JP2000291693A - Coupling - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To apply a coupling without accompany with the change of design, increase in cost, and increase in weight. SOLUTION: This coupling comprises a main clutch 43 and a control clutch 45 mounted between a rotary case 39 and a shaft 41, a cam 49 capable of operating when receiving the torque between the members 39, 41 in the connection of the clutch 45 to connect the clutch 43, and an electromagnet 55 connecting and disconnecting the clutch 45, and the sealing mans 67, 83, 87, 89 are mounted on an external part of a transfer case 37 for supporting the rotary case 39 and the inner shaft 41 at a stationary side through the connecting members 69, 79, and preventing the entry of foreign matters.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a coupling for interrupting power transmission.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art "Gaia New Car Manual 0-22 pages"
May 29, 1998 ”, coupling 2 as shown in Figure 5
01 is described.

[0003] The coupling 201 is arranged in a rear-wheel-side power transmission system between a transfer and a rear wheel of a four-wheel drive vehicle, and connects and disconnects the rear wheel.

[0004] The coupling 201 is connected to the rotating case 20.
3, inner shaft 205, multi-plate type main clutch 207 and control clutch 209, armature 2
11, electromagnet 213, cam ring 215, ball cam 2
17, a pressure plate 219, a controller and the like.

[0005] The rotating case 203 is connected to a propeller shaft by a connecting member 221 and further connected to a transfer side via the propeller shaft. The inner shaft 205 has a drive pinion shaft 22.
The drive pinion gear 225 integrally formed therewith meshes with a ring gear on the side of a rear differential (differential device for rear wheels).

[0006] The coupling 201 is accommodated in a differential carrier 227 of a rear differential, and is supported by bearings 229 and 231.

The main clutch 207 includes a rotating case 203
The control clutch 209 is disposed between the rotating case 203 and the cam ring 215.

The pressure plate 219 is movably connected to the inner shaft 205, and the ball cam 217 is connected to the cam ring 215 and the pressure plate 21.
9 is arranged.

The controller excites the electromagnet 213, controls the excitation current, and stops the excitation.

When the electromagnet 213 attracts the armature 211, the control clutch 209 is pressed and fastened, and a torque between the rotating case 203 and the inner shaft 205 is applied to the ball cam 217. The clutch 207 is pressed and fastened.

When the coupling 201 is connected as described above, 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 rough roads and the stability of the vehicle body are improved.

The armature 21 is controlled by the electromagnet 213.
By adjusting the pressing force of 1 and sliding the control clutch 209 appropriately, the cam thrust force of the ball cam 217 changes, the coupling force of the main clutch 207 changes, and the magnitude of the driving force sent to the rear wheels 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 suction of the armature 211 is stopped, the control clutch 209 is released, and the cam thrust force of the ball cam 217 disappears.
07 is released, the connection of the coupling 201 is released, and the vehicle enters a two-wheel drive state.

[0014]

In the case of a two-wheel drive vehicle that does not use a power interrupting mechanism such as the coupling 201, a flange is provided on the drive pinion shaft 223, and this flange is directly connected to the propeller shaft side.

When the coupling 201 is disposed at this position to form a four-wheel drive vehicle, the coupling 201 is accommodated in a stationary casing such as a differential carrier 227, and further provided with a coupling portion to provide a coupling. 201 is connected to the drive pinion shaft 223 and the propeller shaft, respectively.

Further, in order to accommodate the coupling 201, a design change for extending the differential carrier 227 in the axial direction is required, or a special casing for accommodating the coupling 201 is required.

In any case, the cost is greatly increased accordingly, and the differential carrier 22 fixed to the vehicle body is increased.
7 and the special casing are heavy, which is disadvantageous because the vehicle weight is greatly increased.

Further, if the differential carrier 227 is extended or a special casing is arranged, the interference with peripheral members becomes easier.

Also, since the road clearance becomes narrow,
In addition to being likely to interfere with road surfaces and obstacles, in order to prevent such a situation, it is necessary to increase the vehicle height, and the stability of the vehicle and the fuel efficiency of the engine decrease accordingly.

Further, when the differential carrier 227 is extended or a special casing is used, the amount of oil to be injected into them is increased accordingly, so that the weight and cost are further increased.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a coupling that can be arranged without a major design change, an increase in cost, an increase in weight, a decrease in load clearance, and the like.

[0022]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coupling comprising a case-like torque transmitting member, a shaft-like torque transmitting member penetrating therethrough, a main clutch and a control clutch disposed therebetween. A cam that operates by receiving a transmission torque when the control clutch is connected, and connects the main clutch by a cam thrust force;
A housing chamber formed between the case-shaped torque transmitting member and the shaft-shaped torque transmitting member, which houses the main clutch, the control clutch, and the cam, and an electromagnet for intermittently operating the control clutch, are provided outside the stationary casing. And a sealing means for directly supporting the respective torque transmitting members or via a connecting member connected thereto to the stationary side, and for preventing foreign matter from entering the storage chamber. Features.

When the electromagnet is excited, the armature is moved by the magnetic force to connect the control clutch. When the control clutch is connected, torque between the two torque transmitting members is applied to the cam, and the generated main thrust force connects the main clutch via the pressing member, thereby connecting the coupling.

When the exciting current of the electromagnet is controlled, cam thrust force changes due to slippage of the control clutch,
The coupling force of the main clutch and the transmission torque of the coupling can be adjusted.

When the excitation of the electromagnet is stopped, the control clutch is released and the thrust force of the cam disappears.
The main clutch is released and the connection of the coupling is released.

Further, unlike the prior art, the coupling according to the first aspect is disposed outside the stationary casing, so that the stationary casing is extended when the coupling is disposed in a vehicle that does not use the coupling. No changes are required.

Also, since the stationary casing is not extended,
Interference with peripheral members is prevented.

Further, since the road clearance is prevented from becoming narrow, interference with a road surface or an obstacle is prevented, and it is not necessary to increase the vehicle height in order to prevent the interference, so that the stability and fuel efficiency of the vehicle are reduced. Is prevented.

Further, since the stationary casing is not extended,
Increase in weight and cost due to an increase in the amount of injected oil is prevented.

Further, even if the coupling is disposed outside, the provision of the sealing means prevents foreign substances from entering the interior of the accommodation chamber, so that the normal function is maintained.

By arranging this coupling in the front-wheel power transmission system or the rear-wheel power transmission system of a four-wheel drive vehicle, when the coupling is connected, the vehicle is brought into a four-wheel drive state, and the connection is established. When released, the vehicle enters the two-wheel drive state.

The coupling is arranged in the power transmission system of the front and rear wheels as described above. In addition, a front differential (a differential device for distributing the driving force of the engine to the right and left front wheels) of the four-wheel drive vehicle and a front axle are provided. Or between a rear differential (a differential device for distributing the driving force of the engine to the left and right rear wheels) and a rear axle.

Also in this case, when the coupling is connected, the vehicle enters a four-wheel drive state, and when the connection is released, the transmission of the driving force to the wheel side is stopped by the differential gears freely rotating differentially. The vehicle enters a two-wheel drive state.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the coupling according to the first aspect, wherein an abutting portion is provided between the torque transmitting member and the connecting member connected thereto, and the sealing means is provided with the abutting portion. And the same effect as that of the first aspect is obtained.

In addition, the connecting member connected to the torque transmitting member is provided with an abutting portion and is used for the location of the sealing means, so that the cost can be reduced accordingly.

As the seal disposed at the abutting portion that does not rotate relatively, for example, an O-ring having a simple structure and a low cost can be used, and a sufficient sealing effect can be obtained. can get.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the coupling according to the first aspect, wherein the torque transmitting member and the connecting member connected thereto are integrally formed as a sealing means. An effect equivalent to that of the first configuration is obtained.

In addition, since the torque transmitting member and the connecting member are integrally formed as the sealing means, a sealing member dedicated to this portion is not required, and the cost can be reduced accordingly.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the coupling according to the first aspect, wherein the sealing means is disposed on a relative rotating portion between the case-like torque transmitting member and the shaft-like torque transmitting member. Thus, the same effects as those of the first aspect are obtained.

In addition, since the sealing means is disposed at the relative rotation portion between the case-shaped torque transmitting member and the shaft-shaped torque transmitting member, it is possible to use a conventional seal for the sealing means as described below. , It can be implemented at low cost.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the coupling according to the fourth aspect, the sealing means is a seal-type bearing disposed between the case-like torque transmitting member and the shaft-like torque transmitting member. And an effect equivalent to the configuration of the fourth aspect is obtained.

In addition to this, the bearing is essentially required between the case-like torque transmitting member and the shaft-like torque transmitting member. Since no special sealing means is required, the cost can be reduced accordingly.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the coupling according to the fourth aspect, wherein the sealing means is fixed to the case-shaped torque transmitting member or the shaft-shaped torque transmitting member, and has an appropriate space between the coupling and the counterpart. The cover is formed with a gap, and the same effects as those of the fourth aspect are obtained.

The cover prevents dust and muddy water from entering.

Also, make this cover sufficiently large, especially
By disposing the coupling so as to cover the front side, the entire coupling can be protected from foreign substances and obstacles that fly during traveling.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the coupling according to the fourth aspect, the sealing means is a sliding seal disposed between the case-like torque transmitting member and the shaft-like torque transmitting member. And an effect equivalent to the configuration of the fourth aspect is obtained.

In addition, since the sliding seal is inexpensive, it can be implemented at lower cost.

The invention according to claim 8 is based on claims 1, 3, 4, 7
The coupling according to any one of the above, provided with a protective case that entirely accommodates the case-like torque transmitting member and the shaft-like torque transmitting member and each connecting member connected thereto, sealing means, The protective case is disposed between the protective case and each connecting member or between each torque transmitting member, and an effect equivalent to any one of the first, third, fourth, and seventh aspects is obtained.

In addition, since the coupling is housed inside the protective case, it is sufficiently protected from foreign substances and obstacles that fly while the vehicle is running.

Also, since the sealing means is arranged between the protective case and each connecting member or between each torque transmitting member, the effect of preventing dust and muddy water from entering the protective case is ensured.

The ninth aspect of the present invention provides the first to eighth aspects.
The coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the storage chamber is provided with an oil sump for increasing a storage amount of the sealed oil, and is equivalent to any one of the claims 1 to 8. Get the effect.

In addition to this, an oil reservoir is provided to increase the amount of oil that can be sealed in the storage chamber, so that the main clutch, control clutch, cam, etc., stored in the sealed storage chamber are sufficiently lubricated. Increasing the amount of oil slows down the contamination of the oil, thereby reducing the deterioration of the oil and greatly improving the durability of the coupling.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the coupling according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein a piston, a spring, and a diaphragm for receiving the oil pressure in the housing chamber are provided, and the fluctuation of the oil pressure is provided. The hydraulic pressure fluctuation is reduced by the accompanying movement of the piston and the bending of the spring and the diaphragm, and the same effect as in any one of the first to ninth aspects is obtained.

In addition to this, a hydraulic pressure adjusting means such as a diaphragm or a spring which is bent by receiving hydraulic pressure is arranged inside the receiving chamber to move by receiving hydraulic pressure to absorb fluctuations in hydraulic pressure in the receiving chamber. Each seal means is protected from excessive oil pressure due to oil pressure fluctuation,
The durability is greatly improved.

[0055]

[First Embodiment] A coupling 1 (a first embodiment of the present invention) will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3. FIG.

This coupling 1 has the following features.
5, 6, 7, 9 are provided. FIG. 1 shows the coupling 1, and FIG. 3 shows a power system of a four-wheel drive vehicle using the coupling 1. The left and right directions are the left and right directions of the vehicle, and the right side of FIG. 1 corresponds to the front of the vehicle. In addition, members and the like without reference numerals are not shown.

As shown in FIG. 3, the power system includes a horizontally disposed engine 3, a transmission 5, a transfer 7, a front differential 9, front axles 11, 13, right and left front wheels 15, 1,
7, coupling 1, rear wheel side propeller shaft 19,
Rear differential 21, rear axles 23, 25, left and right rear wheels 27, 2
9 and the like.

As described above, the coupling 1 is disposed in the power transmission system on the rear wheel side, and connects and disconnects the rear wheels 27 and 29.

The driving force of the engine 3 is transmitted from the output gear 31 of the transmission 5 to the differential case 35 of the front differential 9 via the ring gear 33.
And transmitted to the left and right front wheels 15 and 17 via the front axles 11 and 13, and further transmitted from the differential case 35 to the coupling 1 via the transfer 7.

When the coupling 1 is connected, the vehicle enters the four-wheel drive state, and the driving force of the engine 3 is transmitted from the propeller shaft 19 to the rear differential 21 and the rear axle 23,
25, and is distributed to the left and right rear wheels 27, 29.

When the coupling 1 is disconnected, the vehicle enters the two-wheel drive state, and the propeller shaft 19
The following rear wheel side is separated.

As shown in FIG. 3, the coupling 1 is disposed at the rear of the transfer case 37 (stationary casing) so as to be exposed to the outside.

As shown in FIG. 1, the coupling 1 includes a rotating case 39 (a case-shaped torque transmitting member), a hollow inner shaft 41 (a shaft-shaped torque transmitting member), a multi-plate type main clutch 43 and a control clutch 45. , A cam ring 47, a ball cam 49 (cam), a pressure plate 51, an armature 53, a ring-shaped electromagnet 55, a controller, and the like.

The rotating case 39 comprises a front rotor 59 having a wall 57 and a rear rotor 61.
Each of the rotors 59 and 61 has a connecting portion 63 provided between the rotors 59 and 61.
Are linked by

The rotors 59 and 61 are axially positioned by abutting portions 65 and nuts 66 between each other. Further, an O-ring 67 (sealing means) is disposed between them to prevent foreign matter from entering and oil from leaking.

As shown in FIG. 3, the output shaft 69 of the transfer 7 projects rearward from the transfer case 37, and a flange 71 as a connecting member is formed at the rear end. The flange 71 is abutted against the rotor 59 and is connected to the rotor 59 by bolts. An O-ring (sealing means) is disposed at the abutting portion between the flange 71 and the rotor 59 to prevent foreign matter from entering.

The output shaft 69 is supported on the transfer case 37 by a bearing. Therefore, the front end of the rotating case 39 is supported on the transfer case 37 via the output shaft 69 and the bearing.

The core 73 of the electromagnet 55 is fixed to the vehicle body, and bearings 75 for both seals are arranged between the rotating case 39 and the core 73. In this way, the rear end of the rotating case 39 is supported on the vehicle body via the seal bearings 75 and the core 73.

The inner shaft 41 penetrates the rotating case 39 from the rear. A connecting shaft 79 (FIG. 3) as a connecting member is connected to the spline portion 77 of the inner shaft 41, and the connecting shaft 79 is connected to the propeller shaft 19 via a joint 81.
The connecting shaft 79 is supported on the vehicle body by bearings. Thus, the inner shaft 41 is supported on the vehicle body via the connecting shaft 79.

The front end of the inner shaft 41 is supported by the rotor 59 of the rotating case 39 via bearings 83 (sealing means) of both seals, and the rear end of the rotating shaft 39 is supported by the needle bearing 85. Rotor 61
It is supported by

Between the inner shaft 41 and the rotor 61, X rings 87 and 89 having an X-shaped cross section are used.
(Sliding type seal: sealing means) is disposed to prevent oil leakage and foreign matter intrusion.

A housing chamber is formed between the rotating case 39 and the inner shaft 41, and the housing chamber includes an O-ring 67 between the rotors 59 and 61 and a seal between the rotating case 39 and the inner shaft 41. The bearing 83 and the X rings 87 and 89 are hermetically sealed.

The oil is injected into the storage chamber from an oil supply channel 91 provided in the rotor 59, and after the oil is injected, the oil supply channel 91 is sealed by press-fitting a sealing ball 93. .

The rotor 59 has an oil supply passage 91.
An oil reservoir 95 communicating with the oil reservoir 95 is provided, and the injected oil is stored in the storage chamber and the oil reservoir 95.

The main clutch 43 includes a rotating case 39.
It is arranged between the inner circumference of the (rotor 59) and the outer circumference of the inner shaft 41.

The control clutch 45 includes a rotor 59
Are arranged between the inner circumference of the cam ring 47 and the outer circumference of the cam ring 47, and are pressed and fastened to the rotor 61 of the rotating case 39 by the armature 53 as described later.

The ball cam 49 is disposed between the cam ring 47 and the pressure plate 51.

The pressure plate 51 is connected to the outer periphery of the inner shaft 41 movably in the axial direction.

Further, between the cam ring 47 and the rotor 61, a thrust bearing 97 receiving a cam reaction force of the ball cam 49 is arranged.

The armature 53 is arranged between the control clutch 45 and the pressure plate 51. A snap ring 99 is attached to the rotor 59, and the armature 53 is connected to the control clutch 4.
5 so as not to be too far away from the armature 5 and prevent contact between the armature 53 and the pressure plate 51;
Prevents magnetic leakage.

The core 73 of the electromagnet 55 is
Into the recess 101 provided in the air gap 1
03 is formed.

The controller receives signals from various sensors such as a vehicle speed, a steering angle, and a lateral G to detect turning, or to excite the electromagnet 55, control the excitation current, stop excitation, etc., according to the road surface condition. I do.

When the electromagnet 55 is excited, a magnetic loop 105 is formed, the armature 53 is attracted, and the control clutch 45 is pressed against the rotor 61 to be engaged. When the control clutch 45 is engaged, a torque between the rotating case 39 and the inner shaft 41 is applied to the ball cam 49, and the generated cam thrust force presses the main clutch 43 via the pressure plate 51 to be engaged.

When the coupling 1 is connected in this way,
As described above, the driving force of the engine 3 is sent to the rear wheels 27 and 29, and the vehicle enters the 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 55 is controlled,
When the control clutch 45 slides, the ball cam 4
9 changes, the coupling force of the main clutch 43 changes, and the driving force sent to the rear wheels 27 and 29 is adjusted.

Thus, by controlling the driving force distribution ratio between the front and rear wheels, for example, the steering and stability of the vehicle during turning can be improved.

When the excitation of the electromagnet 55 is stopped, the control clutch 45 is released, the cam thrust force of the ball cam 49 is lost, the main clutch 43 is released, and the connection of the coupling 1 is released. And the fuel efficiency of the engine improves.

A ring 107 made of a non-magnetic material such as stainless steel is disposed on the rotor 61 of the rotating case 39. Further, a notch 109 is formed in each clutch plate of the control clutch 45, and a magnetic force loop is formed. Magnetic leakage from the electric magnet 105 is prevented, and the magnetic force of the electromagnet 55 is effectively concentrated on the armature 53.

When the coupling 1 rotates, the centrifugal force causes the oil in the oil reservoir 95 to circulate in the storage chamber, and sufficiently lubricate the main clutch 43, the ball cam 49, the control clutch 45, the needle bearing 85, the thrust bearing 97, and the like. .

Covers 111 and 113 are attached to the core 73 and the rotating case 39 of the electromagnet 55, respectively, and an appropriate gap 115 is provided between them.

With these covers 111 and 113,
Dust and muddy water are prevented from entering the storage room.

The gap 115 may be formed so that the cover 111 of the electromagnet 55 is located outside the cover 113 of the rotating case 39. In this case, dust or muddy water that enters from the rotor 61 of the vehicle may enter. The prevention effect is further improved.

Further, if the cover 111 of the electromagnet 55 is enlarged inward in the radial direction (in this case, a hole for leading out the lead wire 117 is provided) and the end of the rotor 61 is covered and concealed, flying foreign substances and the like can be obtained. Therefore, the bearing 75 and the electromagnet 55 or the entire coupling 1 can be protected.

If a flange is provided at the end of the connecting shaft 79 connected to the inner shaft 41, and the bearing 75 and the electromagnet 55 are covered with the flange, the bearing 75, the electromagnet 55, or the cup can be similarly formed. The ring 1 can be protected at the front.

Thus, the coupling 1 is configured.

Since the coupling 1 is disposed outside the transfer case 37 as described above, when the coupling 1 is disposed in a vehicle not using the coupling 1, the transfer case 37 is extended unlike the conventional example. No design change is required.

Further, since the stationary casing is not extended,
Interference with peripheral members is prevented.

Further, since the road clearance is prevented from becoming narrow and interference with the road surface and obstacles is prevented, it is not necessary to increase the vehicle height to prevent the interference. Is prevented from decreasing.

Also, since the stationary casing is not extended,
It is possible to prevent an increase in the amount of injected oil, and thereby an increase in weight and cost.

Further, by connecting the rotating case 39 to the output shaft 69 and connecting the inner shaft 41 to the connecting shaft 79, the structure of the rear-wheel-side power transmission system is simplified, and the weight and cost are reduced.

The same effect can be obtained by connecting the rotating case 39 to the connecting shaft 79 and connecting the inner shaft 41 to the output shaft 69, on the contrary.

Further, even if the coupling 1 is arranged outside,
O-ring 67, seal bearing 83, X-ring 87,
Since the accommodation chamber is sealed by 89 or the like, entry of foreign matter and oil leakage are prevented, and the normal function is maintained for a long time.

The flange 7 provided on the output shaft 69
1 against the rotating case 39, and
Since it is used for the location of the ring, the cost can be reduced accordingly.

Further, since sliding does not occur at this abutting portion, a sufficient sealing effect can be obtained even if a seal having a simple structure such as an O-ring is used at low cost, such as an O-ring. .

The bearing 83 is essentially required for the support between the rotating case 39 and the inner shaft 41. Since the bearing 83 is formed as a seal, another special sealing means is provided at this point. Since it becomes unnecessary, it can be implemented at a lower cost.

In the case where the rotor 61 is provided so as to be in front of the vehicle as described above, if the cover 111 is made sufficiently large and disposed so as to cover the front side of the coupling 1,
The entire coupling 1 can be protected from foreign substances and obstacles that fly during traveling.

An X ring 87 which is a sliding type seal,
89 is inexpensive and can be implemented at lower cost.

Further, since the oil sump 95 is provided to increase the amount of oil that can be sealed in the storage chamber, the main clutch 43, the control clutch 45, the ball cam 49, etc. in the sealed storage chamber are sufficiently lubricated, and By increasing the amount of oil, the contamination of the oil becomes slower, the deterioration of the oil is reduced, and the durability of the coupling 1 is greatly improved.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a coupling 119 (a second embodiment of the present invention) will be described with reference to FIGS.

This coupling 119 is characterized in that
It has the characteristics of 4, 5, 7, 9, 10 and FIG. The left and right directions are the left and right directions of the vehicle in FIG. 3, and the right side in FIG. 2 corresponds to the front of the vehicle. In addition, members and the like without reference numerals are not shown.

The coupling 119 is arranged at the same position as the coupling 1 in the power system of the four-wheel drive vehicle shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, members and the like having the same functions as those of the coupling 1 will be given the same reference numerals and quoted, and redundant description of those same functional members will be omitted.

The coupling 119 is disposed behind the transfer case (stationary side casing) 37 and is exposed to the outside.

As shown in FIG. 2, the coupling 119 includes a rotating case 39, an inner shaft 41, a multi-plate type main clutch 43 and a control clutch 45, a cam ring 47, a ball cam 49, a pressure plate 51, an armature 53, an electromagnet 55, and a piston. 121, a dust seal 123 (seal means), a controller and the like.

A cylinder 125 is provided on the wall 57 of the rotor 59.
Is formed, and the piston 121 is provided with an O-ring 127.
And is movably fitted to the cylinder 125 via the.

On the left end side of the piston 121, the oil pressure of the storage chamber is applied, and on the right end side of the piston 121, an air chamber 129 (spring) which is an air spring for pushing back the oil pressure is formed.

When the oil pressure rises due to a change in the temperature of the storage chamber or the rotation of each member, the piston 121 moves to the right to compress the air in the air chamber 129, and when the oil pressure falls, the air chamber 1
The piston 121 is pushed back to the left by the air spring 29.

As described above, the piston 12 accompanying the fluctuation of the hydraulic pressure
1, the fluctuation of the oil pressure in the storage chamber is reduced, so that the O-ring 67, the seal bearing 83, the X-ring 8
Sealing means such as 7, 89 are protected from excessive hydraulic pressure,
The durability is greatly improved.

The dust seal 123 is disposed between the core 73 of the electromagnet 55 and the nut 66 screwed to the rotor 59 to prevent dust and muddy water from entering the storage chamber.

An output shaft 69 of the transfer 7 is connected to the rotor 59 via a flange 71 as a connecting member. Similarly, a connecting shaft 79 as a connecting member
Is connected to the spline portion 77 of the inner shaft 41.

Thus, the coupling 119 is configured.

By providing the piston 121 (hydraulic pressure adjusting means) which moves by the balance between the fluctuation of the oil pressure of the storage chamber and the air spring of the air chamber 129, the fluctuation of the oil pressure of the storage chamber is reduced. Bearing 83,
Sealing means such as the X-rings 87 and 89 are protected from excessive hydraulic pressure, and durability is greatly improved.

In addition, the coupling 119 has the same effect as the coupling 1 of the first embodiment except for the effect of using the covers 111 and 113.

In the structure of the tenth aspect, the hydraulic pressure adjusting means is provided in addition to the piston 121 and the air spring of the second embodiment.
For example, a coil spring, a disc spring, or a diaphragm may be used. If these hydraulic pressure adjusting means are arranged to bend in response to a change in the oil pressure in the storage chamber, the load on the sealing means due to the change in the oil pressure is reduced, and the durability is greatly improved.

[Third Embodiment] Next, a coupling 141 (third embodiment of the present invention) will be described with reference to FIG.

This coupling 141 is characterized in that
4, 7 and 8 are shown in FIG.
41 shows a protective case 140 for accommodating the same. This coupling 141 is arranged at the same position as the coupling 1 behind the transfer case 37 (stationary casing) in FIG. The left side of FIG. 4 is the front of the vehicle.

This coupling 141 is used for the protective case 14.
It is different from the coupling 1 (the first embodiment, FIG. 1) in that the coupling is housed in the inside. Therefore, differences will be mainly described, and redundant description will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 4, the protective case 140 for accommodating the coupling 141 has a hollow cylindrical portion 143 and one side of a flange portion 147 of a ring-shaped electromagnet 145 connected by bolts 149 to the vehicle body side. It is fixed to. The surface tightened by the bolt 149 is sealed by a seal member 151.

On the other hand, the coupling 141 in the protective case 140 is connected to the rotating case (case-like torque transmitting member) 15.
3 and inner shaft (axial torque transmitting member) 15
5, multi-plate type main clutch 157 and control clutch 159, cam ring 161, ball cam 163,
It comprises a pressure plate 165, an armature 167, an electromagnet 145, a controller and the like.

The rotating case 153 is formed by joining a rotor part 169 as a connection member on the input side and a cylindrical case part 171, and the rotor part 169 and the case part 171 are connected via seal bearings 173 and 175, respectively. hand,
The protective case 140 is axially positioned and rotatably supported by the protective case 140. A seal member 177 is provided adjacent to the seal bearing 175.

Thus, the air chamber 179 between the coupling 141 and the protective case 140 is sealed on the input side by the seal bearing (seal means) 173 and the seal member 151, and on the output side by the seal member (seal means) 1.
Sealed by 77. The driving force of the engine is input to the shaft 169a of the rotor 169.

The inner shaft 155 penetrates the rotor portion 169 and the case portion 171 of the rotating case 153. The front end of the inner shaft 155 has a rotor portion 169.
The rear end is a needle bearing 181
Are supported by the case portion 171 through the boss. A seal member 183 is arranged between the inner shaft 155 and the case portion 171.

Rotating case 153 and inner shaft 15
5, a housing chamber is formed. Lubricating oil is injected into the housing chamber from an oil supply port (not shown), and the inside is sealed by a seal member 183.
Oil leakage and entry of foreign matter from the outside are prevented.

An output member 185 as an output-side connecting member is spline-connected to the inner periphery of the rear portion of the inner shaft 155, and the driving force of the engine input to the coupling 141 is output to the output member 185. You.

The main clutch 157 is connected to the inner periphery of the rotating case 153 and the inner shaft 155 in the accommodation room.
Similarly, the control clutch 159 is arranged between the inner circumference of the rotating case 153 and the outer circumference of the cam ring 161.

When power is supplied to the electromagnet 145 via the lead wire 187, the armature 167 is attracted and the control clutch 159 is engaged. Then, the engagement torque of the control clutch 159 is expanded and converted into a thrust force by a cam action between the cam ring 161, the ball cam 163, and the pressure plate 165, and is pressed by the pressure plate 165 to fasten the main clutch 157.

The controller detects the turning traveling state from the vehicle speed, the steering angle, the lateral G, and the like, or performs the excitation of the electromagnet 145, the control of the excitation current, the stop of the excitation, and the like according to the road surface state and the like.

An oil reservoir 189 is provided at the front shaft center of the inner shaft 155, and the lubricating oil lubricates and cools each sliding portion in the rotating case 153 sealed through the oil passage 155a.

With this configuration, according to this embodiment, the same operation and effect as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the coupling 141 is housed inside the protective case 140. It is sufficiently protected from foreign matter and obstacles that fly while traveling.

Since the shaft portion 169a is formed integrally with the rotor portion 169, the shaft portion 169a plays a role of a sealing means. Therefore, on the input side of the rotating case 153, other than the seal bearing 173 and the seal member 151 are provided. Eliminates the need for a sealing member, which allows cost reduction.

Further, since the protective case 140 has a simple structure and a small diameter, it can be reduced in weight and cost, and does not significantly affect the road clearance and the vehicle height.

[0142]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the coupling is disposed outside the stationary casing. Therefore, when disposing the coupling in a vehicle that does not use the coupling, the extension of the stationary casing and a special housing casing are not required. However, a large increase in cost and a corresponding increase in vehicle weight can be avoided.

In addition, since interference with peripheral members is prevented and road clearance does not become narrow, it is not necessary to increase the vehicle height to prevent interference with road surfaces and obstacles, and the stability and fuel efficiency of the vehicle decrease. Is prevented.

In addition, an increase in oil injection amount, an increase in weight,
An increase in cost is prevented.

Even if the coupling is arranged outside the stationary casing, the sealing means prevents foreign matter from entering, so that the normal function is maintained for a long time.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the same effect as that of the first aspect is obtained, and the abutting portion provided between the torque transmitting member and the connecting member is used for the location of the sealing means. It is possible to use a low-cost seal such as an O-ring as the seal disposed at the abutting portion that does not rotate relatively and can achieve a sufficient sealing effect.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the same effect as that of the first aspect is obtained, and the torque transmitting member and the connecting member are integrally formed. Can be implemented at cost.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the same effect as that of the first aspect is obtained, and a common seal is used as the sealing means disposed between the case-like torque transmitting member and the shaft-like torque transmitting member. And can be implemented at lower cost.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the same effect as the configuration of the fourth aspect is obtained, and the bearing between the case-like torque transmitting member and the shaft-like torque transmitting member is of a seal type. In addition, no sealing means is required, and the cost can be reduced accordingly.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the same effects as those of the fourth aspect are obtained, and the intrusion of dust and muddy water is prevented by the cover.

If the cover is made sufficiently large to cover the front side of the coupling, the entire coupling can be protected from foreign substances and obstacles flying during traveling.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the same effects as those of the fourth aspect are obtained, and the sliding type seal is inexpensive, so that it can be implemented at a lower cost.

The invention of claim 8 is the invention of claims 1 to 7
In addition to obtaining the same effect as above, the coupling case is sufficiently protected from foreign matter and obstacles that fly while the vehicle is running by the protective case that houses the coupling, and the intrusion of dust and muddy water by the sealing means The prevention action is ensured.

The ninth aspect of the present invention relates to the first to eighth aspects.
In addition to obtaining the same effect as any one of the above, the oil sump is provided to increase the amount of oil filled in the storage chamber, so that the functions inside the storage chamber are sufficiently lubricated and the deterioration of oil It is reduced and the durability of the coupling is greatly improved.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the same effect as any one of the first to ninth aspects can be obtained, and the hydraulic pressure in the housing chamber can be reduced by hydraulic pressure adjusting means such as a piston, a diaphragm, and a spring. The means is protected from excessive oil pressure due to oil pressure fluctuation, and durability is greatly improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a coupling according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a coupling according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a skeleton mechanism diagram showing a power system of a four-wheel drive vehicle using the coupling of each embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of an upper half of a coupling according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a conventional coupling.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 119, 141 Coupling 37 Transfer case (stationary side casing) 39, 153 Rotating case (case-like torque transmitting member) 41, 155 Inner shaft (shaft-like torque transmitting member) 43, 157 Main clutch 45, 159 Control Clutch 49, 163 Ball cam (cam) 55, 145 Electromagnet 67 O-ring (sealing means) 71 Flange (connecting member) 79 Connecting shaft (connecting member) 87, 89 X-ring (sliding seal: sealing means) 83 Seal bearing (Seal means) 95,189 Oil reservoir 121 Piston 123 Dust seal (Seal means) 129 Air chamber (Air spring: Spring) 140 Protective case 147 Flange part 151,177,183 Seal member (Seal means) 169 Rotor part (Seal means) Forming member) 173 seal bearing (sealing means) 185 output member (connecting member)

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A case-shaped torque transmitting member, a shaft-shaped torque transmitting member penetrating therethrough, a main clutch and a control clutch disposed therebetween, and a transmission torque when the control clutch is connected. A cam for actuating the main clutch by a cam thrust force, a housing formed between the case-shaped torque transmitting member and the shaft-shaped torque transmitting member, and accommodating the main clutch, the control clutch and the cam; And an electromagnet for intermittently operating the torque transmission member, the torque transmission member is supported on the stationary side directly or via a connecting member connected thereto, and the housing chamber is provided. A coupling provided with a sealing means for preventing foreign matter from entering into the coupling. 2. The invention according to claim 1, wherein an abutting portion is provided between the torque transmitting member and the connecting member connected to the torque transmitting member, and the sealing means is disposed at the abutting portion. And coupling. 3. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the torque transmitting member and the connecting member connected thereto are integrally formed,
A coupling characterized by a sealing means. 4. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein the sealing means is disposed on a relative rotating portion between the case-shaped torque transmitting member and the shaft-shaped torque transmitting member. 5. The coupling according to claim 4, wherein the sealing means is a seal-type bearing disposed between the case-like torque transmitting member and the shaft-like torque transmitting member. . 6. The invention according to claim 4, wherein the sealing means is a case-shaped torque transmitting member or a cover fixed to the shaft-shaped torque transmitting member and forming an appropriate gap between itself and the counterpart. A coupling characterized in that: 7. The coupling according to claim 4, wherein the sealing means is a sliding seal disposed between the case-shaped torque transmitting member and the shaft-shaped torque transmitting member. . 8. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the case-shaped torque transmitting member, the shaft-shaped torque transmitting member, and each connecting member connected thereto are entirely formed. A coupling characterized in that a protective case is provided to accommodate the protective case, and the sealing means is disposed between the protective case and each connecting member or between each torque transmitting member. 9. The cup according to claim 1, wherein the storage chamber is provided with an oil sump for increasing the storage amount of the sealed oil. ring. 10. The invention according to claim 1, further comprising a piston, a spring, and a diaphragm for receiving a hydraulic pressure in the housing chamber, wherein the piston moves according to a change in the hydraulic pressure, and the spring moves. And a coupling that reduces oil pressure fluctuations by flexure of a diaphragm.