by a straight line passing through the center 50C and the end 60AB of the output shaft holding portion 50 and a straight line passing through the center 50C and the end 60SB.

[0081] In addition, the length L3 in the circumferential direction S from the end 60AA of the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A in the second direction D2 to the protrusion 54 (see Figure 3) is greater than the length L4 in the circumferential direction S from the end 90AA in the first direction D1 of the pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A to the insertion hole 84H (see Figure 5 )long.

[0082] In addition, when viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15, an angle θ3 (see FIG. 1 ) is formed by the center 50C of the output shaft holding portion 50, the end 60AB of the center side auxiliary cam surface 60A of the center side cam portion 60 in the second circumferential direction S2, and the center 54C of the protrusion 54. Figure 3 ) is an angle θ4 (see FIG. 1 ) formed by the center of the pressure plate 70 (here, the center 80C of the cylindrical portion 80), the end 90AB of the first circumferential direction S1 of the pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A, and the center 84HC of the insertion hole 84H. Figure 5 ) is large. Angle θ3 is an angle formed by a straight line passing through the center 50C and the end 60AB of the output shaft holding portion 50 and a straight line passing through the center 50C and the center 54C of the protrusion 54. Angle θ4 is an angle formed by a straight line passing through the center 80C and the end 90AB of the cylindrical portion 80 and a straight line passing through the center 80C and the center 84HC of the insertion hole 84H.

[0083] A predetermined amount of clutch oil is filled in the clutch device 10. The clutch oil flows into the clutch central portion 40 and the pressure plate 70 through the hollow portion 15H of the output shaft 15, and then is supplied to the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22 through the gap between the central side fitting portion 58 and the pressure side fitting portion 88 and the oil discharge hole 49. The clutch oil suppresses the absorption of heat and the wear of the friction member. The clutch device 10 of this embodiment is a so-called wet multi-plate friction clutch device.

[0084] Next, the operation of the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment will be described. As described above, the clutch device 10 is disposed between the engine and the transmission of the motorcycle, and transmits and cuts off the rotational drive force of the engine to the transmission when the driver operates the clutch lever.

[0085] In the clutch device 10, when the driver of the two-wheeled vehicle does not operate the clutch operating lever, the clutch release mechanism (not shown) does not press the push rod 16A, so the pressure plate 70 presses the input side rotating plate 20 by the force (elastic force) of the pressure spring 25. As a result, the clutch center 40 is in a clutch engagement state in which the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22 are frictionally connected against each other and are driven to rotate. That is, the rotational driving force of the engine is transmitted to the clutch center 40, and the output shaft 15 is driven to rotate.

[0086] In the clutch engaged state, the clutch oil that flows in the hollow portion H of the output shaft 15 and flows out from the top end portion 15T of the output shaft 15 falls or splashes into the tubular portion 80 and adheres thereto (see Figure 1 The clutch oil adhering to the cylindrical portion 80 is guided into the clutch central portion 40. As a result, the clutch oil flows out to the outside of the clutch central portion 40 through the oil discharge hole 49. In addition, the clutch oil flows out to the outside of the clutch central portion 40 through the gap between the central side fitting portion 58 and the pressure side fitting portion 88. The clutch oil flowing out to the outside of the clutch central portion 40 is supplied to the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22.

[0087] On the other hand, in the clutch device 10, when the driver of the two-wheeled vehicle operates the clutch operating lever in the clutch engaged state, the clutch release mechanism (not shown) presses the push rod 16A, so that the pressure plate 70 is displaced in the direction (second direction D2) away from the clutch central part 40 against the force of the pressure spring 25. As a result, the clutch central part 40 is in a clutch disconnected state in which the friction connection between the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22 is eliminated, and thus the rotation drive is attenuated or stopped. That is, the rotation drive force of the engine is cut off relative to the clutch central part 40.

[0088] In the clutch disengaged state, the clutch oil that flows in the hollow portion H of the output shaft 15 and flows out from the top end portion 15T of the output shaft 15 is guided into the clutch central portion 40 in the same manner as in the clutch engaged state. At this time, the pressure plate 70 is away from the clutch central portion 40, so the amount of engagement between the central side engagement portion 58 and the pressure side engagement portion 88 is reduced. As a result, the clutch oil in the tubular portion 80 flows out more actively to the outside of the clutch central portion 40 and flows to various locations inside the clutch device 10. In particular, the clutch oil can be actively guided between the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22 that are away from each other.

[0089] Furthermore, when the driver releases the clutch operating lever in the clutch disengaged state, the pressure of the pressure plate 70 via the pushing member 16B achieved by the clutch release mechanism (not shown) is released, so that the pressure plate 70 is displaced in the direction (first direction D1) approaching the clutch center portion 40 by the force of the pressure spring 25.

[0090] As described above, according to the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, the pressure side cam portion 90 has a first step portion 95 formed between the main outer peripheral surface 93A of the pressure side main body portion 93 and the secondary outer peripheral surface 91A of the pressure side auxiliary cam portion 91 and extending in the axial direction of the output shaft 15. Here, the secondary outer peripheral surface 91A is located radially inward of the main outer peripheral surface 93A. In addition, the step portion side outer peripheral surface 93AG adjacent to at least the first step portion 95 in the main outer peripheral surface 93A is inclined radially outward in the second direction D2. In addition, the pressure plate 70 is configured to rotate in the direction from the pressure side main body portion 93 to the pressure side auxiliary cam portion 91 (i.e., the first circumferential direction S1). Therefore, the clutch oil flowing in the direction opposite to the above direction (i.e., the second circumferential direction S2) on the secondary outer peripheral surface 91A is intercepted by the first step portion 95 and accumulated on the surface of the secondary outer peripheral surface 91A. Since the pressure side auxiliary cam portion 91 including the secondary outer peripheral surface 91A includes the pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A, the clutch oil accumulated on the surface of the secondary outer peripheral surface 91A is supplied to the pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A. Here, since the direction in which the secondary outer peripheral surface 91A is inclined relative to the axial direction of the output shaft 15 is opposite to the direction in which the step portion side outer peripheral surface 93AG is inclined relative to the axial direction of the output shaft 15, the height of the first step portion 95 can be increased, and the amount of clutch oil accumulated on the surface of the secondary outer peripheral surface 91A, that is, the amount of clutch oil supplied to the pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A can be increased. In this way, the clutch oil can be effectively supplied to the center side auxiliary cam surface 60A via the pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A and the pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A.

[0091] In addition, according to the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, the pressure plate 70 has a second step portion 96 formed between the cam hole side outer peripheral surface 80AG and the cam portion side outer peripheral surface 80AH of the cylindrical portion 80 and extending in the axial direction of the output shaft 15. Here, the cam portion side outer peripheral surface 80AH is located radially outward of the cam hole side outer peripheral surface 80AG. In addition, the cam hole side outer peripheral surface 80AG is inclined radially inward toward the second direction D2, and the cam portion side outer peripheral surface 80AH is inclined radially outward toward the second direction D2. In addition, the pressure plate 70 is configured to rotate in the direction (i.e., the first circumferential direction S1) from the pressure side main body portion 93 to the pressure side auxiliary cam portion 91. Therefore, the clutch oil flowing on the outer peripheral surface 80A of the cylindrical portion 80 flows along the second step portion 96 and flows on the outer peripheral surface 80A in the direction opposite to the above direction (i.e., the second circumferential direction S2), and flows toward the pressure side auxiliary cam portion 91. Here, since the direction in which the cam hole side outer peripheral surface 80AG is inclined relative to the axial direction of the output shaft 15 is opposite to the direction in which the cam portion side outer peripheral surface 80AH is inclined relative to the axial direction of the output shaft 15, the height of the second step portion 96 can be increased, and the amount of clutch oil accumulated on the surface of the outer peripheral surface 80A of the cylindrical portion 80, that is, the amount of clutch oil supplied to the pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A can be increased. In this way, the clutch oil can be effectively supplied to the center side auxiliary cam surface 60A via the pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A and the pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A.

[0092] In addition, according to the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, the center-side cam portion 60 has a third step portion 65 formed between the main inner peripheral surface 63A of the center-side main body portion 63 and the secondary inner peripheral surface 61A of the center-side auxiliary cam portion 61 and extending in the axial direction of the output shaft 15. Here, the secondary inner peripheral surface 61A is located radially outward from the main inner peripheral surface 63A and is inclined radially outward toward the first direction D1. In addition, at least the step-side inner peripheral surface 63AG adjacent to the third step portion 65 in the main inner peripheral surface 63A is inclined radially inward toward the first direction D1. In addition, the clutch center portion 40 is configured to rotate in the direction from the center-side auxiliary cam portion 61 to the center-side main body portion 63 (i.e., the first circumferential direction S1). Therefore, the clutch oil flowing on the main inner peripheral surface 63A flows along the third step portion 65 and flows toward the secondary inner peripheral surface 61A. Furthermore, since the center-side auxiliary cam portion 61 including the auxiliary inner peripheral surface 61A includes the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A, the clutch oil flowing on the auxiliary inner peripheral surface 61A is supplied to the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A. Here, since the direction in which the auxiliary inner peripheral surface 61A is inclined relative to the axial direction of the output shaft 15 is opposite to the direction in which the step-side inner peripheral surface 63AG is inclined relative to the axial direction of the output shaft 15, the height of the third step portion 65 can be increased, and the amount of clutch oil accumulated on the surface of the auxiliary inner peripheral surface 61A, that is, the amount of clutch oil supplied to the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A can be increased. In this way, the clutch oil can be effectively supplied to the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A via the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A and the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A.

[0093] <Second Embodiment>

[0094] Fig.15 It is an exploded perspective view of a clutch center portion 240 and a pressure plate 270 of a clutch device 210 according to the second embodiment.

[0095] The clutch center portion 240 is accommodated in the clutch housing 30 (see Figure 1 The clutch center portion 240 is arranged concentrically with the clutch housing 30. Fig.15 As shown, the clutch center portion 240 includes a main body 242 and a flange 268 connected to the outer peripheral edge of the main body 242 on the first direction D1 side and extending radially outward. The main body 242 protrudes in the second direction D2 than the flange 268. The clutch center portion 240 does not hold the output side rotating plate 22. The clutch center portion 240 is connected to the output shaft 15 (see Figure 1 ) are driven to rotate together.

[0096] like Fig.15As shown, the body 242 includes an output shaft holding portion 250, a plurality of center cam portions 60, and a center fitting portion 258. The center cam portion 60 is formed to protrude in the second direction D2 from the flange 268. The center cam portion 60 is located radially outward of the output shaft holding portion 250.

[0097] The output shaft holding portion 250 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Figure 1 ) is inserted and splined. The insertion hole 251 is formed in a manner that penetrates the main body 242. The inner peripheral surface 250A forming the insertion hole 251 in the output shaft holding portion 250 is formed with a plurality of spline grooves along the axial direction. The output shaft holding portion 250 is connected to the output shaft 15.

[0098] like Fig.15 As shown, the clutch center portion 240 includes a plurality of (three in this embodiment) bosses 54. The bosses 54 are located radially outward of the output shaft holding portion 250. The bosses 54 are provided on the main body 242.

[0099] like Fig.15As shown, the central side cam portion 60 has a fourth step portion 295 formed between the main outer peripheral surface 263A of the central side main body portion 63 and the secondary outer peripheral surface 261A of the central side auxiliary cam portion 61. The fourth step portion 295 is an example of a step portion. The fourth step portion 295 extends in the axial direction (i.e., direction D) of the output shaft 15. The fourth step portion 295 is inclined in a manner that it is located radially outward as it goes to the second direction D2. It should be noted that the fourth step portion 295 can also be parallel to the axis of the output shaft 15. The secondary outer peripheral surface 261A is located radially inward of the main outer peripheral surface 263A. The secondary outer peripheral surface 261A is inclined radially inward as it goes to the first direction D1. That is, the secondary outer peripheral surface 261A is inclined in a manner that it is radially away from the main outer peripheral surface 263A as it goes to the first direction D1. It should be noted that the secondary outer peripheral surface 261A can also be parallel to the axis of the output shaft 15. The secondary outer peripheral surface 261A is connected to the central side auxiliary cam surface 60A. The step portion side outer peripheral surface 263AG adjacent to at least the fourth step portion 295 in the main outer peripheral surface 263A is inclined toward the first direction D1 and toward the radial outside. That is, the step portion side outer peripheral surface 263AG is inclined in a manner that the further it goes toward the first direction D1, the further it moves away from the secondary outer peripheral surface 261A toward the radial outside. As a result, the radial length of the fourth step portion 295 (i.e., the height of the fourth step portion 295) becomes longer (i.e., higher) as it goes toward the first direction D1. It should be noted that the main outer peripheral surface 263A may also be inclined toward the first direction D1 as a whole and toward the radial outside. The clutch oil flowing toward the second circumferential direction S2 on the main outer peripheral surface 263A flows along the fourth step portion 295 and flows toward the secondary outer peripheral surface 261A. As a result, the clutch oil accumulated on the surface of the secondary outer peripheral surface 261A is supplied to the central side auxiliary cam surface 60A.

[0100] like Fig.15 and Fig.16As shown, the clutch central portion 240 has a central cam hole 243H that penetrates a portion of the main body 242 and the flange 268. The central cam hole 243H penetrates the main body 242 and the flange 268 in the direction D. The central cam hole 243H is located radially outward of the output shaft holding portion 250. The central cam hole 243H extends from the side of the output shaft holding portion 250 to the flange 268. The central cam hole 243H is located between adjacent central cam portions 60. The central cam hole 243H includes a first central cam hole 243H1 formed between a central auxiliary cam surface 60A of the central cam portion 60 and the protrusion 54, and a second central cam hole 243H2 formed between a central sliding cam surface 60S of the central cam portion 60 and the protrusion 54. When viewed from the axial direction of the clutch central portion 240, the central auxiliary cam surface 60A and a portion of the first central cam hole 243H1 overlap. When viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15, the first center side cam hole 243H1 has a first portion 243HA whose circumferential length L9 from one end of the circumferential direction S to the secondary outer peripheral surface 261A is a first length, and a second portion 243HB which is located radially outward of the first portion 243HA and whose circumferential length L10 from one end of the circumferential direction S to the other end is a second length longer than the first length.

[0101] like Fig.15 and Fig.16 As shown, the clutch central portion 240 has a fifth step portion 296 formed between the outer peripheral surface 250F of the output shaft retaining portion 250 and the central side sliding cam portion 62. The fifth step portion 296 is an example of a step portion. The fifth step portion 296 extends in the axial direction of the output shaft 15 (i.e., direction D). The fifth step portion 296 is inclined in a manner that the further it goes in the first direction D1, the more it is located radially outward. It should be noted that the fifth step portion 296 can also be parallel to the axis of the output shaft 15. The outer peripheral surface 250F of the output shaft retaining portion 250 is located radially inward of the central side sliding cam portion 62. The outer peripheral surface 250F of the output shaft retaining portion 250 is inclined in a manner that the further it goes in the first direction D1, the more it is located radially inward. The fifth step portion 296 is located on the first circumferential S1 side of the central side sliding cam surface 60S. The fifth step portion 296 extends from the end portion on the second direction D2 side of the output shaft holding portion 250 to the end portion on the first direction D1 side of the center side fitting portion 258. The fifth step portion 296 extends to the second center side cam hole 243H2. When viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15, the fifth step portion 296 is adjacent to the radially innermost portion of the edge portion in the second circumferential direction S2 of the second center side cam hole 243H2.

[0102] like Fig.15As shown, the central side fitting portion 258 is provided on the main body 242. The central side fitting portion 258 is located radially outward from the central side cam portion 60. The central side fitting portion 258 is located on the first direction D1 side from the central side cam portion 60. The central side fitting portion 258 is configured to be engaged with the pressure side fitting portion 288 (see Fig.17 ) is embedded in a slidable manner.

[0103] The pressure plate 270 is provided in a manner that it can approach or move away from the clutch central portion 240 and can rotate relatively. The pressure plate 270 is configured to be able to press the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22. The pressure plate 270 is arranged concentrically with the clutch central portion 240 and the clutch housing 30. The pressure plate 270 has a cylindrical main body 272 and a flange 298 extending radially outward from the outer peripheral edge of the main body 272. The pressure plate 270 holds a plurality of output side rotating plates 22 alternately arranged with the input side rotating plate 20 in the direction D.

[0104] like Fig.17 As shown, the main body 272 includes an annular base wall 273, an outer peripheral wall 275 located radially outside the base wall 273 and extending toward the first direction D1, a cylindrical portion 280 provided at the center of the base wall 273, a plurality of pressure side cam portions 90 connected to the base wall 273 and the outer peripheral wall 275, a pressure side fitting portion 288, and a spring receiving portion 84 (see Fig.15 The pressure-side cam portion 90 is formed so as to protrude from the main body 272 in the first direction D1. The pressure-side cam portion 90 is located radially outside the cylindrical portion 280. The pressure-side cam portion 90 is located radially inside the outer peripheral wall 275.

[0105] The cylindrical portion 280 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical portion 280 is formed integrally with the pressure side cam portion 90. The cylindrical portion 280 accommodates the top end portion 15T of the output shaft 15 (see Figure 1 The release bearing 18 is accommodated in the cylindrical portion 280 (see Figure 1 The cylindrical portion 280 is a portion that receives the pressing force from the pressing member 16B. The cylindrical portion 280 is a portion that receives the clutch oil flowing out from the top end portion 15T of the output shaft 15.

[0106] like Fig.17As shown, the outer peripheral wall 275 of the pressure plate 270 is arranged radially outward from the cylindrical portion 280. The outer peripheral wall 275 is formed into a circular ring extending in the direction D. A spline fitting portion 276 is provided on the outer peripheral surface 275A of the outer peripheral wall 275. The spline fitting portion 276 has a plurality of pressure side fitting teeth 277 extending in the axial direction of the pressure plate 270 along the outer peripheral surface 275A of the outer peripheral wall 275, a plurality of spline grooves 278 formed between adjacent pressure side fitting teeth 277 and extending in the axial direction of the pressure plate 270, and an oil discharge hole 279. The pressure side fitting teeth 277 hold the output side rotating piece 22. The plurality of pressure side fitting teeth 277 are arranged in the circumferential direction S. The plurality of pressure side fitting teeth 277 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S. The plurality of pressure side fitting teeth 277 are formed into the same shape. The pressure side engaging teeth 277 protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface 275A of the outer peripheral wall 275. The oil discharge holes 279 are formed in a manner that penetrates the outer peripheral wall 275 in the radial direction. The oil discharge holes 279 are formed between adjacent pressure side engaging teeth 277. That is, the oil discharge holes 279 are formed in the spline grooves 278. The oil discharge holes 279 are formed on the side of the pressure side cam portion 90. The oil discharge holes 279 are formed on the side of the pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A of the pressure side cam portion 90. The oil discharge holes 279 are formed on the first circumferential direction S1 side than the pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A. The oil discharge holes 279 are formed on the second circumferential direction S2 side than the pressure side sliding cam surface 90S. In the present embodiment, three oil discharge holes 279 are formed at three locations in the circumferential direction S of the outer peripheral wall 275. The oil discharge holes 279 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S. The oil discharge hole 279 connects the inside and outside of the pressure plate 270. The oil discharge hole 279 is a hole for discharging the clutch oil that has flowed out from the output shaft 15 into the pressure plate 270 to the outside of the pressure plate 270. Here, the oil discharge hole 279 discharges the clutch oil that has flowed on the inner peripheral surface 275B side of the outer peripheral wall 275 to the outside of the pressure plate 270. At least a portion of the oil discharge hole 279 is provided at a position that is aligned with the central side fitting portion 258 (see Fig.15 ) opposite position.

[0107] The output side rotating piece 22 is held by the spline fitting portion 276 of the pressure plate 270. The output side rotating piece 22 is held by the pressure side fitting teeth 277 and the spline groove 278 by spline fitting. The output side rotating piece 22 is provided in a manner that can be displaced along the axial direction of the pressure plate 270. The output side rotating piece 22 is provided in a manner that can rotate integrally with the pressure plate 270.

[0108] like Fig.15 and Fig.17As shown, the pressure plate 270 has a pressure side cam hole 273H that penetrates a portion of the base wall 273. The pressure side cam hole 273H penetrates the base wall 273 in the direction D. The pressure side cam hole 273H is located radially outward of the cylindrical portion 80. The pressure side cam hole 273H extends from the side of the cylindrical portion 80 to the outer peripheral wall 275. The pressure side cam hole 273H is formed between adjacent pressure side cam portions 90. The pressure side cam hole 273H is formed between the pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A and the pressure side sliding cam surface 90S of the adjacent pressure side cam portions 90. When viewed from the axial direction of the pressure plate 270, the pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A and a portion of the pressure side cam hole 273H overlap. The clutch oil flows into the pressure side cam hole 273H from the outside of the pressure plate 270.

[0109] like Fig.17 As shown, the pressure side fitting portion 288 is located radially outward from the cylindrical portion 280. The pressure side fitting portion 288 is located radially outward from the pressure side cam portion 90. The pressure side fitting portion 288 is located on the first direction D1 side from the pressure side cam portion 90. The pressure side fitting portion 288 is formed on the inner peripheral surface 275B of the outer peripheral wall 275. The pressure side fitting portion 288 is configured to be inserted into the central side fitting portion 258 (see Fig.15 ) is externally fitted in a slidable manner. A gap is formed between the pressure side fitting portion 288 and the center side fitting portion 258.

[0110] like Fig.17As shown, the pressure side cam portion 90 has a sixth step portion 365 formed between the main inner circumferential surface 293A of the pressure side main body portion 93 and the secondary inner circumferential surface 291A of the pressure side auxiliary cam portion 91. The sixth step portion 365 is an example of a step portion. The sixth step portion 365 extends in the axial direction (i.e., direction D) of the output shaft 15. The sixth step portion 365 is inclined in a manner that the more it goes in the first direction D1, the more it is located radially outward. It should be noted that the sixth step portion 365 can also be parallel to the axis of the output shaft 15. The secondary inner circumferential surface 291A is located radially outward of the main inner circumferential surface 293A. The secondary inner circumferential surface 291A is inclined radially inward toward the first direction D1. That is, the secondary inner circumferential surface 291A is inclined in a manner that the more it goes in the second direction D2, the more it moves away from the main inner circumferential surface 293A to the radial outside. It should be noted that the secondary inner circumferential surface 291A can also be parallel to the axis of the output shaft 15. The secondary inner circumferential surface 291A is connected to the pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A. The step portion side inner circumferential surface 293AG adjacent to the sixth step portion 365 in the main inner circumferential surface 293A is inclined radially inward toward the first direction D1. That is, the step portion side inner circumferential surface 293AG is inclined in a manner that the further it goes to the second direction D2, the further it moves away from the secondary inner circumferential surface 291A radially inward. As a result, the radial length of the sixth step portion 365 (i.e., the height of the sixth step portion 365) becomes longer (i.e., higher) as it goes to the second direction D2. It should be noted that the main inner circumferential surface 293A may also be inclined radially inward as a whole toward the first direction D1. The clutch oil flowing along the second circumferential direction S2 on the secondary inner circumferential surface 291A is intercepted by the sixth step portion 365 and accumulated on the surface of the secondary inner circumferential surface 291A. As a result, the clutch oil accumulated on the surface of the secondary inner circumferential surface 291A is supplied to the pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A.

[0111] As described above, according to the clutch device 210 of the present embodiment, the center side cam portion 60 has a fourth step portion 295 formed between the main outer peripheral surface 263A of the center side main body portion 63 and the secondary outer peripheral surface 261A of the center side auxiliary cam portion 61 and extending in the axial direction of the output shaft 15. Here, the secondary outer peripheral surface 261A is located radially inward of the main outer peripheral surface 263A. In addition, at least the step portion side outer peripheral surface 263AG adjacent to the fourth step portion 295 in the main outer peripheral surface 263A is inclined radially outward in the first direction D1. In addition, the clutch center portion 240 is configured to rotate in the direction from the center side auxiliary cam portion 61 to the center side main body portion 63 (i.e., the first circumferential direction S1). Therefore, the clutch oil flowing on the main outer peripheral surface 263A flows along the fourth step portion 295 and flows toward the secondary outer peripheral surface 261A. Furthermore, since the center-side auxiliary cam portion 61 including the auxiliary outer peripheral surface 261A includes the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A, the clutch oil flowing on the auxiliary outer peripheral surface 261A is supplied to the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A. Here, since the direction in which the auxiliary outer peripheral surface 261A is inclined relative to the axial direction of the output shaft 15 is opposite to the direction in which the step-side outer peripheral surface 263AG is inclined relative to the axial direction of the output shaft 15, the height of the fourth step portion 295 can be increased, and the amount of clutch oil accumulated on the surface of the auxiliary outer peripheral surface 261A, that is, the amount of clutch oil supplied to the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A can be increased. In this way, the clutch oil can be effectively supplied to the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A via the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A and the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A.

[0112] In the clutch device 210 of the present embodiment, when viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15, the center-side cam hole 243H includes a first portion 243HA having a first length in the circumferential direction L9 from one end of the circumferential direction S to the secondary outer peripheral surface 261A and a second portion 243HB located radially outward from the first portion 243HA and having a second length in the circumferential direction S from one end to the other end thereof that is longer than the first length in the circumferential direction S L10. According to the above scheme, the pressure plate 270 and the clutch center portion 240 can be easily assembled.

[0113] In addition, as other specific aspects of the technology disclosed herein, the aspects described in the following items can be cited.

[0114] Item 1: A clutch device is a clutch device that transmits or cuts off the rotational driving force of an input shaft to an output shaft, wherein it comprises: a clutch central portion, which is accommodated in a clutch housing that holds a plurality of input-side rotating plates that are rotationally driven by the rotational drive of the input shaft, and is rotationally driven together with the output shaft; and a pressure plate that is arranged in a manner that can approach or move away from the clutch central portion and can rotate relatively, and holds a plurality of output-side rotating plates that are alternately arranged with the input-side rotating plates, and can press the input-side rotating plates and the output-side rotating plates, wherein the clutch central portion has The clutch has a plurality of central cam portions, each of which is provided with a central auxiliary cam surface for generating a force in a direction in which the pressure plate approaches the central portion of the clutch in order to increase the pressing force between the input-side rotating plate and the output-side rotating plate when the pressure plate rotates relative to the pressure plate, and a central sliding cam surface for causing the pressure plate to move away from the central portion of the clutch in order to reduce the pressing force between the input-side rotating plate and the output-side rotating plate; and a central cam hole for penetrating the central portion of the clutch. The clutch central portion includes a step portion formed between the outer peripheral surface of the output shaft holding portion and the central side sliding cam portion and extending in the axial direction of the output shaft, the outer peripheral surface of the output shaft holding portion is located closer to the central side sliding cam portion than to the central side sliding cam portion. On the radially inner side, when the direction from the central side cam portion of one side to the central side cam portion of the other side is set as the first circumferential direction, and the direction from the central side cam portion of the other side to the central side cam portion of one side is set as the second circumferential direction, the clutch central portion is configured to rotate in the first circumferential direction in the direction from the central side auxiliary cam surface of one of the central side cam portions to the central side sliding cam surface, and when viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft, the step portion is adjacent to the radially innermost portion of the edge of the central side cam hole in the second circumferential direction.

[0115] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the above embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention can be implemented in various other forms.

[0116] In the second embodiment described above, the clutch center 240 is configured not to hold the output side rotating plate 22 , but the present invention is not limited thereto. The clutch center 240 may include center side engaging teeth having a structure similar to the pressure side engaging teeth 77 of the first embodiment capable of holding the output side rotating plate 22 .

[0117] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is determined only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A clutch device that transmits or cuts off the rotational driving force of an input shaft to an output shaft, wherein: have: A clutch central portion is housed in a clutch housing that holds a plurality of input-side rotating plates that are rotationally driven by the rotational drive of the input shaft, and is rotationally driven together with the output shaft; and a pressure plate, which is arranged in a manner that it can approach or move away from the central portion of the clutch and can rotate relatively, and holds at least a part of a plurality of output-side rotating plates arranged alternately with the input-side rotating plates, and can press the input-side rotating plates and the output-side rotating plates, The pressure plate has a plurality of pressure-side cam portions, each of which has a pressure-side auxiliary cam surface for generating a force in a direction in which the pressure plate approaches the clutch center portion in order to increase the pressing force between the input-side rotating plate and the output-side rotating plate when the pressure plate rotates relative to the clutch center portion. The pressure side cam portion comprises: a pressure-side auxiliary cam portion, comprising the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface; a pressure-side main body portion, adjacent to the pressure-side auxiliary cam portion and located on a side opposite to a rotation direction of the pressure plate relative to the pressure-side auxiliary cam portion; and a step portion formed between the main outer peripheral surface of the pressure-side main body portion and the secondary outer peripheral surface of the pressure-side auxiliary cam portion and extending in the axial direction of the output shaft, When the direction from one pressure side cam portion to the other pressure side cam portion is set as a first circumferential direction and the direction from the other pressure side cam portion to one pressure side cam portion is set as a second circumferential direction, the pressure plate is configured to rotate in the first circumferential direction. The secondary outer peripheral surface is located radially inward of the primary outer peripheral surface. When the direction in which the pressure plate approaches the clutch center is defined as a first direction and the direction in which the pressure plate moves away from the clutch center is defined as a second direction, the secondary outer peripheral surface is inclined radially inward toward the second direction. At least the outer peripheral surface on the step portion side of the main outer peripheral surface adjacent to the step portion is inclined radially outward in the second direction over the entire range adjacent to the step portion. The step portion is configured to intercept the clutch oil flowing in the second circumferential direction on the secondary outer peripheral surface and accumulate it on the surface of the secondary outer peripheral surface, and to supply the clutch oil accumulated on the secondary outer peripheral surface to the pressure-side assist cam surface.

2. The clutch device according to claim 1, The pressing plate has: a cylindrical portion that accommodates the top end of the output shaft and receives the clutch oil flowing out of the output shaft; and The plurality of pressure-side sliding cam portions have pressure-side cam holes formed to penetrate between the adjacent pressure-side cam portions at the radially outer side of the cylindrical portion. The pressure-side cam portion is located radially outward of the cylindrical portion and has a pressure-side sliding cam portion, wherein the pressure-side sliding cam portion includes a pressure-side sliding cam surface for moving the pressure plate away from the clutch center portion in order to reduce the pressing force between the input-side rotating plate and the output-side rotating plate. The pressure-side main body portion is located between the pressure-side auxiliary cam portion and the pressure-side sliding cam portion. The cylindrical portion has: The cam hole side outer peripheral surface is located on the inner peripheral side of the pressure side cam hole; and The cam portion side outer peripheral surface is located radially outward of the cam hole side outer peripheral surface and is adjacent to the pressure side sliding cam portion. The pressure plate includes another step portion formed between the cam hole side outer peripheral surface and the cam portion side outer peripheral surface and extending in the axial direction of the output shaft, The pressure plate is configured to rotate in a direction from the pressure-side main body portion to the pressure-side auxiliary cam portion. The outer peripheral surface on the cam hole side is inclined radially inward toward the second direction, The cam portion-side outer peripheral surface is inclined radially outward toward the second direction.

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