Method for controlling a power coupling device for a four-wheel drive vehicle

Abstract

To provide a method of controlling a power connection device for a four-wheel drive vehicle, which is capable of allowing power connection devices, such as a clutch ring and a support ring, which are each configured such that at least one side of a tooth tip has an inclined surface, to smoothly mesh with each other by moving the clutch ring in a meshing direction by an operation of an actuator.SOLUTION: A method of controlling a power connection device for a four-wheel drive vehicle comprises allowing a clutch ring and a support ring, which constitute any one meshing structure selected from among first, second and third meshing structures, to mesh with each other by operating an actuator after determining a traveling situation and rotational speeds of left and right driving wheels.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling a power coupling device for a four-wheel drive vehicle, such as a clutch ring and a support ring mounted on a disconnector device. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, the disconnector device may include a differential case, a support ring mounted inside the differential case, a pinion gear mounted inside the support ring, left and right side gears meshed with the pinion gear, and a clutch ring meshed with the support ring.

[0003] When the actuator is operated, the sleeve connected to the actuator moves in the meshing direction. As the sleeve moves in the meshing direction, the clutch ring connected to the sleeve moves toward the support ring, realizing an interlocking state in which the teeth of the clutch ring mesh with the teeth of the support ring. This allows for four-wheel drive (4WD).

[0004] Conversely, the sleeve can be moved in the disengagement direction by actuation of the actuator. As the sleeve moves in the disengagement direction, the clutch ring connected to the sleeve moves away from the support ring, and the engagement between the clutch ring and the support ring is released, thereby enabling two-wheel drive (2WD).

[0005] In conventional disconnector devices, the tips of the teeth on the clutch ring and support ring are flat, which causes impact when the teeth of the clutch ring and support ring collide with each other during engagement, resulting in a long engagement time. To solve this problem, the tips of the teeth on the clutch ring and support ring are formed into inclined surfaces.

[0006] However, when the clutch ring and the support ring mesh together, the angle of the inclined surfaces at the tips of the teeth of the clutch ring and the support ring prevents smooth meshing, resulting in baulking. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0165554 (Published on December 15, 2022) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention is a clutch ring that is moved in the meshing direction by the operation of an actuator, and at least one of the tooth tips is moved. one side The clutch ring and support ring are made up of inclined surfaces. Gu's The object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling a power coupling device for a four-wheel drive vehicle, which enables smooth engagement of the power coupling device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a control method for a power coupling device for a four-wheel drive vehicle, which is characterized by determining the driving conditions and the rotational speeds of the left and right drive wheels, and then activating an actuator to engage a clutch ring and a support ring having one of a first meshing structure, a second meshing structure, and a third meshing structure.

[0010] In addition, the control of the clutch ring and support ring configured with the first meshing structure may include: (a) determining which of the left and right driving wheels has a higher rotational speed (rpm) during forward driving, and synchronizing the speeds to enable meshing between the clutch ring and the support ring; and (b) operating the actuator to move the clutch ring connected to the actuator in the meshing direction, thereby enabling meshing between the teeth of the clutch ring and the teeth of the support ring.

[0011] In addition, an inclined contact surface is provided on one side of a tip of a tooth of the clutch ring, and a relative inclined contact surface with which the inclined contact surface comes into contact is provided on one side of a tip of a tooth of the support ring, and when the clutch ring and the support ring are engaged, the inclined contact surface slides in contact with the relative inclined contact surface, thereby enabling engagement to be achieved.

[0012] The inclined contact surface of the clutch ring may form an acute angle with the leading ends of the teeth of the clutch ring, and the relative inclined contact surface of the support ring may form an acute angle with the leading ends of the teeth of the support ring.

[0013] In addition, the control of the clutch ring and support ring configured with the first meshing structure may include: (a) determining which of the left and right drive wheels has a higher rotational speed (rpm) during reverse driving, and synchronizing the speeds to enable meshing between the clutch ring and the support ring; and (b) operating the actuator to move the clutch ring connected to the actuator in the meshing direction, thereby enabling meshing between the teeth of the clutch ring and the teeth of the support ring.

[0014] In addition, an inclined contact surface is provided on one side of a tip of a tooth of the clutch ring, and a relative inclined contact surface with which the inclined contact surface comes into contact is provided on one side of a tip of a tooth of the support ring, and when the clutch ring and the support ring are engaged, the inclined contact surface slides in contact with the relative inclined contact surface, thereby enabling engagement to be achieved.

[0015] The inclined contact surface of the clutch ring may form an acute angle with the leading ends of the teeth of the clutch ring, and the relative inclined contact surface of the support ring may form an acute angle with the leading ends of the teeth of the support ring.

[0016] In addition, the control of the clutch ring and support ring configured with the second meshing structure may include a step of: (a) determining which of the left and right drive wheels has a higher rotational speed (rpm) when driving forward or backward, and synchronizing the speeds to enable meshing between the clutch ring and the support ring; and (b) operating the actuator to move the clutch ring connected to the actuator in the meshing direction, so that the teeth of the clutch ring and the teeth of the support ring mesh.

[0017] In addition, an inclined contact surface may be provided on one side of a tip of a tooth of the clutch ring, and the tip end of the tooth of the clutch ring excluding the inclined contact surface may be flat, and the inclined contact surface may form an obtuse angle with the tip end of the tooth of the clutch ring.

[0018] In addition, a relative inclined contact surface may be provided on one side of a tip of the tooth of the support ring opposite the inclined contact surface, and the tip end of the tooth of the support ring excluding the relative inclined contact surface may be formed as a flat surface, and the relative inclined contact surface may form an obtuse angle with the tip end of the tooth of the support ring.

[0019] In addition, the control of the clutch ring and support ring configured with the third meshing structure may include a step of: (a) determining which of the left and right drive wheels has a higher rotational speed (rpm) when driving forward or backward, and synchronizing the speeds to enable meshing between the clutch ring and the support ring; and (b) operating the actuator to move the clutch ring connected to the actuator in the meshing direction, thereby enabling meshing between the teeth of the clutch ring and the teeth of the support ring.

[0020] In addition, the clutch ring may have inclined contact surfaces on both sides of the tips of the teeth.

[0021] Also, relative inclined contact surfaces may be provided on both sides of the tip of the tooth of the support ring, facing the inclined contact surfaces provided on both sides.

[0022] In addition, the tip ends of the teeth of the clutch ring located between the inclined contact surfaces provided on both sides may be formed as flat surfaces, and the inclined contact surfaces may form an obtuse angle with the tip ends of the teeth of the clutch ring.

[0023] In addition, the tip end of the tooth of the support ring provided between the relative inclined contact surfaces provided on both sides may be formed as a flat surface, and the relative inclined contact surface may form an obtuse angle with the tip end of the tooth of the support ring.

[0024] The rotational speeds of the left and right driving wheels can be obtained by wheel sensors attached to the left and right driving wheels or by a motor sensor attached to a driving motor that transmits power to the left and right driving wheels.

[0025] In addition, different settings are made to suit the conditions selected for forward, reverse, set sudden deceleration, and set sudden acceleration. logic After speed synchronization is performed by the above, the actuator is driven to engage the clutch ring with the support ring, and the speed synchronization can be performed under differential conditions in which the rotational speed (rpm) of the left driving wheel is higher than the rotational speed (rpm) of the right driving wheel, or the rotational speed (rpm) of the right driving wheel is higher than the rotational speed (rpm) of the left driving wheel while the vehicle is running.

[0026] The teeth of the clutch ring may be formed along an inner diameter portion that faces the support ring, and the teeth of the support ring may be formed along an outer diameter portion that faces the clutch ring.

[0027] In addition, the clutch ring and the support ring may be mounted inside a case of the disconnector device, and the clutch ring may be engaged with the support ring while moving toward the support ring by a sleeve that moves in response to the operation of an actuator. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] The present invention allows the clutch ring to move in the meshing direction by the operation of an actuator, and allows smooth meshing of a power coupling device such as a clutch ring and a support ring, in which at least one of the tooth tips is formed as an inclined surface.

[0029] In addition, the present invention provides at least one inclined contact surface and one relative inclined contact surface at the tips of the teeth of the clutch ring and the support ring, thereby enabling smooth engagement between the clutch ring and the support ring.

[0030] In addition, the present invention solves the problem that, due to the flat structure of the tips of the teeth of the conventional clutch ring and support ring, the teeth of the clutch ring and support ring collide with each other during engagement, generating impact and lengthening the engagement time between the clutch ring and support ring. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 5 is a flowchart showing the meshing process between the clutch ring and the support ring configured with the first meshing structure in a forward running state according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 5 is a flowchart showing the meshing process between the clutch ring and the support ring configured with the first meshing structure in a reverse driving state according to the present invention. [Figure 3] 6 is a flowchart showing the meshing process between the clutch ring and the support ring configured with the second meshing structure in forward and reverse driving situations according to the present invention. [Figure 4]10 is a flowchart showing the meshing process between the clutch ring and the support ring configured with the third meshing structure in forward and reverse driving situations according to the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a view showing a clutch ring and a support ring mounted on the disconnector device of the present invention. [Figure 6] 3 is an enlarged view of a clutch ring and a support ring configured with the first meshing structure of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a diagram schematically showing teeth of the clutch ring and the support ring of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 4 is an enlarged view of a clutch ring and a support ring configured with a second meshing structure of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a diagram schematically showing teeth of the clutch ring and the support ring of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a clutch ring and a support ring configured with a third meshing structure of the present invention. [Figure 11] 11 is a diagram showing the teeth of the clutch ring and the support ring of FIG. 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, when assigning reference numerals to components in each drawing, it should be noted that the same numerals are used to designate the same components even if they appear in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related well-known structures or functions may obscure the gist of the present invention, such a detailed description will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described, but the technical concept of the present invention is not limited thereto and may be modified and embodied in various ways by those skilled in the art.

[0033] The control method of a power coupling device for a four-wheel drive vehicle according to the present invention can determine the driving conditions and the rotational speeds of the left and right drive wheels, and then activate the actuator to engage the clutch ring and support ring, which are configured with any one of the first, second, and third meshing structures.

[0034] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing the engagement process between the clutch ring and support ring configured with the first engagement structure during forward driving of the present invention, Figure 5 is a drawing showing the clutch ring and support ring attached to the disconnector device of the present invention, Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the clutch ring and support ring configured with the first engagement structure of the present invention, and Figure 7 is a drawing schematically showing the teeth of the clutch ring and support ring of Figure 6.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1, 5 to 7, the clutch ring 130 and the support ring 140 configured with the first meshing structure may include a speed synchronization stage in which the speeds are synchronized during forward driving; and an meshing stage in which the clutch ring 130 is meshed with the support ring 140 by operation of an actuator (not shown).

[0036] In the speed synchronization step, it is determined which of the left and right driving wheels (not shown) has the higher rotational speed (rpm), and speed synchronization can be performed to enable engagement between the clutch ring 130 and the support ring 140.

[0037] When the difference in rotation speed (rpm) between the left and right drive wheels (not shown) is within a preset speed difference range, an actuator (not shown) can be activated.

[0038] In the engagement stage, the clutch ring 130 and the support ring 140 can be engaged by operating an actuator (not shown) to move the clutch ring 130 connected to the actuator (not shown) in the engagement direction.

[0039] When turning or driving on uneven roads, a differential motion may occur where the rotational speed (rpm) of the right drive wheel is higher than the rotational speed (rpm) of the left drive wheel, or the rotational speed (rpm) of the left drive wheel is higher than the rotational speed (rpm) of the right drive wheel.

[0040] When the speed difference between the left and right driving wheels (not shown) is within a set speed difference range, the actuator (not shown) drives the clutch ring 130 connected to the actuator (not shown) to move in the meshing direction. The actuator (not shown) and the clutch ring 130 may be connected by a sleeve 120.

[0041] When the clutch ring 130 is engaged, the teeth 131a of the clutch ring 130 are inserted between the teeth 141a of the support ring 140, thereby allowing the clutch ring 130 to engage with the support ring 140.

[0042] An inclined contact surface 131b may be provided on one side of a tip of each tooth 131a of the clutch ring 130. An inclined contact surface 141b may be provided on one side of a tip of each tooth 141a of the support ring 140.

[0043] The relative inclined contact surface 141b of the support ring 140 and the inclined contact surface 131b of the clutch ring 130 can come into contact with each other when engaged.

[0044] Data regarding the difference in rotational speed between the left and right driving wheels (not shown) can be obtained from wheel sensors (not shown) attached to the left and right driving wheels (not shown) or from a motor sensor (not shown) attached to a driving motor (not shown) that transmits power to the left and right driving wheels (not shown).

[0045] Each setting is different for different conditions such as forward and reverse movement, set sudden deceleration, set sudden acceleration, etc. logicAfter the speed synchronization is completed, an actuator (not shown) is driven to bring the clutch ring 130 and the support ring 140 into engagement with each other.

[0046] Speed ​​synchronization can be performed under differential conditions when the vehicle is moving, such as when the rotational speed (rpm) of the left drive wheel is greater than the rotational speed (rpm) of the right drive wheel, or when the rotational speed (rpm) of the right drive wheel is greater than the rotational speed (rpm) of the left drive wheel.

[0047] If the clutch ring 130 is not engaged with the support ring 140 within a set time, the clutch ring 130 can be pressed toward the support ring 140 with a set driving force that is stronger than the initial driving force of the actuator (not shown) so that the clutch ring 130 is engaged with the support ring 140.

[0048] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the meshing process between the clutch ring and the support ring configured with the first meshing structure in the present invention when the vehicle is traveling backward.

[0049] As shown in Figures 2, 5 to 7, the clutch ring 130 and the support ring 140 configured with the first meshing structure may include a step of determining which of the left and right driving wheels (not shown) has a higher rotational speed (rpm) during reverse driving and synchronizing the speeds of the left and right driving wheels (not shown) to enable meshing between the clutch ring 130 and the support ring 140; and a step of moving the clutch ring 130 connected to the actuator (not shown) in the meshing direction by operating the actuator (not shown) to enable meshing between the teeth 131a of the clutch ring 130 and the teeth 141a of the support ring 140.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 5, the disconnector device 100 may include a case 110, a support ring 140 mounted inside the case 110, a pinion gear (not shown) mounted inside the support ring 140, left and right side gears (not shown) meshed with the pinion gear (not shown), and a clutch ring 130 meshed with the support ring 140.

[0051] When an actuator (not shown) is actuated, the sleeve 120 connected to the actuator (not shown) can move toward the support ring 140 .

[0052] As the sleeve 120 moves, the clutch ring 130 connected to the sleeve 120 can move toward the support ring 140. A connecting portion 121 connected to the clutch ring 130 may be provided on a surface of the sleeve 120 facing the clutch ring 130. The connecting portion 121 may be configured in multiple portions.

[0053] The clutch ring 130 can move toward the support ring 140 and be engaged with the support ring 140 .

[0054] By operating an actuator (not shown), the sleeve 120 connected to the actuator (not shown) can move in an engagement direction. As the sleeve 120 moves in the engagement direction, the clutch ring 130 connected to the sleeve 120 moves toward the support ring 140, and an interlocking state can be achieved in which the teeth 131a of the clutch ring 130 engage with the teeth 141a of the support ring 140. This allows four-wheel drive (4WD) to be achieved.

[0055] Conversely, the sleeve 120 can be moved in the disengagement direction by operation of an actuator (not shown). As the sleeve 120 moves in the disengagement direction, the clutch ring 130 connected to the sleeve 120 moves away from the support ring 140, thereby disengaging the engagement between the clutch ring 130 and the support ring 140. This allows for two-wheel drive (2WD).

[0056] 6 and 7, the teeth 131a of the clutch ring 130 may be formed along the inner diameter portion 131 facing the support ring 140. The teeth 141a of the support ring 140 may be formed along the outer diameter portion 141 facing the clutch ring 130. When the clutch ring 130 and the support ring 140 are engaged with each other, the outer diameter portion 141 of the support ring 140 may be inserted into the inner diameter portion 131 of the clutch ring 130.

[0057] The inclined contact surface 131b of the clutch ring 130 can be configured as an inclined surface that forms an acute angle AA with the leading ends 131c of the teeth 131a of the clutch ring 130.

[0058] A relative inclined contact surface 141b may be provided on one side of the tip of the tooth 141a of the support ring 140 that faces the inclined contact surface 131b of the clutch ring 130.

[0059] The relative inclined contact surface 141b of the support ring 140 can be configured as an inclined surface that forms an acute angle AA with the leading end 141c of the tooth 141a.

[0060] When the clutch ring 130 and the support ring 140 are engaged with each other, the inclined contact surfaces 131b of the teeth 131a of the clutch ring 130 can come into contact with the corresponding inclined contact surfaces 141b of the support ring 140 as the clutch ring 130 moves toward the support ring 140.

[0061] The teeth 131a of the clutch ring 130 can be easily inserted between the teeth 141a of the support ring 140 while the inclined contact surface 131b is in contact with the relative inclined contact surface 141b of the support ring 140 and sliding along the relative inclined contact surface 141b. This allows smooth engagement between the clutch ring 130 and the support ring 140.

[0062] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the engagement process between the clutch ring and the support ring configured with the second engagement structure in the forward and reverse driving situations of the present invention, FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the clutch ring and the support ring configured with the second engagement structure of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the teeth of the clutch ring and the support ring of FIG. 8.

[0063] As shown in Figures 3, 8, and 9, the clutch ring 130 and support ring 140 configured with the second meshing structure may include a step of determining which of the left and right driving wheels (not shown) has a higher rotational speed (rpm) during forward and reverse driving, and synchronizing the speeds of the left and right driving wheels (not shown) to enable meshing between the clutch ring 130 and the support ring 140; and a step of moving the clutch ring 130 connected to the actuator (not shown) in the meshing direction by operating the actuator (not shown), so that the teeth 131a of the clutch ring 130 and the teeth 141a of the support ring 140 mesh.

[0064] 8 and 9, the teeth 131a of the clutch ring 130 may be formed along the inner diameter portion 131 facing the support ring 140. The teeth 141a of the support ring 140 may be formed along the outer diameter portion 141 facing the clutch ring 130. When the clutch ring 130 and the support ring 140 are engaged with each other, the outer diameter portion 141 of the support ring 140 may be inserted into the inner diameter portion 131 of the clutch ring 130.

[0065] The clutch ring 130 may have an inclined contact surface 131b on one side of the tip of each tooth 131a.

[0066] The tip ends 131c of the teeth 131a of the clutch ring 130, excluding the inclined contact surfaces 131b, may be formed as flat surfaces.

[0067] The tip end 131c of the tooth 131a of the clutch ring 130, which is formed as a flat surface, and the side surface of the adjacent tooth 131a of the clutch ring 130 may form a right angle.

[0068] The inclined contact surface 131b can be configured as an inclined surface that forms an obtuse angle OA with the leading ends 131c of the teeth 131a of the clutch ring .

[0069] A relative inclined contact surface 141b may be provided on one side of the tip of the tooth 141a of the support ring 140 opposite to the inclined contact surface 131b.

[0070] The tip ends 141c of the teeth 141a of the support ring 140, excluding the relative inclined contact surfaces 141b, may be configured as flat surfaces.

[0071] The relative inclined contact surface 141b can be configured as an inclined surface that forms an obtuse angle OA with the leading end 141c of the tooth 141a of the support ring 140.

[0072] When the clutch ring 130 and the support ring 140 are engaged with each other, the inclined contact surfaces 131b of the teeth 131a of the clutch ring 130 can come into contact with the relative inclined contact surfaces 141b of the support ring 140 as the clutch ring 130 moves toward the support ring 140.

[0073] The teeth 131a of the clutch ring 130 can be easily inserted between the teeth 141a of the support ring 140 while the inclined contact surface 131b is in contact with the relative inclined contact surface 141b of the support ring 140 and sliding along the relative inclined contact surface 141b. This allows smooth engagement between the clutch ring 130 and the support ring 140.

[0074] Meanwhile, an extension 132 may be provided on a surface of the clutch ring 130 facing the sleeve 120, the extension 132 being connected to the sleeve 120. The extension 132 may be configured in plurality. The extension 132 may be connected to the connection portion 121 of the sleeve 120.

[0075] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the engagement process between the clutch ring and the support ring configured with the third engagement structure in the forward and reverse driving situations of the present invention, FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the clutch ring and the support ring configured with the third engagement structure of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the teeth of the clutch ring and the support ring of FIG. 10.

[0076] As shown in Figures 4, 10, and 11, the clutch ring 130 and support ring 140 configured with the third meshing structure may include a step of determining which of the left and right driving wheels (not shown) has a higher rotational speed (rpm) during forward and reverse driving, and synchronizing the speeds of the left and right driving wheels (not shown) to enable meshing between the clutch ring 130 and the support ring 140; and a step of operating an actuator (not shown) to move the clutch ring 130 connected to the actuator (not shown) in the meshing direction, so that the teeth 131a of the clutch ring 130 and the teeth 141a of the support ring 140 mesh.

[0077] 10 and 11, the teeth 131a of the clutch ring 130 may be formed along the inner diameter portion 131 that faces the support ring 140. The teeth 141a of the support ring 140 may be formed along the outer diameter portion 141 that faces the clutch ring 130. When the clutch ring 130 and the support ring 140 are engaged with each other, the outer diameter portion 141 of the support ring 140 may be inserted into the inner diameter portion 131 of the clutch ring 130.

[0078] The clutch ring 130 may have inclined contact surfaces 131b on both sides of the tips of the teeth 131a.

[0079] The teeth 141a of the support ring 140 may have inclined contact surfaces 141b on both sides of the tip thereof, opposite to the inclined contact surfaces 131b provided on both sides.

[0080] The tip end 131c of the tooth 131a of the clutch ring 130 located between the inclined contact surfaces 131b provided on both sides may be formed as a flat surface.

[0081] The inclined contact surface 131b can be configured as an inclined surface that forms an obtuse angle OA with the leading end 141c of the tooth 131a of the clutch ring 130 that is configured as a flat surface.

[0082] The tip end 141c of the tooth 141a of the support ring 140 provided between the relative inclined contact surfaces 141b provided on both sides may be configured as a flat surface.

[0083] The relative inclined contact surface 141b can form an obtuse angle OA with the leading end 141c of the tooth 141a of the support ring 140.

[0084] When the clutch ring 130 and the support ring 140 are engaged, as the clutch ring 130 moves toward the support ring 140, one of the inclined contact surfaces 131b on either side of the teeth 131a of the clutch ring 130 can come into contact with the relative inclined contact surface 141b of the opposing support ring 140.

[0085] The teeth 131a of the clutch ring 130 can be easily inserted between the teeth 141a of the support ring 140 while the inclined contact surfaces 131b are in contact with the relative inclined contact surfaces 141b of the support ring 140 and slide along the relative inclined contact surfaces 141b. This allows smooth engagement between the clutch ring 130 and the support ring 140.

[0086] Meanwhile, an extension 132 may be provided on a surface of the clutch ring 130 facing the sleeve 120, the extension 132 being connected to the sleeve 120. A plurality of extensions 132 may be provided. The extensions 132 may be connected to the connecting portion 121 of the sleeve 120.

[0087] As described above, the present invention allows for smooth engagement of power coupling devices, such as a clutch ring and a support ring, in which at least one of the tooth tips is formed as an inclined surface by moving the clutch ring in the engagement direction through the operation of an actuator. Furthermore, the present invention allows for smooth engagement of the clutch ring and the support ring by forming at least one inclined contact surface and one opposing inclined contact surface on the tooth tips of the clutch ring and the support ring. Furthermore, the present invention solves the problem of the conventional clutch ring and support ring, in which the tooth tips of the clutch ring and the support ring have a flat structure, causing impact when the teeth of the clutch ring and the support ring collide with each other during engagement, resulting in a long engagement time between the clutch ring and the support ring.

[0088] The above description merely exemplifies the technical concept of the present invention, and those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications, changes, and substitutions may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments and accompanying drawings disclosed in the present invention are intended to illustrate, not limit, the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by such embodiments and accompanying drawings. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the claims, and all technical concepts within the scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 100 Disconnector device 110 ···Case 120 sleeve 121...Connection part 130 Clutch ring 131 Inner diameter 131a Teeth 131b...slanted contact surface 131c...destination terminal 132...extension part 140 ···Support ring 141...outer diameter part 141a Teeth 141b: Relatively inclined contact surface 141c...destination terminal AA...acute angle OA...obtuse angle

Claims

1. A control method for a power coupling device for a four-wheel drive vehicle, which controls power coupling by meshing of the clutch ring and the support ring by operating an actuator to move a clutch ring in an engagement direction to mesh with the support ring and in a release direction to release the mesh, selecting one of a first meshing structure, a second meshing structure, and a third meshing structure, each having a contact surface configuration in which at least one side of a tip of a tooth of the clutch ring and a tip of a tooth of the support ring in the meshing direction is an inclined surface; After determining the driving conditions of the four-wheel drive vehicle and the rotation speeds of the left and right drive wheels, Depending on the result of the determination, for any one of the selected meshing structures, synchronization control of the rotational speeds of the left and right driving wheels and operation control of the actuator are performed so that the clutch ring having the any one of the meshing structures and the support ring are meshed.

1. A method for controlling a power coupling device for a four-wheel drive vehicle, comprising:

2. When the selected one of the meshing structures is the first meshing structure, (a) determining which of the left and right driving wheels has a higher rotational speed when the four-wheel drive vehicle is traveling forward, and synchronizing the rotational speeds within a speed range that allows the clutch ring and the support ring to engage with each other; and (b) moving the clutch ring connected to the actuator in the engagement direction by operating the actuator so that teeth of the clutch ring and teeth of the support ring are engaged with each other; 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

3. An inclined contact surface is provided on one side of a tip of a tooth of the clutch ring, and a relative inclined contact surface with which the inclined contact surface comes into contact is provided on one side of a tip of a tooth of the support ring, and when the clutch ring and the support ring are engaged, the inclined contact surface slides in contact with the relative inclined contact surface to engage with each other.

3. The method for controlling a power coupling device for a four-wheel drive vehicle according to claim 2.

4. The inclined contact surface of the clutch ring forms an acute angle with the leading ends of the teeth of the clutch ring, and the relative inclined contact surface of the support ring forms an acute angle with the leading ends of the teeth of the support ring.

4. The method for controlling a power coupling device for a four-wheel drive vehicle according to claim 3.

5. When the selected one of the meshing structures is the first meshing structure, (a) determining which of the left and right driving wheels has a higher rotational speed when the four-wheel drive vehicle is traveling in reverse, and synchronizing the rotational speeds within a speed range that allows the clutch ring and the support ring to engage with each other; and (b) moving the clutch ring connected to the actuator in the engagement direction by operating the actuator so that teeth of the clutch ring and teeth of the support ring are engaged with each other; 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

6. An inclined contact surface is provided on one side of a tip of a tooth of the clutch ring, and a relative inclined contact surface with which the inclined contact surface comes into contact is provided on one side of a tip of a tooth of the support ring, and when the clutch ring and the support ring are engaged, the inclined contact surface slides in contact with the relative inclined contact surface to engage with each other.

6. The method for controlling a power coupling device for a four-wheel drive vehicle according to claim 5.

7. The inclined contact surface of the clutch ring forms an acute angle with the leading ends of the teeth of the clutch ring, and the relative inclined contact surface of the support ring forms an acute angle with the leading ends of the teeth of the support ring.

7. The method for controlling a power coupling device for a four-wheel drive vehicle according to claim 6.

8. When the selected one of the meshing structures is the second meshing structure, (a) determining which of the left and right driving wheels has a higher rotational speed when the four-wheel drive vehicle is traveling forward or backward, and synchronizing the rotational speeds within a speed range that allows the clutch ring and the support ring to engage with each other; and (b) moving the clutch ring connected to the actuator in the engagement direction by operating the actuator so that teeth of the clutch ring and teeth of the support ring are engaged with each other; 2. The method for controlling a power coupling device for a four-wheel drive vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising:

9. The clutch ring has a tooth with an inclined contact surface at one end thereof, and the tooth end of the clutch ring except for the inclined contact surface is flat, and the inclined contact surface forms an obtuse angle with the flat surface of the tooth end of the clutch ring.

9. The method for controlling a power coupling device for a four-wheel drive vehicle according to claim 8.

10. A relative inclined contact surface is provided on one side of the tip of the tooth of the support ring opposite to the inclined contact surface, and the tip end of the tooth of the support ring excluding the relative inclined contact surface is formed as a flat surface, and the relative inclined contact surface forms an obtuse angle with the flat surface of the tip end of the tooth of the support ring.

10. The method for controlling a power coupling device for a four-wheel drive vehicle according to claim 9.

11. When the selected one of the meshing structures is the third meshing structure, (a) determining which of the left and right driving wheels has a higher rotational speed when the four-wheel drive vehicle is traveling forward or backward, and synchronizing the rotational speeds within a speed range that allows the clutch ring and the support ring to engage with each other; and (b) moving the clutch ring connected to the actuator in the engagement direction by operating the actuator so that teeth of the clutch ring and teeth of the support ring are engaged with each other; 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

12. The clutch ring has inclined contact surfaces on both sides of the tooth tips.

12. The method for controlling a power coupling device for a four-wheel drive vehicle according to claim 11.

13. The support ring has respective inclined contact surfaces on both sides of the tip of the teeth thereof, the inclined contact surfaces being opposed to the respective inclined contact surfaces on both sides of the tip of the teeth of the clutch ring.

13. The method for controlling a power coupling device for a four-wheel drive vehicle according to claim 12.

14. The tip ends of the clutch ring teeth located between the respective inclined contact surfaces on both sides of the tip ends of the clutch ring teeth are formed as flat surfaces, and the respective inclined contact surfaces form an obtuse angle with the flat surfaces of the tip ends of the clutch ring teeth.

14. The method for controlling a power coupling device for a four-wheel drive vehicle according to claim 13.

15. The tip ends of the teeth of the support ring provided between the respective relative inclined contact surfaces on both sides of the tip of the teeth of the support ring are formed as flat surfaces, and the relative inclined contact surfaces form an obtuse angle with the flat surfaces of the tip ends of the teeth of the support ring.

14. The method for controlling a power coupling device for a four-wheel drive vehicle according to claim 13.

16. The rotational speeds of the left and right driving wheels are obtained by wheel sensors attached to the left and right driving wheels or by a motor sensor attached to a driving motor that transmits power to the left and right driving wheels.

2. The method for controlling a power coupling device for a four-wheel drive vehicle according to claim 1.

17. The speed synchronization is performed according to logic that is set differently depending on the condition selected from forward movement, reverse movement, set sudden deceleration, and set sudden acceleration of the four-wheel drive vehicle, and then the actuator is driven to engage the clutch ring with the support ring. The speed synchronization is performed under a differential condition in which the rotational speed of the left drive wheel is higher than the rotational speed of the right drive wheel, or the rotational speed of the right drive wheel is higher than the rotational speed of the left drive wheel when the four-wheel drive vehicle is running.

2. The method for controlling a power coupling device for a four-wheel drive vehicle according to claim 1.

18. The teeth of the clutch ring are formed along an inner diameter portion toward the support ring, and the teeth of the support ring are formed along an outer diameter portion toward the clutch ring.

2. The method for controlling a power coupling device for a four-wheel drive vehicle according to claim 1.

19. The clutch ring and the support ring are mounted inside a case of the disconnector device, the actuator and the clutch ring are connected by a sleeve, and the clutch ring is engaged with the support ring while moving in the direction of the support ring by the sleeve which moves in response to the operation of the actuator.

2. The method for controlling a power coupling device for a four-wheel drive vehicle according to claim 1.

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