Clutch device
The clutch device uses a rotation restricting mechanism to ensure secure fastening of the support plate, addressing the issue of parts falling off by preventing axial separation and ensuring secure attachment.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- EXEDY CORP
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-26
AI Technical Summary
The issue of parts such as the support plate falling off in clutch devices, particularly in saddle-type vehicles like motorcycles, is a problem that existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
The clutch device incorporates a first rotating body, a support plate, a fastening member, a second rotating body, an elastic member, and a rotation restricting mechanism to prevent the support plate from axially separating during fastening, ensuring secure attachment and preventing components from falling off.
The solution effectively prevents the fastening member from loosening and ensures that clutch device components remain securely attached, thereby preventing parts from falling off.
Smart Images

Figure 2026086191000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a clutch device.
Background Art
[0002] Saddle-type vehicles such as motorcycles have a clutch device. The clutch device is configured to transmit power from a prime mover such as an internal combustion engine to a drive wheel or to cut off the power transmission. The clutch device described in Patent Document 1 has a cam mechanism. This cam mechanism is configured to axially move the pressure plate toward the clutch center when the support plate and the pressure plate rotate relative to each other.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] There has been a problem that parts such as the support plate of the clutch device fall off. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to prevent the parts of the clutch device from falling off.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0005] The clutch device according to the first embodiment comprises a first rotating body, a support plate, a fastening member, a second rotating body, an elastic member, and a rotation restricting mechanism. The support plate has a contact portion and a first cam surface. The contact portion is in contact with the first rotating body in the axial direction. The fastening member fastens the first rotating body and the support plate. The second rotating body has a second cam surface facing the first cam surface. The second rotating body is positioned between the first rotating body and the support plate in the axial direction. The second rotating body is positioned so as to be rotatable relative to the first rotating body and the support plate. The elastic member is positioned in a compressed state between the second rotating body and the support plate. Before being fastened to the first rotating body by the fastening member, the support plate is in the pre-fastening position. When the support plate is in the pre-fastening position, the contact portion is positioned at an axial distance from the first rotating body. After being fastened to the first rotating body by the fastening member, the support plate is in the post-fastening position. When the support plate is in the post-fastening position, the contact portion is in contact with the first rotating body in the axial direction. The rotation restricting mechanism restricts the relative rotation between the support plate and the second rotating body so that the first cam surface and the second cam surface do not come into contact with each other when the support plate is in the pre-fastening position.
[0006] As a result of diligent research, the inventors have found that when fastening the support plate to the first rotating body with the fastening member, if the first cam surface of the support plate is in contact with the second cam surface of the second rotating body, there is a risk that the fastening will not be completed, and the contact portion of the support plate will be left axially separated from the first rotating body. If the clutch device is used in this state, the fastening member may gradually loosen, and eventually the fastening member may come off, causing the clutch device components to fall off.
[0007] In contrast, the clutch device according to the first embodiment has a rotation restricting mechanism, which prevents the first cam surface from contacting the second cam surface when fastening the support plate to the first rotating body. As a result, fastening by the fastening member is ensured, preventing the fastening member from coming loose, and consequently preventing the clutch device components from falling off.
[0008] The clutch device according to the second embodiment is configured as follows in the clutch device according to the first embodiment: The rotation restricting mechanism is configured to release the restriction on relative rotation between the support plate and the second rotating member when the support plate is in the tightened position.
[0009] A clutch device according to the third embodiment is configured as follows in the clutch device according to the first or second embodiment: The rotation restricting mechanism has a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The first protrusion is formed on the second rotating body. The second protrusion is formed on the support plate. When the support plate is in the pre-fastening position, the second protrusion overlaps with the first protrusion in a circumferential view. When the support plate is in the post-fastening position, the second protrusion is arranged so as not to overlap with the first protrusion in a circumferential view.
[0010] The clutch device according to the fourth embodiment is configured as follows in the clutch device according to the third embodiment: The contact portion extends axially toward the first rotating body. The second rotating body has a boss portion. The boss portion is positioned radially inward relative to the contact portion. The boss portion extends axially. The first convex portion protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the boss portion. The second convex portion protrudes radially inward from the side surface of the contact portion.
[0011] The clutch device according to the fifth embodiment is configured as follows in the clutch device according to the third or fourth embodiment: The support plate has a base plate that extends in an annular shape. The contact portion extends axially from the base plate toward the first rotating body. The second protrusion is formed at the tip of the contact portion.
[0012] The clutch device according to the sixth embodiment is configured as follows in the clutch device according to any of the first to fifth embodiments: The contact portion and the elastic member are arranged with a gap between them in the circumferential direction.
[0013] The clutch device according to the seventh embodiment is configured as follows in the clutch device according to any of the first to sixth embodiments: The first cam surface and the second cam surface are configured to move the second rotating body toward the first rotating body when the support plate and the second rotating body rotate relative to each other.
[0014] The clutch device according to the eighth embodiment is configured as follows in the clutch device according to any of the first to seventh embodiments: The first rotating body is a clutch center that is positioned so as to be immovable in the axial direction. The second rotating body is a pressure plate that is positioned so as to be movable in the axial direction.
[0015] The clutch device according to the ninth embodiment further comprises a clutch housing and a clutch section in the clutch device according to any of the first to eighth embodiments. The clutch section is configured to transmit or interrupt power between the clutch housing and the first rotating body. [Effects of the Invention]
[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent parts of the clutch device from falling off. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0017] [Figure 1] Plan view of the clutch mechanism. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view along line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view along line III-III in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Perspective view of the pressure plate. [Figure 5] Perspective view of the support plate. [Figure 6] This diagram corresponds to Figure 3 when the support plate is in the pre-fastening position. [Figure 7] A plan view showing only the pressure plate and support plate. [Figure 8] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view along line VIII-VIII. [Figure 9]A figure corresponding to FIG. 8 when the support plate is in the pre-fastening position. [Figure 10] A figure corresponding to FIG. 8 of the clutch device according to the modified example.
Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention
[0018] Hereinafter, the clutch device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described 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 forward rotation direction R1 is the direction in which the clutch device 100 rotates when the vehicle on which the clutch device 100 is mounted travels forward, and the reverse rotation direction R2 is the rotation direction opposite to the forward rotation direction R1.
[0019] [Clutch Device] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the clutch device 100, FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the clutch device 100 is configured to transmit the power from a drive source (for example, an engine) to the drive wheels or cut off the transmission. The clutch device 100 is configured to transmit power in the forward rotation direction R1 (counterclockwise in FIG. 1). The clutch device 100 is configured to be rotatable. Specifically, the clutch device 100 rotates in the forward rotation direction R1 about the rotation axis O.
[0020] The clutch device 100 includes a clutch housing 2, a clutch center 3 (an example of the first rotating body), a pressure plate 4 (an example of the second rotating body), a clutch portion 5, a support plate 6, a plurality of bolts 7 (an example of fastening members), a plurality of coil springs 8 (an example of elastic members), a first cam mechanism 9a, a second cam mechanism 9b, and a rotation restricting mechanism 11.
[0021] [Clutch Housing] The clutch housing 2 is rotatably positioned around the rotation axis O. The clutch housing 2 has a disc portion 21 and a cylindrical portion 22. The clutch housing 2 is connected to the input gear 10. This input gear 10 is an annular member to which power generated by the engine (not shown) is input. The input gear 10 meshes with a drive gear (not shown) fixed to the crankshaft on the engine side.
[0022] The disc portion 21 is connected to the input gear 10 via a plurality of coil springs 12. The cylindrical portion 22 extends from the outer peripheral edge of the disc portion 21 toward the first axial direction. The cylindrical portion 22 has a plurality of notches 221 that extend in the axial direction. The plurality of notches 221 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.
[0023] [Clutch Center] The clutch center 3 is positioned on the first axial side relative to the clutch housing 2. The clutch center 3 is positioned radially inward relative to the cylindrical portion 22 of the clutch housing 2. The clutch center 3 is rotatably positioned about the rotation axis O. The clutch center 3 is configured to rotate relative to the clutch housing 2. The clutch center 3 is positioned immovably in the axial direction.
[0024] The clutch center 3 has a first boss portion 31, a first base plate 32, a plurality of column portions 33, a first cylindrical portion 34, a first flange portion 35, a pressure receiving surface 36, and a third cam surface 37.
[0025] The first boss portion 31 extends in the axial direction. The first boss portion 31 is cylindrical. The first boss portion 31 has a spline hole 31a extending in the axial direction in its central part. The input shaft of the transmission (not shown) is spline-engaged in the spline hole 31a. In the axial direction, a thrust plate 14 is provided between the first boss portion 31 and the input gear 10.
[0026] The first base plate 32 extends radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the first boss portion 31. The first base plate 32 is annular in shape and extends in the circumferential direction. The first base plate 32 is positioned radially outward from the first boss portion 31. The first base plate 32 is connected to the first cylindrical portion 34.
[0027] The column portion 33 extends from the first base plate 32 in the first axial direction. The column portion 33 is cylindrical. The column portion 33 has a screw hole 331 that extends in the axial direction. The screw hole 331 penetrates the inside of the column portion 33 in the axial direction.
[0028] The first cylindrical portion 34 extends in the axial direction. More specifically, the first cylindrical portion 34 extends from the outer peripheral end of the first base plate 32 toward the first axial direction. The first cylindrical portion 34 has a plurality of external teeth. Each external tooth is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion 34. Each external tooth extends in the axial direction. The first cylindrical portion 34 is positioned radially outward relative to the first base plate 32. The first base plate 32 connects the first boss portion 31 and the first cylindrical portion 34.
[0029] The first flange portion 35 extends radially outward from the first cylindrical portion 34. More specifically, the first flange portion 35 extends radially outward from the second axial end of the first cylindrical portion 34. The surface of the first flange portion 35 facing the first axial side becomes the pressure-receiving surface 36. That is, the pressure-receiving surface 36 faces the first axial side. The pressure-receiving surface 36 is an annular shape extending in the circumferential direction. The pressure-receiving surface 36 is located on the outer circumference of the clutch center 3.
[0030] The third cam surface 37 is inclined to face both the circumferential direction and the axial first direction. More specifically, the third cam surface 37 faces the positive rotation direction R1. The third cam surface 37 faces opposite to the first cam surface 63, which will be described later. The third cam surface 37 defines the side surface of the column 33. More specifically, the third cam surface 37 defines the circumferential side surface of the column 33. The third cam surface 37 defines the side surface of the column 33 facing the positive rotation direction R1.
[0031] [Pressure Plate] The pressure plate 4 is positioned to be movable in the axial direction. That is, the pressure plate 4 is axially relative to the clutch center 3. The pressure plate 4 is positioned to be rotatable about the rotation axis O. The pressure plate 4 is rotatable relative to the clutch center 3 and the support plate 6 within a predetermined range. The pressure plate 4 is positioned in the axial direction between the clutch center 3 and the support plate 6.
[0032] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the pressure plate 4. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the pressure plate 4 has a second boss portion 41 (an example of a boss portion), a plurality of connecting portions 42, a second cylindrical portion 43, a second flange portion 44, a pressing surface 45, a second cam surface 46, and a fourth cam surface 47.
[0033] The second boss portion 41 is cylindrical and extends in the axial direction. The second boss portion 41 is configured to accommodate a release mechanism (not shown). The second boss portion 41 is positioned radially inward from each of the contact portions 62, which will be described later.
[0034] Each connecting portion 42 is positioned radially outward relative to the second boss portion 41. Each connecting portion 42 is spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. Each connecting portion 42 connects the second boss portion 41 and the second cylindrical portion 43.
[0035] Each connecting portion 42 extends radially outward from the second boss portion 41. The connecting portion 42 has a retaining recess 424 configured to hold the coil spring 8. The retaining recess 424 extends axially. The retaining recess 424 opens to a first axial side.
[0036] The second cylindrical portion 43 extends in the axial direction and is positioned radially outward relative to the second boss portion 41. The second cylindrical portion 43 is positioned to surround the second boss portion 41.
[0037] The second cylindrical portion 43 has a plurality of external teeth 431. Each external tooth 431 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion 43. Each external tooth 431 is located at the first axial end of the second cylindrical portion 43. Each external tooth 431 extends in the axial direction.
[0038] The second flange portion 44 extends radially outward from the second cylindrical portion 43. More specifically, the second flange portion 44 extends radially outward from the first axial end of the second cylindrical portion 43. The surface of the second flange portion 44 facing the second axial side becomes the pressing surface 45. That is, the pressing surface 45 faces the second axial side. The pressing surface 45 is an annular shape extending in the circumferential direction. The pressing surface 45 is located on the outer circumference of the pressure plate 4. The pressing surface 45 is located on the first axial side with respect to the pressure receiving surface 36. In an axial view, the pressing surface 45 overlaps with the pressure receiving surface 36.
[0039] The second cam surface 46 faces the first cam surface 63, which will be described later. The second cam surface 46 is oriented in the circumferential direction and is inclined to face the first axial direction. More specifically, the second cam surface 46 faces the positive rotation direction R1. The second cam surface 46 faces the support plate 6 in the axial direction.
[0040] The fourth cam surface 47 faces the third cam surface 37. The fourth cam surface 47 is inclined to face both the circumferential direction and the axial second direction. More specifically, the fourth cam surface 47 faces the counter-rotation direction R2.
[0041] The second cam surface 46 and the fourth cam surface 47 define the side surfaces of the connecting portion 42. More specifically, the second cam surface 46 and the fourth cam surface 47 define the circumferential side surfaces of the connecting portion 42. The second cam surface 46 defines the side surface of the connecting portion 42 facing the forward rotation direction R1. The fourth cam surface 47 defines the side surface of the connecting portion 42 facing the reverse rotation direction R2.
[0042] [Clutch section] As shown in Figure 2, the clutch unit 5 is configured to transmit or interrupt power between the clutch housing 2 and the clutch center 3. The clutch unit 5 is located between the clutch center 3 and the pressure plate 4. More specifically, the clutch unit 5 is located between the pressure receiving surface 36 and the pressing surface 45.
[0043] The clutch section 5 has a plurality of drive plates 51 and a plurality of driven plates 52. The drive plates 51 and driven plates 52 are annular in shape. The drive plates 51 and driven plates 52 are positioned between the pressure receiving surface 36 and the pressing surface 45. The drive plates 51 and driven plates 52 are arranged alternately in the axial direction.
[0044] Each drive plate 51 is axially movable relative to the clutch housing 2 but cannot rotate relative to it. That is, each drive plate 51 rotates integrally with the clutch housing 2. In detail, each drive plate 51 has a plurality of engaging protrusions that project radially outward from its outer circumference. Each of these engaging protrusions engages with each notch 221 formed in the cylindrical portion 22 of the clutch housing 2. Friction material is attached to both sides of each drive plate 51.
[0045] Each driven plate 52 is axially movable with respect to the clutch center 3 but cannot rotate relative to it. That is, each driven plate 52 rotates integrally with the clutch center 3. In detail, each driven plate 52 has multiple internal teeth. Each internal tooth meshes with each external tooth of the first cylindrical portion 34. Some of the multiple driven plates 52 are mounted to the pressure plate 4 so that they are axially movable but cannot rotate relative to it.
[0046] [Support plate] The support plate 6 is annular in shape and extends in the circumferential direction. The support plate 6 is positioned on the first axial side relative to the clutch center 3. The support plate 6 is attached to the clutch center 3. Specifically, bolts 7 fasten the support plate 6 to the clutch center 3. As a result, the support plate 6 rotates integrally with the clutch center 3.
[0047] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the support plate 6. As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 5, the support plate 6 has a second base plate 61, a plurality of contact portions 62, and a plurality of first cam surfaces 63. The second base plate 61 extends in an annular shape in the circumferential direction. The second base plate 61 is positioned radially outward relative to the second boss portion 41. The second base plate 61 is positioned radially inward relative to the second flange portion 44.
[0048] Each contact portion 62 is spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The contact portions 62 extend from the second base plate 61 to the second axial side. That is, the contact portions 62 extend axially from the second base plate 61 toward the clutch center 3. More specifically, the contact portions 62 extend from the second base plate 61 toward the column portion 33.
[0049] The contact portion 62 contacts the clutch center 3 in the axial direction. The contact portion 62 also contacts the column portion 33 of the clutch center 3 in the axial direction. More specifically, the tip surface of the contact portion 62 contacts the tip surface of the column portion 33. The support plate 6 does not contact the clutch center 3 in the axial direction in any part other than the contact portion 62.
[0050] The contact portion 62 has a through hole 621 that penetrates axially. The bolt 7 passes through the contact portion 62 axially through this through hole 621.
[0051] The first cam surface 63 faces the second cam surface 46. The first cam surface 63 is inclined to face both the circumferential direction and the second axial direction. In the axial direction, the first cam surface 63 faces the pressure plate 4. The first cam surface 63 faces the reverse rotation direction R2. The first cam surface 63 defines the side surface of the contact portion 62. More specifically, the first cam surface 63 defines the surface of the contact portion 62 facing the reverse rotation direction R2.
[0052] [bolt] The bolt 7 extends through the contact portion 62 and fastens the clutch center 3 and the support plate 6. Specifically, the bolt 7 passes through the through hole 621 of the contact portion 62 and is screwed into the threaded hole 331 of the column portion 33.
[0053] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the clutch device 100 when the support plate 6 is in the fastened position. The fastened position is the position of the support plate 6 when the fastening between the support plate 6 and the clutch center 3 by the bolts 7 is completed. When the assembly of the clutch device 100 is complete, the support plate 6 is in the fastened position.
[0054] When the support plate 6 is in the fastened position, the contact portion 62 of the support plate 6 is in axial contact with the clutch center 3. More specifically, the contact portion 62 of the support plate 6 is in axial contact with the column portion 33 of the clutch center 3. The end face of the contact portion 62 facing the second axial side is in contact with the end face of the column portion 33 facing the first axial side. After the support plate 6 is fastened to the clutch center 3 by the bolts 7, the support plate 6 is in the fastened position.
[0055] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the clutch device 100 when the support plate 6 is in the pre-fastening position. The pre-fastening position is the position of the support plate 6 before the fastening between the support plate 6 and the clutch center 3 is completed by the bolts 7. Before the assembly of the clutch device 100 is completed, the support plate 6 is in the pre-fastening position.
[0056] When the support plate 6 is in the pre-fastening position, the contact portion 62 of the support plate 6 is positioned at an axial distance from the clutch center 3. That is, the contact portion 62 of the support plate 6 is not in contact with the clutch center 3 in the axial direction. More specifically, the contact portion 62 of the support plate 6 is positioned at an axial distance from the column portion 33 of the clutch center 3. The end face of the contact portion 62 facing the second axial side is positioned at an axial distance from the end face of the column portion 33 facing the first axial side. Before the support plate 6 is fastened to the clutch center 3 by the bolts 7, the support plate 6 is in the pre-fastening position.
[0057] [Coil spring] As shown in Figure 2, the coil spring 8 is positioned in a compressed state between the pressure plate 4 and the support plate 6 in the axial direction. The coil spring 8 biases the support plate 6 to the first axial direction. Therefore, before the support plate 6 is fastened to the clutch center 3, the contact portion 62 of the support plate 6 is positioned at a distance from the clutch center 3 in the axial direction.
[0058] The coil spring 8 biases the pressure plate 4 to the second axial direction. As a result, the pressing surface 45 is biased to approach the pressure receiving surface 36, the clutch unit 5 enters the clutch-on state, and power is transmitted. The release member moves the pressure plate 4 to the first axial direction against the biasing force of the coil spring 8, causing the pressing surface 45 to move away from the pressure receiving surface 36. As a result, the clutch unit 5 enters the clutch-off state, and the transmission of power between the clutch housing 2 and the clutch center 3 is interrupted.
[0059] The coil spring 8 is arranged in the circumferential direction with a gap between it and the contact portion 62. More specifically, multiple coil springs 8 and multiple contact portions 62 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. The axial second end of the coil spring 8 is located within the retaining recess 424 of the pressure plate 4. The coil spring 8 is held by the retaining recess 424, thereby restricting its movement in the radial and circumferential directions.
[0060] [Cam mechanism] As shown in Figure 3, the first cam mechanism 9a and the second cam mechanism 9b are configured to move the pressure plate 4 axially relative to the clutch center 3 when the pressure plate 4 rotates relative to the clutch center 3 and the support plate 6.
[0061] The first cam mechanism 9a is configured to move the pressure plate 4 to the second axial side, that is, to move the pressure plate 4 toward the clutch center 3, when the pressure plate 4 rotates relative to the support plate 6 in the forward rotation direction R1.
[0062] The first cam mechanism 9a has a first cam surface 63 and a second cam surface 46. The first cam surface 63 is formed on the support plate 6. The second cam surface 46 is formed on the pressure plate 4.
[0063] The second cam mechanism 9b is configured to move the pressure plate 4 to the first axial side, that is, to move the pressure plate 4 away from the clutch center 3, when the pressure plate 4 rotates relative to the clutch center 3 in the opposite direction R2.
[0064] The second cam mechanism 9b has a third cam surface 37 and a fourth cam surface 47. The third cam surface 37 is formed on the clutch center 3. The fourth cam surface 47 is formed on the pressure plate 4.
[0065] During acceleration, when the pressure plate 4 rotates relative to the clutch center 3 and support plate 6 in the forward rotation direction R1, the first cam mechanism 9a is activated. Specifically, the first cam surface 63 and the second cam surface 46 push against each other, causing the pressure plate 4 to move axially towards the second side. As a result, the pressing surface 45 moves closer to the pressure receiving surface 36, increasing the coupling force of the clutch section 5.
[0066] On the other hand, when the clutch center 3 and support plate 6 rotate relative to the pressure plate 4 in the forward rotation direction R1, such as during deceleration, the second cam mechanism 9b is activated. Specifically, the third cam surface 37 and the fourth cam surface 47 push against each other, causing the pressure plate 4 to move axially towards the first side. As a result, the pressing surface 45 moves away from the pressure receiving surface 36, reducing the coupling force of the clutch section 5.
[0067] [Rotation control mechanism] Figure 7 is a plan view of the clutch device 100 with only the pressure plate 4 and support plate 6 extracted, Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in Figure 7, and Figure 9 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 8 when the support plate 6 is in the pre-fastening position.
[0068] As shown in Figures 6 and 9, when the support plate 6 is in the pre-fastening position, the rotation restricting mechanism 11 restricts the relative rotation between the support plate 6 and the pressure plate 4 so that the first cam surface 63 and the second cam surface 46 do not come into contact. That is, when the support plate 6 is in the pre-fastening position, the rotation restricting mechanism 11 restricts the rotation of the support plate 6 in the reverse rotation direction R2 and the rotation of the pressure plate 4 in the forward rotation direction R1. However, when the support plate 6 is in the pre-fastening position, the rotation restricting mechanism 11 allows relative rotation between the support plate 6 and the pressure plate 4 in the direction that separates the first cam surface 63 and the second cam surface 46.
[0069] As shown in Figures 3, 7, and 8, when the support plate 6 is in the fastened position, the rotation restricting mechanism 11 releases the restriction on relative rotation between the support plate 6 and the pressure plate 4. In other words, when the support plate 6 is in the fastened position, the rotation restricting mechanism 11 does not operate. Therefore, when the support plate 6 is in the fastened position, the support plate 6 and the pressure plate 4 can rotate relative to each other so that the first cam surface 63 and the second cam surface 46 move closer to each other.
[0070] As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 7-9, the rotation restricting mechanism 11 has a plurality of first protrusions 111 and a plurality of second protrusions 112.
[0071] The first protrusion 111 is formed on the pressure plate 4. The first protrusion 111 projects radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the second boss portion 41. The first protrusion 111 extends in the axial direction. The first protrusion 111 extends from the first axial end of the second boss portion 41 toward the second axial end. The first protrusion 111 is not formed on the second axial end of the second boss portion 41.
[0072] The second protrusion 112 is positioned on the R1 side in the positive rotation direction relative to the first protrusion 111. The second protrusion 112 is formed on the support plate 6. In detail, the second protrusion 112 projects radially inward from the side surface of the contact portion 62. The second protrusion 112 is formed at the tip of the contact portion 62 (the second end in the axial direction).
[0073] As shown in Figure 8, the second protrusion 112 is positioned so as not to overlap with the first protrusion 111 in a circumferential view when the support plate 6 is in the fastened position. Specifically, the second protrusion 112 is positioned on the second axial side relative to the first protrusion 111. Therefore, the rotation restricting mechanism 11 does not operate. In other words, even if the support plate 6 and the pressure plate 4 rotate relative to each other so that the first cam surface 63 and the second cam surface 46 move closer to each other, the first protrusion 111 and the second protrusion 112 do not collide.
[0074] As shown in Figure 9, when the support plate 6 is in the pre-fastening position, the second protrusion 112 overlaps with the first protrusion 111 in a circumferential view. Therefore, the rotation restricting mechanism 11 is activated. That is, when the support plate 6 rotates in the opposite direction R2 relative to the pressure plate 4, the second protrusion 112 collides with the first protrusion 111, restricting further rotation of the support plate 6 in the opposite direction R2. As a result, the first cam surface 63 and the second cam surface 46 do not come into contact with each other. Note that the first cam surface 63 and the second cam surface 46 do not come into contact with each other until the support plate 6 is in the post-fastening position.
[0075] [Differentiation] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the following modifications can basically be applied simultaneously.
[0076] (a) In the above embodiment, the clutch center 3 was an example of a first rotating body and the pressure plate 4 was an example of a second rotating body, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the clutch center 3 may be an example of a second rotating body and the pressure plate 4 may be an example of a first rotating body.
[0077] (b) In the above embodiment, the rotation restricting mechanism 11 is composed of a first protrusion 111 and a second protrusion 112, but the configuration of the rotation restricting mechanism 11 is not limited thereto. For example, the rotation restricting mechanism 11 may consist of a protrusion formed on one of the pressure plate 4 and the support plate 6, and a groove formed on the other of the pressure plate 4 and the support plate 6. The groove extends in the axial direction. In this case, when the support plate 6 is in the pre-fastening position, the protrusion is positioned in the groove, restricting the relative rotation between the pressure plate 4 and the support plate 6. When the support plate 6 is in the post-fastening position, the protrusion escapes from the groove, the engagement between the protrusion and the groove is released, and relative rotation between the pressure plate 4 and the support plate 6 becomes possible.
[0078] (c) In the above embodiment, the rotation restricting mechanism 11 is composed of a first protrusion 111 and a second protrusion 112, but the configuration of the rotation restricting mechanism 11 is not limited thereto. For example, the rotation restricting mechanism 11 may have a third protrusion. This third protrusion is formed on the pressure plate 4 and is formed to cooperate with the first protrusion 111 to sandwich the second protrusion 112 when the support plate 6 is in the pre-fastening position. Alternatively, the third protrusion may be formed on the support plate 6 and is formed to cooperate with the second protrusion 112 to sandwich the first protrusion 111 when the support plate 6 is in the pre-fastening position.
[0079] (d) In the above embodiment, the first protrusion 111 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second boss portion 41 of the pressure plate 4, and the second protrusion 112 is formed to protrude radially inward from the contact portion 62 of the support plate 6. However, the configuration of the first protrusion 111 and the second protrusion 112 is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the first protrusion 111 may be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion 43 of the pressure plate 4, and the second protrusion 112 may be formed to protrude radially outward from the contact portion 62.
[0080] (e) In the above embodiment, when the support plate 6 is in the pre-fastening position, the rotation restricting mechanism 11 allows relative rotation between the support plate 6 and the pressure plate 4 in the direction in which the first cam surface 63 and the second cam surface 46 move apart, but the rotation restricting mechanism 11 is not limited to this. That is, when the support plate 6 is in the pre-fastening position, the rotation restricting mechanism 11 may restrict relative rotation between the support plate 6 and the pressure plate 4 in the direction in which the first cam surface 63 and the second cam surface 46 move apart.
[0081] (f) The contact portion 62 does not have to extend axially from the second base plate 61. For example, the contact portion 62 may be part of the second base plate 61. In this case, for example, the column portion 33 of the clutch center 3 extends to the contact portion 62 which is part of the second base plate 61. The first cam surface 63 is formed, for example, on the side surface of the cam portion that protrudes downward from the second base plate 61. The second convex portion 112 protrudes radially inward from its cam portion. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0082] 2: Clutch housing 3: Clutch Center 4: Pressure plate 46: Second cam surface 5: Clutch section 6: Support Plate 61: Second base plate 62: Contact part 63: First cam surface 7: Bolt 8: Coil spring 11: Rotation regulating mechanism 111: First protrusion 112: Second convex part 100: Clutch device
Claims
1. The first rotating body and, A support plate having a contact portion that contacts the first rotating body in the axial direction, and a first cam surface, A fastening member for fastening the first rotating body and the support plate, A second rotating body having a second cam surface facing the first cam surface, positioned between the first rotating body and the support plate in the axial direction, and arranged to be rotatable relative to the first rotating body and the support plate, An elastic member is positioned in a compressed state between the second rotating body and the support plate, Rotation restriction mechanism, Equipped with, Before being fastened to the first rotating body by the fastening member, the support plate is in a pre-fastening position where the contact portion is spaced apart from the first rotating body in the axial direction, and after being fastened to the first rotating body by the fastening member, the support plate is in a post-fastening position where the contact portion contacts the first rotating body in the axial direction. The rotation restricting mechanism restricts the relative rotation between the support plate and the second rotating body so that the first cam surface and the second cam surface do not come into contact with each other when the support plate is in the pre-fastening position. Clutch device.
2. The rotation restricting mechanism is configured to release the restriction on relative rotation between the support plate and the second rotating member when the support plate is in the fastened position. The clutch device according to claim 1.
3. The aforementioned rotation control mechanism is The first protrusion formed on the second rotating body, A second protrusion is formed on the support plate, and when the support plate is in the pre-fastening position, it overlaps with the first protrusion in a circumferential view, and when the support plate is in the post-fastening position, it does not overlap with the first protrusion in a circumferential view; Having, The clutch device according to claim 1.
4. The contact portion extends axially toward the first rotating body, The second rotating body has a boss portion that is positioned radially inward from the contact portion and extends in the axial direction, The first protrusion projects radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the boss portion, The second protrusion projects radially inward from the side surface of the contact portion. The clutch device according to claim 3.
5. The support plate has a base plate that extends in an annular shape, The contact portion extends axially from the base plate toward the first rotating body, The second protrusion is formed at the tip of the contact portion, The clutch device according to claim 3.
6. The contact portion and the elastic member are arranged with a gap between them in the circumferential direction. The clutch device according to claim 1.
7. The first cam surface and the second cam surface are configured to move the second rotating body toward the first rotating body when the support plate and the second rotating body rotate relative to each other. The clutch device according to claim 1.
8. The first rotating body is a clutch center positioned so as to be immovable in the axial direction. The second rotating body is a pressure plate that is arranged to be movable in the axial direction. The clutch device according to claim 1.
9. Clutch housing and A clutch unit configured to transmit or interrupt power between the clutch housing and the first rotating body, The clutch device according to claim 1, further comprising: