Disconnector apparatus having limited slip differential

Abstract

Provided is a disconnector apparatus having a limited slip differential, the disconnector apparatus comprising: a case; a support ring configured to surround a pinion gear inside the case; and a clutch ring connected to a sleeve operated by driving of an actuator and having a first engagement portion on one surface thereof, wherein when the sleeve is operated by the actuator, the clutch ring moves in an engagement direction and the first engagement portion positioned inside the case is engaged with a second engagement portion provided on one surface of the support ring to enable four-wheel driving.

Description

Disconnector device equipped with a differential limiting device

[0001] The present invention relates to a disconnecter device having a differential limiting device.

[0002] Generally, a disconnecter is a device that can minimize unnecessary power loss by switching power between two-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) depending on the driving situation.

[0003] A Limited Slip Differential (LSD) is a device that limits differential movement through friction or other means when relative rotational motion occurs between the left and right drive wheels.

[0004] A Limited Slip Differential (LSD) can ensure driving safety by transmitting power to the other drive wheel to help the vehicle easily get out of a muddy road or puddle when one drive wheel gets stuck, or by preventing wheel slippage when cornering.

[0005] However, the reality is that a device integrating the disconnecter function and the differential limiting function has not been developed.

[0006] [Prior Art Literature]

[0007] [Patent Literature]

[0008] (Patent Document 1) Korean Published Patent Application No. 10-2017-0123869 (November 09, 2017)

[0009] In order to solve the aforementioned problem, the present invention aims to provide a disconnector device having a differential limiting device such that a first meshing portion of a clutch ring meshes with a second meshing portion of a support ring to enable four-wheel drive, and a different surface of one support ring or one side gear portion presses against a first friction member, or a different surface of the other support ring or the other side gear portion presses against a second friction member to enable differential limiting.

[0010] To achieve the aforementioned objective, the present invention provides a disconnector device comprising a differential limiting device including: a case; a support ring configured to surround a pinion gear inside the case; and a clutch ring connected to a sleeve operated by the driving of an actuator and having a first meshing portion on one side, wherein when the sleeve is operated by the actuator, the first meshing portion located inside the case moves in a meshing direction and meshes with a second meshing portion provided on one side of the support ring to enable four-wheel drive.

[0011] Additionally, a side gear section on one side and a side gear section on the other side are provided on both sides of the pinion gear, and the side gear section on the one side and the side gear section on the other side are provided with a gear section that meshes with the pinion gear on a surface facing the pinion gear, and a shaft section on one side may be extended from the other side of the side gear section and a shaft section on the other side of the side gear section may be extended.

[0012] Additionally, it may include a first friction member coupled to the outer diameter of the one-sided shaft portion so as to be located between the one-sided side gear portion and the case; and a second friction member coupled to the outer diameter of the other-sided shaft portion so as to be located between the other-sided side gear portion and the case.

[0013] In addition, the first friction member and the second friction member may be composed of a multi-plate clutch.

[0014] In addition, when an axial force is generated while driving on rough terrain in a four-wheel drive state in which the first meshing part and the second meshing part are meshed, the other side surface of the one-sided side gear part comes into contact with the first friction member or the other side surface of the other side gear part comes into contact with the second friction member, thereby creating a differential limiting state.

[0015] In addition, the sleeve is connected to an actuator while being coupled to the outer diameter of the case, and as the clutch ring connected to the sleeve moves in a meshing direction by the driving of the actuator, the first meshing portion can be engaged with the second meshing portion of the support ring.

[0016] In addition, the first meshing portion and the second meshing portion may be composed of radial dog-type teeth formed on surfaces facing each other.

[0017] Additionally, the support ring comprises a one-sided support ring located on the side of the first friction member; and a other-sided support ring located on the side of the second friction member; and the one-sided support ring and the other-sided support ring can be joined by protrusions and indentations provided on surfaces facing each other.

[0018] In addition, when an axial force is generated while driving on rough terrain in a four-wheel drive state in which the first meshing part and the second meshing part are meshed, a differential limiting state may be achieved as the one-sided support ring comes into close contact with the first friction member or the other-sided support ring comes into close contact with the second friction member.

[0019] Additionally, as the sleeve moves in the engagement direction, its inner surface catches on a stopper provided on the outer diameter of the case and stops, and as the movement of the sleeve stops, the clutch ring connected to the sleeve can stop with the first engagement portion engaged with the second engagement portion.

[0020] The present invention enables power switching from two-wheel drive (2WD) to four-wheel drive (4WD).

[0021] In addition, the present invention allows for differential limitation to be achieved when an axial force is generated while driving on rough terrain such as corners, wet roads, and snowy roads in a four-wheel drive state, by having one side support ring or one side side gear part press the first friction member, or by having the other side support ring or the other side side gear part press the second friction member.

[0022] In addition, the present invention can improve the fuel efficiency of electric vehicles through a disconnecter function, and also ensure driving safety by applying a multi-plate clutch Limited Slip Differential (mLSD) to perform a limited slip differential function during high-speed cornering.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a disconnecter device having a differential limiting device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a separated state of an actuator according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the separated state of a case according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a support ring according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a side view showing operation during two-wheel drive according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a side view showing operation during four-wheel drive according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, it should be noted that in assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions may obscure the essence of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted. Additionally, while preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited or restricted thereto and can be modified and implemented in various ways by those skilled in the art.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a disconnecter device having a differential limiting device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an actuator in a separated state according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a case in a separated state according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a support ring according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a side view showing operation during two-wheel drive according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention may include a case (10), a support ring (20) mounted inside the case (10), a clutch ring (30) that performs a meshing operation, and an actuator (50) connected to the clutch ring (30). The clutch ring (30) may move in a meshing direction by the operation of the actuator (50).

[0032] A first engagement portion (31) may be provided on one side of the clutch ring (30). A second engagement portion (22) may be provided on one side of the support ring (20). The first engagement portion (31) may be engaged with the second engagement portion (22) of the support ring (20) by the engagement operation of the clutch ring (30). The first engagement portion (31) and the second engagement portion (22) may be composed of radial dog-type teeth formed on surfaces facing each other.

[0033] The support ring (20) can be configured to surround the pinion gear (40) inside the case (10).

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the support ring (20) may include a one-sided support ring (21a) and a other-sided support ring (21b). The one-sided support ring (21a) and the other-sided support ring (21b) may be joined by an irregularity (23) formed on surfaces facing each other.

[0035] One side support ring (21a) may be located on the side of the first friction member (81), and the other side support ring (21b) may be located on the side of the second friction member (82). The second meshing portion (22) may be provided on one surface of the other side support ring (21b). The one side support ring (21a) may press the first friction member (81). The other side support ring (21b) may press the second friction member (82).

[0036] In this way, since the support ring (20) has a structure in which one side support ring (21a) and the other side support ring (21b) are joined by an uneven surface (23), the one side support ring (21a) and the other side support ring (21b) can be prevented from becoming misaligned and the rotational speed and torque can be maintained uniformly.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 5, one side gear section (71) and the other side gear section (72) may be provided on both sides of the pinion gear (40).

[0038] One side gear section (71) may be provided with a gear section (711). The gear section (711) of the one side gear section (71) may be provided on one side of the one side gear section (71) facing the pinion gear (40).

[0039] The other side gear section (72) may be equipped with a gear section (721). The gear section (721) of the other side gear section (72) may be provided on one side facing the pinion gear (40).

[0040] A shaft portion (713) may be integrally formed with a side gear portion (71). The shaft portion (713) may be formed extending from the other side (712) of the side gear portion (71).

[0041] The other side shaft portion (723) may be integrally formed with the other side gear portion (72). The other side shaft portion (723) may be formed by extending from the other surface (722) of the other side gear portion (72).

[0042] A first friction member (81) may be provided between one side gear portion (71) and the case (10). The first friction member (81) may be coupled to the outer diameter portion of one shaft portion (713).

[0043] A second friction member (82) may be provided between the other side gear part (72) and the case (10). The second friction member (82) may be coupled to the outer diameter of the other shaft part (723).

[0044] The first friction member (81) and the second friction member (82) may be composed of a multi-plate clutch. By adjusting the number of multi-plate clutches, it can be applied to all vehicles.

[0045] In a four-wheel drive driving state, a differential limiting state can be achieved by the other side (712) of one side gear part (71) coming into contact with the first friction member (81) or the other side gear part (72) coming into contact with the second friction member (82).

[0046] One end of the clutch ring (30) may be located inside the case (10) by penetrating the case (10). The other end of the clutch ring (30) may be located outside the case (10). The other end (32) of the clutch ring (30) may be connected to the sleeve (60) by a connecting member (not shown), such as a bolt.

[0047] The sleeve (60) can be connected to the fork (51) of the actuator (50). The sleeve (60) connected to the fork (51) can move by the driving of the actuator (50). As the sleeve (60) moves, the clutch ring (30) connected to the sleeve (60) can move in the engagement direction.

[0048] The following describes the operation of the four-wheel drive of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a side view showing operation during four-wheel drive according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 5, in a two-wheel drive state where the first meshing part (31) is separated from the second meshing part (22), the sleeve (60) can be moved in the meshing direction by the operation of the actuator (50) as shown in FIG. 6.

[0051] As the sleeve (60) moves in the engagement direction, the clutch ring (30) connected to the sleeve (60) can also move in the engagement direction.

[0052] As the clutch ring (30) moves in the engagement direction, the first engagement portion (31) can be engaged with the second engagement portion (22) of the support ring (20).

[0053] During the process of moving the sleeve (60) in the engagement direction, the inner surface (61) may catch on the catch (11) provided on the outer diameter of the case (10), thereby stopping the movement. As the movement of the sleeve (60) stops, the clutch ring (30) connected to the sleeve (60) may stop with the first engagement portion (31) engaged with the second engagement portion (22).

[0054] A four-wheel drive state can be achieved as the first engagement portion (31) of the clutch ring (30) engages with the second engagement portion (22) of the support ring (20).

[0055] For example, in a four-wheel drive state, power from a drive motor (not shown) can be transmitted to the case (10) through a ring gear (not shown) coupled to the outside of the case (10).

[0056] Meanwhile, differential limitation is not achieved when two-wheel drive is driven with the engagement of the first engagement part (31) and the second engagement part (22) released. Two-wheel drive can reduce fuel consumption compared to four-wheel drive.

[0057] The following describes the differential limiting operation of the present invention.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 6, when an axial force is generated while driving a vehicle in a four-wheel drive state in which the first meshing part (31) and the second meshing part (22) are meshed, the other side (712) of one side support ring (21a) or one side side gear part (71) may press against the first friction member (81) or the second side friction member (81) while being pushed toward the second friction member (82). This allows for a differential limiting state to be achieved.

[0059] As described above, the present invention enables power switching from two-wheel drive (2WD) to four-wheel drive (4WD). Furthermore, the present invention enables differential limitation when an axial force is generated while driving on rough terrain such as corners, wet roads, or snowy roads in a four-wheel drive state, by having one support ring or one side gear part's opposite surface press a first friction member, or by having the other support ring or the other side gear part's opposite surface press a second friction member. Additionally, the present invention can ensure driving safety by improving the fuel efficiency of an electric vehicle through a disconnecter function, as well as by applying a multi-plate clutch limited slip differential (mLSD) to perform a differential limitation function during high-speed cornering.

[0060] The foregoing description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical concept of the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to make various modifications, changes, and substitutions within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention and the accompanying drawings are intended to explain, 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 shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. Case; A support ring configured to surround a pinion gear inside the above case; and A clutch ring connected to a sleeve operated by the driving of an actuator and having a first meshing portion provided on one side, wherein when the sleeve is operated by the actuator, the first meshing portion located inside the case moves in a meshing direction and meshes with a second meshing portion provided on one side of the support ring to enable four-wheel drive; A disconnecter device having a differential limiting device including 2. In Paragraph 1, A disconnector device having a differential limiting device characterized by having a one-sided side gear portion and a other-sided side gear portion provided on both sides of the pinion gear, wherein the one-sided side gear portion and the other-sided side gear portion each have a gear portion that meshes with the pinion gear on a surface facing the pinion gear, and a one-sided shaft portion extending from the other surface of the one-sided side gear portion and a other-sided shaft portion extending from the other surface of the other-sided side gear portion.

3. In Paragraph 2, A first friction member coupled to the outer diameter portion of the one-sided shaft portion so as to be positioned between the one-sided side gear portion and the case; and A second friction member coupled to the outer diameter of the other shaft portion so as to be positioned between the other side gear portion and the case; A disconnecter device having a differential limiting device including 4. In Paragraph 3, The first friction member and the second friction member are, A disconnector device having a differential limiting device characterized by being composed of a multi-plate clutch.

5. In Paragraph 4, A disconnector device having a differential limiting device characterized by the differential limiting state being achieved when an axial force is generated while driving on a rough road in a four-wheel drive driving state in which the first meshing part and the second meshing part are meshed, such that the other surface of the one-sided side gear part comes into contact with the first friction member or the other surface of the other-sided side gear part comes into contact with the second friction member.

6. In Paragraph 1, A disconnector device having a differential limiting device, characterized in that the sleeve is coupled to the outer diameter of the case and connected to an actuator, and as the clutch ring connected to the sleeve moves in a meshing direction by the driving of the actuator, the first meshing portion meshes with the second meshing portion of the support ring.

7. In Paragraph 1, The first meshing part and the second meshing part are A disconnector device having a differential limiting device characterized by being composed of radial dog-type teeth formed on mutually facing surfaces.

8. In Paragraph 3, The above support ring is, One-sided support ring located on the side of the first friction member; and Another support ring located on the side of the second friction member; Includes, A disconnecter device having a differential limiting device characterized in that the above-mentioned one-sided support ring and the above-mentioned other-sided support ring are joined by protrusions and indentations provided on surfaces facing each other.

9. In Paragraph 8, A disconnecter device having a differential limiting device characterized by the differential limiting state being achieved when an axial force is generated while driving on a rough road in a four-wheel drive driving state in which the first meshing part and the second meshing part are meshed, such that the one-sided support ring is in close contact with the first friction member or the other-sided support ring is in close contact with the second friction member.

10. In Paragraph 6, A disconnector device having a differential limiting device, characterized in that, during the process of moving the sleeve in the engagement direction, the inner surface of the sleeve is caught on a stopper provided on the outer diameter of the case and stops, and as the movement of the sleeve stops, the clutch ring connected to the sleeve stops in a state where the first engagement portion is engaged with the second engagement portion.

Images