US 6,123,183 A · Rotation transmission device

Abstract

A rotation transmission device including a clutch having an inner member, an outer ring, and engaging elements provided between the inner member and the outer ring for selective transmission and shutoff of rotation power between the inner member and the outer ring, and an electromagnetic clutch having an electromagnetic coil for locking and disengaging the clutch. When the clutch is not engaged, a current of a lower level than required to lock the clutch is supplied to the electromagnetic coil of the electromagnetic clutch to shorten the response time. In another method, when DIRECT-CONNECT 4WD mode is selected, a current is intermittently supplied to an electromagnetic coil to reduce power consumption and heat buildup.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A rotation transmission device for a vehicle, comprising:

a first clutch including an inner member, an outer ring, and a plurality of engaging elements provided between said inner member and said outer ring for selective transmission and shutoff of rotation power between said inner member and said outer ring;
an electromagnetic clutch including an electromagnetic coil for locking and disengaging said first clutch;
and
a controller for selectively supplying a first non-zero current and a second non-zero current to said electromagnetic clutch, wherein the first non-zero current is at a current level which is different than said second non-zero current, wherein the first non-zero current is sufficient to pre-charge said electromagnetic coil, but is insufficient to cause said electromagnetic clutch to lock said first clutch, and wherein said second non-zero current is sufficient to cause said electromagnetic clutch to lock said first clutch.

1 more element

A rotation transmission device for a vehicle, comprising:

a clutch including an inner member, an outer ring, and a plurality of engaging elements provided between said inner member and said outer ring for selective transmission and shutoff of rotation power between said inner member and said outer ring;
a clutch actuator for locking and disengaging said clutch;
and
a controller with a plurality of manually selectable travel modes including a normal locking mode, wherein, during the normal locking mode, said controller intermittently supplies a current to said clutch actuator while said clutch actuator continuously locks said clutch.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Rotation transmission device

Life of this patent

Rotation transmission device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15