JP2002266904A - Electromagnetic coupling - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the diameter of and simplify the support structure of an electromagnetic coupling. SOLUTION: The electromagnetic coupling 1 is disposed on a propeller shaft for transmitting driving force of a prime mover to wheels and is supported on a vehicle body by support members 39 and 37. A core 41 of an electromagnet 13 has an axial extension part 43, which is supported by the support member 39. A bearing 45 for supporting an inner shaft 5 of the electromagnetic coupling 1 is disposed between the shaft 5 and the extension part 43.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an electromagnetic coupling disposed on a propeller shaft of a four-wheel drive vehicle.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG.
Such a coupling 1001 (driving force transmission device) is described.

The coupling 1001 is disposed 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 1001 is a rotating case 10
03, inner shaft 1005, multi-plate type main clutch 1007, pressure plate 1009, armature 1011, intermediate cam member 1013, first cam 10
15, second cam 1017, spring 1019, electromagnet 10
21, a controller and the like.

[0005] Rotating case 1003 and inner shaft 1
Reference numeral 005 is disposed so as to be relatively rotatable, and the inner shaft 1005 is disposed inside the rotating case 1003.

[0006] The rotating case 1003 is connected to a propeller shaft 1023 on the transfer side. The inner shaft 1005 is spline-connected to a propeller shaft 1025 on the rear differential side, and is connected to the rear differential (a differential device for distributing the driving force of the engine to the left and right rear wheels) via the propeller shaft 1025.

[0007] The pressure plate 1009 and the armature 1011 are spline-connected to the inner periphery of the rotating case 1003, respectively.

[0008] The intermediate cam member 1013 is disposed between the pressure plate 1009 and the armature 1011 so as to be relatively rotatable.

The first cam 1015 has an armature 101
1 and a cam groove 1027 provided on the outer periphery of the intermediate cam member 1013.
And a roller 1029 that engages with the cam groove 1027.

The cam grooves 1027 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and are inclined with respect to the axial direction. Roller 1
Reference numeral 029 is rotatably supported by the armature 1011.

[0011] The second cam 1017 is a ball cam,
It is provided between the pressure plate 1009 and the intermediate cam member 1013.

The spring 1019 is disposed between the armature 1011 and the intermediate cam member 1013. The spring 1019 presses the intermediate cam member 1013 toward the second cam 1017 to absorb backlash and improve the response of the cam 1017. I have.

When the excitation of the electromagnet 1021 is stopped, the spring 1019 returns the armature 1011 to the neutral position in the rotational direction and returns the intermediate cam member 1013 to the neutral position in the axial direction, thereby generating unnecessary torque. To prevent them from doing so.

A rotor 1031 as a magnetic path member is connected to the rotating case 1003.
Reference numeral 33 denotes a concave portion 1035 provided in the rotor 1031.
In addition, it is arranged with a suitable air gap, and is supported on the rotor 1031 by a ball bearing 1037.

The outer periphery of the core 1033 and the rotor 103
1 and a seal 1039 is disposed between the core 1
A seal 1041 is disposed between the inner circumference of 033 and the inner shaft 1005. These seals 103
Reference numerals 9 and 1041 prevent oil leakage from the rotating case 1003 and prevent water and dust from entering from outside.

The rotor 1031 has an armature 1011
A contact surface 1043 is provided for contact with the armature 1011, and an air gap 1045 is formed between the armature 1011 and the contact surface 1043.

The controller excites the electromagnet 1021,
Controls the excitation current and stops excitation.

When the electromagnet 1021 is excited, a magnetic loop 1047 is formed in a magnetic path including the air gap 1045, and the armature 1011 is attracted.

When the armature 1011 is sucked, the roller 1029 moves, and the cam groove 10 of the intermediate cam member 1013 is moved.
27, the first cam 1015 is operated, and the intermediate cam member 1013 is rotated by the cam force.

When the intermediate cam member 1013 rotates, the second
Of the main clutch 1017 through the pressure plate 1009 by the cam thrust force.
07 is pressed and fastened.

As described above, when the electromagnet 1021 attracts the armature 1011, the first function is performed by the pilot function.
The cam 1015 is actuated, and the second cam 1017 is actuated by the cam force in the direction of rotation, so that the coupling 100
1 are linked.

When the coupling 1001 is connected, the driving force of the engine is sent to the rear wheels, and the vehicle is driven in a four-wheel drive state, so that the running performance on rough roads and the stability of the vehicle body are improved.

When the exciting current of the electromagnet 1021 is controlled, the cam force of the first cam 1015 changes, and the second cam 1
The pressing force of 017 changes, and the driving force transmitted to the rear wheels by the slip of the main clutch 1007 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 1021 is stopped, the armature 1011 (the roller 1029) returns to the original position by the urging force of the spring 1019, the cam force of the first cam 1015 disappears, and then the cam thrust of the second cam 1017 The power is lost, the main clutch 1007 is released, the connection of the coupling 1001 is released, and the vehicle enters a two-wheel drive state.

[0025]

However, in the coupling 1001, the ball bearing 1037 for supporting the rotor 1031 is disposed between the core 1033 of the electromagnet 1021 and the rotor 1031. It has a diameter.

When the diameter of the coupling 1001 is large, interference with the vehicle body (floor panel) is likely to occur, and the road clearance (minimum ground clearance) is reduced. Since it is easy to collide with a convex portion or the like, it is difficult to achieve the condition.

Further, when the diameter of the coupling 1001 becomes large, the rotational imbalance and the vibration resulting therefrom increase, and the inertia increases, so that the fuel efficiency of the engine decreases.

The propeller shafts 1023 and 1025 connected to the coupling 1001 are supported by bearings (center support bearings) for preventing vibrations. , Two bearings are arranged in the vicinity of, which increases the number of parts and cost and complicates the structure.

The core 1033 of the electromagnet 1021 is
It is necessary to connect to the vehicle body to prevent rotation, and a dedicated connecting member is used for that purpose. However, the peripheral dimension of the coupling 1001 becomes longer by the arrangement space of the connecting member, and the vehicle mountability is reduced. ing.

Further, the coupling 1001 is exposed to the outside, and the core 1033 of the electromagnet 1021 and the rotor 10
Foreign matter such as water or dust may enter the air gap between the rotor 1031 and the rotor 1031 (rotating case 1003). Therefore, seals 1039 and 1041 are arranged to prevent such a situation.

However, since the lead wire of the core 1033 cannot be drawn out through the seals 1039 and 1041, the lead out portion of the lead wire becomes narrower by disposing the seals 1039 and 1041 on the outer circumferential side and the inner circumferential side of the rotor 1031. At the same time, it becomes difficult to seal the drawer.

The coupling 100 exposed to the outside
In case 1, there is a risk of collision with foreign matter such as stones flying during traveling.
03 needs to be strong enough to withstand such a collision, and is thicker, larger in diameter, and heavier.

When the rotating case 1003 is large and heavy,
The feasibility and in-vehicle properties are further reduced.

Further, since the rotating case 1003 needs sufficient strength, it is difficult to make the rotating case 1003 from an aluminum alloy or the like to reduce its weight.

Further, if a protective cover is provided outside the core (electromagnet), it is necessary to attach a grommet to the protective cover and draw out the lead wire of the electromagnet, so that the number of parts increases and the cost increases.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an electromagnetic coupling which is arranged on a propeller shaft, has a small diameter and is lightweight, and has a simplified support structure.

[0037]

The electromagnetic coupling according to the present invention is arranged on a propeller shaft for transmitting the driving force of a motor to a wheel, and is supported on a vehicle body by a support member. A coupling provided with an axial extension in the core of the electromagnet, supporting the extension with the support member, and a bearing for supporting the electromagnetic coupling with an inner shaft of the electromagnetic coupling. It is characterized by being arranged between the core.

As described above, in the electromagnetic coupling according to the first aspect, the axially extending portion provided on the core of the electromagnet is supported on the vehicle body via the support member of the electromagnetic coupling, and the electromagnetic coupling is provided. A bearing for supporting the ring (for example, a center support bearing) was disposed between the inner shaft and the core of the electromagnetic coupling.

As described above, in the conventional example, the bearing dedicated to the core such as the bearing 1037 for supporting the core 1033 of the electromagnet 1021 between the rotor 1031 and the core 1033 is eliminated, and the diameter of the bearing is prevented from increasing.

Therefore, interference with the vehicle body side (floor panel) is avoided, and even if the road clearance (minimum ground clearance) is restricted, it is easy to be satisfied. In such a case, a collision with a step portion or a convex portion is avoided.

In addition, since the diameter of the electromagnetic coupling is reduced, inertia is reduced, and rotational unbalance and
The resulting vibration is reduced, and the fuel efficiency of the prime mover is improved.

As described above, since the bearing dedicated to the electromagnet core is eliminated, the number of parts and cost are reduced, and the structure is simplified.

Further, since the core of the electromagnet is prevented from rotating toward the vehicle body via the supporting member, a member for preventing rotation is not required, and the dimension around the electromagnetic coupling by disposing the rotation preventing member is eliminated. The increase is avoided and the in-vehicle property is improved.

Further, unlike the conventional example, since the seals are not disposed on the outer peripheral side and the inner peripheral side of the core, the lead-out portion of the lead wire formed on the core becomes wider and the lead-out becomes easier. ing.

The fixed form of the extension and the support member includes, for example, a form of bonding the extension and the support member when the support member is an elastic member such as rubber having a vibration absorbing function.

The extension of the core (electromagnet) may be provided on the front side or the rear side of the vehicle. For example, if the electromagnet is arranged on the rear side and the core is extended on the rear side, the vehicle may be running. Therefore, it is easy to avoid collision between the electromagnet and a foreign substance such as a stone flying from the front, and it is possible to reduce entry of foreign substances such as water and dust into an air gap between the electromagnet and the rotor.

Also, no matter which direction the core extension is provided, the core and the extension provide the protection function at the location where the core is provided, so that it is not necessary to arrange a protective cover at this location.

Accordingly, it is not necessary to penetrate the protective cover to take out the lead wire of the electromagnet, and the grommet provided at the penetrating portion of the protective cover becomes unnecessary, so that the number of parts and the cost are reduced accordingly.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electromagnetic coupling according to the first aspect, wherein the annular support member is mounted on the outer periphery of the extended portion of the core. Function and effect can be obtained.

When the annular support member is fixed (for example, adhered) to the support member on the vehicle body side, the annular support member is unitized as a support system, and the core (extension) is united with the electromagnetic coupling. Therefore, the electromagnetic coupling can be easily attached to and detached from the support system simply by attaching or removing the extension of the core to or from the annular support member. Get higher.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electromagnetic coupling according to the first or second aspect, wherein a cover for covering a portion other than the core is provided, and a seal is provided between the cover and the extension of the core. Is arranged.
Alternatively, the same operation and effect as those of the second aspect can be obtained.

Also, by providing the cover for covering the parts other than the core, the entire electromagnetic coupling is covered and protected by the core, its extension, and this cover. Even if the ring is disposed on the propeller shaft, the ring is protected from foreign matters such as stones flying during traveling and collision with a step portion or a convex portion due to off-road or the like.

Therefore, the casing outside the electromagnetic coupling does not need an excessive strength exceeding the strength necessary for transmitting the driving force. For example, the casing is made of a light metal alloy such as an aluminum alloy. Along with
By reducing the thickness, the diameter can be reduced and the weight can be reduced.

By reducing the diameter and weight of the casing, the inertia, rotational unbalance and vibration of the electromagnetic coupling are reduced, and the fuel economy of the prime mover is improved due to the reduced inertia.

Further, as the diameter is reduced, the effect of preventing interference with the vehicle body (floor panel) and the feasibility under the constraints of road clearance (minimum ground clearance) are improved, and the road clearance is kept wide.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electromagnetic coupling according to the third aspect, wherein the cover is supported by a shaft member connected to the propeller shaft. The same operation and effect can be obtained.

Further, by supporting the cover not on the outer casing of the electromagnetic coupling but on a shaft member connected to the propeller shaft, a gap is formed between the cover and the propeller shaft.
In addition, since a part of the electromagnetic coupling is prevented from being exposed from this gap, the protection effect of the electromagnetic coupling is improved.

The cover may be provided on the front side or the rear side of the vehicle. For example, if the cover is provided on the front side,
It is possible to enhance the effect of preventing foreign matter such as stones flying from the front while traveling and the core of the electromagnetic coupling from colliding.

With such a protective function of the cover, it is not necessary to give strength to the outer casing of the electromagnetic coupling to withstand a collision with a foreign substance, and it is possible to prevent the weight and the diameter from being increased, and to reduce the feasibility. In addition to being avoidable, the outer casing can be made of an aluminum alloy or the like to reduce the weight.

[0060]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] An electromagnetic coupling 1 according to FIGS. 1, 3 and 6 (first embodiment of the present invention).
I will explain.

The electromagnetic coupling 1 is characterized in that
It has four features. FIG. 1 shows an electromagnetic coupling 1, and FIGS. 3 and 6 show a power system of a four-wheel drive vehicle using the electromagnetic coupling 1. The left and right directions are the left and right directions of the vehicle, and the left side of FIGS. 1 and 3 corresponds to the front (engine side) of the four-wheel drive vehicle. Further, members and the like without reference numerals are not shown.

The power system shown in FIGS.
01 (motor), transmission 703, transfer 705, 2 provided inside transfer 705
-4 switching mechanism 707, front differential 709 (differential device for distributing engine driving force to left and right front wheels), front axles 711, 713, left and right front wheels 715, 71
7, front propeller shaft 719, electromagnetic coupling 1, rear propeller shaft 721, rear differential 72
3, rear axles 725, 727, left and right rear wheels 729, 731
It is composed of

The driving force of the engine 701 is transmitted from the output gear 733 of the transmission 703 to the differential case 737 of the front differential 709 via the ring gear 735, and from the front differential 709 via the front axles 711 and 713. 715, 717.

When the 2-4 switching mechanism 707 is connected, the rotation of the differential case 737 is
From the front propeller shaft 71 through the joint 739
9 is rotated and transmitted to the electromagnetic coupling 1 via the joint 741.

When the electromagnetic coupling 1 is connected, the driving force of the engine 701 is transmitted through the joint 743, the rear propeller shaft 721 and the joint 745 to the rear differential 72.
3 from the rear differential 723 to the rear axles 725, 72
The vehicle is distributed to the left and right rear wheels 729 and 731 via the, and the vehicle enters a four-wheel drive state.

When the coupling of the electromagnetic coupling 1 is released, the rear propeller shaft 7
21 or less is cut off, and the vehicle enters the two-wheel drive state.

As described above, the electromagnetic coupling 1
It is arranged between the rear-wheel-side propeller shafts 719 and 721 of the wheel drive vehicle, and controls connection and disconnection of the rear wheels 729 and 731 and control of driving force transmitted to the rear wheels 729 and 731.

The electromagnetic coupling 1 includes a rotating case 3,
Inner shaft 5, multi-plate main clutch 7, ball cam 9, multi-plate pilot clutch 11, electromagnet 1
3, a cover 15, a controller and the like.

The rotary case 3 has a front power transmission shaft 17 (shaft member) made of steel for shafts, and a cylindrical member 1 made of aluminum alloy (non-magnetic material).
9. Rear rotor 2 made of iron alloy (magnetic material)
1 and the like.

A flange 23 is formed on the power transmission shaft 17, and the flange 23 is fixed to a front opening of the cylindrical member 19 by bolts 25.

The rotor 21 is screwed into a rear opening of the cylindrical member 19 and is fixed by a double nut function of a nut 27.

The power transmission shaft 17 is connected to the joint 741 side. As described above, the driving force of the engine 701 rotates the power transmission shaft 17 (rotary case 3) via the propeller shaft 719 and the joint 741 and the like. .

The inner shaft 5 penetrates the rotating case 3 from the rear. The front end is supported by the cylindrical member 19 by the ball bearing 29, and the rear side is supported by the rotor 21 by the needle bearing 31. A companion flange 33 is spline-connected to the inner shaft 5 and fixed with a nut 35. The companion flange 33 is connected to the joint 743 side.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the inner shaft 5 includes a support member 37 (support member) fixed to the floor panel 747 of the vehicle body and a flexible member fixed to the inner periphery of the support member 37. A support member 39 (support member), which is a vibration absorbing material, an axially rearward extension 43 formed on the core 41 of the electromagnet 13 as described below, and a center support bearing 45 (a bearing for supporting the inner shaft:
The support member supports the vehicle body.

An O-ring 47 is arranged between the power transmission shaft 17 of the rotating case 3 and the cylindrical member 19, and an O-ring 49 is arranged between the cylindrical member 19 and the rotor 21. Further, between the rotor 21 and the inner shaft 5, an X-ring 51 having an X-shaped cross section is disposed. The electromagnetic coupling 1 (rotating case 3) is sealed by these O-rings 47 and 49 and the X-ring 51.

Oil is injected into the sealed rotating case 3 from an oil hole 53 provided in the cylindrical member 19, and after the oil is injected, the oil hole 53 is sealed by press-fitting a check ball 55. ing.

The main clutch 7 is arranged between the rotating case 3 and the inner shaft 5, and its outer plate 57 is connected to a spline portion 59 formed on the inner periphery of the rotating case 3, and the inner plate 61 is It is connected to a spline 63 formed on the outer periphery of the inner plate 5.

The ball cam 9 is mounted on the pressure plate 6
5 and a cam ring 67.

The inner circumference of the pressure plate 65 is connected to the spline portion 63 of the inner shaft 5.
The main clutch 7 is pressed against the rotating case 3 (cylindrical member 19) by the thrust force of the ball cam 9 to be fastened.

The cam ring 67 is arranged on the outer periphery of the inner shaft 5. Between the cam ring 67 and the rotor 21, there are arranged a thrust bearing 69 for receiving a cam reaction force of the ball cam 9 and a washer 71.

The pilot clutch 11 is
The outer plate 73 is connected to a spline portion 59 of the rotating case 3, and the inner plate 75 is connected to a spline portion 77 formed on the outer periphery of the cam ring 67.

An armature 79 is arranged between the pilot clutch 11 and the pressure plate 65, and has an outer periphery connected to the spline portion 59 of the rotating case 3.

The core 41 of the electromagnet 13 penetrates through a recess 81 formed in the rotor 21 through an appropriate air gap, and as described above, attaches the extension 43 to the support member 39.
The vehicle body side (floor panel 74)
7).

The extension 43 is press-fitted into the support member 39 or adhered to the support member 39, and is thus prevented from rotating toward the vehicle body.

The lead wire 83 of the electromagnet 13 is drawn out of the core 41 and is connected to a vehicle-mounted battery.

Further, the rotor 21 and the pilot clutch 1
A magnetic path of the electromagnet 13 is constituted by the armature 79 and the armature 79.

The rotor 21 is separated radially outward and inward by a stainless steel ring 85 which is a non-magnetic material.
At the radial position corresponding to the ring 85, the notches 87 are provided with notches 87 and a bridge portion connecting them. The ring 85 and the notch 87 prevent 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 89 is generated in the magnetic path, and the attracted armature 79 presses and engages the pilot clutch 11 to generate pilot torque.

When the pilot torque is generated, the driving force of the engine 701 is applied to the ball cam 9 from the rotating case 3 via the pilot clutch 11 and the cam ring 67, and the main clutch 7 is pressed via the pressure plate 65 by the generated cam thrust force. Been concluded,
The electromagnetic coupling 1 is connected.

When the electromagnetic coupling 1 is connected, as described above, the driving force of the engine 701 is transmitted from the electromagnetic coupling 1 to the rear differential 723 via the propeller shaft 721 and the like, and the left and right rear wheels 729, Allocated to 731 and the vehicle enters the four-wheel drive state, and the running performance on rough roads and the stability of the vehicle body are improved.

At this time, when 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 driving force transmitted to the rear wheels via the electromagnetic coupling 1) can be adjusted.

By adjusting the coupling force of the electromagnetic coupling 1 as described above, it is possible to arbitrarily control the driving force distribution ratio between the front and rear wheels. For example, if such control is performed during turning, The maneuverability and stability of the vehicle 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 723 side is disconnected, and the vehicle enters a front-wheel drive two-wheel drive state.

At this time, the 2-4 switching mechanism 707
Is released in conjunction with the electromagnetic coupling 1 and 2
The rotation from the −4 switching mechanism 707 to the joint 741 is stopped, so that noise, vibration, wear, and the like are greatly reduced, and the fuel efficiency of the engine 701 is improved.

The rear axles 725, 727 and the rear wheel 72
If the hub clutch is disposed between the electromagnetic coupling 1 and the rear wheels 729 and 731, respectively, a power transmission system from the electromagnetic coupling 1 to the rear wheels 729 and 731 is provided with an engine. 701 rotation and rear wheel 329,
The rotation is stopped by being shut off from both of the entrainment by 731 and noise, vibration, wear and the like are greatly reduced, and the fuel efficiency of the engine 701 is further improved.

Further, since the cylindrical member 19 of the rotating case 3 is made of an aluminum alloy and the magnetic force of the electromagnet 13 is prevented from leaking to the cylindrical member 19 side, the magnetic force is efficiently transmitted to the armature 79. As a result, loss of the excitation power is prevented.

The oil sealed in the rotating case 3 is held in an oil reservoir 91 formed through the inner shaft 5 and the power transmission shaft 17, and the cylindrical member 19 increases the oil capacity of the rotating case 3. Oil pool 9
3 are formed.

The inner shaft 5 has an oil sump 91
Oil passages 9 that communicate the oil with the main clutch 7 side
5 is formed, and an oil flow path 97 is formed between the front end of the inner shaft 5 and the rotating case 3.

When the electromagnetic coupling 1 rotates, the oil in the oil sump 91 is centrifugally moved to the oil flow paths 95, 95.
97, the bearing 29, the main clutch 7, the ball cam 9, the bearings 69 and 31, the pilot clutch 11 and the like are lubricated and cooled.

The inner plate 61 of the main clutch 7 is provided with an oil hole 99 so that each plate 5
Between 7, 61, ball cam 9, bearings 69, 31,
Oil movement to the pilot clutch 11 side is promoted, and these lubrication and cooling effects are improved.

The cover 15 comprises a cylindrical portion 101 and a front wall portion 103, with the wall portion 103 facing forward.
It is arranged around the rotating case 3. Also, cover 1
5 has an opening on one side (rearward) as described above, so that it can be easily formed by pressing.

The front end of the wall 103 is supported on the power transmission shaft 17 via a lip seal 105.
The rear end is supported on the core 41 via an O-ring 107.

The companion flange 33 and the core 4
A lip seal 109 is disposed between the lip seal 109 and a dust cover 111 that protects the lip seal 109 from flying stones or the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, the lip seal 105, the cover 15, the O-ring 107, the core 41, the extension 43 thereof,
The inside is sealed and protected by the lip seal 109, dust cover 111, etc.,
The rotating case 3 and the electromagnet 13 do not collide with foreign substances such as stones flying during traveling, and in particular, the cover 15
By arranging in front, collision with foreign matter which often comes from the front can be effectively prevented.

In addition, foreign substances such as water and dust are prevented from entering the inside. Particularly, the core 41 of the electromagnet 13 and the rotor 21
Water and dust enter the air gap between the
Rotor 21 caused by freezing of water, rust, etc.
The rotation lock of the (rotating case 3) is prevented.

As described above, since the protective cover is not disposed outside the core 41, the lead wire 83 of the electromagnet 13 can be moved from the core 41 without passing through the grommet disposed at the outlet of the protective cover. Have been directly withdrawn.

As shown in FIG. 3, propeller shafts 719 and 7 are disposed before and after the electromagnetic coupling 1.
21 are inclined so that the electromagnetic coupling 1 side is higher, and the electromagnetic coupling 1 is disposed at a position where the minimum ground clearance (load clearance) is the highest.

Thus, the electromagnetic coupling 1 is configured.

The electromagnetic coupling 1 supports the extension 43 provided on the core 41 of the electromagnet 13 on the floor panel 747 (vehicle body) via the support member 39 and the support fitting 37, and the center support bearing 45. It was arranged between the inner shaft 5 and the extension 43.

As described above, in the electromagnetic coupling 1,
Since a dedicated bearing for supporting the core 41, such as the conventional bearing 1037, is not used, an increase in the diameter of the bearing is prevented.

Therefore, the electromagnetic coupling 1 avoids interference with the vehicle body side (floor panel 747), is easy to be established even if it is restricted by the road clearance, and keeps the vehicle's road clearance wide. Therefore, a collision with a step portion, a convex portion, or the like can be avoided even in off-road or the like.

In addition, the inertia of the electromagnetic coupling 1 is reduced as the diameter is reduced, and the fuel consumption of the engine 701 is improved accordingly.

Also, the elimination of the bearing dedicated to the core 41 reduces the number of parts and cost, and simplifies the structure.

Since the core 41 is prevented from rotating toward the vehicle body via the members 39 and 37, a dedicated member for preventing rotation is not required, and the vicinity of the electromagnetic coupling 1 by disposing the rotation preventing member is eliminated. The increase in the size is avoided, and the on-board performance is improved.

Further, since the electromagnet 13 is prevented from rotating, disconnection of the lead wire 83 is prevented, and the normal function of the electromagnetic coupling 1 is maintained.

Further, the seals 1039 and 104 in the conventional example
Since there is no seal disposed on the outer peripheral side and the inner peripheral side of the core 41 as shown in FIG.

Further, the electromagnet 13 is disposed at the rear, and the core 4
Since the extension portion 43 is provided on the rear side, collision between the electromagnet 13 and a foreign substance such as a stone flying from the front during traveling is avoided, and water or dust such as water or dust with respect to the air gap between the core 41 and the rotor 21 is prevented. Very little foreign matter enters.

Further, as described above, since there is no protective cover outside the core 41, a grommet for extracting the lead wire 83 of the electromagnet 13 through the protective cover becomes unnecessary, and the number of parts and cost are reduced accordingly. Has been reduced.

Further, as described above, the entire electromagnetic coupling 1 is protected by the cover 15, the core 41, and the extension 43 arranged in front, so that the propeller shaft 7
Even when the rotary case 3 is disposed on the base member 19, 721, the rotary case 3 of the electromagnetic coupling 1 is protected from collision with a step portion or a convex portion due to a foreign object such as a stone flying during traveling or off-road.

Accordingly, the rotating case 3 does not need to have more strength than necessary. Therefore, the rotating case 3 is made of an aluminum alloy and can be made smaller and lighter by making it thinner.

The inertia of the electromagnetic coupling 1 is further reduced by reducing the diameter and the weight of the rotating case 3 as described above. Therefore, the rotational unbalance and the vibration are reduced, and the inertia is reduced. Fuel efficiency is improved.

Further, since the cover 15 is supported not on the rotating case 3 but on the power transmission shaft 17 which is a shaft member, a gap is formed in the cover 15 and an electromagnetic coupling is formed from the gap. Since a part of 1 g is prevented from being exposed, the protection effect of the electromagnetic coupling 1 is improved.

Further, by providing the cover 15 on the front side, a collision between the electromagnetic coupling 1 and a foreign substance such as a stone flying from the front while traveling is effectively prevented.

Further, both ends of the cover 15 are supported by the power transmission member 17 and the core 41.
And the electromagnetic coupling 1 swing together, so that the suspension spring of the rear wheel bends during traveling, or receives thrust force from the propeller shafts 719 and 721, etc. 1
Is changed with respect to the vehicle body (floor panel 747), the distance between the cover 15 and the electromagnetic coupling 1 does not change.

Accordingly, no interference between the rotating case 3 and the cover 15 occurs, so that the distance (clearance) between them 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 floor panel 747 and peripheral members is less likely to occur, so that the layout of the electromagnetic coupling 1 is facilitated, the load clearance is further increased, and the step portion and the convex portion are formed. Interference with parts and the like is avoided.

[Second Embodiment] An electromagnetic coupling 201 (a second embodiment of the present invention) will be described with reference to FIGS.

The electromagnetic coupling 201 has the following features.
The four-wheel drive vehicle shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 is provided at the same position as the electromagnetic coupling 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 shows the electromagnetic coupling 201, and members and the like without reference numerals are not shown. The left side of FIGS. 2 and 3 corresponds to the front (engine side) of the vehicle of FIGS.

Hereinafter, differences from the electromagnetic coupling 1 will be described.

The electromagnetic coupling 201 includes a rotating case 3, an inner shaft 5, a multi-plate type main clutch 7,
Ball cam 9, pilot clutch 11, electromagnet 13,
The cover 15 includes a cover 15, a collar 203 (annular support member), a controller, and the like.

The collar 203 is fixed (for example, press-fitted or bonded) to the inner periphery of the support member 39, and
The extension 43 of the electromagnet 13 is press-fitted into the inner periphery of the collar 203.

In the electromagnetic coupling 201 thus configured, an extension 43 is provided on the core 41 of the electromagnet 13.
By attaching the cover 15, an effect equivalent to that of the electromagnetic coupling 1 of the first embodiment can be obtained.

In addition, the collar 203 is attached to the support member 3.
9, the unit up to the collar 203 is unitized as a support system, and the core 41 (the extension 4) is fixed.
Units up to 3) are unitized in the electromagnetic coupling 201.

Accordingly, the electromagnetic coupling 201 can be easily attached to and detached from the support system by simply attaching or detaching the extension 43 of the core 41 to or from the collar 203, and thus, the workability of assembling and detaching is improved. Is extremely high.

[Third Embodiment] The electromagnetic coupling 301 (third embodiment of the present invention) will be described with reference to FIGS.

The electromagnetic coupling 301 is a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
The four-wheel drive vehicle shown in FIG. 6 is disposed at a position equivalent to the electromagnetic couplings 201 and 201 of the first and second embodiments. FIG. 4 shows the electromagnetic coupling 301, and members and the like without reference numerals are not shown. 4 corresponds to the front (engine side) of the vehicle in FIG.

Hereinafter, differences from the electromagnetic coupling 1 will be described.

In this electromagnetic coupling 301,
The power transmission shaft 17 is supported on the vehicle body by a support member 37 fixed to a floor panel 747 of the vehicle body, a support member 39, a collar 303 fixed to the inner periphery of the support member 39, and a center support bearing 305. I have.

The power transmission shaft 17 is spline-connected to the flange 307 on the joint 741 side, and is fixed with a nut 309. The driving force of the engine 701 is transmitted to the power transmission shaft 1 via a propeller shaft 719 and a joint 741 or the like.
7 (rotating case 3) is rotated.

The front end of the cover 15 is provided with a collar 303.
Is press-fitted in a sealed state to the inner circumference. A lip seal 311 is disposed between the flange 307 and the collar 303, and a dust cover 313 that protects the lip seal 109 from flying stones is attached to the flange 307.

As shown in FIG. 4, the dust cover 313, the lip seal 311, the collar 303, the cover 15, the O-ring 107, the core 41, its extension 43, and the lip seal 10
9, a dust cover 111 and the like protect the inside thereof in a sealed state, and the rotating case 3 and the electromagnet 13
Is protected from collisions with foreign matter such as stones flying while traveling, water and dust are prevented from entering the inside, and dust is caught in the air gap between the core 41 of the electromagnet 13 and the rotor 21; The rotor 21 is prevented from freezing and rusting of water.
The rotation lock of the (rotating case 3) is prevented.

The electromagnetic coupling 301 thus configured is provided with an extension 43 on the core 41 of the electromagnet 13.
By attaching the cover 15, an effect equivalent to that of the electromagnetic coupling 1 of the first embodiment can be obtained.

The electromagnetic coupling 301 is supported by the center support bearings 305 and 45, the vibration absorbing support member 39, and the support bracket 37 in the front and rear directions in the axial direction. And the vibrations input from the propeller shafts 719 and 721 are effectively cut off, and the thrust force input from the front and rear propeller shafts 719 and 721 during traveling causes the front and rear support brackets 37, the support members 39, the center support bearings 305, Since the electromagnetic coupling 301 is absorbed by the vibration absorbing function of the support member 39, the electromagnetic coupling 301 is released from these vibrations and thrust force, the normal function is maintained, and the durability is improved.

[Fourth Embodiment] An electromagnetic coupling 401 (a fourth embodiment of the present invention) will be described with reference to FIGS.

The electromagnetic coupling 401 is described in claim 1
In the four-wheel drive vehicle shown in FIG. 6, the electromagnetic couplings 1 and 2 of the first, second and third embodiments are provided.
01 and 301 are arranged at the same positions. FIG.
Shows an electromagnetic coupling 401, and members and the like not given reference numerals are not shown. Note that the left side of FIG. 5 corresponds to the front (engine side) of the vehicle of FIG.

Hereinafter, differences from the electromagnetic coupling 301 will be described.

The electromagnetic coupling 401 includes a rotating case 3, an inner shaft 5, a multi-plate type main clutch 7,
Ball cam 9, pilot clutch 11, electromagnet 13,
It is composed of a cover 15, a collar 203, a controller and the like.

The collar 203 is fixed to the inner periphery of the rear support member 39, and extends from the extension 4 of the core 41 (electromagnet 13).
3 is press-fitted into the inner periphery of the collar 203.

The electromagnetic coupling 401 thus configured is provided with an extension 43 on the core 41 of the electromagnet 13.
By attaching the cover 15, an effect equivalent to that of the electromagnetic coupling 301 of the third embodiment can be obtained.

In addition, the collar 203 is attached to the support member 3.
9, the unit up to the collar 203 is unitized as a support system, and the core 41 (the extension 4) is fixed.
Units up to 3) are unitized in the electromagnetic coupling 401.

Therefore, the electromagnetic coupling 401 can be easily attached to and detached from the support system simply by attaching or detaching the extension 43 of the core 41 to or from the collar 203, and the workability of assembling and detaching is extremely high. high.

In each of the above embodiments, the main clutch 7 is a mechanism for transmitting a driving force between the rotating case 3 and the inner shaft 5, and has a meaning only by the outer plate 57 and the inner plate 61. Absent. Therefore, the rotating case 3, the inner shaft 5, the outer plate 57, and the inner plate 61 are all necessary components for the main clutch 7.

For the same reason, the pilot clutch 11 includes the rotating case 3, the cam ring 67, the outer plate 73, and the inner plate 75.

The ball cam 9 is a mechanism for converting the transmitted driving force into a pressing force of the main clutch 7, and includes a pressure plate 65, a cam ring 67, a cam surface formed thereon, and a space between them. The inner ball 5 transmitting the driving force to the pressure plate 65, the rotating case 3 transmitting the driving force to the cam ring 67, and the pilot clutch 1
Reference numeral 1 denotes an essential component, and accordingly, each of the above components is a component required for the ball cam 9.

[0157]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electromagnetic coupling which supports an axial extension provided on a core of an electromagnet on a vehicle body side via a support member and also supports an inner shaft of the electromagnetic coupling. By supporting the core with, bearings dedicated to the core have been abolished, preventing an increase in diameter.

Therefore, interference with the vehicle body side is avoided, and it is easy to be established even when restricted by the road clearance. Further, the road clearance is widely maintained, and even if the road is off-road, the difference between the stepped portion and the convex portion can be prevented. Collisions are avoided.

Further, the inertia is reduced by reducing the diameter,
The rotational imbalance and vibration are reduced, and the fuel efficiency of the prime mover is improved.

Also, the elimination of the core-dedicated bearing reduces the number of parts and costs, and simplifies the structure.

In addition, a member for preventing rotation of the electromagnet is not required, and an increase in the size of the periphery due to the provision of the rotation preventing member is avoided, so that the on-board property is improved.

Also, by providing the core with an extension, collision of foreign matter such as stones flying during traveling with the electromagnet and entry of foreign matter such as water and dust are avoided, and the extension is moved rearward. By providing such a structure, the effect of preventing such collision and intrusion is further improved.

In addition, there is no need to dispose the protective cover outside the extension part, and it is not necessary to penetrate the protective cover and take out the lead wire of the electromagnet. The number of parts and cost are reduced accordingly.

According to the electromagnetic coupling of the second aspect, the same effect as the configuration of the first aspect can be obtained.

Further, by fixing the annular support member to the support system, the support system and the electromagnetic coupling become separate units, and attachment and detachment of the electromagnetic coupling to and from the support system become extremely easy.

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

Further, the entire electromagnetic coupling is protected by the cover, the core, and the extension thereof, and is also protected on the propeller shaft from a collision with a stepping stone or the like and a collision with a step portion or a convex portion in off-road. You.

Therefore, it is possible to make the outer casing made of a light metal alloy such as an aluminum alloy, to make the outer casing thinner, to reduce the diameter and to reduce the weight, and to reduce the inertia of the electromagnetic coupling by reducing the diameter and the weight. The rotation imbalance and vibration are reduced, and the fuel efficiency of the prime mover is improved.

Further, by reducing the diameter, the effect of preventing interference with the vehicle body and the feasibility under the constraints of road clearance are improved.

According to the electromagnetic coupling of the fourth aspect, the same effect as the configuration of the third aspect can be obtained.

Further, since the cover is supported on the shaft member, a gap is prevented from being formed therebetween, and the protection effect of the electromagnetic coupling is improved.

Further, by providing the cover on the front side, it is possible to effectively prevent a collision between the electromagnetic coupling and a foreign substance such as a stone flying from the front during traveling.

Further, the protective function of the cover eliminates the need to provide the outer casing of the electromagnetic coupling with strength to withstand a collision with foreign matter, thereby avoiding a weight increase, a large diameter, and a reduction in feasibility. The outer casing is made of an aluminum alloy or the like, so that the weight can be reduced.

[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 side view showing a part of a power system of a vehicle using the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a third embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a skeleton mechanism diagram showing a power system of a vehicle using each embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 201, 301, 401 Electromagnetic coupling 5 Inner shaft 13 Electromagnet 15 Cover 17 Power transmission shaft (shaft member) 37 Support bracket (Support member) 39 Support member 41 Electromagnet core 43 Extension formed on core 45 Center Support bearing (bearing: support member) 203 Collar (annular support member)

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An electromagnetic coupling disposed on a propeller shaft for transmitting a driving force of a prime mover to a wheel side and supported on a vehicle body side by a support member, wherein an axially extending portion is attached to a core of an electromagnet. An electromagnetic coupling, wherein the extension is supported by the support member, and a bearing for supporting the electromagnetic coupling is disposed between an inner shaft and a core of the electromagnetic coupling. 2. The electromagnetic coupling according to claim 1, wherein the annular support member is attached to an outer periphery of an extension of the core. 3. The invention according to claim 1, wherein a cover for covering a portion other than the core is provided, and a seal is disposed between the cover and an extension of the core. Electromagnetic coupling. 4. The electromagnetic coupling according to claim 3, wherein the cover is supported by a shaft member connected to the propeller shaft.