Clutch device and motorcycle

Abstract

The clutch device (210) includes: a clutch center sleeve (240) that rotates and drives together with the output shaft (15); and a pressure plate (270) that is arranged to be able to approach or separate from the clutch center sleeve (240) and to be able to rotate relative to the clutch center sleeve (240), and that is able to press the input-side rotating plate (20) and the output-side rotating plate (22). The clutch center sleeve (240) has a flange (268) that extends radially outward from the outer peripheral edge of the main body (242). The flange (268) has: a pressing surface (268A) that is located on the first direction (D1) side of the input-side rotating plate (20) and the output-side rotating plate (22) and that applies a pressing force to the input-side rotating plate (20) and the output-side rotating plate (22); and a through hole (269) that is formed on the radially inner side of the pressing surface (268A).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clutch device and a motorcycle. More specifically, it relates 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, and a motorcycle equipped with this clutch device. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, vehicles such as motorcycles are equipped with a clutch device. 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 generally 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 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 transmission or cut-off of the rotational driving force is performed by pressing and separating the input-side rotating plates and the output-side rotating plates.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 disclose a clutch device that includes a clutch center sleeve and a pressure plate that is arranged to be able to approach and separate from the clutch center sleeve. The pressure plate has a flange that presses the input-side rotating plates and the output-side rotating plates. The rotational driving force is transmitted by pressing the input-side rotating plates and the output-side rotating plates with the flange. In this way, in the clutch device, the clutch center sleeve and the pressure plate are assembled and used.

[0004] Prior Art Documents

[0005] Patent Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6894792 Gazette

[0007] Patent Document 2: International Publication No. 2018 / 172176. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] However, since relative sliding occurs between the input-side rotating plates and the output-side rotating plates, ablation may occur on the input-side rotating plates and the output-side rotating plates. To suppress this ablation, clutch oil is supplied to the input-side rotating plates and the output-side rotating plates. For example, in Patent Document 2, the clutch oil is discharged from the inside of the pressure plate to the outside, and is supplied to the output-side rotating plates and the input-side rotating plates. Here, since the clutch oil flows outside the clutch center sleeve, if the clutch oil can be effectively supplied to the input-side rotating plates and the output-side rotating plates, the ablation of the input-side rotating plates and the output-side rotating plates can be further suppressed.

[0010] The present invention has been completed in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a clutch device that can more effectively supply clutch oil to an input-side rotating plate and an output-side rotating plate, and a motorcycle equipped with the clutch device.

[0011] Means for Solving the Problem

[0012] The 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 the clutch device includes: a clutch center sleeve that is housed in a clutch housing that holds a plurality of input-side rotating plates that are rotationally driven by the rotational driving of the input shaft, and rotates together with the output shaft; and a pressure plate that is arranged to be able to approach or separate from the clutch center sleeve and rotate relative to it, 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. The clutch center sleeve includes: a main body and a flange that extends radially outward from the outer peripheral edge of the main body. The flange includes: a pressing surface and a through hole. When the direction in which the pressure plate approaches the clutch center sleeve is set as the first direction and the direction in which the pressure plate separates from the clutch center sleeve is set as the second direction, the pressing surface is located on the first direction side relative to the input-side rotating plates and the output-side rotating plates, and applies a pressing force to the input-side rotating plates and the output-side rotating plates. The through hole is formed radially inward of the pressing surface.

[0013] According to the clutch device of the present invention, the flange has a through hole formed radially inward of the pressing surface. Therefore, the clutch oil flowing outside the clutch center sleeve flows toward the pressing surface through the through hole. Here, since the input-side rotating plates and the output-side rotating plates are arranged on the second direction side relative to the pressing surface, the clutch oil flowing toward the pressing surface through the through hole is supplied to the input-side rotating plates and the output-side rotating plates. In this way, the flange of the clutch center sleeve has a through hole radially inward of the pressing surface, thereby enabling the clutch oil flowing outside the clutch center sleeve to be effectively supplied to the input-side rotating plates and the output-side rotating plates.

[0014] Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a clutch device that can more effectively supply clutch oil to an input-side rotating plate and an output-side rotating plate. Description of the Drawings

[0016] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a clutch device according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a clutch center sleeve according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 It is a top view of the clutch center sleeve according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the pressure plate according to an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 5A It is a top view of the pressure plate according to an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5B It is a cross-sectional view along the Figure 5A VB-VB line in

[0022] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of the pressure plate according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 7 It is a top view of the pressure plate according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 8 It is a top view showing the state after the clutch center sleeve and the pressure plate according to an embodiment are combined.

[0025] Figure 9A It is a schematic diagram for explaining the functions of the auxiliary cam surface on the center sleeve side and the auxiliary cam surface on the pressure plate side.

[0026] Figure 9B It is a schematic diagram for explaining the functions of the sliding cam surface on the center sleeve side and the sliding cam surface on the pressure plate side.

[0027] Figure 10 It is an exploded perspective view of the clutch center sleeve and the pressure plate according to another embodiment.

[0028] Figure 11A It is a top view of the clutch center sleeve according to another embodiment.

[0029] Figure 11B It is along Figure 11A the cross-sectional view along the XIB-XIB line in

[0030] Figure 12 It is a perspective view of the pressure plate according to another embodiment. Specific Embodiments

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the clutch device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the embodiments described herein are of course not intended to particularly limit the present invention. In addition, components and parts that perform the same functions are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0032] Figure 1FIG. 0 is a cross-sectional view of a clutch device 10 according to the present embodiment. The clutch device 10 is provided, for example, in a vehicle such as a motorcycle. The clutch device 10 is a device that transmits or cuts off the rotational driving force of an input shaft (crankshaft) of a motorcycle engine to an output shaft 15. The clutch device 10 is a device that transmits or cuts off the rotational driving force of the input shaft to a drive wheel (rear wheel) via the output shaft 15. The clutch device 10 is disposed between the engine and the transmission.

[0033] In the following description, the direction in which the pressure plate 70 and the clutch center sleeve 40 of the clutch device 10 are arranged is defined as direction D, the direction in which the pressure plate 70 approaches the clutch center sleeve 40 is defined as the first direction D1, and the direction in which the pressure plate 70 moves away from the clutch center sleeve 40 is defined as the second direction D2. In addition, the circumferential direction of the clutch center sleeve 40 and the pressure plate 70 is defined as circumferential direction S, and the direction from one pressure plate side cam portion 90 toward the other pressure plate side cam portion 90 in the circumferential direction S is defined as the first circumferential direction S1 (see Figure 5A ), and the direction from the other pressure plate side cam portion 90 toward one pressure plate side cam portion 90 is defined as the second circumferential direction S2 (see Figure 5A ). 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 sleeve 40, and the axial direction of the pressure plate 70 are the same as direction D. In addition, the pressure plate 70 and the clutch center sleeve 40 rotate along the first circumferential direction S1. However, the above directions are merely directions determined for convenience of explanation, and do not limit the installation manner of the clutch device 10 nor the present invention.

[0034] As Figure 1 shown, the output shaft 15 is a hollow shaft body. One end of the output shaft 15 rotatably supports an input gear 35 and a clutch housing 30 described later via a needle bearing 15A. The output shaft 15 fixedly supports the clutch center sleeve 40 via a nut 15B. That is, the output shaft 15 rotates integrally with the clutch center sleeve 40. The other end of the output shaft 15 is connected, for example, to a transmission (not shown) of a motorcycle.

[0035] As 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 its hollow portion 15H. The hollow portion 15H functions as a flow path for the clutch oil. The clutch oil flows within the output shaft 15, i.e., within the hollow portion 15H. The push rod 16A and the pressing member 16B are arranged to be slidable within the hollow portion 15H of the output shaft 15. One end (the left end in the drawing) of the push rod 16A is connected to a clutch operating lever (not shown) of the motorcycle and slides within the hollow portion 15H by the operation of the clutch operating lever, pressing the pressing member 16B in the second direction D2. A part of the pressing member 16B protrudes outward (here, in the second direction D2) from the output shaft 15 and is connected to a release bearing 18 provided on the pressure plate 70. The push rod 16A and the pressing member 16B are formed to be thinner than the inner diameter of the hollow portion 15H to ensure the fluidity of the clutch oil within the hollow portion 15H.

[0036] The clutch housing 30 is formed of aluminum alloy. The clutch housing 30 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. As Figure 1 shown, the clutch housing 30 has a bottom wall 31 formed in a substantially circular shape and a side wall 33 extending from the edge portion of the bottom wall 31 in the second direction D2. The clutch housing 30 holds a plurality of input-side rotating plates 20.

[0037] As Figure 1 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 a rivet 35B via a torque damper 35A. The input gear 35 meshes with a drive gear (not shown) that rotates by the rotational drive of the input shaft of the engine. The input gear 35 rotates and is driven integrally with the clutch housing 30 independently of the output shaft 15.

[0038] The input-side rotating plate 20 is rotationally driven by the rotational drive of the input shaft. As Figure 1 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 by spline fitting to the clutch housing 30. The input-side rotating plate 20 is arranged to be displaceable along the axial direction of the clutch housing 30. The input-side rotating plate 20 is arranged to be rotatable integrally with the clutch housing 30.

[0039] The input-side rotating plate 20 is a member that presses 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 blanking a thin plate made of SPCC (cold-rolled steel sheet) material into a ring shape. Friction members (not shown) composed of multiple sheets of paper are pasted on the front and back surfaces of the input-side rotating plate 20. Grooves for holding the clutch oil with a depth of several μm to several tens of μm are formed between the friction members.

[0040] As Figure 1As shown, the clutch center sleeve 40 is received in the clutch housing 30. The clutch center sleeve 40 is concentrically arranged with the clutch housing 30. The clutch center sleeve 40 has a cylindrical main body 42 and a flange 68 extending radially outward from the outer peripheral edge of the main body 42. The clutch center sleeve 40 holds a plurality of output side rotating plates 22 that are alternately arranged with the input side rotating plate 20 in the direction D. The clutch center sleeve 40 is rotationally driven together with the output shaft 15.

[0041] As Figure 2 shown, the main body 42 includes an annular base wall 43, an outer peripheral wall 45 located radially outside the base wall 43 and extending in the second direction D2, an output shaft holding portion 50 provided at the center of the base wall 43, a plurality of center sleeve side cam portions 60 connected to the base wall 43 and the outer peripheral wall 45, and a center sleeve side fitting portion 58.

[0042] The output shaft holding portion 50 is formed in a cylindrical shape. An insertion hole 51 into which the output shaft 15 is inserted and spline-fitted is formed in the output shaft holding portion 50. The insertion hole 51 is formed to penetrate the base wall 43. A plurality of spline grooves are formed along the axial direction on the inner peripheral surface 50A of the output shaft holding portion 50 where the insertion hole 51 is formed. The output shaft 15 is connected to the output shaft holding portion 50.

[0043] As Figure 2As shown, the outer peripheral wall 45 of the clutch center sleeve 40 is disposed at a position radially outside 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 has a plurality of center sleeve side fitting teeth 47 extending in the axial direction of the clutch center sleeve 40 along the outer peripheral surface 45A of the outer peripheral wall 45, a plurality of spline grooves 48 formed between adjacent center sleeve side fitting teeth 47 and extending in the axial direction of the clutch center sleeve 40, and oil discharge holes 49. The center sleeve side fitting teeth 47 hold the output side rotating plate 22. The plurality of center sleeve side fitting teeth 47 are arranged in the circumferential direction S. The plurality of center sleeve side fitting teeth 47 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S. The plurality of center sleeve side fitting teeth 47 are formed in the same shape. The center sleeve side fitting teeth 47 project radially outward from the outer peripheral surface 45A of the outer peripheral wall 45. The number of the center sleeve side fitting teeth 47 may be a multiple of the number of the center sleeve side cam portions 60. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, the number of the center sleeve side cam portions 60 is 3, and the number of the center sleeve side fitting teeth 47 is 30. In addition, the number of the center sleeve side fitting teeth 47 may not be a multiple of the number of the center sleeve side cam portions 60. The oil discharge holes 49 are formed to penetrate the outer peripheral wall 45 in the radial direction. The oil discharge holes 49 are formed between adjacent center sleeve side fitting teeth 47. That is, the oil discharge holes 49 are formed in the spline grooves 48. The oil discharge holes 49 are formed on the side of the center sleeve side cam portion 60. The oil discharge holes 49 are formed on the side of the center sleeve side sliding cam surface 60S of the center sleeve side cam portion 60. The oil discharge holes 49 are formed at a position on the first circumferential direction S1 side with respect to the center sleeve side sliding cam surface 60S. The oil discharge holes 49 are formed at a position on the second circumferential direction S2 side with respect to a boss portion 54 described later. In the present embodiment, three oil discharge holes 49 are formed at each of three positions 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 holes 49 communicate the inside and the outside of the clutch center sleeve 40. The oil discharge holes 49 are holes for discharging the clutch oil flowing out from the output shaft 15 into the clutch center sleeve 40 to the outside of the clutch center sleeve 40. Here, the oil discharge holes 49 discharge the clutch oil flowing on the inner peripheral surface 45B side of the outer peripheral wall 45 to the outside of the clutch center sleeve 40. At least a part of the oil discharge holes 49 is provided at a position facing a pressure plate side fitting portion 88 described later.

[0044] The output side rotating plate 22 is held by the spline fitting portion 46 of the clutch center sleeve 40 and the pressure plate 70. A part of the output side rotating plate 22 is held by the center sleeve side fitting teeth 47 and the spline grooves 48 of the clutch center sleeve 40 by spline fitting. Another part of the output side rotating plate 22 is held by the pressure plate side fitting teeth 77 (see Figure 4 ) of the pressure plate 70 described later. The output side rotating plate 22 is provided so as to be displaceable in the axial direction of the clutch center sleeve 40. The output side rotating plate 22 is provided so as to be rotatable integrally with the clutch center sleeve 40.

[0045] The output-side rotating plate 22 is a component that presses against the input-side rotating plate 20. The output-side rotating plate 22 is formed as an annular flat plate. The output-side rotating plate 22 is formed by blanking a thin plate made of SPCC material into an annular shape. Grooves for holding clutch oil with a depth of several μm to several tens of μm are formed on the front and back surfaces of the output-side rotating plate 22. In order to improve wear resistance, surface hardening treatment is performed on the front and back surfaces of the output-side rotating plate 22 respectively. In addition, the friction members provided on the input-side rotating plate 20 can be provided on the output-side rotating plate 22 instead of 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.

[0046] The center sleeve side cam portion 60 is formed in a table shape having a cam surface, and the cam surface is composed of an inclined surface constituting an Assist & Slipper (registered trademark) mechanism, and the Assist & Slipper mechanism generates an assist torque which is a force that increases the pressing force (contact force) between the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22, or a slip torque which is a force that causes the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22 to separate as early as possible and shift to a semi-engaged state. The center sleeve side cam portion 60 is formed to protrude from the base wall 43 in the second direction D2. As Figure 3 shown, the center sleeve side cam portions 60 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S of the clutch center sleeve 40. In the present embodiment, the clutch center sleeve 40 has three center sleeve side cam portions 60, but the number of the center sleeve side cam portions 60 is not limited to three.

[0047] As Figure 3 shown, the center sleeve side cam portion 60 is located radially outside the output shaft holding portion 50. The center sleeve side cam portion 60 has a center sleeve side assist cam surface 60A and a center sleeve side slip cam surface 60S. The center sleeve side assist cam surface 60A is configured to generate a force in the direction of the clutch center sleeve 40 (the direction in which the pressure plate 70 approaches the clutch center sleeve 40) when relatively rotating with respect to the pressure plate 70 to increase the pressing force (contact force) between the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22. In the present embodiment, when generating the above force, the position of the pressure plate 70 with respect to the clutch center sleeve 40 does not change, and the pressure plate 70 does not need to physically approach the clutch center sleeve 40. In addition, the pressure plate 70 can also be physically displaced with respect to the clutch center sleeve 40. The center sleeve side slip cam surface 60S is configured to cause the pressure plate 70 to move away from the clutch center sleeve 40 when relatively rotating with respect to the pressure plate 70 to reduce the pressing force (contact force) between the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22. Among the center sleeve side cam portions 60 adjacent in the circumferential direction S, the center sleeve side assist cam surface 60A of one center sleeve side cam portion 60L and the center sleeve side slip cam surface 60S of another center sleeve side cam portion 60M are arranged to face each other in the circumferential direction S.

[0048] As shown Figure 2 , the clutch center sleeve 40 has a plurality of (three in this embodiment) boss portions 54. The boss portions 54 are components that support the pressure plate 70. The plurality of boss portions 54 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S. The boss portions 54 are formed in a cylindrical shape. The boss portions 54 are located radially outside the output shaft holding portion 50. The boss portions 54 extend toward the pressure plate 70 (i.e., toward the second direction D2). The boss portions 54 are provided on the base wall 43. A threaded hole 54H into which a bolt 28 (refer to Figure 1 ) is inserted is formed in the boss portion 54. The threaded hole 54H extends in the axial direction of the clutch center sleeve 40.

[0049] As shown Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the clutch center sleeve 40 has a center sleeve side cam hole 43H that penetrates a part of the base wall 43. The center sleeve side cam hole 43H penetrates the base wall 43 in the direction D. The center sleeve side cam hole 43H extends from the side of the output shaft holding portion 50 to the outer peripheral wall 45. The center sleeve side cam hole 43H is formed between the center sleeve side auxiliary cam surface 60A of the center sleeve side cam portion 60 and the boss portion 54. When viewed from the axial direction of the clutch center sleeve 40, a part of the center sleeve side auxiliary cam surface 60A overlaps with the center sleeve side cam hole 43H.

[0050] As shown Figure 2 , the center sleeve side fitting portion 58 is located radially outside the output shaft holding portion 50. The center sleeve side fitting portion 58 is located radially outside the center sleeve side cam portion 60. The center sleeve side fitting portion 58 is located on the second direction D2 side of the center sleeve side cam portion 60. The center sleeve side fitting portion 58 is formed on the inner peripheral surface 45B of the outer peripheral wall 45. The center sleeve side fitting portion 58 is configured to externally fit in a slidable manner with a later-described pressure plate side fitting portion 88 (refer to Figure 4 ). The inner diameter of the center sleeve side fitting portion 58 is formed to have a fitting tolerance that allows the clutch oil flowing out from the end portion 15T of the output shaft 15 (refer to Figure 1 ) to flow through the pressure plate side fitting portion 88. That is, a gap is formed between the center sleeve side fitting portion 58 and the later-described pressure plate side fitting portion 88. In this embodiment, for example, the inner diameter of the center sleeve side fitting portion 58 is formed to be 0.1 mm larger than the outer diameter of the pressure plate side fitting portion 88. The dimensional tolerance between the inner diameter of the center sleeve side fitting portion 58 and the outer diameter of the pressure plate side fitting portion 88 is appropriately set according to the amount of clutch oil to be flowed, and is, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less.

[0051] As shown Figure 1As shown, the pressure plate 70 is arranged to be able to approach or leave relative to the clutch center sleeve 40 and to be able 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 sleeve 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 on the second direction D2 side of the main body 72 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 arranged alternately with the input-side rotating plate 20. The output-side rotating plate 22 is arranged to be able to displace 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.

[0052] As Figure 4 shown, the main body 72 includes a cylindrical portion 80, a plurality of pressure-plate-side cam portions 90, a pressure-plate-side fitting portion 88, and a spring housing portion 84 (also refer to Figure 6 ).

[0053] As Figure 4 shown, the flange 98 extends radially outward from the outer peripheral edge of the main body 72. Here, the flange 98 extends radially outward from the outer peripheral edge of the pressure-plate-side fitting portion 88. The flange 98 has a front surface 98F and a back surface 98R (refer to Figure 6 ). The front surface 98F is an example of the surface on the first direction side. The back surface 98R is an example of the surface on the second direction side. The flange 98 includes: a pressing surface 98A that applies a pressing force to the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22; a fitting tooth forming surface 98B located radially inward of the pressing surface 98A; and a connecting surface 98C located radially inward of the fitting tooth forming surface 98B. The pressing surface 98A, the fitting tooth forming surface 98B, and the connecting surface 98C are provided on the front surface 98F. The pressing surface 98A is a surface that directly or indirectly contacts the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22. The pressing surface 98A is located on the second direction D2 side of the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22. The pressing surface 98A sandwiches the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22 between it and the flange 68 of the clutch center sleeve 40. The fitting tooth forming surface 98B is adjacent to the radial inside of the pressing surface 98A. Pressing-side fitting teeth 77 described later are formed on the fitting tooth forming surface 98B. The connecting surface 98C is connected to the main body 72. Here, the connecting surface 98C is connected to the pressure-plate-side fitting portion 88. The connecting surface 98C is located radially between the main body 72 and the pressure-plate-side fitting teeth 77. The connecting surface 98C is adjacent to the radial inside of the fitting tooth forming surface 98B. The fitting tooth forming surface 98B and the connecting surface 98C are formed to be substantially flush. Here, substantially flush includes a state where the surfaces of each other are completely flush and there is no step at all, and a state where the surfaces of each other have a step of about 0 mm to 0.3 mm but are substantially flush. In the present embodiment, the fitting tooth forming surface 98B and the connecting surface 98C are formed to be completely flush.

[0054] As Figure 4 and Figure 5A shown, the flange 98 has a through-hole 99. The through-hole 99 penetrates the flange 98 in the direction D. In the present embodiment, the through-hole 99 penetrates three places in the circumferential direction S of the flange 98. The three through-holes 99 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S. In addition, the number of through-holes 99 is not limited to three. In addition, a plurality of through-holes 99 may also be arranged at unequal intervals. The through-hole 99 is formed at a position radially inside the pressing surface 98A. The through-hole 99 is formed on the engaging tooth forming surface 98B. In the present embodiment, the through-hole 99 is formed from the engaging tooth forming surface 98B to the connecting surface 98C. The through-hole 99 is located between the adjacent pressing plate side engaging teeth 77 in the circumferential direction S. The through-hole 99 is formed in the second part 98T of the flange 98 described later. The through-hole 99 is located radially outside the pressing plate side cam portion 90. The through-hole 99 is located radially outside the pressing plate side sliding cam surface 90S. As Figure 5BAs shown, in the through-hole 99, when the inner diameter of the opening end 99A on the first direction D1 side of the flange 98 is set as H1, the inner diameter of the first opening end 99B on the second direction D2 side of the flange 98 is set as H2, and the inner diameter of the second opening end 99C on the second direction D2 side of the flange 98 is set as H3, the relationship of H1 < H2 < H3 holds. Here, the second opening end 99C is located at a position on the second direction D2 side relative to the first opening end 99B. The through-hole 99 is formed such that the opening areas of the first opening end 99B and the second opening end 99C on the second direction D2 side of the flange 98 are larger than the opening area of the opening end 99A on the first direction D1 side of the flange 98. Additionally, it can also be H1 = H2 < H3. In this case, the through-hole 99 is formed such that the opening area of the second opening end 99C on the second direction D2 side of the flange 98 is larger than the opening area of the opening end 99A on the first direction D1 side of the flange 98. In the present embodiment, the through-hole 99 is formed such that the opening area becomes larger as it approaches the back surface 98R from the surface 98F of the flange 98. The through-hole 99 is formed such that the inner diameter becomes larger as it approaches the back surface 98R from the surface 98F of the flange 98. The through-hole 99 is formed such that the cross-sectional area becomes larger as it approaches the back surface 98R from the surface 98F of the flange 98. In order to make the clutch oil flowing outside the pressure plate 70 more easily flow into the through-hole 99, counterboring is performed on the through-hole 99 from the back surface 98R of the flange 98, and the inner diameter H3 of the opening end (i.e., the second opening end 99C) on the second direction D2 side of the through-hole 99 is the largest. When assembling the clutch device 10, a dedicated jig is inserted into the through-hole 99. This jig is inserted along the first direction D1 from the outside (back surface 98R side) of the pressure plate 70. The positions of the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22 are adjusted by using the jig. When the assembly of the clutch device 10 is completed, since the jig is removed, the through-hole 99 is opened. Therefore, when using the clutch device 10, that is, when the pressure plate 70 rotates, the clutch oil flowing along the back surface 98R of the pressure plate 70 toward the edge portion due to centrifugal force easily flows into the through-hole 99. Thereby, the clutch oil can be efficiently supplied to the input-side rotating plate 20 located between the output-side rotating plate 22 held by the engaged teeth 77 on the pressure plate side and the output-side rotating plate 22.

[0055] The cylindrical portion 80 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical portion 80 is integrally formed with the pressure plate side cam portion 90. The cylindrical portion 80 houses the end portion 15T of the output shaft 15 (refer to Figure 1 ). The release bearing 18 (refer to Figure 1 ) is housed in the cylindrical portion 80. The cylindrical portion 80 is a portion that bears the pressing force from the pressing member 16B. The cylindrical portion 80 is a portion that receives the clutch oil flowing out from the end portion 15T of the output shaft 15.

[0056] The cam portion 90 on the pressure plate side is formed in a table shape having a cam surface, and the cam surface is constituted by an inclined surface of an auxiliary and sliding mechanism that slides on the cam portion 60 on the center sleeve side to generate auxiliary torque or sliding torque. The cam portion 90 on the pressure plate side is formed to protrude in the first direction D1 from the flange 98. As Figure 5A shown, the cam portions 90 on the pressure plate side 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 cam portions 90 on the pressure plate side, but the number of the cam portions 90 on the pressure plate side is not limited to three.

[0057] As Figure 5A shown, the cam portion 90 on the pressure plate side is located radially outside the cylindrical portion 80. The cam portion 90 on the pressure plate side has a pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface 90A (also refer to Figure 7 ) and a pressure plate side sliding cam surface 90S. The pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface 90A is configured to be able to contact the center sleeve side auxiliary cam surface 60A. The pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface 90A is configured to generate a force in the direction from the pressure plate 70 toward the clutch center sleeve 40 (the direction in which the pressure plate 70 approaches the clutch center sleeve 40) when relatively rotating with respect to the clutch center sleeve 40, so as to increase the pressing force (pressing contact force) between the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22. The pressure plate side sliding cam surface 90S is configured to be able to contact the center sleeve side sliding cam surface 60S. The pressure plate side sliding cam surface 90S is configured to move the pressure plate 70 away from the clutch center sleeve 40 when relatively rotating with respect to the clutch center sleeve 40, so as to reduce the pressing force (pressing contact force) between the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22. Among the cam portions 90 on the pressure plate side adjacent in the circumferential direction S, the pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface 90A of one cam portion 90L on the pressure plate side and the pressure plate side sliding cam surface 90S of another cam portion 90M on the pressure plate side are arranged facing each other in the circumferential direction S.

[0058] Here, the functions of the cam portion 60 on the center sleeve side and the cam portion 90 on the pressure plate side will be described. When the engine speed rises 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 sleeve 40, as Figure 9A shown, a rotational force in the first circumferential direction S1 is applied to the pressure plate 70. Therefore, due to the action of the center sleeve side auxiliary cam surface 60A and the pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface 90A, a force in the first direction D1 is generated on the pressure plate 70. Thereby, the pressing contact force between the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22 is increased.

[0059] On the other hand, when the rotational speed of the output shaft 15 exceeds the rotational speeds of the input gear 35 and the clutch housing 30 and a reverse torque is generated, as Figure 9BAs shown, a rotational force in the first circumferential direction S1 is applied to the clutch center sleeve 40. Thus, due to the action of the center sleeve side sliding cam surface 60S and the pressure plate side sliding cam surface 90S, the pressure plate 70 moves in the second direction D2 to release the pressing force between the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22. Thereby, it is possible to avoid adverse conditions to the engine and transmission caused by reverse torque.

[0060] As Figure 4 and Figure 5A shown, the pressure plate 70 has a pressure plate side cam hole 73H that penetrates a part of the through-body 72 and the flange 98. The pressure plate side cam hole 73H is located radially outside the cylindrical portion 80. The pressure plate side cam hole 73H extends from the side of the cylindrical portion 80 to a position radially outside the pressure plate side fitting portion 88. The pressure plate side cam hole 73H is formed to penetrate between adjacent pressure plate side cam portions 90. The pressure plate side cam hole 73H is formed to penetrate between the pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface 90A and the pressure plate side sliding cam surface 90S of adjacent pressure plate side cam portions 90. As Figure 5A and Figure 7 shown, when viewed from the axial direction of the pressure plate 70, a part of the pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface 90A overlaps with the pressure plate side cam hole 73H.

[0061] As Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown, a spring housing portion 84 is formed in the pressure plate side cam portion 90. The spring housing portion 84 is formed to be recessed from the second direction D2 toward the first direction D1. The spring housing portion 84 is formed in an elliptical shape. The spring housing portion 84 houses the compression spring 25 (refer to Figure 1 ). An insertion hole 84H for inserting the boss portion 54 (refer to Figure 2 ) is formed to penetrate through the spring housing portion 84. That is, the insertion hole 84H is formed to penetrate through the pressure plate side cam portion 90. The insertion hole 84H is formed in an elliptical shape.

[0062] As Figure 1 shown, the compression spring 25 is housed in the spring housing portion 84. The compression spring 25 is held by the boss portion 54 inserted into the insertion hole 84H of the spring housing portion 84. The compression spring 25 applies a force to the pressure plate 70 toward the clutch center sleeve 40 (i.e., toward the first direction D1). The compression spring 25 is, for example, a helical spring formed by winding spring steel into a spiral shape.

[0063] As Figure 4 shown, the pressure plate side fitting portion 88 is provided on the main body 72. The pressure plate side fitting portion 88 is located radially outside the pressure plate side cam portion 90. The pressure plate side fitting portion 88 is located on the second direction D2 side of the pressure plate side cam portion 90. The pressure plate side fitting portion 88 is configured to be slidably fitted into the center sleeve side fitting portion 58 (refer to Figure 2 ).

[0064] As shown Figure 4 in the figure, 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 output side rotating plate 22. The pressure plate side engaging teeth 77 are located radially outside the cylindrical portion 80. The pressure plate side engaging teeth 77 are located radially outside the pressure plate side cam portion 90. The pressure plate side engaging teeth 77 are located radially outside the pressure plate side engaging portion 88. The pressure plate side engaging teeth 77 are formed on the engaging tooth forming surface 98B of the flange 98. The pressure plate side engaging teeth 77 project from the engaging tooth forming surface 98B in the first direction D1. The plurality of pressure plate side engaging teeth 77 are arranged along the circumferential direction S. The plurality of pressure plate side engaging teeth 77 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction S. In addition, in the present embodiment, since a part of the pressure plate side engaging teeth 77 are removed, the interval of this part is wider, but the other adjacent pressure plate side engaging teeth 77 are arranged at equal intervals. That is, as shown Figure 5A in the figure, the flange 98 has a first portion 98S with an interval of a first length A1 in the circumferential direction S between adjacent pressure plate side engaging teeth 77 and a second portion 98T with an interval of a second length A2 longer than the first length A1 in the circumferential direction S between adjacent pressure plate side engaging teeth 77. The second portion 98T is located radially outside the pressure plate side cam portion 90. In the present embodiment, the second portion 98T is located radially outside the pressure plate side sliding cam surface 90S. The second portion 98T is located on the first circumferential direction S1 side with respect to the pressure plate side cam hole 73H. The second portion 98T is located on the second circumferential direction S2 side with respect to the spring receiving portion 84.

[0065] Figure 8 is a top view showing the state after the clutch center sleeve 40 and the pressure plate 70 are combined. In Figure 8 the state shown in the figure, the pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface 90A and the center sleeve side auxiliary cam surface 60A are not in contact, and the pressure plate side sliding cam surface 90S and the center sleeve side sliding cam surface 60S are not in contact. At this time, the pressure plate 70 is closest to the clutch center sleeve 40. In Figure 8 the state shown in the figure (the state at the time of assembly), the distance L1 in the circumferential direction S between the boss portion 54 and the end portion 84HA on the pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface 90A side (i.e., the first circumferential direction S1 side) of the insertion hole 84H is shorter than the distance L2 in the circumferential direction S between the boss portion 54 and the end portion 84HB on the pressure plate side sliding cam surface 90S side (i.e., the second circumferential direction S2 side) of the insertion hole 84H in the normal state.

[0066] As shown Figure 1As shown, the stopper plate 100 is arranged to be able to contact the pressure plate 70. The stopper plate 100 is a component that inhibits the pressure plate 70 from moving away from the clutch center sleeve 40 by more than a specified distance in the second direction D2. The stopper plate 100 is fixed to the boss portion 54 of the clutch center sleeve 40 by bolts 28. With the boss portion 54 of the clutch center sleeve 40 and the pressure spring 25 disposed in the spring housing portion 84, the pressure plate 70 is fixed to the boss portion 54 by tightening the bolts 28 with the stopper plate 100 interposed therebetween. The stopper plate 100 is formed in a substantially triangular shape when viewed from above.

[0067] Here, when the pressure plate 70 contacts the stopper plate 100, the pressure plate side sliding cam surface 90S and the center sleeve side sliding cam surface 60S contact each other with 50% or more and 90% or less of the area of the pressure plate side sliding cam surface 90S and 50% or more and 90% or less of the area of the center sleeve side sliding cam surface 60S, respectively. In addition, when the pressure plate 70 contacts the stopper plate 100, the pressure spring 25 separates from the side wall of the spring housing portion 84. That is, the pressure spring 25 is not clamped by the boss portion 54 and the spring housing portion 84, suppressing excessive stress from being applied to the boss portion 54.

[0068] A specified amount of clutch oil is filled in the clutch device 10. The clutch oil flows into the clutch center sleeve 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 center sleeve side fitting portion 58 and the pressure plate fitting portion 88 and the oil discharge hole 49. In addition, the clutch oil flows outside the pressure plate 70. As shown by the arrow FS in Figure 1 , this clutch oil flows from the back surface 98R side to the front surface 98F side of the flange 98 through the through hole 99 formed in the flange 98 and is supplied to the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22. The clutch oil suppresses heat absorption and wear of friction members. The clutch device 10 of the present embodiment is a so-called wet multi-plate friction clutch device.

[0069] 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 driving force of the engine by the driver operating the clutch operating lever.

[0070] In the clutch device 10, when the driver of the motorcycle 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 acting force (elastic force) of the pressure spring 25. As a result, the clutch center sleeve 40 rotates in a state where the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22 are pressed against each other and frictionally connected, that is, in a clutch engaged state. That is, the rotational driving force of the engine is transmitted to the clutch center sleeve 40, and the output shaft 15 rotates.

[0071] In the clutch engaged state, the clutch oil that flows in the hollow portion 15H of the output shaft 15 and flows out from the end portion 15T of the output shaft 15 drops or flies into the cylindrical portion 80 and adheres (refer to Figure 1 arrow F). The clutch oil adhering to the inside of the cylindrical portion 80 is guided into the clutch center sleeve 40. Thereby, the clutch oil flows out to the outside of the clutch center sleeve 40 through the oil drain hole 49. In addition, the clutch oil flows out to the outside of the clutch center sleeve 40 through the gap between the center sleeve side fitting portion 58 and the pressure plate side fitting portion 88. Moreover, the clutch oil that has flowed out to the outside of the clutch center sleeve 40 is supplied to the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22. Further, the clutch oil flowing outside the pressure plate 70 flows into the surface 98F side of the flange 98 through the through hole 99 (refer to Figure 1 arrow FS), and is supplied to the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22.

[0072] On the other hand, in the clutch device 10, when the motorcycle driver operates the clutch operating lever in the clutch engaged state, the clutch release mechanism (not shown) presses the push rod 16A, so the pressure plate 70 overcomes the acting force of the pressure spring 25 and moves in the direction away from the clutch center sleeve 40 (second direction D2). Thereby, the clutch center sleeve 40 becomes a state where the frictional connection between the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22 is released, so it becomes a state where the rotational drive attenuates or the rotational drive stops. That is, the rotational driving force of the engine is cut off with respect to the clutch center sleeve 40.

[0073] In the clutch disengaged state, the clutch oil that flows in the hollow portion 15H of the output shaft 15 and flows out from the end portion 15T of the output shaft 15 is guided into the clutch center sleeve 40 in the same manner as in the clutch engaged state. At this time, since the pressure plate 70 is separated from the clutch center sleeve 40, the amount of engagement between the center sleeve side fitting portion 58 and the pressure plate side fitting portion 88 decreases. As a result, the clutch oil in the cylindrical portion 80 more actively flows out to the outside of the clutch center sleeve 40 and flows to various parts 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 separated from each other.

[0074] And, when the driver releases the clutch operating lever in the clutch disengaged state, the pressing of the pressure plate 70 by the clutch release mechanism (not shown) via the pressing member 16B is released, so the pressure plate 70 moves in the direction approaching the clutch center sleeve 40 (first direction D1) by the acting force of the pressure spring 25.

[0075] As described above, in the clutch device 10 according to the present embodiment, the flange 98 has a through hole 99 formed radially inward of the pressing surface 98A. Therefore, the clutch oil flowing outside the pressure plate 70 flows toward the pressing surface 98A via the through hole 99, for example, by centrifugal force. Here, since the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22 are arranged on the first direction D1 side with respect to the pressing surface 98A, the clutch oil flowing toward the pressing surface 98A via the through hole 99 is supplied to the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22. In this way, the flange 98 of the pressure plate 70 has the through hole 99 at a position radially inward of the pressing surface 98A, whereby the clutch oil flowing outside the pressure plate 70 can be effectively supplied to the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22.

[0076] In the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, the through hole 99 is formed such that the opening area becomes larger as it approaches the back surface 98R of the flange 98 from the surface 98F of the flange 98. According to the above method, the clutch oil flowing outside the pressure plate 70 more easily flows into the through hole 99.

[0077] In the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, the through hole 99 is formed such that the opening area of the first opening end 99B on the second direction D2 side of the flange 98 is larger than the opening area of the opening end 99A on the first direction D1 side of the flange 98. According to the above method, the clutch oil flowing outside the pressure plate 70 more easily flows into the through hole 99.

[0078] In the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, the pressure plate 70 has a plurality of pressure-plate-side fitting teeth 77 formed on the flange 98, holding the output-side rotating plate 22 and arranged in the circumferential direction S. The flange 98 has a fitting-tooth forming surface 98B adjacent to the radially inner side of the pressing surface 98A and formed with the pressure-plate-side fitting teeth 77, and the through hole 99 is formed in the fitting-tooth forming surface 98B. According to the above method, since the through hole 99 is formed in the fitting-tooth forming surface 98B adjacent to the pressing surface 98A, the clutch oil flowing into the through hole 99 flows more toward the pressing surface 98A.

[0079] In the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, the flange 98 has a connection surface 98C radially located between the main body 72 and the pressure-plate-side fitting teeth 77 and adjacent to the radially inner side of the fitting-tooth forming surface 98B, and the through hole 99 is formed from the fitting-tooth forming surface 98B to the connection surface 98C. According to the above method, since the through hole 99 is relatively large, the clutch oil flowing outside the pressure plate 70 more easily flows into the through hole 99.

[0080] In the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, the flange 98 has a first portion 98S with a first length A1 as the interval in the circumferential direction S of the adjacent pressure plate side engaging teeth 77 and a second portion 98T with a second length S2 longer than the first length A1 as the interval in the circumferential direction S of the adjacent pressure plate side engaging teeth 77. The through hole 99 is formed in the second portion 98T. According to the above manner, the clutch oil flowing into the through hole 99 is not obstructed by the pressure plate side engaging teeth 77 and flows more smoothly toward the pressing surface 98A.

[0081] In the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, the pressure plate 70 includes a pressure plate side cam portion 90. The pressure plate side cam portion 90 is provided on the main body 72 and has at least one of a pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface 90A and a pressure plate side sliding cam surface 90S. When rotating relative to the clutch center sleeve 40, the pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface 90A generates a force in the direction from the pressure plate 70 toward the clutch center sleeve 40 to increase the pressing force between the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22, and the pressure plate side sliding cam surface 90S moves the pressure plate 70 away from the clutch center sleeve 40 to reduce the pressing force between the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22. The through hole 99 is located radially outside the pressure plate side cam portion 90. According to the above manner, a part of the clutch oil flowing into the through hole 99 flows toward the pressure plate side cam portion 90, and the clutch oil can be supplied to the pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface 90A and the pressure plate side sliding cam surface 90S.

[0082] In the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, the engaging tooth forming surface 98B and the connecting surface 98C are formed to be substantially flush. According to the above manner, a part of the clutch oil flowing into the through hole 99 flows more smoothly toward the pressure plate side cam portion 90, and the clutch oil can be supplied to the pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface 90A and the pressure plate side sliding cam surface 90S.

[0083] In the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, the pressure plate side cam portion 90 has a pressure plate side sliding cam surface 90S, and the through hole 99 is located radially outside the pressure plate side sliding cam surface 90S. According to the above manner, a part of the clutch oil flowing into the through hole 99 can be more reliably supplied to the pressure plate side sliding cam surface 90S.

[0084] <Second Embodiment>

[0085] Figure 10 It is an exploded perspective view of the clutch center sleeve 240 and the pressure plate 270 of the clutch device 210 according to the second embodiment.

[0086] The clutch center sleeve 240 is housed in the clutch housing 30 (refer to Figure 1 ). The clutch center sleeve 240 is concentrically arranged with the clutch housing 30. As Figure 10As shown, the clutch center sleeve 240 has a main body 242 and a flange 268 that is connected to the outer peripheral edge on the first direction D1 side of the main body 242 and extends radially outward. The main body 242 protrudes more in the second direction D2 than the flange 268. The clutch center sleeve 240 does not hold the output side rotating plate 22. The clutch center sleeve 240 is rotationally driven together with the output shaft 15 (refer to Figure 1 ).

[0087] As Figure 10 shown, the main body 242 includes an output shaft holding portion 250, a plurality of center sleeve side cam portions 60, and a center sleeve side fitting portion 258. The center sleeve side cam portions 60 are formed to protrude more in the second direction D2 than the flange 268. The center sleeve side cam portions 60 are located radially outside the output shaft holding portion 250.

[0088] The output shaft holding portion 250 is formed in a cylindrical shape. An insertion hole 251 for inserting and spline-fitting the output shaft 15 (refer to Figure 1 ) is formed in the output shaft holding portion 250. The insertion hole 251 is formed through the main body 242. A plurality of spline grooves are formed along the axial direction on the inner peripheral surface 250A of the output shaft holding portion 250 where the insertion hole 251 is formed. The output shaft 15 is connected to the output shaft holding portion 250.

[0089] As Figure 10 shown, the clutch center sleeve 240 includes a plurality of (three in this embodiment) boss portions 54. The boss portions 54 are located radially outside the output shaft holding portion 250. The boss portions 54 are provided on the main body 242.

[0090] As Figure 10 shown, the clutch center sleeve 240 has a center sleeve side cam hole 243H that penetrates a part of the main body 242 and the flange 268. The center sleeve side cam hole 243H penetrates the main body 242 and the flange 268 along the direction D. The center sleeve side cam hole 243H extends from the side of the output shaft holding portion 250 to the flange 268. The center sleeve side cam hole 243H is formed between the center sleeve side auxiliary cam surface 60A of the center sleeve side cam portion 60 and the boss portion 54. When viewed from the axial direction of the clutch center sleeve 240, a part of the center sleeve side auxiliary cam surface 60A overlaps with the center sleeve side cam hole 243H.

[0091] As Figure 10 shown, the center sleeve side fitting portion 258 is provided on the main body 242. The center sleeve side fitting portion 258 is located radially outside the center sleeve side cam portion 60. The center sleeve side fitting portion 258 is located on the first direction D1 side of the center sleeve side cam portion 60. The center sleeve side fitting portion 258 is configured to be slidably inserted into the pressure plate side fitting portion 288 (refer to Figure 12 ).

[0092] AsFigure 10 As shown, the flange 268 extends radially outward from the outer peripheral edge of the main body 242. Here, the flange 268 extends radially outward from the outer peripheral edge of the center sleeve side fitting portion 258. The flange 268 has a surface 268F and a back surface 268R (see Figure 11B ). The surface 268F is an example of a surface on the second direction side. The back surface 268R is an example of a surface on the first direction side. The flange 268 includes a pressing surface 268A that applies a pressing force to the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22, and a connecting surface 268C that is located radially inward of the pressing surface 268A. The pressing surface 268A and the connecting surface 268C are provided on the surface 268F. The pressing surface 268A is a surface that directly or indirectly contacts the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22. The pressing surface 268A is located on the first direction D1 side than the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22. The pressing surface 268A sandwiches the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22 between the pressing surface 268A and the flange 298 of the pressure plate 270. The connecting surface 268C is connected to the main body 24. The connecting surface 268C is located on the first direction D1 side than the pressing surface 268A.

[0093] like Figure 10 and Figure 11A As shown, the flange 268 has a through hole 269. The through hole 269 penetrates the flange 268 in the direction D. In the present embodiment, the through hole 269 is formed through three locations of the flange 268 in the circumferential direction S. The three through holes 269 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S. In addition, the number of the through holes 269 is not limited to three. In addition, the plurality of through holes 269 may be arranged at unequal intervals. The through hole 269 is formed at a position radially inward of the pressing surface 268A. The through hole 269 is formed in the connecting surface 268C. The through hole 269 is located radially outward of the center sleeve side cam portion 60. The through hole 269 is located radially outward of the center sleeve side cam portion 60. The through hole 269 is located radially outward of the center sleeve side sliding cam surface 60S. In addition, the through hole 269 may be arranged at a position offset from the center sleeve side cam portion 60 in the circumferential direction S. For example, the through hole 269 may be provided radially outward from the center sleeve side cam portion 60 and between the center sleeve side cam portions 60 adjacent in the circumferential direction S. Figure 11BAs shown, in the through-hole 269, when the inner diameter of the opening end 269A on the second direction D2 side of the flange 268 is set as H4, the inner diameter of the first opening end 269B on the first direction D1 side of the flange 268 is set as H5, and the inner diameter of the second opening end 269C on the first direction D1 side of the flange 268 is set as H6, the relationship of H4 < H5 < H6 holds. Here, the second opening end 269C is located on the first direction D1 side with respect to the first opening end 269B. The through-hole 269 is formed such that the opening area of the first opening end 269B and the opening area of the second opening end 269C on the first direction D1 side of the flange 268 are larger than the opening area of the opening end 269A on the second direction D2 side of the flange 268. Additionally, it can also be H4 = H5 < H6. In this case, the through-hole 269 is formed such that the opening area of the second opening end 269C on the first direction D1 side of the flange 268 is larger than the opening area of the opening end 269A on the second direction D2 side of the flange 268. In the present embodiment, the through-hole 269 is formed such that the opening area becomes larger as it approaches the back surface 268R from the surface 268F of the flange 268. The through-hole 269 is formed such that the inner diameter becomes larger as it approaches the back surface 268R from the surface 268F of the flange 268. The through-hole 269 is formed such that the cross-sectional area becomes larger as it approaches the back surface 268R from the surface 268F of the flange 268. In order to make the clutch oil flowing outside the clutch center sleeve 240 more easily flow into the through-hole 269, a countersinking process is performed on the through-hole 269 from the back surface 268R of the flange 268, and the inner diameter H6 of the opening end (i.e., the second opening end 269C) on the first direction D1 side of the through-hole 269 is the largest. When assembling the clutch device 210, a dedicated jig is inserted into the through-hole 269. This jig is inserted from the outside (back surface 268R side) of the clutch center sleeve 240 in the second direction D2. The positions of the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22 are adjusted by using the jig. When the assembly of the clutch device 210 is completed, since the jig is removed, the through-hole 269 is opened. Therefore, when the clutch device 210 is in use, that is, when the clutch center sleeve 240 rotates, the clutch oil flowing along the back surface 268R of the clutch center sleeve 240 towards the edge portion due to centrifugal force easily flows into the through-hole 269. Thereby, the clutch oil can be efficiently supplied to the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22.

[0094] The pressure plate 270 is arranged to be able to approach or separate from the clutch center sleeve 240 and to be able to rotate relative to it. 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 sleeve 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 that are alternately arranged with the input-side rotating plate 20 in the direction D.

[0095] As shown Figure 12 in the figure, the main body 272 includes: an annular base wall 273; an outer peripheral wall 275 located radially outside the base wall 273 and extending in the first direction D1; a cylindrical portion 280 provided at the center of the base wall 273; a plurality of pressure plate side cam portions 90 connected to the base wall 273 and the outer peripheral wall 275; a pressure plate side fitting portion 288; and a spring housing portion 84 (see Figure 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.

[0096] The cylindrical portion 280 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical portion 280 is integrally formed with the pressure plate side cam portion 90. The cylindrical portion 280 houses the end portion 15T of the output shaft 15 (see Figure 1 ). A release bearing 18 is housed 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 end portion 15T of the output shaft 15.

[0097] As shown Figure 12As shown, the outer peripheral wall 275 of the pressing plate 270 is disposed radially outside the cylindrical portion 280. The outer peripheral wall 275 is formed in an annular shape 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 pressing plate side fitting teeth 277 extending in the axial direction of the pressing plate 270 along the outer peripheral surface 275A of the outer peripheral wall 275, a plurality of spline grooves 278 formed between adjacent pressing plate side fitting teeth 277 and extending in the axial direction of the pressing plate 270, and oil discharge holes 279. The pressing plate side fitting teeth 277 hold the output side rotating plate 22. The plurality of pressing plate side fitting teeth 277 are arranged in the circumferential direction S. The plurality of pressing plate side fitting teeth 277 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S. The plurality of pressing plate side fitting teeth 277 are formed in the same shape. The pressing plate side fitting teeth 277 project radially outward from the outer peripheral surface 275A of the outer peripheral wall 275. The oil discharge holes 279 are formed to penetrate the outer peripheral wall 275 in the radial direction. The oil discharge holes 279 are formed between adjacent pressing plate side fitting 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 pressing plate side cam portion 90. The oil discharge holes 279 are formed on the side of the pressing plate side auxiliary cam surface 90A of the pressing plate side cam portion 90. The oil discharge holes 279 are formed at a position closer to the first circumferential direction S1 than the pressing plate side auxiliary cam surface 90A. The oil discharge holes 279 are formed at a position closer to the second circumferential direction S2 than the pressing 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 holes 279 communicate the inside and the outside of the pressing plate 270. The oil discharge holes 279 are holes for discharging the clutch oil flowing out from the output shaft 15 into the pressing plate 270 to the outside of the pressing plate 270. Here, the oil discharge holes 279 discharge the clutch oil flowing on the inner peripheral surface 275B side of the outer peripheral wall 275 to the outside of the pressing plate 270. At least a part of the oil discharge holes 279 is provided at a position facing the center sleeve side fitting portion 258 (refer to Figure 10 ).

[0098] The output side rotating plate 22 is held by the spline fitting portion 276 of the pressing plate 270. The output side rotating plate 22 is held by the pressing plate side fitting teeth 277 and the spline grooves 278 through spline fitting. The output side rotating plate 22 is provided so as to be displaceable in the axial direction of the pressing plate 270. The output side rotating plate 22 is provided so as to be rotatable integrally with the pressing plate 270.

[0099] As Figure 10 and Figure 12As shown, the pressure plate 270 has a pressure plate side cam hole 273H that penetrates a part of the base wall 273. The pressure plate side cam hole 273H is an example of a through hole. 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 outside 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 penetrates and is formed between adjacent pressure plate side cam portions 90. The pressure plate side cam hole 273H penetrates and is formed between the pressure plate side auxiliary cam surface 90A and the pressure plate side sliding cam surface 90S of 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 part 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.

[0100] As Figure 12 shown, the pressure plate side fitting portion 288 is located radially outside the cylindrical portion 280. The pressure plate side fitting portion 288 is located radially outside the pressure plate side cam portion 90. The pressure plate side fitting portion 288 is located on the first direction D1 side with respect to 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 externally fit the center sleeve side fitting portion 258 in a slidable manner (see Figure 10 ). A gap is formed between the pressure plate side fitting portion 288 and the center sleeve side fitting portion 258.

[0101] As described above, in the clutch device 210 according to the present embodiment, the flange 268 has a through hole 269 formed radially inside the pressing surface 268A. Therefore, the clutch oil flowing outside the clutch center sleeve 240 flows toward the pressing surface 268A via the through hole 269, for example, by centrifugal force. Here, since the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22 are arranged on the second direction D2 side with respect to the pressing surface 268A, the clutch oil flowing toward the pressing surface 268A via the through hole 269 is supplied to the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22. In this way, the flange 268 of the clutch center sleeve 240 has the through hole 269 radially inside the pressing surface 268A, so that the clutch oil flowing outside the clutch center sleeve 240 can be effectively supplied to the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22.

[0102] In the clutch device 210 of the present embodiment, the through hole 269 is formed such that the opening area becomes larger as it approaches the back surface 268R of the flange 268 from the surface 268F of the flange 268. According to the above method, the clutch oil flowing outside the clutch center sleeve 240 can more easily flow into the through hole 269.

[0103] In the clutch device 210 of the present embodiment, the through-hole 269 is formed such that the opening area of the first opening end 269B on the first direction D1 side of the flange 268 is larger than the opening end 269A on the second direction D2 side of the flange 268. According to the above manner, the clutch oil flowing outside the clutch center sleeve 240 is more likely to flow into the through-hole 269.

[0104] In the clutch device 210 of the present embodiment, the clutch center sleeve 240 includes a center sleeve side cam portion 60. The center sleeve side cam portion 60 is provided on the main body 242 and has at least one of a center sleeve side auxiliary cam surface 60A and a center sleeve side sliding cam surface 60S. When rotating relative to the pressure plate 270, the center sleeve side auxiliary cam surface 60A generates a force in the direction approaching the clutch center sleeve 240 from the pressure plate 270 to increase the pressing force between the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22, and the center sleeve side sliding cam surface 60S separates the pressure plate 270 from the clutch center sleeve 240 to reduce the pressing force between the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22. The through-hole 269 is located radially outside the center sleeve side cam portion 60. According to the above manner, a part of the clutch oil flowing into the through-hole 269 flows toward the center sleeve side cam portion 60, and the clutch oil can be supplied to the center sleeve side auxiliary cam surface 60A and the center sleeve side sliding cam surface 60S.

[0105] In the clutch device 210 of the present embodiment, the center sleeve side cam portion 60 has a center sleeve side sliding cam surface 60S, and the through-hole 269 is located radially outside the center sleeve side sliding cam surface 60S. According to the above manner, a part of the clutch oil flowing into the through-hole 269 can be more reliably supplied to the center sleeve side sliding cam surface 60S.

[0106] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative, and the present invention can be implemented in various other ways.

[0107] In each of the above embodiments, the center sleeve side cam portion 60 has a center sleeve side auxiliary cam surface 60A and a center sleeve side sliding cam surface 60S, but it is sufficient to have at least either one.

[0108] In each of the above embodiments, 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, but it is sufficient to have at least either one.

[0109] In the above first embodiment, the through-hole 99 is formed from the fitting tooth formation surface 98B to the connection surface 98C, but it is not limited thereto. The through-hole 99 may also be formed only on the connection surface 98C.

[0110] In the above-described first embodiment, the output shaft holding portion 50 of the clutch center sleeve 40 and the spline fitting portion 46 formed on the outer peripheral wall 45 are integrally formed, but they may also be formed separately. That is, the clutch center sleeve 40 may include a first clutch member having the output shaft holding portion 50 and a second clutch member that is separately formed from the first clutch member and has the spline fitting portion 46, or a mode in which the first clutch member and the second clutch member are combined and used.

[0111] In the above-described second embodiment, the clutch center sleeve 240 is configured not to hold the output-side rotating plate 22, but is not limited thereto. The clutch center sleeve 240 may also have a center sleeve-side fitting tooth having a structure similar to the pressing plate-side fitting tooth 77 of the first embodiment and capable of holding the output-side rotating plate 22.

[0112] Description of Reference Numerals

[0113] 20 Input-side rotating plate

[0114] 22 Output-side rotating plate

[0115] 30 Clutch housing

[0116] 60 Center sleeve-side cam portion

[0117] 60A Center sleeve-side auxiliary cam surface

[0118] 60S Center sleeve-side sliding cam surface

[0119] 210 Clutch device

[0120] 240 Clutch center sleeve

[0121] 242 Body

[0122] 268 Flange

[0123] 268A Pressing surface

[0124] 268C Connecting surface

[0125] 268F Surface (surface on the second direction side)

[0126] 268R Back surface (surface on the first direction side)

[0127] 269 Through hole

[0128] 270 Pressing plate.

Claims

1. A clutch device that transmits or cuts off the rotational driving force of an input shaft to an output shaft, the clutch device comprising: A clutch center sleeve, which 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 rotates together with the output shaft ； And A pressure plate, which is arranged to be able to approach or separate from the clutch center sleeve and is able to rotate relative to it, holds a plurality of output-side rotating plates that are alternately arranged with the input-side rotating plates, and is able to press the input-side rotating plates and the output-side rotating plates, The clutch center sleeve comprises: A main body; A flange, which extends radially outward from the outer peripheral edge of the main body; A plurality of center sleeve-side cam portions, which are provided on the main body and have at least one of a center sleeve-side auxiliary cam surface and a center sleeve-side sliding cam surface. When rotating relative to the pressure plate, the center sleeve-side auxiliary cam surface generates a force in the direction of approaching the clutch center sleeve of the pressure plate to increase the pressing force between the input-side rotating plate and the output-side rotating plate, and the center sleeve-side sliding cam surface separates the pressure plate from the clutch center sleeve to reduce the pressing force between the input-side rotating plate and the output-side rotating plate; and Center sleeve-side cam holes, which are formed through between adjacent center sleeve-side cam portions, The flange comprises: A pressing surface, when the direction of approaching the clutch center sleeve of the pressure plate is set as the first direction and the direction of separating the pressure plate from the clutch center sleeve is set as the second direction, the pressing surface is located on the first direction side of the input-side rotating plate and the output-side rotating plate and applies a pressing force to the input-side rotating plate and the output-side rotating plate; And A through hole, which is formed on the radially inner side of the pressing surface.

2. The clutch device according to claim 1, Wherein, The through hole is formed such that the opening area becomes larger as it approaches the first direction side surface of the flange from the second direction side surface of the flange.

3. The clutch device according to claim 1, Wherein, The through hole is formed such that the opening area of the opening end on the first direction side of the flange is larger than the opening area of the opening end on the second direction side of the flange.

4. The clutch device according to claim 1 or 2, Wherein, The through hole is located on the radially outer side of the center sleeve-side cam portion.

5. The clutch device according to claim 4, Wherein, The through hole is located on the radially outer side of the center sleeve-side cam portion.

6. The clutch device according to claim 5, Wherein, The center sleeve-side cam portion has the center sleeve-side sliding cam surface, The through hole is located on the radially outer side of the center sleeve-side sliding cam surface.

7. A motorcycle, which comprises the clutch device according to claim 1 or 2.

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