JP2002195300A - Seal mechanism of electromagnetic coupling - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To protect the electromagnetic coupling from the collision of an obstacle, flown off stones or the entry of foreign matter. SOLUTION: The seal mechanism of the electromagnetic coupling is provided with the aim of maintaining the seal off properties extending over a long period of time in that a cover 15 to conceal the whole of the electromagnetic coupling installed between propeller shafts or the like is attached to protect from the collision of flown off stones, an obstacle or the entry of foreign matter, a rotary member of one side of the electromagnetic member is rotatively supported on the body of a car with a bearing and support member, 1st sealing means 117 is interposed between the cover and the support member on said support side and a 2nd sealing member 121 is interposed between the support member and the rotary member on one side, and a 3rd sealing means is interposed between the cover and the rotary member on the other side of the electromagnetic coupling.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a seal structure of an electromagnetic coupling disposed between rotating shafts such as a propeller shaft of a four-wheel drive vehicle.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG.
Such a coupling 501 (driving force transmission device) is described.

[0003] The coupling 501 is arranged in a rear-wheel-side power transmission system of a four-wheel drive vehicle, and controls connection and disconnection of the rear wheel side and control of driving force transmitted to the rear wheel side.

[0004] The coupling 501 comprises
3, inner shaft 505, multi-plate type main clutch 507, pressure plate 509, armature 51
1, an intermediate cam member 513, a first cam 515, a second cam 517, a spring 519, an electromagnet 521, a controller, and the like.

[0005] Rotating case 503 and inner shaft 50
5 is disposed so as to be relatively rotatable, and the inner shaft 505 is disposed inside the rotating case 503.

[0006] The rotating case 503 is connected to a propeller shaft 523 on the transfer side. The inner shaft 505 is connected to a propeller shaft 525 on the rear differential side.
To the propeller shaft 525
Through the rear differential (a differential device that distributes the driving force of the engine to the left and right rear wheels).

[0007] Pressure plate 509 and armature 5
Numerals 11 are spline-connected to the inner periphery of the rotating case 503, respectively.

[0008] The intermediate cam member 513 is disposed between the pressure plate 509 and the armature 511 so as to be relatively rotatable.

The first cam 515 is provided between the armature 511 and the intermediate cam member 513, and has a cam groove 527 provided on the outer periphery of the intermediate cam member 513,
And a roller 529 that engages with the roller 27.

The cam grooves 527 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and are inclined with respect to the axial direction. The roller 52
9 is rotatably supported by the armature 511.

The second cam 517 is a ball cam, and is provided between the pressure plate 509 and the intermediate cam member 513.

The spring 519 is disposed between the armature 511 and the intermediate cam member 513, and
3 is pressed toward the second cam 517 to absorb backlash and improve the response of the cam 517.

When the excitation of the electromagnet 521 is stopped, the spring 519 returns the armature 511 to the neutral position in the rotational direction and returns the intermediate cam member 513 to the neutral position in the axial direction, thereby generating unnecessary torque. To prevent them from doing so.

The rotating case 503 includes a rotor 5 as a magnetic path member.
31 are connected, and the core 533 of the electromagnet 521 is
The rotor 531 is arranged in a concave portion 535 provided in the rotor 531 with an appropriate air gap therebetween.

A seal 537 is arranged between the outer periphery of the core 533 and the rotor 531, and a seal 539 is arranged between the inner periphery of the core 533 and the inner shaft 505. These seals 537 and 539 prevent oil leakage from the rotating case 503 and prevent water and dust from entering from outside.

The rotor 531 is provided with a contact surface 541 for contacting the armature 511.
1 and the contact surface 541, an air gap 543 is formed.

The controller excites the electromagnet 521, controls the excitation current, and stops the excitation.

When the electromagnet 521 is excited, a magnetic loop 545 is formed in a magnetic path including the air gap 543, and the armature 511 is attracted.

When the armature 511 is sucked, the roller 5
The first cam 515 is operated by pressing the cam groove 527 of the intermediate cam member 513, and the intermediate cam member 513 is rotated by the cam force.

When the intermediate cam member 513 rotates, the second cam 517 operates, and the main clutch 507 is pressed via the pressure plate 509 by the cam thrust force to be engaged.

As described above, the electromagnet 521 is connected to the armature 5
When 11 is sucked, the first cam 515 operates to operate the second cam 517 by the pilot function, and the coupling 501 is connected.

When the coupling 501 is connected, the driving force of the engine is transmitted to the rear wheels, and the vehicle is driven in a four-wheel drive state, so that the running performance on a rough road and the stability of the vehicle body are improved.

When the exciting current of the electromagnet 521 is controlled, the cam force of the first cam 515 changes and the second cam 517
Is changed, and the driving force transmitted to the rear wheels by the slip of the main clutch 507 is adjusted. Controlling the driving force distribution ratio between the front and rear wheels in this way improves, for example, the maneuverability and stability of the vehicle during turning.

When the excitation of the electromagnet 521 is stopped, the spring 5
The armature 511 (the roller 52
9) returns to the original position, the cam force of the first cam 515 disappears, and then the cam thrust force of the second cam 517 disappears,
The main clutch 507 is released and the coupling 501 is released.
Is released, and the vehicle enters the two-wheel drive state.

[0025]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Coupling 501
Is disposed between the propeller shafts 523 and 525 and is exposed to the outside.

When exposed to the outside in this manner, foreign matter such as stones flying during traveling or a step portion or a convex portion encountered during off-road may collide with the coupling 501.

Therefore, the rotating case 503 needs to have a strength enough to withstand such a collision, and it becomes thicker, larger in diameter and heavier.

Further, since sufficient strength is required, it is difficult to reduce the weight of the rotating case 503 by using an aluminum alloy or the like.

When the coupling 501 is exposed to the outside, foreign matter such as water or dust may enter the air gap between the core 533 of the electromagnet 521 and the rotor 531. The performance of the rotor 531 (rotating case 503) may fluctuate due to freezing, rust, etc., and the seals 537 and 539 are necessary to prevent such a situation.

However, these seals 537 and 539 are provided on the rotor 531 (the propeller shaft 52) which is a rotating member.
3) and inner shaft 505 (propeller shaft 5)
Since the propeller shafts 523 and 525 rotate at high speed in addition to being disposed between the core member 533 serving as the stationary side member and the seals 537 and 539, the seals 537 and 539 are seal type bearings, or Even with a lip seal of a sliding type, the durability is apt to be reduced.
The large-diameter seal 537 having a high sliding speed with the 33 has a large problem.

When the sealing properties of the seals 537 and 539 are deteriorated, the above-described problem due to the invasion of foreign matter occurs.

In order to prevent intrusion of foreign matter, there is a method in which a cover is provided at each required location of the coupling 501 and grease or oil is sealed between them. In this case, however, the number of sealing locations increases. In addition to the complicated structure, grease and oil need to be changed, which makes maintenance difficult.

Accordingly, the present invention protects an electromagnetic coupling disposed between rotating shafts such as a propeller shaft from collision with flying stones and obstacles and entry of foreign matter,
An object of the present invention is to provide a seal structure of an electromagnetic coupling whose sealing property is kept high for a long time.

[0034]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a seal structure of an electromagnetic coupling disposed between rotary shafts for transmitting a driving force of a motor to a wheel. In addition, a cover that covers the entire electromagnetic coupling is provided.

As described above, in the seal structure of the electromagnetic coupling according to the first aspect, by providing the cover that covers the entire electromagnetic coupling, the electromagnetic coupling is disposed between the rotating shafts such as the propeller shaft. However, the electromagnetic coupling is protected from foreign objects such as stones flying during traveling and collisions with bumps and bumps encountered during traveling.

Therefore, the outer casing of the electromagnetic coupling does not need to have a strength higher than that required for transmitting the driving force. For example, the casing is made of a light metal alloy such as an aluminum alloy. At the same time, by reducing the thickness, the diameter can be reduced, and the electromagnetic coupling can be reduced in weight.

By reducing the diameter and the weight of the casing, the inertia of the electromagnetic coupling is reduced, and the rotational imbalance and the resulting vibration are reduced accordingly.

Further, the fuel economy of the prime mover is improved by reducing the inertia of the electromagnetic coupling.

When the casing is made of an aluminum alloy which is a non-magnetic material, leakage of magnetic flux to the casing when a magnetic force is generated can be greatly reduced.
Therefore, the size of the electromagnet can be reduced and the magnetic force can be enhanced.

Further, since the cover is large enough to cover the entire electromagnetic coupling, the volume of the space formed between the cover and the electromagnetic coupling is correspondingly large, and the influence of heat build-up and temperature rise. Is alleviated.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the seal structure of the electromagnetic coupling according to the first aspect, wherein the electromagnetic coupling is supported on the vehicle body via a flexible support member and a bearing. The cover is fixed to the flexible support member, and the same operation and effect as those of the first aspect can be obtained.

Further, since the cover is fixed to a flexible supporting member and swings integrally with the electromagnetic coupling, for example, the suspension spring of the wheel may be bent during traveling, or may be displaced from the rotating shaft. By receiving a thrust force or the like, even if the position of the electromagnetic coupling changes with respect to the vehicle body, the gap between the cover and the electromagnetic coupling does not change.

Therefore, no interference occurs between the outer casing of the electromagnetic coupling and the cover, so that it is possible to reduce the distance (clearance) between the casing and the cover, thereby reducing the diameter of the cover.

If the cover has a small diameter, interference with the vehicle body and peripheral members is less likely to occur, so that the layout is easy, and the road clearance (minimum ground clearance) is increased. Interference with the like hardly occurs.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the seal structure of the electromagnetic coupling according to the first or second aspect, wherein sealing means for sealing the inside of the cover is provided. Actions and effects equivalent to those of the first or second aspect can be obtained.

Further, in this configuration in which the inside of the cover is sealed by the sealing means, unlike the conventional example in which water or dust enters the air gap between the core 533 of the electromagnet 521 and the rotor 531, the dust is caught and the moisture is not absorbed. Fluctuation of the performance of the rotor (rotating case) due to freezing, rust, etc. is prevented, and the function is maintained normally.

Further, in order to prevent foreign matter from entering, it is not necessary to provide a cover at each place where the electromagnetic coupling is required, and to adopt a method of sealing grease or oil between them. Is prevented from being complicated, grease and oil need not be replaced, and a decrease in maintainability can be avoided.

Further, since the entire electromagnetic coupling is sealed by the cover, the sealing structure is extremely simple and the cost is reduced as compared with the structure in which the sealing means is provided at each of the necessary places as described above. .

Further, as described above, the cover is large enough to cover the entire electromagnetic coupling, and therefore, the volume of the sealed space is large. It is reduced.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the seal structure of the electromagnetic coupling according to the third aspect, wherein one of the rotating members on one side and the other rotating member on the other side of the electromagnetic coupling is provided. Is supported on the vehicle body via a support member and a bearing. On this support side, first sealing means is provided between the cover and the support member, and between the support member and the one-side rotating member. Is provided with a second sealing means, and on the other side, a third sealing means is provided between the cover and the other-side rotating member.

In this configuration, the electromagnetic coupling is supported in a cantilever manner, and on this support side, a first sealing means provided between the cover and the support member, a support member and a one-side rotating member are provided. Sealing is performed by the second sealing means provided between the cover and the other side, and sealing is performed by the third sealing means provided between the cover and the other-side rotating member. Are sealed, and the same operation and effect as the configuration of claim 3 can be obtained.

Further, the first sealing means provided between the cover and the support member does not involve sliding, so that sufficient durability can be obtained, and the second and third sealing means are provided by an electromagnetic cup. By arranging the ring on the one-side rotating member and the small-diameter portion on the other-side rotating member, the sliding speed is reduced, and sufficient practical durability is obtained.

Also, as described above,
The drive device disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 15 is cantilevered by a bearing on a propeller shaft which is a rotating shaft. The present invention is applicable to such a cantilevered device by the structure of claim 4. The operation and effect as described above can be obtained.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electromagnetic coupling seal structure according to the third aspect, wherein each of the rotating members on one side and the other side of the electromagnetic coupling includes a support member and a bearing. Is directly supported on the vehicle body via
On one side, first sealing means is provided between the cover and the support member, and on the other side, second sealing means is provided between the support member and the one-side rotating member. A third sealing means is provided between the support member and the support member;
A fourth sealing means is provided between the supporting member and the other side rotating member.

In this configuration, the electromagnetic coupling is supported on both sides in the axial direction, and on one side, a first sealing means provided between the cover and the support member, Sealing is performed by the second sealing means provided between the supporting member and the second member, and on the other side, the third sealing means provided between the cover and the supporting member, The inside of the cover is hermetically sealed by the sealing by the fourth sealing means provided therebetween, and the same operation and effect as the configuration of claim 3 can be obtained.

Further, since the first and third sealing means provided between the cover and the support member do not involve sliding, sufficient durability can be obtained, and the second and fourth sealing means can be used. Since the sliding speed is reduced by disposing the electromagnetic coupling at the small diameter portions of the one side rotating member and the other side rotating member, practically sufficient durability is obtained.

In the case of an electromagnetic coupling supported on both sides in the axial direction, the thrust force input from the front and rear rotating shafts during traveling is applied to the support members and bearings on both sides, and the electromagnetic coupling is driven by the thrust. You will be released from power, so normal function will be maintained. The durability is improved.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the seal structure of the electromagnetic coupling according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the cover comprises a cylindrical member and a side wall member. Accordingly, the same operation and effect as those of the first to fifth aspects can be obtained.

Further, in this configuration in which the cover has a divided structure of the cylindrical member and the side wall member, the processing (molding) of the cover becomes easy, and the cylindrical member and the side wall member can be processed by pressing, respectively. Processing costs are greatly reduced.

In particular, it becomes extremely easy to process the lead-out opening of the electromagnet, the detent portion of the core, etc. on the side wall member.

Further, the cover is divided into two parts, so that the cover can be easily assembled and the assembly cost can be reduced.

When the cover has a cylindrical shape having side walls on both sides in the axial direction, the divided form is as follows: (1) One-sided wall and a cylindrical member provided with the other side wall. (Embodiments) (2) One side wall, the other side wall, and a cylindrical member divided into three parts (3) A cylindrical part is divided into two parts, and one of the side wall members with the divided cylindrical part is divided There are two divisions with the other side wall member having the cylindrical portion, and either one may be selected.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the seal structure of the electromagnetic coupling according to the sixth aspect, wherein an outlet for an electromagnet lead wire is provided in a side wall member of the cover. Therefore, the same operation and effect as those of the configuration of claim 6 can be obtained.

In general, the lead wire of the electromagnet is drawn out from the side surface of the core. By providing the lead wire outlet on the side wall member of the cover, the lead wire can be easily and easily taken out. it can.

Further, unlike the configuration in which the outlet is formed in the cylindrical portion, the diameter of the cover is prevented from increasing.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the seal structure of the electromagnetic coupling according to the sixth or seventh aspect, the sealing means is disposed between the cylindrical member and the side wall member of the cover. Thus, the same operation and effect as those of the sixth or seventh aspect can be obtained.

Further, by disposing the sealing means, the relative movement between the cylindrical member and the side wall member is allowed while keeping the sealing space with a sufficient capacity and maintaining the sealing property. And vibration during traveling can be absorbed by these relative movements.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the seal structure of the electromagnetic coupling according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the cover is provided with a detent for the core of the electromagnet. The operation and effect equivalent to those of the first to eighth aspects can be obtained.

Since the cover is used to prevent the rotation of the electromagnet (core), there is no need to separately provide a rotation stop for the core, and the structure is simplified and the cost is reduced.

Further, since the electromagnet (core) is arranged on the side surface of the electromagnetic coupling, if the side wall member of the cover is used in the constitutions of claims 6 to 8, it is possible to form the detent easily.

Further, since the cover is provided with the core detent and the bearing support member is not provided with the detent, vibration of the vehicle body is prevented from being directly input to the core detent via this support member, and A detrimental effect on the stop function is avoided.

[0072]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] FIG.
Electromagnetic coupling 1 and its sealing structure (first embodiment of the present invention)
An embodiment will be described.

The electromagnetic coupling 1 is characterized in that
3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 are provided. In addition, the electromagnetic coupling 1 is disposed between the rear differential and the engine (transfer) side that are separated on the four-wheel drive vehicle, and the left side of FIG. 1 corresponds to the front (engine side) of the vehicle. I do. In addition, members and the like without reference numerals are not shown.

The electromagnetic coupling 1 includes a rotating case 3
(Rotating member on the other side), inner shaft 5 (rotating member on one side), multi-plate main clutch 7, ball cam 9, pilot clutch 11, electromagnet 13, cover 15 (cover covering the entire electromagnetic coupling 1) , A controller and the like.

The electromagnetic coupling 1 has a propeller shaft (rotating shaft) divided into a transfer side and a rear differential side.
It is located between.

The rotating case 3 has a front power transmission shaft 17 made of steel for shaft, a cylindrical portion 19 made of aluminum alloy (non-magnetic material), and an iron-based alloy (magnetic material). And a rotor 21 on the rear side.

A flange 23 is formed on the power transmission shaft 17, and the flange 23 is fixed to an opening on one side of the cylindrical portion 19 by bolts 25.

The rotor 21 is screwed into the other opening of the cylindrical portion 19 and is fixed by the double nut function of the nut 27.

The power transmission shaft 17 is spline-connected to a joint fork 29 of the joint, and is fixed by a nut 31. The driving force of the engine rotates the power transmission shaft 17 via the propeller shaft on the transfer side and this joint.

The power transmission shaft 17 includes a support bracket 33 fixed to a floor panel of the vehicle body and a flexible support member 3.
5 and a support bearing 37 (a bearing that supports the rotating case 3). The support bearing 37 is axially positioned by snap rings 39, 39 attached to the support member 33.

The inner shaft 5 penetrates the rotating case 3 from behind, and has a front end supported by the power transmission shaft 17 by a ball bearing 41 and a rear end supported by the rotor 21 by a needle bearing 43. The inner shaft 5 is axially positioned with respect to the rotating case 3 by a snap ring 45, a ball bearing 41, and a snap ring 47.

A companion flange 49 is spline-connected to the inner shaft 5 and fixed with a nut 31. A joint fork 51 of a joint is fixed to the companion flange 49, and an axial position of the companion flange 49 is determined by a spacer 52. The rotation of the inner shaft 5 is transmitted to the rear differential via the joint and a propeller shaft on the rear differential side.

The inner shaft 5, like the power transmission shaft 17, is supported on the vehicle body side by a support fitting 33, a flexible support member 35, and a support bearing 37 (a bearing that supports the inner shaft 5).

The cylindrical portion 19 of the rotating case 3 and the power transmission shaft 1
7 and between the cylindrical portion 19 and the rotor 21 are O-rings 53 and 55, respectively. An X-ring 57 having a cross section of an X-shape is disposed between the rotor 21 and the inner shaft 5. These O
The electromagnetic coupling 1 (rotary case 3) is sealed by the rings 53 and 55 and the X ring 57.

Oil is injected into the sealed rotary case 3 from an oil hole 59 provided in the flange portion 23 of the power transmission shaft 17. After the oil is injected, the oil hole 59 press-fits the check ball 61. Then it is sealed. The flange portion 23 is provided with a cutout groove 62 serving as an oil flow passage at a position corresponding to the oil hole 59.

The main clutch 7 is disposed between the rotating case 3 and the inner shaft 5. The outer plate 63 is connected to a spline portion 65 formed on the inner periphery of the rotating case 3, and the inner plate 67 is It is connected to a spline portion 69 formed on the outer periphery of the inner shaft 5. A pressure receiving ring 71 is disposed on the left side of the main clutch 7, and its outer periphery is connected to the spline section 65.

The ball cam 9 is mounted on the pressure plate 7
3 and a cam ring 75.

The pressure plate 73 has an inner periphery connected to the spline portion 69 of the inner shaft 5.
The main clutch 7 is pressed between the rotating case 3 (the pressure receiving ring 71) by the thrust force of the ball cam 9 and is fastened.

The cam ring 75 is arranged on the outer periphery of the inner shaft 5, and a thrust bearing 77 and a washer 79 which receive a cam reaction force of the ball cam 9 are arranged between the cam ring 75 and the rotor 21.

The pilot clutch 11 is
The outer plate 81 is connected to a spline portion 65 of the rotating case 3, and the inner plate 83 is connected to a spline portion 85 formed on the outer periphery of the cam ring 75.

An armature 87 is arranged between the pilot clutch 11 and the pressure plate 73, and has an outer periphery connected to the spline portion 65 of the rotating case 3.

The core 89 of the electromagnet 13 is supported on the rotor 21 by a seal type ball bearing 91, and penetrates into a recess 93 formed in the rotor 21 through an appropriate air gap. The core 89 includes a snap ring 95, a ball bearing 91, and a snap ring 97.
And is positioned in the axial direction with respect to the rotor 21 via.

The lead wire 99 of the electromagnet 13 is connected to a battery mounted on the vehicle.

Also, the rotor 21 and the pilot clutch 1
A magnetic path of the electromagnet 13 is formed by the armature 87 and the armature 87.

The rotor 21 is divided radially outward and inward by a stainless steel ring 100 which is a non-magnetic material.
1, 83 at the radial position corresponding to the ring 100,
A notch 101 and a bridge portion connecting these are provided. The ring 100 and the notch 101 prevent a short circuit of magnetic force on the magnetic path.

The controller excites the electromagnet 13, controls the excitation current, and stops the excitation.

When the electromagnet 13 is excited, a magnetic loop 103 is generated in the magnetic path, the armature 87 is attracted, and the pilot clutch 11 is pressed and fastened to generate pilot torque.

When the pilot torque is generated, the driving force of the engine is applied to the ball cam 9 from the rotating case 3 via the pilot clutch 11 and the cam ring 75, and the main clutch 7 is pressed via the pressure plate 73 by the generated cam thrust force. And the electromagnetic coupling 1 is connected.

When the electromagnetic coupling 1 is connected, the driving force of the engine is transmitted from the inner shaft 5 to the rear differential via a rear differential propeller shaft and the like, and is distributed from the rear differential to the left and right rear wheels. The wheel drive state is established, and the running performance on rough roads and the stability of the vehicle body are improved.

At this time, if the magnetic force of the electromagnet 13 is controlled by adjusting the exciting current of the controller, the pilot clutch 11 slips, the pilot torque changes, the thrust force of the ball cam 9 changes, and the main clutch 7
The coupling force of the (electromagnetic coupling 1) can be adjusted.

By adjusting the coupling force of the electromagnetic coupling 1 as described above, the driving force distribution ratio between the front and rear wheels can be arbitrarily controlled. Drivability and stability are improved.

When the excitation of the electromagnet 13 is stopped, the pilot clutch 11 is released, the cam thrust force of the ball cam 9 disappears, the main clutch 7 is released, and the connection of the electromagnetic coupling 1 is released.

When the coupling of the electromagnetic coupling 1 is released, the rear differential is disconnected, and the vehicle enters a front-wheel drive two-wheel drive state.

Since the rotating case 3 is made of an aluminum alloy, the magnetic force of the electromagnet 13 is prevented from leaking to the rotating case 3 side, and the magnetic force is efficiently guided to the armature 87. A predetermined pilot torque is obtained, and the electromagnetic coupling 1 obtains a predetermined connection torque.

As described above, the oil sealed in the sealed rotary case 3 is held in the oil reservoir 105 formed through the inner shaft 5 and the power transmission shaft 17, and the inner shaft 5 rotates. Then, centrifugal force causes the oil in the oil reservoir 105 to pass through an oil flow path 107 provided between the front end of the inner shaft 5 and the rotating case 3, and the bearing 41, the main clutch 7,
The ball cam 9, the bearings 77 and 43, the pilot clutch 11 and the like are lubricated and cooled.

An oil hole 109 is provided in the inner plate 67 of the main clutch 7 to promote the movement of oil toward the ball cam 9, bearings 77 and 43, and the pilot clutch 11, thereby improving the lubrication and cooling effects thereof. Have improved.

The cover 15 includes a cylindrical member 111 and a side wall member 113 formed by pressing a steel plate, and an O-ring 1.
15 (seal means) and covers the entire electromagnetic coupling 1.

Further, by forming the cover 15 into two parts, the side wall member 113 can be easily formed by pressing, and the cylindrical member 111 is formed by pressing since an opening is formed on one side. It becomes possible.

The side wall member 113 is fitted in an opening formed on the rear side of the cylindrical member 111, and has an O-ring 115.
Are arranged between them. Also, the side wall member 11
3 and the cylindrical member 111 are relatively movable in the axial direction while the fitting portion is sealed by an O-ring 115. The cover 15 has a small diameter portion formed at the front of the cylindrical member 111 and at the rear of the side wall member 113. , By press-fitting into the inner circumferences of the front and rear flexible support members 35 respectively.
5 and is supported by a vehicle body via a flexible support member 35.

The press-fit portion of the cylindrical member 111 is the seal 11
7 (first sealing means).
Is a seal 119 (third sealing means).

Further, the joint fork 29 (joint)
A lip seal 121 (second sealing means) is disposed between the boss portion 120 of the first member and the flexible support member 35 on the front side.
A lip seal 123 (fourth sealing means) is disposed between the boss 122 of the companion flange 49 and the flexible support member 35 on the rear side.

Conventionally, another lip seal is disposed at the place where the seals 117 and 119 of the flexible support member 35 are formed. However, these lip seals are provided by providing the seals 117 and 119. The lip seal can be omitted, and the cost is accordingly reduced.

The joint fork 29 and the companion flange 49 have a lip seal 121 and a lip seal 121, respectively.
Dust cover 125,1 that protects 123 from flying stones
27 are attached.

A take-out opening 129 is formed in the side wall member 113, and the lead wire 99 of the electromagnet 13 is taken out of the cover 15 through the grommet 131 attached to the take-out opening 129, and is connected to the battery as described above. It is connected.

The side wall member 113 is provided with a plurality of detent portions 135 for engaging the recesses 133 formed in the core 89 of the electromagnet 13 to prevent the core 89 from rotating. .

The outlet 129 and the detent 1
35 is formed at the same time when the side wall member 113 is pressed.

As described above, the cover 15 covers the entire electromagnetic coupling 1, and the inside of the cover 15 is sealed by the seals 117 and 119 and the lip seals 121 and 123.

Therefore, a space formed between the cover 15 and the electromagnetic coupling 1 may be filled with a cooling fluid such as antifreeze.

Thus, the electromagnetic coupling 1 and its sealing structure are configured.

The electromagnetic coupling 1 is, as described above,
By providing the cover 15 that covers the whole, even if it is arranged on the propeller shaft, obstacles such as stones that fly while traveling, and collisions with bumps and bumps encountered while traveling on off-roads etc. To be released.

Therefore, the rotating case 3 (cylindrical portion 19) is
Since it is not necessary to use excessive strength that exceeds the strength required to transmit the driving force, it is possible to make it with an aluminum alloy. , Is lighter.

The inertia of the electromagnetic coupling 1 is reduced by such a reduction in diameter and weight, so that the rotational imbalance is reduced, and the vibration caused by this is reduced accordingly.

Further, since the inertia of the electromagnetic coupling 1 is reduced, the fuel efficiency of the engine is improved.

Further, since the cover 15 is sealed by the seals 117 and 119 and the lip seals 121 and 123, water or dust does not enter the air gap between the core 89 of the electromagnet 13 and the rotor 21. Since the performance change of the rotor 21 (rotating case 3) due to biting, freezing of water, generation of rust, and the like is prevented, the function of the electromagnetic coupling 1 is normally maintained.

The seals 117 and 119 provided between the cover 15 and the flexible support member 35 have sufficient durability because they do not involve sliding, so that the lip seals 121 and 119 can be used.
Reference numerals 123 are disposed on the small-diameter bosses 120 and 122 of the joint fork 29 and the companion flange 49, respectively, and since the sliding speed is low, sufficient practical durability is obtained.

Further, the configuration in which the entire electromagnetic coupling 1 is covered by the cover 15 has a very simple sealing structure and lower cost as compared with the configuration in which the sealing means is provided at each required location.

Further, as described above, since the cover 15 houses the entire electromagnetic coupling 1 and the volume of the sealed space is large, the influence of the heat leakage and the temperature rise is large. To be reduced.

Further, since the cover 15 is sealed, if the antifreeze liquid is sealed between the electromagnetic coupling 1 and the electromagnetic coupling 1 as described above, the cooling performance of the electromagnetic coupling 1 can be greatly improved.

When the cooling fins are formed on the cover 15, the heat radiation and cooling of the electromagnetic coupling 1 are further improved.

Further, if a through hole is provided in the rotating case 3 to allow the inside of the electromagnetic coupling 1 to communicate with the sealed space of the cover 15, and the oil is sealed therein, the oil in the electromagnetic coupling 1 is increased and the lubrication is increased.・ While the cooling effect is improved,
The oil warmed inside the electromagnetic coupling 1 moves to the sealed space of the cover 15 and is cooled by outside air, so that the cooling performance of the electromagnetic coupling 1 is further improved.

If the function of protecting the electromagnetic coupling 1 from collision with foreign matter is sufficient, the cover 15 may be made of a light alloy such as an aluminum alloy having excellent heat dissipation to provide cooling performance. Is further improved.

Since the cover 15 and the electromagnetic coupling 1 are fixed at both ends to the flexible support members 35, 35, the cover 15 and the electromagnetic coupling 1 swing together.

Accordingly, even if the position of the electromagnetic coupling 1 changes with respect to the vehicle body due to bending of the suspension spring of the rear wheel during running or receiving a thrust force from the propeller shaft, etc. Fifteen
The gap between the magnetic coupling 1 and the electromagnetic coupling 1 does not change.

Accordingly, no interference between the rotating case 3 and the cover 15 occurs, so that the clearance (clearance) therebetween can be reduced, and the diameter of the cover 15 can be reduced accordingly.

By reducing the diameter of the cover 15, interference with the vehicle body and peripheral members is less likely to occur, layout is facilitated, road clearance (minimum ground clearance) is increased, and a stepped portion is formed during off-road driving or the like. Interference with the projections and the like is less likely to occur.

Further, since the cover 15 is divided into the cylindrical member 111 and the side wall member 113, these can be pressed, and the processing cost is greatly reduced.

In particular, since the press working has become possible, it is extremely easy to form the outlet 129 of the lead wire 99 of the electromagnet 13 and the detent 135 of the core 89 into the side wall member 113.

[0138] Also, the divided structure facilitates the assembly of the cover 15, and reduces the assembly cost.

Further, since the lead wire 99 is drawn out to the side surface of the core 89, the outlet port 12 is formed on the side wall member 113.
By providing 9, the lead wire 99 can be easily and easily taken out.

Further, unlike the configuration in which the outlet 129 is formed in the cylindrical portion, the diameter of the cover 15 is prevented from increasing.

Further, by disposing the O-ring 115 between the cylindrical member 111 and the side wall member 113, the sealed space inside the cover 15 can be maintained at a sufficient capacity, and the sealing performance of the sealed space can be maintained. Since the movement is allowed, it is possible to absorb the thermal expansion of the sealed space and the vibration and thrust force input from the propeller shaft during traveling.

Further, the rotation preventing portion 135 of the cover 15 fixed to the flexible support member 35 makes the electromagnet 13
Is prevented from breaking, the disconnection of the lead wire 99 is prevented, and the normal function of the electromagnetic coupling 1 is maintained.

Further, the cover 15 is used to prevent the core 89 from rotating.
By utilizing the (side wall member 113), the core 89
It is not necessary to separately provide a detent, so that the structure is simplified and the cost is reduced.

Since the cover 15 is provided with the rotation preventing portion 135 of the core 89 and the flexible support member 35 of the support bearing 37 is not provided with the rotation preventing portion, vibration of the vehicle body is directly input to the rotation preventing portion 135. A detrimental effect on the detent function is avoided.

If a reinforcing material such as a steel plate is attached to the cover 15, the strength and rigidity are improved, or the cover 1
If a vibration damping material such as rubber or plastic is attached to 5, the vibration damping property and the soundproofing of the cover 15 are improved.

Further, as described above, if the cooling fins are formed, the strength and rigidity of the cover 15 are improved, so that the vibration damping property and the soundproofing property are further improved.

In the electromagnetic coupling 1 supported on both sides in the axial direction, the thrust force input from the front and rear propeller shafts during traveling causes the support bracket 33, the flexible support member 35, and the support bearing 37 on both sides. As a result, the electromagnetic coupling 1 is released from this thrust force and the normal function is maintained. The durability is improved.

[Second Embodiment] The electromagnetic coupling 201 and its sealing structure (a second embodiment of the present invention) will be described with reference to FIG.

This electromagnetic coupling 201 has the features of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9.
Similarly to the electromagnetic coupling 1 of the first embodiment, the electromagnetic coupling 201 is disposed between the rear differential and the engine (transfer) side which are separated on the four-wheel drive vehicle. To the left of the vehicle corresponds to the front (engine side) of the vehicle. In addition, members and the like without reference numerals are not shown.

The electromagnetic coupling 201 is an example in which the sealing structure and the supporting structure of the electromagnetic coupling 1 are changed, and the differences will be described below.

The electromagnetic coupling 201 includes a rotating case 3 (the other rotating member), an inner shaft 5 (one rotating member), a multi-plate main clutch 7, a ball cam 9,
It is composed of a multi-plate pilot clutch 11, an electromagnet 13, a cover 15 (cover covering the entire electromagnetic coupling 201), a controller, and the like.

The electromagnetic coupling 201 is arranged between a propeller shaft divided into a transfer side and a rear differential side.

The rotating case 3 includes a front power transmission shaft 17,
The power transmission shaft 17 includes a cylindrical portion 19, a rear rotor 21, and the like. The flange portion 23 of the power transmission shaft 17 is fixed to the front side wall portion 203 of the cylindrical portion 19 by bolts 25.

The power transmission shaft 17 is connected to a transfer-side propeller shaft, and this propeller shaft is connected to the transfer via a joint. The driving force of the engine rotates the power transmission shaft 17 (rotating case 3) via the propeller shaft and the joint.

The oil hole 59 is provided in the front side wall 203 of the cylindrical portion 19 and is sealed by press-fitting the check ball 61 after injecting oil.

The inner shaft 5 has its front end supported on the front side wall portion 203 by a ball bearing 41. The snap ring 45, the ball bearing 41, and the stepped portion 205 of the front side wall portion 203 allow the inner shaft 5 to rotate relative to the rotating case 3. Are positioned in the axial direction.

The inner shaft 5 is supported on the vehicle body by the support bracket 33, the flexible support member 35, and the support bearing 37 (bearing for supporting the inner shaft 5). Thus, the electromagnetic coupling 201 is The cantilever is supported only on the shaft 5 side.

As in the first embodiment, the cover 15 is composed of a cylindrical member 111, a side wall member 113, and an O-ring 115 for sealing a fitting portion between them.

The small-diameter portion of the side wall member 113 is press-fitted into the inner periphery of the flexible support member 35 to form a seal 119 (first sealing means), and the boss portion 122 of the companion flange 49 and the flexible support member are formed. A lip seal 123 (second sealing means) is arranged between the lip seal 123 and the member 35.

The first end of the cylindrical member 111 has
Unlike the embodiment, an opening 207 having a small diameter is formed, and a lip seal 209 (third sealing means) is arranged between the opening 207 and the power transmission shaft 17.

As described above, the rear end of the cover 15 is fixed to the flexible support member 35 and the front end is supported by the power transmission shaft 17 via the lip seal 209.
The cover 15 and the electromagnetic coupling 201 swing together and do not cause interference.

The cover 15 is provided at the front end of the lip seal 2.
09 and the seal 119 and the lip seal 123 at the rear end.

Also, the seal 119 provided between the cover 15 and the flexible support member 35 does not involve sliding, so that sufficient durability can be obtained. (Boss part 12
2) and arranged on the power transmission shaft 17, and the sliding speed is low, so that practically sufficient durability can be obtained.

Thus, the electromagnetic coupling 201 and its sealing structure are configured.

Although the electromagnetic coupling 201 is cantilevered as described above, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

In the present invention, as described in the action section of claim 6, when the cover has a cylindrical shape having side walls on both sides in the axial direction, the divided form includes (1) one side wall (The following embodiment) (2) One of the side walls, the other side wall, and the cylindrical member are divided into three parts. (3) The cylindrical part is divided into two parts. There are two divisions, such as one side wall member having a divided and divided cylindrical portion and the other side wall member having a divided cylindrical portion, and either may be selected.

[0167]

According to the sealing structure of the electromagnetic coupling according to the first aspect, the electromagnetic coupling can be covered by the cover that covers the whole even if it is arranged between the rotating shafts.
Since the outer casing is protected from collision with obstacles such as flying stones, bumps, bumps, and the like, the outer casing can be made of a light metal alloy, and can be made thin, small in diameter, and light in weight.

Further, the inertia of the electromagnetic coupling is reduced by reducing the diameter and the weight, and the rotational unbalance and
The resulting vibrations are reduced accordingly, and the reduced inertia improves the fuel efficiency of the prime mover.

Further, since the volume of the space formed between the cover and the electromagnetic coupling is large, the influence of heat stagnation and temperature rise is small.

The seal structure of the electromagnetic coupling according to the second aspect can provide the same effect as that of the first aspect.

Further, since the cover and the electromagnetic coupling swing integrally and do not interfere with each other, the distance between them can be reduced to reduce the diameter of the cover.

If the cover has a small diameter, interference with the vehicle body and peripheral members is less likely to occur, so that the layout is easier, and the load clearance is increased, so that interference with steps, projections and the like is less likely to occur.

The seal structure of the electromagnetic coupling according to the third aspect can provide the same effect as the configuration of the first or second aspect.

Further, by sealing the cover, performance fluctuations of the rotating case due to biting of dust, freezing of water, generation of rust, and the like are prevented, and the function is normally maintained.

Further, since the entire electromagnetic coupling is sealed by the cover, the seal structure is extremely simple and the cost is low as compared with the structure in which the sealing means is provided at each of the necessary places.

Further, since the sealing space inside the cover which covers the entire electromagnetic coupling has a large volume, the influence of heat stagnation and temperature rise is greatly reduced.

The seal structure of the electromagnetic coupling according to the fourth aspect can provide the same effect as that of the third aspect.

Further, even when the electromagnetic coupling is cantilevered, the same effects as those of the first or second aspect can be obtained.

[0179] Also, it is arranged between the cover and the support member.
The sealing means that does not involve sliding can obtain sufficient durability, and the second and third sealing means can be disposed at the small diameter portion to reduce the sliding speed and obtain sufficient practical durability.

The seal structure of the electromagnetic coupling according to the fifth aspect can provide the same effect as that of the third aspect.

Further, it is arranged between the cover and the support member,
The first and third sealing means which do not involve sliding provide sufficient durability, and the second and fourth sealing means reduce the sliding speed by being arranged in a small-diameter portion, and have sufficient durability for practical use. Property is obtained.

The sealing structure of the electromagnetic coupling according to the sixth aspect can provide the same effects as those of the first to fifth aspects.

Further, the cover having the divided structure is easy to process, and the cylindrical member and the side wall member are press-formed respectively, so that the cost can be greatly reduced.

It is also very easy to process the lead-out opening of the electromagnet and the detent part of the core into the side wall member.

The cover can be selected from various divided structures.

The seal structure of the electromagnetic coupling according to the seventh aspect can provide the same effect as the configuration of the sixth aspect.

Further, the lead wire of the electromagnet drawn out from the side surface of the core can be easily taken out from the outlet provided in the side wall member of the cover.

In addition, unlike the configuration in which the outlet is formed in the cylindrical portion, the diameter of the cover is prevented from being increased.

The seal structure of the electromagnetic coupling according to the eighth aspect can provide the same effect as that of the sixth or seventh aspect.

Further, the relative movement between the cylindrical member and the side wall member is allowed while maintaining the sealing property, and the thermal expansion of the sealed space and the vibration during running can be absorbed.

The seal structure of the electromagnetic coupling according to the ninth aspect can provide the same effects as the configurations of the first to eighth aspects.

Further, since the cover for the electromagnet is provided on the cover, it is not necessary to separately provide a stopper for the electromagnet.
Simple structure and low cost.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a second embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

1,201 Electromagnetic coupling 3 Rotating case (rotating member on the other side) 5 Inner shaft (rotating member on one side) 13 Electromagnet 15 Cover (cover covering the entire electromagnetic coupling) 35 Support member of support bearing 37 ( 37 Flexible bearing member 37 Support bearing (bearing for supporting the rotating case 3 and the inner shaft 5) 89 Core of the electromagnet 13 99 Lead wire of the electromagnet 13 111 Cylindrical member of the cover 15 113 Side wall member of the cover 15 115 O-ring ( Sealing means arranged between cylindrical member 111 and side wall member 113) 117 seal (first sealing means) 119 seal (first sealing means: third sealing means) 121 lip seal (second sealing means) 123 lip seal (second sealing means: fourth sealing means) Detent portions 209 lip seal outlet 135 electromagnet 13 of lead wire 99 (a third sealing means)

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A seal structure of an electromagnetic coupling disposed between rotating shafts for transmitting a driving force of a prime mover to a wheel, wherein a cover for covering the entire electromagnetic coupling is provided. Electromagnetic coupling seal structure. 2. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic coupling is supported on the vehicle body via a flexible support member and a bearing, and the cover is formed of the flexible support member. A seal structure for an electromagnetic coupling, wherein the seal structure is fixed to the electromagnetic coupling. 3. The electromagnetic coupling seal structure according to claim 1, wherein a seal means for sealing the inside of the cover is provided. 4. The invention according to claim 3, wherein one of the rotating members on one side and the other side of the electromagnetic coupling is supported on the vehicle body via a supporting member and a bearing. On the bearing side, a first sealing means is provided between the cover and the support member, and a second sealing means is provided between the support member and the one-side rotating member.
A sealing structure for an electromagnetic coupling, wherein a third sealing means is provided between the cover and the other rotating member on the other side. 5. The invention according to claim 3, wherein each of the rotating members on one side and the other side of the electromagnetic coupling is directly supported on the vehicle body via a supporting member and a bearing, respectively. On the side, first sealing means is provided between the cover and the support member, and on the other side, second sealing means is provided between the support member and the one-side rotating member. A third seal means is provided between the support member and the support member, and a fourth seal means is provided between the support member and the other rotating member. . 6. The seal structure for an electromagnetic coupling according to claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a cylindrical member and a side wall member. 7. The seal structure for an electromagnetic coupling according to claim 6, wherein an outlet for an electromagnet lead wire is provided in a side wall member of the cover. 8. The sealing structure for an electromagnetic coupling according to claim 6, wherein sealing means is disposed between the cylindrical member and the side wall member of the cover. 9. The electromagnetic coupling seal structure according to claim 1, wherein the cover is provided with a detent part for the core of the electromagnet. .