JP2002340038A - Electromagnetic clutch mechanism and coupling using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To use a strong and low-cost member, and not a nonmagnetic member, as a torque transmitting member. SOLUTION: An electromagnetic clutch mechanism comprises outer and inner rotary members 3 and 5 arranged for relative rotation via a bearing part 52, a clutch 7 disposed between them, and an electromagnet 19 for operationally engaging the clutch 7. The bearing part 52 is provided with a magnetic flux blocking means 21 for blocking a magnetic flux from the electromagnet 19.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an electromagnetic clutch mechanism and a coupling formed by using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 7-41074 discloses an electromagnetic spring clutch 501 as shown in FIG.

The electromagnetic spring clutch 501 includes an input gear 503, an output shaft 505, an armature 507, an electromagnet 509, a bearing 511, a rotor 513, and an output hub 51.
5, a coil spring 517 and the like.

The input gear 503 and the armature 507 are connected via a coil spring 517, and these are rotatably disposed on an output shaft 505. Further, the electromagnet 509 is rotatably disposed on the output shaft 505 via the bearing 511.

[0005] The rotor 513 and the output hub 515 are fixed to the output shaft 505, respectively.

When the electromagnet 509 is excited, the magnetic force loop 51
9 is formed, the armature 507 is sucked and the rotor 5
13 and the armature 50
7 is braked. When the armature 507 is braked, the input gear 503 is rotated in advance by the input driving force, the coil spring 517 is wound around the output hub 515 to generate frictional resistance, and the electromagnetic spring clutch 501 is connected.

When the electromagnetic spring clutch 501 is connected, the driving force is transmitted from the sliding portion between the armature 507 and the rotor 513 and from the sliding portion between the coil spring 517 and the output hub 515 to the load side via the output shaft 505. You.

When the excitation of the electromagnet 509 is stopped,
Armature 5 by the urging force of coil spring 517
07 retreats from the rotor 513, the frictional resistance disappears and the connection of the electromagnetic spring clutch 501 is released.

The output shaft 505 is made of a non-magnetic material such as a resin, a copper alloy, an aluminum alloy, and austenitic stainless steel in order to prevent the leakage of magnetic flux from the magnetic loop 519.

[0010]

As described above, in the electromagnetic spring clutch 501, since the output shaft 505 is made of a non-magnetic material, the cost increases accordingly.

In addition, resins, copper alloys, aluminum alloys,
Austenitic stainless steel is not suitable for applications that transmit a large torque in terms of strength compared to alloy steel for shafts.

Austenitic stainless steel is disadvantageous in terms of machinability and formability as compared with alloy steel for shafts. When used as a material for shafts, austenitic stainless steel is required to improve abrasion resistance. Requires a nitriding treatment, which further increases the cost.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an electromagnetic clutch mechanism which does not require the use of a non-magnetic material torque transmitting member in order to prevent the leakage of magnetic flux, and which can use a high-strength, low-cost torque transmitting member. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a coupling constituted by using the above.

[0014]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electromagnetic clutch mechanism comprising outer and inner rotating members which are rotatably arranged relative to each other via a support between them, and a clutch which is arranged therebetween. And an electromagnet for opening and closing the clutch, and a magnetic flux interrupting means for interrupting the magnetic flux of the electromagnet is arranged in the support portion.

[0015] The magnetic flux blocking means can prevent the magnetic force of the electromagnet from leaking. Further, since leakage of magnetic force can be prevented, it is not necessary to increase the size of the electromagnet or increase the amount of current flowing through the electromagnet.

Further, in the electromagnetic clutch mechanism of the first aspect, the magnetic flux is interrupted by the magnetic flux interrupting means disposed on the support portion between the outer rotating member and the inner rotating member. It is not necessary to use a non-magnetic material for the rotating member, so that an increase in cost can be avoided.

In addition, the outer and inner rotating members can be implemented at low cost by using ordinary materials, for example, steel for machine structural use, and can transmit a sufficient torque.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electromagnetic clutch mechanism according to the first aspect, wherein the magnetic flux interrupting means is a non-magnetic member. The effect can be obtained.

Further, even if a non-magnetic member is used for the magnetic flux blocking means, the cost can be significantly reduced as compared with a conventional example in which the rotating member (shaft member) is made of a non-magnetic member.

Further, since the magnetic flux interrupting means does not participate in the transmission of torque and does not require a large strength, the resin, copper alloy,
A desired material can be arbitrarily selected from a wide range of nonmagnetic materials such as an aluminum alloy and austenitic stainless steel.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electromagnetic clutch mechanism according to the first aspect, wherein the magnetic flux blocking means is a coating of a non-magnetic material formed on another member. The same operation and effect as those of the first aspect can be obtained.

This configuration in which the coating of a non-magnetic material such as Teflon (registered trademark) or molybdenum is used as the magnetic flux blocking means can be implemented at a lower cost.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electromagnetic clutch mechanism according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the magnetic flux blocking means is disposed at an end of the inner rotating member. Accordingly, the same operation and effect as those of any one of the first to third aspects can be obtained.

Further, by disposing the magnetic flux blocking means at the end of the inner rotating member, the structure is simplified, and the assembly of each rotating member and the magnetic flux blocking means is facilitated.

The coupling according to claim 5 is the coupling according to claims 1-3
An electromagnetic clutch mechanism described in any of the above, a pilot mechanism operated by an electromagnet of the electromagnetic clutch mechanism, and a cam mechanism, when the pilot mechanism operates,
A torque is applied to the cam mechanism via the pilot mechanism, and the clutch of the electromagnetic clutch mechanism is connected by the generated connecting force, so that the same operation and effect as those of the first to third aspects can be obtained. .

Further, the coupling provides a large torque transmission capacity by the boosting function of the cam mechanism for converting the transmission torque into the coupling force of the clutch, and transmits a large torque to a power transmission system of a vehicle or the like. be able to.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the electromagnetic clutch mechanism according to the fifth aspect, wherein a paper clutch plate is used on at least one side of the clutch. The same operation and effect can be obtained.

Further, the leakage of magnetic flux in the main clutch can be interrupted by the magnetic flux interrupting action of the paper clutch plate.

[0029]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] An electromagnetic coupling 1 (first embodiment of the present invention) will be described with reference to FIG.

The electromagnetic coupling 1 (coupling using the electromagnetic clutch mechanism of the present invention) is characterized in that:
It has the features of 4,5,6, and 2 in a four-wheel drive vehicle.
It is arranged between the rear wheel that is separated during wheel drive traveling and the engine (transfer) side. The left and right directions are the left and right directions of the vehicle, and the right side in FIG. 1 corresponds to the front (engine side) of the vehicle. In addition, members and the like without reference numerals are not shown.

The electromagnetic coupling 1 and the rear differential (differential device for distributing the driving force of the engine to the left and right rear wheels) are arranged in this order in the front-rear direction, and are accommodated in the differential carrier.

The electromagnetic coupling 1 includes a rotating case 3
(Outer rotating member), hollow inner shaft 5 (inner rotating member), multi-plate main clutch 7 (clutch), ball cam 9 (cam mechanism), pressure plate 11, cam ring 13, multi-plate pilot clutch 15, It comprises an armature 17, an electromagnet 19, a spacer 21 of magnetic material (magnetic flux blocking means), a controller and the like.

The pilot mechanism of the main clutch 7 is constituted by the ball cam 9, the pressure plate 11, the cam ring 13, the pilot clutch 15, the armature 17, the electromagnet 19 and the like.

The rotary case 3 includes a power transmission shaft 23, a cylindrical member 25, a rotor 29, and the like, each of which is made of a steel material.

A flange portion 31 is formed on the power transmission shaft 23, and a wall portion 32 is formed in front of the cylindrical member 25. The power transmission shaft 23 and the cylindrical member 25 are formed by the flange portion 31 and the wall portion 32. Welded in.

The rotor 29 is screwed into the rear opening of the cylindrical member 25 by a screw 33. Further, the cylindrical member 25 and the rotor 29 are radially centered at a fitting portion 37 therebetween.

A nut 41 is screwed onto the rotor 29, and its double nut function prevents the screw portion 33 from being loosened and enhances the fixing function.

The nut 41 and the pressing surface 43 of the cylindrical member 25 are pressed against each other by the screw thrust force of the screw portion 33 to provide a sealing function. These sealing functions prevent leakage of oil filled inside. ing.

The power transmission shaft 23 protrudes forward from the differential carrier, and is connected to the transfer side via a companion flange connected to the spline portion 47, a joint, a propeller shaft and the like. The driving force of the engine is transmitted to the rotating case 3 via these power transmission systems.

The spacer 21 is fitted into a fitting portion 49 formed between the spacer 21 and the flange portion 31 of the power transmission shaft 23, is radially centered, and is provided at the front end of the inner periphery of the cylindrical member 25. Connected to the formed spline portion 51,
It is prevented from rotating with respect to the cylindrical member 25.

The inner shaft 5 penetrates the rotating case 3 from the rear, and its front end is supported on the inner periphery (support portion 52) of the spacer 21 and is connected to the cylindrical member 25 via the spacer 21 (fitting portion 49). On the other hand, it is centered in the radial direction.

The spacer 21 is axially positioned between a step 53 formed on the inner periphery of the cylindrical member 25 and the wall 32. The inner shaft 5 is provided with a snap ring 55 and a step 57. The spacer 21 is positioned in the axial direction with the spacer 21 interposed therebetween.

The positioning of the spacer 21 in the axial direction is as follows.
Instead of the step 53, a snap ring (snap ring: circlip) may be used.

The spacer 21 made of a non-magnetic material is disposed between the inner shaft 5 through which the magnetic flux passes and the rotating case 3 (the cylindrical member 25), thereby preventing the leakage of the magnetic flux between them. I have.

The rear end of the inner shaft 5 is supported on the inner periphery of the rotor 29 via a needle bearing 59.

The inner shaft 5 is radially centered at the front end by the spacer 21 and at the rear end by the needle bearing 59. The centering function of the inner shaft 5
And the vibration of the electromagnetic coupling 1 due to the vibration of the inner shaft 5 is prevented.

Further, between the inner shaft 5 and the rotor 29, a cross section X
An X-ring 61, which is a letter-shaped seal, is arranged to prevent oil leakage.

A drive pinion shaft is connected to a spline portion 62 formed on the inner periphery of the inner shaft 5. A drive pinion gear is formed integrally with the drive pinion shaft, and the drive pinion gear meshes with a ring gear on the rear differential side. The rotation of the inner shaft 5 is transmitted to the rear differential via these power transmission systems.

The rotating case 3 is sealed by the pressing surface 43 and the X-ring 61. Oil is injected into the inside of the rotating case 3 from an oil hole formed in the flange portion 31 of the power transmission shaft 23, and the oil is injected. After the injection, the oil hole is sealed by press-fitting a check ball.

The spacer 21 has through holes 63 and 64 formed on the outside and inside in the radial direction at regular intervals in the circumferential direction, thereby increasing the amount of oil sealed in the rotating case 3.

The hollow inner shaft 5 is similarly provided with a capacity increasing space 65 for increasing the amount of oil enclosed therein, and is sealed by a cover 67.
The injected oil and air are stored in the capacity increasing space 65 as in the other portions inside the rotating case 3. The capacity increasing space 65 communicates with the main clutch 7 through a plurality of radial channels 69 formed in the inner shaft 5.

The main clutch 7 is arranged between the rotating case 3 (cylindrical member 25) and the inner shaft 5, and its outer plate 71 is connected to a spline portion 73 formed on the inner periphery of the cylindrical member 25. The inner plate 75 is connected to a spline 77 formed on the outer periphery of the inner shaft 5.

Further, these inner plates 75
This is a paper clutch plate in which a friction material of paper is stuck on both surfaces of a plate of an iron-based alloy, and blocks magnetic flux between the cylindrical member 25 (outer plate 71) and the inner shaft 5 as described below.

The ball cam 9 is mounted on the pressure plate 1
1 and the cam ring 13.

The inner circumference of the pressure plate 11 is connected to the spline portion 77 of the inner shaft 5.
The main clutch 7 is pressed against the rotating case 3 (spacer 21) by the thrust force of the ball cam 9 to be fastened.

The cam ring 13 is slidably disposed on the outer periphery of the inner shaft 5, and a thrust bearing 79 and a washer 81 that receive a cam reaction force of the ball cam 9 are disposed between the cam ring 13 and the rotor 29. ing.

The pilot clutch 15 is a rotating case 3
The outer plate 83 is connected to the spline portion 73 of the cylindrical member 25, and the inner plate 85 is connected to a spline portion 87 formed on the outer periphery of the cam ring 13. Have been.

The armature 17 is arranged between the pressure plate 11 and the pilot clutch 15 and has its outer periphery movably connected to the spline portion 73 of the cylindrical member 25.

The core 89 of the electromagnet 19 penetrates through an appropriate air gap into a ring-shaped concave portion 91 formed in the rotor 29 and is supported on the rotor 29 by a ball bearing 93 of a double-sided seal type. .

A leg 95 of a dust cover 97 is engaged with a groove 95 provided in the core 89. The dust cover 97 is connected to the differential carrier side, and
(Core 89) is stopped.

The lead wire 101 of the electromagnet 19 is wired along the inside of the dust cover 97 and the grommet 10
3 is drawn out of the differential carrier and connected to a controller arranged outside the figure.

The rotor 29, pilot clutch 15 and armature 17 form a magnetic path for the electromagnet 19.

The rotor 29 is divided into a radially outer side and an inner side by a non-magnetic stainless steel ring 105. Also, each plate 8 of the pilot clutch 15
3, 85 at the radial position corresponding to the ring 105,
A plurality of notches 107, and these notches 107
Are provided in the circumferential direction. The ring 105 and the notch 107 prevent short-circuit of magnetic force on the magnetic path.

The controller detects the turning traveling from the vehicle speed, the steering angle, the lateral G, and the like, or performs the excitation of the electromagnet 19, the control of the excitation current, the stop of the excitation, and the like according to the road surface condition.

When the electromagnet 19 is excited, a magnetic force loop 109 is formed in the above-described magnetic path, the armature 17 is attracted, and the pilot clutch 15 is pressed between the rotor 29 and fastened.

When the pilot clutch 15 is engaged,
Transmission torque is applied to the ball cam 9 via the cam ring 13 connected to the rotating case 3 via the pilot clutch 15 and the pressure plate 11 on the inner shaft 5 side. And presses the main clutch 7 to engage it.

When the electromagnetic coupling 1 is connected as described above, the driving force of the engine causes the rear differential to rotate from the inner shaft 5 via the power transmission system such as the drive pinion shaft, and the left and right rear wheels are moved from the rear differential. And the vehicle is in a four-wheel drive state, so that the running performance on rough roads and the stability of the vehicle body are improved.

At this time, when the exciting current of the electromagnet 19 is controlled, the slip of the pilot clutch 15 changes, the cam thrust force of the ball cam 9 changes, the coupling force of the main clutch 7 changes, and the driving force sent to the rear wheels changes. , The driving force distribution ratio between the front and rear wheels can be controlled.

For example, when such a control of the driving force distribution ratio is performed during the turning, the controllability and stability of the vehicle can be greatly improved.

When the excitation of the electromagnet 19 is stopped, the pilot clutch 15 is released, the cam thrust force of the ball cam 9 disappears, the main clutch 7 is released, the connection of the electromagnetic coupling 1 is released, and the rear differential is disconnected. Then, the vehicle enters a two-wheel drive state of front-wheel drive.

Further, the inner shaft 5 and the rotating case 3
By disposing the non-magnetic spacer 21 between the rotating case 3 (cylindrical member 25) and the inner shaft 5, the magnetic force leaks between the rotating case 3 (cylindrical member 25) and the inner shaft 5. Is prevented.

In this way, the magnetic force loss of the electromagnet 19 is prevented, and the magnetic force is efficiently guided to the armature 17, so that a predetermined pilot torque is generated in the pilot clutch 15, and the electromagnetic coupling 1 can obtain a predetermined coupling torque.

The oil sealed in the rotating case 3 is
Circulates inside by the centrifugal force of the electromagnetic coupling 1,
Main clutch 7, ball cam 9, pilot clutch 15, sliding portion (support portion 52) of inner shaft 5 and spacer 21, spline portions 73, 77, 87, thrust bearing 79, washer 81, inner periphery of cam ring 13 and inner shaft 5 It is supplied to the sliding surface with the outer periphery, the X ring 61 and the like, and these are sufficiently lubricated and cooled.

The oil in the capacity increasing space 65 flows from the radial flow path 69 of the inner shaft 5 toward the main clutch 7 by centrifugal force and is applied to the sliding surface between the outer plate 71 and the inner plate 75. The lubrication and cooling effects are further improved.

Further, an oil hole 111 is formed in each inner plate 75 of the main clutch 9 to promote the movement of oil to the sliding surface of each plate 71, 75, and to improve the lubrication and cooling effects thereof. Let me.

A through hole 113 is formed in the pressure plate 11 to reduce the movement resistance due to oil to improve the operation response of the main clutch 7 and to serve as an oil flow path, thereby providing a ball cam 9 and a pilot. The movement of the oil toward the clutch 15 is promoted, and the lubrication and cooling effects are improved.

Thus, the electromagnetic coupling 1 is configured.

As described above, the electromagnetic coupling 1
The magnetic flux blocking function of the spacer 21 and the inner plate 75 (the main clutch 7) can prevent the magnetic force of the electromagnet 19 from leaking between the inner shaft 5 and the rotating case 3. As described above, since the leakage of the magnetic force can be prevented, the size of the electromagnet 19 can be increased,
It is not necessary to increase the amount of current flowing through the power supply.

Further, unlike the conventional example, the inner shaft 5 does not need to be made of a non-magnetic material, so that an increase in the cost associated therewith can be avoided.

Further, since the steel for machine structure is used for the inner shaft 5, it can be implemented at a low cost and can transmit a sufficient torque.

Further, even if a non-magnetic member is used for the spacer 21 serving as the magnetic flux blocking means, the cost can be significantly reduced as compared with the conventional example in which the rotating member corresponding to the inner shaft 5 is made of a non-magnetic member. .

The spacer 21 does not contribute to the transmission of torque and does not require a large strength.
A desired material can be arbitrarily selected from a wide range of nonmagnetic materials such as an aluminum alloy and austenitic stainless steel.

The spacer 21 is connected to the inner shaft 5.
Are arranged at the end (front end) of the rotating case 3, the inner shaft 5, and the spacer 21 are easily assembled.

The electromagnetic coupling 1 can obtain a large torque transmission capacity by the boosting function of the ball cam 9, and can transmit a large torque to the rear wheels.

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

This electromagnetic coupling 201 (coupling using the electromagnetic clutch mechanism of the present invention)
It has the features of 2, 4, 5, and 6, and is used in place of the electromagnetic coupling 1 in a four-wheel drive vehicle using the electromagnetic coupling 1 of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, differences will be described while giving the same reference numerals to members having the same functions as those of the electromagnetic coupling 1. Note that the right side of FIG. 2 corresponds to the front (engine side) of the vehicle, and members without reference numerals and the like are not shown.

The electromagnetic coupling 201 includes a rotating case 3, an inner shaft 5, a main clutch 7, a ball cam 9, a pressure plate 11, a cam ring 13, a pilot clutch 15, an armature 17, an electromagnet 19,
It is composed of a non-magnetic material sliding bearing 203 (magnetic flux blocking means: a support portion of the inner shaft 5), a controller, and the like, and includes a ball cam 9, a pressure plate 11,
The cam ring 13, the pilot clutch 15, the armature 17, the electromagnet 19 and the like constitute a pilot mechanism of the main clutch 7.

The sliding bearing 203 is disposed between the convex portion 205 formed on the power transmission shaft 23 and the front end of the inner shaft 5, and supports the inner shaft 5 in the radial direction with respect to the cylindrical member 25. Centering.

A holding plate 207 is disposed on the right side of the main clutch 7, is connected to the spline portion 51 of the cylindrical member 25, and is prevented from rotating with respect to the cylindrical member 25. The holding plate 207 is positioned on the left side in the axial direction by the step 53 of the cylindrical member 25.

The positioning of the holding plate 207 in the axial direction may be performed by using a retaining ring (snap ring: circlip) instead of the step 53.

A pressure receiving member 209 is disposed between the holding plate 207 and the wall 32 of the cylindrical member 25, and the pressure receiving member 209 is formed between the holding plate 207 and the flange 31 of the power transmission shaft 23. It is fitted to the joint 49 and is radially centered.

The inner shaft 5 is positioned on the left side in the axial direction by abutting the flange portion 211 formed at the front end against the holding plate 207, and is positioned on the right side in the axial direction by abutting the power transmission shaft 23 via the slide bearing 203. Have been.

Slide bearing 203 made of non-magnetic material
Is disposed between the inner shaft 5 through which the magnetic flux passes and the rotating case 3 (the power transmission shaft 23), thereby preventing the leakage of the magnetic flux between them.

The inner shaft 5 has a sliding bearing 203
The front end is radially centered by the needle bearing 59, and the rear end is radially centered by the needle bearing 59.
By these centering functions, the vibration of the inner shaft 5 and the vibration of the electromagnetic coupling 201 are prevented.

The convex portion 205 of the power transmission shaft 23 is provided with a capacity increasing space portion 213 for increasing the amount of oil to be filled, thereby improving the lubrication and cooling effects.

Thus, the electromagnetic coupling 201 is formed.

The electromagnetic coupling 201 prevents leakage of the magnetic force of the electromagnet 19 between the inner shaft 5 and the rotating case 3 by the magnetic flux blocking function of the slide bearing 203 and the inner plate 75 (main clutch 7). it can. As described above, since the leakage of the magnetic force can be prevented, it is not necessary to increase the size of the electromagnet 19 or increase the amount of current flowing through the electromagnet 19.

Further, unlike the conventional example, the inner shaft 5 does not need to be made of a non-magnetic material, thereby avoiding an increase in cost. It can be implemented at low cost and can transmit a sufficient torque.

Further, the sliding bearing 20 serving as a magnetic flux interrupting means is provided.
Even if a non-magnetic member is used for 3, the cost can be significantly reduced as compared with a conventional example in which a rotating member corresponding to the inner shaft 5 is formed of a non-magnetic member.

Further, since the sliding bearing 203 does not participate in the transmission of torque and does not require high strength, it can be made of a wide range of non-magnetic materials such as resin, copper alloy, aluminum alloy, and austenitic stainless steel. The material can be arbitrarily selected.

Further, by disposing the slide bearing 203 at the end (front end) of the inner shaft 5, the rotation case 3, the inner shaft 5 and the slide bearing 203 can be easily assembled.

The electromagnetic coupling 201 has a large torque transmitting capacity by the boosting function of the ball cam 9 and can transmit a large torque to the rear wheels.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the positioning of the inner shaft 5 in the axial direction, which is different from the first and second embodiments.

In this example, the front end of the inner shaft 5 penetrates into a ring-shaped peripheral groove 301 formed in the flange portion 31 of the power transmission shaft 23, and is provided between the peripheral groove 301 and the inner shaft 5. A slide bearing 203 is provided.

The inner shaft 5 has a flange portion 30.
3 is formed, and the inner shaft 5 is
Then, a snap ring 305 is attached to the circumferential groove 301 and is abutted against the flange portion 303 to position the inner shaft 5 on the left side in the axial direction, and the inner shaft 5 is axially moved by the slide bearing 203 and the power transmission shaft 23. Position to the right in the direction.

In each of the above embodiments, the rotor 2
Since 9 constitutes a part of the outer rotating member (rotating case 3), a sleeve 401 (magnetic flux blocking means) made of a non-magnetic material is provided on the outer periphery of the right end of the inner shaft 5 as shown by a broken line in FIG. If it arrange | positions, the leakage of the magnetic force of the electromagnet 19 in the vicinity of the magnetic force loop 109 can be prevented effectively.

The pilot mechanism according to claims 5 and 6 is not limited to a pilot clutch mechanism using a friction clutch such as a multi-plate clutch, a single-plate clutch, or a cone clutch, and also has a pilot function using an electromagnet without using a clutch. A known pilot mechanism may be used.

The main clutch and the pilot clutch may be any type of clutch other than the multi-plate clutch as long as it is a friction clutch such as a single-plate clutch or a cone clutch. These may be wet or dry.

The outer and inner rotating members, which need not be made of a non-magnetic material according to the present invention, need not be made of a magnetic material (a material intended to pass magnetic flux). A wide range of mechanical materials can be selected, and the cost can be reduced accordingly.

In each embodiment, the main clutch 7 is a mechanism for transmitting a driving force between the outer rotating member (the rotating case 3) and the inner rotating member (the inner shaft 5). The plate 71 and the inner plate 75 alone have no meaning, and the rotating case 3, the inner shaft 5, the outer plate 71, and the inner plate 75 are all essential components of the main clutch 7.

Further, for the same reason, the pilot clutch 15 includes the rotating case 3, the cam ring 13, the outer plate 83, and the inner plate 85 as essential components.

The ball cam 9 (cam mechanism) is a mechanism for converting the transmitted driving torque into a pressing force of the main clutch 7, and includes a pressure plate 11, a cam ring 13, and a cam surface formed on these. The pressure plate 1 as well as the ball placed between
The inner shaft 5 for transmitting the driving force to the camshaft 1, the rotating case 3 for transmitting the driving force to the cam ring 13, and the pilot clutch 15 are essential components.

Further, the electromagnetic clutch mechanism and the coupling of the present invention can be used for a differential limiting mechanism by being arranged between differential rotating members of a differential device.

[0114]

According to the electromagnetic clutch mechanism of the first aspect, magnetic flux leakage and power loss of the electromagnet are reduced by the magnetic flux blocking means disposed between the outer and inner rotating members, and the rotating member is made of a non-magnetic material. This eliminates the need to perform the torque transmission, thereby enabling sufficient torque transmission and avoiding an increase in cost.

[0115] The electromagnetic clutch mechanism of the second aspect is the first aspect.
The same effect as the configuration described above can be obtained.

In addition, any non-magnetic member can be used for the magnetic flux blocking means that does not require a large strength, and even if a non-magnetic member is used, the cost can be significantly reduced.

[0117] The electromagnetic clutch mechanism of the third aspect is the first aspect.
The same effect as the configuration described above can be obtained.

Further, by using a coating of a non-magnetic material as the magnetic flux interrupting means, it can be implemented at a lower cost.

[0119] The electromagnetic clutch mechanism of the fourth aspect is the first aspect.
The same effects as those of any one of the structures (1) to (3) can be obtained.

Further, by arranging the magnetic flux blocking means at the end of the inner rotating member, the structure is simplified, and the assembly of each rotating member and the magnetic flux blocking means is facilitated.

The coupling according to claim 5 is characterized in that:
The same effect as the configuration described above can be obtained.

Further, a large torque transmission capacity can be obtained by the boosting function of the cam mechanism, and large torque can be transmitted to a power transmission system of a vehicle or the like.

The coupling according to the sixth aspect can provide the same effect as that of the fifth aspect.

The function of interrupting magnetic flux is further improved by the paper clutch plate.

[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 partial sectional view showing another example of the positioning of the inner shaft 5 in the axial direction.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 1 electromagnetic coupling (coupling) 3 rotating case (outer rotating member) 5 inner shaft (inner rotating member) 7 main clutch (clutch) 9 ball cam (cam mechanism) 19 electromagnet 21 spacer (magnetic flux interrupting means) 52 inner Bearing portion of shaft 5 75 Inner plate (paper clutch plate) 201 Electromagnetic coupling (coupling) 203 Sliding bearing (magnetic flux blocking means: bearing portion of inner shaft 5)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Tetsushi Tomita 2388 Omiyacho, Tochigi City, Tochigi Prefecture Tochigi Fuji Industrial Co., Ltd.

Claims (6)

[Claims] An outer and inner rotating member arranged rotatably relative to each other via a bearing portion between them, a clutch arranged therebetween, and an electromagnet for opening and closing the clutch, An electromagnetic clutch mechanism, wherein a magnetic flux interrupting means for interrupting a magnetic flux of an electromagnet is disposed on the support portion. 2. The electromagnetic clutch mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic flux blocking means is a non-magnetic member. 3. The electromagnetic clutch mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic flux blocking means is a coating of a non-magnetic material formed on another member. 4. The electromagnetic clutch mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic flux interrupting means is disposed at an end of the inner rotating member. 5. The electromagnetic clutch mechanism according to claim 1, a pilot mechanism operated by an electromagnet of the electromagnetic clutch mechanism, and a cam mechanism. A coupling is characterized in that torque is applied to the cam mechanism via the cam mechanism, and the clutch of the electromagnetic clutch mechanism is connected by the generated connecting force. 6. The coupling according to claim 5, wherein a paper clutch plate is used on at least one side of the clutch.