Source: http://www.allindianpatents.com/patents/249334-motorcycle-clutch-device
Timestamp: 2018-04-22 14:18:11
Document Index: 470359195

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 3', 'art 3', 'art\n4', 'art 5', 'art\n5', 'art 3', 'art 10', 'art 11', 'art 10', 'art 10', 'art 11', 'art 18', 'art 3', 'art 11', 'art 5', 'art\n5', 'art 5', 'art 5', 'art 5', 'art 5', 'art 3', 'art 18', 'art 5', 'art 5', 'art 6', 'art 5', 'art 3', 'art 18', 'art 5', 'art 5', 'art 5', 'art 5', 'art 3', 'art 5', 'art 5', 'art 5', 'art 5', 'art 5', 'art 5', 'art 5', 'art 5', 'art 5', 'art 5', 'art 42', 'art 18', 'art 52', 'art 5', 'art 5', 'art 103', 'art 110', 'art 111', 'art 110', 'art 110', 'art 111', 'art 118', 'art 103', 'art 111', 'art 105', 'art 105', 'art 105', 'art 105', 'art 105', 'art 105', 'art 103', 'art 118', 'art 105', 'art 106', 'art 106', 'art 105', 'art 106', 'art 105', 'art 103', 'art 118', 'art 105', 'art 105', 'art 105', 'art 105', 'art 103', 'art 105', 'art 105', 'art 105', 'art 105', 'art 105']

Indian Patents. 249334:MOTORCYCLE CLUTCH DEVICE
MOTORCYCLE CLUTCH DEVICE
The device includes a clutch housing 1, an output rotary member 2, a clutch part 3, a pressure plate 4, a diaphragm spring 5, a release member S, and a restriction mechanism 7. The clutch housing 1 is connected with an input member, and the output rotary member 2 is connected with the output member. The clutch part 3 has a plurality of clutch plates, and the pressure plate 4 presses the clutch plates against each other. The diaphragm spring 5 presses the pressure plate 4, and the release member 6 transmits a release control force to the diaphragm spring 5. The restriction mechanism 7 centers the release member 6 and prohibits the release member 6 from rotating relative to the diaphragm spring 5.
[Title of Document] Specification
[Title of the invention] Motorcycle clutch device
The present invention generally relates to a clutch device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a motorcycle clutch device for transmitting power from an input member to an output member and interrupting power transmission by the operation of a release mechanism. [Background art] [0002]
Generally, motorcycles such as two-wheeled motor vehicles and ATVs employ a multi-plate clutch device for transmitting and interrupting power from the engine to the transmission. The multi-plate clutch device includes a clutch housing connected to an engine cran]cshaft arrangement, an output rotary member connected to a transmission arrangement, a clutch part for transmitting and interrupting the power therebetween, and a pressure plate for pressing the clutch part. The clutch part includes a first plate and a second clutch plate located alternately, with the first clutch plate being engaged with the clutch housing and the second clutch plate being engaged with the output rotary member. [0003]
By pressing the clutch plates against one another by way of a pressing member such as a spring via the pressure plate, drive of the cranJcshaft is transmitted to the transmission. When the clutch is released to interrupt the power transmission, the operator grips the clutch lever to operate the release mechanism. The release mechanism releases the pressure to the clutch plates from the pressing member so that power transmission between the first and second clutch plates is interrupted. Such as clutch device is disclosed in Japanese unexamined Patent Publication 2003-222159. [Disclosure of Invention] [0004]
In the aforementioned clutch device, pressure force, i.e., pressing load from the pressing member and the capacity of the clutch
part (the number and size of the clutch plates) determine the power transmitting capacity- Therefore, it is necessary to increase the pressing load in order to ensure a desired power transmitting capacity within a small space.
Meanwhile, in the conventional motorcycle clutch device, it is necessary to provide a release load by the release mechanism substantially equal to the pressing load in order to release the engagement of the clutch part. Since the release load is determined by a gripping force applied to the clutch lever, i.e., a control force, if the pressing load is increased, the control force for the clutch lever is increased accordingly, thereby deteriorating ease of operation. Consequently, it is difficult to increase the pressing load to a large extent.
Therefore, the applicant has already filed a patent application
(application number 2004-367292) about a clutch device in which a lever mechanism is employed to amplify the control force to the pressing part so that it is possible to disengage the clutch by the control force less than that of the conventional clutch device by the lever ratio.
In this clutch device, the diaphragm spring presses the clutch plates via the pressure plate. The release member, holding a release bearing, presses the radially inner portion of the diaphragm spring, thereby releasing the pressure force by the diaphragm spring.
Therefore, in order not to hamper ease of operation for a long time, it is necessary to have a structure for moving smoothly the release member and to reduce the wear of the release member.
Additionally, it is necessary to prevent the relative rotation between the diaphragm spring and members to support the diaphragm spring in order to reduce wear at the support portions of the members. In addition, it is necessary for the diaphragm spring to be in contact with other members in order to reduce fluctuations of hysteresis torque.
Furthermore, in the clutch device, when the clutch is engaged (in a clutch engagement state), a gap exists between the release member and the diaphragm spring so that the release member can move in the axial direction. Accordingly, when the engine vibrations are input, the release member is vibrated, ease of operation of the clutch is worsened, e.g., clutch release travel varies and the clutch disengagement performance is not excellent. In addition, the release member might drop off when the clutch device is transported because the release member is not connected to other components. [0011]
Moreover, in this structure, if the position of the diaphragm spring in the radial direction is displaced, neither the characteristic of spring or the characteristic of release is stable. [0012]
Furthermore, in the clutch device, there are two types of release system: a push-type release method to release the clutch (in a power interrupting state) by pushing a release member; and a pull-type release method to release the clutch by pulling the release member. In the pull-type device, a radially outer portion of the diaphragm spring is supported by a clutch housing, a radially middle portion of the diaphragm spring presses the clutch part, and a radially inner portion is pulled by the release member for clutch release operation. [0013]
In a device having such a structure, the clutch housing receives the axial thrust force as the release operation proceeds. However, the clutch housing and input gear attached to the clutch housing receives thrust due to the release control force, because the clutch housing is not fixed such that it can move in the axial direction. Accordingly, a load is applied to a thrust plate located between these members and adjacent other members- If both members are designed to rotate relative to each other in this case, wear is accelerated. [0014]
It is an object of the present invention to move a member for supporting a release bearing smoothly in order to reduce the wear of the member in a device in which the clutch operation is performed by a lever mechanism.
It is another object of the present invention to prevent the relative rotation between the pressing member and a member for supporting the pressing member in order to reduce fluctuations of hysteresis torque due to contacts between both members, in a device in which the clutch operation is performed by a lever mechanism. [0016]
It is a further other object of the present invention to reduce the variation of the clutch release travel by reducing the vibration in the release member, in a device in which the clutch operation is performed by a lever mechanism. [0017]
It is a further other object of the present invention to prevent the release member from dropping off when the device is transported, in a device in which the clutch operation is performed by a lever mechanism. [0018]
It is a further other object of the present invention to stabilize the position of the pressing member such as a diaphragm spring in the radial direction in order to stabilize a characteristic of spring, i.e., clutch pressure force and clutch release force (release control force) of the pressing member, in a device in which the clutch operation is performed by a lever mechanism. [0019]
It is a further other object of the present invention to reduce wear of portions by release control force, in a device in which the clutch operation is performed by a lever mechanism, especially in a pull-type clutch device. [0020]
A motorcycle clutch device according to a first aspect of the present invention transmits power from an input member to an output member and interrupts power transmission by the operation of a release mechanism. The device includes a clutch housing, a rotary member, a clutch part, a pressure plate, a pressing member, a release member, and a restriction mechanism. The clutch housing is connected to one of the input member and the output member. The rotary member is located
radially inward of the clutch housing and is connected to the other of the input member and the output member. The clutch part includes at least one plate member to transmit and to interrupt power between the clutch housing and the rotary member. The pressure plate is adapted to press plate members of the clutch part against one another. The pressing member includes a pressing part to press the pressure plate and a lever part to release pressure force from the pressing part through amplification of power of the release mechanism by a predetermined lever ratio. The release member holds the release mechanism and transmits the operation force of the release mechanism to the lever part. The restriction mechanism centers the release member and prohibits the release member from rotating relative to the pressing member. [0021]
In the clutch device, the pressure force by the pressing member is applied to the clutch part via the pressure plate so that the clutch part is engaged, i.e., in a power transmitting state. In this state, the power from the input member is input to the clutch housing, for example, and then transmitted to the rotary member via the clutch part, and finally output to the output member. Alternatively, in a case that power from the input member is input to the rotary member, the power is transmitted to the clutch housing via the clutch part and output to the output member. When the clutch is released, i.e., in a power interrupting state, the release mechanism operates the lever part of the pressing member so that the control force is amplified by a predetermined lever ratio and is applied to the pressing part, thereby releasing the pressure force of the pressing part to the pressure plate. [0022]
In the device, the control force of the release mechanism is amplified by the lever ratio of the lever part and is applied to the pressing part so that it is possible to release the clutch with less control force by the lever ratio compared to that of the conventional clutch device. In addition, since a member to hold the release mechanism is centered and prohibited from rotating relative to pressing member by the restriction mechanism, it is possible to perform the release operation smoothly and to reduce wear of the holding member. [0023]
A motorcycle clutch device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the device of the first aspect, wherein the pressing member is a diaphragm spring that has the pressing part at its radially outer portion and the lever part at its radially inner portion. In this case, the structure of the pressing member is simplified. [0024]
A motorcycle clutch device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the device of the first aspect, wherein the rotary member has a friction part facing the pressure plate at a radially outer portion thereof. The clutch part includes a first clutch plate engaged with the clutch housing and a second clutch plate engaged with the rotary member. The first and second clutch plates are adapted to be clamped between the friction part of the rotary member and the pressure plate. [0025]
In the device, the first and second clutch plates constituting the clutch part are clamped between the friction part of the rotary member and the pressure plate, and the power is transmitted through a drive line of the clutch housing, the first clutch plate, the second clutch plate, and the rotary member in this order. [0026]
A motorcycle clutch device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the device of the second aspect, wherein the diaphragm spring is constructed such that the pressing part has a radially outer portion adapted to press the pressure plate and a radially inner portion supported by a radially inner portion of the rotary member. A radially inner portion of the lever part is adapted to be moved toward the pressure plate by the release mechanism. [0027]
In the device, the release mechanism operates the radially inner
portion of the lever part of diaphragm spring to move the radially outer
portion of the pressing part away from the pressure plate, thereby
releasing the pressure force to the pressure plate by the pressing part.
The structure for supporting the diaphragm spring is simplified and the axial length of the device is reduced, because the radially inner portion of the pressing part of the diaphragm spring is supported
by the radially outer portion of the rotary member. In a typical clutch device for a motor vehicle of the type wherein the radially inner portions of the diaphragm spring are driven toward the engine to release the clutch engagement, the radially inner portion of the pressing part of the diaphragm spring is supported by the clutch cover. In the clutch cover support structure, the support portion is a portion that extends radially inward from the radially outer portion of the clutch cover to surround circumferentially the outside of the diaphragm spring. In this structure, it is necessary to ensure a relatively large space in the axial direction in order to support the diaphragm spring. In the present invention, to the contrary, as mentioned before, it is possible to support the diaphragm spring within a relatively small space in the axial direction, because the radially outer portion of the rotary member supports the diaphragm spring. [0029]
A motorcycle clutch device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is a device of the first aspect, wherein the release member is an annular member having a plurality of claws extending radially outward at a radially outer end thereof. The rotary member is connected to the pressing member unrotatably, and has a rotary member main body, and a support plate fixed to the rotary member main body for supporting the pressing member with the rotary member main body. The support plate has a radially inner portion formed with a plurality of engagement slots with which the claws of the release member is engaged. The restriction mechanism is constituted by the claws and the engagement slots. [0030]
In this device, since the claws of the release member are engaged with the engagement slots of the support plate for centering the release member, and the support plate is fixed to the pressing member unrotatably, the release member and the pressing member are prohibited from rotating relative to each other. [0031]
A motorcycle clutch device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is a device of the first aspect, wherein the release member is an annular member having a side surface formed with a plurality
of protrusions projecting in the axial direction. The pressing member has a plurality of slits with which the protrusions of the release member are engaged. The rotary member is connected to the pressing member unrotatably, and has a rotary member main body, and an annular support plate fixed to the rotary member main body for supporting the pressing member with the rotary member main body. The restriction mechanism is constituted by an outer circumference of the release member, an inner circumference of the support plate with which the outer circumference of the release member is in contact, the protrusions, and the slits. [0032]
In this device, since the outer circumference of the release member and the inner circumference of the support plate are in contact with each other to center the release member, and the protrusions of the release member are engaged with the engagement slots of the pressing member, the release member is prohibited from rotating relative to the pressing member. [0033]
A motorcycle clutch device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is a device of the first aspect, wherein the release member is an annular member having a radially outer portion formed with a plurality of recesses dented inward in the radial direction. The rotary member is connected to the pressing member unrotatably, and has a plurality of claws which are engaged with the recesses of the release member- The restriction mechanism is constituted by the recesses and the claws. [0034]
In this device, since the recesses of the release member are engaged with the claws of the rotary member, the release member is centered. Since the rotary member is fixed to the pressing member unrotatably, the release member and the pressing member is prohibited from rotating relative to each other. [0035]
A motorcycle clutch device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention transmits power from an input member to an output member and interrupts power transmission by the operation of a release mechanism. The device includes a clutch housing, a disc-like rotary
member, a clutch part, a pressure plate, a pressing member, and a rotation prevention mechanism- The clutch housing is connected to one of the input member and the output member. The rotary member is located radially inward of the clutch housing and is connected to the other of the input member and the output member. The clutch part includes at least one plate member to transmit and to interrupt power between the clutch housing and the rotary member. The pressure plate is adapted to press plate members of the clutch part against one another. The pressing member is supported by the rotary member, and includes a pressing part to press the pressure plate and a lever part to release pressure force from the pressing part through amplification of power of the release mechanism by a predetermined lever ratio. The rotation prevention mechanism prevents the pressing member from rotating relative to the rotary member. [0036]
In the clutch device, the pressure force by the pressing member is applied to the clutch part via the pressure plate so that the clutch part is engaged, i.e., in a power transmitting state. In this state, the power from the input member is input to the clutch housing, for example, and then transmitted to the rotary member via the clutch part, and finally output to the output member. Alternatively, in a case that power from the input member is input to the rotary member,, the power is transmitted to the clutch housing via the clutch part and output to .the output member. When the clutch is released, i.e., in a power interrupting state, the release mechanism operates the lever part of the pressing member so that the control force is amplified by a predetermined lever ratio and is applied to the pressing part, thereby releasing the pressure force of the pressing part to the pressure plate. [0037]
In the device, the control force of the release mechanism is amplified by the lever ratio of the lever part and is applied to the pressing part so that it is possible to release the clutch with less control force by the lever ratio compared to that of the conventional clutch device. In addition, the relative rotation between the pressing member and the member to support the pressing member is prohibited, wear of the pressing member and the member to support the pressing member
can be reduced. In addition, the hysteresis torque can be stabilized by reducing the contact between the pressing member and the member to support the pressing member. (0038)
A motorcycle clutch device according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is a device of the eighth aspect, wherein the pressure member has a claw at a radially outer portion thereof. The pressure plate, which is engaged with the rotary member unrotatably, has a slit with which the claw of the diaphragm spring is engaged. The rotation prevention mechanism is constituted by the claw of the pressure member and the slit of the pressure plate. (0039)
In this device, since the claw formed at the radially outer end of the diaphragm spring is engaged with the pressure plate, the pressure member and the pressure plate are prohibited from rotating relative to each other. Since the pressure plate is prohibited from rotating relative to the rotary member, the diaphragm spring and the rotary member are prohibited from rotating relative to each other. As a result, even if the pressure member and the rotary member are in contact with each other, wear of both members, especially, wear of the rotary member can be reduced. In addition, even if the pressure member is moved in the axial direction by the operation of the release mechanism, the contact with the rotary member or another member is avoided. As a result, the hysteresis torque can be stable because contacts between the pressure member and other members is avoided. (0040)
A motorcycle clutch device according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is a device of the ninth aspect, wherein the claw projects outward in the radial direction at the radially outer portion of the pressure member. The pressure plate has a projection projecting in the axial direction to support the radially outer portion of the pressure member, and the slit is formed at the projection. (0041)
In this device, since the radially outer portion of the pressure member is supported by the projection of the pressure plate for centering, a structure to center the pressure member is simple.
A motorcycle clutch device according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is a device of the tenth aspect, wherein the projection of the pressure plate is annular. In this case, the pressure member can be centered more accurately. (0043)
A motorcycle clutch device according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention transmits power from an input member to an output member and interrupts power transmission by the operation of a release mechanism. The device includes a clutch housing, a rotary member, a clutch part, a pressure plate, a pressing member, a release member, and a vibration reduction mechanism. The clutch housing is connected to one of the input member and the output member. The rotary member is located radially inward of the clutch housing and is connected to the other of the input member and the output member. The clutch part includes at least one plate member to transmit and to interrupt power between the clutch housing and the rotary member. The pressure plate is adapted to press plate members of the clutch part against one another. The pressing member is supported by the rotary member, and includes a pressing part to press the pressure plate and a lever part to release pressure force from the pressing part through amplification of power of the release mechanism by a predetermined lever ratio. The release member holds the release mechanism and transmits the operation power of the release mechanism to the lever part. The vibration reduction mechanism reduces vibrations of the release member. (0044)
In the clutch device, the pressure force by the pressing member is applied to the clutch part via the pressure plate so that the clutch part is engaged, i.e., in a power transmitting state. In this state, the power from the input member is input to the clutch housing, for example, and then transmitted to the rotary member via the clutch part, and finally output to the output member. Alternatively, in a case that power from the input member is input to the rotary member, the power is transmitted to the clutch housing via the clutch part and output to the output member. When the clutch is released, i.e., in a power interrupting state, the release mechanism operates the lever part of
the pressing member so that the control force is amplified by a predetermined lever ratio and is applied to the pressing part, thereby releasing the pressure force of the pressing part to the pressure plate. (0045)
In the device, the control force of the release mechanism is amplified by the lever ratio of the lever part and is applied to the pressing part so that it is possible to release the clutch with less control force by the lever ratio compared to that of the conventional clutch device. In addition, since the vibrations of the release member are suppressed, it is possible to prevent the release member from moving in the axial direction. As a result, the clutch release travel is stabilized so that the clutch disengagement performance is improved. (0046)
A motorcycle clutch device according to a thirteenth aspect of
the present invention is a device of the twelfth aspect, wherein the
vibration reduction mechanism is a clip for holding the release member
by pinching the release member between the pressing member and the clip.
In this device, since the release member is pinched between the clip and pressing member by the clip, the vibrations of the release member is reduced. (0048)
A motorcycle clutch device according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is a device of the thirteenth aspect, wherein the rotary member has a rotary member main body, and a support plate fixed to the rotary member main body for supporting the pressing member between the rotary member main body and the support plate. The clip has a fixing portion attached to the support plate, and a pressing portion extending from the fixing portion and elastically deformable for urging a side surface of the release member toward the pressing member. (0049)
In this device, since the clip is attached to the support plate and the pressing portion formed in the clip urges the release member against the pressing member by an elastic force, it is possible to reduce the vibrations of the release member.
A motorcycle clutch device according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention is a device of the fourteenth aspect, wherein the fixing portion of the clip is configured to be annular, and the pressing portion of the clip extends from the annular fixing portion inward in the radial direction to urge the side surface of the release member. (0051)
A motorcycle clutch device according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention transmits power from an input member to an output member and interrupts power transmission by the operation of a release mechanism. The device includes a clutch housing, a rotary member, a clutch part, a pressure plate, a pressing member, and a support portion for supporting the pressing member. The clutch housing is connected to one of the input member and the output member. The rotary member is located radially inward of the clutch housing and is connected to the other of the input member and the output member. The clutch part includes at least one plate member to transmit and to interrupt power between the clutch housing and the rotary member. The pressure plate is adapted to press plate members of the clutch part against one another. The pressing member includes a pressing part to press the pressure plate and a lever part to release pressure force from the pressing part through amplification of power of the release mechanism by a predetermined lever ratio. The support portion supports the pressing member in the radial direction and positions the pressing member in the radial direction. (0052)
In the clutch device, the pressure force by the pressing member is applied to the clutch part via the pressure plate so that the clutch part is engaged, i.e., in a power transmitting state. In this state, the power from the input member is input to the clutch housing, for example, and then transmitted to the rotary member via the clutch part, and finally output to the output member. Alternatively, in a case that power from the input member is input to the rotary member, the power is transmitted to the clutch housing via the clutch part and output to the output member. When the clutch is released, i.e., in a power interrupting state, the release mechanism operates the lever part of the pressing member so that the control force is amplified by a
predetermined lever ratio and is applied to the pressing part, thereby releasing the pressure force of the pressing part to the pressure plate.
In the device, the control force of the release mechanism is amplified by the lever ratio of the lever part and is applied to the pressing part so that it is possible to release the clutch with less control force by the lever ratio compared to that of the conventional clutch device. In addition, since the support potion supports the pressing member in the radial direction, the operation of the pressing member is stabilized. For example, if a diaphragm spring is used as a pressing member, a position of a working point fulcrum of the diaphragm spring is stabilized, thereby stabilizing the spring characteristics.
A motorcycle clutch device according to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention is a device of the sixteenth aspect, wherein the support portion is composed of an axial projection projecting in the axial direction from the radially outer portion of the pressure plate toward the pressing member and supporting a plurality of portions of the pressing meinber at the radially outer portion.
In this device, the axial projection is formed at the radially outer portion of the pressure plate to support the pressing member. Accordingly, it is possible to support and position the pressing meinber in the radial direction without any special members.
A motorcycle clutch device according to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention is a device of the seventeenth aspect, wherein the axial projection is an annular projection projecting from the radially outer portion of the pressure plate in the axial direction. In this device, the annular projection supports the radially outer portion of the pressing member.
A motorcycle clutch device according to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention transmits power from an input member to an output member and interrupts power transmission by the operation of a release mechanism. The device includes a clutch housing, a rotary member, a
clutch part, a pressure plate, and a pressing member. The clutch housing is connected to one of the input member and the output member- The rotary member is located radially inward of the clutch housing, and is connected to the other of the input member and the output member such that the rotary member can not move relatively in the axial direction- The clutch part includes at least one plate member to transmit and to interrupt power between the clutch housing and the rotary member. The pressure plate is adapted to press plate members of the clutch part against one another- The pressing member includes a pressing part to press the pressure plate and a lever part to release pressure force from the pressing part through amplification of power of the release mechanism by a predetermined lever ratio. The pressing part has a radially outer portion supported by the rotary member and a radially inner portion adapted to press the pressure plate. A radially inner portion of the lever part is adapted to be moved away from the pressure plate by the release mechanism. (0058)
In the clutch device, the pressure force by the pressing member is applied to the clutch part via the pressure plate so that the clutch part is engaged, i.e., in a power transmitting state. In this state, the power from the input member is input to the clutch housing, for example, and then transmitted to the rotary member via the clutch part, and finally output to the output member. Alternatively, in a case that power from the input member is input to the rotary member, the power is transmitted to the clutch housing via the clutch part and output to the output member. (0059)
When the clutch is released, i-e., in a power interrupting state, the release mechanism pulls the lever part of the pressing member so that the control force is amplified by a predetermined lever ratio and is applied to the pressing part and the pressing part is moved away from the pressure plate, thereby releasing the pressure force of the pressing part to the pressure plate. (0060)
In the device, the control force of the release mechanism is amplified by the lever ratio of the lever part and is applied to the
pressing part so that it is possible to release the clutch with less control force by the lever ratio compared to that of the conventional clutch device. If the clutch operation force is set to that of the conventional device, it is possible to decrease a clutch part capacitance. That is, it is possible to decrease the number of the clutch plates that constitute the clutch part to reduce the clutch part in the axial direction. (0061)
Furthermore, in this device, if the lever part of the pressing member is pulled for the operation, the control force is applied to the rotary member which supports the pressing part. However, since the rotary member is fixed to the other of the input member and the output member such that the rotary member can not move in the axial direction, the release control force is not applied to the thrust plate and other member, thereby reducing wear of the members. (0062)
The structure for supporting the pressing member is simplified and the axial length of the device is reduced, because the radially outer portion of the pressing part of the pressing member is supported by the rotary member. In a typical clutch device for a motor vehicle of the pull-type wherein the radially inner portions of a diaphragm spring as a pressing member are pulled toward the transmission to release the clutch engagement, the radially outer portion of the pressing part of the diaphragm spring is supported by the clutch cover. In the clutch cover support structure, the support portion is a portion that extends radially inward from the radially outer portion of the clutch cover to surround circumferentially the outside of the diaphragm spring- In this structure, it is necessary to ensure a relatively large space in the axial direction to support the diaphragm spring. In the present invention, to the contrary, as mentioned before, it is possible to support the diaphragm spring within a relatively small space in the axial direction, because the rotary member supports the pressing member. (0063)
A motorcycle clutch device according to a twentieth aspect of the present invention is a device of the nineteenth aspect, wherein the rotary member includes a rotary member main body provided with the clutch
part, and a support plate located so as to dispose the pressing member between the pressure plate and the support plate. The support plate is fixed to the rotary member main body so as to support the radially outer portion of the pressing member. (0064)
A motorcycle clutch device according to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention is a device of the twentieth aspect, wherein the lever part of a pressing member is formed with a plurality of slits radially. The rotary member main body has a boss passing through the slit up to a side of the pressing member opposite the pressure plate. The support plate is fixed to an axial end surface of the boss, [Brief description of drawings] (0065)
Fig. 1 is a cross sectional view of a motorcycle clutch device in a first embodiment according to the present invention.
Fig. 2 is an elevational view of the device-Fig, 3 is a cross sectional view of a motorcycle clutch device in a second embodiment according to the present invention.
Fig. 4 is an elevational view of the device.
Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view of a motorcycle clutch device in a third embodiment according to the present invention.
Fig. 6 is an elevational view of the device.
Fig. 7 is a cross sectional view of a motorcycle clutch device in a fourth embodiment according to the present invention.
Fig. 8 is an elevational view of the device.
Fig. 9 is a cross sectional view of a motorcycle clutch device in a fifth embodiment according to the present invention.
Fig. 10 is an elevational view of the device.
Fig. 11 is a cross sectional view of a motorcycle clutch device in a sixth embodiment according to the present invention.
Fig. 12 is an elevational view of the device.
Fig. 13 is a cross sectional view of a motorcycle clutch device in a seventh embodiment according to the present invention.
Fig. 14 is a cross sectional view of a motorcycle clutch device in a first embodiment according to the present invention.
1, 101 clutch housing
2, 51, 102 output rotary member
102a boss
3,	103 clutch part
4,	104 pressure plate
5,	105 diaphragm spring 5a, 105a pressing part 5b, 105b lever part
5d, 105d slit
6,	42, 52, 106 release member 6b claw
7,	40, 50 restriction mechanism 19, 41, 119 support plate
19b engagement slot
30 release bearing
42c protrusion
51a claw
52b recess
72, 74 clip
72a, 74a fixing portion
72b, 74b pressing portion
125, 126 clutch plate
Fig. 1 and Fig 2 are views of a motorcycle clutch device. The motorcycle clutch device transmits power from the crankshaft of the engine to the transmission and interrupts power by the operation of the release mechanism. The clutch device employs a release system in which a release bearing is pushed inward in the axial direction to disengage the clutch , and includes a clutch housing 1, an output rotary member 2, a clutch part 3 to transmit and to interrupt the power between the clutch housing 1 and the output rotary member 2, a pressure plate
4, a diaphragm spring 5, a release member 6, and a restriction mechanism 7 for centering the release member 6 and preventing the release member 6 from rotating. (0068)
The clutch housing 1 has a disc part 10 and a tubular part 11 extending axially outward (rightward in Fig. 1) from the radially outer portion of the disc part 10. An input gear 13 is mounted on the disc part 10 via a plurality of annular rubber members 12. The input gear 13 is engaged with a driving gear (not shown) that is fixed to the crankshaft of the engine. It should be understood that the rubber members 12 are provided to absorb vibrations from the engine. The configuration of the annular rubber members 12 is not necessarily limited to that shown. For example, coil springs can replace the annular rubber members 12. The tubular part 11 has a plurality of recesses dented outward in the radial direction on the inner circumference as shown in Fig. 2, and is formed with circumferentially spaced cutouts extending in the axial direction. The cutouts serve to allow inside lubricating oil to flow radially outward. (0069)
The output rotary member 2 is located radially inward of the clutch housing 1. The output rotary member 2 has a disc shape and is formed with a spline 15 at its radially outer end and a spline bore 16 at its radially inner portion. The spline bore 16 at the radially inner portion is engaged with the input shaft 17 of the transmission. The radially outer portion of the output rotary member 2 is formed with a disc-like friction part 18 as a flange extending radially outward from the axially inner end. In addition, the output rotary member 2 is formed with a plurality of circumferentially spaced support protrusions 2a extending in the axial direction at the radially outer portion of an axially outer surface thereof, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced faucet joint protrusion 2b extending in the axial direction at the radially inner portion thereof, as can be seen from Fig. 2,. (0070)
A support plate 19 is fixed to the output rotary member 2 by rivets
20 so as to support the diaphragm spring 5 on the output rotary member 2. The support plate 19 is an annular member having a radially inner portion supported by the faucet joint protrusions 2b of the output rotary member 2. The radially outer portion of the support plate 19 is formed with an annular support protrusion 19a protruding inward in the axial direction opposing to the support protrusions 2a. A thrust plate 21 is provided between the radially inner portion of the input gear 13 and the radially inner portion of the output rotary member 2. (0071)
The clutch part 3 includes two first clutch plates 25 and one second clutch plate 26 having an annular shape and alternately stacked in the axial direction. The radially outer end of the first clutch plate 25 is formed with a plurality of engagement protrusions extending outward and engaged with the concave portions on the inner circumference of the tubular part 11 of clutch housing 1. The first clutch plate 25 has opposite surfaces to which friction facings are attached. The spline of the radially inner portion of the second clutch plate 26 is engaged with the spline 15 formed at the radially outer end of the output rotary member 2. (0072)
The pressure plate 4 has an annular shape and is located on the outside of first clutch plate 25 farthest outward in the axial direction. The pressure plate 4 is formed with a spline bore 4a at the radially inner portion, with the spline bore 4a being engaged with the outer spline 15 of the output rotary member 2. The pressure plate 4 is formed with an annular protrusion 4b axially extending at a radially outer portion of the axially outer surface, and a press protrusion Ac extending in the axial direction located radially inward of the annular protrusion 4b. The annular protrusion 4b extends outward in the axial direction over the press protrusion 4c. (0073)
The diaphragm spring 5 is an annular plate member having a pressing part 5a as a disc spring at its radially outer portion and a lever part
5b at its radially inner portion for releasing the pressure of the pressing part 5a. The lever part 5b is formed with a contact part 5c projecting outward in the axial direction at the radially inner portion. The diaphragm spring 5 is located such that the radially outer portion of the diaphragm spring 5 is positioned radially inward of the annular protrusion 4b of the pressure plate 4. In the pressing part 5a of the diaphragm spring 5, the radially outer portion is supported by the press protrusion 4c of the pressure plate 4 and the radially inner portion is clamped and supported between the support protrusions 2a of the output rotary member 2 and the support protrusion 19a of the support plate 19. The diaphragm spring 5, as set shown in Fig. 1, urges the pressure plate 4 inward in the axial direction with a predetermined pressure force by an urging force of the disc spring. Accordingly, the first and second clutch plates 25 and 26 of the clutch part 3 are clamped between the friction part 18 of the output rotary member 2 and the pressure plate 4. (0074)
The lever part 5b of the diaphragm spring 5 is comprised of a plurality of levers arranged radially. Formed between circumferentially adjacent two levers is a wide slit, and a part of the output rotary member 2 passes though the slit outward in the axial direction and is in contact with the axially inner surface of the support plate 19. As mentioned before, since the part of the output rotary member 2 passes through the slit of lever part 5b of the diaphragm spring 5, the relative rotation is prohibited between the diaphragm spring 5 and the support plate 19 as well as the output rotary-member 2. (0075)
The release member 6 is an annular plate member and has a radially inner portion holding a release bearing 30. More specifically, the release member 6 is formed with a bearing support part 6a at the axially outer end on the inner circumference and, with which an axially inner shoulder portion of an outer race of the release bearing 30 is engaged. The release member 6 is formed with a plurality of claws 6b extending radially outward at the radially outer portion, as shown in Fig. 2. The claws 6b are located equidistantly in the circumferential direction.
The restriction mechanism 7 is provided, as mentioned before, for centering the release member 6 and prohibiting the rotation of the release member 6, and is composed of a plurality of claws 6b formed at the release member 6 and engagement slots 19b formed at the support plate 19. More specifically, the engagement slots I9b are formed on the inner circumference of the support plate 19 equidistantly in the circumferential direction, and the claws 6b of the release member 6 are engaged with the engagement slots 19b. Since the claws 6b are engaged with the engagement slots 19b, the release member 6 is centered, and the relative rotation of the release member 6 is prohibited from rotating relative to the diaphragm spring 5, the support plate 19, and the output rotary member 2. It is noted that the release member 6 can be centered by an abutment between a radially outer surface of the claws 6b and a radially inner surface of the engagement slot 19b, or by an abutment between circumferentially outer surfaces of the claws 6b and circumferentially inner surfaces of the engagement slots 19b. (0077)
Next, the operation will be described. (0078)
As mentioned before, the pressing part 5a of the diaphragm spring 5, as set shown in Fig. 1, urges the pressure plate 4 inward in the axial direction with a predetermined pressure force. Accordingly, the first and second clutch plates 25 and 26 of the clutch part 3 are clamped between the friction part 18 of the output rotary member 2 and the pressure plate 4. In this clutch engagement state, the drive input from the crankshaft via the input gear 13 and the rubber members 12 is transmitted to the first clutch plates 25 via the clutch housing 1, then from the second clutch plate 26 to the output rotary member 2, and finally to the input shaft 17 of the transmission. (0079)
When the driver grips the clutch lever, the control force is transmitted to the release bearing 30 via clutch wires so as to move the release bearing 30 inward in the axial direction. The travel of
the release bearing 30 is transmitted to the lever part 5b of the diaphragm spring 5 via the release member 6 so as to move the radially inner portion of the lever part 5b inward in the axial direction. Then, the radially outer portion of the pressing part 5a pivots about the radially intermediate portion of diaphragm spring 5, outward in the axial direction, and the pressing part 5a moves away from the press protrusion 4c of the pressure plate 4 . Consequently, the pressure force toward the pressure plate 4 is released, and the clutch part 3 is disengaged. In this clutch disengagement state, the drive from the clutch housing 1 is not transmitted to the output rotary member 2. (0080)
In the aforementioned operation, when the clutch is released, the control force is lessened by the operation of the lever part 5b. More specifically, for example, if pressure force from the pressing part 5a of the diaphragm spring 5 is expressed as P, release load R to be applied to the lever part 5b in order to release the pressure force P is expressed as follows.
R=P X (L1/L2)
LI: a distance from a fulcrum portion in the radially inner portion of the pressing part to a pressing point in the radially outer portion of the pressing part
L2: a distance from the fulcrum portion in the radially inner portion of the pressing part to a portion in the lever part contacting the release member
In other words, the release load is lessened by the lever ratio (L1/L2) . Consequently, if the release load is set to one equivalent to that of the conventional device, the pressure load of the pressing part 5a can be increased by the lever ratio, while if the transmission capacity of the clutch is set to one equivalent to that of the conventional device, the number of the clutch plates can be decreased and as a result the clutch device is made more compact. (0081)
By the engagement between the claws 6b of the release member 6 and the engagement slots 19b of the support plate 19 in this device, the release member 6 is centered, which means that the release member 6 can be centered with a simple structure and the release operation
can be smoothly carried out. In addition, according to a similar reason, since the release member 6 and the diaphragm spring 5 are prohibited from rotating relative to each other, wear at the contact portions between the diaphragm spring 5 and the release member 6 can be restrained, Furthermore, since the support plate 19 is fixed to the output rotary member 2 though the slits of the lever part 5b of the diaphragm spring 5, the relative rotation is prohibited between the diaphragm spring 5 and the output rotary member 2 as well as the support plate 19. As a result, wear at contact portions between the support protrusions 2a and 19a and the diaphragm spring 5 can be restrained.
Furthermore, since the diaphragm spring 5 is supported and positioned in the radial direction by the annular protrusion 4b of the pressure plate 4, the working point fulcrum of the diaphragm spring 5 is always kept to a fixed point, thereby stabilizing spring characteristics of the diaphragm spring 5, clutch pressure force and clutch release force.
(a)	Although the protrusion 4b is provided all around the pressure
plate 4 for supporting the diaphragm spring 5 in the first embodiment,
a plurality of projections may be provided at predetermined intervals
in the circumferential direction for supporting a plurality of radially
outer portions of the diaphragm spring 5 for positioning the diaphragm
spring 5 in the radial direction.
(b)	Although the outer circumference of the diaphragm spring 5
is supported by the protrusion 4b formed at the radially outer periphery
of the pressure plate 4 in the first embodiment, the diaphragm spring
may be supported by another member.
In addition, in this embodiment, although it is necessary to support the diaphragm spring 5 at the radially intermediate portion, i.e., the radially inner portion of the pressing part 5a, since the radially outer portion of the output rotary member 2 supports the diaphragm spring 5 from radially inside, it is possible to support the
diaphragm spring 5 in a simplified manner and in a smaller space compared to a clutch cover support structure of the conventional vehicle clutch device. (0086) [Second Embodiment]
Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shows the second embodiment, in which, only members representing a restriction mechanism are different and other structures are the same compared to the first embodiment. Therefore, only structures different from the first embodiment will be described hereinafter. (0087)
A restriction mechanism 40 is composed of a diaphragm spring 5, a support plate 41, and release member 42. (0088)
The diaphragm spring 5 has a structure similar to that in the first embodiment, and has a pressing part 5a at its radially outer portion and a lever part 5b at its radially inner portion. The lever part 5b is formed with a contact part 5c projecting outward in the axial direction at the radially inner portion. (0089)
The support plate 41 is, as in the first embodiment, fixed to an output rotary member 2 by rivets 20. The support plate 41 is an annular member, and, as in the first embodiment, the radially inner portion is supported by the faucet-joint protrusions 2b of the output rotary member 2. In addition, the support plate 41 has an annular support protrusion 41a at the radially outer portion that projects inward in the axial direction so as to face the support protrusions 2a of the output rotary member. One of different portions from the first embodiment is that the support plate 41 in the second embodiment does not have engagement slots on the inner circumference, as can be seen from Fig. 4. (0090)
The release member 42 is an annular plate member and has a radially inner portion holding a release bearing 30. More specifically, the release member 42 is formed with a bearing support part 42a at the axially outer end on the inner circumference, with which an axially inner
shoulder portion of an outer race of the release bearing 30 is engaged. In addition, the outer circumference of the release member 42 is, as can be seen from Fig. 4, formed in the shape of almost hexagon, and its six portions corresponding to vertices have abutting surfaces 42b, respectively. The abutting surfaces 42b are in contact with the inner circumference of the support plate 41. The release member 42 has an axially inside side surface formed with a plurality of protrusion 42c embossed to project in the axial direction. The protrusion 42c is formed so as to have a width equal to that of slit 5d (refer to Fig. 4) of the diaphragm spring 5. (0091)
As described above, the six radially outer abutting surfaces 42b of the release member 42 are in contact with the inner circumference of the support plate 41 so that the release member 42 is centered. Moreover, the protrusions 42c of the release member 42 are engaged with the slits 5d of the diaphragm spring 5 so that the release member 42 is prohibited from rotating relative to the diaphragm spring 5. Accordingly, a restriction mechanism 40 is constituted by the radially outer abutting surfaces 42b of the release member 42, the inner circumference of the support plate 41, the protrusions 42c of the release member 42 and the slits 5d of the diaphragm spring 5 for positioning the release member 42 in the radial direction and preventing the release member 42 from rotating relatively. (0092) [Third embodiment]
Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 show the third embodiment, in which, only members representing a restriction mechanism are different and other structures are the same compared to the first embodiment. Therefore, only structures different from the first embodiment will be described hereinafter. (0093)
A restriction mechanism 50 is composed of an output rotary member 51 and a release member 52. The output rotary member 51 has a structure similar to the output rotary member 2 in the first embodiment, and only a different point is that the output rotary member 51 is positioned radially inward of the support plate 19. More specifically, the output
rotary member 51 is formed with a spline 15 at its radially outer end and a spline bore 16 at its radially inner portion. The spline bore 16 at the radially inner portion is engaged with the input shaft 17 of the transmission. The radially outer portion of the output rotary member 51 is formed with a disc-like friction part 18 as a flange extending radially outward from the axially inner end. In addition, the output rotary member 51 is formed with a plurality of support protrusions 2a at the radially outer portion of an axially outer surface thereof. A support plate 19 is fixed to the output rotary member 51 by rivets 20. Radially inward of the support plate 19, parts of the output rotary member 51 project outward in the axial direction so as to form claws 51a at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction, as shown in Fig. 6. (0094)
The release member 52 is an annular plate member and has a radially inner portion holding a release bearing 30. More specifically, the release member 52 is formed with a bearing support part 52a at the axially outer end on the inner circumference, with which an axially inner shoulder portion of an outer race of the release bearing 30 is engaged. In addition, the outer circumference of the release member 52 is, as can be seen from Fig. 6, formed with a plurality of recesses 52b at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction with which the claws 51a of the output rotary member 51 are engaged. (0095)
As described above, the claws 51a of the output rotary member 51 are engaged with the recesses 52b of the release member 52 so that the release member 52 is centered and is prohibited from rotating relative to the diaphragm spring 5. As a result, the restriction mechanism 50 is constituted by the claws 51a of the output rotary member 51 and the recesses 52b of the release member 52 for centering and release member 52 and prohibiting the rotation of the release member 52. (0096) [Fourth embodiment]
Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 show the fourth embodiment, in which, a main different point is a rotation restriction mechanism 70 for prohibiting the diaphragm spring 5 from rotating compared to the first embodiment.
Therefore, only the rotation restriction mechanism 70 will be described hereinafter, and the other structures are basically the same with those in the first embodiment-(0098)
The rotation restriction mechanism 70 is composed of slits 4d formed in the pressure plate 4 and three claws 5d formed at the radially outer portion of the diaphragm spring 5. (0099)
More specifically, the annular protrusion 4b of the pressure plate 4 is formed with slits 4d at three positions at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction. The diaphragm spring 5 is formed with the three claws 5d projecting outward in the radial direction at the radially outer end of the pressing part 5a, as can be seen from Fig. 8, with the three claws 5d being engaged with the slits 4d of the pressure plate 4 respectively. (0100)
The lever part 5b of the diaphragm spring 5 is comprised of a plurality of levers arranged radially, as mentioned in the former embodiment. Formed between circumferentially adjacent levers are wider slits, and a plurality of bosses 2c (refer to Fig. 7), formed on parts of the output rotary member 2 so as to project outward in the axial direction, pass though the slits outward in the axial direction to be in contact with the axially inner surface of the support plate 19. (0101)
In the above-described structure, the three claws 5d of the diaphragm spring 5 are engaged with the three slits 4d formed at pressure plate 4 so that the diaphragm spring 5 is prohibited from rotating relative to the output rotary member 2. As a result, wear of the support protrusion 2a of the output rotary member 2 for supporting the diaphragm spring 5 and the support protrusion 19a of the support plate 19 is reduced. (0102)
Furthermore, the bosses 2c of the output rotary member 2 pass through the slits of the diaphragm spring 5 so that when the diaphragm
spring 5 is moved by the clutch operation, the diaphragm spring 5 and the bosses 2c of the output rotary member 2 move in the axial direction relative to each other. Accordingly, when the diaphragm spring 5 rotates relative to the output rotary member 2, upon the diaphragm spring 5 moves in the axial direction, the diaphragm spring 5 and the bosses 2c slide against each other, generating the frictional resistance to fluctuate the hysteresis torque. (0103)
However, in this embodiment, since the diaphragm spring 5 and pressure plate 4 are engaged with each other so that the diaphragm spring 5 and the output rotary member 2 are prohibited from rotating relative to each other, thereby avoiding contacts between both member- As a result, hysteresis torque is stable. (0104) [Fifth embodiment]
Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 show the fifth embodiment, in which, only members representing a restriction mechanism is different and other structures are the same compared to the fourth embodiment. Therefore, only the different structure from the fourth embodiment will be described hereinafter. (0105)
A rotation restriction mechanism 40 is composed, as mentioned in the former embodiment, of a pressure plate and a diaphragm spring, and only a structure of the pressure plate and the number of claws formed in the diaphragm spring are different from those in the first embodiment. More specifically, the pressure plate 4 in this embodiment is not formed with the annular protrusion 4b of the pressure plate 4 in the first embodiment. As can be seen from Fig. 10, the pressure plate 4 is formed with five engagement boss portions 41a locally corresponding to the five claws 5d of the diaphragm spring 5, each of the engagement boss portions 41a being formed with slit 41b with which each of the claws 5d is engaged. (0106)
In the above-described structure, the claws 5d of the diaphragm spring 5 are engaged with the slits 41b of the pressure plate 4 so that the diaphragm spring 5 is prohibited from rotating relative to the output
rotary member 2. As a result, wear of the support protrusion 2a of the output rotary member 2 and the support protrusion 19a of the support plate 19 for supporting the diaphragm spring 5 are reduced, as mentioned in the former embodiment. In addition, the hysteresis torque is stable. (0107) [Sixth embodiment]
Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 show the sixth embodiment. In this embodiment, a clip 72 is provided for reducing vibrations of the release member 6, which is a main difference from the first embodiment. (0108)
The clip 72 and associated portions will be described hereinafter because other components are basically the same with those in the first embodiment. (0109)
The clip 72 is a member for limiting the axial travel of the release member 6 in order to reduce its vibrations, as described above. The clip 72 is composed of a plate member that is small in thickness and elastically deformable. The clip 72 is a T-piece as can be seen from Fig. 12. In other words, the clip 72 is composed of a fixing portion 72a extending in the circumferential direction of the support plate 19 and a pressing portion 72b extending from the fixing portion 72a inward in the radial direction. The fixing portion 72a has both longitudinal ends fixed to the support plate 19 by rivets 20, which also fix the support plate 19 to the output rotary member 2 . The pressing portion 72b is attached to the fixing portion 72a such that the pressing portion 72b is elastically deformed and can be further deformed so that the pressing portion 72b presses against engagement protrusions 6b of the release member 6 from the outside to the inside in the axial direction As described above, the release member 6 is pinched between the clip 72 and the contact portions 5c of the diaphragm spring 5 so that the vibrations of the release member 6 are reduced while driving. (0110)
As described above, since the release member 6 is pinched between the support plate 19 and the clip 72 by the clip 72, the vibrations of the release member 5 are reduced. As a result, the clutch release travels are not varied, and the clutch release performance is improved.
Additionally, it is possible to prevent the release member 6 from dropping off when the device is transported, because the release member 6 and other members are unitized by the clip 72. (0111) [Seventh embodiment]
Fig. 13 shows the seventh embodiment. In this embodiment, only a shape of the clip is different and other components are the same from and with those in the sixth embodiment. (0112)
A clip 7 4 in the seventh embodiment is composed of an annular fixing portion 74a, and a plurality of pressing portion 74b extending from the fixing portion 74a inward in the radial direction. The fixing portion 74a is fixed to the support plate 19 by rivets 20, which also fix the support plate 19 to the output rotary member 2. The pressing portion 74b is attached to the fixing portion 74a such that the pressing portion 7 4b can be further deformed so that the pressing portion 74b presses against the engagement protrusions 6b of the release member 6 from the outside to the inside in the axial direction. As described above, the release member 6 is pinched between the clip 74 and the contact portions 5c of the diaphragm spring 5 so that the vibrations of the release member 6 are reduced while driving. (0113) [Eighth embodiment]
Fig. 14 shows the eighth embodiment. (0114)
Fig. 14 shows one embodiment of the motorcycle clutch devices according to the present invention. The motorcycle clutch device transmits power from the crankshaft of the engine to the transmission and interrupts power transmission by the operation of the release mechanism. The motorcycle clutch device comprises a clutch housing 101, an output rotary member 102, a clutch part 103 for transmitting and interrupting the power between the clutch housing 101 and the output rotary member 102, a pressure plate 104, a diaphragm spring 105, a release member 106. (0115)
The clutch housing 101 has a disc part 110 and a tubular part 111 extending axially outward (rightward in Fig. 14) from the radially outer end of the disc part 110. An input gear 113 is mounted on the disc part 110 via a plurality of annular rubber members 112. The input gear 113 is engaged with a driving gear (not shown) that is fixed to the crankshaft of the engine. It should be understood that the rubber members 112 are provided to absorb vibrations from the engine. The configuration of the annular rubber members 112 is not necessarily limited to that shown. For example, coil springs can replace the annular rubber members 112. The tubular part 111 has a plurality of recesses dented outward in the radial direction on the inner circumference, and is formed with circumferentially spaced cutouts 111b extending in the axial direction. The cutouts 111b serve to allow inside lubricating oil to flow radially outward. (0116)
The output rotary member 102 is located radially inward of the clutch housing 101. The output rotary member 102 has a disc shape and is formed with a spline 115 at its radially cuter end and a spline bore 115 at its radially inner portion. The spline bore 116 at the radially inner portion is engaged with the input shaft 117 of the transmission. The output rotary member 102 is locked to the input shaft 117 by a nut 117a that is tightened to the tip of the input shaft 117 such that the output rotary member 102 can not move in the axial direction. The radially outer portion of the output rotary member 102 is formed with a disc-like friction part 118 as a flange extending radially outward from the axially inner end. Furthermore, the output rotary member 102 is formed with a plurality of bosses 102a at the radially outer portion of the axially outer surface, the bosses 102a being spaced in the circumferential direction and extending in the axial direction. At the radially inner portion of the boss 102a, formed is a faucet joint protrusion 102b further extending in the axial direction. (0117)
A support plate 119 is fixed to the bosses 102a of the output rotary member 102 by bolts 120 so as to support the diaphragm spring 105 on
the output rotary member 102 . The support plate 119 is an annular member having a radially inner portion supported by the faucet joint protrusions 102b of the output rotary member 102. The radially outer portion of the support plate 119 is formed with an annular support protrusion 119a protruding inward in the axial direction. A thrust plate 121 is provided between the radially inner portion of the input gear 113 and the radially inner portion of the output rotary member 102. (0118)
The clutch part 103 includes two first clutch plates 125 and one second clutch plate 126 having an annular shape and alternately stacked in the axial direction. The radially outer end of the first clutch plate 125 is formed with a plurality of engagement protrusions extending outward and engaged with the concave portions on the inner circumference of the tubular part 111 of clutch housing 101. The first clutch plate 125 has opposite surfaces to which friction facings are attached. The spline of the radially inner portion of the second clutch plate 126 is engaged with the spline 115 formed at the radially outer end of the output rotary member 102. (0119)
The pressure plate 104 has an annular shape and is located on the outside of the first clutch plate 125 farthest outward in the axial direction. The pressure plate 104 is formed with a plurality of teeth 104a projecting inward in the axial direction at the radially inner portion, being engaged with the outer spline 115 of the output rotary member 102. The pressure plate 104 is formed with an annular projection 104b axially extending at a radially outer portion of the axially outer surface, and the annular projection 104b is formed with a plurality of slits 104c. The pressure plate 104 is formed with a press protrusion 104d extending in the axial direction located at the radially inner portion of the axially outer surface. The annular projection 104b extends outward in the axial direction over the press protrusion 104d. (0120)
The diaphragm spring 105 is an annular plate member having a pressing part 105a as a disc spring at its radially outer portion and a lever part 105b at its radially inner portion for releasing the pressure of the pressing part 105a. In addition, the pressing part 105a is formed with a plurality of engagement claws 105c at the radially outer end, and the lever part 105b is formed with a plurality of engagement inner teeth 105d at the radially inner end, with the engagement claws 105c being engaged with the slits 104c in the projection 104b of the pressure plate 104. In the pressing part 105a of the diaphragm spring 105, the radially outer portion is supported by the support protrusion 119a of the support plate 119 and the radially inner portion presses the press protrusion 104d of the pressure plate 104. (0121)
The diaphragm spring 105, as set shown in Fig. 14, urges the pressure plate 104 inward in the axial direction with a predetermined pressure force by an urging force of the disc spring. Accordingly, the first and second clutch plates 125 and 126 of the clutch part 103 are clamped between the friction part 118 of the output rotary member 102 and the pressure plate 104. (0122)
The lever part 105b of the diaphragm spring 105 is comprised of a plurality of levers arranged radially. Formed between circumferentially adjacent two levers are a wider slit, and the bosses 102a of the output rotary member 102 pass though the slits outward in the axial direction. (0123)
The release member 106 is an annular member and has a radially inner portion holding a release bearing 130. More specifically, an outer race of the release bearing 130 is fitted into the inner circumference of the release member 106 and a stopper ring 131 is attached to the inner surface of the release'bearing 130 outward of the outer race in the axial direction. An axially outer shoulder of the outer race is in contact with the stopper ring 131. The release member 106 is formed with engagement outer teeth 106a on the outer circumference, with which the inner teeth 105d formed at the radially
inner portion of the diaphragm spring 105 are engaged. Furthermore, the release member 106 is formed with a contact part 106b projecting outward at the axially inner end on the outer circumference, and a stopper ring 132 is disposed with a distance outward of the contact part 106b in the axial direction, with the radially inner portion of the lever part 105b of the diaphragm spring 105 being sandwiched between the contact part 106b and the stopper ring 132. The release bearing 130 is adapted to be moved outward in the axial direction by the operation of the clutch lever of the motorcycle. (0124)
Next, the operation will be described. (0125)
As mentioned before, the pressing part 105a of the diaphragm spring 105, as set shown in Fig. 14, urges the pressure plate 104 inward in the axial direction with a predetermined pressure force by an urging force of the disc spring. Accordingly, the first and second clutch plates 125 and 126 of the clutch part 103 are clamped between the friction part 118 of the output rotary member 102 and the pressure plate 104. In this state, the clutch is engaged so that the drive input from the crankshaft via the input gear 113 and the rubber members 112 is transmitted to the first clutch plates 125 via the clutch housing 101, then from the second clutch plate 126 to the output rotary member 102, and finally to the input shaft 117 of the transmission. (0125)
When the driver grips the clutch lever, the control force is transmitted to the release bearing 130 via clutch wires so as to move the release bearing 130 outward in the axial direction. The travel of the release bearing 130 is transmitted to lever part 105b of the diaphragm spring 105 via the release member 106 so as to move the radially inner portion of the lever part 105b outward in the axial direction. Then, the radially inner portion of the pressing part 105a pivots about the radially outer portion of diaphragm spring 105, i.e., a portion supported by the support protrusion 119a of the support plate 119, outward in the axial direction, and the pressing part 105a moves away from the press protrusion 104d of the pressure plate 104 . Consequently,
the pressure force toward the pressure plate 104 is released, and the clutch part 103 is disengaged. In this state, the drive from the clutch housing 101 is not transmitted to the output rotary member 102. (0127)
When the clutch is released, the control force is lessened by the operation of the lever part 105b. More specifically, for example, if pressure force from the pressing part 105a of the diaphragm spring 105 is expressed as P, release load R to be applied to the lever part 105b in order to release the pressure force P is expressed as follows.
LI: a distance from a fulcrum portion in the radially outer portion of the pressing part to a pressing point in the radially inner portion of the pressing part
L2 : a distance from a fulcrum portion in the radially outer portion of the pressing part to a portion in the lever part contacting the release member
In other words, the release load is lessened by the lever ratio (L1/L2) . Consequently, if the release load is set to one equivalent to that of the conventional device, the pressure load of the pressing part 105a can be increased by the lever ratio, while if the transmission capacity of the clutch is set to one equivalent to that of the conventional device, the number of the clutch plates can be decreased and as a result the clutch device is made more compact. (0128)
Furthermore, in this device, when the release member 10 6 is operated for clutch release, the control force is transmitted to the output rotary member 102 via the diaphragm spring 105 and the support plate 119- Since the output rotary member 102 is fixed to the input shaft 117 by the nut 117a such that the member 102 can not move in the axial direction, the release control force is finally received by the nut 117a and the input shaft 117. As a result, the release control force is not applied to a member composing the clutch device, such as the thrust plate 121 so that each of the members is unlikely to be worn or damaged. (0129)
Since the inner teeth 105d at the tip of the lever part 105b and
the outer teeth 106a of the release member 106 are engaged in this device in order to prohibit the relative rotation between the diaphragm spring 105 and the release member 106, wear at the contact portions between the diaphragm spring 105 and the release member 106 is restrained. Furthermore, since the radially outer portion of the diaphragm spring 105 is supported by the projection 104b of the pressure plate 104, the diaphragm spring 105 is precisely centered with a simple structure, thereby stabilizing spring characteristics. Furthermore, since the claws 105c at the radially outer end of the diaphragm spring 105 are engaged with the slits 104c of the pressure plate 104, the relative rotation between them is prohibited, thereby restraining wear at their contact portions. (0130)
Furthermore, in this device, since the diaphragm spring 105 is supported by the support plate 119 fixed to the output rotary member 102, it is possible to support the diaphragm spring 105 within a relatively small space in the axial direction. (0131) [Other embodiments]
Although in the aforementioned embodiment the drive is input from the input gear and is output to the output rotary member, the present invention can be applied to another case wherein the driveline is reverse as well. (0132) [Industrial applicability]
According to a motorcycle clutch device as a first aspect of the present invention, since a member to support the release mechanism is centered and is prohibited from rotating relative to the pressing member, it is possible to perform the release operation smoothly for long periods. (0133)
According to a motorcycle clutch device as a second aspect of the present invention, wear of the pressing member and a member to support the pressing member can be reduced by prohibiting the relative rotation between the pressing member and the member to support the pressing member . In addition, reducing the contact between the pressing member and the
member to support the pressing member can stabilize the hysteresis torque.
According to a motorcycle clutch device as a third aspect of the present invention, the vibrations of the release member is reduced so that the variations of the clutch release travel can be reduced, thereby improving the clutch release performance. In addition, pressing the release member by the clip prevents the release member from dropping off when the device is transported.
According to a motorcycle clutch device as a fourth aspect of the present invention, by stabilizing the radial position of the pressing member, e.g., the diaphragm spring, the clutch pressure force and the clutch release force (release control force) in the spring characteristics are stabilized.
According to a motorcycle clutch device as a fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce wear due to the release control force, in a clutch device in which a lever mechanism is utilized for the clutch operation, especially, in a pull-type clutch device.
[Title of Document] Claims
1.	(amended) A motorcycle clutch device for transmitting power
from an input member to an output member and interrupting power
transmission by the operation of a release mechanism, comprising:
a clutch housing being connected to one of the input member and the output member;
a rotary member being located radially inward of the clutch housing and connected to the other of the input member and the output member;
a clutch part including at least one plate member to transmit and to interrupt power between the clutch housing and the rotary member;
a pressure plate being configured to press plate members of the clutch part against one another;
a pressing member including a pressing part being configured to press the pressure plate and a lever part to release a pressure force from the pressing part through amplification of power of the release mechanism by a predetermined lever ratio;
an annular release member for holding the release mechanism and transmitting the operation force of the release mechanism to the lever part; and
a restriction mechanism for centering the release member and prohibiting the release member from rotating relative to the pressing member,
the restriction mechanism centering the release member by attaching its radially outer portion of the release member to the rotary member.
2.	(amended) A motorcycle clutch device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member is a diaphragm spring which has the pressing part at its radially outer portion and the lever part at its radially inner portion.
3.	(amended) A motorcycle clutch device according to claim 1, wherein the rotary member has a friction part facing the pressure plate at a radially outer portion thereof, and
the clutch part includes a first clutch plate engaged with the clutch housing and a second clutch plate engaged with the rotary member,
the first and second clutch plates being adapted to be clamped between the friction part of the rotary member and the pressure plate.
4.	(amended) A motorcycle clutch device according to claim 2,
wherein the diaphragm spring is constructed such that the pressing part
has a radially outer portion adapted to press the pressure plate and
a radially inner portion supported by a radially outer portion of the
rotary member, and
a radially inner portion of the lever part is adapted to be moved toward the pressure plate by the release mechanism.
5.	(amended) A motorcycle clutch device according to claim 1,
wherein the release member is an annular member having a plurality of
claws extending radially outward at a radially outer end thereof,
the rotary member is connected to the pressing member unrotatably, and has a rotary member main body, and a support plate fixed to the rotary member main body for supporting the pressing member with the rotary member main body,
the support plate has a radially inner portion formed with a plurality of engagement slots with which the claws of the release member are engaged, and
the restriction mechanism is constituted by the claws and the engagement slots.
6.	(amended) A motorcycle clutch device according to claim 1,
wherein the release member is an annular member having a side surface
formed with a plurality of protrusions projecting in the axial
the pressing member has a plurality of slits with which the protrusions of the release member are engaged,
the rotary member is connected to the pressing member unrotatably, and has a rotary member main body, and an annular support plate fixed to the rotary member main body for supporting the pressing member with the rotary member main body, and
the restriction mechanism is constituted by an outer circumference of the release member, an inner circumference of the support plate with which the outer circumference of the release member is in contact, the protrusions, and the slits.
7.	(amended) A motorcycle clutch device according to claim 1,
wherein the release member is an annular member having a radially outer portion formed with a plurality of recesses dented inward in the radial direction,
the rotary member is connected to the pressing member unrotatably, and has a plurality of claws which are engaged with the recesses of the release member, and
the restriction mechanism is constituted by the recesses and the claws.
8.	(amended) A motorcycle clutch device for transmitting power
a disc-like rotary member being located radially inward of the clutch housing and connected to the other of the input member and the output member;
a pressing member being supported by the rotary member, and including a pressing part being configured to press the pressure plate and a lever part to release a pressure force from the pressing part through amplification of power of the release mechanism by a predetermined lever ratio; and
a rotation prevention mechanism for preventing the pressing member from rotating relative to the rotary member,
the relative rotation of the pressing member being prohibiting from rorating relative to the rotary member and positioning the pressing member in the radial direction by engaging the pressing plate with the radially outer portion of the pressing member.
9.	(amended) A motorcycle clutch device according to claim 8^
wherein the pressing member has a claw at a radially outer portion
the pressure plate, which is engaged with the rotary member unrotatably, has a slit with which the claw of the pressing member is
the rotation prevention mechanism is constituted by the claw of the pressing member and the slit of the pressure plate.
10.	(amended) A motorcycle clutch device according to claim 9,
wherein the claw projects outward in the radial direction at the radially
outer portion of the pressing member, and
the pressure plate has a projection projecting in the axial direction to support the radially outer portion of the pressing member, and the slit is formed at the projection.
11.	(amended) A motorcycle clutch device according to claim 10, wherein the projection of the pressure plate is annular.
12.	(amended) A motorcycle clutch device for transmitting power from an input member to an output member and interrupting power transmission by the operation of a release mechanism, comprising:
a pressing member being supported by the rotary member, and including a pressing part being configured to press the pressure plate and a lever part to release a pressure force from the pressing part through amplification of power of the release mechanism by a predetermined lever ratio;
a release member for holding the release mechanism and transmitting the operation power of the release mechanism to the lever part; and
a vibration reduction mechanism for reducing vibrations of the release member,
the vibration reduction mechanism being connected with the rotary member and being an elastically deformable clip for holding the release member by pinching the release member between the pressing
member and the clip tor.
13. (amended) A motorcycle clutch device according to claim 12, wherein the rotary member has a rotary member main body, and a support plate fixed to the rotary member main body for supporting the pressing member between the rotary member main body and the support plate, and
the clip has a fixing portion attached to the support plate, and a pressing portion extending from the fixing portion and elastically deformable for urging a side surface of the release member toward the pressing member.
14.(amended) A motorcycle clutch device according to claim 14, wherein the fixing portion of the clip is configured to be annular, and the pressing portion of the clip extends from the annular fixing portion inward in the radial direction to urge the side surface of the release member.
15. (amended) A motorcycle clutch device for transmitting power from an input member to an output member and interrupting power transmission by the operation of a release mechanism, comprising:
a rotary member being located radially inward of the clutch housing and connected to the other of the input member and the output member, and being provided with a spline on its radially outer portion;
a pressure plate having spline bore formed on its radially inner portion for engaging with the spline on its radially outer portion of the rotary member and being configured to press plate members of the clutch part against one another;
a pressing member including a pressing part being configured to press the pressure plate and a lever part to release a pressure force from the pressing part through amplification of power of the release mechanism by a predetermined lever ratio; and
a support portion for supporting the pressing member in the radial direction and positioning the pressing member in the radial direction.
the support portion for supporting the pressing member being composed of protrusions projecting in the axial direction from the radially outer portion of the pressure plate toward the pressing member, and the pressing member being supported at its radially outer portion side of the protrusions in the axial direction and positioned in the
lb 16 (amended) A motorcycle clutch device for transmitting power from an input member to an output member and interrupting power transmission by the operation of a release mechanism, comprising:
a rotary member being located radially inward of the clutch housing having a totary member body being connected to the other of the input member and the output member such that the rotary member can not move relatively in the axial direction and the support plate being fixed to the rotary member main body;
a pressure plate being configured to press plate members of the clutch part against one another; and
a pressing member including a pressing part being configured to press the pressure plate and a lever part to release a pressure force from the pressing part through amplification of power of the release mechanism by a predetermined lever ratio,
the pressing part has a radially outer portion supported by the support plate of the rotary member and a radially inner portion adapted to press the pressure plate, and a radially inner portion of the lever part is adapted to be moved away from the pressure plate by the release mechanism.
17. (amended) A motorcycle clutch device according to claim 19, wherein the rotary member main body of the rotary member is provided with the clutch part, the support plate of the rotary member is located so as to dispose the pressing member between the pressure plate and the support plate.
21. (amended) A motorcycle clutch device according to claim 20, wherein the lever part of a pressing member is formed with a plurality of slits radially,
the rotary member main body has a boss passing through the slit up to a side of the pressing member opposite the pressure plate, and
the support plate is fixed to an axial end surface of the boss.
5654-CHENP-2007 AMENDED PAGES OF SPECIFICATION 29-08-2011.pdf
5654-CHENP-2007 AMENDED CLAIMS 29-08-2011.pdf
5654-CHENP-2007 CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS 12-07-2011.pdf
5654-chenp-2007 form-3 29-08-2011.pdf
5654-CHENP-2007 OTHER PATENT DOCUMENT 29-08-2011.pdf
5654-CHENP-2007 POWER OF ATTORNEY 29-08-2011.pdf
5654-CHENP-2007 EXAMINATION REPORT REPLY RECEIVED 29-08-2011.pdf
5654-CHENP-2007 FORM-18.pdf
5654-chenp-2007-abstract.pdf
5654-chenp-2007-claims.pdf
5654-chenp-2007-correspondnece-others.pdf
5654-chenp-2007-description(complete).pdf
5654-chenp-2007-drawings.pdf
5654-chenp-2007-form 1.pdf
5654-chenp-2007-form 18.pdf
5654-chenp-2007-form 3.pdf
5654-chenp-2007-form 5.pdf
5654-chenp-2007-pct.pdf
5654/CHENP/2007
1-1, KIDAMOTOMIYA 1-CHOME, NEYAGAWA-SHI, OSAKA 572-8570, JAPAN.
1 TERABAYASHI, HITOSHI C/O EXEDY CORPORATION, 1-1, KIDAMOTOMIYA 1-CHOME, NEYAGAWA-SHI, OSAKA 572-8570, JAPAN.
2 ABE, MINORU C/O EXEDY CORPORATION, 1-1, KIDAMOTOMIYA 1-CHOME, NEYAGAWA-SHI, OSAKA 572-8570, JAPAN.
3 IMANISHI, YOSHIO C/O EXEDY CORPORATION, 1-1, KIDAMOTOMIYA 1-CHOME, NEYAGAWA-SHI, OSAKA 572-8570, JAPAN.
F16D23/14
PCT/JP2006/309018
1 2005-136365 2005-05-09 Japan
2 2005-136363 2005-05-09 Japan
3 2005-136362 2005-05-09 Japan
4 2005-136364 2005-05-09 Japan
5 2005-139487 2005-05-12 Japan