Clutch device

Abstract

To suppress the wear of an internal tooth of an end clutch plate.SOLUTION: An intermediate clutch plate 52 has a plurality of first internal teeth meshing with a plurality of first outer teeth. The intermediate clutch plate 52 is axially movably mounted to a first cylindrical portion 32. The first end clutch plate 53 is axially movably mounted to the first cylindrical portion 32. The first end clutch plate 53 is arranged at a first close end 323 of the first cylindrical portion 32, close to a second cylindrical portion 49. The second end clutch plate 54 is axially movably mounted to the second cylindrical portion 49. The second end clutch plate 54 is arranged at a second close end 493 of the second cylindrical portion 49, close to the first cylindrical portion 32. At least one of the first end clutch plate 53 and the second end clutch plate 54 is thicker than the intermediate clutch plate 52.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a clutch device. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, motorcycles such as motorcycles and buggies use a clutch device to transmit or cut off power from an engine to a transmission. The clutch device has a clutch housing, a clutch center, and a pressure plate (see Patent Document 1). A clutch plate is attached to each of the clutch center and the pressure plate. In detail, the clutch center and the pressure plate have a plurality of external teeth. The clutch plate has a plurality of internal teeth that mesh with the plurality of external teeth of the clutch center and the pressure plate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-200842 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When the clutch is disengaged to cut off the torque transmission from the clutch housing to the clutch center, the pressure plate moves in the axial direction away from the clutch center. This causes the end clutch plate arranged at the axial end of the clutch center or the pressure plate to move between the clutch center and the pressure plate. As a result, the area of ​​contact between the internal teeth of the end clutch plate and the external teeth becomes smaller, and the surface pressure acting on the internal teeth increases, which causes a problem that the internal teeth become more susceptible to wear.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to reduce wear on the internal teeth of the end clutch plates. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A clutch device according to a first aspect includes a clutch center, a pressure plate, an intermediate clutch plate, a first end clutch plate, and a second end clutch plate. The clutch center is rotatably arranged. The clutch center has a first cylindrical portion. The first cylindrical portion has a plurality of first external teeth formed thereon. The first external teeth extend in the axial direction. The pressure plate is rotatably arranged and axially movable. The pressure plate has a second cylindrical portion. The second cylindrical portion is arranged so as to be adjacent to the first cylindrical portion in the axial direction. The second cylindrical portion has a plurality of second external teeth formed thereon. The second external teeth extend in the axial direction. The intermediate clutch plate has a plurality of first internal teeth that mesh with the plurality of first external teeth. The intermediate clutch plate is attached to the first cylindrical portion so as to be axially movable. The first end clutch plate has a plurality of second internal teeth that mesh with the plurality of first external teeth. The first end clutch plate is attached to the first cylindrical portion so as to be axially movable. A first end clutch plate is disposed at a first proximal end of the first cylindrical portion near the second cylindrical portion. The second end clutch plate has a plurality of third internal teeth that mesh with the plurality of second external teeth. The second end clutch plate is axially movably mounted to the second cylindrical portion. The second end clutch plate is disposed at a second proximal end of the second cylindrical portion near the first cylindrical portion. At least one of the first end clutch plate and the second end clutch plate is thicker than the intermediate clutch plate.

[0007] According to this configuration, at least one of the first end clutch plate and the second end clutch plate is thicker than the intermediate clutch plate, so that at least one of the first end clutch plate and the second end clutch plate can ensure a sufficient contact area even if the contact area between the internal teeth and the external teeth becomes small during clutch-off, thereby suppressing wear of the internal teeth.

[0008] The clutch device according to the second aspect is configured as follows in the clutch device according to the first aspect. The first end clutch plate is thicker than the intermediate clutch plate. The first cylindrical portion has a regulating surface between the first proximal end portion and the intermediate clutch plate. The regulating surface faces the second cylindrical portion in the axial direction. The first end clutch plate has an opposing surface that faces the regulating surface. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the first end clutch plate from being erroneously positioned at the position of the intermediate clutch plate.

[0009] The clutch device according to the third aspect is the clutch device according to the first or second aspect, and is configured as follows: The first end clutch plate is thicker than the intermediate clutch plate. The first cylindrical portion has a restriction groove formed in a tooth bottom. The second internal teeth have protruding internal teeth disposed in the restriction groove. The restriction groove extends in the axial direction at the first proximal end. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the first end clutch plate from being erroneously disposed at the position of the intermediate clutch plate.

[0010] A clutch device according to a fourth aspect is the clutch device according to the third aspect, and is configured as follows: The intermediate clutch plate is disposed axially spaced from the restriction groove.

[0011] A clutch device according to a fifth aspect is the clutch device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, and is configured as follows: The first cylindrical portion has a first tooth-missing portion where the first external teeth are not formed. The first end clutch plate has a second tooth-missing portion where the second internal teeth are not formed at a position opposite the first tooth-missing portion. The first end clutch plate is thicker than the intermediate clutch plate. The second cylindrical portion has a first insertion portion that is inserted into a space formed by the first tooth-missing portion and the second tooth-missing portion. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the intermediate clutch plate from being erroneously positioned at the position of the first end clutch plate.

[0012] A clutch device according to a sixth aspect is the clutch device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, and is configured as follows: The second cylindrical portion has a third tooth-missing portion where the second external teeth are not formed. The second end clutch plate has a fourth tooth-missing portion where the third internal teeth are not formed at a position opposite the third tooth-missing portion. The second end clutch plate is thicker than the intermediate clutch plate. The first cylindrical portion has a second insertion portion that is inserted into a space formed by the third tooth-missing portion and the fourth tooth-missing portion. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, wear on the internal teeth of the end clutch plates can be suppressed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] Cross-sectional view of line II-II in Figure 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] Cross-sectional view of line VV in Figure 1. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a plan view of an intermediate driven plate attached to the clutch center. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a first end driven plate attached to the clutch center. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first end driven plate attached to the clutch center. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a combination of the clutch center, the pressure plate, and the first end driven plate. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a second end driven plate attached to the pressure plate. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a clutch device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] The clutch device 100 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the axial direction is the direction in which the rotation axis O of the clutch device 100 extends. The circumferential direction is the circumferential direction of a circle centered on the rotation axis O, and the radial direction is the radial direction of a circle centered on the rotation axis O. The first rotation direction is the direction in which the clutch device rotates, and the second rotation direction is the rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction.

[0016] [Clutch device] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the clutch device 100, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the clutch device 100 is configured to transmit power from a drive source (e.g., an engine) to a drive wheel or to cut off the transmission. The clutch device 100 is configured to transmit power in a first rotational direction R1 (counterclockwise in FIG. 1). The clutch device 100 is configured to be rotatable. In detail, the clutch device 100 rotates in the first rotational direction R1 around a rotation axis O.

[0017] The clutch device 100 has a clutch housing 2, a clutch center 3, a pressure plate 4, a clutch portion 5, and a support plate 6. The clutch device 100 also has a plurality of bolts 8 and a plurality of coil springs 9.

[0018] [Clutch housing] As shown in Fig. 2, the clutch housing 2 has a disk portion 21 and a cylindrical portion 22. The clutch housing 2 is connected to an input gear 10. The input gear 10 is an annular member to which power generated by an engine (not shown) is input. The input gear 10 meshes with a drive gear (not shown) fixed to a crankshaft on the engine side.

[0019] The disk portion 21 is connected to the input gear 10 via a plurality of coil springs (not shown). The cylindrical portion 22 extends from the outer circumferential edge portion of the disk portion 21 to a first side in the axial direction. The cylindrical portion 22 has a plurality of notches 221 extending in the axial direction. The multiple notches are arranged at intervals from one another in the circumferential direction.

[0020] [Clutch center] Fig. 3 is a plan view of the clutch center 3 as viewed from a first side in the axial direction, Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the clutch center 3, and Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in Fig. 1. In Fig. 5, for ease of illustration, illustrations of components other than the clutch center 3, the pressure plate 4, the support plate 6, and the bolts 8 are omitted.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the clutch center 3 is disposed on a first axial side with respect to the clutch housing 2. The clutch center 3 is disposed radially inward with respect to the cylindrical portion 22 of the clutch housing 2. The clutch center 3 is disposed rotatably about a rotation axis O. The clutch center 3 is configured to rotate relative to the clutch housing 2. As shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 5, the clutch center 3 has a plurality of base portions 31, a first cylindrical portion 32, a first flange portion 33, a pressure receiving surface 34, a plurality of pillar portions 35, a first boss portion 36, a plurality of first cam portions 37, and a plurality of second cam portions 38.

[0022] 3, the multiple base portions 31 are arranged at intervals from one another in the circumferential direction. The base portions 31 are arranged between the first cylindrical portion 32 and the first boss portion 36 in the radial direction. The base portions 31 connect the first cylindrical portion 32 and the first boss portion 36.

[0023] The clutch center 3 has a plurality of openings 311 penetrating in the axial direction. The plurality of openings 311 are arranged at intervals from one another in the circumferential direction. The base portion 31 and the openings 311 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. The openings 311 overlap with a second cam surface 381, which will be described later, when viewed in the axial direction. Therefore, the second cam surface 381 is exposed to a second axial side through the openings 311.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the first cylindrical portion 32 extends in the axial direction. The first cylindrical portion 32 has a first proximal end portion 323 and a first distal end portion 324 in the axial direction. The first proximal end portion 323 is an end portion close to a second cylindrical portion 49 described later, and the first distal end portion 324 is an end portion opposite to the first proximal end portion 323. In this embodiment, the first proximal end portion 323 is an end portion on a first side in the axial direction, and the first distal end portion 324 is an end portion on a second side in the axial direction.

[0025] The first cylindrical portion 32 has a plurality of first external teeth 321 formed on its outer circumferential surface. Each of the first external teeth 321 extends in the axial direction. The first cylindrical portion 32 also has a plurality of first tooth-missing portions 322. In this embodiment, the first cylindrical portion 32 has three first tooth-missing portions 322. The first tooth-missing portions 322 are regions where the first external teeth 321 are not formed. Other than the first tooth-missing portions 322, each of the first external teeth 321 is formed at a predetermined pitch. Each of the first tooth-missing portions 322 is disposed at intervals from one another in the circumferential direction.

[0026] The first cylindrical portion 32 has a restriction groove 325. The restriction groove 325 is formed in the tooth bottom. The restriction groove 325 is formed in a first proximal end portion 323 of the first cylindrical portion 32. The restriction groove 325 extends in the axial direction from the first proximal end face of the first cylindrical portion 32. That is, the restriction groove 325 opens to a first axial side. That is, the restriction groove 325 opens toward the second cylindrical portion 49 in the axial direction. In addition, the restriction groove 325 penetrates in the radial direction. Note that the restriction groove 325 may open only to the radially outer side, and may not open to the radially inner side.

[0027] The first cylindrical portion 32 has a restriction surface 326. The restriction surface 326 faces the second cylindrical portion 49 in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the restriction surface 326 faces the first axial side. The restriction surface 326 is formed radially inward from the tooth bottom. The restriction surface 326 is one of the surfaces that define the restriction groove 325.

[0028] The first cylindrical portion 32 has a plurality of second insertion portions 327. In this embodiment, the first cylindrical portion 32 has three second insertion portions 327. The second insertion portions 327 protrude toward the second cylindrical portion 49. That is, the second insertion portions 327 protrude toward the first side in the axial direction.

[0029] The first flange portion 33 extends radially outward from the first cylindrical portion 32. In detail, the first flange portion 33 extends radially outward from the end portion on the second axial side of the first cylindrical portion 32. The surface of the first flange portion 33 facing the first axial side becomes the pressure-receiving surface 34. In other words, the pressure-receiving surface 34 faces the first axial side. The pressure-receiving surface 34 is annular and extends in the circumferential direction. The pressure-receiving surface 34 is disposed on the outer periphery of the clutch center 3.

[0030] The pillar portion 35 extends from the base portion 31 to a first side in the axial direction. The pillar portion is cylindrical. The pillar portion 35 has a screw hole 351 penetrating in the axial direction. The multiple pillar portions 35 are arranged at intervals from one another in the circumferential direction. An interference portion 352 protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the pillar portion 35. The interference portion 352 protrudes in the circumferential direction. The interference portion 352 extends in the axial direction.

[0031] According to this configuration, even if an attempt is made to attach the coil spring 9 to the pillar portion 35, the interference portion 352 interferes with the coil spring 9 and makes it impossible to attach the coil spring 9. This makes it possible to prevent the coil spring 9 from being erroneously attached to the pillar portion 35.

[0032] 2 and 3, the first boss portion 36 is disposed radially inward with respect to the base portion 31 and the column portion 35. The first boss portion 36 is disposed radially inward with respect to the first cylindrical portion 32. The first boss portion 36 extends in the axial direction. From the outer circumferential surface of the first boss portion 36, the base portion 31 extends radially outward.

[0033] The first boss portion 36 has a spline hole 36a extending in the axial direction at its center. An input shaft of a transmission (not shown) is spline-engaged with the spline hole 36a. A thrust plate 14 is provided between the first boss portion 36 and the input gear 10 in the axial direction. The clutch center 3 does not move in the axial direction.

[0034] 5, the first cam portion 37 is disposed on the first rotation direction R1 side with respect to the pillar portion 35. In detail, the first cam portion 37 is disposed on the first rotation direction R1 side with respect to the base portion 31. The first cam portion 37 is integrally formed with the base portion 31 as a single member.

[0035] The second cam portion 38 is disposed on the second rotation direction R2 side with respect to the pillar portion 35. In detail, the second cam portion 38 is disposed in the second rotation direction R2 with respect to the base portion 31. The second cam portion 38 is integrally formed with the base portion 31 as a single member.

[0036] The first cam portion 37 and the second cam portion 38 are integrally formed as one member with the pillar portion 35. In detail, the first cam portion 37 and the second cam portion 38 are integrally formed as one member with the pillar portion 35 via the base portion 31.

[0037] 3, the base portion 31, the first cam portion 37, the second cam portion 38, and the pillar portion 35 are disposed radially inwardly with a gap between them and the first cylindrical portion 32. Therefore, a valley portion 301 extending in the circumferential direction is formed between the base portion 31, the first cam portion 37, the second cam portion 38, and the pillar portion 35 and the first cylindrical portion 32.

[0038] 5, the first cam portion 37 has a first cam surface 371. The first cam surface 371 faces toward the first axial side and faces toward the first rotation direction R1. That is, the first cam surface 371 extends at an angle with respect to the axial direction and the first rotation direction.

[0039] The second cam portion 38 has a second cam surface 381. The second cam surface 381 faces toward the second axial side and also faces toward the second rotation direction R2. That is, the second cam surface 381 extends at an incline with respect to the axial direction and the second rotation direction. The second cam surface 381 faces away from the first cam surface 371.

[0040] [Pressure plate] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the pressure plate as viewed from the second axial side, and Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the pressure plate as viewed from the first axial side. As shown in Figs. 2, 5, 6, and 7, the pressure plate 4 is arranged to be movable in the axial direction. That is, the pressure plate 4 is movable relative to the clutch center 3 in the axial direction. The pressure plate 4 is arranged to be rotatable about the rotation axis O. The pressure plate 4 is arranged between the clutch center 3 and the support plate 6 in the axial direction.

[0041] The pressure plate 4 has a second boss portion 41, a plurality of third cam portions 43, a plurality of fourth cam portions 44, a plurality of connecting portions 45, a plurality of retaining portions 46, a second flange portion 47, a pressing surface 48, and a second cylindrical portion 49.

[0042] 6 and 7, the second boss portion 41 is cylindrical and extends in the axial direction. The second boss portion 41 is configured to allow a release mechanism (not shown) to be attached. The third cam portion 43 and the fourth cam portion 44 are disposed radially outward from the second boss portion 41.

[0043] 5, the third cam portion 43 is disposed on the first rotation direction R1 side relative to the first cam portion 37. The fourth cam portion 44 is disposed on the second rotation direction R2 side relative to the second cam portion 38.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 6, the third cam portion 43 and the fourth cam portion 44 are arranged with a gap therebetween in the circumferential direction. The connecting portion 45 connects the third cam portion 43 and the fourth cam portion 44. The connecting portion 45 extends in the circumferential direction between the pillar portion 35, the first cam portion 37, the second cam portion 38, and the first cylindrical portion 32. That is, as shown in Fig. 2, the connecting portion 45 extends in the circumferential direction within the valley portion 301. The third cam portion 43 and the fourth cam portion 44 are arranged radially inward of the connecting portion 45.

[0045] 5, the third cam portion 43 has a third cam surface 431. The third cam surface 431 faces the second rotation direction R2 and also faces the second axial side. The third cam surface 431 faces the first cam surface 371. The third cam surface 431 extends approximately parallel to the first cam surface 371.

[0046] The fourth cam portion 44 has a fourth cam surface 441. The fourth cam surface 441 faces the first rotation direction R1 and faces the first axial side. The fourth cam surface 441 faces the second cam surface 381. The fourth cam surface 441 extends approximately parallel to the second cam surface 381.

[0047] 6 and 7, the retaining portion 46 extends radially outward from the second boss portion. The retaining portions 46 are arranged at intervals from one another in the circumferential direction. The retaining portion 46 has a retaining recess 461 configured to retain a coil spring. The retaining recess 461 extends in the axial direction. The retaining recess 461 opens to a first axial side.

[0048] A fourth cam portion 44 is disposed on the first rotation direction R1 side of the holding portion 46. The fourth cam portion 44 is formed integrally with the holding portion 46. Furthermore, a third cam portion 43 is disposed on the second rotation direction R2 side of the holding portion 46. The third cam portion 43 and the fourth cam portion 44 adjacent to each other via the holding portion 46 are different pairs. The third cam portion 43 and the fourth cam portion 44 are configured with the holding portion 46 by a single member.

[0049] The second flange portion 47 is disposed radially outward relative to the third cam portion 43, the fourth cam portion 44, the connecting portion 45, and the retaining portion 46. A surface of the second flange portion 47 facing the second axial side becomes the pressing surface 48. In other words, the pressing surface 48 faces the second axial side. The pressing surface 48 is annular and extends in the circumferential direction. The pressing surface 48 is disposed on the outer periphery of the pressure plate 4.

[0050] 5, the pressing surface 48 is disposed on a first axial side with respect to the pressure-receiving surface 34. When viewed in the axial direction, the pressing surface 48 overlaps with the pressure-receiving surface 34.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 6, the second cylindrical portion 49 extends from the inner peripheral end of the second flange portion 47 to the second side in the axial direction. The second cylindrical portion 49 is disposed adjacent to the first cylindrical portion 32 in the axial direction. The second cylindrical portion 49 is disposed at a distance from the first cylindrical portion 32 in the axial direction. The second cylindrical portion 49 has a second proximal end portion 493 and a second distal end portion 494 in the axial direction. The second proximal end portion 493 is an end portion close to the first cylindrical portion 32, and the second distal end portion 494 is an end portion opposite to the second proximal end portion 493. In this embodiment, the second proximal end portion 493 is an end portion on the second axial side, and the second distal end portion 494 is an end portion on the first axial side.

[0052] The second cylindrical portion 49 has a plurality of second external teeth 491 formed on its outer circumferential surface. Each of the second external teeth 491 extends in the axial direction. The dimensions of the second external teeth 491 are the same as the dimensions of the first external teeth 321, except for the dimensions in the axial direction. The tip circle diameter of the second cylindrical portion 49 is the same as the tip circle diameter of the first cylindrical portion 32. In addition, the root circle diameter of the second cylindrical portion 49 is the same as the root circle diameter of the first cylindrical portion 32.

[0053] The second cylindrical portion 49 also has a plurality of third tooth-missing portions 492. The third tooth-missing portions 492 are regions where the second external teeth 491 are not formed. In addition, except for the third tooth-missing portions 492, the second external teeth 491 are formed at a predetermined pitch. The third tooth-missing portions 492 are disposed at intervals from one another in the circumferential direction.

[0054] The second cylindrical portion 49 has a plurality of first insertion portions 495. In this embodiment, the second cylindrical portion 49 has three first insertion portions 495. The first insertion portions 495 protrude toward the first cylindrical portion 32. In this embodiment, the first insertion portions 495 protrude toward the second axial side.

[0055] The second cylindrical portion 49 has a groove portion 496. The groove portion 496 is formed in the tooth bottom. The groove portion 496 extends in the axial direction. The groove portion 496 opens to a second axial side. That is, the groove portion 496 opens toward the first cylindrical portion 32.

[0056] [Clutch section] 2, the clutch portion 5 is configured to transmit and interrupt power between the clutch housing 2 and the clutch center 3. The clutch portion 5 is disposed between the clutch center 3 and the pressure plate 4. In detail, the clutch portion 5 is disposed between the pressure receiving surface 34 and the pressing surface 48.

[0057] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the clutch portion 5 in detail. In order to facilitate illustration, members unnecessary for explanation are omitted. As shown in FIG. 8, the clutch portion 5 has a plurality of drive plates 51, a plurality of intermediate driven plates 52 (an example of intermediate clutch plates), a first end driven plate 53 (an example of a first end clutch plate), and a second end driven plate 54 (an example of a second end clutch plate). In the following, the intermediate driven plate 52, the first end driven plate 53, and the second end driven plate 54 may be collectively referred to as driven plates 52-54.

[0058] The drive plate 51 and the driven plates 52 to 54 are annular. The drive plate 51 and the driven plates 52 to 54 are disposed between the pressure receiving surface 34 and the pressing surface 48. The drive plate 51 and the driven plates 52 to 54 are disposed alternately in the axial direction.

[0059] The drive plate 51 is movable in the axial direction but is unable to rotate relative to the clutch housing 2. In other words, the drive plate 51 rotates integrally with the clutch housing 2. In detail, a plurality of engagement protrusions 511 that protrude radially outward are formed on the outer periphery of the drive plate 51 (see FIG. 2). The engagement protrusions 511 mesh with notches 221 formed in the cylindrical portion 22 of the clutch housing 2. Friction material is affixed to both sides of the drive plate 51.

[0060] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the intermediate driven plate 52 attached to the first cylindrical portion 32 of the clutch center 3. As shown in FIG. 9, the intermediate driven plate 52 has a plurality of first internal teeth 521. Each of the first internal teeth 521 meshes with each of the first external teeth 321. As a result, the intermediate driven plate 52 is axially movable with respect to the first cylindrical portion 32 but is unable to rotate relative thereto. That is, the intermediate driven plate 52 rotates integrally with the clutch center 3. The first internal teeth 521 are disposed within the first toothless portion 322. That is, the intermediate driven plate 52 has the first internal teeth 521 formed at a predetermined pitch and does not have a toothless portion.

[0061] The first internal teeth 521 of the intermediate driven plate 52 all have the same tooth height. Therefore, in the process of attaching the intermediate driven plate 52 to the first cylindrical portion 32, the first internal teeth 521 are not disposed in the restricting groove 325. In addition, the intermediate driven plate 52 does not have a surface that abuts against the restricting surface 326. Therefore, when the intermediate driven plate 52 is attached to the first cylindrical portion 32, it can move beyond the restricting groove 325 and the restricting surface 326 toward the second axial side. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, each intermediate driven plate 52 attached to the first cylindrical portion 32 is disposed on the second axial side with respect to the restricting groove 325. The intermediate driven plate 52 is disposed at a distance from the restricting groove 325 in the axial direction.

[0062] The intermediate driven plate 52 is disposed on the second axial side of the restricting surface 326 in the axial direction. That is, the intermediate driven plate 52 is disposed in the region between the restricting surface 326 and the pressure-receiving surface 34 in the axial direction. The restricting surface 326 is formed between the first proximal end portion 323 and the intermediate driven plate 52.

[0063] The first end driven plate 53 is attached to the first cylindrical portion 32. The first end driven plate 53 is disposed at the first proximal end 323 of the first cylindrical portion 32. The multiple intermediate driven plates 52 are disposed on the second axial side with respect to the first end driven plate 53. That is, the multiple intermediate driven plates 52 are disposed between the first end driven plate 53 and the pressure receiving surface 34 in the axial direction.

[0064] The first end driven plate 53 is thicker than the intermediate driven plate 52. Although not particularly limited, for example, the thickness of the first end driven plate 53 is thicker than the thickness of the intermediate driven plate 52 by about 0.2 to 2.0 mm, and preferably by about 0.5 to 2.0 mm.

[0065] 10 is a plan view showing the first end driven plate 53 attached to the first cylindrical portion 32, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the first end driven plate 53 attached to the first cylindrical portion 32. As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the first end driven plate 53 has a plurality of second internal teeth 531. Each of the second internal teeth 531 meshes with each of the first external teeth 321. As a result, the first end driven plate 53 is axially movable but cannot rotate relative to the first cylindrical portion 32. That is, the first end driven plate 53 rotates integrally with the clutch center 3.

[0066] The second internal teeth 531 have a plurality of first protruding internal teeth 531a (one example of the protruding internal teeth). That is, some of the second internal teeth 531 are the first protruding internal teeth 531a. The first protruding internal teeth 531a protrude radially inward more than the other second internal teeth 531. That is, the tooth height of the first protruding internal teeth 531a is longer than the tooth height of the second internal teeth 531. The first protruding internal teeth 531a mesh with the first external teeth 321, similar to the second internal teeth 531.

[0067] The first protruding internal tooth 531a is disposed in the restriction groove 325. In detail, a tip portion of the first protruding internal tooth 531a is disposed in the restriction groove 325. That is, the first protruding internal tooth 531a extends radially beyond the tooth bottom to the restriction groove 325.

[0068] 8, the first end driven plate 53 has an opposing surface 533. The opposing surface 533 is a surface facing the second axial side of the first protruding internal tooth 531a. The opposing surface 533 faces the regulating surface 326. The opposing surface 533 is disposed with a gap between it and the regulating surface 326 in the axial direction.

[0069] According to the above configuration, even if the first end driven plate 53 is erroneously placed at the position of the intermediate driven plate 52 when attaching the first end driven plate 53 to the first cylindrical portion 32, the opposing surface 533 of the first end driven plate 53 abuts against the regulating surface 326, and the first end driven plate 53 cannot be moved any further toward the second axial side. As a result, it is possible to prevent the first end driven plate 53 from being erroneously placed at the position of the intermediate driven plate 52.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the first end driven plate 53 has a plurality of second tooth-missing portions 534. In this embodiment, there are three second tooth-missing portions 534. The second tooth-missing portions 534 are areas where the second internal teeth 531 are not formed. In areas other than the second tooth-missing portions 534, the second internal teeth 531 are formed at a predetermined pitch. The second tooth-missing portions 534 are disposed at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the second tooth-missing portions 534 are formed between a pair of first protruding internal teeth 531a.

[0071] The second tooth-missing portion 534 faces the first tooth-missing portion 322 in the radial direction. Therefore, a space is formed by the first tooth-missing portion 322 and the second tooth-missing portion 534. The first insertion portion 495 of the second cylindrical portion 49 is inserted into the space formed by the first tooth-missing portion 322 and the second tooth-missing portion 534 (see FIG. 12).

[0072] According to this configuration, if the intermediate driven plate 52 is mistakenly placed at the position of the first end driven plate 53, the intermediate driven plate 52 does not have a tooth-missing portion, so the first internal tooth 521 is placed in the first tooth-missing portion 322. Therefore, even if an attempt is made to combine the clutch center 3 and the pressure plate 4, the first insertion portion 495 collides with the first internal tooth 521, and they cannot be combined. As a result, it can be noticed that the intermediate driven plate 52 is mistakenly placed at the position of the first end driven plate 53.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 8, the second end driven plate 54 is attached to the second cylindrical portion 49. The second end driven plate 54 is disposed at the second proximal end 493 of the second cylindrical portion 49. The drive plate 51 is disposed between the second end driven plate 54 and the pressing surface 48. Note that in this embodiment, the intermediate driven plate 52 is not disposed between the second end driven plate 54 and the pressing surface 48, but the intermediate driven plate 52 may be disposed therebetween.

[0074] The second end driven plate 54 is thicker than the intermediate driven plate 52. Although not particularly limited, for example, the thickness of the second end driven plate 54 is thicker than the thickness of the intermediate driven plate 52 by about 0.2 to 2.0 mm, and preferably by about 0.5 to 2.0 mm.

[0075] 13 is a perspective view showing the second end driven plate 54 attached to the second cylindrical portion 49. As shown in FIG. 13, the second end driven plate 54 has a plurality of third internal teeth 541. Each of the third internal teeth 541 meshes with each of the second external teeth 491. This allows the second end driven plate 54 to move in the axial direction with respect to the second cylindrical portion 49 but not to rotate relative thereto. In other words, the second end driven plate 54 rotates integrally with the pressure plate 4.

[0076] The third internal teeth 541 have a plurality of second protruding internal teeth 541a. That is, some of the third internal teeth 541 are the second protruding internal teeth 541a. The second protruding internal teeth 541a protrude radially inward more than the other third internal teeth 541. That is, the tooth height of the second protruding internal teeth 541a is longer than the tooth height of the third internal teeth 541. The second protruding internal teeth 541a mesh with the second external teeth 491, similar to the third internal teeth 541.

[0077] The second protruding internal tooth 541a is disposed in the groove portion 496. More specifically, the tip portion of the second protruding internal tooth 541a is disposed in the groove portion 496. That is, the second protruding internal tooth 541a extends beyond the tooth bottom to the groove portion 496 in the radial direction. In this embodiment, the second end driven plate 54 has the same shape as the first end driven plate 53. In this way, the first end driven plate 53 and the second end driven plate 54 are made of the same material, thereby reducing costs.

[0078] The second end driven plate 54 has a plurality of fourth tooth-missing portions 542. In this embodiment, there are three fourth tooth-missing portions 542. The fourth tooth-missing portions 542 are regions where the third internal teeth 541 are not formed. In addition, except for the fourth tooth-missing portions 542, the third internal teeth 541 are formed at a predetermined pitch. The fourth tooth-missing portions 542 are disposed at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the fourth tooth-missing portions 542 are formed between a pair of second protruding internal teeth 541a.

[0079] The fourth tooth-missing portion 542 faces the third tooth-missing portion 492 in the radial direction. Therefore, a space is formed by the third tooth-missing portion 492 and the fourth tooth-missing portion 542. The second insertion portion 327 of the first cylindrical portion 32 is inserted into the space formed by the third tooth-missing portion 492 and the fourth tooth-missing portion 542.

[0080] According to this configuration, if the intermediate driven plate 52 is mistakenly placed at the position of the second end driven plate 54, the intermediate driven plate 52 does not have a tooth-missing portion, so the first internal tooth 521 is placed in the third tooth-missing portion 492. Therefore, even if an attempt is made to combine the clutch center 3 and the pressure plate 4, the second insertion portion 327 collides with the first internal tooth 521 and the combination is not possible. As a result, it can be noticed that the intermediate driven plate 52 is mistakenly placed at the position of the second end driven plate 54.

[0081] [Support plate] 1 and 2, the support plate 6 is annular and extends in the circumferential direction. The support plate 6 is disposed on a first axial side with respect to the clutch center 3. The support plate 6 is attached to the tip end portion (upper end portion in FIG. 2) of the column portion 35. In detail, the bolt 8 fastens the clutch center 3 and the support plate 6 together. Therefore, the support plate 6 rotates integrally with the clutch center 3.

[0082] [Coil spring] The coil spring 9 is disposed at intervals from the pillar portions 35 in the circumferential direction. In detail, a plurality of coil springs 9 and a plurality of pillar portions 35 are disposed alternately in the circumferential direction. The coil spring 9 is disposed in a compressed state in the axial direction between the pressure plate 4 and the support plate 6. The end of the coil spring 9 on the second axial side is disposed in the retaining recess 461 of the pressure plate 4. The coil spring 9 is held by the retaining recess 461, so that movement in the radial and circumferential directions is restricted.

[0083] The coil spring 9 biases the pressure plate 4 toward the second side in the axial direction. As a result, the pressing surface 48 is biased to approach the pressure receiving surface 34, the clutch unit 5 is in the clutch-on state, and power is transmitted. Note that by using the release member to move the pressure plate 4 toward the first side in the axial direction against the biasing force of the coil spring 9, the pressing surface 48 moves away from the pressure receiving surface 34. As a result, the clutch unit 5 is in the clutch-off state, and the transmission of power between the clutch housing 2 and the clutch center 3 is interrupted.

[0084] [Cam mechanism operation] When the pressure plate 4 rotates relative to the clutch center 3 in the first rotation direction R1 during acceleration, the second cam surface 381 and the fourth cam surface 441 press against each other, and the fourth cam portion 44 moves to the second side in the axial direction. As a result, the pressing surface 48 moves closer to the pressure receiving surface 34, and the coupling force of the clutch portion 5 increases.

[0085] On the other hand, when the clutch center 3 rotates relative to the pressure plate 4 in the first rotation direction R1 during deceleration, the first cam surface 371 and the third cam surface 431 press against each other, and the third cam portion 43 moves to the first side in the axial direction. As a result, the pressing surface 48 moves away from the pressure receiving surface 34, and the coupling force of the clutch portion 5 is reduced.

[0086] [Clutch off operation] When a clutch-off operation is performed to cut off the torque transmission in the clutch portion 5, the pressure plate 4 moves in the axial direction in a direction away from the clutch center 3. As a result, the torque transmission between the drive plate 51 and the driven plates 52 to 54 is cut off, and the clutch is turned off. In this clutch-off state, the gap between the first cylindrical portion 32 and the second cylindrical portion 49 becomes large, so that the first end driven plate 53 moves toward the second cylindrical portion 49, and a part of the second internal teeth 531 may not contact the first external teeth 321. On the other hand, since the first end driven plate 53 is made thicker than the normal intermediate driven plate 52, even if a part of the second internal teeth 531 does not contact the first external teeth 321, the contact area between the second internal teeth 531 and the first external teeth 321 is sufficiently secured, and wear of the second internal teeth 531 of the first end driven plate 53 can be suppressed. Similarly, wear of the third internal teeth 541 of the second end driven plate 54 can also be suppressed.

[0087] [Variations] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to these, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Note that the following modifications can basically be applied simultaneously.

[0088] (a) In the above embodiment, both the first end driven plate 53 and the second end driven plate 54 are configured to be thicker than the intermediate driven plate 52, but the configuration of the clutch device 100 is not limited to this. For example, only the first end driven plate 53 may be thicker than the intermediate driven plate 52, or only the second end driven plate 54 may be thicker than the intermediate driven plate 52.

[0089] (b) In the above embodiment, the first end driven plate 53 is configured to be thicker overall than the intermediate driven plate 52, but the configuration of the first end driven plate 53 is not limited to this. For example, the first end driven plate 53 only needs to be thicker than the first internal teeth 521 of the intermediate driven plate 52 at least in the second internal teeth 531.

[0090] (c) In the above embodiment, the restriction groove 325 is formed on the tooth bottom, but the position of the restriction groove 325 is not limited thereto. For example, the restriction groove 325 may be formed on the side surface of the first external tooth 321. In this case, the first protruding internal tooth 531a protrudes in the circumferential direction more than the other first internal teeth 531. That is, the tooth thickness of the first protruding internal tooth 531a is larger than the tooth thickness of the other first internal teeth 531. As a result, a part of the first protruding internal tooth 531a is disposed in the restriction groove 325. That is, the facing surface 533 of the first protruding internal tooth 531a faces the restriction surface 326, which is a part of the surface that defines the restriction groove 325.

[0091] (d) In the above embodiment, the pressure plate 4 is disposed on the first axial side with respect to the clutch center 3, but the position of the pressure plate 4 is not limited to this. That is, as shown in Fig. 14, the pressure plate 4 may be disposed on the second axial side with respect to the clutch center 3. That is, the pressing surface 48 may be disposed on the second axial side with respect to the pressure receiving surface 34.

[0092] In this case, the pressing surface 48 faces the first axial side, and the pressure receiving surface 34 faces the second axial side. The first end driven plate 53 is disposed on the first axial side relative to the second end driven plate 54. The clutch is disengaged by moving the pressure plate 4 to the second axial side. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 3: Clutch center 32: First cylindrical section 321 :1st external tooth 322: 1st missing tooth part 323: First proximal end 325: Regulating groove 326: Regulatory aspects 327: Second insertion part 4: Pressure plate 49: Second cylindrical section 491 :Second external tooth 492: Third missing tooth part 493: Second proximal end 495: First insertion part 52: Intermediate driven plate 521: First inner tooth 53: First end driven plate 531: 2nd inner tooth 531a: 1st protruding internal tooth 533: Opposite surface 54: Second end driven plate 541: 3rd inner tooth 542: 4th missing tooth part 100: Clutch device

Claims

1. a clutch center that is rotatably disposed and has a first cylindrical portion on which a plurality of first external teeth extending in an axial direction are formed; a pressure plate having a second cylindrical portion on which a plurality of second external teeth extending in an axial direction are formed and which is arranged adjacent to the first cylindrical portion in the axial direction, the pressure plate being arranged rotatably and axially movable; an intermediate clutch plate having a plurality of first internal teeth that mesh with the plurality of first external teeth and attached to the first cylindrical portion so as to be axially movable; a first end clutch plate having a plurality of second internal teeth that mesh with the first plurality of external teeth, the first end clutch plate being axially movably attached to the first cylindrical portion and disposed at a first proximal end of the first cylindrical portion proximate the second cylindrical portion; a second end clutch plate having a plurality of third internal teeth that mesh with the plurality of second external teeth, the second end clutch plate being axially movably attached to the second cylindrical portion and disposed at a second proximal end of the second cylindrical portion proximal to the first cylindrical portion; Equipped with At least one of the first end clutch plate and the second end clutch plate is thicker than the intermediate clutch plate. Clutch device.

2. the first end clutch plate is thicker than the intermediate clutch plate; the first cylindrical portion has a restriction surface between the first proximal end and the intermediate clutch plate, The restriction surface faces the second cylindrical portion in the axial direction. The first end clutch plate has an opposing surface that faces the restricting surface.

2. The clutch device according to claim 1.

3. the first end clutch plate is thicker than the intermediate clutch plate; The first cylindrical portion has a restriction groove formed in a tooth bottom, The plurality of second internal teeth include protruding internal teeth disposed within the restriction groove, The restriction groove extends axially at the first proximal end.

2. The clutch device according to claim 1.

4. The intermediate clutch plate is disposed at a distance from the restriction groove in the axial direction.

4. The clutch device according to claim 3.

5. the first cylindrical portion has a first toothless portion where the first external teeth are not formed, the first end clutch plate has a second toothless portion where the second internal teeth are not formed at a position opposite to the first toothless portion, and is thicker than the intermediate clutch plate; the second cylindrical portion has a first insertion portion that is inserted into a space defined by the first tooth-missing portion and the second tooth-missing portion; 2. The clutch device according to claim 1.

6. the second cylindrical portion has a third toothless portion where the second external teeth are not formed, the second end clutch plate has a fourth toothless portion where the third internal teeth are not formed at a position opposite to the third toothless portion, and is thicker than the intermediate clutch plate; the first cylindrical portion has a second insertion portion that is inserted into a space defined by the third tooth-missing portion and the fourth tooth-missing portion; 2. The clutch device according to claim 1.

Images