Clutch device

The clutch device addresses clutch center deformation by integrating cam portions and reinforcing structures, ensuring structural integrity without thickness or material strength enhancements.

JP7867389B2Active Publication Date: 2026-05-29EXEDY CORP

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
EXEDY CORP
Filing Date
2022-06-28
Publication Date
2026-05-29

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To inhibit deformation of a clutch center.SOLUTION: A clutch device includes: a clutch center 3; a pressure plate 4; a clutch part; and a support plate 6. The clutch center 3 has a pressure receiving part 34 and pillar parts 35. The pressure plate 4 has a pressing surface 48. The support plate 6 is attached to a tip part of each pillar part 35. The clutch center 3 has first and second cam parts 37 and 38. Each first cam part 37 is disposed at a first rotation direction side relative to the pillar part 35, and each second cam part 38 is disposed at a second rotation direction side relative to the pillar part 35. The first and second cam parts 37 and 38 are integrally formed with the pillar part 35. The first cam part 37 has a first cam surface 371 directed to a first side in an axial direction and directed in the first rotation direction. The second cam part 38 has a second cam surface 381 directed to a second side in the axial direction and directed in the second rotation direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4
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Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Generally, in motorcycles such as motorcycles and buggies, a clutch device is used to transmit or cut off the power from the engine to the transmission. The clutch device has a clutch center, a pressure plate, and a support plate (see Patent Document 1). The clutch center has a plurality of protrusions. The support plate is attached to the tip of this protrusion.

[0003] In addition, the clutch center has a cam portion. The cam portion is disposed between a pair of protrusions. When the clutch center and the pressure plate rotate relative to each other by this cam portion, the pressure plate moves in the axial direction, and the coupling force of the clutch portion increases or decreases.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] As described above, the clutch center formed with the cam portion may be deformed by the axial load acting on the cam portion. In order to suppress this deformation, for example, it is necessary to increase the thickness of the clutch center or form it with a high-strength material to improve the rigidity of the clutch center.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to suppress deformation of the clutch center without increasing the thickness of the clutch center.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A clutch device according to the first embodiment is configured to transmit power in a first rotational direction. This clutch device comprises a clutch center, a pressure plate, a clutch portion, and a support plate. The clutch center has a pressure-receiving surface and a column portion. The pressure-receiving surface faces a first axial direction. The column portion extends in the first axial direction. The pressure plate is arranged to be movable in the axial direction. The pressure plate has a pressing surface. The pressing surface faces a second axial direction. The pressing surface is positioned on the first axial side with respect to the pressure-receiving surface. The clutch portion is positioned between the pressure-receiving surface and the pressing surface. The support plate is attached to the tip of the column portion. The clutch center has a first cam portion and a second cam portion. The first cam portion is positioned on the first rotational direction side with respect to the column portion. The first cam portion is formed integrally with the column portion. The first cam portion has a first cam surface that faces both the first axial side and the first rotational direction. The second cam portion is positioned on the second rotational direction side with respect to the column portion. The second cam portion is formed integrally with the column portion. The second cam portion has a second cam surface that faces both the second axial direction and the second rotational direction.

[0008] With this configuration, since the first cam portion and the second cam portion are integrally formed with the column portion, deformation of the clutch center can be suppressed.

[0009] The clutch device according to the second embodiment is configured as follows in the clutch device according to the first embodiment: The clutch center has a cylindrical portion extending in the axial direction. The column portion, the first cam portion, and the second cam portion are arranged radially inward with a gap between them and the cylindrical portion.

[0010] The clutch device according to the third embodiment is configured as follows in the clutch device according to the second embodiment: The pressure plate has a third cam portion, a fourth cam portion, and a connecting portion. The third cam portion includes a third cam surface facing the first cam surface. The fourth cam portion includes a fourth cam surface facing the second cam surface. The connecting portion connects the third cam portion and the fourth cam portion. The connecting portion extends between the column portion, the first cam portion, and the second cam portion and the cylindrical portion.

[0011] The clutch device according to the fourth embodiment is configured as follows in the clutch device according to any of the first to third embodiments: The clutch center has a reinforcing wall and a boss portion. The reinforcing wall is positioned radially inward with respect to the second cam portion. The boss portion is positioned radially inward with respect to the column portion. The reinforcing wall connects the second cam portion and the boss portion.

[0012] The clutch device according to the fifth embodiment is configured as follows in the clutch device according to any of the first to fourth embodiments. This clutch device further includes a biasing member. The biasing member is arranged at a distance from the column portion in the circumferential direction. The biasing member is arranged between the support plate and the pressure plate and biases the pressure plate to the second axial side.

[0013] The clutch device according to the sixth embodiment is configured as follows in the clutch device according to the fifth embodiment: The support plate has a mounting portion and a reinforcing portion. The mounting portion is the part that is attached to the column portion. The reinforcing portion is arranged radially outward from the mounting portion. The reinforcing portion is configured to improve the bending rigidity of the support plate.

[0014] The clutch device according to the seventh embodiment is configured as follows in the clutch device according to the sixth embodiment: The support plate has an outer circumference and a stepped portion. The outer circumference is positioned radially outward with respect to the mounting portion. The stepped portion is formed between the outer circumference and the mounting portion. The reinforcing portion is composed of the stepped portion.

[0015] The clutch device according to the eighth aspect is configured as follows in the clutch device according to the sixth aspect. The support plate has an outer peripheral portion and a bent portion. The outer peripheral portion is disposed radially outward with respect to the mounting portion. The bent portion is formed between the outer peripheral portion and the mounting portion. The reinforcing portion is constituted by the bent portion.

[0016] The clutch device according to the ninth aspect is configured as follows in the clutch device according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects. The support plate has a contact portion and a protruding portion. The contact portion contacts the biasing member. The protruding portion is disposed radially outward with respect to the contact portion. The protruding portion protrudes toward the second side in the axial direction.

[0017] The clutch device according to the tenth aspect is configured as follows in the clutch device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects. The clutch center has an interference portion protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the column portion.

Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, deformation of the clutch center can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] Plan view of the clutch device. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] Plan view of the clutch center. [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional perspective view of the clutch center. [Figure 6] Bottom view of the clutch center. [Figure 7] Bottom view of the pressure plate. [Figure 8] Plan view of the pressure plate. [Figure 9] Cross-sectional perspective view of the support plate. [Figure 10] Enlarged cross-sectional view of the support plate according to the modification.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] 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 first side in the axial direction is the direction in which the pressure receiving surface of the clutch center faces, and the second side in the axial direction is the opposite side of the first side in the axial direction and is the direction in which the pressing surface of the pressure plate faces. The circumferential direction is the circumferential direction of a circle centered on the rotation axis O, and the radial direction is the radial direction of a circle centered on the rotation axis O. The first rotation direction is the direction in which the clutch device rotates, and the second rotation direction is the rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction.

[0021] [Clutch Device] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the clutch device 100, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the clutch device 100 is configured to transmit the power from a drive source (for example, an engine) to a drive wheel or cut off the transmission. The clutch device 100 is configured to transmit power in the first rotation direction R1 (counterclockwise in FIG. 1). The clutch device 100 rotates about the rotation axis O in the first rotation direction R1.

[0022] The clutch device 100 includes a clutch housing 2, a clutch center 3, a pressure plate 4, a clutch portion 5, and a support plate 6. The clutch device 100 also includes a plurality of bolts 8 and a plurality of coil springs 9 (an example of a biasing member).

[0023] [Clutch Housing] As shown in FIG. 2, the clutch housing 2 has a disk portion 21 and a cylindrical portion 22. The clutch housing 2 is connected to the input gear 10. This input gear 10 is an annular member to which the power generated by an engine (not shown) is input. The input gear 10 meshes with a drive gear (not shown) fixed to the crankshaft on the engine side.

[0024] The disc portion 21 is connected to the input gear 10 via a plurality of coil springs (not shown). The cylindrical portion 22 extends from the outer peripheral edge of the disc portion 21 toward the first axial direction. The cylindrical portion 22 has a plurality of notches (not shown) extending in the axial direction. The plurality of notches are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0025] [Clutch Center] Figure 3 is a plan view of the clutch center 3 as seen from the first side in the axial direction, Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 1, and Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the clutch center 3. Note that in Figure 4, for the sake of ease of illustration, descriptions other than the clutch center 3, pressure plate 4, support plate 6, and bolt 8 have been omitted.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the clutch center 3 is positioned on the first axial side relative to the clutch housing 2. The clutch center 3 is also positioned radially inward relative to the cylindrical portion 22 of the clutch housing 2. The clutch center 3 is rotatably positioned around the rotation axis O. The clutch center 3 is configured to rotate relative to the clutch housing 2. As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the clutch center 3 has a plurality of base portions 31, a first cylindrical portion 32 (an example of a cylindrical portion), a first flange portion 33, a pressure-receiving surface 34, a plurality of column portions 35, a first boss portion 36 (an example of a boss portion), a plurality of first cam portions 37, a plurality of second cam portions 38, and a plurality of reinforcing walls 39.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the multiple base portions 31 are arranged with spacing between them in the circumferential direction. The base portions 31 are arranged radially between the first cylindrical portion 32 and the first boss portion 36. 36 It connects and .

[0028] The clutch center 3 has a plurality of openings 311 that penetrate in the axial direction. The plurality of openings 311 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The base portion 31 and the openings 311 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. The openings 311 overlap with the second cam surface 381, which will be described later, in an axial view. Therefore, the second cam surface 381 is exposed to the second side in the axial direction through the openings 311.

[0029] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first cylindrical portion 32 extends in the axial direction. Multiple grooves 321 extending in the axial direction are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion 32. These multiple grooves 321 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0030] The first flange portion 33 extends radially outward from the first cylindrical portion 32. More specifically, the first flange portion 33 extends radially outward from the second axial end of the first cylindrical portion 32. The surface of the first flange portion 33 facing the first axial side becomes the pressure-receiving surface 34. That is, the pressure-receiving surface 34 faces the first axial side. The pressure-receiving surface 34 is an annular shape extending in the circumferential direction. The pressure-receiving surface 34 is located on the outer circumference of the clutch center 3.

[0031] The column portion 35 extends from the base portion 31 in the first axial direction. The column portion 35 has a screw hole 351 that penetrates it in the axial direction. Note that a screw hole 351 is also formed in the base portion 31. Furthermore, the screw hole 351 communicates with a through hole 352 formed in the base portion 31. Multiple column portions 35 are arranged at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0032] The clutch center 3 has an interference portion 302. The interference portion 302 is configured to protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the column portion 35. For example, the interference portion 302 protrudes circumferentially from the column portion 35. Also, the interference portion 302 extends in the axial direction. With this configuration, even if one attempts to attach the coil spring 9 to the column portion 35, the interference portion 302 interferes and prevents attachment. This prevents the coil spring 9 from being mistakenly attached to the column portion 35. Note that the clutch center 3 does not necessarily have to have the interference portion 302.

[0033] The first boss portion 36 is positioned radially inward relative to the base portion 31 and the column portion 35. The first boss portion 36 is also positioned radially inward relative to the first cylindrical portion 32. As shown in Figure 6, the clutch center 3 has a plurality of ribs 361 connecting the first boss portion 36 and the first cylindrical portion 32. The ribs 361 extend radially. The ribs 361 are positioned on the second axial side relative to the first cam portion 37 and the second cam portion 38. Of the plurality of ribs 361, some ribs 361 are connected to the first cam portion 37, and the remaining ribs 361 are connected to the second cam portion 38.

[0034] The first boss portion 36 extends in the axial direction. The base portion 31 extends radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the first boss portion 36. The base portion 31 also extends axially in the first direction from the first boss portion 36.

[0035] The first boss portion 36 has a splined hole 36a extending axially in its central part. The input shaft of the transmission (not shown) is spline-engaged in the splined hole 36a. In the axial direction, a thrust plate 14 is provided between the first boss portion 36 and the input gear 10. The clutch center 3 does not move in the axial direction.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4, the first cam portion 37 is positioned on the R1 side in the first rotational direction relative to the column portion 35. More specifically, the first cam portion 37 is positioned on the R1 side in the first rotational direction relative to the base portion 31. The first cam portion 37 is integrally formed with the base portion 31 as a single component.

[0037] The second cam portion 38 is positioned on the second rotational direction R2 side relative to the column portion 35. More specifically, the second cam portion 38 is positioned in the second rotational direction R2 relative to the base portion 31. The second cam portion 38 is integrally formed with the base portion 31 as a single component.

[0038] The first cam portion 37 and the second cam portion 38 are integrally formed with the column portion 35 as a single component. More specifically, the first cam portion 37 and the second cam portion 38 are integrally formed with the column portion 35 as a single component via the base portion 31.

[0039] The base portion 31, the first cam portion 37, the second cam portion 38, and the column portion 35 are arranged radially inward with a gap between them and the first cylindrical portion 32. As a result, a valley portion 301 extending in the circumferential direction is formed between the base portion 31, the first cam portion 37, the second cam portion 38, and the column portion 35 and the first cylindrical portion 32.

[0040] The first cam portion 37 has a first cam surface 371. The first cam surface 371 faces the first axial direction and the first rotational direction R1. That is, the first cam surface 371 extends at an inclination with respect to the axial direction and the first rotational direction.

[0041] The second cam portion 38 has a second cam surface 381. The second cam surface 381 faces the second axial direction and the second rotational direction R2. That is, the second cam surface 381 extends at an inclination with respect to the axial direction and the second rotational direction. The second cam surface 381 faces opposite to the first cam surface 371.

[0042] As shown in Figure 5, the reinforcing wall 39 is positioned radially inward relative to the second cam portion 38. The reinforcing wall 39 connects the second cam portion 38 and the first boss portion 36. More specifically, the reinforcing wall 39 extends from the first boss portion 36 to the first axial side. The reinforcing wall 39 is connected to the radially inward surface of the second cam portion 38. The reinforcing wall 39 is integrally formed with the first boss portion 36 and the second cam portion 38. More specifically, the reinforcing wall 39, the first boss portion 36, and the second cam portion 38 are integrally formed as a single component.

[0043] [Pressure Plate] Figure 7 is a bottom view of the pressure plate viewed from the second axial side, and Figure 8 is a top view of the pressure plate viewed from the first axial side. As shown in Figures 2, 4, 7, and 8, the pressure plate 4 is arranged to be movable in the axial direction. The pressure plate 4 is rotatable about the rotation axis O. In the axial direction, the pressure plate 4 is positioned between the clutch center 3 and the support plate 6.

[0044] The pressure plate 4 has a second boss portion 41, a plurality of third cam portions 43, a plurality of fourth cam portions 44, a plurality of connecting portions 45, a plurality of holding portions 46, a second flange portion 47, a pressing surface 48, and a second cylindrical portion 49.

[0045] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, 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 third cam portion 43 and the fourth cam portion 44 are attached to the outer circumferential surface of the second boss portion 41.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4, the third cam portion 43 is positioned on the first rotational direction R1 side relative to the first cam portion 37. Furthermore, the third cam portion 43 is positioned on the first axial side relative to the first cam portion 37.

[0047] The fourth cam portion 44 is positioned on the second rotational direction R2 side relative to the second cam portion 38. Furthermore, the fourth cam portion 44 is positioned on the first axial side relative to the second cam portion 38.

[0048] As shown in Figure 7, the third cam portion 43 and the fourth cam portion 44 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The connecting portion 45 connects the third cam portion 43 and the fourth cam portion 44. The connecting portion 45 extends circumferentially between the column portion 35, the first cam portion 37 and the second cam portion 38 and the first cylindrical portion 32. That is, as shown in Figure 2, the connecting portion 45 extends circumferentially within the valley portion 301. The third cam portion 43 and the fourth cam portion 44 are positioned radially inward from the connecting portion 45.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, the third cam portion 43 has a third cam surface 431. The third cam surface 431 faces the second rotational direction R2 and also faces the second axial direction. The third cam surface 431 faces the first cam surface 371. The third cam surface 431 extends substantially parallel to the first cam surface 371.

[0050] The fourth cam portion 44 has a fourth cam surface 441. The fourth cam surface 441 faces the first rotational direction R1 and also faces the first axial direction. The fourth cam surface 441 faces the second cam surface 381. The fourth cam surface 441 extends substantially parallel to the second cam surface 381.

[0051] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the retaining portion 46 extends radially outward from the second boss portion 41. The multiple retaining portions 46 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The retaining portion 46 has a retaining recess 461 configured to hold a coil spring. The retaining recess 461 extends axially. The retaining recess 461 opens to a first side in the axial direction.

[0052] A fourth cam portion 44 is positioned on the first rotation direction R1 side of the holding portion 46. The fourth cam portion 44 is integrally formed with the holding portion 46. A third cam portion 43 is positioned on the second rotation direction R2 side of the holding portion 46. Note that the third cam portion 43 and the fourth cam portion 44, which are adjacent to each other via the holding portion 46, are different pairs. The third cam portion 43 and the fourth cam portion 44 are formed from a single component with the holding portion 46.

[0053] The second flange portion 47 extends radially outward from the third cam portion 43, the fourth cam portion 44, the connecting portion 45, and the holding portion 46. The surface of the second flange portion 47 facing the second axial side becomes the pressing surface 48. That is, the pressing surface 48 faces the second axial side. The pressing surface 48 is an annular shape extending in the circumferential direction. The pressing surface 48 is located on the outer circumference of the pressure plate 4.

[0054] As shown in Figure 2, the pressing surface 48 is positioned on the first axial side relative to the pressure-receiving surface 34. In an axial view, the pressing surface 48 overlaps with the pressure-receiving surface 34.

[0055] As shown in Figure 7, the second cylindrical portion 49 extends axially from the inner circumferential end of the second flange portion 47 to the second side. Multiple grooves 491 extending in the axial direction are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion 49. These multiple grooves 491 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0056] [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 34 and the pressing surface 48.

[0057] The clutch section 5 has a plurality of first clutch plates 51 and a plurality of second clutch plates 52. The first clutch plates 51 and the second clutch plates 52 are annular in shape. The first clutch plates 51 and the second clutch plates 52 are arranged between the pressure receiving surface 34 and the pressing surface 48. The first clutch plates 51 and the second clutch plates 52 are arranged alternately in the axial direction.

[0058] The first clutch plate 51 is axially movable relative to the clutch housing 2 but cannot rotate relative to it. That is, the first clutch plate 51 rotates integrally with the clutch housing 2. In detail, a plurality of engaging protrusions projecting radially outward are formed on the outer circumference of the first clutch plate 51. These engaging protrusions engage with notches formed in the cylindrical portion 22 of the clutch housing 2. Friction material is attached to both sides of the first clutch plate 51.

[0059] The second clutch plate 52 has a plurality of engaging protrusions that project radially inward at its inner circumferential end. These engaging protrusions engage with grooves 321 formed in the clutch center 3. Therefore, the second clutch plate 52 is axially movable relative to the clutch center 3 but cannot rotate relative to it. In other words, the second clutch plate 52 rotates integrally with the clutch center 3.

[0060] [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 tip of the column portion 35 (upper end in Figure 2). Specifically, a bolt 8 fastens the clutch center 3 and the support plate 6 together. As a result, the support plate 6 rotates integrally with the clutch center 3.

[0061] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the support plate 6. As shown in Figure 9, the support plate 6 has a plurality of mounting portions 61, a plurality of contact portions 62, a plurality of protruding portions 63, and a plurality of reinforcing portions 64.

[0062] The mounting portion 61 is the part that is attached to the column portion 35. The mounting portion 61 has a through hole 611. The bolt 8 is screwed into the threaded hole 351 of the column portion 35 through the through hole 611 of the mounting portion 61.

[0063] The contact portion 62 is the part that contacts the coil spring 9. The contact portion 62 contacts the axial first end of the coil spring 9 on the surface facing the axial second side. The contact portion 62 is spaced apart from the mounting portion 61 in the circumferential direction. In detail, the multiple mounting portions 61 and the multiple contact portions 62 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction.

[0064] The protrusions 63 are positioned radially outward relative to the contact portion 62. Multiple protrusions 63 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The protrusions 63 project outward in the second axial direction. These protrusions 63 can restrict the axial first end of the coil spring 9 from moving radially outward. The protrusions 63 are formed, for example, by press-forming the outer circumference of a disc toward the second axial direction.

[0065] The reinforcing portion 64 is positioned radially outward relative to the mounting portion 61. The reinforcing portion 64 is configured to improve the bending rigidity of the support plate 6. Specifically, the support plate 6 is fixed by the mounting portion 61 being attached to the column portion 35, while the contact portion 62 is pressed axially to the first side by the coil spring 9. As a result, bending deformation may occur mainly in the portion radially outward relative to the mounting portion 61. In contrast, by forming the reinforcing portion 64 radially outward of the mounting portion 61 to improve bending rigidity, the above bending deformation can be suppressed.

[0066] The support plate 6 has a plurality of outer peripheral portions 65 that are positioned radially outward from the mounting portion 61. The outer peripheral portions 65, like the protrusions 63, are positioned on a second axial side relative to the other parts of the support plate 6. For example, the outer peripheral portions 65 can be positioned on a second axial side relative to the other parts by press working. The outer peripheral portions 65 are spaced apart from the protrusions 63 in the circumferential direction.

[0067] As the outer periphery 65 is positioned on the second axial side compared to the other parts of the support plate 6, a step is formed between the outer periphery 65 and the mounting portion 61. The step extends in the circumferential direction. The reinforcing portion 64 is composed of this step. The multiple outer periphery 65s are arranged alternately with the multiple protrusions 63 in the circumferential direction. The outer periphery 65s are spaced apart from the protrusions 63 in the circumferential direction. That is, the step formed by the outer periphery 65s and the step formed by the protrusions 63s are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0068] [Coil spring] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the coil springs 9 are arranged in the circumferential direction at a distance from the column portions 35. More specifically, multiple coil springs 9 and multiple column portions 35 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. The coil springs 9 are positioned in a compressed state between the pressure plate 4 and the support plate 6 in the axial direction. The axial second end of the coil spring 9 is positioned within the retaining recess 461 of the pressure plate 4. The movement of the coil springs 9 in the radial and circumferential directions is restricted by being held by the retaining recess 461.

[0069] The coil spring 9 biases the pressure plate 4 to the second axial direction. As a result, the pressing surface 48 is biased to move closer to the pressure receiving surface 34, 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 9, causing the pressing surface 48 to move away from the pressure receiving surface 34. 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.

[0070] [Operation of the cam mechanism] When the pressure plate 4 rotates relative to the clutch center 3 in the first rotational direction R1 during acceleration, the second cam surface 381 and the fourth cam surface 441 push against each other, causing the fourth cam portion 44 to move axially towards the second side. As a result, the pressing surface 48 moves closer to the pressure receiving surface 34, increasing the coupling force of the clutch portion 5.

[0071] On the other hand, when the clutch center 3 rotates relative to the pressure plate 4 in the first rotational direction R1, such as during deceleration, the first cam surface 371 and the third cam surface 431 push against each other, causing the third cam portion 43 to move axially towards the first side. As a result, the pressing surface 48 moves away from the pressure receiving surface 34, reducing the coupling force of the clutch portion 5.

[0072] [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.

[0073] (a) In the above embodiment, the reinforcing portion 64 of the support plate 6 is formed by a stepped portion formed between the outer peripheral portion 65 and the mounting portion 61, but the configuration of the reinforcing portion 64 is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the reinforcing portion 64 may be formed by a bent portion formed by bending the outer peripheral portion 65 to the second (or first) side in the axial direction.

[0074] (b) Although the support plate 6 in the above embodiment has a reinforcing portion 64, the support plate 6 does not have to have a reinforcing portion 64. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 3: Clutch Center 32: First cylindrical section 34: Pressure-receiving surface 35: Pillar part 36: First Boss Section 37: First cam section 371: First cam surface 38: Second cam section 381: Second cam surface 39: Reinforced wall 4: Pressure plate 43: Third cam section 431: Third cam surface 44: Fourth cam section 441: Fourth cam surface 45:Connection part 48: Pressing surface 5: Clutch section 6: Support Plate 61: Mounting part 62: Contact part 63: Protrusion 64: Reinforcement section 65: Outer perimeter 9: Coil spring 100: Clutch device

Claims

1. A clutch device configured to transmit power in a first rotational direction, A clutch center having a pressure-receiving surface facing the first axial direction and a column portion extending to the first axial direction, A pressure plate having a pressing surface that faces the second axial side and is positioned on the first axial side with respect to the pressure receiving surface, and which is movably positioned in the axial direction, A clutch portion is disposed between the pressure-receiving surface and the pressing surface, A support plate attached to the tip of the column portion, Equipped with, The clutch center is, A first cam portion having a first cam surface facing axially first and facing a first rotational direction, positioned on the first rotational direction side with respect to the column portion, and formed integrally with the column portion, The second cam portion has a second cam surface that faces the second axial direction and the second rotational direction, is positioned on the second rotational direction side with respect to the column portion, and is formed integrally with the column portion. It has, The support plate does not have a cam portion. Clutch device.

2. The clutch center has a cylindrical portion extending in the axial direction, The column portion, the first cam portion, and the second cam portion are arranged radially inward with a gap between them and the cylindrical portion. The clutch device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned pressure plate is A third cam portion including a third cam surface facing the first cam surface, A fourth cam portion including a fourth cam surface facing the second cam surface, A connecting portion that connects the third cam portion and the fourth cam portion, and extends between the column portion, the first cam portion, and the second cam portion and the cylindrical portion, Having, The clutch device according to claim 2.

4. The clutch center has a reinforcing wall positioned radially inward from the second cam portion and a boss portion positioned radially inward from the column portion. The reinforcing wall connects the second cam portion and the boss portion. The clutch device according to claim 1.

5. A biasing member is positioned at a distance from the column portion in the circumferential direction, between the support plate and the pressure plate, and biases the pressure plate toward the second axial direction. The clutch device according to claim 1, further comprising:

6. The support plate has a mounting portion attached to the column portion and a reinforcing portion configured to improve the bending rigidity of the support plate radially outward from the mounting portion. The clutch device according to claim 5.

7. The support plate has an outer peripheral portion that is positioned radially outward from the mounting portion, and a stepped portion formed between the outer peripheral portion and the mounting portion. The reinforcing portion is formed by the stepped portion. The clutch device according to claim 6.

8. The support plate has an outer peripheral portion that is positioned radially outward from the mounting portion, and a bent portion formed between the outer peripheral portion and the mounting portion. The reinforcing portion is formed by the bent portion. The clutch device according to claim 6.

9. The support plate has a contact portion that contacts the biasing member, and a projection portion that is arranged radially outward from the contact portion and protrudes toward the second side in the axial direction. A clutch device according to any one of claims 6 to 8.

10. The clutch center has an interference portion that protrudes from the outer surface of the column portion. The clutch device according to claim 1.

11. The support plate has a flat mounting portion that is attached to the column portion, The clutch device according to claim 1.

12. A clutch device configured to transmit power in a first rotational direction, A clutch center having a pressure-receiving surface facing the first axial direction and a column portion extending to the first axial direction, A pressure plate having a pressing surface that faces the second axial side and is positioned on the first axial side with respect to the pressure receiving surface, and which is movably positioned in the axial direction, A clutch portion is disposed between the pressure-receiving surface and the pressing surface, A support plate attached to the tip of the column portion, Equipped with, The clutch center is, A first cam portion having a first cam surface facing axially first and facing a first rotational direction, positioned on the first rotational direction side with respect to the column portion, and formed integrally with the column portion, The second cam portion has a second cam surface that faces the second axial direction and the second rotational direction, is positioned on the second rotational direction side with respect to the column portion, and is formed integrally with the column portion. A reinforcing wall positioned radially inward from the second cam portion, A boss portion is positioned radially inward from the column portion, It has, The reinforcing wall connects the second cam portion and the boss portion. Clutch device.