JP2004278778A - Electromagnetic clutch device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce leakage of magnetic flux from a regular magnetic flux loop in an electromagnetic clutch device to move an armature by an electromagnetic coil. <P>SOLUTION: In an electromagnetic clutch device 1 in which a magnetic flux loop 31 is formed by an electromagnet 5 in magnetic flux loop forming members 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13 including the electromagnet 5 and an armature 13, and the armature is moved to couple/uncouple a clutch 11, magnetic flux leakage reduction units 15, 17, 19, 21, 23 and 25 to reduce leakage of the magnetic flux from the armature 13 to an adjacent member are provided on the adjacent member close to the members 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an electromagnetic clutch device that operates a clutch that transmits a driving force or a braking force.

  The electromagnetic friction clutch described in Patent Document 1 has a front housing made of a non-magnetic material (aluminum alloy) connected to a transmission side from a transfer via a propeller shaft, and a rear of a magnetic member screwed to an opening side thereof. An outer case having a housing, an inner shaft connected to a rear differential side, an armature, an electromagnet, a cam mechanism, a first cam member, a second cam member spline-connected to the inner shaft, a front housing, It comprises a main clutch disposed between the inner shafts, a pilot clutch disposed between the front housing and the first cam member, and the like.

  In this electromagnetic friction clutch, a magnetic path (hereinafter, magnetic path) of the electromagnet is configured by the yoke of the electromagnet, the rear housing, the pilot clutch, and the armature. When the electromagnet is excited, a magnetic flux loop is formed in the magnetic path and the armature is attracted. As a result, the pilot clutch is pressed and fastened, and the transmission torque between the outer case and the inner shaft is applied to the cam mechanism. The main clutch is engaged via the second cam member by the cam thrust force generated at this time, the driving force of the engine is sent to the rear wheels, and the vehicle enters the four-wheel drive state. When the excitation of the electromagnet is stopped, the pilot clutch is released, the cam thrust force of the cam mechanism is lost, the main clutch is released, and the vehicle enters a two-wheel drive state.

  Further, the vehicle differential lock device disclosed in Patent Document 2 is provided between a bevel gear type differential mechanism, a differential case and a plunger made of a magnetic material, and engages a dog clutch that locks the differential rotation and a dog clutch. It is composed of an electromagnetic actuator for performing a matching operation, a return spring for releasing the engagement of the dog clutch, and the like.

  The plunger is axially movably connected to an axle on the left side gear side by a spline portion, and is urged by a return spring in a dog clutch disengaging direction.

  This electromagnetic actuator is composed of a plunger, an electromagnetic coil wound on a bearing housing made of a magnetic material coaxially arranged on the outer periphery of the plunger, and the like, and the magnetic path of the electromagnetic coil is formed by the plunger and the bearing housing. It is configured. While the electromagnetic coil is not energized, the plunger remains in the position where the engagement of the dog clutch and the differential lock of the differential mechanism are released by the biasing force of the return spring. When the electromagnetic coil is excited, a magnetic flux loop is formed in the magnetic path, and the plunger moves rightward by the moving operation force generated by the magnetic force, and the differential of the differential mechanism is engaged by engaging the dog clutch. Lock.

  However, in the electromagnetic friction clutch described in Patent Literature 1, an inner shaft, a needle bearing between the rear housing and the inner shaft, and a first cam member are arranged close to a magnetic path in which a magnetic flux loop is formed. ing.

  Since these are all made of an iron-based magnetic material, which is a strength member, when the electromagnetic coil is excited, a magnetic flux other than the normal magnetic flux loop passes through the above members around the normal magnetic flux loop. Several leaking local magnetic paths are formed. Due to the leakage of the magnetic flux from the magnetic path other than the normal magnetic flux loop, the loss of the magnetic force and the exciting current increases, and the moving operation force of the electromagnetic friction clutch device decreases.

  Further, in the vehicle differential lock device described in Patent Document 2, since the axle is made of alloy steel for the shaft, which is a magnetic material, when the electromagnetic coil is excited, it passes through the axle around the regular magnetic flux loop. A local magnetic path through which magnetic flux leaks is formed. Due to the leakage of the magnetic flux from the magnetic path other than the normal magnetic flux loop, the loss of the magnetic force and the exciting current increases, and the moving operation force of the electromagnetic actuator decreases.

  If the moving operation force of the electromagnetic friction clutch or the electromagnetic actuator is reduced for the above-described reason, the operation response of various clutches is reduced and varied, so that there is a problem that the operation is not smooth and the operation is likely to be unstable.

  Further, since a differential torque is applied to the spline portion, the frictional resistance generated in the spline portion becomes the movement resistance of the plunger, and the movement resistance further reduces the operational response, the variation, and the operational stability. Occurs.

  In addition, if the operation response of these clutches is reduced and the operation becomes unstable, there arises a problem that the effect of improving the escape property and running performance of the vehicle when traveling on a rough road, the effect of preventing stacking, etc. are impaired.

  To cope with these problems, countermeasures can be considered to prevent leakage of magnetic flux by simply replacing the peripheral members of the regular magnetic flux loop with those made of a nonmagnetic material such as aluminum alloy or stainless steel. However, these non-magnetic materials have a new problem in that the required strength cannot be secured and, at the same time, they are expensive and significantly increase the cost.

In addition, countermeasures such as increasing the size of the electromagnetic coil or increasing the exciting current to enhance the magnetic force and compensate for the leakage of the magnetic flux can be considered. However, in this case, a new problem arises in that the load on the battery increases, the fuel efficiency of the engine decreases, and the on-board performance of the device decreases in the first place due to the increase in weight due to the increase in size of the electromagnetic coil.
JP-A-11-287258 JP-A-64-22633

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in an electromagnetic clutch device that moves an armature with an electromagnetic coil, the operation of moving the electromagnetic coil is reduced by reducing leakage of magnetic flux from a magnetic flux loop and improving energy efficiency. This prevents a decrease in force and allows smooth and stable operation and operation response without increasing the size of the electromagnet or electromagnetic coil, increasing the exciting current, and increasing power consumption (that is, obtaining the desired clutch control characteristics). The purpose is to provide an electromagnetic clutch device.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention according to claim 1 comprises an electromagnet having a coil and a yoke and an armature, and a magnetic flux loop forming member that forms a magnetic flux loop by energizing the coil; An electromagnetic clutch device comprising: a clutch that is intermittently operated by the armature that is moved and operated by electromagnetic force generated by energization of the magnetic flux loop forming member; and a proximity member that is close to the magnetic flux loop forming member. At least one of the members includes a magnetic flux leakage reduction unit that reduces the amount of magnetic flux leaking from the magnetic flux loop forming member to the adjacent member when the coil is energized.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, a magnetic flux leakage reducing portion is provided in at least one of a magnetic flux loop forming member that forms a magnetic flux loop of an electromagnet and an adjacent member that is close to the electromagnetic clutch device, thereby reducing magnetic flux. Leakage of magnetic flux due to unnecessary local magnetic flux loops other than the normal magnetic flux loop formed in the loop forming member is reduced, and the amount of magnetic flux reaching the armature can be increased.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the magnetic flux leakage reduction unit includes a space defined by the magnetic flux loop forming member and the proximity member. I do.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, by providing a space defined by the magnetic flux loop forming member and the proximity member as the magnetic flux leakage reducing portion, the space includes an air gap having a magnetic resistance. As a result, the magnetic flux loop formed when the coil is energized can be effectively confined in the magnetic loop forming member.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the space portion is provided along a direction of a magnetic flux loop formed in the magnetic flux loop forming member.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the effect of confining magnetic flux can be improved by providing the space along the direction of the magnetic flux loop formed in the magnetic flux loop forming member.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the proximity member is made of a material having a lower magnetic permeability than the magnetic flux loop forming member.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, by selecting the proximity member as a material having a magnetic permeability lower than the magnetic permeability of the magnetic flux loop forming member, the leakage of magnetic flux from the magnetic flux loop forming member is selected. Thus, the effect of the present invention described in claim 1 can be improved.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the proximity member includes a shaft member, and a support member disposed coaxially with the shaft member and in a supporting relationship, The gist of the present invention is that the magnetic flux loop forming member is arranged coaxially with the shaft member and is in a supporting relationship with the support member.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the arrangement relationship between the magnetic flux loop forming member and the proximity member is set as described above, the location where the magnetic flux leakage reduction unit is provided can be efficiently limited.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the fifth aspect, the magnetic flux leakage reduction unit is a first magnetic flux loop forming member, the shaft member, and the first supporting member defined by the supporting member. The gist is to provide a space.

  According to the present invention as set forth in claim 6, by providing the space defined by the magnetic flux loop forming member, the shaft member, and the support member as the magnetic flux leakage reducing portion, the magnetic flux loop forming member is moved to the shaft member. And the amount of magnetic flux leaking can be reduced.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the fifth aspect, the magnetic flux leakage reduction unit includes a second space defined by the magnetic flux loop forming member and the shaft member. Is the gist.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the space defined by the magnetic flux loop forming member and the shaft member is provided as the magnetic flux leakage reducing portion, so that the magnetic flux leaks from the magnetic flux loop forming member to the shaft member. The amount of magnetic flux can be reduced.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the invention, the magnetic flux leakage reduction unit includes a third space defined by the shaft member and the support member. And

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the magnetic flux leaking from the magnetic flux loop forming member to the shaft member is provided by providing the space defined by the shaft member and the pointing member as the magnetic flux leakage reducing portion. Can be reduced.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the fifth aspect, the proximity member is disposed coaxially with the shaft member, and is supported by the magnetic flux loop forming member radially outside the shaft member. The invention further comprises a rotating member having a relationship, and the magnetic flux leakage reduction unit includes a fourth space defined by the magnetic flux loop forming member and the rotating member.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the space defined by the magnetic flux loop forming member and the rotating member in a supporting relationship with the magnetic flux loop forming member radially outside the shaft member as the magnetic flux leakage reducing portion. Is provided, the amount of magnetic flux leaking from the magnetic flux loop forming member to the rotating member can be reduced.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the second aspect, a friction type main clutch disposed between the input side and the output side torque transmitting members, and a torque input via the clutch. And a cam mechanism that converts the pressure into a pressing force, wherein the clutch is a pilot clutch, and when the pilot clutch is connected, the main clutch is pressed by the pressing force of the cam mechanism generated by applying torque, and the connection is established. It is the gist that it is done.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, when a current is supplied to the coil of the electromagnet, the magnetic flux leakage reduction unit that reduces the local magnetic flux leaking from the magnetic flux loop forming member is provided. In addition to the improvement, it is not necessary to increase the size of the electromagnet, and it is possible to avoid an increase in power consumption and a decrease in engine fuel efficiency and vehicle mountability.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the magnetic flux loop forming member is disposed coaxially with the proximity member and is in a supporting relationship, and the proximity member includes the magnetic flux loop. The gist is made of a material having a lower magnetic permeability than the forming member.

  According to the present invention as set forth in claim 11, the proximity member made of a material having a lower magnetic permeability than the magnetic flux loop forming member is disposed coaxially with the magnetic flux loop forming member and in a supporting relationship with each other. Local leakage of magnetic flux from the magnetic flux loop forming member to the adjacent member can be reduced.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the eleventh aspect, the magnetic flux leakage reduction unit includes a space defined by the magnetic flux loop forming member and the proximity member. I do.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, since the magnetic flux leakage reduction unit further includes a space defined by the magnetic flux loop forming member and the proximity member, a local portion from the magnetic flux loop forming member to the proximity member is provided. Magnetic flux leakage can be further reduced.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the eleventh aspect, the proximity member is disposed close to an end of the magnetic flux loop forming member that is axially opposite to the armature with respect to the electromagnet. The point is that

  According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the proximity member is arranged close to the end of the magnetic flux loop forming member on the side opposite to the armature in the axial direction with respect to the electromagnet. And the magnetic flux loop forming member can be reliably supported by the adjacent member.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the proximity member is an opposing member that allows the armature to be movable via a connection portion provided between the armature and the armature. The gist of the invention is that the magnetic flux leakage reduction unit is provided at the connection between the armature and the facing member.

  According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the magnetic flux leakage reduction unit is provided at the connecting portion between the armature and the armature and the opposing member, so that the movement of the armature during energization of the coil is ensured. As a result, the control characteristics of the clutch are improved.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the fourteenth aspect, the connecting portion is a spline portion in which the facing member and the armature mesh with each other by respective spline teeth, and the magnetic flux leakage reducing portion is The gist of the present invention is to include a space defined by the missing tooth portion formed in the at least one spline tooth and the other spline tooth.

  According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the spline portion is provided as the missing portion of the spline teeth by providing the magnetic flux leakage reducing portion in the spline portion which is a connecting portion provided between the armature and the facing member. Since an extremely wide air gap is formed in the portion, leakage of magnetic flux can be reliably reduced, and the weight of the device can be reduced by the weight of the missing spline teeth.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the fourteenth aspect, the connecting portion is a spline portion in which the facing member and the armature mesh with each other by respective spline teeth, and the magnetic flux leakage reducing portion is provided. The gist of the present invention is to provide a space defined by a tooth height adjusting tooth having a reduced height of at least one of the spline teeth and the other spline tooth.

  According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the spline portion, which is a connecting portion provided between the armature and the facing member, is provided with the tooth length adjusting teeth in which the magnetic flux leakage reducing portion is adjusted to have a low tooth height. As a result, an extremely wide air gap is formed in the spline portion, so that leakage of magnetic flux can be reliably reduced, and the weight of the device can be reduced by the weight of the reduced tooth height.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the fourteenth aspect, a friction type main clutch disposed between the input side and the output side torque transmitting members, and an input is performed via the clutch. A cam mechanism for converting torque into pressing force,
The clutch is a pilot clutch, and when the pilot clutch is connected, the main clutch is pressed and connected by the pressing force of the cam mechanism generated by applying a torque.

  According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, when energizing the coil of the electromagnet, magnetic flux leakage reduction that reduces local magnetic flux leaking from the magnetic flux loop forming member. By providing the part at the connection between the armature and its opposing member, the control characteristics of the clutch are improved, and the size of the electromagnet does not need to be increased, which leads to an increase in power consumption and a reduction in engine fuel efficiency and in-vehicle mountability. Can be avoided.

  The invention according to claim 18 comprises an electromagnet having a yoke and a coil, a rotor, an armature, and a friction plate whose rotation is restricted by a movement operation of the armature, and these members are energized by energizing the coil. An electromagnetic clutch device comprising: a magnetic flux loop forming member that transmits a magnetic field line to form a magnetic flux loop; and a plurality of proximity members disposed close to the periphery of the magnetic flux loop forming member. In order to reduce the transmittance of the magnetic flux lines to the magnetic flux lines and direct the magnetic flux lines in the direction in which the magnetic flux loops are formed, a separation portion is provided on a part of the facing surface between the magnetic flux loop forming member and the proximity member. Make a summary.

  According to the present invention, a magnetic flux loop forming member is provided by providing an electromagnetic clutch device with a separation portion on a part of a facing surface between a magnetic flux loop forming member forming a magnetic flux loop of an electromagnet and a proximity member. The leakage of magnetic flux due to unnecessary local magnetic flux loops other than the normal magnetic flux loop formed in the armature is reduced, and the amount of magnetic flux reaching the armature can be increased.

  According to a nineteenth aspect, in the invention according to the eighteenth aspect, the separation portion is provided as a plurality of gaps between the magnetic flux loop forming member and the adjacent member.

  According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, by providing the spaced portions as air gaps at a plurality of locations, local leakage of magnetic flux from the magnetic flux loop forming member to the adjacent member can be reduced at the plurality of locations. .

  According to a twentieth aspect, in the invention according to the nineteenth aspect, the separation portion is provided as a plurality of gaps between at least one component member of the magnetic flux loop forming member and the proximity member.

  According to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, the effects of the nineteenth aspect of the present invention can be further ensured.

  According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the nineteenth aspect, the proximity member is made of a material having a low magnetic permeability with respect to the magnetic flux loop forming member.

  According to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention, by selecting the proximity member as a material having a magnetic permeability lower than the magnetic permeability of the magnetic flux loop forming member, the leakage of the magnetic flux from the magnetic flux loop forming member is selected. Thus, the effect of the present invention described in claim 19 can be improved.

  According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the nineteenth aspect, the plurality of gaps are arranged along at least one of an axial direction and a radial direction of the rotor. I do.

  According to the present invention as set forth in claim 22, since the plurality of air gaps are arranged at least in one of the axial direction and the radial direction of the rotor, the leakage of the magnetic flux from a portion where the magnetic flux leaks is high. Can be reliably reduced.

  According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the nineteenth aspect, the plurality of voids are arranged at intervals in the axial direction.

  According to the present invention as set forth in claim 23, by arranging the plurality of gaps at intervals in the axial direction, leakage of local magnetic flux from the axial direction of the magnetic flux loop forming member to the axial direction is reduced. It can be reduced evenly.

  According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the eighteenth aspect, the separation portion has a shape that maintains a predetermined engagement strength between the magnetic flux loop forming member and the adjacent member. That is the gist.

  According to the present invention as set forth in claim 24, the distance from the magnetic flux loop forming member is maintained by setting the shape of the separation portion to maintain a predetermined engagement strength between the magnetic flux loop forming member and the adjacent member. Magnetic flux leakage can be reduced, and the reliability of clutch engagement can be guaranteed.

  According to the present invention, the provision of the magnetic flux leakage reduction unit in at least one of the magnetic flux loop forming member that forms the magnetic flux loop of the electromagnet and the adjacent member provides a normal magnetic flux formed in the magnetic flux loop forming member. Leakage of magnetic flux due to unnecessary local magnetic flux loops other than the loop is reduced, the amount of magnetic flux reaching the armature can be increased, and as a result, energy efficiency can be improved.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

<First embodiment>
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a power interrupting device (electromagnetic coupling) 3 using the electromagnetic clutch device 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing a main part of the first embodiment. 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 (engine side) of the four-wheel drive vehicle. In addition, members and the like without reference numerals are not shown.

  This power system includes an engine (motor), a transmission, a transfer, a front differential (a differential device for distributing the driving force of the engine to the left and right front wheels), a front axle, left and right front wheels, a front propeller shaft, a power intermittent device 3, and a rear It consists of a propeller shaft on the side, a rear differential (a differential device that distributes the driving force of the engine to the left and right rear wheels), a rear axle, left and right rear wheels, and the like. The power interrupting device 3 is used for a power system of a four-wheel drive vehicle.

  The driving force of the engine is transmitted from the transmission to the front differential, and is distributed from the front differential to the left and right front wheels via the front axle. The rotation of the engine is transmitted from the transfer to the power interrupting device 3 via the front propeller shaft.

  When the power interrupting device 3 is connected, the driving force of the engine is transmitted to the rear differential via the rear propeller shaft, and is distributed from the rear differential to the right and left rear wheels via the rear axle. become. When the connection of the power interrupting device 3 is released, the portion below the rear propeller shaft is disconnected, and the vehicle enters a two-wheel drive state.

  The power interrupting device 3 is interposed between the front and rear propeller shafts arranged in the rear wheel power transmission system of the four-wheel drive vehicle as described above, and performs connection and disconnection on the rear wheel side, as well as rear wheel. The magnitude of the driving force transmitted to the side is controlled.

[Configuration of electromagnetic clutch device 1]
The electromagnetic clutch device 1 includes an electromagnet (a coil 6 and a coil housing (yoke) 7), a rear rotor 9 made of an iron-based alloy (magnetic material), and a multi-plate pilot clutch 11 (clutch: rotor, which will be described later). Armature 13, gaps (spaces, that is, spaced portions) 15, 17, 19, 21, and slide bearings 23 (close to a periphery of a magnetic flux loop 31 described later (a magnetic flux loop forming member)). (A proximity (supporting) member made of a material having a lower magnetic permeability than the magnetic flux loop forming member), and an inner shaft 25 (coaxially arranged close to a periphery of a magnetic flux loop 31 described later (magnetic flux loop forming member)). The cam ring 27 (around the magnetic flux loop 31 (magnetic flux loop forming member)) Proximity coaxially disposed in contact (support) member), and a controller (not shown).

  The electromagnet 5 (that is, the coil 6 and the coil housing (yoke) 7), the rotor 9, the pilot clutch 11, and the armature 13 are all ring-shaped magnetic flux loop forming members. In addition to these members, the coil housing 7 and the rotor An air gap 29 provided between the magnets 9 serves as a magnetic path to form a normal magnetic flux loop 31 of the electromagnet 5. The armature 13 is attracted by the magnetic flux loop 31 to fasten the pilot clutch 11. Note that the magnetic flux is a bundle of integration paths (so-called lines of magnetic force) of a magnetic field (vector field) generated in the magnetic flux loop forming member when the coil is energized, and the magnetic flux loop forms a closed curve in the magnetic flux loop forming member. It shows the lines of magnetic force that occur. The magnetic flux loop 31 in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a drawing of one of the lines of magnetic force forming such a closed curve. Arrows in FIG. 2 indicate directions at four points in the magnetic flux loop 31. The direction of this arrow will be opposite to that of FIG. 2 if the direction of the current flowing through the coil is changed. The direction of this arrow may be clockwise or counterclockwise. Under this assumption, in all the embodiments of the present invention, the direction of the magnetic flux loop indicates the direction in which the lines of magnetic force generated when the coil is energized are directed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the air gaps 15, 17, 19, 21, the sliding bearing 23, and the inner shaft 25 are magnetic flux leakage reducing means (magnetic flux leakage reducing portion of the electromagnetic clutch device 1). The amount of magnetic flux reaching the armature 13 is increased by reducing local magnetic flux loops (magnetic leakage to peripheral members) derived from 31.

  The sliding bearing 23 has a lower magnetic permeability than each of the magnetic flux loop forming members by reducing the component content of a magnetic material such as Fe (iron), C (carbon), and Ni (nickel). In order to lower the magnetic permeability of the sliding bearing 23, the content of a non-magnetic material such as Al (aluminum) is increased, or the sliding bearing 23 and the inner shaft 25 are made of Al, Cu, or stainless steel. There are ways. In addition, as for the above-described members including the inner shaft 25 described as the proximity member, the component content of the material and the material itself can be selected similarly to the above-described slide bearing 23.

  The inner shaft 25 is close to the periphery of the magnetic flux loop 31 (magnetic flux loop forming means), is coaxially arranged with the rotor 9 and the cam ring 27, and has a supporting relationship with them. In addition, the inner circumference of the rotor 9 and the cam ring 27 and the outer circumference of the inner shaft 25 are centered via a slide bearing 23 or directly by a support portion 33 provided therebetween.

  The gaps 15 and 17 are formed in the axial direction by shortening the facing fitting portion between the inner circumference of the rotor 9 and the inner shaft 25, and more preferably the direction in which the magnetic flux lines of the magnetic flux loop 31 shown in FIG. 2 are formed. Are formed at intervals in the tangential direction A) of the line of magnetic force. The air gap 15 is provided adjacent to the sliding bearing 23 in the axial direction (the direction in which the magnetic flux lines of the magnetic flux loop 31 shown in FIG. 2 are formed, more preferably the tangential direction A of the magnetic flux lines). In addition, the gap 19 allows the support portion 33 (center link portion) on the inner periphery of the cam ring 27 to move in the axial direction (the magnetic flux lines of the magnetic flux loop 31 shown in FIG. It is formed by shortening at a portion (front) far from the direction in which the magnetic force lines are formed, more preferably the tangential direction A). The gap 21 is formed by shortening the spline portion 35 formed on the outer periphery of the cam ring 27 at a portion farther in the axial direction (creating a gap by increasing the facing distance between the rotor 9 and the spline portion 35). ing. Specifically, the air gap 21 is provided in the direction in which the magnetic flux lines of the magnetic flux loop 31 are formed, more preferably, in the tangent B (radial direction) of the magnetic flux lines.

  The slide bearing 23 is disposed at the rear end of the inner shaft 25 (on the opposite side of the armature 13 with respect to the electromagnet 5 in the axial direction) as described above, and supports the inner periphery of the rotor 9 on the outer periphery of the inner shaft 25. And is made of stainless steel having a low magnetic permeability as compared with each magnetic flux loop forming member. In addition, in order to lower the magnetic permeability of the sliding bearing 23, there is another method of making the sliding bearing 23 with an Al alloy or P (phosphorus) bronze. Thus, by arranging the sliding bearing 23 as a small member (interposed between the rotor 9 and the inner shaft 25), the amount of magnetic flux leaking between the rotor 9 and the inner shaft 25 can be suppressed. As an additional function, support between the rotor 9 and the inner shaft 25 is achieved.

  The gaps 15, 17, 19, 21, the sliding bearing 23, and the inner shaft 25 reach the armature 13 through the magnetic flux loop 31 by reducing local magnetic flux loops derived from the magnetic flux loop 31 by respective magnetic resistances. The amount of generated magnetic flux is increased, and the energy efficiency is improved.

[Configuration of power interrupting device 3]
The power interrupting device 3 includes the electromagnetic clutch device 1, a rotating case 37, a main clutch 39, a ball cam 41, and a controller (not shown).

  The inner shaft 25 constituting the electromagnetic clutch device 1 is formed with an outer spline portion 43, an oil sump 45, and four oil flow paths 47 communicating the oil sump 45 and the main clutch 39. . The inner shaft 25 penetrates the rotating case 37 from behind. A connection shaft is spline-connected to the inner shaft 25, and the connection shaft is connected to the rear differential via a joint and a rear propeller shaft.

  The rotary case 37 includes a front power transmission shaft 49 made of a shaft steel material, a cylindrical member 51 made of an aluminum alloy (non-magnetic material), and the rotor 9. These are integrally connected, and the driving force of the engine rotates the power transmission shaft 49 (rotating case 37) via the joint and the front propeller shaft. The power transmission shaft 49 has a flange 53, a coaxial bearing 55, and an oil hole 57 formed therein. The flange 53 is welded to a front opening of the cylindrical member 51. Further, a spline portion 59 is formed on the inner periphery of the cylindrical member 51. An oil sump 61 for increasing the oil capacity inside the rotating case 37 is formed between the flange 53 and the cylindrical member 51. The rotor 9 is formed with a ring-shaped recess 63 for accommodating the electromagnet 5, whereby the rotor 9 is screwed into the rear opening of the cylindrical member 51 and fixed by the double nut function of the nut 65. . Further, as described above, the rotor 9 constituting a part of the magnetic path of the electromagnet 5 is divided into a radially outer side and an inner side by a stainless steel ring 67 which is a non-magnetic material, and short-circuit of magnetic force on the magnetic path is prevented. Preventing. Further, an O-ring 69 is arranged between the cylindrical member 51 and the rotor 9 to prevent oil leakage and entry of foreign matter from the outside.

  The inner shaft 25 has a front end supported by the bearing 55 of the power transmission shaft 49 by a ball bearing 71, and a rear end supported by the rotor 9 by the slide bearing 23. Between the rotor 9 and the inner shaft 25, an X-ring 73 having an X-shaped cross section is disposed. As shown in FIG. 2, adjacent portions on both sides of the X ring 73 have extended portions 10 in which a part of the rotor 9 partially extends radially inward. The inner peripheral surface of the extending portion 10 (see FIG. 2) is opposed to the outer peripheral surface of the intershaft 25 with a small gap so as not to contact the outer peripheral surface. Thereby, the leakage of the magnetic flux from the magnetic flux loop can be suppressed as much as possible, and the sealing function of the X-ring can be ensured. The rotating case 37 (power interrupting device 3) is sealed by an O-ring 69 and an X-ring 73. Oil is injected into the sealed rotating case 37 from an oil hole 57 of the power transmission shaft 49, and after the oil is injected, the oil hole 57 is sealed by press-fitting a check ball 75. The oil injected into the rotating case 37 lubricates and cools a mechanism such as the main clutch 39 and the ball cam 41 housed in the rotating case 37.

  The main clutch 39 is disposed between the rotating case 37 (the cylindrical member 51) and the inner shaft 25. The outer plate 77 is connected to the spline portion 59 of the cylindrical member 51, and the inner plate 79 is connected to the spline portion 43 of the inner shaft 25.

  The ball cam 41 is disposed between the pressure plate 81 and the cam ring 27. The inner circumference of the pressure plate 81 is connected to the spline portion 43 of the inner shaft 25, and the thrust force of the ball cam 41 presses the main clutch 39 with the rotating case 37 (flange portion 53) to fasten the main clutch 39. The cam ring 27 is supported on the outer periphery of the inner shaft 25 by the support portion 33 as described above. A thrust bearing 83 and a washer 85 that receive a cam reaction force of the ball cam 41 are disposed between the cam ring 27 and the rotor 9. The cam ring 27 and the rotating case 37 are connected and disconnected by the pilot clutch 11 described above.

  The pilot clutch 11 is disposed between the rotating case 37 (the cylindrical member 51) and the cam ring 27. The outer plate 87 is connected to the spline portion 59 of the cylindrical member 51, and the inner plate 89 is connected to the spline portion 35 of the cam ring 27. Each of the plates 87 and 89 is provided with a notch 91 and a bridge portion connecting the notch 91 at a radial position corresponding to the ring 67 that divides the rotor 9 radially outward and inward. The short circuit of the magnetic flux loop 31 is prevented by the ring 67 and the notch 91.

  The armature 13 is disposed between the pilot clutch 11 and the pressure plate 81, and has an outer periphery connected to a spline portion 59 of the rotating case 37. The armature 13 is attracted by the magnetic flux loop 31 of the electromagnet 5 as described above, and the pilot clutch 11 is engaged.

  Further, the coil housing 7 of the electromagnet 5 penetrates into the recess 63 of the rotor 9 via the air gap 29, and is connected to the floor panel of the vehicle body via the support member 95 connected at the engagement portion 93, and is prevented from rotating. ing. A lead wire 97 of the electromagnet 5 is drawn out of the coil housing 7 via a support member 95, and is connected to a vehicle-mounted battery.

[Operation and Action of Electromagnetic Clutch Device 1 and Power Intermittent Device 3]
The controller excites the electromagnet 5, controls the excitation current, and stops the excitation.

  When the electromagnet 5 is excited by the controller, a magnetic flux loop 31 is generated in a magnetic path formed by the coil housing 7, the air gap 29, the rotor 9, the pilot clutch 11 and the armature 13, and the armature 13 attracted by the pilot clutch 11 is pressed and fastened to generate pilot torque. When the pilot torque is generated, the driving force of the engine is applied to the ball cam 41 from the rotating case 37 via the pilot clutch 11 and the cam ring 27. As a result, the main clutch 39 is pressed and fastened via the pressure plate 81 by the generated cam thrust force, and the power interrupting device 3 is connected.

  When the power interrupting device 3 is connected, as described above, the driving force of the engine is transmitted from the power interrupting device 3 to the rear differential via a propeller shaft and the like, distributed to the left and right rear wheels, and the vehicle is in a four-wheel drive state. The driving performance on rough roads and the stability of the vehicle body are improved.

  At this time, when the magnetic force of the electromagnet 5 is controlled by the exciting current adjusting function of the controller, the pilot clutch 11 slips, the pilot torque changes, the thrust force of the ball cam 41 changes, and the coupling force (power) of the main clutch 39 changes. The driving force transmitted to the rear wheels via the intermittent device 3 can be adjusted. By adjusting the coupling force of the power interrupting device 3, it is possible to arbitrarily control the driving force distribution ratio between the front and rear wheels. Thus, for example, if such control is performed during turning, the controllability and stability of the vehicle are improved.

  When the excitation of the electromagnet 5 is stopped by the controller, the pilot clutch 11 is released, the cam thrust force of the ball cam 41 disappears, the main clutch 39 is released, and the connection of the power interrupting device 3 is released. When the connection of the power interrupting device 3 is released, the rear wheel side is disconnected, and the vehicle enters a two-wheel drive state of front wheel drive.

  Further, while the electromagnet 5 is excited as described above, the gaps 15 and 17 in which the magnetic flux lines of the magnetic flux loop are disposed substantially in the axial direction (the direction of the tangent line A in FIG. 2) are formed between the rotor 9 and the inner shaft 25. The gap 19 is formed between the cam ring 27 and the inner shaft 25, and the gap 21 in which the magnetic flux lines of the magnetic flux loop are arranged in a substantially radial direction (the direction of the tangent B in FIG. 2) is formed between the cam ring 27 and the pilot clutch 11. And the sliding bearing 23 is derived from the magnetic flux loop 31 by the respective magnetic resistance, between the rotor 9 and the inner shaft 25, and the inner shaft 25 inside the rotor 9 and the magnetic flux loop 31. By reducing the leakage of magnetic flux due to the local magnetic flux loop, the amount of magnetic flux reaching the armature 13 through the magnetic flux loop 31 is increased.

  Therefore, the engagement force (pilot torque) of the pilot clutch 11 due to the suction of the armature 13 is enhanced. As a result, the cam thrust force of the ball cam 41 and the fastening force of the main clutch 39 are strengthened, so that a sufficiently large driving force can be transmitted to the rear wheels via the electromagnetic actuator 3.

  The oil sealed in the rotating case 37 is held in oil sumps 45 and 61. When the electromagnetic coupling 3 rotates, the oil in the oil sump 45 passes through the oil flow path 47 and the bearing 71 due to centrifugal force, and passes through the main clutch. 39, the ball cam 41, the bearings 71 and 83, the pilot clutch 11 and the like are lubricated and cooled. Oil movement to the sliding surfaces of the plates 77, 79, the ball cam 41, the pilot clutch 11, and the bearing 83 is promoted by oil holes 99, 101 provided in the inner plate 79 and the pressure plate 81 of the main clutch 39, respectively. The lubrication and cooling effects are improved.

[Effects of electromagnetic clutch device 1 and power interrupting device 3]
Air gaps 15, 17 are provided between the rotor 9 and the inner shaft 25 near the members 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 (flux loop forming members) forming the magnetic flux loop 31 of the electromagnet 5, and the cam ring 27 and the inner ring are provided. An air gap 19 is provided between the shafts 25, an air gap 21 is provided between the cam ring 27 and the pilot clutch 11, and a small air permeability lower than the members 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 between the rotor 9 and the inner shaft 25. By arranging the sliding bearing 23 as a member and using a material having a lower magnetic permeability than the members 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13 for the inner shaft 25 (providing a magnetic flux leakage reducing means), the magnetic flux loop 31 is formed. The amount of magnetic flux to be formed increases, the loss of the magnetic flux is reduced, and the energy efficiency is improved.

  Accordingly, the control characteristics of the pilot clutch 11 are improved, and accordingly, the control characteristics of the ball cam 41 and the main clutch 39 (the power interrupting device 3) are improved.

  In addition, it is not necessary to increase the size of the electromagnet 5 in order to improve energy efficiency, thereby avoiding an increase in power consumption (an increase in battery load), a decrease in engine fuel efficiency, and a decrease in the in-vehicle performance of the power interrupting device 3. Can be

  Further, the gaps 15 and 17 can be formed in the opposed fitting portion between the inner periphery of the rotor 9 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner shaft 25 by sandwiching the sealing function portion including the X ring 73 and the extending portion 10 in the axial direction. , The necessary supporting relationship between the rotor 9 and the inner shaft 25 is maintained as it is while improving the energy efficiency as described above.

  Further, by using the slide bearing 23 having low magnetic permeability, the necessary support relationship between the rotor 9 and the inner shaft 25 is maintained as it is while improving energy efficiency.

  Further, by using the slide bearing 23 having a lower magnetic permeability than the members 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13, it is possible to freely select a material of the inner shaft 25 regardless of the degree of the magnetic permeability. , The range of choices is much wider.

  Further, the energy efficiency is further improved by providing the gap 15 adjacent to the slide bearing 23 having low magnetic permeability.

  In addition, the sliding bearing 23 having a low magnetic permeability is arranged at the axial end (rear end) of the inner shaft 25 in the direction opposite to the axial direction of the armature 13 with respect to the electromagnet 5, so that the sliding bearing 23 has a magnetic flux. Since it is located at the axial end of the loop forming member, the reluctance of the slide bearing 23 does not prevent the formation of the magnetic flux loop 31, and therefore, the energy efficiency is kept high.

  The sliding bearing 23 keeps the support of the inner shaft 25 and the rotor 9 high.

  Further, since the inner shaft 25 having a supporting relationship with the rotor 9 is made of a member having a low magnetic permeability, energy efficiency is further improved by its magnetic resistance.

  Further, since the gap 19 is provided at a portion farther than the magnetic flux loop 31 in the support portion 33 between the inner shaft 25 and the cam ring 27, the magnetic resistance of the gap 19 does not hinder the formation of the magnetic flux loop 31. Energy efficiency is kept high.

  Grease or oil is retained in the gaps (spaces) 15, 17, 19, and 21 in the electromagnetic clutch device 1 so that these lubricants are applied to sliding portions such as a magnetic flux loop forming member, a proximity member, and a seal. Can be supplied, so that economic efficiency and cooling performance are also improved.

<Second embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the power interrupting device 100 using the electromagnetic clutch device 900, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a spline portion 550 of the electromagnetic clutch device 900, and FIG. 6 is a graph showing a change characteristic.

[Configuration of power interrupting device 100]
As shown in FIG. 3, the power interrupting device 100 includes a rotating case 300 (proximity (rotating) member) as an input-side member and a connecting shaft 500 (an output member to which the rotational driving force of the rotating case 300 is transmitted). A proximity member), a multi-plate type main clutch 700 that is provided between the rotating case 300 and the connecting shaft 500 and transmits the rotational driving force of the rotating case 300 to the connecting shaft 500, and controls intermittent control of the main clutch 700. An electromagnetic clutch device 900 capable of controlling the torque transmitted by the main clutch 700, and a thrust force generated by the rotational driving force transmitted from the electromagnetic clutch device 900 provided between the electromagnetic clutch device 900 and the main clutch 700. And a cam mechanism 110 for engaging the main clutch 700.

  The rotating case 300 is cylindrical and has a wall 130 provided on one side (the left side in FIG. 3) and is closed. The wall 130 is connected to a transfer (not shown) or the like, and a rotational driving force is transmitted to the rotating case 300. An opening 150 is provided on the other side (the right side in FIG. 3) of the rotating case 300. The outer periphery of a hollow rotor 170 (magnetic flux loop forming member) is screw-connected to the opening 150, and is positioned by a lock nut 190 (proximal member). An O-ring 210 is disposed between the outer periphery of the rotor 170 and the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion 230 of the rotating case 300, and the inside of the rotating case 300 is sealed. Further, a spline portion 250 is provided on the inner peripheral side of the hollow cylindrical portion 230, and the connection shaft 500 is disposed at the axial center portion.

  The connection shaft 500 has the wall 130 side supported by the inner wall of the wall 130 via the ball bearing 270, and the opening 150 side supported by the inner periphery of the rotor 170 via the needle bearing 290 (proximity member). A hole-shaped oil reservoir 500a with a bottom is formed on one side in the axial center portion of the connection shaft 500, and a plurality of oil passages 500b are formed radially from the oil reservoir 500a. On the other hand, a spline portion 310 with a bottom is similarly formed in the shaft center portion at the right end of the connection shaft 500, and a rotating member on a propeller shaft (not shown) side is spline-connected. Further, an X ring 330 is disposed between the outer periphery of the right end of the connection shaft 500 and the inner periphery of the rotor 170 to seal the inside of the rotating case 300. Further, a spline portion 350 is formed on the outer periphery of the connection shaft 500 corresponding to the oil passage 500b. The main clutch 700 is provided between the outer peripheral side of the connecting shaft 500 and the inner peripheral side of the rotating case 300.

  The main clutch 700 includes a plurality of outer clutch plates 370 connected to an inner spline portion 250 of the cylindrical portion 230 of the rotating case 300 and a plurality of inner clutches connected to the outer spline portion 350 of the connection shaft 500. The plates 390 are alternately formed. A spacer 410 for adjusting the clearance of the main clutch 700 is disposed on the center link projection 430 of the rotating case 300 adjacent to the left end of the outer clutch plate 370. In the main clutch 700, when the outer clutch plate 370 and the inner clutch plate 390 are fastened, the rotational driving force transmitted to the rotating case 300 is transmitted to the connection shaft 500, and the transmitted torque is transmitted to the electromagnetic clutch device. The drive is controlled by 900.

[Configuration of electromagnetic clutch device 900]
The electromagnetic clutch device 900 includes a pilot clutch 450, an armature 470 (a magnetic flux loop forming member) movably disposed on one side of the pilot clutch 450, and an armature disposed on the opposite side with the pilot clutch 450 interposed therebetween. 470 is operated by magnetic force, and an electromagnetic coil 490 is operated to intermittently operate the pilot clutch 450.

  The pilot clutch 450 includes an outer clutch plate 510 connected to a spline portion 250 on the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion (proximal (rotating) member) 230 of the rotating case 300 and an outer periphery of a cam ring 690 (proximal member) of the cam mechanism 110 described later. And an inner clutch plate 530 connected to the spline portion 750. Pilot clutch 450 is engaged by the movement of armature 470, and transmits the rotational driving force of rotating case 300 to cam ring 690.

  The armature 470 is disposed between the pilot clutch 450 (magnetic flux loop forming member) and the main clutch 700, and an outer spline portion 550 is connected to the spline portion 250 of the rotating case 300 so as to be movable in the axial direction. Member 300). 4, the spline teeth 470a formed on the armature 470 are engaged with the spline teeth 250a of the spline portion 250 on the inner periphery of the rotating case 300, and the armature 470 is engaged with the toothless portion 570 (magnetic flux leakage). Reduction means (magnetic flux leakage reduction portion) are formed, and a wide air gap (space portion) 590 is formed between the spline teeth 470a and the spline teeth 470a.

  Note that the number of teeth of the spline teeth 470a of the armature 470 is reduced from the conventional number of teeth due to the formation of the missing tooth portion 570, and the number of teeth is within a range where a sufficient connection function can be obtained with the spline portion. The air gap 590 is selected to be as wide as possible. The armature 470 is operated to move in the axial direction by the magnetic force generated by the electromagnetic coil 490.

  The electromagnetic coil 490 has a yoke 610 fixed around it, and is disposed together with the yoke 610 in the recess 170 a of the rotor 170 so as to face the pilot clutch 450. A yoke 610 around the electromagnetic coil 490 is non-rotatably supported by a fixing member on the vehicle body side via a rotation preventing member 630. The yoke 610 is supported by the rotor 170 via a bearing 650. Further, non-magnetic member 830 is provided on rotor 170 between pilot clutch 450 and electromagnetic coil 490. When the electromagnetic coil 490 is energized, it passes through the rotor 170, the outer clutch plate 510 and the inner clutch plate 530 on the side of the rotating case 300, passes through the armature 470, the outer clutch plate 510 (a magnetic flux loop forming member), and the inner clutch plate 530 (a magnetic flux loop forming member). A magnetic flux loop 670 that passes through the rotor 170 again is formed, the armature 470 is pulled to the right in FIG. 3, the pilot clutch 450 is engaged, and the rotational driving force is transmitted to the cam mechanism 110.

  The cam mechanism 110 includes a cam ring 690, a pressure plate 710 disposed between the armature 470 and the main clutch 700, and a ball 730 disposed between the cam ring 690 and the pressure plate 710.

  The cam ring 690 has an inner peripheral side supported by the connection shaft 5, and an outer peripheral side formed with a spline portion 750 to which the inner clutch plate 530 of the pilot clutch 450 is spline-connected. On the rotor 170 side of the cam ring 690, ring-shaped plates 790 and 810 (proximity members) are arranged with the thrust bearing 770 interposed therebetween. On the main clutch 700 side of the cam ring 690, a plurality of ball grooves 850 for accommodating half of the plurality of balls 730 are formed along the circumferential direction. A pressure plate 710 is arranged on the opposite side of the cam ring 690 with these balls 730 interposed therebetween.

  The pressure plate 710 has a ball groove 870 for accommodating half of the ball 730 on the inner surface facing the cam ring 690, and holds the ball 730 between the pressure plate 710 and the cam ring 690. A pressing portion 890 that presses the main clutch 700 is provided on the outer diameter side of the pressure plate 710. Then, the ball 830 protrudes while rotating from the ball grooves 850 and 870 of the cam ring 690 and the pressure plate 710, thereby increasing the distance between the pressure plate 710 and the cam ring 690. In this case, since the movement of the cam ring 690 is regulated by the rotor 170 via the ring-shaped plates 790 and 810 and the thrust bearing 770, a thrust force is generated, and the pressure plate 710 moves toward the main clutch 700. That is, the main clutch 700 is engaged.

[Operation and Action of Power Intermittent Device 100 and Electromagnetic Clutch Device 900]
When the electromagnetic coil 490 is excited, the armature 470 is attracted and the pilot clutch 450 is engaged according to the exciting current. The engagement torque (transmitted rotational driving force) of pilot clutch 450 is amplified and converted into a thrust force by cam mechanism 110, and pressure plate 710 presses and engages main clutch 700 in response to the thrust force. The engaging force of the main clutch 700 is controlled by adjusting the engaging torque of the pilot clutch 450 by the exciting current of the electromagnetic coil 490, and the driving force is transmitted to the rear differential side.

  FIG. 5 is graphs 910 and 930 showing a change characteristic of the transmission torque (Nm) with respect to the exciting current (A) of the electromagnetic coil 490. Note that these transmission torques (Nm) are measured with the rotation speed of the power interrupting device 100 set to 50 (rpm).

  A graph 910 shows the characteristics of the electromagnetic clutch device 900 of the present embodiment in which the spline teeth 470a of the armature 470 are formed with the toothless portions 570 and the wide air gap 590 is formed between the spline teeth 470a and the spline teeth 250a of the rotating case 300. A graph 930 shows the characteristics of the conventional electromagnetic clutch device in which there is no air gap due to a missing tooth portion between the spline teeth 470a of the armature 470 and the spline teeth 250a of the rotating case 300.

  As can be seen from this graph, in the electromagnetic clutch device 900, since the wide air gap 590 is provided between the armature 470 and the spline portion 250 of the rotating case 300, the electromagnetic clutch device 900 escapes from the armature 470 to the cylindrical portion 230 of the rotating case 300. Leakage of magnetic flux can be greatly reduced, and loss of magnetic force of the electromagnetic coil 490 and loss of exciting current due to leakage of magnetic flux are greatly reduced.

  In addition, the provision of the air gap 590 reduces the friction surface area of the spline portion 250, and the movement resistance (sliding resistance) applied to the armature 470 is reduced accordingly.

  Accordingly, in the electromagnetic clutch device 900, the moving operation force of the armature 470 by the electromagnetic coil 490 is greatly improved as compared with the conventional electromagnetic clutch device, and therefore, the operation response of the armature 470 is improved, and smooth and stable. As a result, the operation response can be prevented from being lowered and varied due to the movement resistance applied to the armature 470, and the operation stability can be prevented from being lowered.

[Effects of the power interrupting device 100 and the electromagnetic clutch device 900]
In the electromagnetic clutch device 900 according to the present embodiment, the spline teeth 470a of the armature 470 are formed with the toothless portions 570, and the armature 470 and the spline portion 250 of the rotating case 300 are provided with a wide air gap 590. In addition, the magnetic force loss of the electromagnetic coil 490 and the loss of the exciting current due to the leakage of the magnetic flux are greatly reduced. When the same exciting current is applied to the same size electromagnetic coil 490, a larger magnetic force is obtained.

  Further, by providing the air gap 590 to reduce the friction surface area of the spline portion 250, the movement resistance applied to the armature 470 is reduced, and the operation response is reduced and varied due to the movement resistance, and the operation stability is reduced. Is prevented.

  Therefore, the moving operation force and operation response of the armature 470 by the electromagnetic coil 490 are greatly improved, and a smooth and stable operation is obtained, and the vehicle escapes and runs when traveling on a rough road, and the stacking is prevented. Is done.

  In addition, since the magnetic flux leakage is reduced by the spline section 250, in addition to selecting the rotating case 300 from an expensive non-magnetic material such as an aluminum alloy or stainless steel, an inexpensive magnetic material such as structural steel is used. It is possible to improve the degree of freedom of material selection to reduce the cost by using it, and to set the shape to obtain sufficient strength.

  In addition, it is not necessary to increase the size of the electromagnetic coil 490 or to increase the magnetizing force to increase the magnetizing force in order to compensate for the decrease in the moving operation force of the armature 470. Therefore, the load on the battery and the fuel consumption of the engine are reduced. In addition, it is possible to prevent the on-boardability of the starting clutch 100 from being reduced due to an increase in size and weight.

  Further, the armature 470 has a simplified shape due to the provision of the toothless portion 570 on the spline teeth 470a, so that the processing cost is correspondingly reduced and the weight is reduced by the weight of the spline teeth 630 that have been omitted. .

  In the engagement relationship between the spline engagement portion between the outer clutch plate 510 as the magnetic flux loop forming member and the rotating case 300 or the spline engagement portion between the inner clutch plate 530 and the cam ring 690, the spline of the armature 470 is used. The missing tooth relationship between the teeth and the spline teeth 250a of the rotating case 300 can be similarly applied.

  In this case, when the outer clutch plate 510 and the inner clutch plate 530 have a function of being sucked like the armature, it can contribute to suppressing the leakage of the magnetic flux loop. Similarly, the toothless portion 590 and the tooth height adjusting tooth 1010 in the third and fourth embodiments described below can be applied to the spline engagement portion of the pilot clutch 450 as a technical idea.

<Third embodiment>
Next, an electromagnetic clutch device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the electromagnetic clutch device of the third embodiment, in the armature 470 and the spline portion 250 of the rotating case 300, in addition to the missing tooth portion 590 (magnetic flux leakage reduction means (magnetic flux leakage reduction portion)) formed on the spline teeth 470a of the armature 470. The spline teeth 250a of the spline portion 250 of the rotating case 300 are also formed with toothless portions 950 (magnetic flux leakage reduction means (magnetic flux leakage reduction portions)), and an extremely wide air gap 970 is formed between each other. .

  In the electromagnetic clutch device 900 of the third embodiment, as described above, in addition to the toothless portion 570 on the armature 470 side, the spline tooth 250a of the rotating case 300 is provided with the toothless portion 950, so that the spline portion is provided. Since the air gap 970 of the 250 is further widened, the effect of reducing magnetic flux leakage and the effect of reducing magnetic force loss and excitation current loss of the electromagnetic coil 490 due to magnetic flux leakage are further improved, and a large magnetic force (moving operation force) is obtained. can get.

  Therefore, the moving operation force and operation response of the armature 470 by the electromagnetic coil 490 are greatly improved, and a smooth and stable operation is obtained, and the vehicle escapes and runs when traveling on a rough road, and the stacking is prevented. In addition, the clutch housing 700 (connecting member 250) can be formed at a low cost by using an inexpensive magnetic material such as structural steel, and at the same time, sufficient strength can be obtained. An increase in the load on the battery due to an increase in the exciting current, a decrease in the fuel efficiency of the engine, and a decrease in the in-vehicle performance due to the increase in size and weight are prevented.

  Further, in addition to the simplification of the shape of the armature 470, the cost reduction effect, and the weight reduction by the toothless portion 570, the spline portion 250 of the rotating case 300 is also simplified in shape by the toothless portion 950, and the processing cost is reduced. The weight is reduced by the weight of the missing tooth portion 610.

<Fourth embodiment>
Next, an electromagnetic clutch device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the electromagnetic clutch device of the fourth embodiment, in the spline portion 250 of the armature 470 rotating case 300, the spline teeth 470a of the armature 470 are adjusted so that the spline teeth 470a are adjusted to have low tooth heights (magnetic flux leakage reduction means (magnetic flux leakage reduction unit): A wide air gap 990 is formed between the rotating case 300 and the spline teeth 250a. These spline teeth 1010 are selected such that the air gap is as wide as possible within a range where the spline portion 550 can provide a sufficient connection function.

  In the electromagnetic clutch device of the fourth embodiment, by providing the armature 470 with the spline teeth 1010 having a low tooth height, a wide air gap 990 is formed between the spline teeth 250a of the rotating case 300 and the magnetic flux leakage is reduced. In addition, loss of magnetic force of the electromagnetic coil 490 and loss of exciting current due to leakage of magnetic flux are prevented, and a large magnetic force (moving operation force) can be obtained.

  Therefore, the moving operation force and operation response of the armature 470 by the electromagnetic coil 490 are greatly improved, and smooth and stable operation, and the escape and running performance of the vehicle on rough roads are improved, and stacking is prevented. Above, sufficient strength can be obtained while using a low-cost magnetic material such as structural steel for the rotating case 300, and sufficient strength can be obtained. This prevents an increase in the load on the vehicle, a decrease in the fuel efficiency of the engine, and a decrease in the in-vehicle performance due to the increase in size and weight.

  Further, the armature 470 is reduced in weight by providing the spline teeth 1010 having a low tooth height.

  The electromagnetic clutch device of the present invention may be used not only as the device for transmitting the driving force as in the embodiment, but also as a device for transmitting the braking force (electromagnetic brake).

  In the present invention, the clutch is not limited to the friction clutch, but may be a meshing clutch. Further, unlike the above-described embodiment, the friction clutch is not limited to the multi-plate type but may be a single-plate type or a cone clutch.

  Further, a friction clutch may be used in which the rotor and the armature are arranged so as to be relatively rotatable, and sliding friction is caused between the rotor and the armature.

  Further, in the present invention, unlike the respective embodiments, when the electromagnetic coil is excited, the clutch or the main clutch is released, and when the excitation of the electromagnetic coil is released, the clutch or the main clutch is connected by the shift spring. Is also good.

  Further, the electromagnetic clutch device and the power interrupting device of the present invention are not limited to the start clutch and the interrupting function arranged in the drive system of the vehicle as in each embodiment, but may be a switching device for switching a drive source in a hybrid vehicle. It can also be applied to other applications.

  Also, the differential mechanism in this case can be applied to the differential device of the present invention. The differential mechanism in this case is not limited to the bevel gear type differential mechanism, but is also rotatably housed in the planetary gear type differential mechanism and the housing hole of the differential case. A differential mechanism in which the output side gear is connected to the output pinion gear or a differential mechanism using a worm gear may be used.

  The differential device of the present invention may be arranged at a front differential (a differential device for distributing the driving force of the engine to the left and right front wheels) and a rear differential (a differential device for distributing the driving force of the engine to the right and left rear wheels). And a center differential (a differential device that distributes the driving force of the engine to the front wheels and the rear wheels).

  As is apparent from the above description, in the electromagnetic clutch device of the present invention, the magnetic flux leakage reduction unit is provided on at least one of the adjacent members that are adjacent to the magnetic flux loop forming member that forms the magnetic flux loop of the electromagnet. Leakage of magnetic flux due to unnecessary local magnetic flux loops is reduced, a regular magnetic flux loop is formed, the amount of magnetic flux reaching the armature is increased, and energy efficiency is improved.

  Accordingly, the control characteristics of the clutch are improved, and it is not necessary to increase the size of the electromagnet, and accordingly, an increase in power consumption (an increase in the battery load), a decrease in engine fuel efficiency, and a reduction in in-vehicle performance can be avoided.

  Specifically, in the electromagnetic clutch device of the present invention, unnecessary local magnetic flux is generated by the magnetic resistance of a gap (space) provided adjacent to a portion in a supporting relationship between the magnetic flux loop forming member and the adjacent member. By reducing the leakage of the magnetic flux due to the loop, a regular magnetic flux loop is formed and the amount of magnetic flux reaching the armature is increased accordingly, so that the energy efficiency can be improved.

  Further, since the gap is provided adjacent to the portion having the support relationship, the necessary support relationship is maintained as it is while improving the energy efficiency.

  Further, in the electromagnetic clutch according to the present invention, by disposing the supporting member, which is a small member having a lower magnetic permeability than the magnetic flux loop forming member, between the magnetic flux loop forming member and the adjacent member, unnecessary local localization is caused by the magnetic resistance. Leakage of magnetic flux due to the magnetic flux loop is reduced, and the necessary support relationship between the magnetic flux loop forming member and the adjacent member can be maintained while improving energy efficiency.

  Furthermore, by using the supporting member as a small member having a lower magnetic permeability than the magnetic flux loop forming member, it becomes possible to freely select the adjacent member regardless of the level of the magnetic permeability, and the range of selection is wider. became.

  Further, in the electromagnetic clutch device of the present invention, energy efficiency is further improved by the magnetic resistance of a gap (space) provided between the magnetic flux loop forming member and the adjacent member adjacent to the supporting member having low magnetic permeability. .

  In addition, since the supporting member having a low magnetic permeability is disposed at the axial end of the adjacent member on the side opposite to the armature in the axial direction with respect to the electromagnet, the low magnetic permeability is provided at the axial end of the magnetic flux loop forming member. Due to the location of the support member, the reluctance of the support member does not prevent the formation of a regular magnetic flux loop, thus keeping the energy efficiency high.

  In addition, the support member keeps the supportability of the proximity member high.

  In addition, since the proximity member having a supporting relationship with the magnetic flux loop forming member is made of a member having low magnetic permeability, energy efficiency is further improved by its magnetic resistance.

  Further, in the supporting relationship between the adjacent member and the opposing member, the air gap (space portion) provided at a portion far from the magnetic flux loop forming member does not hinder formation of a normal magnetic flux loop, so that energy efficiency is improved. Is kept high.

  Further, in the electromagnetic clutch device of the present invention, the magnetic flux leakage is greatly reduced by providing the magnetic flux leakage reduction portion for increasing the air gap at the connection between the armature and the facing member.

  Accordingly, loss of the magnetic force of the electromagnetic coil, loss of the exciting current, reduction of the operation force of the armature, and the like due to the leakage of the magnetic flux are prevented, the operation response of the electromagnetic clutch device is improved, and a smooth and stable operation can be obtained.

  In addition, in the connecting portion between the armature and the facing member, the friction surface area is reduced by increasing the gap (space), and the movement resistance (sliding resistance) applied to the armature is reduced accordingly. The resulting reduction and variation in operation response, reduction in operation stability, and the like are prevented.

  Therefore, if the electromagnetic clutch device of the present invention is used for, for example, a start clutch of a vehicle, quick and stable startability can be obtained, and a quick and stable shift function can be obtained in a transmission.

  In addition, if the electromagnetic clutch device of the present invention is used for a power transmission device between front and rear wheels of an on-demand 4WD or a clutch for limiting a differential of a differential device, escape and running performance when the vehicle travels on a rough road or the like can be obtained. The improvement effect and the stack prevention effect are kept high.

  In addition, in order to prevent the leakage of magnetic flux, in addition to consideration of selecting a non-magnetic material such as an aluminum alloy or stainless steel for the facing member to which the armature is connected, for example, a low-cost magnetic material such as structural steel is used. The degree of freedom of selection of is improved, and it is possible to obtain a low cost while obtaining sufficient strength.

  Also, there is no need to increase the size of the electromagnetic coil or to increase the exciting current to increase the magnetic force in order to compensate for the decrease in the armature moving operation force. It is possible to prevent a decrease in the in-vehicle performance due to an increase in the size and weight of the clutch device and a device incorporating the clutch device.

  Further, in the electromagnetic clutch device of the present invention, by providing the toothless portion as the magnetic flux leakage reducing portion, the shape of the spline portion between the armature and the facing member is simplified, the processing cost is reduced, and the toothless portion is formed. The weight of the spline teeth is reduced. Since oil flows through the space defined by the toothless portion, economy and cooling are also improved.

  Further, the missing tooth portion as the magnetic flux leakage reducing portion may be provided on the spline teeth of the armature, may be provided on the spline teeth of the facing member, or may be provided on both the armature and the facing member.

  In addition, the armature and the facing member are reduced in weight by reducing the height of the spline teeth.

  Further, the tooth height adjusting teeth (spline teeth having a low tooth height) may be provided on the armature, on the facing member, or on both the armature and the mating member.

  Further, the tooth height adjusting teeth (spline teeth having a low tooth height) may be provided on all spline teeth of the armature or the opposing member, or may be provided only on some spline teeth.

  Further, the electromagnetic clutch device of the present invention is used, for example, as a starting clutch of a vehicle. When the clutch is connected, the vehicle can be started, and when the connection is released, the transmission can be easily shifted.

  Furthermore, the electromagnetic clutch device of the present invention can be disposed in a power transmission system on the wheel side that is disconnected during two-wheel drive traveling in a four-wheel drive vehicle. Is released, the vehicle enters the two-wheel drive state.

  Further, by using the electromagnetic clutch device of the present invention, the leakage of magnetic flux and the decrease in the operation force of the armature are prevented, the operation response is improved, a smooth and stable intermittent function is obtained, and the size of the electromagnetic coil is increased. And increase of the exciting current, increase of the burden on the battery, reduction of the fuel efficiency of the engine, and reduction of the in-vehicle performance due to the increase in size and weight are prevented.

It is a sectional view showing a first embodiment of the present invention. It is an enlarged view which expands and shows the principal part of 1st embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which expands and shows the principal part of 2nd embodiment. 10 is a graph comparing the change characteristic of the transmission torque with respect to the exciting current of the electromagnetic coil between the second embodiment and the conventional example. It is sectional drawing which expands and shows the principal part of 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which expands and shows the principal part of 4th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of reference numerals

Reference Signs List 1 electromagnetic clutch device 5 electromagnet 7 coil housing (yoke: magnetic flux loop forming member)
9 Rotor (magnetic flux loop forming member)
11 Clutch (flux loop forming member)
13 Armature (flux loop forming member)
15, 17, 19, 21 Air gap (space: magnetic flux leakage reduction part)
23 Sliding bearing (indicating member: magnetic flux leakage reduction part)
25 Inner shaft (shaft member: magnetic flux leakage reduction part)
31 Magnetic flux loop

Claims (24)

A magnetic flux loop forming member comprising an electromagnet and an armature having a coil and a yoke, and forming a magnetic flux loop by energizing the coil;
A clutch intermittently operated by the armature that is moved and operated by an electromagnetic force generated by energizing the coil;
A proximity member adjacent to the magnetic flux loop forming member,
At least one of the magnetic flux loop forming member and the proximity member includes a magnetic flux leakage reduction unit that reduces an amount of magnetic flux leaking from the magnetic flux loop forming member to the proximity member when the coil is energized. Characteristic electromagnetic clutch device. The electromagnetic clutch device according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic flux leakage reduction unit includes a space defined by the magnetic flux loop forming member and the proximity member. The electromagnetic clutch device according to claim 2, wherein the space is provided along a direction of a magnetic flux loop formed in the magnetic flux loop forming member. The electromagnetic clutch device according to claim 1, wherein the proximity member is made of a material having a lower magnetic permeability than the magnetic flux loop forming member. The proximity member includes a shaft member and a support member disposed coaxially with the shaft member and in a supporting relationship, and the magnetic flux loop forming member is disposed coaxially with the shaft member, and includes 2. The electromagnetic clutch device according to claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic clutch device is in a supporting relationship with the member. The electromagnetic clutch device according to claim 5, wherein the magnetic flux leakage reduction unit includes a first space defined by the magnetic flux loop forming member, the shaft member, and the support member. . The electromagnetic clutch device according to claim 5, wherein the magnetic flux leakage reduction unit includes a second space defined by the magnetic flux loop forming member and the shaft member. The electromagnetic clutch device according to claim 5, wherein the magnetic flux leakage reduction unit includes a third space defined by the shaft member and the support member. The proximity member further includes a rotating member disposed coaxially with the shaft member and in a support relationship with the magnetic flux loop forming member radially outside the shaft member,
The electromagnetic clutch device according to claim 5, wherein the magnetic flux leakage reducing unit includes a fourth space defined by the magnetic flux loop forming member and the rotating member. A friction type main clutch arranged between the input side and the output side torque transmitting members,
A cam mechanism for converting a torque input through the clutch into a pressing force,
3. The clutch according to claim 2, wherein the clutch is a pilot clutch, and when the pilot clutch is connected, the main clutch is pressed and connected by a pressing force of the cam mechanism generated by applying a torque. Electromagnetic clutch device. The magnetic flux loop forming member is coaxially arranged with the proximity member and is in a supporting relationship, and the proximity member is made of a material having a lower magnetic permeability than the magnetic flux loop forming member. 3. The electromagnetic clutch device according to claim 1. The electromagnetic clutch device according to claim 11, wherein the magnetic flux leakage reduction unit includes a space defined by the magnetic flux loop forming member and the proximity member. The electromagnetic clutch device according to claim 11, wherein the proximity member is disposed close to an end of the magnetic flux loop forming member on the side opposite to the armature in the axial direction with respect to the electromagnet. The proximity member is an opposing member that makes the armature movable via a connecting portion provided between the armature and the armature, and the magnetic flux leakage reduction unit is a connecting portion between the armature and the opposing member. 2. The electromagnetic clutch device according to claim 1, wherein The connecting portion is a spline portion in which the facing member and the armature mesh with each other by respective spline teeth, and the magnetic flux leakage reducing portion includes a toothless portion formed in the at least one spline tooth and the other spline tooth. The electromagnetic clutch device according to claim 14, further comprising a space defined by: The connecting portion is a spline portion in which the facing member and the armature mesh with each other by respective spline teeth, and the magnetic flux leakage reduction portion is a spline portion in which the height of the at least one spline tooth is reduced. The electromagnetic clutch device according to claim 14, further comprising a space defined by said spline teeth. A friction type main clutch arranged between the input side and the output side torque transmitting members,
A cam mechanism for converting a torque input through the clutch into a pressing force,
15. The clutch according to claim 14, wherein the clutch is a pilot clutch, and when the pilot clutch is connected, the main clutch is pressed and connected by the pressing force of the cam mechanism generated by applying a torque. Electromagnetic clutch device. A magnetic flux comprising an electromagnet having a yoke and a coil, a rotor, an armature, and a friction plate whose rotation is restricted by a movement operation of the armature, and a magnetic flux that forms a magnetic flux loop by transmitting magnetic lines of force to these members by energizing the coil; A loop forming member,
A plurality of proximity members arranged close to the periphery of the magnetic flux loop forming member,
Part of a facing surface between the magnetic flux loop forming member and the proximity member so as to reduce the transmittance of the magnetic flux lines from the magnetic flux loop forming member to the proximity member and direct the magnetic flux lines in a direction in which the magnetic flux loop is formed. An electromagnetic clutch device characterized in that a separation portion is provided in the electromagnetic clutch device. 19. The electromagnetic clutch device according to claim 18, wherein the separating portion is provided as a plurality of gaps between the magnetic flux loop forming member and the adjacent member. 20. The electromagnetic clutch device according to claim 19, wherein the separation portion is provided as a plurality of gaps between at least one component of the magnetic flux loop forming member and the proximity member. The electromagnetic clutch device according to claim 19, wherein the proximity member is made of a material having a low magnetic permeability with respect to the magnetic flux loop forming member. 20. The electromagnetic clutch device according to claim 19, wherein the plurality of gaps are arranged at least along one of an axial direction and a radial direction of the rotor. 20. The electromagnetic clutch device according to claim 19, wherein the plurality of gaps are arranged at intervals in an axial direction. 19. The electromagnetic clutch device according to claim 18, wherein the separation portion has a shape that maintains a predetermined engagement strength between the magnetic flux loop forming member and the proximity member.

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