Clutch device

Abstract

The present invention provides a clutch device that reliably supplies oil to the portion of the pressure plate that holds the output-side rotating plate. The clutch center member (40) has: a plurality of center-side cam portions (60), each having a center-side auxiliary cam surface (60A) and a center-side sliding cam surface (60S); and a center-side cam hole (43H), formed radially outward from the output shaft (15) of the output shaft holding portion (50) and between adjacent center-side cam portions (60) in the circumferential direction S. The pressure plate (70) has pressure-side engaging teeth (77) that hold the output-side rotating plate (22) and spline grooves (78) formed between the pressure-side engaging teeth (77). When viewed from the axial direction, at least a portion of the spline grooves (78) is disposed inside the center-side cam hole (43H).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to clutch devices. More specifically, it relates to clutch devices that arbitrarily transmit or disconnect the rotational driving force of an input shaft driven by a power source such as an engine relative to an output shaft. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, motorized two-wheeled vehicles and other vehicles have clutch devices. These clutch devices are positioned between the engine and the drive wheels, transmitting or disengaging the engine's rotational driving force to the drive wheels. A clutch device typically includes multiple input-side rotating plates that rotate under the engine's rotational driving force and multiple output-side rotating plates connected to an output shaft that transmits the rotational driving force to the drive wheels. The input-side and output-side rotating plates are alternately arranged in a stacking direction, and the transmission or disengagement of rotational driving force is achieved by pressing and separating the input-side and output-side rotating plates.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a clutch device comprising: a clutch center member (clutch assembly); a retaining output-side rotating plate (driven-side clutch plate); and a pressure plate (pressure member) configured to approach and disengage relative to the clutch center member. The pressure plate has flanges that press down on the input-side and output-side rotating plates. Rotational driving force is transmitted by pressing down on the input-side and output-side rotating plates using the flanges. Thus, in the clutch device, the clutch center member and the pressure plate are assembled and used.

[0004] [Existing technical documents]

[0005] [Patent Literature]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 5847551 Summary of the Invention

[0007] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, the output-side rotating plate held in the pressure plate moves relative to the clamping teeth and spline groove on the pressure plate side that hold the output-side rotating plate. Therefore, if oil is not reliably supplied to the part of the pressure plate that holds the output-side rotating plate, problems such as the output-side rotating plate becoming stuck will occur.

[0009] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to reliably supply oil to the portion of the pressure plate that holds the rotating plate on the output side.

[0010] [Methods used to solve problems]

[0011] The clutch device of the present invention transmits or disconnects the rotational driving force of the input shaft relative to the output shaft. The clutch device comprises: a clutch center member that receives the rotational driving force and rotates, and is housed in a clutch housing that holds a plurality of input-side rotating plates arranged in the axial direction of the output shaft, and rotates together with the output shaft; a plurality of output-side rotating plates that are alternately arranged with the input-side rotating plates in the axial direction; and a pressure plate configured to be able to approach and separate relative to the clutch center member in the axial direction and to rotate relative to it, holding the output-side rotating plates and pressing the input-side rotating plates and the output-side rotating plates. The pressure plate has: a cylindrical annular wall that extends along the first direction when the direction in which the pressure plate approaches the clutch center member is designated as a first direction, and the direction in which the pressure plate separates from the clutch center member is designated as a second direction, and is concentrically arranged with the output shaft; a plurality of pressure-side engaging teeth arranged circumferentially along the output shaft and protruding radially outward from the annular wall towards the output shaft to hold the output-side rotating plate; and a plurality of spline grooves formed between adjacent pressure-side engaging teeth. The clutch center member includes: an output shaft retaining portion for the insertion of the output shaft; a center-side cam portion located radially outward from the output shaft retaining portion and having a center-side auxiliary cam surface and / or a center-side sliding cam surface; and a center-side cam hole formed through the circumferentially adjacent center-side cam portions located radially outward from the output shaft retaining portion. The center-side auxiliary cam surface is configured to generate a force in the direction that brings the pressure plate closer to the clutch center member when the pressure plate rotates relative to the clutch center member, thereby increasing the pressing force between the input-side rotating plate and the output-side rotating plate. The center-side sliding cam surface is configured to generate a force in the direction that separates the pressure plate from the clutch center member when the pressure plate rotates relative to the clutch center member, thereby reducing the pressing force between the input-side rotating plate and the output-side rotating plate. When viewed from the axial direction, at least a portion of the spline groove is disposed inside the center-side cam hole.

[0012] According to the clutch device of the present invention, when viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft, at least a portion of the spline groove is disposed inside the center-side cam hole. Therefore, when oil flows around the clutch center member and enters the clutch center member from the center-side cam hole, oil is supplied to the spline groove. Thus, clutch oil can be reliably supplied to the pressure-side engagement teeth and spline groove that hold the output-side rotating plate. Therefore, adverse conditions such as the output-side rotating plate becoming stuck can be prevented.

[0013] [Invention Effects]

[0014] According to the present invention, oil can be reliably supplied to the portion of the pressure plate that holds the output-side rotating plate. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the clutch device according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 This is an enlarged view of the area near the output-side rotating plate, viewed from the first direction side.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the clutch center component according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a top view of the clutch center member of the first embodiment, viewed from the second direction side.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a top view of the clutch center member of the first embodiment, viewed from the first direction side.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a side view of the clutch center component according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the pressure plate involved in the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the pressure plate involved in the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of the area around the protrusion.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a top view of the pressure plate according to the first embodiment, viewed from the first direction side.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a side view of the pressure plate according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the pressure plate according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 13A This is a schematic diagram illustrating the function of the center-side auxiliary cam surface and the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface.

[0028] Figure 13B This is a schematic diagram illustrating the function of the center-side sliding cam surface and the pressure-side sliding cam surface.

[0029] Figure 14 This is a top view of the pressure plate according to the first embodiment, viewed from the second direction side.

[0030] Figure 15A This is a top view of the first and second springs.

[0031] Figure 15B This is a side view of the first and second springs.

[0032] Figure 16 It is a top view showing the state of the clutch center component and pressure plate after assembly.

[0033] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of the clutch device when the center-side sliding cam surface is in contact with the pressure-side sliding cam surface.

[0034] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of a clutch device in the semi-engaged state.

[0035] Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view of the clutch device when the pressure plate and the stop plate are in contact.

[0036] Figure 20A It is a cross-sectional view of the periphery of the protrusion before the pressure plate is assembled onto the clutch base.

[0037] Figure 20B This is a cross-sectional view of the protrusion surrounding the pressure plate when it is assembled onto the clutch base.

[0038] Figure 20C Observing from the first direction Figure 20A The image at that time.

[0039] Figure 21 This is a three-dimensional view of the pressure plate involved in the modified example.

[0040] Figure 22 This is a three-dimensional view of the pressure plate involved in the modified example.

[0041] Figure 23 This is a cross-sectional view of the pressure plate involved in the variation example.

[0042] Figure 24 This is a perspective view of the clutch center component according to the second embodiment.

[0043] Figure 25 This is a perspective view of the clutch center component according to the second embodiment.

[0044] Figure 26 This is a perspective view of the pressure plate involved in the second embodiment.

[0045] Figure 27 This is a top view of the pressure plate according to the second embodiment.

[0046] Figure 28 This is a cross-sectional view of the clutch device according to the third embodiment.

[0047] Figure 29 yes Figure 28 Enlarged view of the area around the protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0048] 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 limit the present invention in any particular way. Furthermore, components and parts that perform the same function will be labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will be omitted or simplified where appropriate.

[0049] <First Implementation Method>

[0050] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the clutch device 10 according to this embodiment. The clutch device 10 is provided, for example, in a vehicle such as a motorized two-wheeler. The clutch device 10 is a device for transmitting or disconnecting the rotational driving force of the input shaft (e.g., crankshaft) of a power source relative to the output shaft 15. The power source is, for example, an engine of a motorized two-wheeler, an electric motor, etc. 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.

[0051] In the following description, the direction in which the pressure plate 70 of the clutch assembly 10 is arranged with the clutch center member 40 is designated as direction D. In this embodiment, direction D is approximately horizontal. The direction in which the pressure plate 70 approaches the clutch center member 40 is designated as the first direction D1, and the direction in which the pressure plate 70 moves away from the clutch center member 40 is designated as the second direction D2. 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 member 40, and the axial direction of the pressure plate 70 are the same as direction D. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, "axial direction" refers to the axial direction of the output shaft 15. In addition, the circumferential directions of the output shaft 15, the clutch housing 30, the clutch center member 40, and the pressure plate 70 are the same, and this is designated as the circumferential direction S (refer to...). Figure 2 Regarding the circumferential direction S, the direction from one pressure-side cam 90 toward the other pressure-side cam 90 is defined as the first circumferential direction S1 (refer to...). Figure 7 The direction from the pressure-side cam 90 on one side toward the pressure-side cam 90 on the other side is set as the second circumferential direction S2 (refer to...). Figure 7 The pressure plate 70 and the clutch center member 40 rotate along the first circumferential direction S1. In this embodiment, the output shaft 15, the clutch housing 30, the clutch center member 40, and the pressure plate 70 are in the same radial direction. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, "radial" refers to the radial direction of the output shaft 15. However, the above direction is only determined for ease of explanation and does not limit the arrangement of the clutch device 10, nor does it limit the present invention.

[0052] As will be described later, Figure 1 This indicates that the clutch assembly 10 is in the clutch engaged state, with the pressure plate 70 closest to the clutch center member 40, and the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22 pressed against each other. For example... 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 piece 40, a pressure plate 70, a clutch spring 25, a stop plate 100, a spring 120, a first spring 130A, and a second spring 130B.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, the output shaft 15 is a hollow shaft. One end of the output shaft 15 supports the input gear 35 (described later) and the clutch housing 30 via a needle roller bearing 15A, allowing them to rotate freely. The output shaft 15 is fixed to the clutch center 40 by a nut 15B. The output shaft 15 rotates integrally with the clutch center 40. The other end of the output shaft 15 is connected, for example, to the transmission (not shown) of a motorized two-wheeled vehicle.

[0054] 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 oil. 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. When the clutch is disengaged, the push rod 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 outward from 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. Another portion of the push rod 16A and the pressing member 16B is formed to be smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow portion 15H, ensuring oil flow within the hollow portion 15H. Furthermore, the push rod 16A can also be connected to a clutch operating switch, for example, by pressing the clutch operating switch, pressing the pressing member 16B in the second direction D2.

[0055] The clutch housing 30 is formed of aluminum alloy. The clutch housing 30 is formed in 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.

[0056] like Figure 1As 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 rotation of the engine's input shaft. The input gear 35 rotates integrally with the clutch housing 30, independent of the output shaft 15.

[0057] The input-side rotating plate 20 is driven to rotate by the rotation of the input shaft. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the input-side rotating plate 20 is held on the inner circumferential surface 33N of the sidewall 33 of the clutch housing 30. In this embodiment, the inner circumferential surface 33N extends further outward toward the radial direction towards the second direction D2 and is inclined from the axial direction of the output shaft 15. The input-side rotating plate 20 is attached to the cutout 30C formed in the sidewall 33 of the clutch housing 30 (see also...). Figure 2 The input-side rotating plate 20 is held in place by spline engagement with the clutch housing 30. The input-side rotating plate 20 is configured to be displaceable along the axial direction of the clutch housing 30. The input-side rotating plate 20 is configured to rotate integrally with the clutch housing 30.

[0058] 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 a flat plate formed into a ring shape. The input-side rotating plate 20 is formed by punching a thin sheet of SPCC (cold-rolled steel) material into a ring shape. Friction material (not shown) consisting of multiple sheets of paper is adhered to the surface and back of the input-side rotating plate 20. Grooves of several μm to tens of μm depth are formed between the friction components to retain oil.

[0059] All output-side rotating plates 22 are held on the pressure plate 70. The output-side rotating plates 22 are held on the pressure plate side engagement teeth 77 of the pressure plate 70 (described later). The output-side rotating plates 22 are configured to be displaceable along the axial direction of the clutch center member 40. The output-side rotating plates 22 are configured to rotate integrally with the clutch center member 40.

[0060] 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 a ring-shaped flat plate. It is formed by punching a thin sheet of SPCC material into a ring shape. Grooves of several μm to tens of μm depth are formed on the surface and back of the output-side rotating plate 22 to retain oil. To improve wear resistance, surface hardening treatment is applied to both the surface and back of the output-side rotating plate 22. Furthermore, the friction element 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 it can be provided on both the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22 separately.

[0061] exist Figure 2The diagram shows the clutch housing 30, the input-side rotating plate 20, the output-side rotating plate 22, and the protrusion 75 of the pressure plate 70 (described later). Side wall 33 (see reference) Figure 1 The inner circumferential surface 33N of the protrusion 75 faces the outer radial side of the protrusion 75. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the output-side rotating plate 22 has an annular main body 22a, a plurality of rotating plate engaging teeth 22b, and a plurality of rotating plate grooves 22c. The rotating plate engaging teeth 22b extend radially inward from the inner periphery 22N of the main body 22a. A plurality of rotating plate engaging teeth 22b are arranged in a circumferential direction S. The rotating plate grooves 22c are grooves formed in the circumferential direction S between adjacent rotating plate engaging teeth 22b. The pressure-side engaging teeth 77, described later, engage with the rotating plate grooves 22c. When the clutch housing 30 and the rotation center axis of the output-side rotating plate 22 are coaxial, the radial distance between the inner peripheral surface 33N of the sidewall 33 and the outer periphery 22U of the output-side rotating plate 22 is a length L20. Furthermore, as... Figure 1 As shown, the length L20 is the narrowest radial distance between the inner circumferential surface 33N and the output side rotating plate 22 in the direction D, that is, the distance closest to the first direction D1 side.

[0062] The clutch center portion 40 is housed within the clutch housing 30. The clutch center portion 40 and the clutch housing 30 are concentrically arranged. Figure 3 As shown, the clutch center member 40 has an annular center side flange 68, a center side main body portion 42 located radially inside the center side flange 68, and a center side recess 59 formed between the center side main body portion 42 and the center side flange 68. The clutch center member 40 and the output shaft 15 (see reference) Figure 1 They rotate together to drive the rotation.

[0063] like Figure 3 As shown, the center-side main body 42 includes an annular boss 43, multiple center-side cam portions 60 connected to the boss 43, and multiple center-side fitting portions 58. The radially inner portion of the boss 43 constitutes an output shaft holding portion 50 held on the output shaft 15. Figure 4 As shown, the outer edge 43E of the boss portion 43 is connected to the central cam portion 60. In this embodiment, the central cam portion 60 is connected to each of the three outer edges 43E.

[0064] like Figure 3 As shown, an output shaft 15 (see reference) is formed in the output shaft holding portion 50. Figure 1 An insertion hole 51 is inserted and splined into place. Multiple spline grooves are formed along the axial direction on the inner circumferential surface 50A of the output shaft holding portion 50. An output shaft 15 is connected to the output shaft holding portion 50.

[0065] Details will be described later. The clutch assembly 10 includes an assist slipper (registered trademark) mechanism. The assist slipper (registered trademark) mechanism generates a force that causes the input-side rotating plate 20 (see reference) to rotate. Figure 1 ) and output side rotating plate 22 (refer to Figure 1 The mechanism increases the pressing force (pressing force) of the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22, i.e., the auxiliary torque, or decreases the pressing force of the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22, i.e., the sliding torque. The center-side cam portion 60 has cam surfaces 60A and 60S formed by inclined surfaces constituting the auxiliary slider (registered trademark) mechanism. The center-side cam portion 60 is connected to the radially outer side of the hub portion 43. The center-side cam portion 60 protrudes further in the second direction D2 than the boss portion 43. Figure 4 As shown, the center-side cam portions 60 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction S of the clutch center member 40. In this embodiment, the clutch center member 40 has three center-side cam portions 60, but the number of center-side cam portions 60 is not limited to three.

[0066] like Figure 3 As shown, the end portion 60E on the first direction D1 side of the center-side cam portion 60 is connected to the center-side fitting portion 58. Figure 4 As shown, the central cam portion 60 is integrally formed, but here it has the following two parts arranged in the circumferential direction S. The central cam portion 60 includes: an auxiliary cam portion 63A having a central auxiliary cam surface 60A; and a sliding cam portion 63S having a central sliding cam surface 60S. The sliding cam portion 63S is arranged relative to the auxiliary cam portion 63A on the first circumferential direction S1 side. The auxiliary cam portion 63A and the sliding cam portion 63S are integrally formed. Figure 3 As shown, the auxiliary-side cam portion 63A extends further in the second direction D2 than the sliding-side cam portion 63S. The dimension of direction D of the auxiliary-side cam portion 63A is larger than the dimension of direction D of the sliding-side cam portion 63S. Alternatively, the auxiliary-side cam portion 63A and the sliding-side cam portion 63S can also be formed separately.

[0067] In this embodiment, the clutch center member 40 rotates in the direction from the auxiliary side cam portion 63A toward the sliding side cam portion 63S (i.e., the first circumferential direction S1). The center side auxiliary cam surface 60A is configured such that, when the clutch center member 40 is relative to the pressure plate 70 (see reference...), Figure 1 When rotating relative to each other, in order to make the input side rotating plate 20 (refer to) Figure 1 ) and output side rotating plate 22 (refer to Figure 1The pressure (pressing force) of the clutch increases, generating a force from the pressure plate 70 toward the clutch center member 40. In this embodiment, when the above force is generated, the position of the pressure plate 70 relative to the clutch center member 40 does not change, and the pressure plate 70 does not need to physically approach the clutch center member 40. Alternatively, the pressure plate 70 may physically displace relative to the clutch center member 40. The center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A extends further toward the second circumferential direction S2 as it approaches the second direction D2, and is inclined relative to the axial direction. The center-side sliding cam surface 60S is configured to reduce the pressing force (pressing force) between the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22 when the clutch center member 40 rotates relative to the pressure plate 70. When the pressing force decreases, the position of the pressure plate 70 in the circumferential direction S and the axial direction (direction D) changes in a manner that separates it from the clutch center member 40. The center-side sliding cam surface 60S extends further toward the second circumferential direction S2 as it approaches the second direction D2, and is inclined relative to the axial direction. Figure 4 As shown, the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A of one center-side cam portion 60L and the center-side sliding cam surface 60S of another center-side cam portion 60M face each other in the circumferential direction S. Furthermore, Figure 1 The sectional view is a sectional view of the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A in contact with the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A, which will be described later.

[0068] like Figure 3 As shown, a stepped portion 60T is formed next to the central sliding cam surface 60S of the central cam portion 60. The stepped portion 60T extends radially. Figure 4 As shown, the radially inner portion of the stepped portion 60T is connected to the boss portion 43. The radially outer portion of the stepped portion 60T is connected to the center-side fitting portion 58. Furthermore, the stepped portion 60T is connected to the end of the center-side sliding cam surface 60S on the second direction D2 side. Moreover, the stepped portion 60T is located approximately at the center of the center-side cam portion 60 in direction D.

[0069] A portion of the end face 63E on the second direction D2 side of the auxiliary cam portion 63A and the end face 63F on the first direction D1 side of the auxiliary cam portion 63A (see reference) Figure 5 A portion of it is positioned at locations offset from each other in the circumferential direction S. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the end of the first circumferential S1 side of end face 63E is offset towards the second circumferential S2 side compared to the end of the first circumferential S1 side of end face 63F.

[0070] like Figure 3As shown, a main outer peripheral surface 63P is formed by the outer peripheral surface of the auxiliary-side cam portion 63A and the outer peripheral surface of the sliding-side cam portion 63S. The main outer peripheral surface 63P extends across both the auxiliary-side cam portion 63A and the sliding-side cam portion 63S. Additionally, a secondary outer peripheral surface 61A is formed on the auxiliary-side cam portion 63A, intersecting the main outer peripheral surface 63P. The secondary outer peripheral surface 61A is connected to the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A. The secondary outer peripheral surface 61A extends radially inward towards the first direction D1 and is inclined relative to the axial direction. That is, the secondary outer peripheral surface 61A is inclined radially inward from the main outer peripheral surface 63P towards the first direction D1. Furthermore, the secondary outer peripheral surface 61A may also be parallel to the axis of the output shaft 15. At least the secondary outer peripheral surface 61A side (i.e., the second circumferential S2 side) of the primary outer peripheral surface 63P is inclined in a manner that the closer it is to the first direction D1, the further it moves radially outward from the secondary outer peripheral surface 61A. Therefore, the radial length of the central auxiliary cam surface 60A is longer the closer it is to the second direction D2 side. Here, as... Figure 4 As shown, the longest radial length of the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A is defined as length L1. Similarly, the longest radial length of the center-side sliding cam surface 60S is defined as length L2. Length L1 is longer than length L2. The radial midpoint of the end of the second direction D2 of the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A coincides with the radial midpoint of the end of the second direction D2 of the center-side sliding cam surface 60S. An arc AR1, centered on the axis CL, passes through the radial midpoint of the end of the second direction D2 of the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A and the radial midpoint of the end of the second direction D2 of the center-side sliding cam surface 60S. Alternatively, lengths L1 and L2 can be the same. Arc AR1 is located on the outer diameter side of arc AR2, centered on the axis CL and passing through the center 54C of the threaded portion 54a (described later). Therefore, the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A and the center-side sliding cam surface 60S are located radially outside the clutch center 40. Therefore, when transmitting torque through the central auxiliary cam surface 60A or the central sliding cam surface 60S, the surface pressure applied to the central auxiliary cam surface 60A or the central sliding cam surface 60S can be reduced.

[0071] When the length L1 is longer than the length L2, the inner diameter end of the second direction D2 end of the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A can also be positioned at the same position as the inner diameter end of the second direction D2 end of the center-side sliding cam surface 60S in the radial direction. In this case, the arc AR1 centered on the axis CL and passing through the radial midpoint of the second direction D2 end of the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A is radially misaligned with the arc centered on the axis CL and passing through the radial midpoint of the second direction D2 end of the center-side sliding cam surface 60S. That is, the arc AR1 centered on the axis CL and passing through the radial midpoint of the second direction D2 end of the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A is located on the outer diameter side of the arc centered on the axis CL and passing through the radial midpoint of the second direction D2 end of the center-side sliding cam surface 60S. Alternatively, the radial length of the second direction end of the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A can be the same as the radial length of the second direction end of the center-side sliding cam surface 60S. In this case, when viewed along the axis CL, the arc AR1, centered on the axis CL and passing through the radial midpoint of the end of the second direction D2 of the central auxiliary cam surface 60A, can also pass through the radial midpoint of the end of the second direction D2 of the central sliding cam surface 60S. Main outer peripheral surface 63P (refer to...) Figure 3 It can also be tilted radially inward in the second direction D2 throughout the whole.

[0072] The auxiliary side cam portion 63A extends further towards the second direction D2 than the sliding side cam portion 63S. Therefore, as... Figure 6 As shown, the end 67A of the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A on the second direction D2 side is located closer to the second direction D2 side than the end 67S of the center-side sliding cam surface 60S on the second direction D2 side. Furthermore, in direction D, the length L3 of the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A differs from the length L4 of the center-side sliding cam surface 60S in direction D. Here, length L3 is longer than length L4. Additionally, as described above, the radial length L1 of the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A (refer to...) Figure 4 The radial length L2 of the sliding cam surface 60S on the center side (refer to) Figure 4 (Long.) Moreover, as Figure 6As shown, the length L5 of the inclined surface of the central auxiliary cam surface 60A is longer than the length L6 of the inclined surface of the central sliding cam surface 60S. The inclined surface direction refers to the direction in which the central auxiliary cam surface 60A and the central sliding cam surface 60S are inclined. Therefore, the areas of the central auxiliary cam surface 60A and the central sliding cam surface 60S are different. Here, the area of ​​the central auxiliary cam surface 60A is larger than the area of ​​the central sliding cam surface 60S. However, it is not necessary for all three conditions—L1 > L2, L3 > L4, and L5 > L6—to be true; only one or two conditions may be true. Even in this case, the area of ​​the central auxiliary cam surface 60A can still be larger than the area of ​​the central sliding cam surface 60S. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the end 67B of the central auxiliary cam surface 60A on the first direction D1 side and the end 67T of the central sliding cam surface 60S on the first direction D1 side are located at approximately the same position in direction D. However, in order to make the area of ​​the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A larger than that of the center-side sliding cam surface 60S, the end 67B of the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A on the first direction D1 side can also be positioned closer to the first direction D1 side than the end 67T of the center-side sliding cam surface 60S on the first direction D1 side.

[0073] like Figure 3 As shown, a main inner circumferential surface 63N is formed by the inner circumferential surface of the auxiliary side cam portion 63A and the inner circumferential surface of the sliding side cam portion 63S. The main inner circumferential surface 63N extends over both the auxiliary side cam portion 63A and the sliding side cam portion 63S. The inner portions of the auxiliary side cam portion 63A and the sliding side cam portion 63S are connected to and integrated with the boss portion 43. Therefore, at least a portion of the auxiliary side cam portion 63A and at least a portion of the sliding side cam portion 63S are integrated with the boss portion 43. More specifically, the portion of the auxiliary side cam portion 63A and the sliding side cam portion 63S on the first direction D1 side is connected to the boss portion 43.

[0074] like Figure 4 As shown, an inner circumferential recess 63R is formed between the central cam portion 60 and the boss portion 43. The inner circumferential recess 63R is recessed toward the second circumferential direction S2, that is, from the central sliding cam surface 60S toward the central auxiliary cam surface 60A. The end of the inner circumferential recess 63R in the second circumferential direction S2 is located closer to the first circumferential direction S1 than the auxiliary cam portion 63A. The inner circumferential surface of the sliding cam portion 63S is radially separated from the boss portion 43.

[0075] like Figure 3 As shown, an auxiliary side recess 65 is formed in the auxiliary side cam portion 63A, which is recessed in the first direction D1. Figure 4As shown, the auxiliary side recess 65, when viewed from direction D (i.e., along the axis of the output shaft 15), is formed into a roughly quadrilateral shape. The auxiliary side recess 65 has a shape that tapers towards the front end as it approaches the first direction D1. The opening area of ​​the cross-section of the auxiliary side recess 65 orthogonal to direction D (hereinafter referred to as the cross-section) is smaller as it approaches the first direction D1. Figure 6 As shown, the bottom surface 65E of the auxiliary side recess 65 is located further towards the first direction D1 side than the end surface 63G of the sliding side cam portion 63S on the second direction side.

[0076] like Figure 5 As shown, a slider-side recess 66 is formed in the sliding-side cam portion 63S, recessed towards the second direction D2. The slider-side recess 66, viewed from direction D, is approximately quadrilateral in shape. The slider-side recess 66 has a shape that tapers towards the front end as it approaches the second direction D2. The opening area of ​​the cross-section of the slider-side recess 66 decreases as it approaches the second direction D2. Figure 6 As shown, the bottom surface 65E of the auxiliary side recess 65 is located further towards the first direction D1 than the bottom surface 66E of the sliding side recess 66.

[0077] like Figure 3 As shown, the clutch center member 40 includes a stop plate 100 for supporting the clutch (see reference). Figure 1 The output shaft retainer 50 has multiple (three in this embodiment) bosses 54. The multiple bosses 54 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S. The bosses 54 are formed in a cylindrical shape. The bosses 54 are located radially outward from the output shaft retainer 50. The bosses 54 face the pressure plate 70 (see reference). Figure 1 (i.e., towards the second direction D2). The boss portion 54 extends further towards the second direction D2 than the auxiliary side cam portion 63A. A portion of the boss portion 54 is provided on the auxiliary side cam portion 63A, and another portion of the boss portion 54 is provided on the sliding side cam portion 63S. The boss portion 54 is provided across the auxiliary side cam portion 63A and the sliding side cam portion 63S. The boss portion 54 penetrates the clutch center member 40 along the axial direction (i.e., direction D). Figure 5 As shown, a portion of the boss portion 54 is disposed on the end face 63F of the auxiliary side cam portion 63A.

[0078] like Figure 3As shown, the center-side fitting portion 58 is located radially outward from the output shaft holding portion 50 and the center-side cam portion 60. The center-side fitting portion 58 is located further outward in the first direction D1 than the center-side cam portion 60. The end portion 58D of the center-side fitting portion 58 on the second direction D2 side is connected to the center-side cam portion 60. The end portion 58E of the center-side fitting portion 58 on the first direction D1 side is located further outward in the first direction D1 than the center-side pressing surface 69 of the center-side flange 68 described later. The center-side fitting portion 58 is configured to be slidably fitted into the pressure-side fitting portion 88 described later (see reference). Figure 7 The outer diameter of the center-side fitting portion 58 is formed to allow the output shaft 15 (see reference) to be inserted. Figure 1 The front end of 15T (refer to) Figure 1 The oil flowing out has a fitting tolerance relative to the pressure-side fitting portion 88. That is, a gap is formed between the center-side fitting portion 58 and the pressure-side fitting portion 88 (described later). In this embodiment, for example, the center-side fitting portion 58 is formed with an outer diameter that is 0.1 mm smaller than the inner diameter of the pressure-side fitting portion 88.

[0079] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the clutch center member 40 has a center-side cam hole 43H that passes through a portion of the center-side main body portion 42. The center-side cam hole 43H extends from the side of the hub portion 43 to a position radially outward from the center-side mating portion 58. Each center-side cam hole 43H is formed between adjacent center-side cam portions 60 in the circumferential direction. Figure 5 As shown, viewed from direction D, a portion of the central auxiliary cam surface 60A is located inside the central cam bore 43H. Viewed from direction D, the central cam bore 43H has a roughly fan-shaped shape. Figure 4 As shown, the boss portion 43 forms an inner edge portion 43Ha that divides the radially inner side of the center side cam hole 43H. The radially inner side of the center side cam hole 43H is located radially inner than the center side cam portion 60.

[0080] like Figure 3 As shown, a central recess 59 is formed radially outward of the central mating portion 58. The central recess 59 connects to the central mating portion 58 and the central flange 68. The central recess 59 is formed radially between the central mating portion 58 and the central pressing surface 69 of the central flange 68 (described later). The central recess 59 is recessed towards the first direction D1. Furthermore, the central recess 59 is recessed towards the first direction D1 relative to the central pressing surface 69 of the central flange 68. The central recess 59 is formed in the circumferential direction S at the same position as the central mating portion 58. Viewed from direction D, the circumferential end of the central recess 59 in the S direction connects to the central cam hole 43H. Figure 1As shown, the central recess 59 faces in direction D the end face 74D of the annular wall 74A of the pressure plate 70 (described later) and the end face 77B of the pressure plate side fitting teeth 77 in the first direction D1. Figure 4 As shown, the radial length of the central recess 59 is L14. In this embodiment, the radial length L14 of the central recess 59 is uniform regardless of its position in direction D. However, the radial length of the central recess 59 is not limited to this. For example, the radial length of the central recess 59 may become shorter as it approaches the first direction D1. The radial length L14 of the central recess 59 is uniform regardless of its position in the circumferential direction S. However, the radial length of the central recess 59 is not limited to this. For example, the radial length of the central recess 59 may become shorter as it approaches the first circumferential direction S1. Furthermore, the central recess 59, for example, a portion thereof may extend through the clutch center member 40 in direction D.

[0081] like Figure 3 As shown, the central flange 68 is located radially outward from the central recess 59. The central flange 68 is located radially outward from the central mating portion 58. The central flange 68 and the central recess 59 are integrally formed. The surface of the central flange 68 on the second direction D2 side, i.e., the central pressing surface 69, is in contact with the pressure plate 70 (see reference). Figure 1 Insert the input-side rotating plate 20 between them (refer to) Figure 1 ) and output-side rotating plate 22 (refer to Figure 1 The center-side pressing surface 69 presses against the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22. The center-side pressing surface 69 is located closer to the second-direction D2 side than the end (bottom surface) of the center-side recess 59 in the first direction D1. Figure 6 As shown, in direction D, the length of the end 67A on the second direction D2 side from the center-side pressing surface 69 to the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A is length L7. Length L7 is longer than the length from the pressure-side pressing surface 98A (described later)... Figure 11 ) to the pressure side mating tooth 77 (refer to) Figure 11 End face 77B (refer to) Figure 11 The length L15 (refer to) Figure 11 ) length (also refer to) Figure 1 Additionally, such as Figure 1 As shown, when the pressure plate 70 is closest to the clutch center piece 40 and the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22 are pressed against each other, the length L7 is longer than the length L18 from the center side pressing surface 69 to the pressure plate side pressing surface 98A described later.

[0082] like Figure 1As shown, the pressure plate 70 is configured to approach and disengage relative to the clutch center member 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 member 40 and the clutch housing 30. Figure 7 As shown, the pressure plate 70 includes a pressure-side main body 72, a pressure-side recess 85, and a pressure-side flange 98. The pressure-side flange 98 is connected to the portion of the pressure-side main body 72 on the second direction D2 side and extends radially outward. The pressure-side main body 72 protrudes further in the first direction D1 than the pressure-side flange 98. The pressure plate 70 is held in contact with the input-side rotating plate 20 (see reference). Figure 1 Multiple output-side rotating plates 22 arranged alternately (see reference) Figure 1 ).

[0083] like Figure 7 As shown, the pressure-side main body 72 includes a cylindrical portion 80, an outer peripheral wall 73, multiple pressure-side cam portions 90, a pressure-side fitting portion 88, and a spring storage portion 84 (see reference). Figure 8 ).

[0084] 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 front 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 subjected to pressure from the pushing component 16B (see reference). Figure 1 The part that applies pressure is the part that receives oil flowing from the front end 15T of the output shaft 15.

[0085] like Figure 7 As shown, the outer peripheral wall 73 is positioned radially outward from the cylindrical portion 80. The outer peripheral wall 73 extends along the first direction D1. The outer peripheral wall 73 has a shape formed around the output shaft 15 (see reference). Figure 1 The cylindrical portion 74 and the protrusion 75 are centered on the axis of the cylinder. The cylindrical portion 74 has an annular wall 74A and a splined fitting portion 74B disposed radially outside the annular wall 74A. The splined fitting portion 74B has a plurality of pressure-side fitting teeth 77 extending in the direction D, a plurality of spline grooves 78 formed between adjacent pressure-side fitting teeth 77, a plurality of missing teeth 76 formed between adjacent pressure-side fitting teeth 77, and an oil discharge hole 79. The circumferential length S of the missing teeth 76 is longer than that of the spline grooves 78. The pressure-side fitting teeth 77 hold the output-side rotating plate 22 (see reference). Figure 1Multiple pressure-side mating teeth 77 are arranged circumferentially along the S direction. The pressure-side mating teeth 77 protrude radially outward from the annular wall 74A. No pressure-side mating teeth 77 are provided in the tooth-deficient portion 76. Therefore, the circumferential interval S between two pressure-side mating teeth 77 arranged circumferentially across the tooth-deficient portion 76 is longer than the circumferential interval S between two pressure-side mating teeth 77 arranged circumferentially across the spline groove 78. In this embodiment, the tooth-deficient portions 76 are equally spaced at three locations along the circumferential direction S.

[0086] An oil drain hole 79 is formed radially through the toothed portion 76. The oil drain hole 79 connects the interior and exterior of the pressure plate 70. The oil drain hole 79 receives oil from the output shaft 15 (see reference). Figure 1 Oil flowing into the pressure plate 70 is discharged to the outside of the pressure plate 70 through a hole. In this embodiment, four oil discharge holes 79 are formed in the toothed portion 76. The four oil discharge holes are also referred to as oil discharge holes 79L, 79M, 79N1, and 79N2, respectively. However, since all oil discharge holes 79L, 79M, 79N1, and 79N2 are common, the name "oil discharge hole 79" is appropriately used. Oil discharge holes 79L, 79M, 79N1, and 79N2 are each formed in one of the three arranged toothed portions 76. The oil discharge holes 79 approach the first circumferential S1 side relative to the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A. For example, the distance between the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A located on the second circumferential S2 side of the oil discharge hole 79L and the circumferential S of the oil discharge hole 79L is shorter than the distance between the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S located on the first circumferential S1 side of the oil discharge hole 79L and the circumferential S of the oil discharge hole 79L. The same applies to the oil discharge holes 79M, 79N1, and 79N2. Furthermore, the number of oil discharge holes 79 formed in a toothed portion 76 is not particularly limited. For example, more than two oil discharge holes 79 may be formed in a toothed portion 76 near the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A.

[0087] like Figure 11 As shown, the oil drain hole 79L overlaps with the end 95B of the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A on the first direction D1 side in direction D. Figure 7As shown, oil discharge holes 79L, 79M, 79N1, and 79N2 are formed at positions offset from each other in direction D. However, the position of direction D of the oil discharge holes 79 is not particularly limited. Some of the plurality of oil discharge holes 79 may be aligned with each other in direction D, or all of the plurality of oil discharge holes 79 may be aligned with each other in direction D. The oil discharge holes 79L, 79M, and 79N1 are arranged at approximately equal intervals along the circumferential direction S. However, the oil discharge holes 79 may not be arranged at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction S. A portion of the plurality of pressure-side engagement teeth 77 are arranged at equal intervals. For example, the plurality of pressure-side engagement teeth 77 disposed between the oil discharge holes 79L and 79M are arranged at equal intervals.

[0088] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, a through hole 89 is formed in the pressure-side main body 72, located in the toothed portion 76 and extending along the direction D. Three through holes 89 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction S (see also...). Figure 10 The through hole 89 is formed to have the same shape as the pressure-side mating tooth 77 when viewed from above. Therefore, the radial length and circumferential length S of the through hole 89 are formed to be the same as the radial length and circumferential length S of the pressure-side mating tooth 77. Figure 8 As shown, the through hole 89 is formed in a roughly trapezoidal shape when viewed from direction D. More specifically, the circumferential length S of the radially inner edge 89a of the through hole 89 is longer than the circumferential length S of the radially outer edge 89b of the through hole 89 (see also...). Figure 14 ). And, as Figure 7 As shown, the interval between adjacent through holes 89 and pressure-side mating teeth 77 in the circumferential direction S is equal to that between two adjacent pressure-side mating teeth 77 in the circumferential direction S separated by spline groove 78 (see also...). Figure 10 The through hole 89 is formed in the circumferential direction S at a position that overlaps with at least a portion of the oil discharge hole 79. Therefore, a portion of the oil flowing out of the oil discharge hole 79, after lubricating the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22, is discharged to the outside of the pressure plate 70 through the through hole 89.

[0089] like Figure 7As shown, the pressure plate 70 has a protrusion 75 that extends further in the first direction D1 from the cylindrical portion 74, specifically from the end face 77B of the pressure plate-side engagement tooth 77 on the first direction D1 side of the cylindrical portion 74 than the end face 77B of the pressure plate-side engagement tooth 77 on the first direction D1 side. The protrusion 75 connects to the end face 77B of a portion of the pressure-side engagement teeth 77 on the first direction D1 side. The end face 77B of the pressure-side engagement tooth 77 on the first direction D1 side refers to the end face of the pressure-side engagement tooth 77 on the first direction D1 side of the plurality of pressure-side engagement teeth 77 that is not connected to the protrusion 75. In addition, in this embodiment, the end face 74D of the annular wall 74A on the first direction D1 side is flush with the end face 77B of the pressure-side engagement tooth 77 on the first direction D1 side. Therefore, "the end face of the cylindrical portion 74 on the first direction D1 side" refers to the end face 74D of the annular wall 74A and the end face 77B of the pressure-side mating tooth 77. However, when the end face 74D of the annular wall 74A and the end face 77B of the pressure-side mating tooth 77 are offset from each other in direction D, "the end face of the cylindrical portion 74 on the first direction D1 side" refers to the end face of the annular wall 74A on the first direction D1 side and the end face 77B of the pressure-side mating tooth 77. Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of the area near the protrusion 75. (See image below.) Figure 9 As shown, the annular wall 74A includes a first annular portion 74A1 forming part of the spring receiving portion 84 described later, and a second annular portion 74A2 extending from the first annular portion 74A1 toward the first direction D1. The second annular portion 74A2 is connected to the end of the first annular portion 74A1 on the first direction D1 side and extends in the first direction D1 side beyond the first annular portion 74A1. Pressure-side engagement teeth 77 are formed on the first annular portion 74A1 and the second annular portion 74A2. The end face 77B of the pressure-side engagement teeth 77 on the first direction D1 side (also refer to...) Figure 1 The position of the end face 77A on the second direction D2 side of the pressure-side mating tooth 77 is the same as the position of the end face 77A on the second direction D2 side of the first annular portion 74A1. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the inner circumferential surface 74C of the first annular portion 74A1 is located radially inward than the inner circumferential surface 74C of the second annular portion 74A2. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the radial thickness H1 of the first annular portion 74A1 is greater than the radial thickness H2 of the second annular portion 74A2.

[0090] like Figure 7 As shown, the protrusion 75 is formed to protrude further in the first direction D1 than the end face 77B of the pressure-side mating tooth 77 and the end face 74D of the annular wall 74A (i.e., the end face on the first direction D1 side of the cylindrical portion 74). Figure 10 As shown, protrusions 75 are formed at three locations along the circumferential direction S. The protrusions 75 are evenly spaced along the circumferential direction S. The protrusions 75 are located at the clutch center member 40 (see reference). Figure 3 When assembling with pressure plate 70 (also refer to...) Figure 16 ), viewed from direction D, at least a portion is configured in the center-side cam hole 43H (refer to Figure 5 The inner side of the cylindrical portion 74. Alternatively, the protrusion 75 may be formed separately from the cylindrical portion 74. The outer peripheral wall 73 has three protrusions 75, but the number of protrusions 75 is not limited to three. Furthermore, the protrusions 75 may not be equally spaced along the circumferential direction S. The protrusions 75 can be connected to... Figure 7 The end face 74D on the first direction D1 side of the annular wall 74A and the end face 77B on the first direction D1 side of the pressure-side mating tooth 77 shown, or may only be connected to the end face 74D on the first direction D1 of the annular wall 74A.

[0091] The protrusion 75 is a component that extends toward the first direction D1 and has a generally frustum-shaped quadrangular pyramid when viewed from direction D (see also [reference]). Figure 11 The protrusion 75 has a shape that tapers towards the front end as it moves towards the first direction D1. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the protrusion 75 has a chamfer 75S1. The chamfer 75S1 forms the outer peripheral surface of the radially outer side of the protrusion 75. The chamfer 75S1 extends from the end face 77B on the first direction D1 side of the pressure-side mating tooth 77 toward the end face 75A on the first direction D1 side of the protrusion 75. The chamfer 75S1 extends in a direction that is more radially inward toward the first direction D1, and is inclined relative to the axial direction. The protrusion 75 is formed with a shape in which the radial length decreases as it approaches the first direction D1. In addition, as Figure 10 As shown, the protrusion 75 has inclined surfaces 75S2 and 75S3. The inclined surfaces 75S2 and 75S3 engage with the teeth 77 from the pressure side (see reference). Figure 9 The end face 77B on the first direction D1 side faces the end face 75A of the protrusion 75 (refer to) Figure 9 The inclined surface 75S2 is located on the first circumferential direction S1 side relative to the end face 75A of the protrusion 75. The inclined surface 75S3 is located on the second circumferential direction S2 side relative to the end face 75A of the protrusion 75. The protrusion 75 is formed such that the length of the circumferential direction S decreases the closer it is to the first direction D1 (see also...). Figure 7 In this embodiment, the end face 75A of the protrusion 75 is disposed in the central side cam hole 43H (see reference). Figure 16 The inner side of the protrusion 75. However, the end face 75A of the protrusion 75 can also be located on the first direction D1 side, closer to the center side cam hole 43H. Figure 7 As shown, the circumferential length of a protrusion 75 is formed to be approximately the same as that of a pressure-side mating tooth 77.

[0092] like Figure 2 As shown, the rotational centers of the clutch housing 30, the output-side rotating plate 22, and the pressure plate 70 are located on the same axis (i.e., axis CL (refer to...)). Figure 1 In the state of ) on, the edge of the first direction D1 side of the inclined plane 75S1 (also refer to) Figure 9 The radial distance between the inner periphery 22N of the output-side rotating plate 22 and the sidewall 33 is distance L21. Distance L21 is greater than that between the inner periphery 22N of the output-side rotating plate 22 and the sidewall 33 (see reference). Figure 1 The radial distance L20 between the inner peripheral surface 33N of the pressure-side meshing tooth 77 and the outer peripheral edge 22U of the output-side rotating plate 22 is longer. Furthermore, for all of the multiple output-side rotating plates 22, L21 > L20 is not required. At least for the output-side rotating plate 22 located closest to the first direction D1 and the sidewall 33, L21 > L20 is sufficient. The radial distance between the outer peripheral surface 77U of the pressure-side meshing tooth 77 and the inner peripheral edge 22N of the output-side rotating plate 22 is the length L22. The length L22 is longer than... Figure 2 The radial distance L20 between the inner circumferential surface 33N of the sidewall 33 and the outer circumferential edge 22U of the output side rotating plate 22 is short.

[0093] like Figure 10 As shown, the circumferential length S of one protrusion 75 is W1. In this embodiment, the pressure plate 70 has three protrusions 75, so the total length of the circumferential length S of the protrusions 75 is 3×W1. Here, the length of half a circumference of the annular wall 74A is set as W2. At this time, the total length of the circumferential length S of the protrusions 75, 3×W1, is shorter than the length W2 of half a circumference of the cylindrical portion 74.

[0094] Figure 7 The pressure-side cam portion 90 shown is formed into a platform shape with cam surfaces 90A and 90S composed of inclined surfaces. The pressure-side cam portion 90 and the center-side cam portion 60 (see reference) Figure 3 Together, they form an auxiliary slider mechanism (registered trademark) that generates auxiliary torque or sliding torque through mutual sliding. The pressure-side cam portion 90 protrudes in the first direction D1 relative to the pressure-side flange 98. The pressure-side cam portions 90 are arranged at equal intervals on 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.

[0095] The pressure-side cam portion 90 is located radially outward from the cylindrical portion 80. The pressure-side cam portion 90 has a pressure-side auxiliary cam portion 91 including a pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A, a pressure-side sliding cam portion 92 including a pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S, and a pressure-side cam body portion 93 located between the pressure-side auxiliary cam portion 91 and the pressure-side sliding cam portion 92. The pressure-side auxiliary cam portion 91, the pressure-side cam body portion 93, and the pressure-side sliding cam portion 92 are integrally formed. In this embodiment, the pressure plate 70 rotates in the direction from the pressure-side cam body portion 93 toward the pressure-side auxiliary cam portion 91 (i.e., the first circumferential direction S1). The pressure-side cam body portion 93 is located relative to the pressure-side auxiliary cam portion 91 on the side opposite to the rotation direction (i.e., the first circumferential direction S1) of the pressure plate 70. The pressure-side cam body portion 93 is located relative to the pressure-side sliding cam portion 92 on the side of the rotation direction (i.e., the first circumferential direction S1) of the pressure plate 70. The pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A is configured to interact with the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A (see reference). Figure 3 The pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A is configured such that, on the pressure plate 70 relative to the clutch center member 40 (see reference...). Figure 3 When rotating relative to each other, in order to make the input side rotating plate 20 (refer to) Figure 1 ) and output side rotating plate 22 (refer to Figure 1 As the pressing force (clamping force) increases, a force is generated that brings the pressure plate 70 closer to the clutch center member 40. The pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A extends further toward the first circumferential direction S1 as it approaches the first direction D1, and is inclined relative to the axial direction. The pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S is configured to interact with the center-side sliding cam surface 60S (see reference). Figure 3 The pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S is configured such that, when the pressure plate 70 rotates relative to the clutch center member 40, it generates a force in the direction that causes the pressure plate 70 to separate from the clutch center member 40 in order to reduce the pressing force (clamping force) between the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22. In 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 facing each other in the circumferential direction S. The pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S is located on the side opposite to the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A, separated by the pressure-side cam body portion 93. The pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S extends towards the first circumferential direction S1 as it approaches the first direction D1, and is inclined relative to the axial direction.

[0096] like Figure 7As shown, a main inner circumferential surface 93N is formed on the pressure-side cam body 93. A secondary inner circumferential surface 91A is formed on the pressure-side cam body 90. The secondary inner circumferential surface 91A is connected to the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A. The secondary inner circumferential surface 91A extends in a direction that is radially inward as it approaches the first direction D1, and is inclined relative to the axial direction. That is, the secondary inner circumferential surface 91A is inclined in a manner that is radially outward and away from the main inner circumferential surface 93N as it approaches the second direction D2. In addition, the secondary inner circumferential surface 91A may also be parallel to the axis of the output shaft 15. At least the secondary inner circumferential surface 91A side (i.e., the first circumferential S1 side) of the main inner circumferential surface 93N is inclined in a manner that is radially inward and away from the secondary inner circumferential surface 91A as it approaches the second direction D2. Therefore, the radial length of the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A increases as it approaches the first direction D1. Here, as Figure 10As shown, the longest radial length of the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A is defined as length L8. Furthermore, the longest radial length of the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S is defined as length L9. Length L8 is the same as length L9. The radial midpoint of the end of the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A in the first direction D1 coincides with the radial midpoint of the end of the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S in the first direction D1. An arc AR3 centered on axis CL and passing through the radial midpoint of the end of the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A in the first direction D1 also passes through the radial midpoint of the end of the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S in the first direction D1. Furthermore, length L8 and length L9 can be different. Length L8 can also be longer than length L9. When length L8 is longer than length L9, the inner diameter end of the end of the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A in the first direction D1 can be positioned closer to the inner diameter end of the end of the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S in the first direction D1. In this case, the arc AR3, centered on axis CL and located at the radial midpoint of the end of the first direction D1 of the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A, can also be radially misaligned with the arc located at the radial midpoint of the end of the first direction D1 of the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S, centered on axis CL. That is, the arc AR3, centered on axis CL and located at the radial midpoint of the end of the first direction D1 of the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A, can also be located closer to the inner diameter than the arc located at the radial midpoint of the end of the first direction D1 of the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S. Alternatively, the radial length of the end of the first direction D1 of the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A can be the same as the radial length of the end of the first direction D1 of the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S. In this case, when viewed along the axis CL, the arc AR3, centered on the axis CL and passing through the radial midpoint of the end of the first direction D1 of the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A, can also pass through the radial midpoint of the end of the first direction D1 of the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S.

[0097] like Figure 12 As shown, the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A extends in direction D to a position closer to the pressure-side flange 98 in the second direction D2. More specifically, the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A extends to a position closer to the outer surface 98B in the second direction D2 than the outer surface 98B described later. That is, the end 95 of the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A in the second direction D2 is located closer to the pressure-side flange 98 in the second direction D2. As described above, the pressure-side engagement tooth 77 is provided in the pressure-side main body portion 72 extending from the pressure-side flange 98 in the first direction D1. Therefore, the end 95 of the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A is located closer to the end face 77A in the second direction D2 than the end face 77A in the second direction D2 of the pressure-side engagement tooth 77. And, as... Figure 1 As shown, the end 95 of the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A on the second direction D2 side is positioned closer to the second direction D2 side than the outermost input-side rotary plate 20A (located closest to the second direction D2 side) and the outermost output-side rotary plate 22A (located closest to the second direction D2 side) of the output-side rotary plate 22. That is, the end 95 of the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A is positioned closer to the second direction D2 side than the rotary plate 20A (located closest to the second direction D2 side) among the plurality of input-side rotary plates 20 and the plurality of output-side rotary plates 22. Figure 1 The output-side rotating plate 22 is positioned near the second direction D2. On the other hand, as... Figure 12 As shown, the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S is located in direction D closer to the pressure-side flange 98 in the first direction D1. Therefore, the end 95 of the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A is located closer to the second direction D2 side than the end 96 of the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S in the second direction D2 side. Furthermore, the end 95 of the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A and the end face 90D of the pressure-side cam portion 90 in the second direction D2 side (see reference) Figure 8 The connection is as follows: That is, the end 95 of the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A becomes the end of the second direction D2 of the pressure-side cam portion 90.

[0098] In direction D, the length L10 of the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A differs from the length L11 of the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S. Here, length L10 is longer than length L11. Additionally, as... Figure 12 As shown, the length L12 of the inclined surface of the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A is longer than the length L19 of the inclined surface of the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S. Therefore, the areas of the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A and the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S are different. Here, the area of ​​the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A is larger than the area of ​​the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S. However, it is not necessary for both conditions L10 > L11 and L12 > L19 to be true; only one condition may be true. Even in this case, it is possible to make the area of ​​the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A larger than the area of ​​the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S. In addition, in this embodiment, the end 95B of the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A on the first direction D1 side and the end 96B of the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S on the first direction D1 side are located at approximately the same position in direction D. However, in order to make the area of ​​the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A larger than that of the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S, the end 95B of the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A on the first direction D1 side can also be positioned closer to the first direction D1 side than the end 96B of the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S on the first direction D1 side.

[0099] Here, regarding the central side cam portion 60 (refer to...) Figure 3The function of the pressure-side cam 90 will be explained. When the engine speed increases and the clutch is engaged, Figure 1 The push member 16B shown moves to its maximum extent in the first direction D1, and the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22 press against each other, transmitting the rotational driving force of the input shaft to the output shaft 15. At this time, the pressure plate 70 is in the state of moving most towards the first direction D1, that is, the state closest to the clutch center member 40. In addition, at this time, the center-side cam portion 60 (refer to...) Figure 3 The center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A and the pressure-side cam portion 90 (refer to) Figure 7 The pressure-side auxiliary cam surfaces 90A abut against each other. With the clutch engaged, the input... Figure 1 The rotational driving force of the input gear 35 and clutch housing 30 shown is such that it can be transmitted to the output shaft 15 via the clutch center 40. At this time, as... Figure 13A 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. As a result, the pressing force between the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22 increases.

[0100] On the other hand, when Figure 1 When the rotational speed of the output shaft 15 exceeds the rotational speed of the input gear 35 and the clutch housing 30, a reverse torque is generated. At this time, as shown... Figure 13B As shown, a first circumferential rotational force S1 is applied to the clutch center piece 40. Therefore, through the action of the center-side sliding cam surface 60S and the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S, the input-side rotating plate 20 (refer to...) Figure 1 ) and output side rotating plate 22 (refer to Figure 1 The pressure of the clamping force is released. This prevents adverse effects on the engine and transmission caused by reverse torque.

[0101] like Figure 7 As shown, the pressure-side engaging portion 88 is located radially outward from the pressure-side cam portion 90. The pressure-side engaging portion 88 is located further outward in the first direction D1 than the pressure-side cam portion 90. Figure 9As shown, the pressure-side mating portion 88 extends along the second direction D2 from the end of the second annular portion 74A2 of the annular wall 74A in the first direction D1. The second annular portion 74A2 extends from the bottom surface 84A of the spring housing portion 84 (described later) toward the first direction D1. The spring housing portion 84 houses the clutch spring 25 (described later). Therefore, the pressure-side mating portion 88 is located closer to the first direction D1 than the bottom surface 84A of the spring housing portion 84 and the end 25A of the clutch spring 25 in the first direction D1. The pressure-side mating portion 88 is configured to be externally fitted to the center-side mating portion 58 in a manner that allows it to slide along direction D. The cylindrical portion 74 is externally fitted to the center-side mating portion 58. However, the pressure-side mating portion 88 may also be internally fitted to the center-side mating portion 58.

[0102] In the radial direction of the pressure plate 70, from the spline groove 78 (refer to...) Figure 9 The length of the outer peripheral surface 77U of the pressure-side mating tooth 77, i.e. the height of the pressure-side mating tooth 77, is length L13. The radial length of the cylindrical portion 74 is length L26. The radial length L14 of the central recess 59 is longer than both length L13 and length L26.

[0103] like Figure 14 As shown, a spring-side recess 94 is formed in the pressure-side cam portion 90. The spring-side recess 94 is formed in the pressure-side cam portion 90 at a position closer to the second direction D2 side than the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S (see also [reference]). Figure 8 The spring-side recess 94 is formed to connect with the pressure-side cam hole 73H (described later) and the spring receiving portion 84 (described later). The spring-side recess 94 connects to the spring receiving portion 84 in the first circumferential direction S1 and connects to the pressure-side cam hole 73H in the second circumferential direction S2. The spring-side recess 94 has a shape with a cutout from the end face 90D in the second direction D2 of the pressure-side cam portion 90 towards the first direction D1, and is a portion recessed towards the first direction D1. The radial length of the spring-side recess 94 is formed to be shorter than the radial length of the spring receiving portion 84 (described later). In addition, the length of the spring-side recess 94 in the direction D is less than half of the length of the clutch spring 25 in the direction D (described later).

[0104] like Figure 7 As shown, a pressure-side recess 85 is formed radially outward of the outer periphery of the outer peripheral wall 73. The pressure-side recess 85 connects to the outer peripheral wall 73 and the pressure-side flange 98. The pressure-side recess 85 is recessed in the second direction D2 than the pressure-side pressing surface 98A of the pressure-side flange 98 (described later). The pressure-side recess 85 is formed throughout the circumferential direction S. Figure 1As shown, a spring 120 is housed in the pressure-side recess 85. The spring 120 is held by the pressure plate 70. The inner periphery of the spring 120 abuts against the outer peripheral surface 77U of the pressure-side engagement tooth 77 and is held by the pressure-side engagement tooth 77. The spring 120 is held so that it can move relative to the pressure-side engagement tooth 77 in the direction D and in the circumferential direction S. The spring 120 and the output-side rotating plate 22 held by the pressure plate 70 are arranged in the direction D. The spring 120 is configured to contact the output-side rotating plate 22 held by the pressure plate 70. In this embodiment, the spring 120 is disposed between the outermost output-side rotating plate 22A of the output-side rotating plate 22 held by the pressure plate 70 and the pressure plate-side flange 98. An iron sheet 122 is disposed between the spring 120 and the pressure-side flange 98. Therefore, since the spring 120 does not directly contact the pressure-side flange 98, wear of the pressure-side flange 98, which is formed of aluminum alloy, can be suppressed. In addition, the spring 120 can also be, for example, a disc spring, a wave spring, etc.

[0105] like Figure 7 As shown, the pressure-side flange 98 is connected to the pressure-side recess 85 and is located radially outward from the pressure-side main body 72. The pressure-side flange 98 is integrally formed with the pressure-side main body 72 and the pressure-side recess 85. That is, the pressure-side flange 98 is connected to the pressure-side main body 72 via the pressure-side recess 85. The surface of the pressure-side flange 98 on the first direction D1 side, i.e., the pressure-side pressing surface 98A, presses the output-side rotating plate 22 (see reference). Figure 1 The outer surface 98B of the pressure-side flange 98 on the second direction D2 side (refer to...). Figure 11 It is formed parallel to the pressure-side pressing surface 98A in direction D. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the length of the end face 77B on the first direction side from the pressure-side pressing surface 98A to the pressure-side mating tooth 77 in direction D is length L15. Additionally, the pressure-side flange 98 can also be directly connected to the pressure-side main body 72.

[0106] like Figure 14 As shown, the pressure plate 70 has a pressure-side cam hole 73H that penetrates a portion of the pressure-side main body 72 along direction D. The pressure-side cam hole 73H is located radially outward from the cylindrical portion 80. 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 14As shown, viewed from direction D, a portion of the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A is located inside the pressure-side cam bore 73H. The pressure-side cam bore 73H has a first portion 73HA and a second portion 73HB. The first portion 73HA is located approximately at the center of the circumferential direction S in the pressure-side cam bore 73H, closer to the first circumferential direction S1. The second portion 73HB is located closer to the first portion 73HA, closer to the second circumferential direction S2. The first portion 73HA has a radially inner edge 74N and a radially outer edge 74U. In the radial direction, the distance between edge 74N and edge 74U is a length L16. The second portion 73HB has a radially inner edge 75N and a radially outer edge 75U. In the radial direction, the distance between edge 75N and edge 75U is a length L17. The edge 75N of the second portion 73HB is located radially inside the edge 74N of the first portion 73HA. The edge 75U of the second part 73HB is located radially outside the edge 74U of the first part 73HA in the pressure plate 70. Therefore, the radial length L17 of the second part 73HB is longer than the radial length L16 of the first part 73HA.

[0107] like Figure 8 as well as Figure 14 As shown, the spring receiving portion 84 is formed as a cylindrical shape that is recessed from the end face 90D of the pressure-side cam portion 90 in the first direction D1. Figure 9 As shown, the inner circumferential surface 74C of the first annular portion 74A1 constitutes the radially outer portion of the inner circumferential surface of the spring receiving portion 84. The spring receiving portion 84, when viewed from direction D, is formed in a generally circular shape (see reference). Figure 14 The spring storage section 84 is the part that houses the clutch spring 25. (For example...) Figure 14 As shown, the spring receiving portion 84 is connected to the spring-side recess 94. As described above, the spring-side recess 94 has a shape with a notch cut towards the first direction D1. Therefore, the portion of the spring receiving portion 84 connected to the spring-side recess 94 is shorter in length in direction D compared to other portions of the spring receiving portion 84. The spring receiving portion 84 is connected to the pressure-side cam hole 73H via the spring-side recess 94. Figure 9 As shown, the spring storage portion 84 has a bottom surface 84A. The bottom surface 84A is located at the middle position 77P of the engagement tooth 77 in the direction D of the pressure side, near the first direction D1.

[0108] The clutch spring 25 is housed in the spring housing portion 84. The clutch spring 25 exerts force on the pressure plate 70 toward the clutch center member 40 (i.e., toward the first direction D1). The clutch spring 25 is, for example, a helical spring made of spring steel wound into a spiral shape. The end 25A of the clutch spring 25 on the first direction D1 side contacts the bottom surface 84A of the spring housing portion 84. As a result, the pressure plate 70 is subjected to force toward the clutch center member 40.

[0109] like Figure 1 As shown, the first spring 130A and the second spring 130B are capable of extending and retracting relative to each other in direction D and are held in place by the pressure plate 70. In this embodiment, as... Figure 15A as well as Figure 15B As shown, the first spring 130A and the second spring 130B are, for example, wave springs, but are not limited to wave springs; they can also be elastic components such as rubber, disc springs, etc. Figure 1 As shown, a first spring 130A is disposed between adjacent output-side rotating plates 22 held by the pressure plate 70. The first spring 130A is configured to contact the output-side rotating plates 22 held by the pressure plate 70. Here, as... Figure 9 As shown, the output-side rotating plate 22 is designated as output-side rotating plate 22PA. This output-side rotating plate 22 is held on the pressure plate 70, in contact with the first spring 130A, and located on the side closer to the first spring 130A in the first direction D1. The input-side rotating plate 20, which is adjacent to the output-side rotating plate 22PA and located on the side closer to the second direction D2 than the output-side rotating plate 22PA, is designated as input-side rotating plate 20PA. The first spring 130A is configured such that an auxiliary cam surface 60A (see reference) is located on the center side. Figure 1 ) and pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A (refer to) Figure 1 At the moment of contact (e.g., the moment when at least a portion of the clutch reaches the semi-engaged state from the disengaged state), the contact between the output-side rotating plate 22PA and the input-side rotating plate 20PA is suppressed. That is, at the moment the first spring 130A contacts the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A and the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A, a gap is formed between the output-side rotating plate 22PA and the input-side rotating plate 20PA. Furthermore, the "semi-engaged state" refers to the state where the driver operates the clutch by gripping the clutch lever or pressing the shift button, thereby causing slippage between the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22, transmitting the signal from the input shaft to the output shaft 15 (see reference). Figure 1The rotational driving force of the clutch is greater than 0% and less than 100% of the rotational driving force transmitted to the input shaft. "At least a portion of the area in the semi-engaged state" is, for example, the area where the rotational driving force transmitted from the input shaft to the output shaft 15 is greater than 0% of the rotational driving force transmitted to the input shaft and less than 50% (e.g., less than 20%). At the moment of contact between the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A and the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A, the output-side rotating plate 22, located on the side further in the second direction D2 than the output-side rotating plate 22PA, and the input-side rotating plate 20 located between them press against each other, allowing power to be transmitted from the input-side rotating plate 20 to the output-side rotating plate 22. The first spring 130A, for example, gradually releases the clutch lever held by the driver, allowing contact between the output-side rotating plate 22PA and the input-side rotating plate 20PA when the set load of the clutch spring 25 exceeds the set load of the first spring 130A.

[0110] The second spring 130 B is disposed between the output-side rotating plate 22 held by the pressure plate 70 and the pressure plate 70. The second spring 130 B is disposed between adjacent output-side rotating plates 22 held by the pressure plate 70. The second spring 130 B is held by the pressure plate 70 and is configured to contact the output-side rotating plate 22 located on the side closest to the second direction D2 and the output-side rotating plate 22 located on the side closer to the first direction D1. Here, the output-side rotating plate 22 held by the pressure plate 70, that is, the output-side rotating plate 22 that contacts the second spring 130 B and is located on the side closer to the first direction D1 than the second spring 130 B, is designated as output-side rotating plate 22PB. The input-side rotating plate 20 that is adjacent to the output-side rotating plate 22PB and is located on the side closer to the second direction D2 than the output-side rotating plate 22PB is designated as input-side rotating plate 20PB. The second spring 130 B is configured to prevent the output-side rotating plate 22PB from contacting the input-side rotating plate 20PB when the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A contacts the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A. That is, when the second spring 130B contacts the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A and the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A, a gap is formed between the output-side rotating plate 22PB and the input-side rotating plate 20PB. For example, the second spring 130B gradually releases the clutch lever held by the driver, allowing contact between the output-side rotating plate 22PB and the input-side rotating plate 20PB when the set load of the clutch spring 25 exceeds the set load of the second spring 130B. Additionally, the clutch device 10 (reference...) Figure 1 It may also have only one of the first spring 120 A and the second spring 130 B.

[0111] According to the above method, the pressing contact between at least a portion of the output-side rotating plate 22 held on the pressure plate 70 and the input-side rotating plate 20 is suppressed, thus preventing the sudden application of cam thrust to the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22. Consequently, a sharp increase in the pressing force between the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22 can be suppressed.

[0112] Figure 16 This indicates the assembled state of the clutch center component 40 and the pressure plate 70. Figure 16 In the state shown, the pressure-side fitting part 88 (refer to) Figure 7 ) Embedded in the center side fitting part 58 (refer to) Figure 3 Additionally, at this time, the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A is in contact with the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A. When the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A is in contact with the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A, the pressure plate 70 is located at the position closest to the first direction D1. Figure 16 As shown, when the clutch center member 40 and the pressure plate 70 are assembled, viewed from direction D (here, the first direction D1 side), at least a portion of the spline groove 78 is positioned overlapping with the center-side cam hole 43H. Furthermore, at this time, viewed from direction D, the protrusion 75 of the pressure plate 70 is positioned inside the center-side cam hole 43H. In this embodiment, all of the protrusion 75 is positioned inside the center-side cam hole 43H, but a portion of the protrusion 75 may also be positioned inside the center-side cam hole 43H.

[0113] When the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A contacts the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A, such as Figure 9 As shown, the end face 75A of the protrusion 75 on the first direction D1 side is located closer to the first direction D1 side than the center-side pressing surface 69. Therefore, a portion of the protrusion 75 is located closer to the first direction D1 side than the center-side pressing surface 69, and the other portion of the protrusion 75 is located closer to the second direction D2 side than the center-side pressing surface 69. In other words, a portion of the protrusion 75, which is part of the outer peripheral wall 73, is radially positioned to overlap with a portion of the center-side recess 59. Furthermore, a portion of the protrusion 75 radially overlaps with the center-side cam hole 43H. Since the center-side recess 59 is located at the center-side cam portion 60 (see reference...) Figure 3 ) and the center side fitting portion 58 is closer to the first direction D1 side, therefore, as Figure 1 As shown, a portion of the outer peripheral wall 73 is located closer to the first direction D1 side than the end 60E of the central cam portion 60. Additionally, a portion of the protrusion 75 in the outer peripheral wall 73 is located closer to the second direction D2 side than the central pressing surface 69.

[0114] The length L7 from the center-side pressing surface 69 to the end 67A on the second direction D2 side of the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A is longer than the length L15 from the pressure-side pressing surface 98A to the end face 77B on the first direction side of the pressure-side engaging tooth 77. Therefore, in the state after the clutch center piece 40 and the pressure plate 70 are assembled, the end 67A on the second direction D2 side of the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A is located closer to the first direction D1 side than the pressure-side pressing surface 98A. Here, when the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A contacts the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A, the end 67A on the second direction D2 side of the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A, when viewed along the axis of the output shaft 15, is aligned with the pressure-side cam hole 73H (also refer to...). Figure 14 The center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A overlaps with the outer surface 98B of the pressure-side flange 98 and is positioned closer to the second direction D2 side than the outer surface 98B of the pressure-side mating tooth 77. Additionally, the end 67A of the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A on the second direction D2 side is positioned closer to the second direction D2 side than the end face 77A of the pressure-side mating tooth 77. Furthermore, at this time, the end 67A of the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A on the second direction D2 side is positioned closer to the second direction D2 side than the outermost input-side rotating plate 20A and the outermost output-side rotating plate 22A. That is, the end 67A of the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A on the second direction D2 side is located closer to the second direction D2 side than the rotating plate closest to the second direction D2 side among the plurality of input-side rotating plates 20 and the plurality of output-side rotating plates 22. Figure 1 The output-side rotating plate 22 is positioned near the second direction D2.

[0115] In addition, the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S (reference) Figure 17 ) and the center-side sliding cam surface 60S (refer to) Figure 17 The position of the pressure plate 70 and the clutch center 40 at the initial contact does not change from the position when the pressure side auxiliary cam surface 90A and the center side auxiliary cam surface 60A are in contact. Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of the clutch device 10 when the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S and the center-side sliding cam surface 60S begin to contact. (See image below.) Figure 17As shown, even when the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S and the center-side sliding cam surface 60S begin to contact, and when the pressure plate 70 moves in the second direction D2 due to the action of the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S and the center-side sliding cam surface 60S, the end 67A of the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A in the second direction D2 is positioned closer to the end face 77A of the pressure-side mating tooth 77 in the second direction D2. Furthermore, at this time, the end 67A of the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A in the second direction D2 is positioned closer to the outermost input-side rotating plate 20A and the outermost output-side rotating plate 22A in the second direction D2. That is, the end 67A of the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A in the second direction D2 is located closer to the outermost rotating plate in the second direction D2 than the one closest to the outermost rotating plate 20 and the one closest to the outermost rotating plate 22 in the second direction D2. Figure 17 The output-side rotating plate 22 is positioned near the second direction D2.

[0116] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of the clutch device 10 in a semi-engaged state. When the clutch device 10 is in a "semi-engaged state," the pressure plate 70 is positioned such that it is located further towards the second direction D2 than when it is closest to the clutch center member 40 and pressing the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22, and is located further towards the first direction D1 than when it is in contact with the stop plate 100. Figure 18 As shown, in the semi-engaged state, the end 67A of the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A on the second direction D2 side is positioned closer to the end face 77A of the pressure-side engaging tooth 77 on the second direction D2 side. Additionally, at this time, the end 67A of the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A on the second direction D2 side is positioned closer to the second direction D2 side than the outermost input-side rotating plate 20A and the outermost output-side rotating plate 22A. That is, the end 67A of the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A on the second direction D2 side is located closer to the second direction D2 side than the rotating plate closest to the second direction D2 side among the plurality of input-side rotating plates 20 and the plurality of output-side rotating plates 22 (in... Figure 18 The output-side rotating plate 22 is positioned near the second direction D2.

[0117] 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 moving away from the clutch center member 40 in the second direction D2 by a predetermined distance. The stop plate 100 is fixed to the boss portion 54 of the clutch center member 40 by bolts 28. A threaded portion 54a for the bolts 28 to engage is formed on the inner side of the boss portion 54. With the clutch spring 25 positioned in the spring storage portion 84, the stop plate 100 is fastened to the boss portion 54 by bolts 28, thereby mounting the pressure plate 70 to the clutch center member 40. The stop plate 100 is generally triangular in shape when viewed from above.

[0118] Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view of the clutch device 10 with the pressure plate 70 in contact with the stop plate 100. The pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S is in contact with the center-side sliding cam surface 60S, and the pressure plate 70 contacts the stop plate 100 when the pressure plate 70 moves in the second direction. Even when the pressure plate 70 is in contact with the stop plate 100, the pressure plate-side sliding cam surface 90S is also in contact with the center-side sliding cam surface 60S. Figure 19 In the shown state, the pressure plate 70 is furthest from the clutch center member 40 on the second direction D2 side. When the pressure plate 70 is in contact with the stop plate 100, the end face 74D of the annular wall 74A of the pressure plate 70 is located closer to the first direction D1 side than the end 58D of the center-side fitting portion 58 on the second direction D2 side. At this time, the end face 74D of the annular wall 74A of the pressure plate 70 is located closer to the second direction D2 side than the center-side pressing surface 69 of the center-side flange 68. Therefore, the cylindrical portion 74 is located closer to the second direction D2 side than the center-side pressing surface 69. Furthermore, at this time, the end 88E of the pressure-side fitting portion 88 on the first direction D1 side is located closer to the first direction D1 side than the end 58D of the center-side fitting portion 58 on the second direction D2 side.

[0119] Furthermore, with the pressure plate 70 in contact with the stop plate 100, a portion of the protrusion 75 is located closer to the first direction D1 side than the center-side pressing surface 69, while the remaining portion of the protrusion 75 is located closer to the second direction D2 side than the center-side pressing surface 69. At this time, the end face of the cylindrical portion 74 on the first direction D1 side (here, the end face 74D of the annular wall 74A and the end face 77B of the pressure-side mating tooth 77) is located closer to the second direction D2 side than the center-side pressing surface 69. When viewed along the axis of the output shaft 15, a portion of the protrusion 75 is positioned to overlap with a portion of the center-side recess 59. The center-side recess 59 is located closer to the first direction D1 side than the center-side cam portion 60 and the center-side mating portion 58 (see also...). Figure 7 A portion of the outer peripheral wall 73 is located closer to the first direction D1 side than the end 60E of the central cam portion 60 on the first direction D1 side. When the pressure plate 70 is located at its closest point to the first direction D1 side, a portion of the outer peripheral wall 73 and a portion of the pressure-side engagement tooth 77 are also located closer to the first direction D1 side than the end 60E of the central cam portion 60 on the first direction D1 side. Therefore, in all states from the state where the pressure plate 70 is located at its closest point to the first direction D1 side to the state where the pressure plate 70 is located at its closest point to the second direction D2 side, at least a portion of the outer peripheral wall 73 and at least a portion of the pressure plate-side engagement tooth 77 are located closer to the first direction D1 side than the end 60E of the central cam portion 60 on the first direction D1 side.

[0120] Furthermore, when the pressure plate 70 is in contact with the stop plate 100, the end face 74D of the annular wall 74A is located closer to the second direction D2 side than the central side recess 59. The end face 74D of the annular wall 74A is located closer to the first direction D1 side than the end 60E of the central side cam portion 60. At this time, the end 67A of the central side auxiliary cam surface 60A on the second direction D2 side is positioned closer to the second direction D2 side than the end face 77A of the pressure side mating tooth 77 on the second direction D2 side. In addition, at this time, the end 67A of the central side auxiliary cam surface 60A on the second direction D2 side is positioned closer to the second direction D2 side than the outermost input side rotating plate 20A and the outermost output side rotating plate 22A. That is, the end 67A of the central side auxiliary cam surface 60A on the second direction D2 side is positioned closer to the second direction D2 side than the rotating plate (in the plurality of input side rotating plates 20 and the plurality of output side rotating plates 22) among the rotating plates (in the plurality of input side rotating plates 20 and the plurality of output side rotating plates 22). Figure 19 The output-side rotating plate 22 is positioned near the second direction D2.

[0121] Here, the assembly of the clutch center component 40 and the pressure plate 70 will be described. The clutch center component 40 and the pressure plate 70 are, for example, assembled in an engine assembled on a motorized two-wheeled vehicle. The clutch housing 30 and the clutch center component 40 are mounted on an output shaft 15 extending in the horizontal direction (direction D). The input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22 are mounted on the clutch housing 30. The input-side rotating plate 20 is mounted on the clutch housing 30 by inserting a claw portion formed on its outer periphery in a radially outward manner into a cutout 30C in the clutch housing 30. Figure 20A and Figure 20B As shown, the pressure plate 70 is assembled by moving toward the clutch center member 40. Figure 20A In the middle, since the pressure plate 70 is not assembled to the clutch center piece 40, the output side rotating plate 22 is biased downward due to its own weight. Figure 20C Viewed from the first direction, D1 side Figure 20A The diagram at that time. (Example) Figure 20C As shown, the upper part of the output-side rotating plate 22 separates downward from the upper part of the clutch housing 30, and the lowermost end 22D of the output-side rotating plate 22 is supported on the inner circumferential surface 33N of the lower part of the clutch housing 30. Figure 20C The diagram shows the lowermost end 22D of the output-side rotating plate 22 and the output shaft 15 (see reference). Figure 1The straight line SL1 of the axis CL and the straight line SL2 orthogonal to the straight line SL1 and passing through the axis CL. The rotating plate groove 22cU of the rotating plate groove 22c of the output side rotating plate 22, which passes through the straight line SL1 and is located on the side opposite to the lowermost end 22D (in this case, above) relative to the straight line SL2, is located radially innermost among the multiple rotating plate grooves 22c. Here, the rotating plate groove 22cU is located at the uppermost among the multiple rotating plate grooves 22c. At this time, the protrusion 75 is also located on the side opposite to the lowermost end 22D relative to the straight line SL2. When the rotation center axis of the clutch housing 30 and the pressure plate 70 are coaxial (i.e., on the axis CL), the inclined surface 75S1 (refer to Figure 20B The edge 75E on the first direction D1 side of the inclined surface 75S1 is located inside the rotating plate groove 22cU. Thus, with the lowermost end 22D of the output-side rotating plate 22 supported on the inner circumferential surface 33N of the lower portion of the clutch housing 30, and with the rotation center axes of the clutch housing 30 and the pressure plate 70 coaxial (i.e., on axis CL), the edge 75E on the first direction D1 side of the inclined surface 75S1 is located inside the rotating plate groove 22cU, which is located on the side opposite to the lowermost end 22D (here, above) relative to the straight line SL2. Therefore, the pressure plate 70 can be easily assembled onto the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22 mounted on the clutch housing 30. This is because, as Figure 20A As shown, with the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22 installed in the clutch housing 30, when the operator moves the pressure plate 70 towards the first direction D1, as follows... Figure 20B As shown, the protrusion 75 contacts the inner periphery 22N of the output-side rotating plate 22, and the output-side rotating plate 22 can be pushed up by the inclined surface 75S1. The operator moves the pressure plate 70 towards the first direction D1, thereby pushing all the output-side rotating plates 22 upward by the inclined surface 75S1, allowing the pressure plate-side engagement teeth 77 to be inserted into the inner diameter sides of the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22. This enables the installation of the clutch housing 30, clutch center member 40, pressure plate 70, input-side rotating plate 20, and output-side rotating plate 22 onto the engine.

[0122] like Figure 2 As shown, the rotational centers of the clutch housing 30, the output-side rotating plate 22, and the pressure plate 70 are located on the same axis (i.e., axis CL (refer to...)). Figure 1 In the state of ) on the slope 75S1, the edge 75E on the first direction D1 side (also refer to) Figure 9 The radial distance L21 between the inner periphery 22N of the output-side rotating plate 22 and the inner peripheral surface 33N of the sidewall 33 and the outer periphery 22U of the output-side rotating plate 22 is longer than the radial distance L20 between the inner peripheral surface 33N of the sidewall 33 and the outer peripheral surface 22U of the output-side rotating plate 22. The output-side rotating plate 22, mounted on the clutch housing 30, can move radially up to a maximum distance L20 due to its own weight, etc. (see also...) Figure 20B Since the interval L21 is longer than the interval L20, even if the output-side rotating plate 22 moves radially, the edge 75E of the inclined surface 75S1 is located radially inward than the inner periphery 22N of the output-side rotating plate 22. At this time, the input-side rotating plate 20 is held by the clutch housing 30 (see...). Figure 1 In this state, if the operator moves the pressure plate 70 towards the first direction D1, then as follows: Figure 20B As shown, the protrusion 75 contacts the inner periphery 22N of the output-side rotating plate 22, pushing the output-side rotating plate 22 upward. The operator moves the pressure plate 70 towards the first direction D1, thereby pushing all the output-side rotating plates 22 upward by the inclined surface 75S1, allowing the pressure-side engaging teeth 77 to be easily inserted into the inner diameter sides of the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22. This allows for easy and reliable assembly of the clutch housing 30, clutch center member 40, pressure plate 70, input-side rotating plate 20, and output-side rotating plate 22. Making the interval L21 longer than the interval L20 is effective for facilitating assembly even when the clutch housing 30 is removed from the engine and the rotation center axes of the clutch housing 30, output-side rotating plate 22, and pressure plate 70 extend vertically.

[0123] Oil is supplied to the clutch assembly 10. The oil passes through... Figure 1 The hollow portion 15H of the output shaft 15 shown flows into the clutch center member 40 and the pressure plate 70, and then through the gap between the center-side fitting portion 58 and the pressure plate-side fitting portion 88, and the oil discharge hole 79 (see reference). Figure 7 Oil is supplied to the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22. The oil absorbs heat or inhibits wear of the friction materials. The clutch device 10 of this embodiment is a so-called wet multi-plate friction clutch device.

[0124] Next, the operation of the clutch device 10 in this embodiment will be described. As described above, the clutch device 10 is disposed between the engine and the transmission of a motorized two-wheeled vehicle, and the rotational driving force of the engine is transmitted and disconnected relative to the transmission by the driver operating the clutch operating lever.

[0125] In the clutch assembly 10, when the driver of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle does not operate the clutch operating lever, the clutch disengagement mechanism (not shown) does not press the push rod 16A. Therefore, the pressure plate 70 presses the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22 by the force (elastic force) of the clutch spring 25. Thus, the clutch assembly 10 is in a state where the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22 are pressed against each other by the clutch center portion 40 and the pressure plate 70, i.e., the clutch is engaged in a friction-connected state. When the clutch is engaged, the rotational driving force of the engine is transmitted to the output shaft 15.

[0126] When the clutch is engaged, the oil flowing within the hollow portion 15H of the output shaft 15 and exiting from the front end 15T of the output shaft 15 falls into the cylindrical portion 80 or scatters and adheres to it (see reference). Figure 1 (Arrow F). The oil adhering to the cylindrical portion 80 is guided into the pressure plate 70. Thus, the oil flows out of the pressure plate 70 through the oil discharge hole 79. Furthermore, the oil flows out of the pressure plate 70 through the gap between the center-side fitting portion 58 and the pressure plate-side fitting portion 88. The oil flowing out of the pressure plate 70 is then supplied to the input-side rotating vane 20 and the output-side rotating vane 22.

[0127] On the other hand, in the clutch device 10, when the driver of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle operates the clutch operating lever while the clutch is engaged, the clutch disengagement mechanism (not shown) presses the push rod 16A, causing the pressure plate 70 to overcome the force of the clutch spring 25 and displace in the direction of separation from the clutch center member 40 (second direction D2). As a result, the clutch center member 40 is in a disengaged state, where the frictional connection between the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22 is released, thus reducing or stopping the rotational drive of the output shaft 15. That is, the transmission of the engine's rotational drive force to the output shaft 15 is cut off.

[0128] In the clutch disengaged state, the oil flowing within the hollow portion 15H of the output shaft 15 and exiting from the front end 15T of the output shaft 15 is guided into the pressure plate 70 in the same manner as in the clutch engaged state. At this time, the pressure plate 70 is separated from the clutch center member 40, thus reducing the engagement with the center-side engagement portion 58 and the pressure plate-side engagement portion 88. As a result, the oil within the cylindrical portion 80 flows more actively outward from the pressure plate 70 and into various parts of the interior of the clutch assembly 10. In particular, the oil can be actively guided between the mutually separated input-side rotating plate 20 and output-side rotating plate 22.

[0129] Furthermore, when the driver releases the clutch operating lever in the clutch disengaged state, the clutch disengagement mechanism (not shown) releases the pressure on the pressure plate 70 via the push member 16B, and thus the pressure plate 70 is displaced in the direction (first direction D1) closer to the clutch center member 40 by the force of the clutch spring 25.

[0130] As described above, the clutch device 10 according to this embodiment, such as Figure 16 As shown, when viewed from direction D, at least a portion of the spline groove 78 is disposed inside the center-side cam hole 43H. Therefore, when oil flows from the center-side cam hole 43H into the clutch center portion 40, oil is supplied to the spline groove 78. Thus, it is possible to reliably supply oil to the retaining output-side rotating plate 22 (see reference). Figure 1 ) pressure-side mating teeth 77 (refer to) Figure 1Clutch oil is supplied to the spline groove 78. Therefore, it is possible to prevent adverse conditions such as the output-side rotating plate 22 becoming stuck. According to this embodiment, as... Figure 7 As shown, the pressure-side mating teeth 77 extend radially outward. Spline grooves 78 are formed between adjacent pressure-side mating teeth 77. (As shown...) Figure 16 As shown, the center-side cam hole 43H is formed at a relatively outer radial position to the clutch center member 40. That is, a relatively large area of ​​the clutch center member 40 extends through it along the axial direction. As a result, the clutch center 40, and thus the clutch assembly 10, can be made lighter.

[0131] According to the clutch device 10 of this embodiment, the pressure plate 70 has a protrusion 75. For example... Figure 20B As shown, when assembling the clutch center piece 40 and the pressure plate 70, the protrusion 75 pushes up the output-side rotating plate 22, thereby mounting the output-side rotating plate 22 onto the pressure-side engagement teeth 77. Therefore, by having the protrusion 75 on the pressure plate 70, the radial positioning of the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22 can be more easily performed when assembling the clutch assembly 10. Furthermore, as... Figure 16 As shown, when viewed from direction D, the protrusion 75 is positioned inside the center-side cam hole 43H. This prevents the protrusion 75 from contacting the clutch center member 40 during assembly of the clutch center member 40 and the pressure plate 70.

[0132] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the output-side rotating plate 22 is held on the pressure plate 70. When the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A is in contact with the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A, at least a portion of the protrusion 75 is positioned to overlap with the center-side recess 59 when viewed from direction D (see also [reference]). Figure 9 Therefore, when the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A is in contact with the center-side auxiliary cam surface 60A, the output-side rotating plate 22 is prevented from falling off the pressure plate 70.

[0133] According to the clutch device 10 of this embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the boss portion 43 is connected to the inner side of the center-side cam portion 60. Here, the outer edge 43E of the boss portion 43 is connected to the inner side of the center-side cam portion 60. The inner edge 43Ha of the center-side cam hole 43H is located radially inward than the outer edge 43E of the boss portion 43. Therefore, the center-side cam hole 43H is formed in a region radially inward of the clutch center member 40. This allows for a lighter clutch center member 40 and a lighter clutch assembly 10.

[0134] Figure 21 This is a perspective view showing the modified pressure plate 370. (Example) Figure 21As shown, pressure plate 370 has three oil discharge holes 79L, 79M, and 79N1. (Refer to pressure plate 70) Figure 7 Similar to the other three toothed portions 76, oil discharge holes 79L, 79M, and 79N1 are formed in one of the three adjacent toothed portions 76. The oil discharge holes 79L, 79M, and 79N1 are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction S. The oil discharge holes 79L, 79M, and 79N1 are arranged at positions that are staggered from each other in the direction D.

[0135] In the modified example, a through hole 389 is formed on the main body 72 of the pressure plate side of the pressure plate 370 to replace the through hole 89 (see reference). Figure 8 The through hole 389, when viewed from direction D, is roughly rectangular in shape (see also [reference]). Figure 22 A notch 387 is formed in the toothed portion 76 of the pressure plate 370. The notch 387 is a hole through which oil blocked by the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A is discharged to the outside of the pressure plate 370. Figure 22 As shown, the cut 387 is formed by recessing from the end face 72D on the second direction D2 side of the pressure-side main body 72 towards the first direction D1. The cut 387 communicates with the through hole 389. The circumferential length S of the cut 387 is approximately the same as the circumferential length S of the through hole 389. Figure 21 As shown, three cuts 387 are formed along the circumferential direction S. These three cuts 387 are also referred to as cuts 387L, 387M, and 387N, respectively. However, when all three cuts 387L, 387M, and 387N are common, the name "cut 387" is appropriately used. Cut 387L is formed in the toothed portion 76 among the three toothed portions 76 where the oil drain hole 79L is formed. Similarly, cuts 387M and 387N are formed in the toothed portions 76 among the three toothed portions 76 where the oil drain holes 79M and 79N1 are formed, respectively. Cut 387 is located on the side further in the second direction D2 than the oil drain hole 79. Figure 23 As shown, the edge 387A on the first direction D1 side of the cut 387 is located closer to the first direction D1 side than the end 95 on the second direction D2 side of the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A. The cut 387 approaches the first circumferential S1 side (the rotation direction of the pressure plate 370) relative to the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A. For example, as... Figure 21 As shown, the distance between the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A, located on the second circumferential S2 side of the cut 387 L, and the circumferential S of the cut 387 L is shorter than the distance between the pressure-side sliding cam surface 90S, located on the first circumferential S1 side of the cut 387 L, and the circumferential S of the cut 387 L. The distances between the cuts 387 M and 387 N and the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A are also similar.

[0136] like Figure 23As shown, the circumferential distance S between the cut 387 and the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A is approximately the same as the circumferential distance S between the oil discharge hole 79 and the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A. Here, the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A extends further towards the first direction D1, towards the first circumferential direction S1, and is inclined relative to the axial direction. Therefore, for example, the cut 387 N is offset relative to the oil discharge hole 79N1 in the direction of inclination towards the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A, i.e., towards the second circumferential direction S2. At this time, the distance between the cut 387 N and the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A is approximately the same as the distance between the oil discharge hole 79N1 and the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A. Figure 21 The oil drain hole 79L and cutout 387L shown are the same as those shown for oil drain hole 79M and cutout 387M. Furthermore, the oil drain hole 79 and cutout 387 can also be positioned at the same location in the circumferential direction S.

[0137] Here, for example, when the engine speed increases and the pressure plate 370 rotates to the first circumference S1, oil flows from the output shaft 15 (see reference). Figure 1 The oil flows out into the pressure plate 370. At this time, the oil flows in the opposite direction to the rotation direction S1, i.e., the rotation direction S2, and a portion of the oil is blocked by the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A. The oil blocked by the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A flows along the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A in the second direction D2. According to the above method, the oil blocked by the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A is discharged to the outside of the pressure plate 370 through the cutout 387. In addition, according to the above method, as Figure 23 As shown, the edge 387A of the cut 387 is located closer to the first direction D1 side than the end 95 of the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A. Therefore, the oil blocked by the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A can be discharged to the outside of the pressure plate 370 more reliably. Moreover, the circumferential distance S between the oil discharge hole 79 and the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A is approximately the same as the circumferential distance S between the cut 387 and the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A. Therefore, the oil blocked by the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 90A can be reliably discharged to the outside of the pressure plate 370 using the oil discharge hole 79 and the cut 387.

[0138] Furthermore, the number of incisions 387 is not specifically limited. For example, it can also be made in a missing tooth area 76 (see reference). Figure 21 Two or more cuts 387 are formed on the oil drain hole 79. Furthermore, the shape of the cuts 387 is not limited to the modified example described above. In the modified example, the cuts 387 are located on the side closer to the second direction D2 than the oil drain hole 79, but for example, the cuts 387 may also extend to a position closer to the first direction D1 than the oil drain hole 79.

[0139] <Second Implementation Method>

[0140] Figure 24This is a perspective view of the clutch center member 140 according to the second embodiment. The clutch center member 140 is housed in the clutch housing 30 (see reference). Figure 1 The clutch center component 140 is concentrically configured with the clutch housing 30. For example... Figure 24 As shown, the clutch center member 140 has a center-side main body portion 142, a center-side recess 59, and a center-side flange 68. The center-side main body portion 142 includes an annular boss portion 143, an output shaft retaining portion 50 disposed at the center of the boss portion 143, a plurality of center-side cam portions 160 connected to the boss portion 143, and a receiving recess 145. Three center-side cam portions 160 are equally spaced in the circumferential direction of the clutch center member 140.

[0141] The center-side cam portion 160 is located radially outward from the output shaft holding portion 50. The center-side cam portion 160 has a center-side auxiliary cam surface 160A and a center-side sliding cam surface 160S. A boss portion 54 is erected on the center-side cam portion 160.

[0142] A protrusion 164 is provided on the central cam portion 160. The protrusion 164 is formed on the radially inner side of the central cam portion 160. The protrusion 164 is formed on both the first circumferential S1 side and the second circumferential S2 side of the central cam portion 160. The protrusion 164 formed on the first circumferential S1 side is also referred to as the first protrusion 164A, and the protrusion 164 formed on the second circumferential S2 side is also referred to as the second protrusion 164B. The first protrusion 164A extends toward the first circumferential S1 side. The first protrusion 164A extends in the circumferential S direction to a position that is approximately the same as the position closest to the first circumferential S1 side of the central sliding cam surface 160S. The second protrusion 164B, provided on the second circumferential S2 side, extends toward the second circumferential S2 side. The second protrusion 164B extends in the circumferential S direction to a position that is approximately the same as the position closest to the second circumferential S2 side of the central auxiliary cam surface 160A. By providing a protrusion 164 on the central side cam portion 160, the central side auxiliary cam surface 160A and the pressure side auxiliary cam surface 190A (described later) are connected. Figure 26 When the auxiliary cam surface 160A and the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 190A are in contact with each other, the durability of the central cam portion 160 can be improved.

[0143] A step portion 165 is formed between the main inner circumferential surface 163A, which serves as the inner circumferential surface of the central cam portion 160, and the boss portion 143. The step portion 165 extends in the circumferential direction S. The step portion 165 is formed from the first circumferential S1 side end of the first protrusion 164A to the second circumferential S2 side end of the second protrusion 164B.

[0144] A recess 145 for the storage section is formed between adjacent central side cam portions 160 in the circumferential direction S. The recess 145 for the storage section is for the pressure plate 170 described later (see reference). Figure 26 The spring storage section 184 (refer to) Figure 26 The recessed portion 145 for receiving the part has a wall surface 146 and a bottom surface 147. The recessed portion 145 for receiving the part may also penetrate the central side main body portion 142 in direction D. The wall surface 146 is connected to a second protrusion 164B of a central side cam portion 160L, a first protrusion 164A of another central side cam portion 160M, and a boss portion 143. The wall surface 146 is formed into a generally C-shaped form when viewed from above. The bottom surface 147 is a surface connected to the first direction D1 side of the wall surface 146. The wall surface 146 is located closer to the first direction D1 side than the end 158D of the central side fitting portion 158 on the second direction D2 side. A portion of the first circumferential S1 side of the wall surface 146 and the bottom surface 147 is connected to the central side cam hole 143H. Furthermore, when the spring storage portion 184 is inserted into the storage portion recess 145, there may be a gap between the wall surface 146 and the wall surface 185 of the spring storage portion 184 (described later), or there may be no gap (that is, the wall surface 146 and the wall surface 185 may also fit together).

[0145] like Figure 25 As shown, a cam-side recess 166 is formed on the end face 160D on the first direction D1 side of the center-side cam portion 160. The cam-side recess 166 is formed in a manner that it is recessed towards the second direction D2 side. The cam-side recess 166 is formed in the center-side cam portion 160 at a position on the first circumferential S1 side closer to the boss portion 54. The cam-side recess 166 is generally fan-shaped when viewed from above. The cam-side recess 166 is connected to the boss portion 143 on its radially inner side. The cam-side recess 166 is connected to the center-side cam hole 143 H on the side closest to the first circumferential S1 side. By forming the cam-side recess 166, the clutch center member 140 can be made lighter.

[0146] like Figure 24 and Figure 25 As shown, the clutch center member 140 has a center-side cam hole 143H that passes through a portion of the center-side main body portion 142. The center-side cam hole 143H extends from the hub portion 143 to a position radially outward of the center-side mating portion 158. The center-side cam hole 143H is formed adjacent to the center-side auxiliary cam surface 160A on the second circumferential S2 side. Viewed from direction D, a portion of the center-side auxiliary cam surface 160A is located inside the center-side cam hole 143H.

[0147] Figure 26 This is a perspective view of the pressure plate 170 according to the second embodiment. The pressure plate 170 is configured to be able to approach and separate relative to the clutch center member 140 and to rotate relative to it. Figure 26 The pressure plate 170 shown is configured to press the input-side rotating plate 20 (see reference). Figure 1 ) and output-side rotating plate 22 (refer to Figure 1 Pressure plate 170 and clutch center piece 140 (see reference) Figure 25 ) and clutch housing 30 (refer to Figure 1 Concentric configuration. For example... Figure 26 As shown, the pressure plate 170 includes a pressure-side main body 172 and a pressure-side flange 98. The pressure-side main body 172 protrudes further in the first direction D1 than the pressure-side flange 98. The pressure plate 170 holds a plurality of output-side rotating plates 22 that are alternately arranged with the input-side rotating plates 20.

[0148] The pressure-side main body 172 includes a cylindrical part 80, an outer peripheral wall 173, multiple pressure-side cam parts 190, a pressure-side fitting part 88, and a spring storage part 184.

[0149] The outer peripheral wall 173 is positioned radially outward from the cylindrical portion 80. The outer peripheral wall 173 extends along a first direction D1. The outer peripheral wall 173 has an annular wall 174 A and a splined engagement portion 174B disposed radially outward from the annular wall 174 A. The splined engagement portion 174 B has a plurality of pressure-side engagement teeth 177 extending along direction D and a plurality of spline grooves 178 formed between adjacent pressure-side engagement teeth 177. The pressure-side engagement teeth 177 hold the output-side rotating plate 22. The plurality of pressure-side engagement teeth 177 are arranged circumferentially S. The plurality of pressure-side engagement teeth 177 are formed with the same shape. The pressure-side engagement teeth 177 protrude radially outward from the annular wall 174 A.

[0150] Figure 26 The pressure-side cam portion 190 shown is formed in a platform shape with cam surfaces 190A and 190S composed of inclined surfaces. The pressure-side cam portion 190 is formed to protrude in a first direction D1 from the pressure-side flange 98. The pressure-side cam portions 190 are arranged at equal intervals on the circumferential direction S of the pressure plate 170. In this embodiment, the pressure plate 170 has three pressure-side cam portions 190, but the number of pressure-side cam portions 90 is not limited to three.

[0151] The pressure-side cam portion 190 is located radially outward from the cylindrical portion 80. The pressure-side cam portion 190 includes: a pressure-side auxiliary cam portion 191 including a pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 190A; a pressure-side sliding cam portion 192 including a pressure-side sliding cam surface 190S; and a pressure-side cam body portion 193 located between the pressure-side auxiliary cam portion 191 and the pressure-side sliding cam portion 192. The pressure-side auxiliary cam portion 191, the pressure-side cam body portion 193, and the pressure-side sliding cam portion 192 are integrally formed.

[0152] like Figure 27 As shown, the end of the pressure-side cam portion 190 on the second circumferential S2 side is connected to the pressure-side cam hole 173H, which will be described later. Figure 26 As shown, at the pressure-side sliding cam surface 190S on the second direction D2 side, the pressure-side cam portion 190 is connected to the pressure-side cam hole 173H.

[0153] The pressure plate 170 has a pressure-side cam hole 173H that extends along direction D through a portion of the pressure-side main body 172. The pressure-side cam hole 173H is located radially outward from the cylindrical portion 80. The pressure-side cam hole 173H is formed between the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 190A and the pressure-side sliding cam surface 190S of the adjacent pressure-side cam portion 190. Figure 27 As shown, when viewed from direction D, a portion of the pressure-side auxiliary cam surface 190 A is located inside the pressure-side cam hole 173 H.

[0154] The pressure-side cam hole 173H has a cam hole recess 174. The cam hole recess 174 is formed on the first circumferential S1 side of the pressure-side cam hole 173H. The cam hole recess 174 is a portion of the pressure-side cam hole 173H that is recessed towards the first circumferential S1 side. The cam hole recess 174 is connected to the pressure-side cam portion 190. The radial length of the cam hole recess 174 is formed to be approximately the same as the radial length of the pressure-side cam portion 190. When the pressure plate 170 and the clutch center member 140 are assembled, the boss portion 54 (refer to...) Figure 24 The area inside the recess 174 of the cam hole is inserted. Therefore, the cam hole recess 174 prevents interference between the boss 54 and the pressure plate 170.

[0155] like Figure 27 As shown, a spring receiving portion 184 is formed on the end face 190D of the pressure-side cam portion 190 in the second direction D2. The spring receiving portion 184 is formed to be recessed from the end face 190D of the pressure-side cam portion 190 towards the first direction D1. The spring receiving portion 184 is approximately circular when viewed from direction D. The spring receiving portion 184 is for receiving the clutch spring 25 (see reference). Figure 1 ( ) part.

[0156] like Figure 26 As shown, the spring housing 184 has a wall surface 185 and a bottom surface 186. The wall surface 185 surrounds the clutch spring 25 (see reference). Figure 1The circumferential wall surface of the pressure-side cam portion 190 extends to the first direction D1 from the end face 190E on the first direction D1 side of the pressure-side cam portion 190. Furthermore, the wall surface 185 is connected to the cylindrical portion 80 on its radially inner side. The bottom surface 186 is connected to the end face of the wall surface 185 on the first direction D1 side. The bottom surface 186 is circular in shape when viewed from above. When the pressure plate 170 is assembled onto the clutch center member 140 (see reference...), Figure 24 When the spring receiving portion 184 is inserted into the receiving portion recess 145 of the clutch center member 140, the portion of the cam portion 190 on the pressure side near the first direction D1 is inserted into the receiving portion recess 145 of the clutch center member 140 (see reference). Figure 24 Additionally, at this time, the bottom surface 186 of the spring storage portion 184 is configured to meet the bottom surface 147 of the storage portion recess 145 (see reference). Figure 24 ( ) Opposite. By inserting the spring receiving portion 184 into the receiving portion recess 145 of the clutch center member 140, the dimensions of the clutch device 10 in the direction D can be made compact.

[0157] <Third Implementation>

[0158] Figure 28 This is a cross-sectional view of the clutch device 210 according to the third embodiment. Figure 28 As shown, the clutch assembly 210 includes an output shaft 15, an input-side rotating plate 20, an output-side rotating plate 22, a clutch housing 30, a clutch center member 240, a pressure plate 270, a clutch spring 25, and a lifting plate 300. The clutch assembly 210 is a so-called externally disengaged clutch assembly in which the pressure plate 270 is located between the clutch center member 240 and the clutch housing 30.

[0159] like Figure 28 As shown, the clutch housing 30 supports the input-side rotating plate 20. The pressure plate 270 supports all the output-side rotating plates 22. With the rotation center axes of the clutch housing 30 and the output-side rotating plates 22 coaxial (i.e., on axis CL), as... Figure 29 As shown, the radial distance between the inner circumferential surface 33N of the side wall 33 of the clutch housing 30 and the outer circumferential edge 22U of the output side rotating plate 22 is the length L23. Figure 28 As shown, the clutch spring 25 abuts against the clutch center member 240. The clutch center member 240, for example, has a spring-receiving portion formed in a recessed manner from a first direction D1 to a second direction D2. The clutch spring 25 is housed in this spring-receiving portion.

[0160] The lifting plate 300 is a component used to displace the pressure plate 270 in direction D. The lifting plate 300 is fixed to the pressure plate 270. The lifting plate 300 is fixed to the boss portion 254 formed in the pressure plate 270 by bolts 28. The lifting plate 300 rotates integrally with the pressure plate 270. The lifting plate 300 moves in direction D relative to the clutch center member 240 and rotates relative to the clutch center member 240. The lifting plate 300 is formed in a disc shape. Although not shown in the figure, the lifting plate 300 is provided with a release bearing, for example. The release bearing is a component pressed by the release fork of the clutch release mechanism (not shown). Here, the clutch release mechanism refers to a mechanical device in a motorized two-wheeled vehicle or similar vehicle equipped with a clutch device 210, in which the release bearing is pressed towards the output shaft 15 side (i.e., the second direction D2 side) via the release fork by the driver's operation of the clutch operating lever (not shown). The lifting plate 300 supports the clutch spring 25. The lifting plate 300 has an insertion hole 304H for inserting bolts 28 to fix the lifting plate 300 to the pressure plate 270.

[0161] The pressure plate 270 is configured to be able to approach and separate from the clutch center member 240 via the lifting plate 300 and to rotate relative to it. The pressure plate 270 is similar to the pressure plate 70 described in the first embodiment (see reference 1). Figure 7 Similar to the first embodiment, the pressure-side main body 72 has a protrusion 75 and pressure-side engaging teeth 77. The protrusion 75 is shaped such that its radial length decreases as it approaches the first direction D1. An inwardly inclined surface 75S1 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 75, facing the end face 75A towards the first direction D1 side of the protrusion 75. Figure 29 As shown, the rotational centers of the clutch housing 30, the output-side rotating plate 22, and the pressure plate 270 are located on the same axis (i.e., axis CL (refer to...)). Figure 28 In the state described above, the radial distance between the edge 75E of the inclined surface 75S1 on the first direction D1 side and the inner peripheral edge 22N of the output-side rotating plate 22 is a length L24. The length L24 is longer than the radial distance L23 between the inner peripheral surface 33N of the sidewall 33 and the outer peripheral edge 22U of the output-side rotating plate 22. The radial distance between the outer peripheral surface 77U of the pressure-side engaging tooth 77 and the inner peripheral edge 22N of the output-side rotating plate 22 is a length L25. The length L25 is shorter than the length L23. In the clutch device 210 according to the third embodiment, it is also similar to the clutch device 10 according to the first embodiment (see reference). Figure 1Similar to the clutch assembly 240, when the pressure plate 270 is not assembled on the clutch center piece 240, the output-side rotating plate 22 falls due to its own weight and is supported by the inner circumferential surface 33N of the clutch housing 30. When the output-side rotating plate 22 is supported by the inner circumferential surface 33N, the edge 75E of the inclined surface 75S1 can be located radially inward than the inner circumferential edge 22N of the output-side rotating plate 22. Therefore, in the clutch device 210 according to the third embodiment, it is also similar to the clutch device 10 according to the first embodiment (see...). Figure 1 Similar to the first embodiment, the output-side rotating plate 22 can be appropriately radially positioned. Furthermore, when the output-side rotating plate 22 is pushed upwards by the protrusion 75, contact between the output-side rotating plate 22 and the inner circumferential surface 33N of the sidewall 33 is prevented. Therefore, in the clutch device 210 according to the third embodiment, similar to the clutch device 10 according to the first embodiment, the pressure-side engaging teeth 77 can be easily inserted into the inner diameter sides of the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22. This allows for smoother assembly of the pressure plate 270 onto the clutch center member 240.

[0162] 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.

[0163] In the embodiments described above, only the pressure plate holds the output-side rotating plate 22, but this is not a limitation. The clutch center member may also hold a portion of the output-side rotating plate 22.

[0164] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0165] 10 Clutch Device

[0166] 15 output shafts

[0167] 20 Input Side Rotary Plate

[0168] 22 Output Side Rotary Plate

[0169] 25 clutch spring

[0170] 30 casing

[0171] 40 Clutch Center Component

[0172] 43H center side cam hole

[0173] 50 Output Shaft Holding Section

[0174] 58. Central side fitting part

[0175] 60 Center side cam section

[0176] 60A Center Side Auxiliary Cam Surface

[0177] 60S Center Side Sliding Cam Surface

[0178] 70 pressure plate

[0179] 73 outer perimeter wall

[0180] 74 cylindrical section

[0181] 74D end face

[0182] 84 Spring Storage Section

[0183] 88 Pressure-side mating part

[0184] 90 Pressure Side Cam Section

[0185] 90A Pressure Side Auxiliary Cam Surface

[0186] 90S Pressure Side Sliding Cam Surface

[0187] 100 stop plate

[0188] D1 First Direction

[0189] D2 Second Direction.

Claims

1. A clutch device for transmitting or disengaging the rotational driving force of an input shaft relative to an output shaft, wherein, have: The clutch center component receives the rotational driving force and rotates, and is housed in a clutch housing that holds a plurality of input-side rotating plates arranged in the axial direction of the output shaft, and rotates together with the output shaft. Multiple output-side rotating plates are alternately arranged with the input-side rotating plates in the axial direction; as well as The pressure plate is configured to approach and separate relative to the clutch center member in the axial direction and to rotate relative to it, while holding the output-side rotating plate and pressing down on the input-side rotating plate and the output-side rotating plate. The pressure plate has the following characteristics: The cylindrical annular wall extends along the first direction and is concentrically configured with the output shaft when the direction in which the pressure plate approaches the clutch center member is set as the first direction and the direction in which the pressure plate separates from the clutch center member is set as the second direction. Multiple pressure-side engaging teeth are arranged circumferentially along the output shaft and protrude radially outward from the annular wall towards the output shaft, holding the output-side rotating plate in place; and Multiple spline grooves are formed between adjacent pressure-side mating teeth. The clutch center component includes: An output shaft retaining part is provided for the output shaft to be inserted; The center-side cam portion is located radially outward from the output shaft holding portion, and has a center-side auxiliary cam surface and / or a center-side sliding cam surface; as well as A center-side cam hole is formed radially outward of the output shaft retaining portion and between adjacent center-side cam portions in the circumferential direction. The central auxiliary cam surface is configured to generate a force that brings the pressure plate closer to the clutch center member when the pressure plate rotates relative to the clutch center member, thereby increasing the pressing force between the input-side rotating plate and the output-side rotating plate. The center-side sliding cam surface is configured to generate a force in the direction that causes the pressure plate to separate from the clutch center member when the pressure plate rotates relative to the clutch center member, thereby reducing the pressing force between the input-side rotating plate and the output-side rotating plate. When viewed from the axial direction, at least a portion of the spline groove is disposed inside the center-side cam hole.

2. The clutch device according to claim 1, wherein, The pressure plate has a protrusion extending along the first direction from at least one of the plurality of pressure-side engagement teeth. When viewed along the axis, at least a portion of the protrusion is disposed inside the central side cam hole.

3. The clutch device according to claim 1, wherein, The clutch center member has the output shaft holding portion and a boss portion that connects to the inner portion of the center-side cam portion. The radially inner portion of the central side cam hole is located radially inner than the portion of the boss portion connected to the central side cam portion.

Images