Patent ID: 6035988
Filing Date: 2000-03-14
Classification: B60K

Abstract:
A method for controlling a 4WD vehicle comprising a rotation transmission device and in which the output of a transmission is directly delivered to a rear propeller shaft through an input shaft in a transfer, said rotation transmission device distributing the output of the transmission to a front propeller shaft, and a temperature sensor provided in said transfer for measuring the temperature of lubricating oil in said transfer, and hub clutches or an axle coupling/uncoupling mechanism mounted on a front drive train, the rotation transmission device comprising:a two-way clutch comprising an inner member coupled to the input shaft, an outer ring rotatable mounted around the inner member and connected to the front drive train, and a plurality of engaging elements disposed between the outer ring and the inner member and movable between a first position in which the inner member and the outer ring cannot be locked together through the engaging elements, and a second position in which the inner member and the outer ring can be locked together, anda current control means for moving the engaging elements to the second position when activated,said method comprising:engaging the hub clutches or the axle coupling/uncoupling mechanism, even when the current control means is not activated, when the temperature of lubricating oil detected by the temperature sensor is below a predetermined temperature, so as to cause rotation of the outer ring in the same direction as the inner member to thereby reduce a rotational speed difference between said outer ring and said inner member.