Clutch device

Abstract

A clutch device (10) is provided with: a clutch center section (40) that is rotationally driven together with an output shaft (15); and a pressure plate (70) capable of pressing the input-side rotating piece (20) and the output-side rotating piece (22), the pressure plate (70) having a plurality of pressure-side cam sections (90) having pressure-side auxiliary cam surfaces (90A) that generate a force in the direction from the pressure plate (70) toward the clutch center section (40) in order to increase the pressing force of the input-side rotating piece (20) and the output-side rotating piece (22). The pressure-side cam section (90) has: a first main pressure-side recessed section (92) that is recessed in the axial direction of the output shaft (15); and a first sub-pressure-side recess (93) that is recessed in the same direction as the first main pressure-side recess (92) in the axial direction from a bottom surface (92B) that defines the first main pressure-side recess (92).

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-156830 filed on September 10, 2024, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present application relates to a clutch device. BACKGROUND

[0004] A straddle-type vehicle such as a motorcycle is provided with a clutch device that can transmit and cut off the rotational driving force of a driving source such as an engine with respect to a drive wheel. For example, a clutch device is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-36999, which is provided with a clutch center portion that holds an output-side rotary plate and a pressure plate that is set to be able to approach and separate with respect to the clutch center portion. The pressure plate is configured to be able to press the input-side rotary plate and the output-side rotary plate. In this way, in the clutch device, the clutch center portion and the pressure plate are assembled and used.

[0005] In addition, the clutch center portion and the pressure plate of the clutch device of Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-36999 are provided with a plurality of cam portions having an auxiliary cam surface that generates a force in the direction of approaching the pressure plate to the clutch center portion when the rotational driving force of the engine is able to be transmitted to the output shaft, thereby increasing the pressing force of the input-side rotary plate and the output-side rotary plate.

[0006] However, the cam portions having the auxiliary cam surface in the clutch center portion and the pressure plate have a relatively large thickness. Therefore, the larger the cam portions, the more the weight increases, and there is a problem that the weight of the entire clutch device increases. The clutch device is mounted on a vehicle such as a motorcycle, and therefore a relatively lightweight clutch device is preferred.

[0007] The present application was completed in view of the above-described problems, and aims to provide a clutch device that achieves the weight reduction of the cam portions having the auxiliary cam surface in the clutch center portion or the pressure plate. SUMMARY

[0008] The clutch device of the present application transmits or cuts off the rotational driving force of an input shaft that is rotationally driven by the driving force of a driving source with respect to an output shaft, wherein a clutch center portion that is housed in a clutch housing and is rotationally driven together with the output shaft, the clutch housing holding a plurality of input-side rotation pieces that are rotationally driven by the input shaft, and a pressure plate that is disposed so as to be able to approach or separate with respect to the clutch center portion and to be able to rotate relatively, and that is able to press the input-side rotation pieces and a plurality of output-side rotation pieces that are alternately disposed with the input-side rotation pieces, the pressure plate having a plurality of pressure-side cam portions that are located radially outward with respect to the output shaft, and that have at least one of a pressure-side auxiliary cam surface that generates a force in the direction from the pressure plate toward the clutch center portion in order to increase the pressing force of the input-side rotation pieces and the output-side rotation pieces when rotating relatively with respect to the clutch center portion, and a pressure-side sliding cam surface that separates the pressure plate from the clutch center portion in order to reduce the pressing force of the input-side rotation pieces and the output-side rotation pieces, the pressure-side cam portions including a main pressure-side recessed portion that is recessed in the axial direction of the output shaft, and a sub pressure-side recessed portion that is recessed in the same direction as the main pressure-side recessed portion in the axial direction from the bottom surface that divides the main pressure-side recessed portion.

[0009] According to the clutch device of the present application, the pressure-side cam portion has the main pressure-side recessed portion that is recessed in the axial direction of the output shaft. Therefore, the pressure-side cam portion is lightweight compared to a case in which the pressure-side cam portion does not have the main pressure-side recessed portion. Also, the pressure-side cam portion has the sub pressure-side recessed portion that is recessed in the same direction as the main pressure-side recessed portion in the axial direction from the bottom surface that divides the main pressure-side recessed portion. Thus, further weight reduction of the pressure-side cam portion can be achieved. Since the clutch device has the pressure plate that is further lightweight, the clutch device as a whole can be made lightweight.

[0010] Further, another clutch device of the present application transmits or cuts off the rotational driving force of an input shaft, which is rotationally driven by the driving force of a driving source, with respect to an output shaft, wherein a clutch center portion, which is housed in a clutch housing and is rotationally driven together with the output shaft, holds a plurality of input-side rotation pieces that are rotationally driven by the input shaft, and a pressure plate, which is disposed so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to the clutch center portion and is capable of pressing the input-side rotation pieces and a plurality of output-side rotation pieces that are alternately arranged with the input-side rotation pieces, is provided, the clutch center portion has an output shaft holding portion that links the output shaft, and a plurality of center-side cam portions that are located on the radially outer side of the output shaft holding portion and have at least one of a center-side auxiliary cam surface that generates a force in the direction from the pressure plate toward the clutch center portion in order to increase the pressing force of the input-side rotation pieces and the output-side rotation pieces when the pressure plate is relatively rotated with respect to the clutch center portion, and a center-side sliding cam surface that separates the pressure plate from the clutch center portion in order to reduce the pressing force of the input-side rotation pieces and the output-side rotation pieces, the center-side cam portions have a main center-side recessed portion that is recessed in the axial direction of the output shaft, and a sub center-side recessed portion that is recessed in the same direction as the main center-side recessed portion in the axial direction from the bottom surface that divides the main center-side recessed portion.

[0011] According to the other clutch device of the present application, the center-side cam portion has the main center-side recessed portion that is recessed in the axial direction of the output shaft. Thus, the center-side cam portion is lightweight compared to the case where the main center-side recessed portion is not provided. Also, the center-side cam portion has the sub center-side recessed portion that is recessed in the same direction as the main center-side recessed portion in the axial direction from the bottom surface that divides the main center-side recessed portion. Thus, further weight reduction of the center-side cam portion can be achieved. Since the clutch device has the clutch center portion that is further lightweight, the clutch device as a whole can be made lightweight.

[0012] According to the present application, a clutch device in which the cam portion having the auxiliary cam surface in the clutch center portion or the pressure plate is made lightweight can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the clutch device of the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 is a plan view of the clutch center portion of the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 is a plan view of the clutch center portion of the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4This is a cross-sectional view of the central side cam portion of the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a top view of the pressure plate according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a top view of the pressure plate according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the pressure-side cam portion of the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a top view showing the state of the clutch center portion and pressure plate after assembly in the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a top view showing the state of the clutch center portion and pressure plate after assembly in the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 10A This is a schematic diagram illustrating the function of the center-side auxiliary cam surface and the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface.

[0023] Figure 10B This is a schematic diagram illustrating the function of the center-side sliding cam surface and the pressure-side sliding cam surface.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a top view of the center portion of the clutch in the second embodiment.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a top view of the pressure plate according to the third embodiment.

[0026] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the pressure-side cam portion of the third embodiment.

[0027] Figure 14 This is a side view of the pressure plate according to the third embodiment.

[0028] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of the clutch device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0029] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view of the clutch device according to the fifth embodiment.

[0030] Figure 17 This is a top view of the pressure plate according to the sixth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the clutch device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described herein are not intended to specifically limit the present invention. Furthermore, components and parts that perform the same function are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted or simplified where appropriate.

[0032] <First Implementation Method>

[0033] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the clutch device 10 according to the first embodiment. The clutch device 10 is provided, for example, in a motorized two-wheeled vehicle. The clutch device 10 is, for example, a device that transmits or disconnects the rotational driving force of the input shaft (crankshaft), which is driven by the engine as the drive source of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle, relative to the output shaft 15. The clutch device 10 is a device for transmitting or disconnecting the rotational driving force of the input shaft relative to the drive wheel (rear wheel) via the output shaft 15. The clutch device 10 is disposed between the engine and the transmission.

[0034] In the following description, the direction in which the pressure plate 70 of the clutch device 10 approaches and separates from the clutch center portion 40 is designated as direction D; the direction in which the pressure plate 70 approaches the clutch center portion 40 is designated as the first direction D1; and the direction in which the pressure plate 70 separates from the clutch center portion 40 is designated as the second direction D2. Furthermore, the circumferential direction of the clutch center portion 40 and the pressure plate 70 is designated as the circumferential direction S; and the direction in the circumferential direction S from one pressure-side cam portion 90 toward the other pressure-side cam portion 90 (from one center-side cam portion 60 toward the other center-side cam portion 60) is designated as the first circumferential direction S1 (refer to...). Figure 2 The direction from the pressure-side cam 90 of the other side toward the pressure-side cam 90 of one side (the direction from the center-side cam 60 of the other side toward the center-side cam 60 of one side) is set as the second circumferential S2 (refer to...). Figure 2 In this embodiment, the axial direction of the output shaft 15, the axial direction of the clutch housing 30, the axial direction of the clutch center portion 40, and the axial direction of the pressure plate 70 are the same as direction D. Furthermore, the pressure plate 70 and the clutch center portion 40 rotate along the first circumferential direction S1 (i.e., from the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A of a center-side cam portion 60 toward the center-side sliding cam surface 60S). However, the above directions are merely directions determined for ease of explanation and do not limit the arrangement of the clutch device 10, nor do they limit the present invention.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the clutch device 10 includes an output shaft 15, an input-side rotating plate 20, an output-side rotating plate 22, a clutch housing 30, a clutch center portion 40, a pressure plate 70, and a stop plate 100.

[0036] likeFigure 1 As shown, the output shaft 15 is a hollow shaft. One end of the output shaft 15 supports the input gear 35 and clutch housing 30 (described later) for free rotation via a needle roller bearing 15A. The output shaft 15 securely supports the clutch center portion 40 via a nut 15B. That is, the output shaft 15 and the clutch center portion 40 rotate integrally. The other end of the output shaft 15 is connected, for example, to the transmission (not shown) of a motorized two-wheeled vehicle.

[0037] like Figure 1 As 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 clutch oil. 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 configured to slide within the hollow portion 15H of the output shaft 15. One end of the push rod 16A (the end on the left side of the figure) is connected to the clutch operating lever (not shown) of a motorized two-wheeled vehicle, and slides within the hollow portion 15H by operating the clutch operating lever, pressing the pressing member 16B in the second direction D2. A portion of the pressing member 16B protrudes to the outside of the output shaft 15 (in this case, the second direction D2) and is connected to the release bearing 18 disposed on the pressure plate 70. The push rod 16A and the pressing member 16B are formed to be smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow portion 15H to ensure the flow of clutch oil within the hollow portion 15H.

[0038] The clutch housing 30 is formed by aluminum die casting. The clutch housing 30 is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the clutch housing 30 has a bottom wall 31 formed in a generally circular shape and a side wall 33 extending from the edge of the bottom wall 31 in a second direction D2. The clutch housing 30 holds a plurality of input-side rotating plates 20.

[0039] 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 via a torque damper 35A and a rivet 35B. The input gear 35 meshes with a drive gear (not shown) that rotates due to the rotational drive of the engine's input shaft. The input gear 35 is rotated integrally with the clutch housing 30, independent of the output shaft 15.

[0040] The input-side rotating plate 20 is driven to rotate by the rotation of the input shaft. For example... Figure 1As shown, the input-side rotating plate 20 is held on the inner circumferential surface of the side wall 33 of the clutch housing 30. The input-side rotating plate 20 is held by engaging with a cutout 30C formed in the side wall 33 of the clutch housing 30. The input-side rotating plate 20 is configured to be displaceable along the axial direction (i.e., direction D) of the clutch housing 30. The input-side rotating plate 20 is configured to rotate integrally with the clutch housing 30.

[0041] The input-side rotating plate 20 is a component that presses against the output-side rotating plate 22. The input-side rotating plate 20 is formed in a ring shape. The input-side rotating plate 20 is formed by aluminum die casting. Friction elements (not shown) composed of multiple sheets of paper are attached to the surface and back of the input-side rotating plate 20. Grooves are formed between the friction elements to maintain the clutch oil at a depth of several hundred μm.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the clutch center portion 40 is housed within the clutch housing 30. The clutch center portion 40 is concentrically configured with the clutch housing 30. The clutch center portion 40 has a cylindrical body 42 and a flange 68 extending radially outward from the outer periphery of the body 42. The clutch center portion 40 holds a plurality of output-side rotating plates 22 that are alternately configured with the input-side rotating plates 20 in the direction D. The clutch center portion 40 is rotated together with the output shaft 15.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the main body 42 includes an annular base wall 43, an outer peripheral wall 45 located radially outward of the base wall 43 and extending toward the second direction D2, an output shaft holding part 50 disposed in the center of the base wall 43, a plurality of center-side cam parts 60 connected to the base wall 43 and the outer peripheral wall 45, and a center-side fitting part 58.

[0044] The output shaft holding portion 50 is cylindrical. An insertion hole 51 is formed in the output shaft holding portion 50 for the output shaft 15 to be inserted and splined into. The insertion hole 51 is formed through the base wall 43. Multiple spline grooves are formed along the axial direction on the inner circumferential surface 50A of the insertion hole 51 in the output shaft holding portion 50. The output shaft 15 is connected to the output shaft holding portion 50.

[0045] like Figure 2As shown, the outer peripheral wall 45 of the clutch center portion 40 is positioned radially outward from the output shaft holding portion 50. The outer peripheral wall 45 is located radially outward from the center-side cam portion 60. A spline engagement portion 46 is provided on the outer peripheral surface 45A of the outer peripheral wall 45. The spline engagement portion 46 has: a plurality of center-side engagement teeth 47 extending along the outer peripheral surface 45A of the outer peripheral wall 45 in the axial direction of the clutch center portion 40; and a plurality of spline grooves 48 formed between adjacent center-side engagement teeth 47 and extending in the axial direction of the clutch center portion 40. The center-side engagement teeth 47 hold the output-side rotating plate 22. The plurality of center-side engagement teeth 47 are arranged in the circumferential direction S. The plurality of center-side engagement teeth 47 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S. The plurality of center-side engagement teeth 47 are formed with the same shape. The center-side engagement teeth 47 protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface 45A of the outer peripheral wall 45.

[0046] The output-side rotating plate 22 is held in the spline engagement portion 46 of the clutch center portion 40 and the pressure plate 70. A portion of the output-side rotating plate 22 is held in the center-side engagement tooth 47 and spline groove 48 of the clutch center portion 40 by spline engagement. Another portion of the output-side rotating plate 22 is held in the pressure-side engagement tooth 77 of the pressure plate 70 (described later). Figure 5 The output-side rotating plate 22 is configured to be displaceable along the axial direction of the clutch center portion 40. The output-side rotating plate 22 is configured to rotate integrally with the clutch center portion 40.

[0047] 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 in a ring shape. The output-side rotating plate 22 is formed by punching a thin sheet of SPCC material into a ring shape. It should be noted that the friction element provided on the input-side rotating plate 20 can also be provided on the output-side rotating plate 22 instead of the input-side rotating plate 20, or it can be provided on both the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22.

[0048] The central cam portion 60 is formed into a platform shape with a cam surface. This cam surface is composed of an inclined surface constituting an auxiliary sliding mechanism. This auxiliary sliding mechanism generates a force that increases the pressing force (coupling force) between the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22, i.e., an auxiliary torque, or a force that decreases the pressing force (coupling force) between the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22, thus shifting towards a semi-engaged state, i.e., a sliding torque. The semi-engaged state refers to the state between clutch engagement (i.e., the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22 pressing against each other) and clutch disengagement (i.e., the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22 separating, with a gap between them). Figure 2As shown, the center-side cam portion 60 is formed to protrude from the surface 43D2 on the second direction D2 side of the base wall 43 in the second direction D2 direction. The center-side cam portions 60 are arranged at equal intervals on the circumferential direction S of the clutch center portion 40. In this embodiment, the clutch center portion 40 has three center-side cam portions 60, but the number of center-side cam portions 60 is not limited to three.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, the center-side cam portion 60 is located radially outside the output shaft holding portion 50. The center-side cam portion 60 has a center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A (see also...). Figure 3 The clutch has a center-side sliding cam surface 60A. The center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A is configured such that, during acceleration, when the clutch center portion 40 rotates relative to the pressure plate 70, a force (here, the first direction D1) is generated from the pressure plate 70 toward the clutch center portion 40 to increase the pressing force (clamping force) between the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22. In this embodiment, when the above force is generated, the position of the pressure plate 70 relative to the clutch center portion 40 does not change, and the pressure plate 70 does not need to physically approach the clutch center portion 40. It should be noted that the pressure plate 70 may also physically displace relative to the clutch center portion 40. The center-side sliding cam surface 60S is configured such that, during deceleration, when the clutch center portion 40 rotates relative to the pressure plate 70, the pressure plate 70 separates from the clutch center portion 40 to reduce the pressing force (clamping force) between the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22. In the adjacent center-side cam portions 60 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 opposite each other in the circumferential direction S.

[0050] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the center-side cam portion 60 has a first main center-side recess 62 that is recessed in the axial direction (here, direction D) of the output shaft 15. The first main center-side recess 62 is an example of a main center-side recess. The first main center-side recess 62 is recessed from the surface 60D2 on the second direction D2 side of the center-side cam portion 60 towards the first direction D1. In a center-side cam portion 60, the first main center-side recess 62 is located on the second circumferential S2 side relative to the center-side sliding cam surface 60S. Figure 3 As shown, when viewed from the axial direction (i.e., direction D) of the output shaft 15, at least a portion of the first main center side recess 62 overlaps with the center side auxiliary cam surface 60A. Figure 4 As shown, the first main center side recess 62 has a first main center side inclined surface 62A parallel to the center side auxiliary cam surface 60A. The first main center side inclined surface 62A is inclined in such a way that the closer to the second circumferential direction S2 it is to the second direction D2.

[0051] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the center-side cam portion 60 has a first secondary center-side recess 63 that is recessed from the bottom surface 62B of the first main center-side recess 62 in the same direction as the first main center-side recess 62 in the axial direction (here, direction D) of the output shaft 15. The first secondary center-side recess 63 is an example of a secondary center-side recess. The first secondary center-side recess 63 is recessed from the bottom surface 62B in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the shape of the first secondary center-side recess 63 is the same as the shape of the pressed portion in the ejector pin used when removing the clutch center portion 40 from the mold (the mold that forms the clutch center portion 40). When viewed from the axial direction (here, direction D) of the output shaft 15, the shape of the first secondary center-side recess 63 is, for example, circular. Figure 2 As shown, when viewed from the axial direction (i.e., direction D) of the output shaft 15, at least a portion of the first auxiliary center side recess 63 is located between the center side auxiliary cam surface 60A and the center side sliding cam surface 60S. Figure 3 As shown, when viewed from the axial direction (i.e., direction D) of the output shaft 15, at least a portion of the first auxiliary center side recess 63 overlaps with the center side auxiliary cam surface 60A. Figure 4 As shown, the depth L1S of the first sub-center side recess 63 in the axial direction (i.e., direction D) is shallower than the depth L1M of the first main center side recess 62 in the axial direction (i.e., direction D).

[0052] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the center-side cam portion 60 has a second main center-side recess 64 that is recessed in the axial direction (here, direction D) of the output shaft 15. The second main center-side recess 64 is an example of a main center-side recess. The second main center-side recess 64 is recessed from the surface 60D1 on the first direction D1 side of the center-side cam portion 60 towards the second direction D2. In a center-side cam portion 60, the second main center-side recess 64 is located on the first circumferential S1 side closer to the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A. Figure 2 As shown, when viewed from the axial direction (i.e., direction D) of the output shaft 15, at least a portion of the second main center side recess 64 overlaps with the center side sliding cam surface 60S. Figure 4 As shown, the second main center side recess 64 has a second main center side inclined surface 64A parallel to the center side sliding cam surface 60S. The second main center side inclined surface 64A is inclined in such a way that the closer to the first circumferential direction S1 it is to the first direction D1.

[0053] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the center-side cam portion 60 has a second auxiliary center-side recess 65 that is recessed from the bottom surface 64B of the second main center-side recess 64 in the axial direction (here, direction D) of the output shaft 15 in the same direction as the second main center-side recess 64. The second auxiliary center-side recess 65 is an example of an auxiliary center-side recess. The second auxiliary center-side recess 65 is recessed from the bottom surface 64B in a second direction D2. In this embodiment, the shape of the second auxiliary center-side recess 65 is the same as the shape of the pressed portion in the ejector pin used when removing the clutch center portion 40 from the mold (the mold that forms the clutch center portion 40). That is, the shape of the second auxiliary center-side recess 65 is the same as the shape of the first auxiliary center-side recess 63. Figure 2 As shown, when viewed from the axial direction (i.e., direction D) of the output shaft 15, at least a portion of the second auxiliary center-side recess 65 is located between the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A and the center-side sliding cam surface 60S. When viewed from the axial direction (i.e., direction D) of the output shaft 15, at least a portion of the second auxiliary center-side recess 65 overlaps with the center-side sliding cam surface 60S. Figure 4 As shown, the depth L2S of the second sub-center side recess 65 in the axial direction (i.e., direction D) is shallower than the depth L2M of the second main center side recess 64 in the axial direction (i.e., direction D).

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, the clutch center portion 40 has multiple (three in this embodiment) bosses 54. The bosses 54 are components that support the pressure plate 70. The multiple bosses 54 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S. The bosses 54 are cylindrical. The bosses 54 are located radially outward from the output shaft retaining portion 50. The bosses 54 extend toward the pressure plate 70 (i.e., toward the second direction D2). The bosses 54 are provided on the base wall 43. Bolts 28 (see reference) are formed in the bosses 54. Figure 1 The threaded hole 54H is inserted. The threaded hole 54H extends along the axial direction of the clutch center part 40.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, the center-side fitting portion 58 is located radially outward from the output shaft holding portion 50. The center-side fitting portion 58 is located radially outward from the center-side cam portion 60. The center-side fitting portion 58 is located on the second direction D2 side from the center-side cam portion 60. The center-side fitting portion 58 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall 45. The center-side fitting portion 58 is configured to be slidably fitted externally into the pressure-side fitting portion 88 (see reference 88) described later. Figure 5 The inner diameter of the intermediate side fitting portion 58 is formed with a fitting tolerance relative to the pressure side fitting portion 88 to allow clutch oil to flow out from the top end portion 15T of the output shaft 15. That is, a gap is formed between the intermediate side fitting portion 58 and the pressure side fitting portion 88, which will be described later.

[0056] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the clutch center portion 40 has a center-side cam hole 43H that penetrates a portion of the base wall 43. 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 adjacent center-side cam portions 60. 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 boss portion 54. Viewed from the axial direction of the clutch center portion 40, a portion of the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A overlaps with the center-side cam hole 43H.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, the pressure plate 70 is configured to be able to approach or separate from the clutch center portion 40 and to rotate relative to it. The pressure plate 70 is configured to press the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22. The pressure plate 70 is concentrically arranged with the clutch center portion 40 and the clutch housing 30. The pressure plate 70 has a main body 72 and a flange 98 that is connected to the outer peripheral edge of the main body 72 in a second direction D2 and extends radially outward. The main body 72 protrudes further in the first direction D1 than the flange 98. The flange 98 is located in the cylindrical portion 80 described later (see reference). Figure 5 The pressure plate 70 holds a plurality of output-side rotating plates 22 that are alternately arranged with the input-side rotating plate 20. The flange 98 is configured to press down on the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22.

[0058] like Figure 5 As shown, the main body 72 includes a cylindrical portion 80, multiple pressure-side cam portions 90, a pressure-side fitting portion 88, and a spring receiving portion 84 (see also...). Figure 6 ).

[0059] The cylindrical portion 80 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical portion 80 is integrally formed with the pressure-side cam portion 90. The cylindrical portion 80 houses the top end portion 15T of the output shaft 15 (see reference). Figure 1 The cylindrical section 80 houses the release bearing 18 (see reference). Figure 1 The cylindrical portion 80 is the part that receives the pressing pressure from the pushing member 16B. The cylindrical portion 80 is the part that receives the clutch oil flowing out from the top end portion 15T of the output shaft 15.

[0060] The pressure-side cam portion 90 is formed in a platform shape with a cam surface, which is composed of an inclined surface of an auxiliary sliding (registered trademark) mechanism that slides on the central-side cam portion 60 to generate auxiliary torque or sliding torque. The pressure-side cam portion 90 is formed to protrude from the flange 98 in the first direction D1. Figure 5As shown, the pressure-side cam portions 90 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction S of the pressure plate 70. In this embodiment, the pressure plate 70 has three pressure-side cam portions 90, but the number of pressure-side cam portions 90 is not limited to three.

[0061] like Figure 5 As shown, the pressure-side cam portion 90 is located radially outward of the cylindrical portion 80. The pressure-side cam portion 90 has a pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A (see also...). Figure 6 The pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A is configured to contact the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A. The pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A is configured to generate a force from the pressure plate 70 toward the clutch center portion 40 during acceleration, in order to increase the pressing force (clamping force) between the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22. The pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S is configured to contact the center-side sliding cam surface 60S. The pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S is configured to separate the pressure plate 70 from the clutch center portion 40 during deceleration, in order to reduce the pressing force (clamping force) between the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22. In the adjacent pressure-side cam portions 90 in the circumferential direction S, the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A of one pressure-side cam portion 90L and the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S of the other pressure-side cam portion 90M are arranged opposite each other in the circumferential direction S.

[0062] like Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the pressure-side cam portion 90 has a first main pressure-side recess 92 that is recessed along the axial direction (direction D in this case) of the output shaft 15. The first main pressure-side recess 92 is an example of a main pressure-side recess. The first main pressure-side recess 92 is recessed from the surface 90D1 on the first direction D1 side of the pressure-side cam portion 90 towards the second direction D2. In a pressure-side cam portion 90, the first main pressure-side recess 92 is located on the first circumferential S1 side closer to the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S. Figure 6 As shown, when viewed from the axial direction (i.e., direction D) of the output shaft 15, at least a portion of the first main pressure side recess 92 overlaps with the pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A. Figure 7 As shown, the first main pressure side recess 92 has a first main pressure side inclined surface 92A parallel to the pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A. The first main pressure side inclined surface 92A is inclined in such a way that the closer to the first circumferential direction S1 it is to the first direction D1.

[0063] like Figure 5 and Figure 7As shown, the pressure-side cam portion 90 has a first secondary pressure-side recess 93, which is recessed from the bottom surface 92B that divides the first primary pressure-side recess 92 in the same direction as the first primary pressure-side recess 92 in the axial direction (here, direction D) of the output shaft 15. The first secondary pressure-side recess 93 is an example of a secondary pressure-side recess. The first secondary pressure-side recess 93 is recessed from the bottom surface 92B in a second direction D2. In this embodiment, the shape of the first secondary pressure-side recess 93 is the same as the shape of the pressed portion in the ejector pin used when removing the pressure plate 70 from the mold (the mold that forms the pressure plate 70). When viewed from the axial direction (here, direction D) of the output shaft 15, the shape of the first secondary pressure-side recess 93 is, for example, circular. Figure 5 As shown, when viewed from the axial direction (i.e., direction D) of the output shaft 15, at least a portion of the first auxiliary pressure-side recess 93 is located between the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A and the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S. Figure 6 As shown, when viewed from the axial direction (i.e., direction D) of the output shaft 15, at least a portion of the first auxiliary pressure side recess 93 overlaps with the pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A. Figure 7 As shown, the depth L3S of the first secondary pressure side recess 93 in the axial direction (i.e., direction D) is shallower than the depth L3M of the first main pressure side recess 92 in the axial direction (i.e., direction D).

[0064] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the pressure-side cam portion 90 has a second main pressure-side recess 94 that is recessed along the axial direction (direction D in this case) of the output shaft 15. The second main pressure-side recess 94 is an example of a main pressure-side recess. The second main pressure-side recess 94 is recessed from the surface 90D2 on the second direction D2 side of the pressure-side cam portion 90 towards the first direction D1. In a pressure-side cam portion 90, the second main pressure-side recess 94 is located on the second circumferential S2 side closer to the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A. Figure 5 As shown, when viewed from the axial direction (i.e., direction D) of the output shaft 15, at least a portion of the second main pressure side recess 94 overlaps with the pressure side sliding cam surface 90S. Figure 7 As shown, the second main pressure side recess 94 has a second main pressure side inclined surface 94A parallel to the pressure side sliding cam surface 90S. The second main pressure side inclined surface 94A is inclined in such a way that the closer to the second circumferential direction S2 it is to the second direction D2.

[0065] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the pressure-side cam portion 90 has a second secondary pressure-side recess 95, which is recessed from the bottom surface 94B that divides the second primary pressure-side recess 94 in the same direction as the second primary pressure-side recess 94 in the axial direction (here, direction D) of the output shaft 15. The second secondary pressure-side recess 95 is an example of a secondary pressure-side recess. The second secondary pressure-side recess 95 is recessed from the bottom surface 94B in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the shape of the second secondary pressure-side recess 95 is the same as the shape of the pressed portion in the ejector pin used when removing the pressure plate 70 from the mold (the mold forming the pressure plate 70). That is, the shape of the second secondary pressure-side recess 95 is the same as the shape of the first secondary pressure-side recess 93. Figure 5 As shown, when viewed from the axial direction (i.e., direction D) of the output shaft 15, at least a portion of the second auxiliary pressure-side recess 95 is located between the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A and the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S. When viewed from the axial direction (i.e., direction D) of the output shaft 15, at least a portion of the second auxiliary pressure-side recess 95 overlaps with the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S. Figure 7 As shown, the depth L4S of the second secondary pressure side recess 95 in the axial direction (i.e., direction D) is shallower than the depth L4M of the second main pressure side recess 94 in the axial direction (i.e., direction D).

[0066] like Figure 8 As shown, when viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15 (i.e., direction D, here from the second direction D2 to the first direction D1), the second auxiliary pressure side recess 95 of the pressure plate 70 does not overlap with the first auxiliary center side recess 63 of the clutch center portion 40. When viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15 (i.e., direction D, here from the second direction D2 to the first direction D1), at least a portion of the first auxiliary center side recess 63 of the clutch center portion 40 overlaps with the pressure side cam hole 73H of the pressure plate 70. That is, the first auxiliary center side recess 63 is exposed to the outside through the pressure side cam hole 73H. And, as Figure 9 As shown, when viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15 (i.e., direction D, here from the first direction D1 to the second direction D2), the first secondary pressure-side recess 93 of the pressure plate 70 does not overlap with the second secondary center-side recess 65 of the clutch center portion 40. When viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15 (i.e., direction D, here from the first direction D1 to the second direction D2), at least a portion of the first secondary pressure-side recess 93 of the pressure plate 70 overlaps with the center-side cam hole 43H of the clutch center portion 40. That is, the first secondary pressure-side recess 93 is exposed externally through the center-side cam hole 43H. Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the state shown, the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A is in contact with the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A. At this time, the pressure plate 70 is closest to the center part 40 of the clutch.

[0067] Here, the functions of the center-side cam portion 60 and the pressure-side cam portion 90 are explained. When the engine speed increases to a state where 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... Figure 10A As shown, a first circumferential rotational force S1 is applied to the pressure plate 70. Therefore, through the action of the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A and the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A, a force in the first direction D1 is generated on the pressure plate 70. This increases the pressing force between the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22. It should be noted that in... Figure 10A The illustration of the first main central side recess 62, etc., is omitted.

[0068] On the other hand, when the output shaft 15 rotates faster than the input gear 35 and the clutch housing 30, generating a reverse torque, such as Figure 10B As shown, a first circumferential rotational force S1 is applied to the center portion 40 of the clutch. Therefore, through the action of the center-side sliding cam surface 60S and the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S, the pressure plate 70 moves in the second direction D2, releasing the pressing force between the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22. This avoids adverse effects on the engine and transmission caused by reverse torque. It should be noted that... Figure 10B The illustration of the first main central side recess 62, etc., is omitted.

[0069] like Figure 5 As shown, the pressure-side fitting portion 88 is located radially outward from the pressure-side cam portion 90. The pressure-side fitting portion 88 is located further outward in the second direction D2 than the pressure-side cam portion 90. The pressure-side fitting portion 88 is configured to be slidably fitted into the center-side fitting portion 58 (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0070] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the pressure plate 70 has a pressure-side cam hole 73H that passes through a portion of the main body 72 and the flange 98. The pressure-side cam hole 73H is located radially outward from the cylindrical portion 80. The pressure-side cam hole 73H extends from the side of the cylindrical portion 80 to a position radially outward from the pressure-side mating portion 88. The pressure-side cam hole 73H is formed through between adjacent pressure-side cam portions 90. The pressure-side cam hole 73H is formed between the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A and the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S of the adjacent pressure-side cam portion 90. Figure 6 As shown, when viewed from the axial direction of the pressure plate 70, the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A overlaps with a portion of the pressure-side cam hole 73H.

[0071] like Figure 5As shown, the pressure plate 70 has a plurality of pressure-side engagement teeth 77 disposed on the flange 98. The pressure-side engagement teeth 77 hold the output-side rotating plate 22. The pressure-side engagement teeth 77 protrude from the flange 98 toward the first direction D1. The pressure-side engagement teeth 77 are located radially outward from the cylindrical portion 80. The pressure-side engagement teeth 77 are located radially outward from the pressure-side cam portion 90. The pressure-side engagement teeth 77 are located radially outward from the pressure-side engagement portion 88. The plurality of pressure-side engagement teeth 77 are arranged circumferentially S. The plurality of pressure-side engagement teeth 77 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction S. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, since a portion of the pressure-side engagement teeth 77 is removed, the spacing of that portion is wider, but other adjacent pressure-side engagement teeth 77 are arranged at equal intervals.

[0072] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a spring receiving portion 84 is formed on the pressure-side cam portion 90. The spring receiving portion 84 is located between the first main pressure-side recess 92 and the second main pressure-side recess 94. The spring receiving portion 84 is formed to be recessed from the second direction D2 to the first direction D1. The spring receiving portion 84 is elliptical in shape. The spring receiving portion 84 houses the pressure spring 25 (see reference). Figure 1 A boss portion 54 is formed through the spring receiving portion 84 (see reference). Figure 2 The insertion hole 84H is inserted through the pressure-side cam portion 90. The insertion hole 84H is elliptical in shape.

[0073] like Figure 1 As shown, the pressure spring 25 is housed in the spring housing portion 84. The pressure spring 25 is held in the boss portion 54, which is inserted into the insertion hole 84H of the spring housing portion 84. The pressure spring 25 exerts force on the pressure plate 70 toward the clutch center portion 40 (i.e., toward the first direction D1). The pressure spring 25 is, for example, a helical spring made of spring steel wound into a spiral shape.

[0074] like Figure 1 As shown, the stop plate 100 is configured to contact the pressure plate 70. The stop plate 100 is a component that prevents the pressure plate 70 from separating from the clutch center portion 40 by a predetermined distance in the second direction D2. The stop plate 100 is fixed to the boss portion 54 of the clutch center portion 40 by bolts 28. With the boss portion 54 of the clutch center portion 40 and the pressure spring 25 disposed in the spring receiving portion 84, the bolts 28 are fastened to the boss portion 54 via the stop plate 100, thereby fixing the pressure plate 70.

[0075] The clutch assembly 10 is filled with a predetermined amount of clutch oil. The clutch oil flows through the hollow portion 15H of the output shaft 15 to the clutch center portion 40 and the pressure plate 70, and then is supplied to the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22 through the gap between the center-side engagement portion 58 and the pressure-side engagement portion 88. The clutch oil suppresses heat absorption and wear of the friction components. The clutch assembly 10 of this embodiment is a so-called wet multi-plate friction clutch assembly.

[0076] As described above, in the clutch device 10 according to this embodiment, the pressure-side cam portion 90 has a first main pressure-side recess 92 that is recessed along the axial direction of the output shaft 15. Therefore, the pressure-side cam portion 90 is lighter than the case without the first main pressure-side recess 92. Moreover, the pressure-side cam portion 90 has a first secondary pressure-side recess 93 that is recessed in the same direction as the first main pressure-side recess 92 in the axial direction from the bottom surface 92B that divides the first main pressure-side recess 92. As a result, further weight reduction of the pressure-side cam portion 90 can be achieved. The clutch device 10 has a lighter pressure plate 70, thus achieving overall weight reduction of the clutch device 10.

[0077] In the clutch device 10 of this embodiment, the shape of the first secondary pressure side recess 93 is the same as the shape of the pressed portion in the ejector pin used when removing the pressure plate 70 from the mold. According to the above method, a clutch device 10 having a first secondary pressure side recess 93 that is easily formed when removing the pressure plate 70 from the mold can be provided.

[0078] In the clutch device 10 of this embodiment, the axial depth L3S of the first secondary pressure side recess 93 is shallower than the axial depth L3M of the first main pressure side recess 92. According to this method, weight reduction can be achieved while ensuring the strength of the pressure side cam portion 90.

[0079] In the clutch device 10 of this embodiment, the first main pressure side recess 92 is recessed from the surface 90D1 on the first direction D1 side of the pressure side cam portion 90 towards the second direction D2, and the first secondary pressure side recess 93 is recessed from the bottom surface 92B towards the second direction D2. According to the above method, weight reduction can be achieved on the surface 90D1 on the first direction D1 side of the pressure side cam portion 90.

[0080] In the clutch device 10 of this embodiment, when viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15, at least a portion of the first pressure-side recess 93 overlaps with the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A. According to this method, the portion having the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A can have a relatively thin wall thickness, thus enabling high-precision forming during manufacturing, and improving surface properties such as the surface roughness of the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A.

[0081] In the clutch device 10 of this embodiment, the second main pressure side recess 94 is recessed from the surface 90D2 on the second direction D2 side of the pressure side cam portion 90 toward the first direction D1, and the second auxiliary pressure side recess 95 is recessed from the bottom surface 94B toward the first direction D1. According to the above method, weight reduction can be achieved on the surface 90D2 on the second direction D2 side of the pressure side cam portion 90.

[0082] In the clutch device 10 of this embodiment, when viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15, at least a portion of the second pressure-side recess 95 overlaps with the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S. According to this method, the portion having the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S can be made relatively thin, thus enabling high-precision forming during manufacturing, and improving surface properties such as the surface roughness of the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S.

[0083] According to the clutch device 10 of this embodiment, the center-side cam portion 60 has a first main center-side recess 62 that is recessed along the axial direction of the output shaft 15. Therefore, the center-side cam portion 60 is lighter than the case without the first main center-side recess 62. Moreover, the center-side cam portion 60 has a first secondary center-side recess 63 that is recessed in the same direction as the first main center-side recess 62 in the axial direction from the bottom surface 62B that divides the first main center-side recess 62. As a result, the center-side cam portion 60 can be further reduced in weight. The clutch device 10 has a lighter clutch center portion 40, thus the overall weight reduction of the clutch device 10 can be achieved.

[0084] In the clutch device 10 of this embodiment, the shape of the first auxiliary center-side recess 63 is the same as the shape of the pressed portion of the ejector pin used when removing the clutch center portion 40 from the mold. According to the above method, it is possible to provide a clutch device 10 having a first auxiliary center-side recess 63 that is easily formed when removing the clutch center portion 40 from the mold.

[0085] In the clutch device 10 of this embodiment, the axial depth L1S of the first auxiliary center side recess 63 is shallower than the axial depth L1M of the first main center side recess 62. According to this method, weight reduction can be achieved while ensuring the strength of the center side cam portion 60.

[0086] In the clutch device 10 of this embodiment, when viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15, at least a portion of the first auxiliary center-side recess 63 is located between the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A and the center-side sliding cam surface 60S. According to this method, since at least a portion of the first auxiliary center-side recess 63 is located in the thicker portion of the center-side cam portion 60, weight reduction can be achieved while ensuring the strength of the center-side cam portion 60.

[0087] In the clutch device 10 of this embodiment, the first main center-side recess 62 is recessed from the surface 60D2 on the second direction D2 side of the center-side cam portion 60 toward the first direction D1, and the first auxiliary center-side recess 63 is recessed from the bottom surface 62B toward the first direction D1. According to the above method, weight reduction can be achieved on the surface 60D2 on the second direction D2 side of the center-side cam portion 60.

[0088] In the clutch device 10 of this embodiment, when viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15, at least a portion of the first auxiliary center side recess 63 overlaps with the center side auxiliary cam surface 60A. According to this method, the portion having the center side auxiliary cam surface 60A can have a relatively thin wall thickness, thus enabling high-precision forming during manufacturing and improving surface properties such as the surface roughness of the center side auxiliary cam surface 60A.

[0089] In the clutch device 10 of this embodiment, the second main center-side recess 64 is recessed from the surface 60D1 on the first direction D1 side of the center-side cam portion 60 towards the second direction D2, and the second auxiliary center-side recess 65 is recessed from the bottom surface 64B towards the second direction D2. According to the above method, weight reduction can be achieved on the surface 60D1 on the first direction D1 side of the center-side cam portion 60.

[0090] In the clutch device 10 of this embodiment, when viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15, at least a portion of the second auxiliary center-side recess 65 overlaps with the center-side sliding cam surface 60S. According to the above method, since the wall thickness of the portion having the center-side sliding cam surface 60S can be relatively thin, it can be formed with high precision during manufacturing, improving surface properties such as the surface roughness of the center-side sliding cam surface 60S.

[0091] <Second Implementation Method>

[0092] Figure 11 This is a top view of the clutch center portion 240 according to the second embodiment. (See attached image.) Figure 11 As shown, the first main center side recess 62 opens circumferentially S. Here, the first main center side recess 62 opens towards the second circumferential direction S2. When viewed from the axial direction (i.e., direction D) of the output shaft 15, the first main center side inclined surface 62A is adjacent to the center side cam hole 43H. It should be noted that the first main center side recess 62 may also not have the first main center side inclined surface 62A.

[0093] <Third Implementation Method>

[0094] Figure 12 This is a top view of the pressure plate 370 according to the third embodiment. Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the pressure side cam portion 90 of the pressure plate 370 in the third embodiment. Figure 14This is a side view of the pressure plate 370 according to the third embodiment. Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the second main pressure side recess 94 opens circumferentially in the direction S. Here, the second main pressure side recess 94 opens in the second circumferential direction S2. When viewed from the axial direction (i.e., direction D) of the output shaft 15, the bottom surface 94B of the second main pressure side recess 94 is adjacent to the pressure side cam hole 73H. The outer periphery 94T of the second main pressure side recess 94 is located radially inward than the outer periphery 73HT of the pressure side cam hole 73H. Figure 14 As shown, the length (depth) G1 of the second main pressure side recess 94 in the axial direction (i.e., direction D) is longer than the length G2 of the pressure side mating tooth 77 in the axial direction (i.e., direction D). It should be noted that, similar to the pressure plate 70 in the first embodiment, the second main pressure side recess 94 may also have a second main pressure side inclined surface 94A.

[0095] <Fourth Implementation Method>

[0096] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of the clutch device 410 according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 15 As shown, the pressure-side cam portion 90 has a spring receiving portion 484 recessed along the axial direction (direction D in this case) of the output shaft 15. The spring receiving portion 484 is an example of a main pressure-side recess. The spring receiving portion 484 is recessed from the surface 90D2 on the second direction D2 side of the pressure-side cam portion 90 towards the first direction D1. The spring receiving portion 484 is configured to house the pressure spring 25. The pressure-side cam portion 90 has a recess 485 recessed from the bottom surface 484B dividing the spring receiving portion 484 in the axial direction (direction D in this case) of the output shaft 15 in the same direction as the spring receiving portion 484. The recess 485 is an example of a secondary pressure-side recess. The recess 485 is recessed from the bottom surface 484B towards the first direction D1. The shape of the recess 485, when viewed from the axial direction (direction D in this case) of the output shaft 15, is, for example, circular. The diameter of the recess 485 is smaller than the diameter of the pressure spring 25.

[0097] In the clutch device 410 of this embodiment, the spring receiving portion 484 houses the pressure spring 25 that applies force to the pressure plate 70 in the first direction D1. According to the above method, since the recess 485 is formed in the pressure-side cam portion 90, the weight reduction of the pressure-side cam portion 90 can be achieved.

[0098] <Fifth Implementation Method>

[0099] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view of the clutch device 510 according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 16As shown, the center-side cam portion 60 has a spring-receiving portion 584 recessed in the axial direction (here, direction D) of the output shaft 15. The spring-receiving portion 584 is an example of a main center-side recess. The spring-receiving portion 584 is recessed from the surface 60D1 on the first direction D1 side of the center-side cam portion 60 in the second direction D2. The spring-receiving portion 584 is configured to house a pressure spring 25. The center-side cam portion 60 has a recess 585 recessed from the bottom surface 584B dividing the spring-receiving portion 584 in the axial direction (here, direction D) of the output shaft 15 in the same direction as the spring-receiving portion 584. The recess 585 is an example of a secondary center-side recess. The recess 585 is recessed from the bottom surface 584B in the second direction D2. The shape of the recess 585, when viewed from the axial direction (here, direction D) of the output shaft 15, is, for example, circular. The diameter of the recess 585 is smaller than the diameter of the pressure spring 25.

[0100] In the clutch device 510 of this embodiment, the spring receiving portion 584 houses the pressure spring 25 that applies force to the pressure plate 70 in the first direction D1. According to the above method, since a recess 585 is formed in the center-side cam portion 60, the center-side cam portion 60 can be made lighter.

[0101] <Sixth Implementation Method>

[0102] Figure 17 This is a top view of the pressure plate 670 according to the sixth embodiment. Figure 17 As shown, the pressure plate 670 has a main body 72 and a flange 98 that is connected to the outer peripheral edge of the main body 72 in the second direction D2 and extends radially outward. The pressure plate 670 holds a plurality of output-side rotating plates 22 that are alternately arranged with the input-side rotating plates 20 in the direction D. In this embodiment, the pressure plate 670 holds all the output-side rotating plates 22. That is, the clutch center portion (not shown) does not hold the output-side rotating plates 22. The main body 72 has an annular base wall 673, an outer peripheral wall 675 located radially outward of the base wall 673 and extending toward the first direction D1, a cylindrical portion 280 disposed at the center of the base wall 673, and a plurality of pressure-side cam portions 90 connected to the base wall 673 and the outer peripheral wall 675. The pressure-side cam portions 90 are formed to protrude from the main body 672 toward the first direction D1. The pressure-side cam portions 90 are located radially inward of the outer peripheral wall 675.

[0103] like Figure 17As shown, the outer peripheral wall 675 is formed into an annular shape extending in direction D. A spline fitting portion 676 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall 675. The spline fitting portion 676 has a plurality of pressure-side fitting teeth 677 extending along the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall 675 in the axial direction of the pressure plate 670, and a plurality of spline grooves 678 formed between adjacent pressure-side fitting teeth 677 and extending in the axial direction of the pressure plate 670. The pressure-side fitting teeth 677 hold the output-side rotating plate 22. The plurality of pressure-side fitting teeth 677 are arranged in the circumferential direction S. The plurality of pressure-side fitting teeth 677 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S. The plurality of pressure-side fitting teeth 677 are formed in the same shape. The pressure-side fitting teeth 677 protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall 675.

[0104] like Figure 17 As shown, the pressure-side cam portion 90 has a first main pressure-side recess 92 that is recessed along the axial direction (direction D in this case) of the output shaft 15. The first main pressure-side recess 92 is an example of a main pressure-side recess. The first main pressure-side recess 92 is recessed from the surface 90D1 on the first direction D1 side of the pressure-side cam portion 90 towards the second direction D2. The first main pressure-side recess 92 is respectively provided in the circumferential direction S between the spring receiving portion 84 and the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S, and between the spring receiving portion 84 and the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A. It should be noted that the first main pressure-side recess 92 may also be provided in the circumferential direction S only at either the spring receiving portion 84 and the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S or the spring receiving portion 84 and the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A.

[0105] like Figure 4 As shown, the pressure-side cam portion 90 has a first secondary pressure-side recess 93, which is recessed from the bottom surface 92B that divides the first primary pressure-side recess 92 in the same direction as the first primary pressure-side recess 92 along the axial direction (here, direction D) of the output shaft 15. The first secondary pressure-side recess 93 is an example of a secondary pressure-side recess. The first secondary pressure-side recess 93 is recessed from the bottom surface 92B in a second direction D2. When viewed from the axial direction (here, direction D) of the output shaft 15, the shape of the first secondary pressure-side recess 93 is, for example, circular.

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

[0107] In the above embodiments, the center-side cam portion 60 has a center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A and a center-side sliding cam surface 60S, but may also have only one of them. Similarly, the pressure-side cam portion 90 has a pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A and a pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S, but may also have only one of them. For example, the center-side cam portion 60 may only have the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A, and the pressure-side cam portion 90 may only have the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A. Alternatively, the center-side cam portion 60 may only have the center-side sliding cam surface 60S, and the pressure-side cam portion 90 may only have the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S.

[0108] In the above embodiments, the pressure plate 70 holds one output-side rotating plate 22, but it may also hold multiple output-side rotating plates 22.

[0109] In the embodiments described above, the pressure plate 70 holds a portion of the output-side rotating plate 22, and the clutch center portion 40 holds another portion of the output-side rotating plate 22, but this is not a limitation. For example, the pressure plate 70 may hold the entire output-side rotating plate 22, and the clutch center portion 40 may not hold the output-side rotating plate 22.

[0110] The first secondary center side recess 63 may not necessarily be derived from the deepest bottom surface of the bottom surface 62B that divides the first main center side recess 62 (i.e., in...). Figure 4 In the example shown, the bottom surface located on the side closest to the first direction D1 is recessed towards the first direction D1. For example, if the bottom surface 62B in direction D is stepped, the first sub-center side recess 63 may not be recessed from the bottom surface on the first direction D1 side (i.e., the bottom surface on the deep side) of the bottom surface 62B, but rather from the bottom surface on the second direction D2 side (i.e., the bottom surface on the shallow side) towards the first direction D1. The second sub-center side recess 65 may also not be recessed from the deepest bottom surface (i.e., the bottom surface on the shallow side) of the bottom surface 64B that divides the second main center side recess 64. Figure 7 In the example shown, the bottom surface located on the side closest to the second direction D2 is recessed towards the second direction D2. For example, if the bottom surface 64B in direction D is stepped, the second sub-center side recess 65 may not be recessed from the bottom surface located on the side of the second direction D2 (i.e., the bottom surface located on the deep side) in the bottom surface 64B towards the second direction D2, but rather from the bottom surface located on the side of the first direction D1 (i.e., the bottom surface located on the shallow side) towards the second direction D2.

[0111] The first secondary pressure side recess 93 may not necessarily be located at the deepest bottom surface of the bottom surface 92B that divides the first main pressure side recess 92 (i.e., in...). Figure 7In the example shown, the bottom surface located on the side closest to the second direction D2 is recessed towards the second direction D2. For example, if the bottom surface 92B in direction D becomes stepped, the first secondary pressure side recess 93 may not be recessed from the bottom surface on the second direction D2 side (i.e., the bottom surface on the deep side) of the bottom surface 92B, but rather from the bottom surface on the first direction D1 side (i.e., the bottom surface on the shallow side) towards the second direction D2. The second secondary pressure side recess 95 may also not be recessed from the deepest bottom surface (i.e., the bottom surface on the shallow side) of the bottom surface 94B that divides the second main pressure side recess 94. ​ In the example shown, the bottom surface located on the side closest to the first direction D1 is recessed towards the first direction D1. For example, if the bottom surface 94B in direction D becomes stepped, the second secondary pressure side recess 95 may not be recessed from the bottom surface of the bottom surface 94B located on the side of the first direction D1 (i.e., the bottom surface located on the deep side), but rather from the bottom surface located on the side of the second direction D2 (i.e., the bottom surface located on the shallow side) towards the first direction D1.

Claims

1. A clutch device that transmits or cuts off a rotational driving force of an input shaft that is rotationally driven with a driving force of a driving source with respect to an output shaft, wherein, Possessing: A clutch center portion that is housed in a clutch housing and that is rotationally driven together with the output shaft, the clutch housing holding a plurality of input-side rotation pieces that are rotationally driven by the input shaft; and A pressure plate that is disposed so as to be able to approach or separate from the clutch center portion and to relatively rotate, and that is able to press the input-side rotation pieces and a plurality of output-side rotation pieces that are alternately disposed with the input-side rotation pieces, The pressure plate has a plurality of pressure-side cam portions that are located radially outward from the output shaft, and that have at least one of a pressure-side auxiliary cam surface that generates a force in a direction from the pressure plate toward the clutch center portion in order to increase the pressing force of the input-side rotation pieces and the output-side rotation pieces when relatively rotating with respect to the clutch center portion, and a pressure-side sliding cam surface that separates the pressure plate from the clutch center portion in order to reduce the pressing force of the input-side rotation pieces and the output-side rotation pieces, The pressure-side cam portion includes: A main pressure-side recessed portion that is recessed in the axial direction of the output shaft; and A sub pressure-side recessed portion that is recessed in the same direction as the main pressure-side recessed portion in the axial direction from a bottom surface that divides the main pressure-side recessed portion.

2. The clutch device according to claim 1, wherein The shape of the sub pressure-side recessed portion is the same as the shape of a portion that is pressed against an ejection pin used when the pressure plate is removed from a mold.

3. The clutch device according to claim 1, wherein The depth of the sub pressure-side recessed portion in the axial direction is shallower than the depth of the main pressure-side recessed portion in the axial direction.

4. The clutch device according to claim 1, wherein When a direction in which the pressure plate approaches the clutch center portion is set as a first direction, and a direction in which the pressure plate separates from the clutch center portion is set as a second direction, the main pressure-side recessed portion is recessed from a surface of the pressure-side cam portion on the first direction side toward the second direction, and the sub pressure-side recessed portion is recessed from the bottom surface toward the second direction.

5. The clutch device according to claim 4, wherein The pressure-side cam portion has the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface, At least a portion of the sub pressure-side recessed portion overlaps the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface when viewed in the axial direction of the output shaft.

6. The clutch device according to claim 1, wherein When a direction in which the pressure plate approaches the clutch center portion is set as a first direction, and a direction in which the pressure plate separates from the clutch center portion is set as a second direction, the main pressure-side recessed portion is recessed from a surface of the pressure-side cam portion on the second direction side toward the first direction, and the sub pressure-side recessed portion is recessed from the bottom surface toward the first direction.

7. The clutch device according to claim 6, wherein The pressure-side cam portion has the pressure-side sliding cam surface, At least a portion of the sub pressure-side recessed portion overlaps the pressure-side sliding cam surface when viewed in the axial direction of the output shaft.

8. The clutch device according to claim 6, wherein the main pressure side recess is configured to accommodate a pressure spring that applies a force to the pressure plate in the first direction.

9. A clutch device that transmits or cuts off the rotational driving force of an input shaft that is rotationally driven by the driving force of a driving source with respect to an output shaft, wherein provided with: a clutch center portion that is accommodated in a clutch housing that holds a plurality of input side rotation pieces that are rotationally driven by the input shaft, and that is rotationally driven together with the output shaft; and a pressure plate that is disposed so as to be able to approach or separate from the clutch center portion and to relatively rotate with respect to the clutch center portion, and that is able to press the input side rotation pieces and a plurality of output side rotation pieces that are alternately disposed with the input side rotation pieces, the clutch center portion is provided with: an output shaft holding portion that links the output shaft; and a plurality of center side cam portions that are located on a radially outer side of the output shaft holding portion, and that have at least one of a center side auxiliary cam surface that generates a force in a direction from the pressure plate toward the clutch center portion in order to increase a pressing force of the input side rotation pieces and the output side rotation pieces when relatively rotating with respect to the pressure plate, and a center side sliding cam surface that separates the pressure plate from the clutch center portion in order to reduce the pressing force of the input side rotation pieces and the output side rotation pieces, the center side cam portion has: a main center side recess that is recessed in an axial direction of the output shaft; and a sub center side recess that is recessed in the same direction as the main center side recess from a bottom surface that divides the main center side recess in the axial direction.

10. The clutch device according to claim 9, wherein a shape of the sub center side recess is the same as a shape of a portion that is pressed against an ejection pin used when the clutch center portion is removed from a mold.

11. The clutch device according to claim 9, wherein a depth of the sub center side recess in the axial direction is shallower than a depth of the main center side recess in the axial direction.

12. The clutch device according to claim 9, wherein the center side cam portion has the center side auxiliary cam surface and the center side sliding cam surface, at least a portion of the sub center side recess is located between the center side auxiliary cam surface and the center side sliding cam surface when viewed in the axial direction of the output shaft.

13. The clutch device according to claim 9, wherein when a direction in which the pressure plate approaches the clutch center portion is set as a first direction, and a direction in which the pressure plate separates from the clutch center portion is set as a second direction, the main center side recess is recessed from a surface of the center side cam portion on the second direction side toward the first direction, and the sub center side recess is recessed from the bottom surface toward the first direction.

14. The clutch device according to claim 13, wherein the center side cam portion has the center side auxiliary cam surface, at least a portion of the sub center side recess overlaps with the center side auxiliary cam surface when viewed in the axial direction of the output shaft.

15. The clutch device according to claim 9, wherein In a case where a direction in which the pressure plate approaches the clutch central portion is set as a first direction, and a direction in which the pressure plate separates from the clutch central portion is set as a second direction, the main central side recessed portion is recessed from a surface of the central side cam portion on a first direction side toward the second direction, and the sub central side recessed portion is recessed from the bottom surface toward the second direction.

16. The clutch device according to claim 15, wherein the central side cam portion has the central side sliding cam surface, at least a portion of the sub central side recessed portion overlaps the central side sliding cam surface when viewed in the axial direction of the output shaft.

17. The clutch device according to claim 15, wherein the main central side recessed portion is configured to accommodate a pressure spring that exerts a force on the pressure plate in the first direction.

Images