Clutch device

Abstract

To suppress sudden approach of a pressure plate to a clutch center, reduce the feeling of idle travel during rapid acceleration, and inhibit damage to a stopper plate.SOLUTION: A clutch device 10 comprises: a clutch spring 25 that urges a pressure plate 70 in a first direction D1; and a stopper plate 100 that inhibits the pressure plate 70 from separating from a clutch center 40 by a prescribed distance or more in a second direction D2. The stopper plate 100 has a first contact surface 102 that is provided at a surface 100D1 on the first direction D1 side, is sloped in the circumferential direction S, and contacts an end part 25B in the second direction D2 of the clutch spring 25, and a pressure-side protrusion 88 that can come into surface contact with the stopper plate 100, is provided at a surface 70D2 on the second direction D2 side of the pressure plate 70, and protrudes in the second direction D2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, vehicles such as motorcycles are equipped with a clutch device. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a clutch device including a clutch center that holds an output-side rotating plate, a pressure plate that is provided so as to be able to approach and separate from the clutch center, and a clutch spring that biases the pressure plate toward the clutch center. The clutch spring is housed in a housing portion formed in the pressure plate. One end of the clutch spring contacts the pressure plate, and the other end of the clutch spring contacts a stopper plate fixed to the clutch center.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in Patent Document 1, the other end of the clutch spring is in contact with the surface of the stopper plate that is orthogonal to the axial direction of the output shaft. In such a case, depending on the model, the pressure plate may suddenly approach the clutch center, and the input-side rotating plate and the output-side rotating plate may be suddenly pressed. Also, depending on the model, a free-running feeling may occur during sudden acceleration. That is, there is a risk that the clutch may be suddenly connected unintentionally or a free-running feeling may occur during sudden acceleration. Therefore, the applicant of the present application is considering suppressing the sudden approach of the pressure plate to the clutch center in a certain model and reducing the free-running feeling during sudden acceleration in another model by inclining the surface of the stopper plate that contacts the other end of the clutch spring. However, in such a mode, the pressure plate comes into point contact or line contact with the stopper plate, and as a result, an excessive load is applied to the stopper plate, and there is a risk that the stopper plate may be damaged (for example, buckled).

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such points, and an object thereof is to provide a clutch device capable of suppressing the sudden approach of the pressure plate to the clutch center, reducing the free-running feeling during sudden acceleration, and suppressing damage to the stopper plate.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The clutch device according to the present invention is a clutch device that transmits or shuts off the rotational driving force of an input shaft to an output shaft, and is housed in a clutch housing that holds a plurality of input-side rotating plates that are rotationally driven by the rotational driving of the input shaft. It includes a clutch center that rotates together with the output shaft, a plurality of output-side rotating plates that are provided so as to be able to approach or separate from and rotate relative to the clutch center, and are alternately arranged with the input-side rotating plates, and a pressure plate that can press the input-side rotating plates and the output-side rotating plates. When the direction in which the pressure plate approaches the clutch center is defined as the first direction and the direction in which the pressure plate separates from the clutch center is defined as the second direction, it includes a clutch spring that biases the pressure plate in the first direction, a stopper plate that is fixed to the clutch center, is provided so as to be able to contact the pressure plate, and suppresses the pressure plate from separating from the clutch center by a predetermined distance or more in the second direction. The end of the clutch spring in the first direction contacts the pressure plate, and the end of the clutch spring in the second direction contacts the stopper plate. The pressure plate is recessed from the second direction toward the first direction and has a housing portion for housing the clutch spring. The stopper plate is provided on the surface on the first direction side, is inclined in the circumferential direction, and has a contact surface that contacts the end of the clutch spring in the second direction. The stopper plate is provided with a stopper-side protruding portion that is provided on the surface on the first direction side of the stopper plate, protrudes in the first direction, and can be in surface contact with the pressure plate, or the pressure plate is provided with a pressure-side protruding portion that is provided on the surface on the second direction side of the pressure plate, protrudes in the second direction, and can be in surface contact with the stopper plate.

[0007] According to the clutch device of the present invention, the contact surface of the stopper plate is inclined in the circumferential direction and contacts the end portion of the clutch spring in the second direction. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the sudden approach of the pressure plate to the clutch center and reduce the free-running feeling during sudden acceleration. Further, the clutch device includes a stopper-side protruding portion that can be in surface contact with the pressure plate or a pressure-side protruding portion that can be in surface contact with the stopper plate. Thereby, since the pressure plate and the stopper plate are in surface contact via the stopper-side protruding portion or the pressure-side protruding portion, the load applied from the pressure plate to the stopper plate is dispersed, and breakage of the stopper plate can be suppressed.

[0008] Also, another clutch device according to the present invention is a clutch device that transmits or cuts off the rotational driving force of an input shaft to an output shaft, and is housed in a clutch housing that holds a plurality of input-side rotating plates that are rotationally driven by the rotational driving of the input shaft. A clutch center that rotates together with the output shaft, a plurality of output-side rotating plates that are provided so as to be able to approach or separate from and rotate relative to the clutch center, and are alternately arranged with the input-side rotating plates, and hold the input-side rotating plates and the output-side rotating plates A pressure plate capable of pressing, a clutch spring that biases the pressure plate in the first direction when the direction in which the pressure plate approaches the clutch center is the first direction and the direction in which the pressure plate separates from the clutch center is the second direction, and the pressure plate A stopper plate that is fixed to the plate, is provided so as to be able to contact the clutch center, and suppresses the pressure plate from separating from the clutch center by a predetermined distance or more in the second direction, and the end of the clutch spring in the first direction contacts the stopper plate, and the end of the clutch spring in the second direction contacts the clutch center. The clutch center has a recess extending from the first direction to the second direction and a housing portion for housing the clutch spring. The stopper plate is provided on the surface on the second direction side, is inclined in the circumferential direction, and has a contact surface that contacts the end of the clutch spring in the first direction. A stopper-side protruding portion that is provided on the surface on the second direction side of the stopper plate, protrudes in the second direction, and can be in surface contact with the clutch center, or a center-side protruding portion that is provided on the surface on the first direction side of the clutch center, protrudes in the first direction, and can be in surface contact with the stopper plate.

[0009] According to another clutch device of the present invention, the contact surface of the stopper plate is inclined in the circumferential direction and contacts the end portion of the clutch spring in the first direction. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the rapid approach of the pressure plate to the clutch center and reduce the sense of free running during rapid acceleration. Further, the clutch device includes a stopper-side protruding portion that can be in surface contact with the clutch center or a center-side protruding portion that can be in surface contact with the stopper plate. Thereby, since the clutch center and the stopper plate are in surface contact via the stopper-side protruding portion or the center-side protruding portion, the load applied from the clutch center to the stopper plate is dispersed, and breakage of the stopper plate can be suppressed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a clutch device that can suppress the rapid approach of the pressure plate to the clutch center, reduce the sense of free running during rapid acceleration, and suppress breakage of the stopper plate.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the clutch device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described here is not intended to limit the present invention in particular. Also, members and parts having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0013] <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a clutch device 10 according to the present embodiment. The clutch device 10 is provided, for example, in a vehicle such as a motorcycle. The clutch device 10 is a device that transmits or cuts off the rotational driving force of an input shaft (crankshaft) of a driving source such as an engine of a motorcycle to an output shaft 15. The clutch device 10 is a device for transmitting or cutting off the rotational driving force of the input shaft to a driving wheel (rear wheel) via the output shaft 15. The clutch device 10 is disposed between the engine and the transmission.

[0014] In the following description, the direction in which the pressure plate 70 of the clutch device 10 approaches and separates from the clutch center 40 is defined as direction D, the direction in which the pressure plate 70 approaches the clutch center 40 is defined as the first direction D1, and the direction in which the pressure plate 70 separates from the clutch center 40 is defined as the second direction D2. Also, the circumferential direction (i.e., the rotational direction) of the clutch center 40 and the pressure plate 70 is defined as the circumferential direction S, the direction from one pressure-side cam portion 90 to the other pressure-side cam portion 90 with respect to the circumferential direction S is defined as the first circumferential direction S1 (see FIG. 5), and the direction from the other pressure-side cam portion 90 to one pressure-side cam portion 90 is defined as the second circumferential direction S2 (see FIG. 5). In the present embodiment, the axial direction of the output shaft 15, the axial direction of the clutch housing 30, the axial direction of the clutch center 40, the axial direction of the pressure plate 70, and the axial direction of the stopper plate 100 are the same as direction D. Also, the pressure plate 70 and the clutch center 40 rotate in the first circumferential direction S1. However, the above directions are merely defined for convenience of explanation and do not limit the installation mode of the clutch device 10 in any way, nor do they limit the present invention in any way.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, 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 40, a pressure plate 70, a stopper plate 100, and a clutch spring 25. The clutch device 10 is a so-called internal-cut type clutch device.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the output shaft 15 is a shaft body formed in a hollow shape. One end of the output shaft 15 rotatably supports an input gear 35 and a clutch housing 30, which will be described later, via a needle bearing 15A. The output shaft 15 fixedly supports the clutch center 40 via a nut 15B. That is, the output shaft 15 rotates integrally with the clutch center 40. The other end of the output shaft 15 is connected to, for example, a transmission (not shown) of a motorcycle.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the output shaft 15 includes a push rod 16A in its hollow portion 15H and a push member 16B provided adjacent to the push rod 16A. The hollow portion 15H functions as a flow path for clutch oil. The clutch oil flows within the output shaft 15, that is, within the hollow portion 15H. The push rod 16A and the push member 16B are slidably provided within the hollow portion 15H of the output shaft 15. One end (the left end in the figure) of the push rod 16A is connected to a clutch mechanism (such as a clutch operation lever or an operation button) of a motorcycle, and slides within the hollow portion 15H by the driver's clutch operation to press the push member 16B in the second direction D2. A part of the push member 16B protrudes outward (here, in the second direction D2) of the output shaft 15 and is connected to a release bearing 18 provided on the pressure plate 70. The push rod 16A and the push member 16B are formed thinner than the inner diameter of the hollow portion 15H, and the fluidity of the clutch oil is ensured within the hollow portion 15H.

[0018] The clutch housing 30 is formed from an aluminum alloy. The clutch housing 30 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 1, the clutch housing 30 has a bottom wall 31 formed in a substantially circular shape and a side wall 33 extending from the edge of the bottom wall 31 in the second direction D2. The clutch housing 30 holds a plurality of input-side rotating plates 20.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, an input gear 35 is provided on the bottom wall 31 of the clutch housing 30. The input gear 35 is fixed to the bottom wall 31 by a rivet 35B via a torque damper 35A. The input gear 35 meshes with a drive gear (not shown) that rotates by the rotational drive of the input shaft of the engine. The input gear 35 rotates integrally with the clutch housing 30 independently of the output shaft 15.

[0020] The input-side rotating plate 20 is rotationally driven by the rotational drive of the input shaft. As shown in FIG. 1, the input-side rotating plate 20 is held on the inner peripheral surface of the side wall 33 of the clutch housing 30. The input-side rotating plate 20 is held in the clutch housing 30 by spline fitting. The input-side rotating plate 20 is provided so as to be displaceable along the axial direction (i.e., direction D) of the clutch housing 30. The input-side rotating plate 20 is provided so as to be rotatable integrally with the clutch housing 30.

[0021] The input-side rotating plate 20 is a member that presses against the output-side rotating plate 22. The input-side rotating plate 20 is formed in an annular shape. The input-side rotating plate 20 is formed by aluminum die casting. A friction material (not shown) made of a plurality of pieces of paper is attached to the front and back surfaces of the input-side rotating plate 20. Grooves with a depth of several hundred μm for holding clutch oil are formed between the friction materials.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the clutch center 40 is housed in the clutch housing 30. The clutch center 40 is arranged concentrically with the clutch housing 30. The clutch center 40 has a cylindrical main body 42 and a flange 68 extending radially outward from the outer peripheral edge of the main body 42. The clutch center 40 holds a plurality of output-side rotating plates 22 alternately arranged with the input-side rotating plate 20 in the direction D. The clutch center 40 is rotationally driven together with the output shaft 15.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 42 includes an annular base wall 43, an outer peripheral wall 45 located radially outside the base wall 43 and extending in the second direction D2, an output shaft holding portion 50 provided at the center of the base wall 43, and a plurality of center-side cam portions 60 connected to the base wall 43 and the outer peripheral wall 45.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the output shaft holding portion 50 is formed in a cylindrical shape. An insertion hole 51 into which the output shaft 15 (see FIG. 1) is inserted and spline-fitted is formed in the output shaft holding portion 50. The insertion hole 51 is formed through the base wall 43. A plurality of spline grooves are formed along the axial direction on the inner peripheral surface 50A of the output shaft holding portion 50 that forms the insertion hole 51. The output shaft 15 is connected to the output shaft holding portion 50 (see FIG. 1).

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the outer peripheral wall 45 of the clutch center 40 is disposed radially outside the output shaft holding portion 50. A spline fitting portion 46 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall 45. The spline fitting portion 46 has a plurality of center-side fitting teeth 47 extending in the axial direction of the clutch center 40 along the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall 45, and a plurality of spline grooves 48 formed between adjacent center-side fitting teeth 47 and extending in the axial direction of the clutch center 40. The center-side fitting teeth 47 hold the output-side rotating plate 22. The plurality of center-side fitting teeth 47 are arranged in the circumferential direction S. The plurality of center-side fitting teeth 47 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S. The plurality of center-side fitting teeth 47 are formed in the same shape. The center-side fitting teeth 47 project radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall 45. The outer peripheral surface of the center-side fitting teeth 47 is formed substantially parallel to the axis of the output shaft 15.

[0026] The output-side rotating plate 22 is held by the spline fitting portion 46 of the clutch center 40 and the pressure plate 70. A part of the output-side rotating plate 22 is held by spline fitting in the center-side fitting teeth 47 and the spline grooves 48 of the clutch center 40. Another part of the output-side rotating plate 22 is held by the pressure-side fitting teeth 77 (see FIG. 4) of the pressure plate 70 described later. The output-side rotating plate 22 is provided so as to be displaceable along the axial direction of the clutch center 40. The output-side rotating plate 22 is provided so as to be rotatable integrally with the clutch center 40. The output-side rotating plate 22 is provided so as to be displaceable along the axial direction of the pressure plate 70. The output-side rotating plate 22 is provided so as to be rotatable integrally with the pressure plate 70.

[0027] The output-side rotating plate 22 is a member that is pressed against the input-side rotating plate 20. The output-side rotating plate 22 is formed in an annular shape. The output-side rotating plate 22 is formed by annularly punching a thin plate material made of SPCC material. Note that the friction material provided on the input-side rotating plate 20 may be provided on the output-side rotating plate 22 instead of the input-side rotating plate 20, or may be provided on each of the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the center side cam portion 60 is formed in a trapezoidal shape having a cam surface composed of an inclined surface that constitutes an assist & slipper (registered trademark) mechanism for generating an assist torque, which is a force for increasing the pressing force (contact force) between the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22, or a slipper torque, which is a force for quickly separating the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22 and shifting to a semi-clutch state. The center side cam portion 60 is formed so as to project from the base wall 43 in the second direction D2. As shown in FIG. 3, the center side cam portions 60 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S of the clutch center 40. In the present embodiment, the clutch center 40 has three center side cam portions 60, but the number of the center side cam portions 60 is not limited to three.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, the center side cam portion 60 is located on the outer side in the radial direction of the output shaft holding portion 50. The center side cam portion 60 has a center side assist cam surface 60A and a center side slipper cam surface 60S. The center side assist cam surface 60A is configured to generate a force in the direction from the pressure plate 70 toward the clutch center 40 (here, the first direction D1) in order to increase the pressing force (contact force) between the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22 when relatively rotating with respect to the pressure plate 70. In the present embodiment, when the above force is generated, the position of the pressure plate 70 with respect to the clutch center 40 does not change, and it is not necessary for the pressure plate 70 to physically approach the clutch center 40. Note that the pressure plate 70 may be physically displaced with respect to the clutch center 40. The center side slipper cam surface 60S is configured to separate the pressure plate 70 from the clutch center 40 in order to decrease the pressing force (contact force) between the input side rotating plate 20 and the output side rotating plate 22 when relatively rotating with respect to the pressure plate 70. In the center side cam portions 60 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction S, the center side assist cam surface 60A of one center side cam portion 60L and the center side slipper cam surface 60S of the other center side cam portion 60M are arranged to face each other in the circumferential direction S.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the clutch center 40 includes a plurality (three in this embodiment) of boss portions 54. The boss portion 54 is a member that supports the stopper plate 100 (see FIG. 1). The plurality of boss portions 54 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S. The boss portion 54 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The boss portion 54 is located radially outside the output shaft holding portion 50. The boss portion 54 extends toward the pressure plate 70 (i.e., in the second direction D2). The boss portion 54 is provided on the center side cam portion 60. The boss portion 54 is located between the center side assist cam surface 60A and the center side slipper cam surface 60S with respect to the rotation direction S. A screw hole 54H is formed in the boss portion 54. The screw hole 54H extends in the axial direction of the clutch center 40. A bolt 28 (see FIG. 1) used to fix the stopper plate 100 to the clutch center 40 is inserted into the screw hole 54H.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the clutch center 40 has a center side cam hole 43H that penetrates a part of the base wall 43 in the axial direction of the output shaft 15. The center side cam hole 43H extends radially from the side of the output shaft holding portion 50 to the outer peripheral wall 45. The center side cam hole 43H is formed between the center side assist cam surface 60A of one center side cam portion 60 and the center side slipper cam surface 60S of the other center side cam portion 60. When viewed from the axial direction of the clutch center 40, the center side assist cam surface 60A and a part of the center side cam hole 43H overlap.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the pressure plate 70 is provided so as to be able to approach or separate from the clutch center 40 and to be relatively rotatable. The pressure plate 70 is configured to be able to press the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22. The pressure plate 70 is arranged concentrically with the clutch center 40 and the clutch housing 30. The pressure plate 70 has a main body 72 and a flange 98 that is connected to the outer peripheral edge on the second direction D2 side of the main body 72 and extends radially outward. The main body 72 protrudes in the first direction D1 more than the flange 98. The flange 98 is located at the outer diameter end of the pressure plate 70. The flange 98 is located radially outside a cylindrical portion 80 (also see FIG. 4) described later. The pressure plate 70 holds a plurality of output-side rotating plates 22 arranged alternately with the input-side rotating plate 20. The flange 98 is configured to be able to press the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4, the main body 72 includes a cylindrical portion 80, a plurality of pressure-side cam portions 90, and a spring housing portion 84 (see FIG. 6). The spring housing portion 84 is an example of a housing portion.

[0034] The cylindrical portion 80 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical portion 80 is formed integrally with the pressure-side cam portion 90. The cylindrical portion 80 houses the tip portion 15T (see FIG. 1) of the output shaft 15. A release bearing 18 (see FIG. 1) is housed in the cylindrical portion 80. The cylindrical portion 80 is a portion that receives the pressing force from the push member 16B. The cylindrical portion 80 is a portion that receives the clutch oil flowing out from the tip portion 15T of the output shaft 15.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, the pressure-side cam portion 90 is formed in a trapezoidal shape having a cam surface that consists of an inclined surface that constitutes an assist & slipper (registered trademark) mechanism that slides on the center-side cam portion 60 to generate assist torque or slipper torque. The pressure-side cam portion 90 is formed so as to protrude in the first direction D1 from the flange 98. As shown in FIG. 5, the pressure-side cam portions 90 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S of the pressure plate 70. In the present embodiment, the pressure plate 70 has three pressure-side cam portions 90, but the number of pressure-side cam portions 90 is not limited to three.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 5, the pressure-side cam portion 90 is located on the radially outer side of the cylindrical portion 80. The pressure-side cam portion 90 has a pressure-side assist cam surface 90A (see also FIGS. 6 and 7) and a pressure-side slipper cam surface 90S. The pressure-side assist cam surface 90A is configured to be capable of contacting the center-side assist cam surface 60A. The pressure-side assist cam surface 90A is configured to generate a force in the direction from the pressure plate 70 toward the clutch center 40 (here, the first direction D1) in order to increase the pressing force (contact pressure) between the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22 when relatively rotating with respect to the clutch center 40 when accelerating or the like. The pressure-side slipper cam surface 90S is configured to be capable of contacting the center-side slipper cam surface 60S. The pressure-side slipper cam surface 90S is configured to separate the pressure plate 70 from the clutch center 40 in order to decrease the pressing force (contact pressure) between the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22 when relatively rotating with respect to the clutch center 40 when decelerating or the like. In the pressure-side cam portions 90 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction S, the pressure-side assist cam surface 90A of one pressure-side cam portion 90L and the pressure-side slipper cam surface 90S of the other pressure-side cam portion 90M are arranged to face each other in the circumferential direction S.

[0037] Here, the operations of the center-side cam portion 60 and the pressure-side cam portion 90 will be described. When the engine speed increases and the rotational driving force input to the input gear 35 and the clutch housing 30 can be transmitted to the output shaft 15 via the clutch center 40, as shown in FIG. 11, a rotational force in the first circumferential direction S1 is applied to the pressure plate 70. For this reason, due to the operations of the center-side assist cam surface 60A and the pressure-side assist cam surface 90A, a force in the first direction D1 is generated on the pressure plate 70. As a result, the pressure plate 70 moves in a direction (the first direction D1) closer to the clutch center 40 to increase the pressing contact force between the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22.

[0038] On the other hand, when the rotational speed of the output shaft 15 exceeds the rotational speeds of the input gear 35 and the clutch housing 30 and a back torque occurs, as shown in FIG. 12, a rotational force in the first circumferential direction S1 is applied to the clutch center 40. For this reason, due to the operations of the center-side slipper cam surface 60S and the pressure-side slipper cam surface 90S, the pressure plate 70 is moved in the second direction D2 to release the pressing contact force between the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22. Thereby, problems with respect to the engine and the transmission due to the back torque can be avoided.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the pressure plate 70 has a pressure-side cam hole 73H that penetrates a part of the main body 72 in the axial direction of the output shaft 15. The pressure-side cam hole 73H is located radially outside the cylindrical portion 80. The pressure-side cam hole 73H extends radially from the side of the cylindrical portion 80 to radially outside the pressure-side cam portion 90. The pressure-side cam hole 73H is formed between the pressure-side assist cam surface 90A and the pressure-side slipper cam surface 90S of adjacent pressure-side cam portions 90. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, when viewed from the axial direction of the pressure plate 70, the pressure-side assist cam surface 90A and a part of the pressure-side cam hole 73H overlap. When the clutch center 40 and the pressure plate 70 are combined, when viewed from the axial direction of the pressure plate 70, the boss portion 54 of the clutch center 40 is located within the pressure-side cam hole 73H. The pressure-side cam hole 73H is an example of a through hole.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, the pressure plate 70 includes a plurality of pressure-side fitting teeth 77 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the main body 72. The pressure-side fitting teeth 77 hold at least one output-side rotating plate 22. The pressure-side fitting teeth 77 are located on the first direction D1 side of the flange 98. The pressure-side fitting teeth 77 are located radially outside the cylindrical portion 80. The pressure-side fitting teeth 77 are located radially outside the pressure-side cam portion 90. The pressure-side fitting teeth 77 are located radially outside the pressure-side cam portion 90. The plurality of pressure-side fitting teeth 77 are arranged in the circumferential direction S. The plurality of pressure-side fitting teeth 77 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction S. In this embodiment, since some of the pressure-side fitting teeth 77 are removed, the interval of this part is widened, but the other adjacent pressure-side fitting teeth 77 are arranged at equal intervals.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the spring housing portion 84 is formed in the pressure side cam portion 90. The spring housing portion 84 is formed so as to be recessed from the second direction D2 toward the first direction D1. The spring housing portion 84 is formed in a circular shape when viewed in the direction D. The spring housing portion 84 houses the clutch spring 25 (see FIG. 1). The spring housing portion 84 is arranged side by side with the pressure side assist cam surface 90A in the circumferential direction S. The spring housing portion 84 is arranged between the pressure side assist cam surface 90A and the pressure side slipper cam surface 90S in the circumferential direction S. As shown in FIG. 13, the spring housing portion 84 holds the end portion 25A of the clutch spring 25 in the first direction D1, which will be described later. The spring housing portion 84 has a holding surface 84A for holding the end portion 25A in the first direction D1. The holding surface 84A is orthogonal to the axial direction of the output shaft 15. The spring housing portion 84 fixes the end portion 25A in the first direction D1 to the pressure plate 70.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 6, the pressure plate 70 is provided with a pressure-side protrusion 88. The pressure-side protrusion 88 is provided so as to be capable of surface contact with the stopper plate 100. The pressure-side protrusion 88 is provided so as to be capable of surface contact with the first contact surface 102 (see FIG. 14) of the stopper plate 100. The pressure-side protrusion 88 is provided on the surface 70D2 on the second direction D2 side of the pressure plate 70. Here, the pressure-side protrusion 88 is provided at a portion adjacent to the spring accommodation portion 84 among the surfaces 70D2 on the second direction D2 side of the pressure plate 70. The pressure-side protrusion 88 is integrally formed with the die-cast pressure plate 70. Note that the pressure-side protrusion 88 may be provided separately from the pressure plate 70 and attached to the pressure plate 70. The pressure-side protrusion 88 is positioned between the spring accommodation portion 84 and the pressure-side cam hole 73H in the circumferential direction S. The pressure-side protrusion 88 is positioned on the first circumferential direction S1 side of the pressure-side cam hole 73H. The pressure-side protrusion 88 is positioned on the second circumferential direction S2 side of the spring accommodation portion 84. The pressure-side protrusion 88 is positioned radially outside the cylindrical portion 80. The pressure-side protrusion 88 is positioned radially inside the flange 98. As shown in FIG. 7, the pressure-side protrusion 88 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape. Note that the pressure-side protrusion 88 may be formed in a circular shape or an elliptical shape. When viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15, the radial length LP1 of the pressure-side protrusion 88 is longer than the circumferential length LP2 of the pressure-side protrusion 88 in the circumferential direction S. When viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15, a circle CL1 centered on the axis 15C of the output shaft 15 and passing through the center 84C of the spring accommodation portion 84 overlaps with the pressure-side protrusion 88. As shown in FIG. 5, the circumferential distance between the pressure-side protrusion 88 and the pressure-side slipper cam surface 90S is shorter than the circumferential distance between the pressure-side protrusion 88 and the pressure-side assist cam surface 90A. That is, the pressure-side protrusion 88 is positioned closer to the pressure-side slipper cam surface 90S than the pressure-side assist cam surface 90A. When viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15, at least a part of the pressure-side protrusion 88 overlaps with the pressure-side cam portion 90.When viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15, at least a part of the pressure-side protrusion 88 overlaps with the pressure-side slipper cam surface 90S. As shown in FIG. 8, the pressure-side protrusion 88 protrudes from the surface 70D2 on the second direction D2 side toward the second direction D2. The surface 88D2 on the second direction D2 side of the pressure-side protrusion 88 is orthogonal to the axial direction of the output shaft 15. The surface 88D2 on the second direction D2 side is a flat surface. The surface 88D2 on the second direction D2 side is formed so as to be capable of surface contact with the stopper plate 100 (more specifically, the second contact surface 104 described later). Note that the surface 88D2 on the second direction D2 side may be inclined with respect to the axial direction of the output shaft 15 or may have a groove formed therein.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, the clutch spring 25 is accommodated in the spring accommodation portion 84. The clutch spring 25 biases the pressure plate 70 toward the clutch center 40. That is, the clutch spring 25 biases the pressure plate 70 in the first direction D1. The clutch spring 25 is, for example, a coil spring formed by spirally winding spring steel. The clutch spring 25 is, for example, formed in a cylindrical shape. The end portion 25A of the clutch spring 25 in the first direction D1 is in contact with the pressure plate 70. More specifically, the end portion 25A in the first direction D1 is in contact with the holding surface 84A of the spring accommodation portion 84. The end portion 25B of the clutch spring 25 in the second direction D2 is in contact with the stopper plate 100. More specifically, the end portion 25B in the second direction D2 is in contact with a first contact surface 102 (to be described later) of the stopper plate 100. As shown in FIG. 13, when the end portion 25B in the second direction D2 contacts the first contact surface 102 that is inclined in the second direction D2 as it goes from the pressure-side assist cam surface 90A to the pressure-side slipper cam surface 90S, a force in the direction of arrow F1 in FIG. 13 is applied to the pressure plate 70. Thereby, when changing from the clutch OFF state (the state where the clutch is disengaged), that is, the state where the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22 are separated and the rotational driving force of the input shaft is not transmitted to the output shaft 15, to the clutch ON state (the state where the clutch is engaged), that is, the state where the input-side rotating plate 20 and the output-side rotating plate 22 are in pressure contact and the rotational driving force of the input shaft is transmitted to the output shaft 15, the pressure plate 70 is suppressed from rapidly approaching the clutch center 40. And in the clutch device 10 according to the present embodiment, the center-side assist cam surface 60A and the pressure-side assist cam surface 90A are suppressed from suddenly contacting and the clutch from suddenly engaging. The same applies to the third embodiment, fifth embodiment, and sixth embodiment to be described later.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 1, the stopper plate 100 is provided so as to be able to contact the pressure plate 70. The stopper plate 100 is formed by bending a steel plate with a uniform wall thickness. The stopper plate 100 is a member that suppresses the pressure plate 70 from being separated from the clutch center 40 by a predetermined distance or more in the second direction D2. For example, when the pressure plate 70 is separated from the clutch center 40 in the second direction D2 due to deceleration and the action of the pressure-side slipper cam surface 90S and the center-side slipper cam surface 60S, or when the pressure plate 70 is moved in the second direction D2 by the driver's clutch operation, etc., the pressure plate 70 contacts the stopper plate 100. Also, when the pressure plate 70 contacts the stopper plate 100, first, the pressure-side protrusion 88 contacts the stopper plate 100. The stopper plate 100 is fixed to the clutch center 40. The stopper plate 100 is fixed to the boss portion 54 of the clutch center 40 by bolts 28. The stopper plate 100 is fastened and fixed to the boss portion 54 of the clutch center 40 via bolts 28 with the clutch spring 25 accommodated in the spring accommodation portion 84. The stopper plate 100 is formed in a ring shape in plan view.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the stopper plate 100 includes an inclined portion 101 and a flat portion 103. In the circumferential direction S, the inclined portion 101 and the flat portion 103 are arranged alternately. In the present embodiment, three inclined portions 101 and three flat portions 103 are continuously arranged alternately. As shown in FIG. 13, the inclined portion 101 has a first contact surface 102 provided on the surface 100D1 on the first direction D1 side of the stopper plate 100. The first contact surface 102 is an example of a contact surface. The first contact surface 102 is inclined in the circumferential direction S. The first contact surface 102 is formed so as to be inclined in the second direction D2 as it goes from the pressure side assist cam surface 90A to the pressure side slipper cam surface 90S. The first contact surface 102 contacts the end portion 25B in the second direction D2 of the clutch spring 25. As shown in FIG. 14, the flat portion 103 has a second contact surface 104 provided on the surface 100D1 on the first direction D1 side of the stopper plate 100. The second contact surface 104 is orthogonal to the axial direction of the output shaft 15. The second contact surface 104 is provided so as to be capable of surface contact with the pressure side protruding portion 88 of the pressure plate 70. In this way, when the pressure plate moves in the second direction D2 and contacts the stopper plate 100, the pressure side protruding portion 88 of the pressure plate 70 is in surface contact with the second contact surface 104 of the stopper plate 100, so that the load applied from the pressure plate 70 to the stopper plate 100 is dispersed.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 9, a first through hole 111 and a second through hole 112 are formed in the stopper plate 100. In the circumferential direction S, the first through hole 111 and the second through hole 112 are arranged alternately. In the present embodiment, three first through holes 111 and three second through holes 112 are arranged alternately. The diameter of the first through hole 111 is larger than the diameter of the second through hole 112. The first through hole 111 is a hole for inserting a jig for preventing the clutch center 40 from rotating together with the nut 15B when the clutch center 40 is assembled to the output shaft 15 and the nut 15B is tightened. The second through hole 112 is a hole for inserting the bolt 28.

[0047] As described above, according to the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, the first contact surface 102 of the stopper plate 100 is inclined in the circumferential direction S and contacts the end portion 25B of the clutch spring 25 in the second direction D2. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the pressure plate 70 from suddenly approaching the clutch center 40 or reducing the free-running feeling during sudden acceleration. Further, the clutch device 10 includes a pressure-side protruding portion 88 that can be in surface contact with the stopper plate 100. Thereby, since the pressure plate 70 and the stopper plate 100 are in surface contact via the pressure-side protruding portion 88, the load applied from the pressure plate 70 to the stopper plate 100 is dispersed, and damage to the stopper plate 100 can be suppressed. Further, since the pressure-side protruding portion 88 is provided on the pressure plate 70, it is easy to form the pressure-side protruding portion 88.

[0048] In the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, the pressure-side protruding portion 88 is provided at a portion adjacent to the spring housing portion 84 on the surface 70D2 on the second direction D2 side of the pressure plate 70. According to the above aspect, damage to the stopper plate 100 can be more reliably suppressed.

[0049] In the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, when viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15, at least a part of the pressure-side protruding portion 88 overlaps with the pressure-side cam portion 90. According to the above aspect, the rigidity of the pressure-side protruding portion 88 is increased.

[0050] In the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, when viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15, at least a part of the pressure-side protruding portion 88 overlaps with the pressure-side slipper cam surface 90S. According to the above aspect, the rigidity of the pressure-side protruding portion 88 is increased.

[0051] In the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, the pressure-side protruding portion 88 is positioned between the spring housing portion 84 and the pressure-side cam hole 73H in the circumferential direction S. According to the above aspect, the space between the spring housing portion 84 and the pressure-side cam hole 73H in the circumferential direction S can be effectively utilized, and the pressure-side protruding portion 88 can be arranged compactly.

[0052] In the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, when viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15, the radial length LP1 of the pressure-side protruding portion 88 is longer than the circumferential length LP2 of the pressure-side protruding portion 88 in the circumferential direction S. According to the above aspect, while arranging the pressure-side protruding portion 88 compactly, the contact area between the pressure-side protruding portion 88 and the stopper plate 100 can be increased.

[0053] In the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, the first contact surface 102 is formed to be inclined in the second direction D2 as it goes from the pressure-side assist cam surface 90A to the pressure-side slipper cam surface 90S. According to the above aspect, when changing from the clutch OFF state to the clutch ON state, the component force F1 of the clutch spring 25 can suppress the sudden approach of the pressure plate 70 to the clutch center 40, and the sudden contact between the center-side assist cam surface 60A and the pressure-side assist cam surface 90A can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the sudden connection of the clutch.

[0054] In the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, the circumferential distance between the pressure-side protruding portion 88 and the pressure-side slipper cam surface 90S is shorter than the circumferential distance between the pressure-side protruding portion 88 and the pressure-side assist cam surface 90A. According to the above aspect, the load applied from the pressure plate 70 to the stopper plate 100 is dispersed, and the breakage of the stopper plate 100 can be suppressed.

[0055] In the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, the surface 88D2 on the second direction D2 side of the pressure-side protruding portion 88 is orthogonal to the axial direction of the output shaft 15. According to the above aspect, a load mainly in the axial direction of the output shaft 15 is applied to the stopper plate 100 from the pressure plate 70, and breakage of the stopper plate 100 can be more reliably suppressed.

[0056] In the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, when viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15, a circle CL1 centered on the axis 15C of the output shaft 15 and passing through the center 84C of the spring housing portion 84 overlaps with the pressure-side protruding portion 88. According to the above aspect, the pressure-side protruding portion 88 can be arranged compactly.

[0057] <Second Embodiment> FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the clutch center 40, the pressure plate 270, and the stopper plate 200 according to the second embodiment are assembled. As shown in FIG. 15, the circumferential direction S distance between the pressure-side protruding portion 88 and the pressure-side assist cam surface 90A is shorter than the circumferential direction S distance between the pressure-side protruding portion 88 and the pressure-side slipper cam surface 90S. That is, the pressure-side protruding portion 88 is located closer to the pressure-side assist cam surface 90A side than the pressure-side slipper cam surface 90S. The pressure-side protruding portion 88 is located on the second circumferential direction S2 side of the pressure-side cam hole 73H. The pressure-side protruding portion 88 is located on the first circumferential direction S1 side of the spring housing portion 84. In the present embodiment, the first contact surface 102 is formed to be inclined in the second direction D2 as it goes from the pressure-side slipper cam surface 90S to the pressure-side assist cam surface 90A.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 15, since the end 25B in the second direction D2 is in contact with the first contact surface 102 that is inclined in the second direction D2 as it goes from the pressure-side slipper cam surface 90S to the pressure-side assist cam surface 90A, a force in the direction of arrow F2 in Fig. 15 is applied to the pressure plate 270. Thereby, when suddenly accelerating, due to the component force F2 of the clutch spring 25, the pressure-side assist cam surface 90A approaches the center-side assist cam surface 60A, and thus the sense of free running can be reduced. The same applies to the fourth embodiment described later.

[0059] In the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, the first contact surface 102 may be formed to be inclined in the second direction D2 as it goes from the pressure-side slipper cam surface 90S to the pressure-side assist cam surface 90A. According to the above aspect, when suddenly accelerating, due to the component force F2 of the clutch spring 25, the pressure-side assist cam surface 90A approaches the center-side assist cam surface 60A, and thus the sense of free running can be reduced. Such a configuration and effect are preferable in models that require acceleration performance.

[0060] In the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, the circumferential direction S distance between the pressure-side protrusion 88 and the pressure-side assist cam surface 90A is shorter than the circumferential direction S distance between the pressure-side protrusion 88 and the pressure-side slipper cam surface 90S. According to the above aspect, the load applied from the pressure plate 270 to the stopper plate 200 is dispersed, and breakage of the stopper plate 200 can be suppressed.

[0061] <Third Embodiment> FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the clutch center 40, the pressure plate 370, and the stopper plate 300 according to the third embodiment are assembled. As shown in FIG. 16, the stopper plate 300 includes a stopper-side protrusion 388. The stopper-side protrusion 388 is provided so as to be capable of surface contact with the pressure plate 370. The stopper-side protrusion 388 is provided so as to be capable of surface contact with the surface 70D2 on the second direction D2 side of the pressure plate 370. When the pressure plate 370 contacts the stopper plate 300, first, the stopper-side protrusion 388 contacts the pressure plate 370. The stopper-side protrusion 388 is provided on the surface 100D1 on the first direction D1 side of the stopper plate 300. Here, the stopper-side protrusion 388 is provided at a portion adjacent to the first contact surface 102 among the surfaces 100D1 on the first direction D1 side of the stopper plate 300. The stopper-side protrusion 388 is provided on the flat surface portion 103. The stopper-side protrusion 388 is located on the first circumferential direction S1 side of the pressure-side cam hole 73H. The stopper-side protrusion 388 is located on the second circumferential direction S2 side of the spring housing portion 84. The stopper-side protrusion 388 is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular shape. Note that the stopper-side protrusion 388 may be formed in a circular shape or an elliptical shape. When viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15, for example, the radial length of the stopper-side protrusion 388 is longer than the circumferential length of the stopper-side protrusion 388 in the circumferential direction S. When viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15, a circle CL1 centered on the axis 15C of the output shaft 15 and passing through the center 84C of the spring housing portion 84 overlaps the stopper-side protrusion 388. The circumferential distance S between the stopper-side protrusion 388 and the pressure-side slipper cam surface 90S is shorter than the circumferential distance S between the stopper-side protrusion 388 and the pressure-side assist cam surface 90A. That is, the stopper-side protrusion 388 is located on the pressure-side slipper cam surface 90S side rather than the pressure-side assist cam surface 90A. When viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15, at least a part of the stopper-side protrusion 388 overlaps the pressure-side cam portion 90. When viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15, at least a part of the stopper-side protrusion 388 overlaps the pressure-side slipper cam surface 90S. The stopper-side protrusion 388 protrudes in the first direction D1.The stopper-side protrusion 388 protrudes from the surface 100D1 on the first direction D1 side toward the first direction D1. The surface 388D1 on the first direction D1 side of the stopper-side protrusion 388 is orthogonal to the axial direction of the output shaft 15. The surface 388D1 on the first direction D1 side is a flat surface. The surface 388D1 on the first direction D1 side is formed to be capable of surface contact with the pressure plate 370. Note that the surface 388D1 on the first direction D1 side may be inclined with respect to the axial direction of the output shaft 15. Note that the pressure plate 370 does not include a pressure-side protrusion 88 unlike the pressure plate 70.

[0062] According to the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, the first contact surface 102 of the stopper plate 300 is inclined in the circumferential direction S and contacts the end portion 25B of the clutch spring 25 in the second direction D2. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the pressure plate 370 from rapidly approaching the clutch center 40. Further, the clutch device 10 includes a stopper-side protrusion 388 that can be in surface contact with the pressure plate 370. Thereby, since the pressure plate 370 and the stopper plate 300 are in surface contact via the stopper-side protrusion 388, the load applied from the pressure plate 370 to the stopper plate 300 is dispersed, and breakage of the stopper plate 300 can be suppressed. Further, since the stopper-side protrusion 388 is provided on the stopper plate 300, the pressure plate 370 can be lightened as compared with the case where a protrusion is provided on the pressure plate 370, and the moving speed of the pressure plate 370 in the circumferential direction S and the axial direction can be improved.

[0063] In the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, the stopper-side protrusion 388 is provided at a portion adjacent to the first contact surface 102 in the surface 100D1 on the first direction D1 side of the stopper plate 300. According to the above aspect, breakage of the stopper plate 300 can be more reliably suppressed.

[0064] In the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, the distance in the circumferential direction S between the stopper-side protruding portion 388 and the pressure-side slipper cam surface 90S is shorter than the distance in the circumferential direction S between the stopper-side protruding portion 388 and the pressure-side assist cam surface 90A. According to the above aspect, the load applied from the pressure plate 370 to the stopper plate 300 is dispersed, and breakage of the stopper plate 300 can be suppressed.

[0065] In the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, the surface 388D1 on the first direction D1 side of the stopper-side protruding portion 388 is orthogonal to the axial direction of the output shaft 15. According to the above aspect, a load mainly in the axial direction of the output shaft is applied to the stopper plate 300 from the pressure plate 370, and breakage of the stopper plate 300 can be more reliably suppressed.

[0066] In the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, when viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15, a circle CL1 centered on the axis of the output shaft 15 and passing through the center 84C of the spring housing portion 84 overlaps with the stopper-side protruding portion 388. According to the above aspect, the stopper-side protruding portion 388 can be arranged compactly.

[0067] <Fourth Embodiment> FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the clutch center 40, the pressure plate 370, and the stopper plate 400 according to the fourth embodiment are assembled. As shown in FIG. 17, the distance in the circumferential direction S between the stopper-side protruding portion 388 and the pressure-side assist cam surface 90A is shorter than the distance in the circumferential direction S between the stopper-side protruding portion 388 and the pressure-side slipper cam surface 90S. That is, the stopper-side protruding portion 388 is located closer to the pressure-side assist cam surface 90A than the pressure-side slipper cam surface 90S. The stopper-side protruding portion 388 is located on the second circumferential direction S2 side of the pressure-side cam hole 73H. The stopper-side protruding portion 388 is located on the first circumferential direction S1 side of the spring housing portion 84.

[0068] In the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, the distance in the circumferential direction S between the stopper-side protruding portion 388 and the pressure-side assist cam surface 90A is shorter than the distance in the circumferential direction S between the stopper-side protruding portion 388 and the pressure-side slipper cam surface 90S. According to the above aspect, the load applied from the pressure plate 370 to the stopper plate 400 is dispersed, and damage to the stopper plate 400 can be suppressed.

[0069] <Fifth Embodiment> FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the clutch center 540, the pressure plate 570, and the stopper plate 500 according to the fifth embodiment are assembled. The clutch device 10 according to the fifth embodiment is a so-called external cut type clutch device.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 18, the clutch center 540 is located on the first direction D1 side with respect to the pressure plate 570. The clutch center 540 is located between the pressure plate 570 and the stopper plate 500 with respect to the direction D. The clutch center 540 includes a spring housing portion 584. The spring housing portion 584 is formed in the center-side cam portion 60. The spring housing portion 584 is formed to be recessed from the first direction D1 toward the second direction D2. The spring housing portion 584 is an example of a housing portion.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 18, the clutch center 540 is provided with a center-side protrusion 548. The center-side protrusion 548 is provided so as to be capable of surface contact with the stopper plate 500. The center-side protrusion 548 is provided so as to be capable of surface contact with the second contact surface 504 of the stopper plate 500. The center-side protrusion 548 is provided on the surface 540D1 on the first direction D1 side of the clutch center 540. Here, the center-side protrusion 548 is provided at a portion adjacent to the spring accommodation portion 584 among the surfaces 540D1 on the first direction D1 side of the clutch center 540. The center-side protrusion 548 is positioned between the spring accommodation portion 584 and the center-side cam hole 43H in the circumferential direction S. The center-side protrusion 548 is positioned on the second circumferential direction S2 side of the center-side cam hole 43H. The center-side protrusion 548 is positioned on the first circumferential direction S1 side of the spring accommodation portion 584. The center-side protrusion 548 is positioned radially outside the output shaft holding portion 50. The center-side protrusion 548 is positioned radially inside the flange 68. The position and shape of the center-side protrusion 548 are the same as those of the pressure-side protrusion 88. The circumferential distance S between the center-side protrusion 548 and the center-side slipper cam surface 60S is shorter than the circumferential distance S between the center-side protrusion 548 and the center-side assist cam surface 60A. That is, the center-side protrusion 548 is positioned closer to the center-side slipper cam surface 60S than the center-side assist cam surface 60A. When viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15, at least a part of the center-side protrusion 548 overlaps with the center-side cam portion 60. When viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15, at least a part of the center-side protrusion 548 overlaps with the center-side slipper cam surface 60S. The center-side protrusion 548 protrudes in the first direction D1. The center-side protrusion 548 protrudes from the surface 540D1 on the first direction D1 side toward the first direction D1. The surface 548D1 on the first direction D1 side of the center-side protrusion 548 is orthogonal to the axial direction of the output shaft 15. The surface 548D1 on the first direction D1 side is a flat surface. The surface 548D1 on the first direction D1 side is formed so as to be capable of surface contact with the stopper plate 500. Note that the surface 548D1 on the first direction D1 side may be inclined with respect to the axial direction of the output shaft 15.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 18, the pressure plate 570 includes a boss portion 554. The boss portion 554 extends toward the clutch center 540 (i.e., in the first direction D1). The boss portion 554 is provided on the pressure-side cam portion 90. The boss portion 554 is located between the pressure-side assist cam surface 90A and the pressure-side slipper cam surface 90S with respect to the rotational direction S.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 18, the end portion 25A of the clutch spring 25 in the first direction D1 is in contact with the stopper plate 100. More specifically, the end portion 25A in the first direction D1 is in contact with the first contact surface 502 of the stopper plate 100. The end portion 25B of the clutch spring 25 in the second direction D2 is in contact with the clutch center 540. More specifically, the end portion 25B in the second direction D2 is in contact with the holding surface 84A of the spring housing portion 584.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 18, the stopper plate 500 is located on the first direction D1 side of the clutch center 540. The stopper plate 500 is provided so as to be contactable with the clutch center 540. The stopper plate 500 is a member that suppresses the pressure plate 570 from being separated from the clutch center 540 by a predetermined distance or more in the second direction D2. The stopper plate 500 is fixed to the pressure plate 570. The stopper plate 500 is fixed to the boss portion 554 of the pressure plate 570 by bolts 28. The stopper plate 500 is fastened and fixed to the boss portion 554 of the pressure plate 570 via the bolts 28 in a state where the clutch spring 25 is housed in the spring housing portion 584.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 18, the stopper plate 500 includes an inclined portion 501 and a flat portion 503. In the circumferential direction S, the inclined portion 501 and the flat portion 503 are arranged alternately. In this embodiment, three inclined portions 501 and three flat portions 503 are continuously arranged alternately. The inclined portion 501 has a first contact surface 502 provided on the surface 500D2 on the second direction D2 side of the stopper plate 500. The first contact surface 502 is an example of a contact surface. The first contact surface 502 is inclined in the circumferential direction S. The first contact surface 502 is formed to be inclined in the first direction D1 as it goes from the center side assist cam surface 60A to the center side slipper cam surface 60S. The first contact surface 502 contacts the end portion 25A in the first direction D1 of the clutch spring 25. The flat portion 503 has a second contact surface 504 provided on the surface 500D2 on the second direction D2 side of the stopper plate 500. The second contact surface 504 is orthogonal to the axial direction of the output shaft 15. The second contact surface 504 is provided so as to be capable of surface contact with the center side protruding portion 548 of the clutch center 540. Thus, when the pressure plate moves in the second direction D2 and the stopper plate 500 contacts the clutch center 540, the center side protruding portion 548 of the clutch center 540 makes surface contact with the second contact surface 504 of the stopper plate 500, so that the load applied from the clutch center 540 to the stopper plate 500 is dispersed.

[0076] As described above, according to the clutch device 10 of this embodiment, the first contact surface 502 of the stopper plate 500 is inclined in the circumferential direction S and contacts the end portion 25A in the first direction D1 of the clutch spring 25. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the pressure plate 570 from approaching the clutch center 540 suddenly and reduce the sense of free running during sudden acceleration. Further, the clutch device 10 includes a center side protruding portion 548 that can make surface contact with the stopper plate 500. Thereby, since the clutch center 540 and the stopper plate 500 make surface contact via the center side protruding portion 548, the load applied from the clutch center 540 to the stopper plate 500 is dispersed, and breakage of the stopper plate 500 can be suppressed.

[0077] The clutch device 10 of this embodiment includes a center-side protrusion 548. According to the above aspect, it is possible to suppress the sudden approach of the pressure plate 570 to the clutch center 540 and suppress the breakage of the stopper plate 500.

[0078] In the clutch device 10 of this embodiment, the center-side protrusion 548 is provided at a portion of the surface 540D1 on the first direction D1 side of the clutch center 540 that is adjacent to the spring housing portion 584. According to the above aspect, it is possible to more reliably suppress the breakage of the stopper plate 500.

[0079] <Sixth Embodiment> FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a clutch center 640, a pressure plate 570, and a stopper plate 600 according to the sixth embodiment are assembled. As shown in FIG. 19, the stopper plate 600 includes a stopper-side protruding portion 688. The stopper-side protruding portion 688 is provided so as to be capable of surface contact with the clutch center 640. The stopper-side protruding portion 688 is provided so as to be capable of surface contact with a surface 540D1 on the first direction D1 side of the clutch center 640. The stopper-side protruding portion 688 is provided on a surface 500D2 on the second direction D2 side of the stopper plate 600. Here, the stopper-side protruding portion 688 is provided at a portion adjacent to a first contact surface 502 among the surfaces 500D2 on the second direction D2 side of the stopper plate 600. The stopper-side protruding portion 688 is provided on a flat portion 503. The stopper-side protruding portion 688 is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular shape. Note that the stopper-side protruding portion 688 may be formed in a circular shape or an elliptical shape. When viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15, for example, the radial length of the stopper-side protruding portion 688 is longer than the circumferential length in the circumferential direction S of the stopper-side protruding portion 688. When viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15, a circle CL1 centered on the axis 15C of the output shaft 15 and passing through the center 84C of the spring housing portion 584 overlaps with the stopper-side protruding portion 688. The circumferential distance between the stopper-side protruding portion 688 and the center-side slipper cam surface 60S is shorter than the circumferential distance between the stopper-side protruding portion 688 and the center-side assist cam surface 60A. That is, the stopper-side protruding portion 688 is located closer to the center-side slipper cam surface 60S than the center-side assist cam surface 60A. When viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15, at least a part of the stopper-side protruding portion 688 overlaps with the center-side cam portion 60. When viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft 15, at least a part of the stopper-side protruding portion 688 overlaps with the center-side slipper cam surface 60S. The stopper-side protruding portion 688 protrudes in the second direction D2. The stopper-side protruding portion 688 protrudes in the second direction D2 from the surface 500D2 on the second direction D2 side. A surface 688D2 on the second direction D2 side of the stopper-side protruding portion 688 is orthogonal to the axial direction of the output shaft 15. The surface 688D2 on the second direction D2 side is a flat surface. The surface 688D2 on the second direction D2 side is formed so as to be capable of surface contact with the clutch center 640.Note that the surface 388D1 on the first direction D1 side may be inclined with respect to the axial direction of the output shaft 15. Note that the clutch center 640 does not include a center side protrusion 548 unlike the clutch center 540.

[0080] As described above, according to the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, the first contact surface 502 of the stopper plate 600 is inclined in the circumferential direction S and contacts the end portion 25A of the clutch spring 25 in the first direction D1. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the pressure plate 570 from rapidly approaching the clutch center 540. Further, the clutch device 10 includes a stopper side protrusion 688 that can be in surface contact with the clutch center 540. Thereby, since the clutch center 540 and the stopper plate 600 are in surface contact via the stopper side protrusion 688, the load applied from the clutch center 540 to the stopper plate 600 is dispersed, and breakage of the stopper plate 600 can be suppressed.

[0081] The clutch device 10 of the present embodiment includes a stopper side protrusion 688. According to the above aspect, it is possible to suppress the pressure plate 570 from rapidly approaching the clutch center 540 and to suppress breakage of the stopper plate 600.

[0082] In the clutch device 10 of the present embodiment, the stopper side protrusion 688 is provided at a portion adjacent to the first contact surface 502 of the surface 500D2 on the second direction D2 side of the stopper plate 600. According to the above aspect, breakage of the stopper plate 600 can be more reliably suppressed.

[0083] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention can be implemented in various other forms.

[0084] In the above-described first and second embodiments, the pressure-side protrusion 88 was adjacent to the portion of the first contact surface 102 that was the farthest from the direction D. However, for example, it may be adjacent to the portion of the first contact surface 102 that is the closest to the direction D. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the pressure-side protrusion 88 may be located on the first circumferential direction S1 side of the spring housing portion 84.

[0085] In the above-described third and fourth embodiments, the stopper-side protrusion 388 was adjacent to the portion of the first contact surface 102 that was the farthest from the direction D. However, for example, it may be adjacent to the portion of the first contact surface 102 that is the closest to the direction D. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the stopper-side protrusion 388 may be located on the first circumferential direction S1 side of the spring housing portion 84.

[0086] In the above-described fifth embodiment, the center-side protrusion 548 was adjacent to the portion of the first contact surface 502 that was the farthest from the direction D. However, for example, it may be adjacent to the portion of the first contact surface 502 that is the closest to the direction D. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the center-side protrusion 548 may be located on the second circumferential direction S2 side of the spring housing portion 584.

[0087] In the above-described sixth embodiment, the stopper-side protrusion 688 was adjacent to the portion of the first contact surface 502 that was the farthest from the direction D. However, for example, it may be adjacent to the portion of the first contact surface 502 that is the closest to the direction D. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the stopper-side protrusion 688 may be located on the second circumferential direction S2 side of the spring housing portion 584.

[0088] In the above-described fifth and sixth embodiments, the first contact surface 502 is formed to incline in the first direction D1 as it goes from the center-side assist cam surface 60A to the center-side slipper cam surface 60S. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first contact surface 502 may be formed to incline in the first direction D1 as it goes from the center-side slipper cam surface 60S to the center-side assist cam surface 60A. In this case, the center-side protrusion 548 and the stopper-side protrusion 688 may be located on the center-side assist cam surface 60A side (for example, on the second circumferential direction S2 side with respect to the spring accommodation portion 584).

Explanation of Signs

[0089] 10 Clutch device 15 Output shaft 20 Input-side rotating plate 22 Output-side rotating plate 25 Clutch spring 25A End portion in the first direction 25B End portion in the second direction 30 Clutch housing 40 Clutch center 60 Center-side cam portion 60A Center-side assist cam surface 60S Center-side slipper cam surface 70 Pressure plate 73H Pressure-side cam hole (through hole) 84 Spring accommodation portion (accommodation portion) 88 Pressure-side protrusion 90 Pressure-side cam portion 90A Pressure-side assist cam surface 90S Pressure-side slipper cam surface 100 Stopper plate 102 First contact surface (contact surface) 104 Second contact surface

Claims

1. A clutch device for transmitting or interrupting the rotational driving force of an input shaft to an output shaft, comprising: a clutch center that is housed in a clutch housing that holds a plurality of input-side rotating plates that are rotationally driven by the rotational driving of the input shaft, and that rotates together with the output shaft; a plurality of output-side rotating plates that are provided so as to be able to approach or separate from and rotate relative to the clutch center, that are held alternately with the input-side rotating plates, and that can press the input-side rotating plates and the output-side rotating plates; a clutch spring that biases the pressure plate in the first direction, where the first direction is the direction in which the pressure plate approaches the clutch center and the second direction is the direction in which the pressure plate separates from the clutch center; a stopper plate that is fixed to the clutch center, that is provided so as to be able to contact the pressure plate, and that suppresses the pressure plate from separating from the clutch center by a predetermined distance or more in the second direction; the end of the clutch spring in the first direction contacts the pressure plate, and the end of the clutch spring in the second direction contacts the stopper plate; the pressure plate has a recess that is concave from the second direction toward the first direction and that houses the clutch spring; the stopper plate is provided on the surface on the first direction side, is inclined in the circumferential direction, and has a contact surface that contacts the end of the clutch spring in the second direction; a clutch device comprising a stopper-side protrusion that is provided on the surface on the first direction side of the stopper plate, that protrudes in the first direction, and that can be in surface contact with the pressure plate, or a pressure-side protrusion that is provided on the surface on the second direction side of the pressure plate, that protrudes in the second direction, and that can be in surface contact with the stopper plate.

2. The clutch device according to claim 1, comprising the pressure-side protrusion.

3. The clutch device according to claim 2, wherein the pressure-side protrusion is provided at a portion of the surface on the second direction side of the pressure plate that is adjacent to the housing portion.

4. The pressure plate A plurality of pressure-side cam portions having a pressure-side assist cam surface that generates a force in a direction from the pressure plate toward the clutch center to increase the pressing force between the input-side rotating plate and the output-side rotating plate when rotating relative to the clutch center, and a pressure-side slipper cam surface that separates the pressure plate from the clutch center to decrease the pressing force between the input-side rotating plate and the output-side rotating plate. The clutch device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein at least a part of the pressure-side protrusion overlaps with the pressure-side cam portion when viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft.

5. The clutch device according to claim 4, wherein at least a part of the pressure-side protrusion overlaps with the pressure-side slipper cam surface when viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft.

6. The pressure plate includes a through hole that penetrates in the axial direction of the output shaft. The clutch device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the pressure-side protrusion is located between the accommodating portion and the through hole in the circumferential direction.

7. The clutch device according to claim 6, wherein the radial length of the pressure-side protrusion is longer than the circumferential length of the pressure-side protrusion when viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft.

8. The clutch device according to claim 1, further comprising the stopper-side protrusion.

9. The clutch device according to claim 8, wherein the stopper-side protrusion is provided at a portion adjacent to the contact surface among the surfaces of the stopper plate on the first direction side.

10. The pressure plate A plurality of pressure-side cam portions having a pressure-side assist cam surface that generates a force in a direction from the pressure plate toward the clutch center to increase the pressing force between the input-side rotating plate and the output-side rotating plate when rotating relative to the clutch center, and a pressure-side slipper cam surface that separates the pressure plate from the clutch center to decrease the pressing force between the input-side rotating plate and the output-side rotating plate. The accommodating portion is formed in the pressure-side cam portion. The clutch device according to claim 1, wherein the contact surface is formed to be inclined in the second direction as it goes from the pressure-side slipper cam surface to the pressure-side assist cam surface.

11. The circumferential distance between the stopper-side protruding portion or the pressure-side protruding portion and the pressure-side assist cam surface is shorter than the circumferential distance between the stopper-side protruding portion or the pressure-side protruding portion and the pressure-side slipper cam surface, according to the clutch device of claim 10.

12. The pressure plate When rotating relative to the clutch center, a pressure-side assist cam surface that generates a force in a direction from the pressure plate toward the clutch center to increase the pressing force between the input-side rotating plate and the output-side rotating plate, and a pressure-side slipper cam surface that separates the pressure plate from the clutch center to reduce the pressing force between the input-side rotating plate and the output-side rotating plate, and a plurality of pressure-side cam portions having the same are provided, The accommodating portion is formed on the pressure-side cam portion, The contact surface is formed to be inclined in the second direction as it goes from the pressure-side assist cam surface to the pressure-side slipper cam surface, according to the clutch device of claim 1.

13. The circumferential distance between the stopper-side protruding portion or the pressure-side protruding portion and the pressure-side slipper cam surface is shorter than the circumferential distance between the stopper-side protruding portion or the pressure-side protruding portion and the pressure-side assist cam surface, according to the clutch device of claim 12.

14. When the pressure-side protruding portion is provided, the surface on the second direction side of the pressure-side protruding portion is orthogonal to the axial direction of the output shaft, When the stopper-side protruding portion is provided, the surface on the first direction side of the stopper-side protruding portion is orthogonal to the axial direction of the output shaft, according to the clutch device of claim 1.

15. When viewed from the axial direction of the output shaft, a circle centered on the axis of the output shaft and passing through the center of the accommodating portion overlaps with the pressure-side protruding portion or the stopper-side protruding portion, according to the clutch device of claim 1.

16. A clutch device that transmits or shuts off the rotational driving force of the input shaft to the output shaft, It is housed in a clutch housing that holds a plurality of input-side rotating plates that are rotationally driven by the rotational driving of the input shaft, and a clutch center that is rotationally driven together with the output shaft, A plurality of output-side rotating plates are provided so as to be able to approach or separate from and rotate relative to the clutch center, and are held alternately with the input-side rotating plates, and a pressure plate capable of pressing the input-side rotating plates and the output-side rotating plates, When the first direction is the direction in which the pressure plate approaches the clutch center and the second direction is the direction in which the pressure plate separates from the clutch center, a clutch spring that biases the pressure plate in the first direction, A stopper plate that is fixed to the pressure plate, is provided so as to be able to contact the clutch center, and suppresses the pressure plate from separating from the clutch center by a predetermined distance or more in the second direction, The end of the clutch spring in the first direction contacts the stopper plate, and the end of the clutch spring in the second direction contacts the clutch center, The clutch center, Has a recessed portion that is recessed from the first direction toward the second direction and houses the clutch spring, The stopper plate, Is provided on the surface on the second direction side, is inclined in the circumferential direction, and has a contact surface that contacts the end of the clutch spring in the first direction, A clutch device including a stopper-side protruding portion provided on the surface on the second direction side of the stopper plate, protruding in the second direction, and capable of surface contact with the clutch center, or a center-side protruding portion provided on the surface on the first direction side of the clutch center, protruding in the first direction, and capable of surface contact with the stopper plate.

17. The clutch device according to claim 16, further comprising the center-side protruding portion.

18. The clutch device according to claim 17, wherein the center-side protruding portion is provided at a portion adjacent to the housing portion on the surface on the first direction side of the clutch center.

19. The clutch device according to claim 16, further comprising the stopper-side protruding portion.

20. The clutch device according to claim 19, wherein the stopper-side protruding portion is provided at a portion adjacent to the contact surface on the surface on the second direction side of the stopper plate.

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