Abstract: An electromagnetic brake device presses a pressing plate against a brake rotor along an axis via a friction material by the electromagnetic force of an electromagnetic actuator. The electromagnetic brake device includes a support member that is disposed on the opposite side of the pressing plate to the brake rotor and that is supported by a housing so as to be displaceable along the axis and non-rotatable around the axis, and a shaft member that transmits a force in the direction along the axis between the pressing plate and the support member. An electromagnetic coil and an armature of the electromagnetic actuator are spaced apart from the pressing plate between the pressing plate and the support member, the electromagnetic coil is supported by the housing, and the armature is supported by the support member.

Abstract: A drive train is used at least including an input shaft and an output shaft. A clutch member is rotatable by a clutch shaft about an axis of rotation. The clutch shaft is supported for lateral movement along the axis of rotation to move the clutch member to cooperate with the drive train at a first lateral position to cause the output shaft to turn and to move the clutch member to a second lateral position to disengage the output shaft from rotation of the input shaft. A permanent magnet is supported by one end of the clutch shaft and arranged for receiving an external magnetic biasing force along the axis of rotation to selectively move the clutch member between the first and second lateral positions. A traveling shaft can be used to support a selected gear for movement by the permanent magnet to implement transmission and reversing configurations.

Abstract: A disconnect assembly for translating torque to shafts of a driveline. A clutch is disposed in torque translating relationship between the shafts and is movable between an engaged configuration wherein torque is translated, and a disengaged configuration wherein torque is interrupted. An actuator includes a coil that generates a first magnetic field. A slider is movable between a first stable position and a second stable position, with an armature operatively attached to the slider. The armature has a magnetic polarity pattern defined by a plurality of north and south magnetic pole regions facing the coil. The pattern configured such that predetermined changes in the magnetic field generated by the coil urge the slider from one of the stable positions to the other of the stable positions so as to cause corresponding movement of the clutch assembly between the configurations to selectively translate rotational torque between the shafts of the driveline.

Abstract: When a clutch relay connects between a control device and a vehicle electric power source in response to outputting of a clutch OFF signal from an electronic control device to the clutch relay, a timer circuit starts a control operation for energizing coil portions. When a predetermined time period elapses, the timer circuit terminates energization of the coil portions. When the clutch relay connects between the control device and the vehicle electric power source in response to outputting of a clutch ON signal from the electronic control device to the relay, the timer circuit starts a control operation for energizing the coil portions. When a predetermined time period elapses, the timer circuit terminates energization of the coil portions.

Abstract: A magnetic system for controlling the operating mode of an overrunning coupling assembly is provided. The system includes a ferromagnetic or magnetic element received within a pocket in an uncoupling position and is movable outwardly from the pocket to a coupling position. The element controls the operating mode of the coupling assembly. An armature is connected to the element to move the element between the coupling and uncoupling positions. A magnetic field sensor is disposed adjacent and stationary with respect to the element for sensing magnetic flux to produce an output signal which is based on the position of the element. A variable magnetic field is generated in response to movement of the element between the coupling and uncoupling positions.

Abstract: Provided are an opposed iron core transmitting rotation motion, a manufacturing method thereof, and an electromagnetic fan clutch formed by the opposed iron core. The opposed iron core includes iron core grooves (12; 13) axially arranged in a back-to-back manner on an electromagnetic iron core body (11). The manufacturing method of the opposed iron core includes: directly drawing the iron core body (11) to form the iron core grooves arranged in the back-to-back manner, or directly spinning the iron core body (11) to form the iron core grooves arranged in the back-to-back manner. The electromagnetic fan clutch formed by the opposed iron core has a first actuation gap (841) and a second actuation gap (842) respectively on two sides of the electromagnetic iron core body (11) of an opposed iron core apparatus.

Abstract: A wrap spring clutch system includes one or more wrap spring clutch assemblies each having a latching actuator assembly. The latching actuator assembly includes an armature plunger movably coupled with a solenoid coil, and in a powered solenoid coil state the solenoid coil moves the armature plunger between deployed and retracted configurations. A latching magnet latches the armature plunger in one of the deployed or retracted configuration in an unpowered solenoid coil state. A latching spring latches the armature plunger in the other of the deployed or retracted configuration in an unpowered solenoid coil state. The wrap spring clutches include a rotatable input hub and a rotatable output hub configured for rotation by the input hub. A helical spring is engaged with the output hub and selectively engaged in slipping and locking engagement with the input hub according to the deployed or retracted configuration of the armature plunger.

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: An electromagnetic friction clutch including a rotor, further clutch element which orbits a common axis of rotation with the rotor and is supported so that it can rotate relative to the rotor, eddy current elements for transmitting a rotational movement on the principle of an eddy current clutch, one of the eddy current elements being rotationally fixed to the further clutch element, and one or more magnetic elements rotationally fixed to the rotor so as to orbit one of the eddy current elements.

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: A water pump includes a housing, a pumping mechanism, and a pulley that receives an input torque. Rotation of a clutch disk provides a rotational force to the pumping mechanism. A ferromagnetic clutch ring rotates in unison with the pulley. The clutch ring moves between a disengaged position and an engaged position to selectively rotate the clutch disk in response to the input torque. A magnet disposed on the clutch disk attracts the clutch ring toward the engaged position, and an electromagnetic coil is operable to selectively diminish the attraction of the clutch ring to the magnet to move the clutch ring between the engaged and disengaged positions.

Abstract: A friction disk clutch with an electromagnet arrangement which has a coil former and a ferromagnetically conductive coil support, which supports the coil former and at least partially surrounds the latter, and, adjacent to the coil support, there are permanent magnet means, by means of which an axially movable friction section of the friction disk clutch can be connected magnetically to the rotor, and the permanent magnet means are arranged on the rotor in such a way that the permanent magnet means are covered by essentially no magnetically conductive section of the rotor on a side which is transverse to the direction of magnetization thereof. Anchoring means for mounting the permanent magnet means on the rotor include a mounting section formed for this purpose on the rotor, by means of which the permanent magnet means are mounted in the correct position on the rotor.

Abstract: The invention discloses an electromagnetic friction clutch for driving a fan impeller in the engine compartment of a vehicle. The clutch includes a disk rotor consisting of a plane flat part, a further clutch element which is supported so that it is freely rotatable and which can be driven by the rotor through controllable friction contact, and elements for transmitting a rotational movement according to a principle of an eddy current drive with an eddy current ring fitted to the outer edge area of the disk rotor of the clutch.

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: The invention relates to a friction brake which can be used for a shaft and a bearing part that can be rotated in relation to each other about a rotational axis (3). The friction brake comprises two brake elements: the first brake element has a first friction surface (24) and has to be mechanically connected to the bearing part, and the second brake element has a second friction surface (25) and has to be mechanically connected to the shaft. The connectible and disconnectable dynamic effect of an actuation mechanism forces the two brake elements against each other during a braking action or stop in such a manner that the two friction surfaces (24, 25) rest one on the other and contact each other in the area of a contact surface (29, 30). The contact surface (29, 30) covers only a part of every friction surface (24, 25) at any point in time during a braking action or stop.

Abstract: A friction clutch (5) having a drive side and an output side which can be used to drive a fan impeller (2), and a selectively engageable friction disk clutch (13), which in the engaged state connects the output side to the drive side, and a first eddy current clutch (15) for providing a slip speed on the output side, the first eddy current clutch (15) having an eddy current zone formed on a cooling ring (11), wherein an eddy current zone for a second eddy current clutch (18) is provided on the same cooling ring (11) on which an eddy current zone for the first eddy current clutch (15) is formed.

Abstract: A one-way clutch includes a first race secured against rotation and fitted with a coil, a second race supported for rotation, a coil carried by one of the races, and struts supported by one of the races, each strut driveably connecting and disconnecting the races in response to a magnetic field induced by current in the coil.

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 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 in 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 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 double clutch may include an input shaft, a first output shaft disposed coaxially with the input shaft, a second output shaft enclosing the first output shaft and disposed coaxially with the first output shaft, a first clutch pack disposed between the first output shaft and the input shaft, a second clutch pack disposed between the second output shaft and the input shaft, an electromagnet disposed between the first clutch pack and the second clutch pack, a first permanent magnet and a second permanent magnet disposed such that the same poles of the first and second permanent magnets face the electromagnet at both sides of the electromagnet, a first ball ramp operating to press the first clutch pack, as the first permanent magnet moves toward the electromagnet, and a second ball ramp operating to press the second clutch pack, as the second permanent magnet moves toward the electromagnet.

Abstract: A clutch arrangement (10) for a motor vehicle transmission (80) is proposed for connecting a shaft (12) to a rotational element (14), in particular to a freely moving wheel (14), which is mounted thereon, wherein the clutch arrangement (10) has: a sliding sleeve (22) which is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the shaft (12) and is mounted in an axially displaceable fashion on the shaft (12) between a closed position and an open position and has a first sliding toothing (24); a clutch element (26) which is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the rotational element (14) and has a second sliding toothing (28) into which the first sliding toothing (24) can be inserted axially in the closing direction (30) in order to connect the rotational element (14) to the shaft (12) in the closed position; and an actuator arrangement (40) for axially sliding the sliding sleeve (22).

Abstract: A permanent magnet activated wrap spring clutch (10). A coil spring (32) surrounds an input hub (14) and an output hub (22) and is selectively engaged to wrap down upon the hubs for the transmittal of torque. In an unpowered, engaged condition of the clutch, a permanent magnet (40) attracts a control collar (38) attached to the spring into frictional engagement with a rotating input element (20). Rotation of the control collar causes the spring to wrap down from its somewhat oversized diameter at rest to grip the hubs. In a powered, disengaged condition of the clutch, an energized coil (44) causes the magnetic field of the permanent magnet to move away from the control collar, thereby removing the frictional engagement and allowing the spring to unwrap. The clutch provides torque transmittal without electrical power and ensures complete disengagement regardless of a low momentum or high drag on the output.

Abstract: A drive system including a partition wall; a drive device positioned on a first side of the partition wall, wherein the drive device includes at least one first member positioned on said first side of said partition wall. An actuator for actuating the drive device, where the actuator is positioned on a second side of the partition wall so that the partition wall is between the drive device and the actuator, and where the actuator includes at least one second member positioned on the second side of said partition wall. The second member of the actuator is magnetically coupled to the first member of the drive device, where movement of the second member causes movement of the first member, and to a device including a drive system.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch includes a rotor, armature hub, armature, magnetic body and first permanent magnet, field core, excitation coil, and second permanent magnet. The rotor is rotatably disposed in the housing of a driven device. The armature hub is fixed to the rotating shaft of the driven device, the armature movable in an axial direction. The magnetic body is incorporated in the rotor. The first permanent magnet connects the armature to the rotor. The field core is attached to the housing and inserted in the rotor to be in noncontact with it. The excitation coil is disposed in the field core and excited, when cutting off power transmission, to cancel a magnetic force of the first permanent magnet, thus releasing the armature from the first permanent magnet. The second permanent magnet separates the armature from the rotor, when cutting off power transmission, to move the armature toward the armature hub.

Abstract: An electromechanical assembly to control the operating mode of a coupling apparatus is provided. The assembly includes a first subassembly including a stator having at least one electromagnetically inductive coil to create a magnetic flux when the at least one coil is energized. At least one bi-directionally movable rod has a free end adapted for connection to a strut of the coupling apparatus for selective, small displacement strut movement. An actuator is operatively connected to the at least one rod for selective bi-directional shifting movement along a rotational axis between a first position of the actuator which corresponds to a first mode of the coupling apparatus and a second position of the actuator which corresponds to a second mode of the coupling apparatus. A magnetic control force is applied to the actuator when the at least one coil is energized to cause the actuator to move between positions.

Abstract: A drive train is used at least including an input shaft and an output shaft. A clutch member is rotatable by a clutch shaft about an axis of rotation. The clutch shaft is supported for lateral movement along the axis of rotation to move the clutch member to cooperate with the drive train at a first lateral position to cause the output shaft to turn and to move the clutch member to a second lateral position to disengage the output shaft from rotation of the input shaft. A permanent magnet is supported by one end of the clutch shaft and arranged for receiving an external magnetic biasing force along the axis of rotation to selectively move the clutch member between the first and second lateral positions. A traveling shaft can be used to support a selected gear for movement by the permanent magnet to implement transmission and reversing configurations.

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: The invention provides a control method of an external control type fan clutch able to improve engine performance, fuel cost and cooling performance of a capacitor of an air conditioner (A/C) and restrain fan noises due to associative rotation. Namely, in the external control type fan clutch device constructed so as to control the opening and closing of a supply adjusting hole of oil by a valve member operated by an electromagnet, the opening and closing of the supply adjusting hole of the oil is on-off-controlled with the temperature of a cooling liquid of a radiator, a fan rotating speed, the temperature of transmission oil, a vehicle speed, an engine rotating speed, the pressure of a compressor of the air conditioner, etc. as parameters.

Abstract: An electromagnetically actuatable clutch for a water pump in a cooling water circuit of an internal combustion engine, having a drive wheel rotatably mounted relative to the water pump, and an armature disk, which interacts with a coil. The armature disk and a functional component of an eddy current clutch are connected to the drive wheel so that the drive wheel, armature disk and first functional component run synchronously when they rotate. The armature disk can be moved axially with the first functional component by energizing the coil. A second functional component of the eddy current clutch is provided arranged in a fixed fashion on a shaft coupled to the water pump. A friction mechanism is provided between the first and second functional components to provide a frictional locking engagement between the two functional components that is released by energizing the coil.

Abstract: An overrunning accessory decoupler with a locking mechanism provides the desired overrunning accessory decoupler functionality and also permits torque to be transferred from the accessory to which the decoupler is installed to the drive of the engine when desired. In one embodiment, the decoupler includes a locking mechanism that is controlled by centrifugal forces developed in the decoupler to lock the decoupler to permit the accessory to transfer torque to the drive to start or boost the engine. In another embodiment, the decoupler locking mechanism includes an electromagnet that can be energized to lock and/or unlock the decoupler.

Abstract: A drive train is used at least including an input shaft and an output shaft. A clutch member is rotatable by a clutch shaft about an axis of rotation. The clutch shaft is supported for lateral movement along the axis of rotation to move the clutch member to cooperate with the drive train at a first lateral position to cause the output shaft to turn and to move the clutch member to a second lateral position to disengage the output shaft from rotation of the input shaft. A permanent magnet is supported by one end of the clutch shaft and arranged for receiving an external magnetic biasing force along the axis of rotation to selectively move the clutch member between the first and second lateral positions. A traveling shaft can be used to support a selected gear for movement by the permanent magnet to implement transmission and reversing configurations.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a fan clutch system may drive an output member to rotate at a first speed when opposing friction clutch surfaces are engaged and to rotate at a second, slower speed when the friction clutch surfaces are shifted to a disengaged position. In particular embodiments, the multi-speed clutch system may employ an eddy current drive system that is arranged axially rearward of the friction clutch surfaces while the fan blade device is mounted in a position that is axially forward of the of the friction clutch surfaces.

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 drive train is used at least including an input shaft and an output shaft. A clutch member is rotatable by a clutch shaft about an axis of rotation. The clutch shaft is supported for lateral movement along the axis of rotation to move the clutch member to cooperate with the drive train at a first lateral position to cause the output shaft to turn and to move the clutch member to a second lateral position to disengage the output shaft from rotation of the input shaft. A permanent magnet is supported by one end of the clutch shaft and arranged for receiving an external magnetic biasing force along the axis of rotation to selectively move the clutch member between the first and second lateral positions. A traveling shaft can be used to support a selected gear for movement by the permanent magnet to implement transmission and reversing configurations.

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 coupling device for coupling rotatable bodies together includes first and second rotatable bodies, a plurality of coupling members for selectively coupling the first and second rotatable bodies together to transfer drive between the rotatable bodies, and an electro-magnetic actuator for controlling engagement of the coupling members. The coupling device can be incorporated into a transmission system, which includes first and second drive shafts, first and second gear sets mounted on the shafts for transferring drive between the shafts, a selector for selectively transferring drive between the first shaft and either the first or second gear set, and an electro magnetic actuator for controlling engagement of the engagement members and the drive formations.

Abstract: The invention concerns an adjustable hysteresis driver, with a rotor component (5) on the input side that can be driven and/or a stator component (7?, 7?), with an armature component (8) on the output side in fixed connection with a shaft (4), with a hysteresis component (9) connected to the armature component (8), the stator component (7?, 7?) comprising an electromagnet (7a) or permanent magnet (18) by means of which a magnetic flux can be induced in the rotor component (5) and/or the stator component (7?, 7?), and in which the torque that can be transmitted can be adjusted by electromagnetic or electro-mechanical means. The purpose of the invention is to propose a hysteresis driver with improved adjustability.

Abstract: A magnetic clutch is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The magnetic clutch includes a shaft including a flange, a magnetic clutch hub installed on the shaft, with the magnetic clutch hub being magnetically responsive, and an actuator member that magnetically operates on the magnetic clutch hub and causes the magnetic clutch hub to frictionally contact the flange of the shaft. The contact transfers rotational power between the magnetic clutch hub and the shaft.

Abstract: A clutch comprises an input pinion and an output pinion associated with a rotatable locking member that has a surface inclined with respect to an axis of rotation of the locking member. The surface cooperates with an engagement member, and the locking member is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the surface forms a recess to receive the engagement member, and in the second position, the surface forms a projection to force the engagement member into abutment with the input pinion to establish a driveable connection between the input pinion and the output pinion.

Abstract: An electromagnetic frictionally engaged clutch provided with a rotor part including a friction lining. An electrical coil and a first permanent magnet are arranged on the rotor part. The clutch also includes an armature disk which is connected to a second shaft and can be displaced in a rotationally fixed manner, but axially from a coupled end position to an uncoupled end position. The coil of the clutch is enabled to be current-free both in the coupled state and in the uncoupled state. To this end, a second permanent magnet is provided for exerting an axial force opposing the magnetic force of the first permanent magnet on the armature disk.

Abstract: An armature is magnetically attracted to and is coupled with a rotor against an urging force of a resilient member by a magnetic attractive force of the rotor when a permanent magnet is placed into a first position. When the armature is coupled with the rotor, a rotational drive force of an internal combustion engine transmitted to the rotor is transmitted to a refrigerant compressor connected to the armature to rotate the refrigerant compressor. The armature is urged away from and is decoupled from the rotor by the urging force of the resilient member when the permanent magnet is placed into a second position.

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 has a coil former and magnetically conductive means which comprise 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 permanently magnetic means via which an axially movable friction section of the friction disk clutch can be magnetically connected to the rotor, wherein, in the electrically switched on state of the electromagnetic arrangement, the bearing of the friction section against the rotor can be eliminated by attenuating the magnetic attraction effect of the permanently magnetic means.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch includes a rotor, armature hub, armature, magnetic body and first permanent magnet, field core, excitation coil, and second permanent magnet. The rotor is rotatably disposed in the housing of a driven device. The armature hub is fixed to the rotating shaft of the driven device. The armature is disposed on the armature hub to be movable in an axial direction. The magnetic body is incorporated in the rotor. The first permanent magnet connects the armature to the rotor. The field core is attached to the housing and inserted in the rotor to be in noncontact with it. The excitation coil is disposed in the field core and excited, when cutting off power transmission, to cancel a magnetic force of the first permanent magnet, thus releasing the armature from the first permanent magnet. The second permanent magnet separates the armature from the rotor, when cutting off power transmission, to move the armature toward the armature hub.

Abstract: An electromagnetically actuatable clutch for a water pump in a cooling water circuit of an internal combustion engine, having a drive wheel rotatably mounted relative to the water pump, and an armature disk, which interacts with a coil. The armature disk and a functional component of an eddy current clutch are connected to the drive wheel so that the drive wheel, armature disk and first functional component run synchronously when they rotate. The armature disk can be moved axially with the first functional component by energizing the coil. A second functional component of the eddy current clutch is provided arranged in a fixed fashion on a shaft coupled to the water pump. A friction mechanism is provided between the first and second functional components to provide a frictional locking engagement between the two functional components that is released by energizing the coil.

Abstract: An electromagnetic friction clutch has at least two clutch parts that are mounted so as to be rotatable relative to each other and movable toward and away from each other and that touch each other with a contact force in the position of use. The clutch parts are located in a magnetic circuit, which is guided in the clutch parts in a soft magnetic material in sheet form. Positioned in the magnetic circuit is an electromagnet having a soft magnetic core and a coil. The magnetic circuit has air gaps between the soft magnetic core and at least one of the clutch parts. The flux density in the magnetic circuit, and thus the contact force, is modifiable via the current applied to the coil. The magnetic flux changes at least ten flux crossover points one after the other in the direction of flow between the clutch parts. The cross section of the magnetic flux in at least one air gap is at least five times greater than the smallest flux cross section in the soft magnetic material.

Abstract: A friction clutch for a driven element that is connected directly to a drive by means of a first friction-disk clutch and being capable of being matched to the speed of the drive. When the first friction-disk clutch is disengaged, the drive of the driven element is adjusted to a relatively low take-up speed by means of an eddy-current clutch which can be engaged by means of a second friction-disk clutch. The driven element is arranged on a shaft or axle, so that, when the first and second friction clutches are disengaged, the drive of the driven element can be adjusted to a further take-up speed by means of the friction of a roller bearing. The eddy-current clutch includes an eddy-current part and a permanent magnet part which can be moved relative to the eddy-current part.

Abstract: A rotational coupling device for use as a clutch and/or brake is provided having improved magnetic efficiency and structural integrity. A field shell and a rotor of the device each define radially spaced, axially extending inner and outer poles. The inner pole of the rotor is disposed radially outwardly of the inner pole of the field shell resulting in improved magnetic efficiency.

Abstract: A control method of a magnet type fan clutch is provided to improve engine performance, fuel economy, engine life, and vehicle acceleration and to reduce fan noise, and optimize fan horsepower. The magnet type fan clutch has a magnet coupling combined with an electromagnetic clutch. The method includes turning the electromagnetic clutch ON and OFF on the basis of cooling fluid temperature, engine oil temperature, transmission oil temperature, vehicle speed, engine rotation rate, accelerator opening, compressor pressure of an air conditioner, an On or Off signal of the air condition, a fuel injection indication amount, a clutch activation lower limit temperature and its lower temperature, and an engine rotation rate set value to control the fan rotation.

Abstract: A device for transmitting the movement to a fan for cooling the cooling fluid in a motor vehicle, mounted, by means of an idle support, on an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis (X-X) of the driving shaft of the vehicle, said device comprising movement generating means which are coaxial and integral with the driving shaft; means for transmitting the movement of the driving shaft to a first clutch; at least one first friction clutch with an electromagnetic actuating system, which is arranged on an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis (X-X) of the driving shaft and the rotor of which is connected to said movement transmission means and the engagement of which produces a rotation of the fan at a number of revolutions at least equal to that of the movement generating means.