Abstract: An electrically and mechanically driven automotive accessory including a housing, an electric motor, a pulley, and a pulley assist mechanism. The electric motor comprises a stator assembly that is mounted to the housing and a rotating assembly that is mounted to a shaft. The electric motor creates a primary torque flow path that drives rotation of the rotating assembly relative to the stator assembly. The pulley is rotatable relative to the shaft and the rotating assembly. The pulley assist mechanism includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth nested with a conductive body, a rotor body fixedly mounted to the shaft, and an electromagnet that is configured to induce a magnetic field between the circumferentially spaced teeth, the rotor body, and the pulley, which creates a secondary torque flow path between the pulley and the rotor body.

Abstract: An inner plunger of a solenoid coil assembly for a differential clutch of a vehicle contributes to weight lightening and price reduction of a solenoid assembly, provide various shapes, reduce friction against an inner housing, and improve the function of the solenoid assembly. The inner plunger includes an outer wheel combined with a coil bobbin of a solenoid assembly and an inner wheel combined with an inner housing. The inner wheel is molded of insulator synthetic resin with excellent moldability, magnetic metal as the outer wheel is inserted into the outer circumferential surface of the inner wheel made of the synthetic resin, a retaining groove formed in the outer wheel is filled with the synthetic resin of the inner wheel, and a support piece formed on the inner wheel supports the outer wheel.

Abstract: An inner plunger of a solenoid coil assembly for a differential clutch of a vehicle contributes to weight lightening and price reduction of a solenoid assembly, provide various shapes, reduce friction against an inner housing, and improve the function of the solenoid assembly. The inner plunger includes an outer wheel combined with a coil bobbin of a solenoid assembly and an inner wheel combined with an inner housing. The inner wheel is molded of insulator synthetic resin with excellent moldability, magnetic metal as the outer wheel is inserted into the outer circumferential surface of the inner wheel made of the synthetic resin, and an undercut groove is formed on the whole inner surface of the inner wheel made of synthetic resin in order to reduce friction against an inner housing.

Abstract: A torque limiter device includes an input shaft having a first contact surface and an output shaft having a second contact surface. The input and output shafts are operable in an engaged position wherein the contact surfaces are brought into mechanical engagement, and a disengaged position wherein the contact surfaces are separated. A biasing mechanism provides a bias force that mechanically biases the input and output shafts in one of the positions and sets a threshold torque. An electromagnet is arranged to selectively provide an electromagnetic force that opposes the bias force when an activation current is supplied. A rotation sensor arrangement measures a respective rotation of the input shaft and of the output shaft. A controller determines a difference in rotations of the shafts and selectively supply the activation current to the electromagnet so as to disengage the input and output shafts when the rotation difference exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a stationary journal bracket assembly having a base, a stub shaft that extends axially from the base, and a passage, a threaded bracket journal coupled to the stub shaft and accessible through the passage, pulley bearings supported on the threaded bracket journal, an integrated pulley/shaft including a pulley and a center shaft, and a clutch mechanism. The center shaft includes a cup-like hub and a distal portion that extends axially from the cup-like hub. The cup-like hub is supported on the pulley bearings, located at least partially within a blind hollow interior area of the cup-like hub. The threaded bracket journal is located at least partially within the hollow interior area of the cup-like hub.

Abstract: An electrically and mechanically driven automotive accessory including a housing, an electric motor, a pulley, and a pulley assist mechanism. The electric motor comprises a stator assembly that is mounted to the housing and a rotating assembly that is mounted to a shaft. The electric motor creates a primary torque flow path that drives rotation of the rotating assembly relative to the stator assembly. The pulley is rotatable relative to the shaft and the rotating assembly. The pulley assist mechanism includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth nested with a conductive body, a rotor body fixedly mounted to the shaft, and an electromagnet that is configured to induce a magnetic field between the circumferentially spaced teeth, the rotor body, and the pulley, which creates a secondary torque flow path between the pulley and the rotor body.

Abstract: One embodiment is a system comprising an internal combustion engine including an output shaft, a pulley system structured to be driven by the output shaft, a first alternator and a second alternator structured to be driven by the pulley system, and an electromagnetic clutch integrated within one of the pulley system, the first alternator and the second alternator and structured to selectably couple and decouple at least one of the first alternator and the second alternator from the output shaft. The system includes a controller in operative communication with the internal combustion engine system and structured to evaluate power demand and power production capability parameters of the system and to control the electromagnetic clutch to engage or disengage in response to the evaluation.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch includes a field core including a coil storage groove, and a rotor including a core storage groove. The coil storage groove is formed by an inner cylindrical portion, an outer cylindrical portion, and a bottom portion. The bottom portion of the field core wholly projects to the outside of the core storage groove. The outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion and the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical portion include a first transition surface and a second transition surface, respectively, on the bottom portion side. Each of the first transition surface and the second transition surface includes a tilting surface that gradually narrows the groove width of the coil storage groove along with an increase in a distance from the side of the opening of the coil storage groove.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch includes a rotor, an armature plate that is disposed to face the rotor, an excitation coil that is accommodated on the inside of the rotor, and generates an attracting force attracting the armature plate onto the rotor, a temperature fuse that is disposed on the excitation coil side further than a side end surface of the rotor, and blocks the electric connection to the excitation coil when exceeding a predetermined temperature, an outer and inner magnetic blocking portion on the side end surface of the rotor, and an intermediate magnetic blocking portion in the armature plate in a position between the outer and the inner magnetic blocking portions, in which an annular groove is formed on the side end surface to include the inner magnetic blocking portion, and in which a friction member protruding from the side end surface is disposed in the annular groove.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance configured to implement a cycle of operation to treat a load of laundry includes a basket defining a treating chamber and rotatable about an axis of rotation, a motor having a rotor and a stator, and a shifter within the interior diameter of the stator and having an energizable clutch coil at least partially enveloped in a magnetically permeable housing and a magnetically permeable slidable drive mechanism radially spaced from the housing and configured to selectively couple the basket with the rotor.

Abstract: A thermal fuse is covered with a case that has a slit. A capacity of the case is larger than a volume of the thermal fuse, and the case has a space that is formed between an inner wall surface of the case and the thermal fuse. The slit is formed in the case introduce radiant heat, which is generated at a friction surface of a rotor, into an inside of the case. Thereby, the radiant heat, which is inputted into the inside of the case through the slit, can be reflected by the inner wall surface of the case and thereafter can be absorbed by the thermal fuse.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromagnetic coupling apparatus (10) for drive arrangements, comprising:—an armature disc arrangement (14) which comprises at least one armature disc,—a rotor arrangement (12). In the case of this coupling apparatus, provision is made for the armature disc arrangement (14) to comprise at least one air gap-adjusting unit (LE) which has a closure screw (42) and which interacts with a fastening screw (44) for fastening the armature disc arrangement (14) to a drive shaft (28) in order to adjust an air gap (LS) between the armature disc arrangement (14) and the rotor arrangement (12).

Abstract: A coil housing has an inner ring, which is shaped into an annular form and is placed on an inner side of an electromagnetic coil in a radial direction of a rotational axis. A thermal fuse is placed on an inner side of a coil inner peripheral end of the electromagnetic coil in the radial direction, so that the thermal fuse can be placed in such a manner that the thermal fuse does not limit a length of the electromagnetic coil in a direction of the rotational axis by using a radial thickness of the inner ring that is indispensable as a part of a structure of a magnetic circuit. Thus, it is possible to sufficiently limit occurrence of limiting of a size of the electromagnetic coil that is caused by the placement of the thermal fuse.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch can be manufactured with reduced steps and cost. In the electromagnetic clutch, an electromagnetic coil unit 4 for causing a rotor and an armature to magnetically adhere to each other to enable power transmission from a drive source to a driven device includes: a bobbin 42 around which an electromagnetic coil 41 is wound; a power supply connector 43 attached to a connector mounting portion 424 formed in the bobbin 42, to supply external power to the electromagnetic coil 41; and a field core 44 in which a through hole 443a is formed. In the field core 44, a proximal part of the power supply connector 43 and the bobbin 42 are stored in a storage portion in a state where a distal part of the power supply connector 43 is exposed to outside from the through hole 443a, and the storage portion is filled with resin.

Abstract: The electromagnetic clutch (X) includes a rotating shaft (1): a magnetic pole body (2) and a rotor (3) disposed to face each other along an axial direction of the rotating shaft (1); and an armature (4) capable of moving in a direction attachable to or detachable from the rotor (3) along the axial direction of the rotating shaft and forming a magnetic circuit with the magnetic pole body and the rotor. The armature is moved in the axial direction of the rotating shaft by electromagnetic suction force to press the rotor when an exciting coil (21) is in an excitation state. The rotating shaft is configured by an input side shaft portion (11) which is a non-magnetic body and formed of a material having enough strength to support rotation of the rotor and the armature; and an output side shaft portion (12) which is a magnetic body.

Abstract: A switchable coupling, in particular for vehicle auxiliary assemblies, is provided. The coupling includes an actuating system actuated electrically, mechanically, pneumatically or hydraulically between a driving element and an output element, and a switching element movable between switching start and end positions counter to the force of one or more resetting elements upon actuation of the actuating system. In the end position, the switching element connects the driving and output elements such that the output element and an auxiliary coupling connected thereto rotate with the driving element. After deactuation, locking bodies located on the auxiliary coupling produce an connection between the driving and output elements which continues to conduct torque between the driving and output elements. The connection is interrupted only when the rotational speed of the driving element falls below a limit value. The coupling does not require a permanent supply of power in the open or closed state.

Abstract: A switchable coupling with a coupling system between a driving element and an output element is provided. The switchable coupling includes an actuator, an elastic actuating element and a switching element movable between starting, central and end positions. In the central position the switchable coupling has a different state (open or closed) than in the starting position. The switchable coupling further includes a bolt constrained between first and second bolt stops. Axial movement of the switching element causes operative surfaces connected to the switching element or the bolt to engage with elements on other of the switching element and the bolt, such that the bolt rotates relative to the switching element. The bolt alternately moves relative to the switching element into a first relative position blocking switching element movement in the central position, and into a second relative position permitting movement of the switching element toward the starting position.

Abstract: A rotational coupling device is provided with an integrated rotor and brake disc to simplify design of the device and remove liquids from the device when used in a wet environment. The rotor is configured for rotation about a rotating hub and includes a first member defining one pole of the rotor and a second member defining a second pole of the rotor and a braking surface. The second member is coupled to the first member, but axially movable relative to the first member. During clutch engagement, an electromagnetic circuit used to engage the clutch urges the second member into engagement with the first member for rotation. When the clutch is disengaged, the second member disengages from the first member to create a fluid flow path between the members and engages a brake plate to halt rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch includes a first rotation transmission portion, annular field core, rotation stop member, second rotation transmission portion, armature, and spring member. The annular field core is supported by the first rotation transmission portion via a first bearing. The first bearing is housed in a hollow portion of the field core and fitted on an inner circumferential surface of the field core. The rotation stop member includes a flat portion which is fixed to an end of the field core on a side opposite to the armature. The flat portion is formed integrally with a retaining piece which projects toward the hollow portion of the field core and faces the first bearing when viewed from the axial direction of the field core.

Abstract: A rotational coupling device is configured for vertical orientation. The device includes a hub disposed about a rotational axis. A rotor is supported on, and configured for rotation about, the hub and defines a radially extending wall. An armature is supported on the hub for rotation therewith and axially spaced from the wall. Clutch plates are disposed between the rotor wall and armature and rotatably coupled to the rotor or armature. A field shell is disposed on an opposite side of the rotor wall from the armature and houses a conductor. The armature and clutch plates move in a first axial direction towards the rotor wall when the conductor is energized and in a second axial direction when the conductor is subsequently deenergized. At least one of the hub and rotor defines means for limiting movement of a corresponding one of the clutch plates in the second axial direction.

Abstract: An axle assembly comprises a power transmission device including a housing having a cylindrically shaped sidewall. The power transmission device selectively communicates rotatable motion from an input member to an output member. A frictional clutch is disposed in the housing and includes a drum. A first and a second axle shaft selectively drive a first and a second drive wheel, respectively. A differential selectively transfers drive torque from the output member to at least one of the first and second axle shafts. An electric motor comprising a coil and a plurality of magnets is provided on the axle assembly. In one example, the coil is disposed on the housing and the magnets are disposed on the drum. The coil is configured to selectively energize to provide one of a positive or negative torque input to the output member.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism includes a field core into which an electromagnetic coil is incorporated and is fixed to a base member, a rotor rotatably fitted on a shaft and passing through a central portion of the field core to be connected to a speed reduction mechanism and an armature accommodated on an inside diameter side of the output drum. The armature is fitted on the shaft in order to rotate and move in an axial direction and is magnetically attracted to the rotor when the electromagnetic coil is energized. Drum side locking portions are provided inside of the output drum such that armature side locking portions provided on an outer circumferential portion of the armature can move in an axial direction of the shaft relative thereto and can be brought into engagement therewith in a rotational direction to transmit the rotation of the armature to the output drum.

Abstract: A rotational coupling device having a self-contained wet clutch pack and fluid isolated field shell is provided. The device includes a hub disposed about a rotational axis. A rotor is supported on, and configured for rotation about, the hub and defines a radially extending wall and a chamber on one side of the wall surrounding said hub and defining a sump containing a fluid. An armature is supported on the hub for rotation therewith within the chamber and axially spaced from the wall. A field shell is disposed on an opposite side of the rotor wall from the armature and houses a conductor. The field shell is isolated from the fluid in the chamber. Energization of the conductor urges the armature in a first axial direction towards the radially extending wall of said rotor to couple the rotor to the hub for rotation therewith.

Abstract: A rotational coupling device having improved lubrication is provided. The device includes a hub disposed about a rotational axis. A rotor is supported on, and configured for rotation about, the hub and defines a radially extending wall and a chamber on one side of the wall surrounding said hub and defining a sump containing a fluid. An armature is supported on the hub for rotation therewith within the chamber and axially spaced from the wall. Clutch plates are disposed between the rotor wall and armature and rotatably coupled to the rotor or armature. A field shell is disposed on an opposite side of the rotor wall from the armature and houses a conductor. One or more tubes have an end submerged in the fluid and extend through apertures in the armature. Rotation of said armature draws fluid through the tubes and onto the clutch plates.

Abstract: When grooves 44, 45A and 45B of an armature 42 and a rotor 43 are formed by laser beam machining, a metal oxide layer 100 is formed on wall surfaces defining the grooves 44, 45A and 45B. The metal oxide layer 100 is brought into sliding contact with a first contact surface A1 to a fourth contact surface A4 in a process in which an electromagnetic clutch is used, so that a part of the metal oxide layer 100 is ground and peeled off, whereby particles made of a metal oxide are produced. The particles enter the contact surface between the armature 42 and the rotor 43, which increases the frictional force therebetween to thereby prevent slippage. As a result, the torque transmission capability of the electromagnetic clutch M is enhanced, and the increase in the torque of a scroll compressor is achieved.

Abstract: A rotational coupling device for use as a clutch and/or brake is provided with improved retention of a drive key during shipping, assembly, and operation of the device. The device includes a rotor disposed about an input shaft. The input shaft is disposed about a rotational axis and the rotor and input shaft define opposed keyways. A key is disposed in the keyways and rotatably couples the rotor and input shaft. An armature is disposed about the axis and coupled to an output member and configured for selective engagement with the rotor. In one embodiment, the key and a support member in the device are shaped in a complementary fashion to limit radial and axial movement of the key. In another embodiment, an axial end of the key or rotor is deformed to axially align the axial ends of the key and rotor and limit axial movement of the key.

Abstract: A method for producing clutch and/or brake friction disks for electromagnetic clutches and/or electromagnetic brakes having at least one friction surface element through which the magnetic field flows, wherein at least one circular slot is cut by lathe machining in the friction surface element from a friction contact surface, and wherein at least two webs which connect a pole surface ring to the remaining/other friction surface element are made in the friction surface element from that side which is opposite the friction contact surface such that the slots which are cut from the friction contact surface are interrupted remote from the webs to form continuous air gaps.

Abstract: A clutch assembly configured for use with a supercharger includes a first shaft supported for rotation within a clutch housing. A pulley is mounted on the first shaft. A clutch rotor is also mounted on the first shaft at a location that is axially spaced from the pulley. A clutch coil is supported within the clutch housing and positioned adjacent to a first face of the clutch rotor. A second shaft is supported for rotation relative to the first shaft and is coaxially aligned with the first shaft. A clutch armature is mounted on the second shaft and positioned adjacent to a second face of the clutch rotor. A supercharger system including the clutch assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism includes a pulley, an armature, an electromagnet, a plate spring and a damper. The armature combines with the pulley in a direction of a rotation axis. The electromagnet generates attracting magnetic force, which attracts the armature in a joining direction. The plate spring generates resilient force, which urges the armature in an opposite direction from the joining direction. The damper includes an impact mitigation part mitigating an impact when the armature collides with the pulley. The pulley, the armature, the damper and the plate spring are arranged in this order in the direction of the rotation axis. The damper includes a contact portion contacting part of the armature in the direction of the rotation axis. The plate spring includes a pressing part pressing the contact portion on the armature during both the joining and unjoining of the armature and the pulley.

Abstract: An electromagnetic friction disk clutch for use in vehicles is described, which permits a significant saving in energy over known clutches. For this purpose, the clutch according to the invention is embodied in such a way that an electromagnet is loaded with a raised strength of current only to change over between the clutch states of the engaged state and the disengaged state. While the clutch remains in these states up to the next shifting process, the supply of current to the solenoid can be greatly reduced or even switched off.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch with a brake has a novel function which, after the electromagnetic clutch is disengaged, accurately prevents co-rotation of a driven shaft to improve response when the brake is activated. Brake means (9) is configured such that a facing (93) is constantly made to slide on a brake friction surface (5d) of a rotor by a spring (92) having a base end supported by a field (8) through an arm (7). The magnitude of brake torque (Tb) caused by the brake means (9) is set to be not less than slide torque (Ta) between a driven shaft (2) and a drive shaft (1) and less than driving torque (Tc) by the drive shaft (1).

Abstract: A clutch device is used in combination with a differential device. The clutch device is comprised of: a clutch housed in and rotatable with the differential device and axially movable from a disengaged state into an engaged state; a plunger slidably fit on the differential device and being axially movable from a first position where the plunger does not force the clutch to a second position where the plunger forces the clutch into the engaged state; an anti-rotated solenoid configured to drive the plunger; and a retainer supported by the differential device and in contact with both the plunger at the first position and the solenoid, whereby the plunger is barred from going beyond the first position and the solenoid is axially positioned in place.

Abstract: A drive device is provided with a housing 11 and an electromagnetic clutch mechanism 14 accommodated in the housing. The electromagnetic clutch mechanism 14 is provided with an armature 41 rotatably supported in the housing 11, a rotor 42 arranged to face the armature 41 and rotatably supported in the housing 11, and a coil 46. An annular magnet 44 is fixed on the outer circumference surface of the rotor 42. A sensor 15 arranged inside the housing 11 detects a polarity change of the magnet 44 in association with rotation of the rotor 42. The magnet 44 is provided with an annular wall portion 44b extending toward the armature 41 beyond a surface on which the armature 41 is in contact with the rotor 42 with respect to the axial direction. The annular wall portion 44b is spaced radially outward from the armature 41. The annular wall portion 44b prevents abrasion powder produced on actuation of the electromagnetic clutch mechanism 14 from being scattered.

Abstract: An automotive air conditioning compressor assembly that includes a compressor capable of exhibiting an over-torque condition, an electromagnetic clutch, and an over-torque protection device located between the compressor and the accessory drive. The over-torque protection device is configured to decouple the compressor and the accessory drive when the over-torque condition occurs. The over-torque protection device uses a frangible part that breaks when an over-torque condition occurs and parts equipped with helical ramps to force the rotor and stator of the clutch apart to disengage the compressor from the vehicle accessory drive.

Abstract: A rotational coupling device is provided that minimizes flux leakage from a magnetic circuit that engages the device. The device includes a rotor and an armature defining opposed engagement surfaces. The rotor, the armature and a field shell disposed on one side of the rotor and housing an electrical conductor comprise members of a magnetic circuit that, upon energization of the conductor, draws the armature into engagement with the rotor. A torque transmission member is coupled to the armature and supported by a bearing. In one embodiment a sleeve is disposed radially inwardly of the bearing. To prevent flux leakage through the torque transmission member, the sleeve has a magnetic permeability that is lower than a magnetic permeability of the members of the magnetic circuit. In another embodiment, a support cup of the torque transmission member has a radially outwardly turned flange to distance the cup from the rotor.

Abstract: When a pulley and an armature are coupled with each other, first and second permanent magnets place the movable member at a location where a magnetic resistance of an attracting magnetic circuit, which generates an attracting magnetic force to couple between the pulley and the armature, is reduced. In contrast, when the pulley and the armature are decoupled from each other, the movable member is placed at a location where the magnetic resistance of the attracting magnetic circuit is increased, and a magnetic resistance of a non-attracting magnetic circuit is reduced. Thereby, a coupled state or a decoupled state of the pulley and the armature can be maintained without an erroneous operation.

Abstract: A clutch assembly configured for use with a supercharger having a first shaft having a longitudinal axis; a pulley connected to the first shaft; a clutch rotor mounted connected to the first shaft; a clutch armature mounted to a second shaft and unconnected to the first shaft; and a clutch coil spaced along the longitudinal axis from the pulley. The clutch rotor rotates around the longitudinal axis. The clutch armature also rotates around the longitudinal axis. The design diameter of the pulley is entirely independent of the diameters of the clutch rotor, the clutch armature, and the clutch coil. A supercharger including the clutch assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A driving device includes a first rotating member, an armature member being movable and rotatable together with, a second rotating member being rotatable relative to the armature member, a magnetic force generating portion for generating a magnetic force for attracting the armature member toward the second rotating member in order to establish a connection between the armature member and the second rotating member so as to be integrally rotatable, a sensor magnet fixed to the second rotating member, a sensor provided for detecting a change of the magnetic field and a fixing member formed with a first claw portion engaged with the second rotating member and a second claw portion engaged with the sensor magnet while being press-fitted thereto in a radial direction thereof, wherein the sensor magnet is fixed to the second rotating member by means of the fixing member.

Abstract: A rotational coupling device for use as a clutch, a brake, or a combination clutch and brake is provided having structure to compensate for wear on braking surfaces. The device includes an armature coupled to an output member and movable between positions of engagement with a rotor and a brake plate. The brake plate is coupled to a stationary field shell that houses a conductor on one side of the rotor opposite the armature and brake plate. The brake plate is axially spaced from the field shell and a removable shim or adjustable spacer is disposed between the brake plate and the field shell. Removal of the shim or adjustment of the spacer permit movement of the brake plate towards the field shell to compensate for wear in any of the clutch or brake engagement surfaces of the device.

Abstract: A driven accessory having a clutch that permits selective operation of an accessory portion. The clutch employs rotational inertia to control driving engagement of a wrap spring to an interior clutch surface on a drive member and/or driving disengagement of the wrap spring from the interior clutch surface.

Abstract: A friction clutch for transmitting torque from a rotor, which can be driven about an axis S, to an element which is to be driven, including a friction disk clutch having an electromagnet arrangement which includes a coil and a magnetically conductive portion including a web section lying radially on the outside with respect to the axis S and a web section lying radially on the inside and oriented axially, and permanent magnets via which an axially movable friction section of the friction disk clutch is magnetically connected to the rotor. When the electromagnetic arrangement is in an electrically switched on state, a bearing of the friction section against the rotor is eliminated by attenuating the magnetic attraction effect of the permanent magnets.

Abstract: A power unit 16 includes an armature 38 rotated always in unison with a cable drum 17 and movable in an axial direction of a drum shaft 25, a flange 39 always connected to a motor 28 side, and a magnetic coil portion 37 bringing the armature 38 into abutment against the flange 39. The armature is disposed adjacent to a side of the drum rim body 23 of the cable drum 17, the magnetic coil portion 37 is disposed on the other side of the armature 38, and the flange 39 is disposed between the magnetic coil portion 37 and the armature 38.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch comprises a rotor rotatable with respect to the center of rotation, an armature facing the rotor with a clearance, a device for generating a magnetic attracting force between the rotor and the armature, a rotating member transmitting a driving force from the armature, and a plate spring for mounting the armature on the rotating member. The plate spring extends in a direction opposite to the center of rotation and has a first end separated from the center of rotation. The first end or a portion in the vicinity of the first end contacts an armature surface facing the rotor, and the plate spring is fixed to the rotating member at a portion other than the portion contacting the armature surface. The armature is supported such that the armature is urged to be separated in a direction opposite to the rotor by an elasticity of the plate spring.

Abstract: A rotational coupling device for use as a clutch, a brake, or a combination clutch and brake is provided having structure to compensate for wear on braking surfaces. The device includes an armature coupled to an output member and movable between positions of engagement with a rotor and a brake plate. The brake plate is coupled to a stationary field shell that houses a conductor on one side of the rotor opposite the armature and brake plate. The brake plate is axially spaced from the field shell and a removable shim or adjustable spacer is disposed between the brake plate and the field shell. Removal of the shim or adjustment of the spacer permit movement of the brake plate towards the field shell to compensate for wear in any of the clutch or brake engagement surfaces of the device.

Abstract: A powered device for a vehicle sliding member includes a base member, a shaft rotatably supported on the base member, a drive source, a speed reduction mechanism, an output drum rotatably supported on the base member through the shaft, a clutch mechanism which includes a rotor rotatably and coaxially disposed on the shaft, a generally cylindrical field core disposed on the rotor, and an armature which is disposed on the shaft so as to be rotatable about and moveable in an axial direction of the shaft, a first stop which limits axial displacement of the rotor relative to the shaft, and a second stop which limits axial displacement of the field core relative to the rotor.

Abstract: A rotational coupling device for use as a clutch and/or brake is provided having improved magnetic efficiency and structural integrity. An electrical conduction assembly is disposed within a field shell between radially spaced inner and outer poles of the field shell. The assembly includes a conductor disposed within a shell having a radially extending flange that is disposed proximate the outer pole of the field shell and that is affixed to the field shell at a plurality of points.

Abstract: A spool includes at least one bobbin and one winding wire, e.g., a winding wire lacquered for electrical insulation, the bobbin including at least one channel, e.g., one arranged as a pocket, at least one sleeve being electrically connected to the winding wire, the sleeve being electrically connected to an electrical line, e.g., a stranded conductor of a cable, the sleeve including deformable regions, for producing the electrical connections, a respectively deformable region being deformable such that a force-locking connection is provided and welding is able to be carried out.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism and a worm wheel are disposed in such a manner as to be aligned or superposed on each other via a base plate held therebetween. A circular swollen portion is formed on the base plate in such a manner as to project from one side to another side of the base plate. The swollen portion is disposed in such a manner as to face the worm wheel, and a side of a field core of a clutch mechanism is accommodated within a dish-shaped recess formed on a rear side of the swollen portion.

Abstract: In this electromagnetic clutch, a compressive force is generated in a plate spring when an armature plate is contact with a first rotor. Therefore, a force in the direction away from the first rotor acts on a first bent portion of a plate spring. However, an extension portion of a second rotor is capable of abutting to the first bent portion from the direction opposite to the first rotor. So a stress generated in the first bent portion is dispersed to the extension portion.

Abstract: A multi-speed drive for a motor cooling fan mounted on a driveshaft has provided a first electromagnetic clutch containing one electromagnet, and first and second armatures. When no current is imposed on the electromagnet, the clutch does not engage and the fan remains stationary with respect to the rotating driveshaft. Depending on the amount of current imposed on the electromagnet, the fan will either rotate at a speed slower than the drive shaft or, when maximum current is imposed, the fan will be rotated at the same speed as the rotating driveshaft.