Clutch device and motorized two-wheeled vehicle

Abstract

The present invention provides a clutch device and a two-wheeled motor vehicle. The clutch device comprises a clutch center portion, and a pressure plate arranged to be able to approach or leave the clutch center portion and relatively rotate, the pressure plate comprising a pressure plate side cam portion, the clutch center portion comprising a center portion side cam portion, the pressure plate comprising a boss portion extending in a direction, the clutch center portion comprising a through hole for inserting the boss portion, the through hole being configured to extend in a circumferential direction and allow the boss portion to move in a circumferential direction and in a direction, and when the surface of the pressure plate side cam portion contacts the surface of the center portion side cam portion, the top end of the boss portion protrudes from the through hole to the outside.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-154812 filed on September 28, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a clutch device and a motorcycle, and more particularly to a clutch device for arbitrarily transmitting or cutting off the rotational driving force of an input shaft rotationally driven by a prime mover such as an engine to an output shaft, and a motorcycle equipped with the clutch device. Background Art

[0004] In the past, vehicles such as motorcycles 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 that are connected to the 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. 6894972 discloses a clutch device comprising: a clutch center (clutch member) that holds an output-side rotating plate (driven-side clutch plate); and a pressure plate (pressure member) that is arranged to be able to approach and leave the clutch center. 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 and the pressure plate are assembled for use.

[0006] In addition, the clutch center and pressure plate of the clutch device of Japanese Patent Gazette No. 6894972 include: an auxiliary cam surface, which generates a force in the direction of causing the pressure plate to approach the clutch center when the rotational driving force of the engine can 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, which causes the pressure plate to separate from the clutch center when the rotational speed of the clutch center 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 addition, the clutch center and the pressure plate each have a cam portion, and the cam portion has at least one of an auxiliary cam surface and a sliding cam surface. Here, the surface on the pressure plate side of the cam portion of the clutch center (hereinafter referred to as the center side cam portion) and the surface on the clutch center side of the cam portion of the pressure plate (hereinafter referred to as the pressure plate side cam portion) may come into contact (e.g., surface contact). That is, the pressure plate may go over the clutch center. In particular, when assembling the clutch center and the pressure plate, it may happen that the pressure plate goes over the clutch center. In this state, since the clutch device cannot function properly, it is desired to easily release the contact between the surface on the pressure plate side of the center side cam portion and the surface on the clutch center side of the pressure plate side cam portion.

[0008] The present invention is completed in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a clutch device that can easily release the contact between the surface on the pressure plate side of the center side cam portion and the surface on the clutch center side of the pressure plate side cam portion, and a motor two-wheeled vehicle equipped with the clutch device. Summary of the invention

[0009] The clutch device involved in the present invention transmits or cuts off the rotational driving force of the input shaft to the output shaft, wherein it comprises: a clutch center 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 holds a plurality of output-side rotating plates that are alternately arranged with the input-side rotating plates and are rotationally driven together with the output shaft; a pressure plate that is arranged to be able to approach or leave the clutch center portion and to be able to rotate relatively, and to be able to press the input-side rotating plates and the output-side rotating plates, the pressure plate having a pressure plate side cam portion, the pressure plate side cam portion having a pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface and At least one of the pressure plate side sliding cam surfaces, the pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface generates a force in a direction causing the pressure plate to approach 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, and the pressure plate side sliding cam surface causes the pressure plate to move 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 when the pressure plate rotates relative to the clutch center portion, and the clutch center portion includes a center portion side cam portion, and the center portion side cam portion includes a center portion side auxiliary cam surface and a center portion side cam surface. At least one of the core-side sliding cam surfaces, the center-side auxiliary cam surface generates a force in a direction causing the pressure plate to approach 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 clutch center portion rotates relative to the pressure plate, and the center-side sliding cam surface generates a force in a direction causing the pressure plate to approach 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 clutch center portion rotates relative to the pressure plate in order to reduce the pressing force between the input-side rotating plate and the output-side rotating plate and cause the pressure plate to move away from the clutch center portion, with the direction of movement of the pressure plate being the moving direction and the direction in which the pressure plate approaches the clutch center portion being the direction in which the pressure plate moves. The first direction is the first direction, and when the direction in which the pressure plate leaves the clutch center portion is set as the second direction, either the pressure plate and the clutch center portion has a boss portion extending in the moving direction, and the other of the pressure plate and the clutch center portion has a through hole formed through the moving direction and for the boss portion to be inserted, the through hole is configured to extend in the circumferential direction and allow movement of the boss portion in the circumferential direction and the moving direction, and when the surface of the pressure plate side cam portion on the first direction side contacts the surface of the center portion side cam portion on the second direction side, the top end of the boss portion protrudes from the through hole to the outside.

[0010] According to the clutch device involved in the present invention, when the surface on the first direction side of the pressure plate side cam portion contacts the surface on the second direction side of the center portion side cam portion, the top end of the boss portion protrudes from the through hole to the outside. Therefore, for example, when the clutch center portion and the pressure plate are assembled, even if the surface on the first direction side of the pressure plate side cam portion contacts the surface on the second direction side of the center portion side cam portion and the pressure plate goes over the clutch center portion, the boss portion protruding from the through hole to the outside can be grasped. Here, since the through hole is configured to extend in the circumferential direction and allow the boss portion to move in the circumferential direction and the moving direction, the contact between the surface on the first direction side of the pressure plate side cam portion and the surface on the second direction side of the center portion side cam portion can be easily released by relatively rotating the clutch center portion and the pressure plate in a state where the boss portion is grasped.

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a clutch device capable of easily releasing the contact between the surface of the center-side cam portion on the pressure plate side and the surface of the pressure plate-side cam portion on the clutch center-side side.

[0012] 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

[0013] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view of a clutch device according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of a clutch center portion according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of a clutch center portion according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of a pressing plate involved in one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing a state in which a clutch center and a pressure plate according to an embodiment are assembled.

[0018] Fig. 6A This is a schematic diagram for explaining the functions of the center-side auxiliary cam surface and the pressure plate-side auxiliary cam surface.

[0019] Figure 6B This is a schematic diagram for explaining the functions of the center portion side sliding cam surface and the pressure plate side sliding cam surface.

[0020] Fig. 7A It is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a clutch center and a pressure plate according to an embodiment are normally assembled.

[0021] Figure 7B This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a pressure plate according to an embodiment has climbed onto a clutch center portion.

[0022] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of a lifting plate according to one embodiment.

[0023] Fig.9A It is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a clutch center and a pressure plate according to another embodiment are normally assembled.

[0024] Fig. 9B This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a pressure plate according to another embodiment has climbed over a clutch center portion.

[0025] Fig.10 It is an exploded perspective view of a clutch center and a pressure plate according to another embodiment.

[0026] Fig.11 It is a perspective view of a pressing plate involved in another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Hereinafter, the embodiment of the clutch device involved in the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the embodiment described here is certainly not intended to specifically limit the present invention. In addition, the same reference numerals are marked on the components and parts that play the same role, and repeated descriptions are appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0028] <First Embodiment>

[0029] Figure 1 1 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 motorcycle. 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 motorcycle to the output shaft 15. 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.

[0030] In the following description, the direction in which the pressure plate 70 of the clutch device 10 is arranged with the clutch center 40 is referred to as direction D, the direction in which the pressure plate 70 approaches the clutch center 40 is referred to as first direction D1, and the direction in which the pressure plate 70 moves away from the clutch center 40 is referred to as second direction D2. Direction D is an example of a moving direction. In addition, the circumferential direction of the clutch center 40 and the pressure plate 70 is referred to as circumferential direction S, and the direction from one pressure plate side cam portion 90 toward the other pressure plate side cam portion 90 on the circumferential direction S is referred to as first circumferential direction S1 (refer to Figure 4 ), the direction from the other platen side cam portion 90 toward the one platen side cam portion 90 is defined as the second circumferential direction S2 (refer to Figure 4 ). 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 center 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 center 40 rotate in the first circumferential direction S1. However, the above directions are only directions determined for the convenience of explanation, and do not limit the setting method of the clutch device 10 in any way, nor do they limit the present invention in any way.

[0031] The output shaft 15 is a hollow shaft. Figure 1 As shown, the end portion of one side of the output shaft 15 rotatably supports the input gear 35 and the clutch housing 30 described later via a bearing (not shown). The output shaft 15 fixedly supports the clutch center 40 via a nut (not shown). That is, the output shaft 15 rotates integrally with the clutch center 40. The end portion of the other side of the output shaft 15 is connected to, for example, a transmission (not shown) of a motorcycle.

[0032] 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 first direction D1 from an edge of the bottom wall 31. The clutch housing 30 holds a plurality of input-side rotating plates 20.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, 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.

[0034] The input side rotating plate 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 to be displaceable along the axial direction of the clutch housing 30. The input side rotating plate 20 is provided to be rotatable integrally with the clutch housing 30.

[0035] The input side rotating plate 20 is a member pressed against the output side rotating plate 22. The input side rotating plate 20 is a flat plate formed in a ring shape. The input side rotating plate 20 is formed by punching a thin plate made of SPCC (cold rolled steel plate) material into a ring shape. Friction members (not shown) made of a plurality of paper sheets are attached to the surface and back of the input side rotating plate 20. Grooves with a depth of several μm to several tens of μm are formed between the friction members for retaining the clutch oil.

[0036] 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.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the main body 42 comprises: an annular base wall 43; an outer peripheral wall 45, which is located radially outside the base wall 43 and extends toward the second direction D2; an output shaft retaining portion 50, which is arranged in the center of the base wall 43; a plurality of center portion side cam portions 60, which are connected to the base wall 43 and the outer peripheral wall 45; and a center portion side interlocking portion 58.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, the output shaft holding portion 50 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The output shaft holding portion 50 protrudes from the surface 43A of the base wall 43 in the second direction D2. The surface 43A of the base wall 43 is an example of a surface on the second direction D2 side of the main body 42. The end of the second direction side of the output shaft holding portion 50 is located closer to the second direction D2 side than the end of the second direction D2 side of the outer peripheral wall 45. An insertion hole 51 is formed through the output shaft holding portion 50 for the output shaft 15 to be inserted and splined. The inner peripheral surface 50A of the output shaft holding portion 50 in which the insertion hole 51 is formed is formed with a plurality of spline grooves along the axial direction. The output shaft 15 is connected to the output shaft holding portion 50.

[0039] like Figure 2As shown, the outer peripheral wall 45 of the clutch center 40 is arranged radially outward from the output shaft holding portion 50. A spline fitting portion 46 is provided on the outer peripheral surface 45A of the outer peripheral wall 45. The spline fitting portion 46 includes: a plurality of center side fitting teeth 47 extending in the axial direction of the clutch center 40 along the outer peripheral surface 45A of the outer peripheral wall 45; a plurality of spline grooves 48 formed between adjacent center side fitting teeth 47 and extending in the axial direction of the clutch center 40; and an oil discharge hole 49. The center side fitting teeth 47 hold the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22. The plurality of center side fitting teeth 47 are arranged in the circumferential direction S. The plurality of center side fitting teeth 47 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S. The plurality of center side fitting teeth 47 are formed in the same shape. The center side fitting teeth 47 protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface 45A of the outer peripheral wall 45. The oil discharge hole 49 is formed to penetrate 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 auxiliary cam surface 60A 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 auxiliary cam surface 60A. The oil discharge hole 49 is formed on the first circumferential direction S1 side of the spring accommodation 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 positions with 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 in the clutch center portion 40 to the outside of the clutch center portion 40. Here, the oil discharge hole 49 discharges the clutch oil flowing on the inner peripheral surface 45B side of the outer peripheral wall 45 to the outside of the clutch center portion 40 .

[0040] The output side rotating plate 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 plate 22 is held by the center portion side fitting teeth 47 and the spline grooves 48 of the clutch center portion 40 through spline fitting. Another portion of the output side rotating plate 22 is held by the pressure plate side fitting teeth 77 (see FIG. 1 ) described later of the pressure plate 70. Figure 4 The output side rotating plate 22 is provided so as to be displaceable along the axial direction of the clutch center 40. The output side rotating plate 22 is provided so as to be rotatable integrally with the clutch center 40.

[0041] The output side rotating plate 22 is a component that is pressed against the input side rotating plate 20. The output side rotating plate 22 is a flat plate formed in a ring shape. The output side rotating plate 22 is formed by punching a thin plate made of SPCC material into a ring shape. Grooves with a depth of several μm to several tens of μm for retaining clutch oil are formed on the surface and back of the output side rotating plate 22. In order to improve wear resistance, surface hardening treatment is applied to the surface and back of the output side rotating plate 22, respectively. In addition, the friction member provided on the input side rotating plate 20 can be provided on the output side rotating plate 22 instead of being provided on the input side rotating plate 20, or can be provided on the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22, respectively.

[0042] The center portion side cam portion 60 is formed into a table shape having a cam surface composed of an inclined surface constituting an assist & slipper (registered trademark) mechanism, which generates a force that increases the pressing force (pressing force) of the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22, namely an assist torque, or a force that causes the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22 to separate as soon as possible and transfer to a semi-clutch state, namely a slip torque. The center portion side cam portion 60 is formed on the main body 42. More specifically, the center portion side cam portion 60 is formed to protrude from the base wall 43 in the second direction D2. The center portion side cam portion 60 is 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 portion side cam portions 60, but the number of the center portion side cam portions 60 is not limited to 3.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the center-side cam portion 60 is located radially outside the output shaft holding portion 50. The center-side cam portion 60 includes a center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A and a center-side sliding cam surface 60S. The center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A is configured to generate a force in a direction that causes the pressure plate 70 to approach the clutch center 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 40 rotates relative to the pressure plate 70. In the present embodiment, when the above-mentioned force is generated, the position of the pressure plate 70 relative to the clutch center 40 does not change, and the pressure plate 70 does not need to physically approach the clutch center 40. In addition, the pressure plate 70 may also be physically displaced relative to the clutch center 40. The center-side sliding cam surface 60S is configured to cause the pressure plate 70 to move away from the clutch center 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 40 rotates relative to the pressure plate 70. 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.

[0044] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the clutch center 40 has a spring receiving portion 54. The spring receiving portion 54 is formed on the base wall 43. The spring receiving portion 54 is formed to be recessed from the back surface 43B of the base wall 43 toward the second direction D2. The back surface 43B of the base wall 43 is an example of a surface on the first direction D1 side of the main body 42. The spring receiving portion 54 is formed in an elliptical shape. The spring receiving portion 54 receives the pressure spring 25 (see Figure 1 ). The spring receiving portions 54 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 spring receiving portions 54, but the number of spring receiving portions 54 is not limited to 3. The spring receiving portion 54 is located on the first circumferential direction S1 side of the center side sliding cam surface 60S. The spring receiving portion 54 is located on the second circumferential direction S2 side of the center side auxiliary cam surface 60A. A boss portion 84 (see FIG. 1 ) is formed through the spring receiving portion 54 for later description. Figure 4 ) is inserted into the through hole 54H. The through hole 54H is formed through the base wall 43. The through hole 54H is formed through in the moving direction D. The through hole 54H extends in the circumferential direction S. The through hole 54H is configured to allow the boss portion 84 to move in the circumferential direction S and the direction D. The through hole 54H of the present embodiment is formed in an elliptical shape.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the pressure spring 25 is accommodated in the spring accommodation portion 54. The pressure spring 25 is held by the through hole 54H (see FIG. 1 ) inserted into the spring accommodation portion 54. Figure 3 ) in the boss portion 84 described later. The pressure spring 25 urges the pressure plate 70 toward the clutch center portion 40 (ie, toward the first direction D1). The pressure spring 25 is, for example, a coil spring formed by winding spring steel into a spiral shape.

[0046] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the clutch center 40 has a center-side cam hole 43H that penetrates a portion of the base wall 43. The center-side cam hole 43H penetrates the base wall 43 in the direction D. The center-side cam hole 43H extends from the side of the output shaft holding portion 50 to the outer peripheral wall 45. The center-side cam hole 43H is formed between the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A of the center-side cam portion 60 and the spring receiving portion 54. When viewed from the axial direction of the clutch center 40, the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A overlaps a portion of the center-side cam hole 43H.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, the clutch center 40 has a lifting plate 100 (see Figure 1) The center portion side sliding surface 56 on which the base wall 43 slides. The center portion side sliding surface 56 is provided on the inner peripheral surface 45B of the outer peripheral wall 45. The center portion side sliding surface 56 is located on the first direction D1 side relative to the back surface 43B of the base wall 43.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the center portion side fitting portion 58 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the output shaft holding portion 50. The center portion side fitting portion 58 is configured to be slidably fitted into the pressure plate side fitting portion 88 (see FIG. 1 ) described later. Figure 4 ). A gap is formed between the center side fitting portion 58 and the pressure plate side fitting portion 88. In the present embodiment, for example, the center side fitting portion 58 is formed to have an outer diameter that is 0.1 mm smaller than the inner diameter of the pressure plate side fitting portion 88. The dimensional tolerance between the outer diameter of the center side fitting portion 58 and the inner diameter of the pressure plate side fitting portion 88 is, for example, greater than 0.1 mm and less than 0.5 mm. The length of the center side fitting portion 58 in the direction D is formed to be longer than the moving distance (stroke) of the pressure plate 70 in the direction D.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the pressure plate 70 is accommodated in the clutch housing 30. The pressure plate 70 is located between the clutch housing 30 and the clutch center 40. The pressure plate 70 is arranged to be able to approach or leave the clutch center 40 and to 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 center 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 more than the flange 98. The pressure plate 70 holds a plurality of output side rotating plates 22 alternately arranged with the input side rotating plate 20. The output side rotating plate 22 is arranged to be able to move along the axial direction of the pressure plate 70. The output side rotating plate 22 is arranged to be able to rotate integrally with the pressure plate 70.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, the main body 72 includes a fitting hole 80 , a plurality of pressure plate side cam portions 90 , and a pressure plate side fitting portion 88 .

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, the flange 98 extends radially outward from the outer peripheral edge of the body 72. The flange 98 sandwiches the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22 together with the flange 68 of the clutch core 40. The flange 98 is a member for applying a pressing force to the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22.

[0052] like Figure 4 As shown, the fitting hole 80 is formed at the center of the main body 72. The fitting hole 80 penetrates the main body 72 in the direction D. The output shaft holding portion 50 of the clutch center portion 40 is inserted into the fitting hole 80.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, the pressure plate side fitting portion 88 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the main body 72 forming the fitting hole 80. The pressure plate side fitting portion 88 is configured to be slidably fitted on the center portion side fitting portion 58 (see Figure 2 ).

[0054] The platen-side cam portion 90 is formed in a table shape having a cam surface composed of an inclined surface constituting an assist and slide (registered trademark) mechanism that slides on the center-side cam portion 60 to generate an assist torque or a slide torque. The platen-side cam portion 90 is formed to protrude in the first direction D1 from the flange 98. Figure 5 As shown, the press plate side cam portions 90 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S of the press plate 70. In the present embodiment, the press plate 70 has three press plate side cam portions 90, but the number of the press plate side cam portions 90 is not limited to three.

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, the pressure plate side cam portion 90 is located radially outside the fitting hole 80. The pressure plate side cam portion 90 has a pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface 90A and a pressure plate side sliding cam surface 90S. The pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface 90A is configured to be able to contact with the center side auxiliary cam surface 60A. The pressure plate 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 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 pressure plate 70 rotates relative to the clutch center 40. The pressure plate side sliding cam surface 90S is configured to be able to contact with the center side sliding cam surface 60S. The pressure plate side sliding cam surface 90S is configured to cause the pressure plate 70 to leave the clutch center 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 pressure plate 70 rotates relative to the clutch center 40. In the platen-side cam portions 90 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction S, the platen-side auxiliary cam surface 90A of one platen-side cam portion 90L and the platen-side sliding cam surface 90S of the other platen-side cam portion 90M are arranged to face each other in the circumferential direction S.

[0056] Here, the functions of the center cam portion 60 and the pressure plate cam portion 90 are 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. 6A 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 plate side auxiliary cam surface 90A. As a result, the pressing force between the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22 is increased.

[0057] 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. Figure 6B As shown, a rotational force in the first circumferential direction S1 is applied to the clutch center 40. Therefore, the center side sliding cam surface 60S and the pressure plate 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. Thus, adverse conditions on the engine or transmission caused by reverse torque can be avoided.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, the pressure plate 70 has a pressure plate side cam hole 73H that passes through the main body 72 and a portion of the flange 98. The pressure plate side cam hole 73H is located radially outward of the fitting hole 80. The pressure plate side cam hole 73H extends from the side of the fitting hole 80 to the radially outward of the pressure plate side cam portion 90. The pressure plate side cam hole 73H is formed between adjacent pressure plate side cam portions 90. The pressure plate side cam hole 73H is formed between the pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface 90A and the pressure plate side sliding cam surface 90S of the adjacent pressure plate side cam portions 90. When viewed from the axial direction of the pressure plate 70, the pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface 90A overlaps with a portion of the pressure plate side cam hole 73H.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, the pressure plate 70 has a plurality of pressure plate side engaging teeth 77 formed on the flange 98. The pressure plate side engaging teeth 77 hold the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22. The pressure plate side engaging teeth 77 are located radially outward from the engaging holes 80. The pressure plate side engaging teeth 77 are located radially outward from the pressure plate side cam portion 90. The pressure plate side engaging teeth 77 protrude from the flange 98 toward the first direction D1. The plurality of pressure plate side engaging teeth 77 are arranged in the circumferential direction S. The plurality of pressure plate side engaging teeth 77 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S.

[0060] like Figure 4 As shown, the pressure plate 70 has a plurality of (three in the present embodiment) boss portions 84. The boss portion 84 is a component that supports the clutch center portion 40. The plurality of boss portions 84 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S. The boss portion 84 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The boss portion 84 is located radially outward of the mating hole 80. The boss portion 84 extends in the direction D. The boss portion 84 is provided on the pressure plate side cam portion 90. The boss portion 84 is located between the pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface 90A and the pressure plate side sliding cam surface 90S in the circumferential direction S. The boss portion 84 extends from the surface 90F of the pressure plate side cam portion 90 toward the clutch center portion 40 (i.e., toward the first direction D1). A portion for the bolt 28 (see Figure 1) is inserted into the threaded hole 84H. The threaded hole 84H extends in the axial direction of the pressure plate 70. The surface 90F of the pressure plate side cam portion 90 is an example of a surface of the pressure plate side cam portion 90 on the first direction D1 side (clutch center portion 40 side).

[0061] Figure 5 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the clutch center 40 and the pressure plate 70 are assembled (hereinafter referred to as an assembled state). Figure 5 In the state shown, the pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface 90A does not contact the center side auxiliary cam surface 60A, and the pressure plate side sliding cam surface 90S does not contact the center side sliding cam surface 60S. At this time, the pressure plate 70 is closest to the clutch center 40. Alternatively, in the assembled state, the pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface 90A contacts the center side auxiliary cam surface 60A, and the pressure plate side sliding cam surface 90S does not contact the center side sliding cam surface 60S.

[0062] like Fig. 7A As shown in FIG. 1 , in the assembled state, the top end 84T of the boss portion 84 protrudes from the through hole 54H to the outside. The top end 84T of the boss portion 84 is the end portion of the boss portion 84 on the first direction D1 side. Figure 7B As shown, when the surface 90F of the pressure plate side cam portion 90 contacts (e.g., surface contact) with the surface 60F of the center portion side cam portion 60 (i.e., in a state where the pressure plate 70 is mounted on the clutch center portion 40), the top end 84T of the boss portion 84 protrudes from the through hole 54H to the outside. More specifically, when the surface 90F of the pressure plate side cam portion 90 contacts the surface 60F of the center portion side cam portion 60, the top end 84T of the boss portion 84 protrudes from the back surface 43B of the base wall 43 to the outside. When the surface 90F of the pressure plate side cam portion 90 contacts the surface 60F of the center portion side cam portion 60, the top end 84T of the boss portion 84 is located on the first direction D1 side relative to the back surface 43B. Therefore, for example, when the clutch center portion 40 and the pressure plate 70 are assembled, even if the surface 90F of the pressure plate side cam portion 90 contacts the surface 60F of the center portion side cam portion 60, the boss portion 84 protruding from the through hole 54H to the outside can be grasped. In the state of grasping the boss portion 84, for example, by rotating the clutch center portion 40 in the circumferential direction S, the state in which the pressure plate 70 is mounted on the clutch center portion 40 can be released, thereby correcting the positional relationship between the pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface 90A, the center portion side auxiliary cam surface 60A, the pressure plate side sliding cam surface 90S and the center portion side sliding cam surface 60S. The surface 60F of the center portion side cam portion 60 is an example of a surface of the center portion side cam portion 60 on the second direction D2 side (pressure plate 70 side).

[0063] like Figure 1As shown, the clutch device 10 includes a lifting plate 100. The lifting plate 100 is a member for displacing the pressure plate 70 in the direction D. The lifting plate 100 is fixed to the pressure plate 70 by bolts 28. The lifting plate 100 rotates integrally with the pressure plate 70. The lifting plate 100 slides in the direction D along the central part side sliding surface 56 of the clutch central part 40. While the lifting plate 100 moves in the direction D relative to the clutch central part 40, it rotates relative to the clutch central part 40. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the lifting plate 100 includes a main body 102 formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and an extension 104 extending radially outward from the main body 102. Figure 1 As shown, the main body 102 accommodates the release bearing 103. The release bearing 103 is a component pressed by the release fork 110 of the clutch release mechanism (not shown). Here, the so-called clutch release mechanism is a mechanical device that presses the release bearing 103 toward the output shaft 15 side (i.e., the second direction D2 side) via the release fork 110 in a vehicle such as a motor vehicle equipped with the clutch device 10 by the driver's operation of the clutch operating lever (not shown). In addition, Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , the separation fork 110 is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the extension portion 104 supports the pressure spring 25 accommodated in the spring accommodation portion 54 of the clutch center portion 40. The extension portion 104 is a portion that slides in the direction D along the center portion side sliding surface 56 of the clutch center portion 40. In the present embodiment, the lifting plate 100 includes three extension portions 104. The three extension portions 104 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S. The extension portion 104 is formed with an insertion hole 104H for inserting the bolt 28 for fixing the lifting plate 100 to the pressure plate 70.

[0065] The clutch device 10 is filled with a predetermined amount of clutch oil. The clutch oil flows from the back side 43B of the base wall 43 of the clutch center 40 through the center side cam hole 43H to the clutch center 40 and the pressure plate 70. In addition, the clutch oil flows from the back side 43B of the base wall 43 of the clutch center 40 to the outer peripheral surface 45A of the outer peripheral wall 45 through the oil discharge hole 49. In addition, the clutch oil is supplied to the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22 located on the outer peripheral surface 45A of the outer peripheral wall 45. 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.

[0066] Next, the operation of the clutch device 10 of this embodiment will be described. As described above, the clutch device 10 is disposed between the engine and the transmission of the motorcycle, and transmits or cuts off the rotational drive force of the engine to the transmission when the driver operates the clutch lever.

[0067] In the clutch device 10, when the driver of the motorcycle does not operate the clutch lever, the release fork 110 of the clutch release mechanism (not shown) does not press the release bearing 103, 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 connection state in which the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22 are frictionally connected to each other, thereby being rotationally driven. That is, the rotational driving force of the engine is transmitted to the clutch center 40, so that the output shaft 15 is rotationally driven.

[0068] In the clutch connection state, the center side auxiliary cam surface 60A and the pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface 90A act to generate a force in the first direction D1 on the pressure plate 70. As a result, the pressing force between the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22 increases. In addition, in the clutch connection state, 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, the center side sliding cam surface 60S and the pressure plate side sliding cam surface 90S act to move the pressure plate 70 in the second direction D2, and the pressing force between the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22 is released.

[0069] On the other hand, in the clutch device 10, when the driver of the motorcycle operates the clutch lever in the clutch connected state, the release fork 110 of the clutch release mechanism (not shown) presses the release bearing 103, so that the pressure plate 70 overcomes the force of the pressure spring 25 and moves in the direction away from the clutch center 40 (the second direction D2). As a result, the clutch center 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 released, 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 center 40. At this time, since the center side auxiliary cam surface 60A is separated from the pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface 90A, and the center side sliding cam surface 60S is separated from the pressure plate side sliding cam surface 90S, no auxiliary torque and sliding torque are generated.

[0070] Furthermore, when the driver releases the clutch operating lever in the clutch-off state, the release fork 110 of the clutch release mechanism (not shown) releases the pressure on the release bearing 103, 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.

[0071] As described above, according to the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, when the surface 90F of the pressure plate side cam portion 90 contacts the surface 60F of the center portion side cam portion 60, the top end 84T of the boss portion 84 protrudes from the through hole 54H to the outside. Therefore, for example, when the clutch center 40 and the pressure plate 70 are assembled, even if the surface 90F of the pressure plate side cam portion 90 contacts the surface 60F of the center portion side cam portion 60 and the pressure plate 70 goes over the clutch center 40, the boss portion 84 protruding from the through hole 54H can be grasped. Here, the through hole 54H is configured to extend in the circumferential direction S and allow the boss portion 84 to move in the circumferential direction S and the direction D. Therefore, by relatively rotating the clutch center 40 and the pressure plate 70 while grasping the boss portion 84, the contact between the surface 90F of the pressure plate side cam portion 90 and the surface 60F of the center portion side cam portion 60 can be easily released.

[0072] In the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, the clutch core 40 includes: a main body 42 formed with a core side cam portion 60; and a spring receiving portion 54 formed to be recessed from the surface of the back surface 43B of the base wall 43 of the main body 42 in the second direction D2 and receiving the pressure spring 25 that urges the pressure plate 70 in the first direction D1, a boss portion 84 formed on the pressure plate 70, and a through hole 54H formed in the spring receiving portion 54 of the clutch core 40, and when the surface 90F of the pressure plate side cam portion 90 contacts the surface 60F of the core side cam portion 60, the top end 84T of the boss portion 84 is located on the first direction D1 side relative to the back surface 43B of the base wall 43 of the main body 42. According to the above mode, even if the pressure plate 70 goes over the clutch core 40, the boss portion 84 formed on the pressure plate 70 protrudes to the outside from the through hole 54H formed in the spring receiving portion 54. At this time, the tip 84T of the boss portion 84 is located on the first direction D1 side relative to the back surface 43B of the base wall 43 of the body 42. Therefore, the boss portion 84 can be easily grasped.

[0073] In the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, the center-side cam portion 60 includes a center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A and a center-side sliding cam surface 60S, and the pressure plate-side cam portion 90 includes a pressure plate-side auxiliary cam surface 90A and a pressure plate-side sliding cam surface 90S. According to the above-mentioned mode, since the contact between the surface 90F of the pressure plate-side cam portion 90 and the surface 60F of the center-side cam portion 60 can be easily released, the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A and the pressure plate-side auxiliary cam surface 90A can be appropriately functioned, thereby generating a force in the first direction D1 on the pressure plate 70. In addition, the center-side sliding cam surface 60S and the pressure plate-side sliding cam surface 90S can be appropriately functioned, thereby moving the pressure plate 70 in the second direction D2.

[0074] <Second Embodiment>

[0075] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the boss portion 84 is formed on the pressure plate 70, and the through hole 54H is formed in the spring receiving portion 54 of the clutch center portion 40, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Fig.9A As shown, the spring receiving portion 54 of the pressure plate 70 may be provided with a through hole 54H, and the boss portion 84 may be provided on the clutch center portion 40. In this case, the clutch center portion 40 is located between the clutch housing 30 and the pressure plate 70.

[0076] like Fig.9A As shown, the pressure plate 70 includes a spring receiving portion 54. The spring receiving portion 54 is formed in the main body 72 formed with the pressure plate side cam portion 90. The spring receiving portion 54 is formed to be recessed from the back surface 72R of the main body 72 toward the first direction D1. The back surface 72R of the main body 72 is an example of a surface on the second direction D2 side of the main body 72. The spring receiving portions 54 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S of the pressure plate 70. A through hole 54H is formed through the spring receiving portion 54, into which the boss portion 84 is inserted.

[0077] like Fig.9A As shown, the clutch center 40 has a plurality of (three in this embodiment) bosses 84. The bosses 84 are members that support the pressure plate 70. The plurality of bosses 84 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S. The bosses 84 extend in the direction D. The bosses 84 are provided on the base wall 43 of the body 42. The bosses 84 are located between the center side auxiliary cam surface 60A and the center side sliding cam surface 60S in the circumferential direction S. The bosses 84 extend from the surface 43A of the base wall 43 toward the pressure plate 70 (i.e., toward the second direction D2).

[0078] like Fig.9A As shown in FIG. 1 , in the assembled state, the top end 184T of the boss portion 84 protrudes from the through hole 54H to the outside. The top end 184T of the boss portion 84 is the end portion of the boss portion 84 on the second direction D2 side. Fig. 9BAs shown, when the surface 90F of the pressure plate side cam portion 90 contacts (e.g., surface contact) with the surface 60F of the center portion side cam portion 60 (i.e., when the pressure plate 70 is over the clutch center portion 40), the top end 184T of the boss portion 84 protrudes from the through hole 54H to the outside. More specifically, when the surface 90F of the pressure plate side cam portion 90 contacts the surface 60F of the center portion side cam portion 60, the top end 184T of the boss portion 84 protrudes from the back surface 72R of the main body 72 of the pressure plate 70 to the outside. When the surface 90F of the pressure plate side cam portion 90 contacts the surface 60F of the center portion side cam portion 60, the top end 184T of the boss portion 84 is located on the second direction D2 side relative to the back surface 72R. Therefore, for example, when the clutch center 40 and the pressure plate 70 are assembled, even if the surface 90F of the pressure plate side cam portion 90 contacts the surface 60F of the center portion side cam portion 60, the boss portion 84 protruding to the outside from the through hole 54H can be grasped. In the state of grasping the boss portion 84, for example, by rotating the pressure plate 70 in the circumferential direction S, the state in which the pressure plate 70 rides on the clutch center 40 can be released, thereby correcting the positional relationship between the pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface 90A, the center portion side auxiliary cam surface 60A, the pressure plate side sliding cam surface 90S, and the center portion side sliding cam surface 60S.

[0079] In the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, the pressure plate 70 includes: a main body 72 formed with a pressure plate side cam portion 90; and a spring receiving portion 54 formed to be recessed from the back surface 72R of the main body 72 toward the first direction D1 and receiving the pressure spring 25 that urges the pressure plate 70 toward the first direction D1, a boss portion 84 formed at the clutch center 40, and a through hole 54H formed at the spring receiving portion 54 of the pressure plate 70, and when the surface 90F of the pressure plate side cam portion 90 contacts the surface 60F of the center portion side cam portion 60, the top end 184T of the boss portion 84 is located on the second direction D2 side of the back surface 72R of the main body 72. According to the above-mentioned mode, even if the pressure plate 70 goes over the clutch center 40, the boss portion 84 formed at the clutch center 40 protrudes to the outside from the through hole 54H formed at the spring receiving portion 54. At this time, the top end 184T of the boss portion 84 is located on the second direction D2 side of the back surface 72R of the main body 72. Therefore, the boss portion 84 can be easily grasped.

[0080] In the above embodiments, the through hole 54H is formed in the spring housing portion 54 , but the present invention is not limited thereto. The through hole 54H may be formed directly through the base wall 43 of the clutch core 40 or the pressure plate side cam portion 90 of the pressure plate 70 .

[0081] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the output shaft holding portion 50 of the clutch center 40 is formed integrally with the spline fitting portion 46 formed on the outer peripheral wall 45, but they may be formed separately. That is, the clutch center 40 may also be a mode in which the first clutch member having the output shaft holding portion 50 and the second clutch member formed separately from the first clutch member and having the spline fitting portion 46 are used in combination.

[0082] <Third Embodiment>

[0083] Fig.10 It is an exploded perspective view of a clutch core 240 and a pressure plate 270 of a clutch device 210 according to a third embodiment.

[0084] The clutch center 240 is received in the clutch housing 30 (see Figure 1 ). The clutch center 240 is arranged concentrically with the clutch housing 30. Fig.10 As shown, the clutch center 240 has 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 240 does not hold the output side rotating plate 22. The clutch center 240 is connected to the output shaft 15 (see Figure 1 ) are driven to rotate together.

[0085] like Fig.10 As 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.

[0086] The output shaft holding portion 250 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Figure 1 ) is inserted and splined. The insertion hole 251 is formed to penetrate 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.

[0087] like Fig.10 As shown, the clutch core 240 has a plurality of (three in this embodiment) bosses 84. The bosses 84 are located radially outward of the output shaft holding portion 250. The bosses 84 are provided on the main body 242.

[0088] like Fig.10As shown in FIG. 1 , the clutch center 240 has a center side cam hole 243H that penetrates a portion of the main body 242 and the flange 268. The center side cam hole 243H penetrates the main body 242 and the flange 268 in the direction D. The center side cam hole 243H extends from the side of the output shaft holding portion 250 to the flange 268. The center side cam hole 243H is formed between the center side auxiliary cam surface 60A of the center side cam portion 60 and the boss portion 84. When viewed from the axial direction of the clutch center 240, the center side auxiliary cam surface 60A overlaps a portion of the center side cam hole 243H.

[0089] like Fig.10 As shown, the center side fitting portion 258 is provided on the main body 242. The center side fitting portion 258 is located radially outward from the center side cam portion 60. The center side fitting portion 258 is located on the first direction D1 side from the center side cam portion 60. The center side fitting portion 258 is configured to be slidably fitted into the pressure plate side fitting portion 288 (see Fig.11 ).

[0090] The pressure plate 270 is provided to be able to approach or leave the clutch center 240 and to be relatively rotatable. 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 center 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.

[0091] like Fig.11 As shown, the main body 272 includes: an annular base wall 273; an outer peripheral wall 275, which is located radially outside the base wall 273 and extends toward the first direction D1; a cylindrical portion 280, which is arranged at the center of the base wall 273; a plurality of pressure plate side cam portions 90, which are connected to the base wall 273 and the outer peripheral wall 275; a pressure plate side fitting portion 288; and a spring receiving portion 54 (refer to Fig.10 The pressure plate side cam portion 90 is formed to protrude from the main body 272 in the first direction D1. The pressure plate side cam portion 90 is located radially outside the cylindrical portion 280. The pressure plate side cam portion 90 is located radially inside the outer peripheral wall 275.

[0092] The cylindrical portion 280 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical portion 280 is formed integrally with the pressure plate side cam portion 90. The cylindrical portion 280 accommodates the top end portion of the output shaft 15. The cylindrical portion 280 is a portion that receives the clutch oil flowing out from the top end portion of the output shaft 15.

[0093] like Fig.11As 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 includes: a plurality of pressure plate 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 plate side fitting teeth 277 and extending in the axial direction of the pressure plate 270; and an oil discharge hole 279. The pressure plate side fitting teeth 277 hold the output side rotating plate 22. The plurality of pressure plate side fitting teeth 277 are arranged in the circumferential direction S. The plurality of pressure plate side fitting teeth 277 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S. The plurality of pressure plate side fitting teeth 277 are formed in the same shape. The pressure plate 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 by penetrating the outer peripheral wall 275 in the radial direction. The oil discharge holes 279 are formed between adjacent pressure plate 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 plate side cam portion 90. The oil discharge holes 279 are formed on the side of the pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface 90A of the pressure plate side cam portion 90. The oil discharge holes 279 are formed on the first circumferential direction S1 side than the pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface 90A. The oil discharge holes 279 are formed on the second circumferential direction S2 side than the pressure plate 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 the center portion side fitting portion 258 (see Fig.10 ) opposite position.

[0094] The output side rotating plate 22 is held by the spline fitting portion 276 of the pressure plate 270. The output side rotating plate 22 is held by the pressure plate side fitting teeth 277 and the spline groove 278 by spline fitting. The output side rotating plate 22 is provided to be displaceable along the axial direction of the pressure plate 270. The output side rotating plate 22 is provided to be rotatable integrally with the pressure plate 270.

[0095] like Fig.10 and Fig.11As shown, the pressure plate 270 has a pressure plate side cam hole 273H that penetrates a portion of the base wall 273. The pressure plate side cam hole 273H penetrates the base wall 273 in the direction D. The pressure plate side cam hole 273H is located radially outward of the cylindrical portion 80. The pressure plate side cam hole 273H extends from the side of the cylindrical portion 80 to the outer peripheral wall 275. The pressure plate side cam hole 273H is formed between adjacent pressure plate side cam portions 90. The pressure plate side cam hole 273H is formed between the pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface 90A and the pressure plate side sliding cam surface 90S of the adjacent pressure plate side cam portions 90. When viewed from the axial direction of the pressure plate 270, the pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface 90A overlaps with a portion of the pressure plate side cam hole 273H. The clutch oil flows into the pressure plate side cam hole 273H from the outside of the pressure plate 270.

[0096] like Fig.11 As shown, the pressure plate side fitting portion 288 is located radially outward from the cylindrical portion 280. The pressure plate side fitting portion 288 is located radially outward from the pressure plate side cam portion 90. The pressure plate side fitting portion 288 is located on the first direction D1 side from the pressure plate side cam portion 90. The pressure plate side fitting portion 288 is formed on the inner peripheral surface 275B of the outer peripheral wall 275. The pressure plate side fitting portion 288 is configured to be slidably fitted on the central portion side fitting portion 258 (see Fig.10 A gap is formed between the pressure plate side fitting portion 288 and the center portion side fitting portion 258.

[0097] like Fig.11 As shown, the spring receiving portion 54 is formed on the pressure plate side cam portion 90. The spring receiving portion 54 is formed with a boss portion 84 (see Fig.10 ) is inserted into the through hole 54H. The through hole 54H is formed through the pressure plate side cam portion 90. In this embodiment, Fig. 9B In the example shown, the surface 90F (see Fig.11 ) and the surface 60F of the center-side cam portion 60 (see Fig.10 ) contact (e.g., surface contact) (i.e., when the pressure plate 270 is above the clutch center 240), the top end 184T of the boss portion 84 (see Fig.10 More specifically, when the surface 90F of the pressing plate side cam portion 90 contacts the surface 60F of the center portion side cam portion 60, the top end 184T of the boss portion 84 protrudes from the back surface 273R of the base wall 273 of the pressing plate 270 to the outside.

[0098] In the third embodiment, the boss portion 84 is formed on the clutch center portion 240, and the through hole 54H is formed on the spring receiving portion 54 of the pressure plate 270, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the through hole 54H may be formed on the spring receiving portion 54 of the clutch center portion 240, and the boss portion 84 may be formed on the pressure plate 270, as in the first embodiment.

[0099] In addition, as other specific aspects of the technology disclosed herein, aspects described in the following items can be cited.

[0100] Item 1: A clutch device that transmits or cuts off the rotational driving force of an input shaft to an output shaft, comprising:

[0101] A clutch center portion is housed in a clutch housing that holds a plurality of input-side rotating plates that are driven to rotate by the rotation of the input shaft, and is driven to rotate together with the output shaft;

[0102] a pressure plate, which is arranged to be able to approach or leave the clutch center and to be relatively rotatable, holds at least a portion of a plurality of output-side rotating plates alternately arranged with the input-side rotating plates, and is able to press the input-side rotating plates and the output-side rotating plates,

[0103] The pressure plate includes a pressure plate side cam portion, which includes at least one of a pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface and a pressure plate side sliding cam surface, wherein the pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface generates a force in a direction causing the pressure plate to approach 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, and the pressure plate side sliding cam surface causes the pressure plate to move 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 when the pressure plate rotates relative to the clutch center portion.

[0104] The clutch center portion includes a center portion side cam portion, and the center portion side cam portion has at least one of a center portion side auxiliary cam surface and a center portion side sliding cam surface, and the center portion side auxiliary cam surface generates a force in a direction that causes the pressure plate to approach 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 clutch center portion rotates relative to the pressure plate, and the center portion side sliding cam surface causes the pressure plate to move 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 when the clutch center portion rotates relative to the pressure plate.

[0105] When the direction in which the pressure plate moves is set as the moving direction, the direction in which the pressure plate approaches the clutch center portion is set as the first direction, and the direction in which the pressure plate moves away from the clutch center portion is set as the second direction, either the pressure plate or the clutch center portion includes a boss portion extending in the moving direction, and the other of the pressure plate and the clutch center portion includes a through hole formed through the moving direction and into which the boss portion is inserted,

[0106] The through hole is configured to extend in the circumferential direction and to allow the boss portion to move in the circumferential direction and in the moving direction.

[0107] When the surface of the pressure plate side cam portion on the first direction side contacts the surface of the center portion side cam portion on the second direction side, the tip of the boss portion protrudes to the outside from the through hole.

[0108] 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.

[0109] In each of the above-described embodiments, the center-side cam portion 60 includes the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A and the center-side sliding cam surface 60S, but it is sufficient to include at least one of them.

[0110] In each of the above-described embodiments, the platen-side cam portion 90 includes the platen-side auxiliary cam surface 90A and the platen-side sliding cam surface 90S, but it is sufficient to include at least one of them.

[0111] In the third embodiment, 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 also have a center side engaging tooth having a structure similar to the pressure plate side engaging tooth 77 of the first embodiment capable of holding the output side rotating plate 22.

[0112] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that various changes and modifications will be apparent 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 center 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 holds a plurality of output-side rotating plates that are alternately arranged with the input-side rotating plates, and is rotationally driven together with the output shaft; and a pressure plate, which is arranged to be able to approach or leave the clutch center portion and to be relatively rotatable, and is able to press the input-side rotating plate and the output-side rotating plate, The pressing plate has: The pressure plate side cam portion has at least one of a pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface and a pressure plate side sliding cam surface, wherein the pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface generates a force in a direction causing the pressure plate to approach 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, and the pressure plate side sliding cam surface causes the pressure plate to move 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 when the pressure plate rotates relative to the clutch center portion; and The boss portion extends in the moving direction when the direction in which the pressure plate moves is set as the moving direction, the direction in which the pressure plate approaches the clutch center is set as the first direction, and the direction in which the pressure plate moves away from the clutch center is set as the second direction. The clutch center portion comprises: a center portion side cam portion, the center portion side cam portion having at least one of a center portion side auxiliary cam surface and a center portion side sliding cam surface, the center portion side auxiliary cam surface generating a force in a direction causing the pressure plate to approach 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 clutch center portion rotates relative to the pressure plate, and the center portion side sliding cam surface causing the pressure plate to move 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 when the clutch center portion rotates relative to the pressure plate; a main body, formed with the central portion side cam portion; a spring receiving portion, formed to be recessed from the surface of the main body on the first direction side toward the second direction, and receiving a pressure spring that applies force to the pressure plate in the first direction; A through hole is formed in the spring receiving portion and is formed through the spring receiving portion in the moving direction and is inserted into the boss portion; as well as A plurality of center-side cam holes are formed on both sides of the opening end of the spring receiving portion on the first direction side in the circumferential direction. The through hole is configured to extend in the circumferential direction and to allow the boss portion to move in the circumferential direction and in the moving direction. When the surface of the pressure plate side cam portion on the first direction side contacts the surface of the center portion side cam portion on the second direction side, the top end of the boss portion protrudes from the through hole to the outside. When the clutch center portion and the pressure plate are assembled, the top end of the boss portion is located closer to the first direction side than a portion which is a specified portion of the surface connecting the opening end portion on the first direction side of the spring accommodating portion and the cam hole on the center portion side, and which is located at the same position as the boss portion with respect to the radial direction of the clutch center portion.

2. The clutch device according to claim 1, wherein: The center-side cam portion includes the center-side auxiliary cam surface and the center-side sliding cam surface. The pressure plate side cam portion includes the pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface and the pressure plate side sliding cam surface.

3. A motorcycle comprising the clutch device according to claim 1 or 2.

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