JP2001193762A - Power clutch device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power clutch device having simple and compact construction permitting the arrangement of a pilot clutch in proximity to a main clutch. SOLUTION: The power clutch device having the main clutch 7 connected via a pressure ring 6 which is moved via cam mechanisms 2, 6c in the axial direction by the differential operation of differential rotating members generated by the connection of the power pilot clutch 8 comprises the power pilot clutch 8 and the main clutch 7 arranged on the inner periphery of the pressure ring 6. The arrangement of the pilot clutch 8 in proximity to the main clutch 7 is permitted, the operation of the pilot clutch 8 is ensured in simple construction, and the compact length in the axial direction is achieved. A lug 6A can be engraved in the inner periphery of the easy-to-manufacture pressure ring 6 for the arrangement of an outer plate 7A for the pilot clutch 8 and the main clutch 7, resulting in lower cost.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention has a main clutch connected by a pressure ring which moves in an axial direction via a cam mechanism by a differential between differential rotating members generated by connection of a power type pilot clutch. The power clutch device is preferably applied to a differential lock device or a differential limiting device, but can be applied to a clutch device between various differential members.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A power clutch having a main clutch connected by a pressure ring which moves in an axial direction via a cam mechanism by a differential between differential rotating members generated by connection of a power pilot clutch of this kind. Various devices have been proposed. For example, there is a proposal proposed by the present applicant in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 8-3737. This relates to a power transmission device provided with a differential device having a differential lock mechanism, in which a stationary-side diaphragm supplied with air axially rotates a rotation-side clutch ring to connect a dog clutch which is a pilot clutch, The ring that rotates together with the side gear and the ring that rotates together with the side gear in the differential gear mechanism causes the ring to axially move via a dog clutch by a cam action between the clutch ring and the differential case. The differential clutch is configured to be engaged by engaging a main clutch arranged in the vehicle.

[0003]

However, in such a power type clutch device, since the power type pilot clutch portion and the main clutch portion are disposed relatively far apart, the axial length of the device becomes large. In addition, an interlocking mechanism for transmitting the initial movement in the pilot clutch unit to the main clutch unit tends to be complicated.

Accordingly, the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems of the conventional power clutch device and provides a power clutch device having a simple and compact structure capable of disposing the pilot clutch and the main clutch in close proximity.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention provides a main clutch connected by a pressure ring which moves axially via a cam mechanism by a differential between differential rotating members generated by connection of a power type pilot clutch. , Wherein the power-operated pilot clutch and the main clutch are disposed on an inner peripheral portion of a pressure ring. The present invention also provides a power clutch device including a main clutch connected by a pressure ring that moves in an axial direction via a cam mechanism by a differential between differential rotating members generated by connection of a power pilot clutch. The power type pilot clutch is disposed on the inner peripheral portion of the pressure ring, and the main clutch is disposed between the differential rotating members. The present invention also provides
The coupling force of the main clutch can be controlled by separating the main clutch from the power type pilot clutch. Further, the present invention is characterized in that the power of the power type pilot clutch is an electromagnetic force, and these are used as means for solving the problem.

[0006]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a power clutch device according to the present invention, and is an overall sectional view of an upper half of an example applied to a differential lock device. In this embodiment,
A power type clutch device comprising a main clutch connected by a pressure ring which moves in an axial direction via a cam mechanism by a differential between differential rotating members generated by connection of a power type pilot clutch. And a main clutch disposed on an inner peripheral portion of the pressure ring, which is an example applied to a differential lock device. More specifically, a driving force from an engine (not shown) is transmitted to the differential case 1 via a driving pinion gear and a ring gear. The differential case 1 is a left middle right differential case 1A, 1B and 1 divided into three in the axial direction.
C is fastened, and the input from the differential case 1 is transmitted through a plurality of pinion gears 3 supported by a pinion shaft 2 orthogonal to the rotation axis of the differential case 1, and a pair of left and right side gears 4 meshing from both sides thereof. 5 and transmitted.

A pressure ring 6 is disposed between the differential case 1 and the rear surface of the pinion gear 3, and the pressure ring 6 is connected to the pinion shaft 2 forming a cam mechanism by a differential generated between the differential ring and the pinion shaft 2. It can move in the axial direction by the cam action with the cam portion 6C. In the present embodiment, a power-operated pilot clutch 8 and a main clutch 7 are arranged on the inner periphery of the pressure ring 6. That is, the power-operated pilot clutch 8 and the main clutch 7, which are composed of a multi-plate clutch, are disposed adjacent to each other in the axial direction between the lug 6A on the inner peripheral surface of the pressure ring 6 and the lug 4A on the outer peripheral surface of the left side gear 4. The power-operated pilot clutch 8 includes an outer plate 8A that rotates together with the pressure ring 6, and an inner plate 8B that rotates together with the left side gear 4, and the main clutch 7 includes the pressure ring 6 and the inner ring 8B. The outer plate 7A that rotates together with the left side gear 4 and the inner plate 7B that rotates together are alternately arranged. Electromagnetic force is used as actuator power for operating pilot clutch 8 in the present embodiment.

When the armature 10 is attracted by the excitation of the electromagnet 9 installed on the stationary member, the pilot clutch 8 is engaged. Thus, when the left side gear 4, which is a differential rotating member, rotates the pressure ring 6 via the pilot clutch 8, a differential is generated between the pressure ring 6 and the differential case 1, that is, the pinion shaft 2, and the pinion The pressure ring 6 is axially moved by the cam action between the shaft 2 and the cam portion 6C, and the main clutch 7
And the adjacent pilot clutch 7
At the same time to lock the fastening. by this,
A differential lock state in which the left side gear 4, the pressure ring 6, and the differential case 1 are integrated appears.

Thus, according to the present embodiment, the pilot clutch 8 and the main clutch 7 can be arranged adjacent to each other, and the operation as the pilot clutch is ensured by a simple structure, and the axial length is also large. A compact structure can be realized without any modification. In addition, a lug for arranging the outer plates of the pilot clutch 8 and the main clutch 7 may be formed on the inner periphery of the pressure ring 6 which is easy to manufacture, and the cost is reduced. When the electromagnet 9 is used as the actuator of the pilot clutch 8, the initial operating force of the pilot clutch 8 for obtaining a large differential lock engagement force by the main clutch 7 is a small electromagnetic force, and the device is more compact.

With this configuration, during normal straight running, the pinion gear 3 receives a predetermined driving force from the differential case 1 and transmits the driving force evenly to each of the left and right side gears. When an excessive differential action is attempted to occur due to single-wheel idling or the like, only the torque corresponding to the road surface resistance of the wheel is transmitted to the high-speed wheel side. When the driving resistance of the wheels is large, the pilot clutch 8 is engaged by exciting the electromagnet 9 by a manual operation or an automatic operation (not shown) between the pinion gear 3 and the side gear 4 and the left side gear 4 Axial direction of pressure ring 5 by cam action of cam portion 6C of pressure ring 6 integrated with pinion shaft 2 of differential case 1 By moving to the side, the pilot clutch 8 adjacent and at the same time presses the main clutch 7
And a so-called differential lock state is established, the driving force is transmitted to the low-speed wheels, and the escape performance on rough roads is improved. Reference numeral 11 denotes a return spring of the pressure ring 6 disposed between the end surface of the pressure ring 6 and the inner surface of the differential case 1A.

FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the power clutch device according to the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an upper half of an example applied to a differential lock device, showing an embodiment. The present embodiment relates to a power clutch device including a main clutch connected by a pressure ring that moves in an axial direction via a cam mechanism by a differential between differential rotating members generated by connection of a power pilot clutch. The power-driven pilot clutch is disposed on the inner peripheral portion of the pressure ring and the main clutch is disposed between the differential rotating members, and is an example applied to a differential lock device. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the main clutch 7 is disposed between the differential rotating members, that is, between the differential case 1 and the left side gear 4.

The power-operated pilot clutch 8 is provided with the first
As in the embodiment, an outer plate 8A that rotates together with the pressure ring 6 and an inner plate 8B that rotates together with the left side gear 4 are alternately arranged, but the main clutch 7 is a differential case 1B. The outer plate 7A that rotates together with the left side gear 4 and the inner plate 7B that rotates together are alternately arranged. With such a configuration, the differential lock function is exhibited under the same behavior as that of the first embodiment. However, in the present embodiment, the thrust force generated by the differential lock is , The differential case 1 on the main clutch 7 side
B and the pressure ring 6 on the pilot clutch 8 side.
There is no need to increase the strength of the device, and the cost is reduced.

FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of the power clutch device according to the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows an embodiment and is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an example applied to a differential limiting device. This embodiment is characterized in that, in the second embodiment, the main clutch is separated from the power-operated pilot clutch so that the engagement force of the main clutch can be controlled. In the present embodiment, a stopper 12 regulated by a snap ring 13 is installed on the pilot clutch 8 side of the lug 1D on the inner peripheral surface of the differential case 1B with which the outer plate 7A group of the main clutch 7 is lug-engaged. is there. With this configuration, the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments can be obtained, and a stopper can be provided when the main clutch 7 is fastened by the axial movement of the pressure ring 6 (to the left in the drawing). The main clutch 7 is engaged with the pilot clutch 8 separately from the contact with the pilot clutch 8 by the contact with the pilot clutch 12. Therefore, unlike the first and second embodiments, the differential lock operation by the complete lock based on the integral engagement of the pilot clutch 8 and the main clutch 7 is not performed, and the pilot clutch 8 reduces the differential between the differential rotating members. Since the main clutch 7 is separated from the main clutch 7 merely by being involved in the initial operation to be generated, the main clutch 7 can independently perform its own control of the fastening force, that is, a differential limiting operation capable of obtaining an appropriate differential limiting force. If the gap between the pressure ring 6 and the inner surface of the differential case 1A and the position of the stopper 12 are appropriately selected, a differential lock by complete fastening is also possible.

FIG. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the power clutch device according to the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows an embodiment and is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an example applied to a differential limiting device. In the present embodiment, the third
As in the case of the embodiment, the main clutch is separated from the power-operated pilot clutch so that the engagement force of the main clutch can be controlled. In the present embodiment, as a configuration for separating the main clutch from the power-operated pilot clutch, a spacer 20 is provided between the pressure ring 6 and the inner surface of the differential case 1A.
A ring 14 is provided between the main clutch 7 and the inner surface of the differential case 1A. With such a configuration, the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments can be obtained, and also, when the main clutch 7 is fastened by the axial movement of the pressure ring 6 (to the left in the drawing). Due to the dynamic relationship, the main clutch 7 is fastened to the ring 14 before the pressure ring 6 abuts on the spacer 20 so that the main clutch 7 is separated and independent from the pilot clutch 8 (distance δ is held) and the fastening operation is performed, so that a differential limiting action capable of obtaining an appropriate differential limiting force can be performed. If the relationship between the gap between the pressure ring 6 and the inner surface of the differential case 1A and the length of the spacer 20 and the ring 14 in the axial direction is appropriately selected, differential locking by complete fastening is also possible.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, within the scope of the present invention, the type of the actuator in the pilot clutch, that is, the type of power, is not limited to electromagnetic force, but also pneumatic, hydraulic, motor, A mechanical type or the like may be employed. In addition, the types of the pilot clutch and the main clutch, the type of the differential rotation mechanism in which these clutches are disposed, the type of axial movement of the pressure ring, the type of separation between the main clutch and the pilot clutch, the differential type of the main clutch and the pilot clutch The form of connection with the rotating member and the like can be appropriately adopted.

[0016]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, the pressure ring which moves in the axial direction via the cam mechanism by the differential between the differential rotating members generated by the connection of the power-operated pilot clutch. In the power clutch device having a main clutch to be connected, the power pilot clutch and the main clutch are arranged on the inner peripheral portion of the pressure ring, so that the pilot clutch and the main clutch are adjacent to each other. A simple structure ensures the operation as a pilot clutch, ensures a compact axial length, and provides a lug for arranging the outer plate in the pilot clutch and the main clutch. It is sufficient to engrave it on the inner circumference, and the cost is low.

Also, in a power clutch device having a main clutch connected by a pressure ring that moves in an axial direction via a cam mechanism by a differential between differential rotating members generated by connection of a power pilot clutch, When the power-operated pilot clutch is disposed on the inner peripheral portion of the pressure ring and the main clutch is disposed between the differential rotating members, the thrust force generated for the differential lock and the like is reduced by the differential case on the main clutch side and the pilot case. Since it is possible to share with the pressure ring on the clutch side, it is not necessary to increase the strength of the pressure ring, and the cost is reduced.

Further, in a case where the main clutch is separated from the power type pilot clutch so that the engagement force of the main clutch can be controlled, the pilot clutch performs an initial operation for generating a differential between the differential rotating members. Since the main clutch is separated from the main clutch only by participating, the main clutch can perform its own engagement force control, that is, a differential limiting action capable of obtaining an appropriate differential limiting force. Furthermore, when the power of the power-operated pilot clutch is an electromagnetic force, the initial operating force of the pilot clutch for obtaining a large differential lock engagement force by the main clutch is a small force of the electromagnetic force, and the device becomes more compact. Thus, according to the present invention, there is provided a power clutch device having a simple and compact structure, in which the pilot clutch and the main clutch can be arranged close to each other.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an upper half of a power type clutch device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, which is applied to a differential lock device.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the upper half of an example applied to a differential lock device, showing a second embodiment of the power clutch device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a main part of an example applied to a differential limiting device, showing a third embodiment of the power clutch device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a main part of an example applied to a differential limiting device, showing a fourth embodiment of the power clutch device of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 differential case (differential member) 1A left differential case 1B middle differential case 1C right differential case 1D lug 2 pinion shaft 3 pinion gear 4 left side gear 4A lug 5 right side gear 6 pressure ring 6A lug 6C cam part 7 main clutch 7A outer plate 7B pilot plate 8 Clutch 8A Outer plate 8B Inner plate 9 Electromagnet (actuator) 10 Armature (actuator) 11 Return spring 12 Stopper 13 Snap ring 14 Ring 20 Spacer

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A power clutch device comprising a main clutch connected by a pressure ring which moves in an axial direction via a cam mechanism by a differential between differential rotating members generated by connection of a power pilot clutch. A power clutch device, wherein the power pilot clutch and the main clutch are disposed on an inner peripheral portion of a pressure ring. 2. A power clutch device comprising a main clutch connected by a pressure ring which moves in an axial direction via a cam mechanism by a differential between differential rotating members generated by connection of a power pilot clutch, A power type clutch device, wherein the power type pilot clutch is disposed on an inner peripheral portion of a pressure ring and a main clutch is disposed between differential rotating members. 3. The power clutch device according to claim 2, wherein the main clutch is separated from the power pilot clutch so that the engagement force of the main clutch can be controlled. 4. The power-operated pilot clutch according to claim 1, wherein the power of the power-operated pilot clutch is electromagnetic force.