Disconnector

Abstract

The present invention provides a disconnect, which includes: a support ring, which is arranged inside the differential case and is used to support a small gear installed inside; a clutch ring, one end of which passes through the differential case and is arranged inside the differential case, and is connected to or released from the support ring; an actuator, which presses the other end of the clutch ring to complete the connection between the support ring and the clutch ring; and an elastic member, which is connected to the exposed portion of the clutch ring located outside the differential case, with one end contacting the differential case and the other end contacting the actuator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a four-wheel drive disconnect for vehicles such as internal combustion engine vehicles (ICE), hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), and electric vehicles (EV). Background Art

[0002] Generally speaking, a disconnect is a device installed on a differential assembly to disconnect or connect the differential shaft according to driving conditions to convert between two-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD), thereby minimizing unnecessary power loss.

[0003] Most existing disconnects utilize a control system such as a hydraulic motor or pneumatic motor to move a sleeve to disconnect the power from the input of a motor or engine and the output of a wheel, thereby converting from four-wheel drive (4WD) to two-wheel drive (2WD).

[0004] Figure 1 : This is a diagram showing a conventional disconnector. Figure 1 The existing disconnect 200 is connected to the differential assembly 100. A differential gear set is mounted within the differential case 101 of the differential assembly 100. The differential gear set includes two first side gears 111 and a second side gear 112, and two pinion gears 121 and 122 meshing with the first and second side gears 111 and 112.

[0005] The existing disconnect 200 includes: a differential shaft 210, which is arranged inside the differential case 101 and is located at Figure 2 The first half-shaft gear 111 on the right side is connected; the wheel hub 220 is connected to the right wheel; the ball screw shaft 240 is connected to the motor 230 and rotates through the operation of the motor 230; the nut 250, when connected to the ball screw shaft 240, can move with the ball screw shaft 240 when the ball screw shaft 240 is running; and the speed change fork 280 can move along the guide rail 260 through the operation of the nut 250, and connect the differential shaft 210 and the wheel hub 220 or release the connection between the differential shaft 210 and the wheel hub 220 by moving the sleeve 270.

[0006] In the existing disconnect 200, the ball screw shaft 240 is rotated by driving the motor 230 including a position sensor. The rotation of the ball screw shaft 240 causes the shift fork 280 to move along with the nut 250, which moves along with the ball screw shaft 240. When the shift fork 280 moves, the shift fork 280 and the sleeve 270 connected to the shift fork 280 move, and the differential shaft 210 and the wheel hub 220 engage to connect power, or disengage the differential shaft 210 and the wheel hub 220 to disconnect power. Specifically, when the ball screw shaft 240 is driven by the motor 230 to rotate in a unilateral direction, the sleeve 270 moves toward the differential shaft 210, completing the engagement between the differential shaft 210 and the wheel hub 220, thereby transmitting power to the right wheel. On the contrary, when the ball screw shaft 240 is driven by the motor 230 to rotate in the other direction, the sleeve 270 moves toward the hub 220 and the connection between the differential shaft 210 and the hub 220 is released.

[0007] However, in the conventional disconnector, the differential shaft and wheel hub, which are separated from the motor, are connected via a ball screw shaft, a shift fork, and a sleeve. Due to this complex structure, there are serious problems: the overall length is too large, the assembly space is wide, and the weight is heavy, which is not conducive to vehicle installation. In addition, due to the excessive power consumption (20A) used to drive the motor, it is necessary to precisely control the stroke of the BLDC motor, etc., which makes the drive control system more complicated and increases manufacturing costs. Moreover, in the case of two-wheel drive with the auxiliary drive wheel disconnected on a four-wheel drive vehicle, the rotation of the input part is stopped, and the final reduction gear also stops. With the differential shaft and wheel hub separated, when the vehicle is traveling straight at high speed, the pinion gear rotates at high speed as the left half-shaft gear rotates, and the high differential generated at this time causes noise and vibration.

[0008] In contrast, the present invention proposes a disconnect, comprising: a differential case for transmitting input torque; a differential gear set responsible for differential operation; a support ring for supporting the pinion of the differential gear set; a clutch ring for releasing the connection between the differential case and the support ring; an elastic member for elastically supporting the clutch ring; and an actuator for controlling the operation of the ball ramp by utilizing the non-contact eddy current braking force between the magnetic coil and the conductor rotating plate. The above composition provides a new concept of a mechanism for separating the differential case and the support ring without generating a high differential structure and non-contact eddy current, thereby achieving compactness of the disconnect and benefiting noise reduction.

[0009]

Prior art literature

[0010] [Patent Literature]

[0011] Patent Document 1: Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0123869 (published on November 9, 2017) Summary of the Invention

[0012] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a disconnector that uses a new concept actuator that applies non-contact eddy current. By separating the differential case and the support ring, a structure without high differential motion is formed into a compact size, thereby improving installation efficiency and noise.

[0013] To achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a disconnector, which includes: a support ring, which is arranged inside the differential case and is used to support a pinion installed inside; a clutch ring, one end of which passes through the differential case and is arranged inside the differential case, and is connected to or disconnected from the support ring; an actuator, which presses the other end of the clutch ring to complete the connection between the support ring and the clutch ring; and an elastic member, which is connected to the exposed portion of the clutch ring located outside the differential case, with one end contacting the differential case and the other end contacting the actuator.

[0014] Moreover, the actuator includes: a first ball ramp; a second ball ramp located between the first ball ramp and the clutch ring; balls placed between the first ball ramp and the second ball ramp; a conductor rotating plate configured to surround the outer circumference of the first ball ramp; and an electromagnetic device, one or more of which is provided along the outer circumference of the conductor rotating plate and generates an electromagnetic field when power is applied.

[0015] Moreover, the electromagnetic device induces eddy current in the conductor rotating plate that rotates through the electromagnetic field generated when power is applied to cause the balls to run. Through the operation of the balls, the second ball ramp pushes the clutch ring toward the support ring to complete the connection between the claw portion of the clutch ring and the claw portion of the support ring.

[0016] Moreover, one side of the second ball ramp is connected to the clutch ring and the other side faces the first ball ramp. The elastic member elastically supports the side facing the clutch ring and presses the other side end of the clutch ring toward the support ring.

[0017] Furthermore, the ball is inserted between a first groove formed in the first ball ramp and a second groove formed in the second ball ramp corresponding to the first groove, and the first groove and the second groove conform to the ball.

[0018] Furthermore, the clutch ring includes a first claw portion and a second claw portion at one end portion.

[0019] Furthermore, the first claw portion is coupled to a third claw portion formed on the support ring, and the second claw portion is coupled to a fourth claw portion formed on the differential case.

[0020] Moreover, the conductor rotating plate is made of aluminum or copper.

[0021] Moreover, the balls are steel balls.

[0022] Furthermore, the electromagnetic device includes: a magnetic core coupled to the outer periphery of the conductor rotating plate; and a magnetic coil located on the outer periphery of the conductor rotating plate, penetrating the interior of the magnetic core and surrounding the outer side of the magnetic core.

[0023] Furthermore, the magnetic coil and the magnetic core are fixed to the transmission housing and are independent of the rotation of the differential case.

[0024] Furthermore, an extension portion is provided on one side of the differential case, and the actuator is attached to the outer side of the extension portion.

[0025] Furthermore, a central shaft is provided inside the support ring, and pinions are rotatably coupled to both sides of the central shaft. Side gears meshing with the pinions are provided on both sides of the pinions.

[0026] Furthermore, the side end portion of the differential case is formed of a detachable cover, and the drive gear is mounted on the cover.

[0027] Effects of the Invention

[0028] The present invention applies a structure in which a high differential does not occur by separating the differential case and the support ring and an integrated structure of an actuator based on the non-contact eddy current concept, thereby achieving excellent noise reduction, compact size, and improved installability.

[0029] Furthermore, according to the present invention, when the vehicle is traveling in a two-wheel drive (2WD) mode with the connector disconnected, the auxiliary drive wheels that coast rotate together with the support ring that supports the side gears, thereby preventing high differential from occurring.

[0030] In addition, according to the present invention, by using a magnetic coil, current consumption is small, and by using a ball ramp to amplify power, the size of the magnetic coil can be reduced, thereby minimizing current consumption.

[0031] In addition, according to the present invention, since the conductor rotating plate and the electromagnetic field perform non-contact rotational motion, no friction is generated, thereby preventing parts wear and noise, and since no additional special coating process is required, costs can be reduced.

[0032] Furthermore, according to the present invention, by replacing expensive actuators such as conventional high-current BLDC motors, ball screw shafts, and speed change forks with magnetic coils and ball ramps, costs can be reduced.

[0033] Furthermore, according to the present invention, by integrating the differential assembly and the disconnect, the overall length can be significantly reduced, and the weight and packaging performance can be significantly improved.

[0034] Furthermore, according to the present invention, by eliminating large parts such as the hub and sleeve, and the bearings that support them, it is possible to reduce manufacturing costs.

[0035] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the differential assembly and the disconnect are integrated, thereby simplifying the assembly process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a conventional disconnect.

[0037] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a disconnector according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state where one magnetic coil is mounted on the conductor rotating plate.

[0039] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a plurality of magnetic coils are mounted on the conductor rotating plate.

[0040] In the picture:

[0041] 300: Differential assembly, 310: Differential case, 310a: Cover, 311: Extension, 314: Fourth claw, 321: First pinion, 322: Second pinion, 331: First side gear, 332: Second side gear, 340: Drive gear, 400: Disconnector, 410: Support ring, 411: Center shaft, 413: Third claw, 420: Clutch ring, 421: First Claw portion, 422: Second claw portion, 423: Exposed portion, 430: Elastic member, 441: First ball ramp, 441a: First groove, 442: Second ball ramp, 442a: Second groove, 443: Ball, 444: Conductor rotating plate, 445: Magnetic coil, 446: Magnetic core, 450: Bolt, 460: Support member, 470: Gasket, C: Eddy current, G: Air gap, M: Electromagnetic field DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Below, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, it should be noted that when reference symbols are marked in each drawing, the same symbols are marked for the same components even on different drawings. Furthermore, when describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related well-known structure or function would make the gist of the present invention unclear, its detailed description will be omitted. The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below, but the technical concept of the present invention is not limited thereto and can be modified and implemented in various forms by ordinary technicians in this field.

[0043] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a disconnector according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] The disconnect 400 of the present invention provides a power transmission blocking device. In a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle, the front or rear wheels serve as the main drive wheels, and the other drive wheel serves as the auxiliary drive wheel. In this case, when driving using only the power of the main drive wheel, the rotational drag caused by the coasting of the auxiliary drive wheel reducer and the back electromotive force of the motor can be prevented, thereby improving fuel efficiency.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, the disconnect 400 of the present invention is coupled to the differential assembly 300. The present invention includes: a support ring 410 for supporting the differential pinion 320; a clutch ring 420 for coupling with or releasing the support ring 410; an actuator for pressing the clutch ring 420 to couple the support ring 410 and the clutch ring 420; and an elastic member 430 coupled to the clutch ring 420 and elastically supporting the actuator.

[0046] Specifically, the differential case 310 constituting the differential assembly 300 includes an extension portion 311. The extension portion 311 extends toward a side actuator of the differential case 310.

[0047] The differential case 310 can be constructed as a detachable structure. For example, the end of the differential case 310 on the drive gear 340 side can be formed with a cover 310a that can be attached and detached using bolts or other fastening members. The drive gear 340 can be mounted on the outside of the cover 310a. The cover 310a can also support the second side gear 332.

[0048] The differential case 310 includes a differential gear set including a first side gear 331 and a second side gear 332 and a first pinion gear 321 and a second pinion gear 322. For example, the first side gear 331 may be located at Figure 2 For example, the second side gear 332 may be located on the right side of Figure 2 on the left side.

[0049] The first side gear 331 has gear teeth on one end facing the second side gear 332. A portion of the other end of the first side gear 331 can be exposed to the outside through the interior of the extension 311. The first and second side gears 331, 332, arranged on either side, can be connected to auxiliary drive wheels (not shown) on the left and right sides via drive shafts (not shown).

[0050] The extension portion 311 may be provided with a support member 460. The support member 460 may support the first ball ramp 441 of the actuator. The support member 460 may be a thrust bearing. The support member 460 may be located on one side of the first ball ramp 441 of the actuator. The extension portion 311 is rotatably supported by the bearing.

[0051] The support ring 410 is disposed inside the differential case 310. The support ring 410 supports the first and second pinion gears 321 and 322 within the differential case 310. For example, the support ring 410 is configured to be separate from the differential case 310 so that it operates within the differential case 310. A center shaft 411 is disposed within the support ring 410. The first and second pinion gears 321 and 322 are rotatably coupled to each other on either side of the center shaft 411. The first and second pinion gears 321 and 322 are located between the first and second side gears 331 and 332.

[0052] One end portion of the clutch ring 420 penetrates the differential case 310 and is disposed inside the differential case 310. The clutch ring 420 can be coupled to or separated from the support ring 410.

[0053] The clutch ring 420 has two latching portions, allowing it to be coupled to both the differential case 310 and the latching portions of the support ring 410. Specifically, the clutch ring 420 includes a first latching portion 421 and a second latching portion 422. The first latching portion 421 and the second latching portion 422 are provided at one end of the clutch ring 420 located inside the differential case 310.

[0054] Specifically, the first claw portion 421 may be formed at a front end of the clutch ring 420 opposite to a side surface of the support ring 410 . The second claw portion 422 may be formed at an outer peripheral surface of the clutch ring 420 at a right angle to the first claw portion 421 .

[0055] The first claw portion 421 is coupled to the third claw portion 413 provided on the support ring 410 . The third claw portion 413 may be provided on a side of the support ring 410 opposite to the first claw portion 421 .

[0056] The second claw portion 422 is coupled to and corresponds to the fourth claw portion 314 provided on the differential case 310. The fourth claw portion 314 may be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the differential case 310 opposite to the second claw portion 422.

[0057] Since the two claw portions of the first claw portion 421 and the second claw portion 422 forming a right angle as described above are coupled to the third claw portion 413 and the fourth claw portion 314 , a strong coupling can be performed.

[0058] Elastic member 430 is located outside differential case 310. For example, elastic member 430 may be a return spring. Elastic member 430 is coupled to exposed portion 423 of clutch ring 420. One end of elastic member 430 contacts differential case 310, while the other end contacts second ball ramp 442 of the actuator.

[0059] For example, the actuator may be configured to operate the ball ramp using the non-contact eddy current C braking force between the magnetic coil 445 and the conductor rotating plate 444 .

[0060] Specifically, the actuator presses the other end portion of the clutch ring 420 to couple the support ring 410 and the clutch ring 420 .

[0061] The actuator includes: a first ball ramp 441; a second ball ramp 442 located between the first ball ramp 441 and the clutch ring 420; balls 443 interposed between the first ball ramp 441 and the second ball ramp 442; a conductor rotating plate 444 configured to surround the outer periphery of the first ball ramp 441; and an electromagnetic device arranged along the outer periphery of the conductor rotating plate 444.

[0062] Specifically, the center of the first ball ramp 441 is installed outside the extension portion 311. The first ball ramp 441 is arranged opposite to the second ball ramp 442. For example, the first ball ramp 441 can be configured as a disc with an outer diameter larger than that of the second ball ramp 442.

[0063] For example, the second ball ramp 442 may be disc-shaped with a smaller outer diameter than the first ball ramp 441. The second ball ramp 442 may be coupled to the other end of the clutch ring 420 on one side thereof facing the clutch ring 420 by bolts 450 or welding.

[0064] The center of the second ball ramp 442 is mounted outside the extension 311. The surface of the second ball ramp 442 facing the clutch ring 420 is elastically supported by the elastic member 430. The surface of the second ball ramp 442 facing the clutch ring 420 presses the other end of the clutch ring 420 in the direction facing the support ring 410.

[0065] The ball 443 is interposed between the first ball ramp 441 and the second ball ramp 442. For example, the ball 443 may be a steel ball. Specifically, the first ball ramp 441 is formed with a first groove 441a. The second ball ramp 442 is formed with a second groove 442a corresponding to the first groove 441a. The shapes of the first groove 441a and the second groove 442a are configured to conform to the shape of the ball 443. The ball 443 is inserted between the first groove 441a and the second groove 442a.

[0066] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view along line AA is a diagram showing a state where a magnetic coil is mounted on the conductor rotating plate. Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a plurality of magnetic coils are mounted on the conductor rotating plate.

[0067] Conductor rotating plate 444 is constructed to surround the outer periphery of first ball ramp 441 and is provided with an electromagnetic device. Conductor rotating plate 444 can be made of a non-metallic material such as aluminum or copper. One or more electromagnetic devices can be provided along the outer side of conductor rotating plate 444.

[0068] For example, the conductor rotating plate 444 can be connected to the first ball ramp 441 by welding, crimping, or the like. For example, the conductor rotating plate 444 can be adjusted using a component such as a shim (SHIM 470) so as to have a predetermined air gap G in a non-contact state without direct friction with the magnetic coil 445. When processing and assembling the conductor rotating plate 444 and the magnetic coil 445 that constitute the actuator, the shim (SHIM, 470) or the like can be used to adjust for errors.

[0069] Specifically, the electromagnetic device can induce eddy currents C in the conductor rotating plate 444, which rotates due to the electromagnetic field M generated when power is applied. Because this eddy current C is directly coupled to the first ball ramp 441 of the conductor rotating plate 444, the eddy current braking force acts on the first ball ramp 441, causing the balls 443 to actuate. The action of the balls 443 pushes the second ball ramp 442 toward the clutch ring 420. As the clutch ring 420 is pushed by the second ball ramp 442, the first claw portion 421 can be coupled to the second claw portion 413 of the support ring 410, and the second claw portion 422 can be accurately coupled to the fourth claw portion 314 of the differential case 310.

[0070] The electromagnetic device includes a magnetic core 446 and a magnetic coil 445. For example, the magnetic coil 445 and the magnetic core 446 can be fixed to a transmission housing (not shown). The disconnect 400 can be mounted inside the transmission housing (not shown). The magnetic core 446 can be located on the outer periphery of the conductor rotating plate 444.

[0071] like Figure 3 As shown, a magnetic core 446 can be provided on the periphery of the conductor rotating plate 444. Figure 4 As shown, three or more magnetic cores 446 may be provided on the outer periphery of the conductor rotating plate 444. The magnetic coil 445 may have a structure that penetrates the inner side of the magnetic core 446 and surrounds the outer periphery of the magnetic core 446.

[0072] Next, the operation of the disconnector of the present invention in the two-wheel drive mode will be described.

[0073] like Figure 2 As shown, in the two-wheel drive (2WD) mode, in the initial state before power is applied to the magnetic coil 445, the clutch ring 420 is located in the direction of releasing the coupling of the claw portion. This allows the vehicle to operate in the normally open type of the two-wheel drive (2WD) mode.

[0074] Specifically, in the two-wheel drive (2WD) state, the first ball ramp 442 is pushed toward the first ball ramp 441 by the elastic force of the elastic member 430. As a result, the first engaging portion 421 of the clutch ring 420 and the third engaging portion 413 of the support ring 410 are disengaged, and the second engaging portion 422 of the clutch ring 420 and the fourth engaging portion 314 of the differential case 310 are also disengaged. At this time, the power source, such as the motor of the speed reducer (not shown), is stopped, and therefore, the power source is not transmitted to the drive gear 340.

[0075] In this state, when the auxiliary drive wheels (not shown) on both sides coast, the rotational force of the auxiliary drive wheels on both sides is transmitted to the first side gear 331 and the second side gear 332 on both sides through the drive shaft (not shown), causing the first side gear 331 and the second side gear 332 to rotate.

[0076] The first and second side gears 331 and 332 are meshed with the first and second pinion gears 321 and 322 . As the first and second side gears 331 and 332 rotate, the support ring 410 rotates together with the first and second side gears 331 and 332 .

[0077] At this time, since the support ring 410 is a structure separated from the differential case 310, only the support ring 410 rotates, while the differential case 310 does not rotate. Thus, the auxiliary drive wheel can slide while the two-wheel drive driving is carried out only by the main drive wheel.

[0078] In this way, when the auxiliary drive wheels on both sides (not shown) are sliding, the rotational force of the auxiliary drive wheels on both sides is transmitted only to the support ring 410 through the first half-shaft gear 331 and the second half-shaft gear 332 and the first pinion 321 and the second pinion 322. When the differential case 310 is not rotating, the support ring 410 rotates inside the differential case 310, thereby preventing high differential from occurring.

[0079] Next, the operation of the disconnector of the present invention in four-wheel drive will be described.

[0080] like Figure 2 As shown, when the vehicle is driven, as the conductor rotating plate 444 connected to the differential case 310 rotates, power is applied to the magnetic coil 445.

[0081] In the case of four-wheel drive (4WD), power is applied to the magnetic coil 445 , thereby generating an electromagnetic field M. The generated electromagnetic field M causes an eddy current C to be generated in the conductor rotating plate 444 .

[0082] Eddy currents C generate rotational resistance in the direction opposite to the rotational direction. This rotational resistance utilizes the principle of eddy current braking, and operates by creating a speed difference between the first ball ramp 441 and the second ball ramp 442 connected to the conductor rotating plate 444. At this point, the clutch ring 420 and the claw portion of the support ring 410 are connected by the action of the steel balls 443.

[0083] The second ball ramp 442 is assembled into one body with the clutch ring 420 by bolts 450 or welding. Initially, it can be located in the direction of releasing the claw by the elastic member 430 and rotate synchronously with the differential case 310 through the connection between the clutch ring 420 and the claw portion of the differential case 310.

[0084] Specifically, eddy currents C are generated on the conductor rotating plate 444. As the generated eddy currents C generate rotational resistance in the direction opposite to the rotational direction, the steel balls 443 axially push the second ball ramp 442. The second ball ramp 442, together with the elastic member 430, pushes the clutch ring 420 toward the support ring 410.

[0085] When the clutch ring 420 is pushed by the second ball ramp 442, the first claw portion 421 of the clutch ring 420 is coupled to the third claw portion 413 of the support ring 410, and the second claw portion 422 of the clutch ring 420 is coupled to the fourth claw portion 314 of the differential case 310. Thus, operation in a four-wheel drive (4WD) mode is possible.

[0086] During four-wheel drive (4WD), power from a power source, such as a reduction gear motor, is transmitted to drive gear 340. Because the clutch ring 420 and support ring 410 are engaged by their claws, the power from the power source is transmitted to differential case 310 via drive gear 340, causing differential case 310 to rotate. Drive gear 340 is connected to differential case 310 via a fastening member, such as a bolt, thereby transmitting power from the power source to differential case 310.

[0087] As the differential case 310 rotates, the support ring 410 inside the differential case 310 rotates. During four-wheel drive (4WD), because the first claw portion 421 of the clutch ring 420 is coupled to the third claw portion 413 of the support ring 410, and the second claw portion 422 of the clutch ring 420 is coupled to the fourth claw portion 314 of the transmission case 310, power from the power source can be transmitted to the support ring 410 via the drive gear 340, the differential case 310, and the clutch ring 420.

[0088] As the support ring 410 rotates, power is transmitted to the first side gear 331 and the second side gear 332 meshing with the first pinion gear 321 and the second pinion gear 322 , causing the first side gear 331 and the second side gear 332 to rotate.

[0089] As the first and second side gears 331 and 332 rotate, power is transmitted to the auxiliary drive wheels on both sides via a drive shaft (not shown) connected to the first and second side gears 331 and 332, thereby rotating the auxiliary drive wheels. Thus, power from the power source is transmitted not only to the main drive wheels but also to the auxiliary drive wheels, thereby achieving four-wheel drive.

[0090] On the other hand, when the power to the magnetic coil 445 is removed, the rotational resistance disappears. Consequently, the compressed elastic member 430 expands back to its original position. The expansion of the elastic member 430 causes the second ball ramp 442, which was pressing the clutch ring 420, to move toward the original position of the first ball ramp 441, thereby eliminating the pressure on the clutch ring 420.

[0091] As the pressing force of the clutch ring 420 disappears, the first locking portion 421 of the clutch ring 420 is disconnected from the third claw portion 413 of the support ring 410 , and the second claw portion 422 of the clutch ring 420 is disconnected from the fourth claw portion 314 of the differential case 310 .

[0092] The first claw portion 421 and the second claw portion 422 of the clutch ring 420 are formed on a flat surface. Therefore, when the third claw portion 413 of the support ring 410 and the fourth claw portion 314 of the differential case 310 are connected, they can quickly contact each other due to the appropriate responsiveness between the claw portions. Moreover, by connecting with an appropriate force, precise control is not required, and a simple control system can be implemented.

[0093] Furthermore, in the present invention, a displacement sensor is required to compensate for the magnetic force generated by the travel of the second ball ramp and prevent the clutch ring and support ring from falling off during operation. Although not explicitly shown in the figures, a displacement sensor capable of measuring displacement can be used to confirm the proper coupling of the clutch ring and support ring. Furthermore, the displacement sensor can be an on / off type sensor that only confirms the on / off position for fail-safe operation.

[0094] On the other hand, Figure 3 As shown, when it is necessary to change the electromagnetic field M at each rotation position of the conductor rotating plate 444 to generate the eddy current C, the magnetic coil 445 may be wound around only a portion of the circumferential direction of the conductor rotating plate 444 .

[0095] like Figure 4 As shown, when the eddy current braking force required by an application is large, a plurality of magnetic coils 445 may be wound in the circumferential direction to increase the rotation resistance (braking force).

[0096] In summary, the present invention utilizes a structure that separates the differential case and support ring, preventing high differential motion, and an integrated actuator structure based on the non-contact eddy current concept, resulting in low noise, compact size, and improved installability. Furthermore, when the connector is disconnected, the auxiliary drive wheels that coast when the vehicle is driving in two-wheel drive (2WD) mode rotate together with the support ring supporting the side gears, thereby preventing high differential motion. Furthermore, the use of magnetic coils reduces current consumption, and the use of ball ramps to amplify power allows for a smaller magnetic coil size, minimizing current consumption. Furthermore, the non-contact rotation of the conductor rotating plate and the electromagnetic field eliminates friction, preventing component wear and noise. Furthermore, the absence of a special coating process reduces costs. Furthermore, the present invention reduces costs by replacing existing high-current BLDC motors, ball screws, and shift forks with magnetic coils and ball ramps, eliminating expensive actuators. Furthermore, according to the present invention, by integrating the differential assembly and the disconnect, the overall length can be significantly reduced, significantly improving weight and packaging efficiency. Furthermore, by eliminating large components such as the hub and sleeve, and the bearings that support them, the present invention can reduce manufacturing costs. Furthermore, by integrating the differential assembly and the disconnect, the assembly process can be simplified.

[0097] The above description is merely an illustrative description of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. As long as one is of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs, various modifications, changes and substitutions can be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments and drawings disclosed in the present invention are not used to limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention, but to illustrate the present invention. The scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted according to the claims, and should be interpreted as all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto are included in the scope of rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. A disconnector, characterized in that: include: A support ring is provided inside the differential case and is used to support the pinion gear installed inside; A clutch ring, one end of which passes through the differential case and is disposed inside the differential case, and is coupled to or decoupled from the support ring; An actuator presses the other end of the clutch ring to complete the connection between the support ring and the clutch ring, and the actuator includes: First ball ramp; a second ball ramp located between the first ball ramp and the clutch ring; A ball is placed between the first ball ramp and the second ball ramp; a conductor rotating plate configured to surround the outer circumference of the first ball ramp; and One or more electromagnetic devices are arranged along the periphery of the conductor rotating plate and generate an electromagnetic field when power is applied; and an elastic member connected to the exposed portion of the clutch ring located outside the differential case, with one end contacting the differential case and the other end contacting the actuator; Among them, the electromagnetic device induces eddy current in the conductor rotating plate that rotates through the electromagnetic field generated when power is applied to make the ball run. Through the operation of the ball, the second ball ramp pushes the clutch ring toward the support ring to complete the connection between the claw portion of the clutch ring and the claw portion of the support ring.

2. The disconnector according to claim 1, wherein: One side of the second ball ramp is connected to the clutch ring, and the other side faces the first ball ramp. The second ball ramp is elastically supported by the elastic component on the side facing the clutch ring, while pressing the other end of the clutch ring toward the support ring.

3. The disconnector according to claim 1, wherein: The ball is inserted between a first groove formed in the first ball ramp and a second groove formed in the second ball ramp corresponding to the first groove, and the first groove and the second groove conform to the ball.

4. The disconnector according to claim 1, wherein: The clutch ring includes a first claw portion and a second claw portion at one end portion.

5. The disconnector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first claw portion is connected to a third claw portion formed on the support ring, The second claw portion is coupled to a fourth claw portion formed on the differential case.

6. The disconnector according to claim 1, wherein: The conductor rotating plate is made of aluminum or copper.

7. The disconnector according to claim 1, wherein: The balls are steel balls.

8. The disconnect according to claim 1, wherein: The electromagnetic device comprises: a magnetic core coupled to the outer periphery of the conductor rotating plate; and The magnetic coil is located on the outer periphery of the conductor rotating plate and has a structure of penetrating the interior of the magnetic core and surrounding the outer side of the magnetic core.

9. The disconnect according to claim 8, characterized in that The magnetic coil and the magnetic core are fixed to the transmission housing and are independent of the rotation of the differential case.

10. The disconnector according to claim 1, wherein: An extension portion is provided on one side of the differential case, and the actuator is mounted on an outer side of the extension portion.

11. The disconnector according to claim 1, wherein: A central shaft is provided inside the support ring. Pinions are rotatably connected to both sides of the central shaft. Side gears meshing with the pinions are provided on both sides of the pinions.

12. The disconnector according to claim 1, wherein: The side end portion of the differential case is formed of a detachable cover, and a drive gear is mounted on the cover.

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