Abstract: To provide a rotational position detecting device in which a rotational position detection error caused by variation in distance between a sensor magnet and a magnetic sensor is reduced, the rotational position detecting device includes a sensor magnet (30) configured to generate a magnetic flux; a holder (34), which is configured to hold the sensor magnet, and has a pressure-contact portion (340) to be fixed to a shaft (40) of a motor (1); and a magnetic sensor (32) configured to detect the magnetic flux generated by the sensor magnet, the magnetic sensor being directly or indirectly fixed to the motor, and being arranged away from the sensor magnet in an axial direction of the shaft, the shaft having an abutment portion (403, 405) configured to receive a distal end portion (341) of the pressure-contact portion.

Abstract: A power transmission device with a clutch plate wear sensor system includes a power transmission shaft configured to transmit torque and a clutch configured to selectively deliver power into or out of the power transmission shaft. The clutch includes a clutch stack and clutch piston that moves to selectively actuate the clutch stack between an engaged state to deliver power through the clutch and a disengaged state to not deliver power through the clutch. The clutch stack wear sensor system includes at least one detectable element arranged for movement in unison with the clutch piston and a sensor arranged to detect the detectable element and provide a signal indicative of a wear characteristic of the clutch stack.

Abstract: A rotational coupling device includes an armature configured for coupling to a shaft for rotation with the shaft about an axis, but axially movable relative to the shaft. An electromagnet assembly is disposed on one side of the armature and fixed against rotation. A collar is disposed on the opposite side of the armature. The collar is configured for rotation with the shaft, but fixed against axial movement relative to the shaft and includes a permanent magnet. When a current having a first polarity is provided to the electromagnet assembly, the armature moves in one axial direction into engagement with a member of the coupling device to transmit a torque between the member and the armature. The permanent magnet urges the armature in the opposite axial direction to disengage the armature from the member when the current is not provided to the electromagnet assembly.

Abstract: A torque transfer device for a motor vehicle includes a clutch for transferring torque between first and second shafts. An electromagnetic actuator includes an axially moveable armature for applying an application force to the clutch. An actuator control system includes a force sensor positioned within a clutch actuation force load path and is operable to output a signal indicative of a force applied to the clutch. The control system includes a controller operable to control the electromagnetic actuator to vary the force applied to the clutch based on the force sensor signal. As an option, the actuator control system can include a position sensor operable to output a signal indicative of a position of the armature. The control system determines a target torque to be transferred by the clutch and a target armature position based on a previously determined clutch torque vs. armature position relationship.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch device includes: a meshing member; an electromagnetic coil; an armature; a cylindrical cam member; and a locking portion. The cam member is provided with a plurality of locked portions to be locked by the locking portion at different axial positions, such that the plurality of locked portions is formed adjacent to each other in a circumferential direction; the cam member rotates only by a first predetermined angle due to an axial movement of the armature from a first position to a second position, and the cam member further rotates only by a second predetermined angle due to a movement of the armature from the second position to the first position; and when locking of the locking portion is shifted from one of the plurality of locked portions to another locked portion circumferentially adjacent thereto so that the locking portion locks the another locked portion at a different axial position, the second meshing portion is meshed with the first meshing portion.

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: An electromagnetic clutch device includes an armature, a rotor, an electromagnet, and a silencing member. The armature is adapted to be supported by a driving member so that the armature is movable in the axial direction and rotate integrally with the driving member. The rotor is arranged coaxially with the armature, rotate with respect to the armature and rotate integrally with an output member. The electromagnet presses the armature and the rotor against each other based on an electromagnetic attraction force generated when current is supplied through the electromagnet to be coupled with each other in the torque transmittable manner. The silencing member is provided on an outer circumferential portion of the armature. The silencing member is formed of a soft material that attenuates noise generated by the vibration of the armature in a state where the silencing member is out of contact with any member other than the armature.

Abstract: A friction switch coupling for torque transmission from a rotor which can be driven about an axis to an element to be driven, comprising a friction disk clutch with an electromagnet arrangement which comprises a coil body and a ferromagnetically conductive coil carrier supporting and at least partly surrounding the coil body, which the carrier has a web segment lying radially outermost in relation to the coil body and oriented parallel to the axis, and an inner web segment, and between the inner and outer web segments of the coil carrier are provided permanent magnet means via which an axially movable friction segment of the friction switch coupling can be connected magnetically with the rotor, wherein when the electromagnet arrangement is in electrically connected state, by weakening of the magnetic attraction effect of the permanent magnet means, the contact of the friction segment on the rotor can be eliminated.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch includes an armature 42 having a rotor contact surface 46a segmented in the radial direction by an annular groove 44 to form a plurality of rings, the groove being formed concentrically with the armature 42 for obstructing magnetic flux; and a rotor 43 having a contact surface, wherein the armature 42 is attracted toward the contact surface of the rotor 43 by magnetic force caused by an electromagnetic coil to couple the armature with the rotor for transmitting power. The armature 42 is formed by the steps of: preparing an armature material 42 with a groove 44 formed thereon, the groove having a width of w1; and narrowing the groove width from w1 to w2 by applying pressure on a pressed portion 47 in a peripheral edge region of the groove 44 to cause plastic flow in a horizontal direction along the material 42.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch with improved transmission torque by means of a low-cost method includes an electromagnetic coil, a rotor that is rotary driven by means of an external drive source, an armature attracted to the rotor by means of a magnetic force of the electromagnetic coil, and a hub structure. The electromagnetic clutch is characterized in that a recessed and projected surface having a surface roughness of 10 ?m or more and a hardness of 4 GPa or less is formed on the friction surface of the rotor and/or the friction surface of the armature.

Abstract: An electromagnetic friction clutch (1) is proposed having two clutch plates (2, 8) which have concentrically circular, magnetically soft ring areas (3a-3c, 9a-9d) which are at least partially magnetically insulated from one another, which friction clutch (1) transmits comparatively large torques while having a compact design. For this purpose, pole faces (4a-4f, 10a-10f) which, when viewed in the radial cross section, oscillate in the axial direction are formed at the magnetically soft ring areas (3a-3c, 9a-9d).

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch includes a rotatable input member or pulley and a rotatable output member or shaft. A hub cover is coupled to the pulley and includes an inner facing surface located proximal an outer friction pad or clutch plate which is fixed for rotation with the output member. An armature plate is axially moveable relative to the output member and is biased toward a position of engaging the clutch plate and the hub cover for transferring a torque from the pulley to the output shaft. A self-energizing actuator converts rotary motion of the input member or pulley to linear movement of the armature plate to further engage the clutch. The actuator includes a biasing member urging relative rotation between the one of the input member and the output member and the armature plate to initially engage the armature plate and the clutch plate.

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 Ruining 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 torque transmission device for the transmission of torque between a first component and a second component which are mounted such that they can rotate about a common rotational axis. The torque transmission device includes a clutch configured to actuate in the axial direction and an actuation unit with a converter device and an actuating device. The converter device includes at least one axially movable first converter element and a second converter element assigned to the second component. The converter elements are configured such that relative rotation between the first and the second converter elements is converted into an axial movement of the first converter element to actuate the clutch. The actuating device is configured to generate selective coupling action between the first converter element and a structural element of the clutch.

Abstract: A clutch has a stationary carrier, a first clutch member and a second clutch member. The first clutch member and the second clutch member are disposed so as to be rotatable about a common axis. The carrier has a coil arrangement, which is partially accommodated in a first partial core containing soft iron and which faces towards the first clutch member. The first clutch member has a second partial core, containing soft iron, having magnetic-flux poles that at least partially enclose the coil arrangement of the stationary carrier. The second clutch member has permanent-magnet elements, which face towards the magnetic-flux poles and which, are at least partially in alignment with at least some of the magnetic-flux poles. The first clutch member and the second clutch member are set up to transmit a torque and/or a rotary motion from the one clutch member to the other clutch member.

Abstract: A system for and method of providing overload protection for actuators, such as shape memory alloy wires, including and utilizing a magnetorheological fluid mechanism connected in series with or parallel to the load driven by the actuator, and operable to effect tunable protection.

Abstract: An electromagnetic brake or clutch includes a first face confronting a first face of a rotor disc, the discs being mounted for movement towards and away from the other; and a stator coil energized to urge the first face of the disc away from the first face of the rotor disc. In a first set of rotational positions, magnetic regions of one polarity on the first face of the brake or clutch disc confront magnetic regions of the opposite polarity on the first face of the rotor disc, and, in a second set of rotational positions of the shaft interposed between respective ones of the first set of rotational positions, magnetic regions of one polarity on the first face of the brake or clutch disc confront magnetic regions of the same polarity on the first face of the rotor disc.

Abstract: A drive having an emergency closing function comprises a movable coupling device, which has an emergency spring clamped between an input-side and an output-side spring system. The emergency spring is a compression spring moved along with the coupling device. A distance of the spring systems is defined by a locking device in normal operation of the drive, wherein the emergency spring can relax for an emergency function or emergency movement of the drive after the locking device is released or unlocked. The locking device is operated or triggered hydraulically or pneumatically and/or magnetically.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch includes: a first cam member having a first cam surface; a second cam member having a second cam surface facing the first cam surface; a coned disc spring that urges the second cam member such that the first and second cam surfaces are separated from each other; a clutch plate that contacts the second cam member due to urging force of the urging member, and generates friction force between the clutch plate and the second cam member; and an electromagnetic coil that generates magnetic force with which the second cam member is separated from the clutch plate against the urging force of the urging member. The first cam surface and the second cam surface generate thrust force by which the second cam member is pushed against the friction member, through relative rotation between the first cam member and the second cam member due to the friction force.

Abstract: A clutch water pump may include a pulley, a brake pad attached on an interior surface of the clutch compartment of the pulley, a clutch disk disposed corresponding to the brake pad in the clutch compartment, a hub rotatably mounted into the penetrating hole and coupled to the clutch disk through a plurality of spring pins, the plurality of spring pins connecting slidably the clutch disk to the hub, a magnetic actuator fixed to the hub and disposed to the clutch disk to selectively move the clutch disk toward or away from the brake pad, and a main shaft, one end of which is fixed to the center of the hub and the other end of which is fixed to an impeller. Furthermore, a method of controlling the clutch water pump according to the engine rotation speed, the coolant temperature, and a condition of the coolant temperature sensor is provided.

Abstract: Residual magnetic locks, brakes, rotation inhibitors, clutches, actuators, and latches. The residual magnetic devices can include a core housing and an armature. The residual magnetic devices can include a coil that receives a magnetization current to create an irreversible residual magnetic force between the core housing and the armature.

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: An electromagnetic clutch including a driving rotating body, driven rotating body, armature, and field core. The driving rotating body receives power transmitted from a driving device via a driving power transmission member. The driven rotating body is arranged coaxially with the driving rotating body, and mounted on a driven device to rotate integrally with the driven device. The armature is opposed to the end face of the driving rotating body in the axial direction, and supported by the driven rotating body via spring members to integrally rotate with the driven rotating body. The field core magnetically attracts the armature to the driving rotating body. One end of each of the spring members is fixed to the armature. The other end of each of the spring members is held by the driven rotating body so as to be removed upon being applied with a tensile force.

Abstract: A clutch assembly configured for use with a supercharger comprises a first shaft having a longitudinal axis; a pulley connected to the first shaft; a clutch rotor connected to the first shaft; a clutch armature 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 diameter of the pulley is 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: An apparatus for operating a clutch which may be mounted at a vehicle structure and controls an operation of the clutch may include a motor provided with a motor shaft and receiving electrical energy so as to selectively rotate the motor shaft, a cam mounted at the motor shaft and rotating together with the motor shaft, and a push rod assembly coupled to a clutch fork of the clutch, wherein the push rod assembly may be elastically biased toward and slidably contacted to the cam such that the push rod assembly moves forward or rearward according to a rotating angle of the cam so as to operate the clutch fork.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch is provided which produces sufficiently large clutch force by increasing the clutch capacity without increasing the number of inner and outer clutch plates. The electromagnetic clutch includes an intermediate member (8) that is connected to inner clutch plates (7a) so as not to be rotatable relative thereto and moves toward a clutch mechanism (7) under rotational force of a rotational member (5). The intermediate member (8) has: a pressing portion (23a) for pressing an armature (21) in the direction to frictionally couple the inner and outer clutch plates (7a, 7b) as the intermediate member (8) moves toward the clutch mechanism (7); and a movement force conversion section (24) for converting rotational force of a rotational member (6) into movement force toward the clutch mechanism (7). The movement force conversion section (24) is arranged between the intermediate member (8) and the rotational member (5).

Abstract: There is provided a method of measuring coupling ratios in a marine vessel. The vessel includes: (a) a source of mechanical power; (b) a coupling system operatively coupled via a first input shaft to the source of power and operatively coupled via a second output shaft to one or more propellers of the vessel; and (c) a controller coupled to a user interface and also to the coupling system such that the user interface is operable via the controller to control a degree of power coupling occurring in operation through the coupling system. The first and second shafts are provided with first and second rotation rate sensors respectively coupled to the controller for generating first and second rotation rate signals indicative in operation of rotation rates of the first and second shafts respectively. The method involves measuring a ratio of the first and second signals when the coupling system is in a fully coupled state.

Abstract: A clutch actuator assembly is disclosed that includes, but is not limited to an electric motor with a gear arrangement. The gear arrangement includes, but is not limited to a worm gear with a threaded worm rod and a worm wheel with an actuator section. The worm wheel is actuated by the worm rod and the worm rod is actuated by the electric motor. The worm wheel further includes, but is not limited to an advance gear section with an advance thread. A stationary thread of the clutch actuator assembly engages with the advance thread. The gear arrangement includes, but is not limited to a self-locking feature that at least inhibits, and preferably prevents the actuator section from moving when the electric motor is not actuated.

Abstract: A water pump of an electromagnetic clutch type, which feeds a coolant with pressure to a water jacket in an engine may include a belt pulley mounted at one end of a bearing shaft for being rotated on the bearing shaft by power transmitted through a belt, an impeller that is fixed to the other end of the bearing shaft, an electromagnetic actuator selectively supplying magnetic force, a clutch operating member movable along the bearing shaft to selectively engage the belt pulley with the bearing shaft by using the magnetic force of the electromagnetic actuator, and an elastic member exerting a force on the clutch operating member to support elastically the clutch operating member toward the belt pulley.

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 wheel disconnect system is provided including a rear drive module and a constant velocity joint housing. The rear drive module includes a housing, at least one actuator, and at least one dog clutch. The dog clutch includes a first portion configured to move when the actuator is moved and a second portion configured for engagement with the first portion. The constant velocity joint housing is formed integrally with the second portion of the dog clutch. A wheel may be disconnected from the rear drive module unless engagement of the first and second portions of the dog clutch allows torque to be transferred to the wheel. In one embodiment, a hydraulically activated piston may be used to activate the first portion of the dog clutch. In another embodiment, a ball ramp may be used to activate the first portion of the dog clutch. A vehicle driveline including a wheel disconnect system is also provided.

Abstract: A drive mechanism includes an electric motor, a rotor driven by the electric motor, and a worm screw driven by the rotor. The drive mechanism further includes a wheel driven by the worm screw, the wheel transmitting movement of the electric motor to a vehicle closure, and a clutch on the rotor connecting the worm screw to the electric motor or disconnecting the worm screw from the electric motor.

Abstract: A mechanical clutch for use in a belt driven system requiring belt tensioning. The clutch includes a central shaft to be coupled to a rotating shaft, a first pulley rotationally and axially coupled to the central shaft, and a second pulley rotationally coupled to the central shaft configured to move axially relative to the first pulley along the central shaft. The clutch further includes an actuating mechanism configured to impart linear axial movement to the first pulley based on rotational input.

Abstract: A multi-group transmission of a motor vehicle which includes at least two transmission groups arranged in a drivetrain and a way for supporting traction force during gearshifts such that traction-force gearshifts are maintained with improved shifting comfort at comparatively low cost, little design effort and compact installation space demands. At least one electromagnetic clutch is a change-under-load unit by which, bypassing the force flow of at least one main group made as a gear-change transmission, an active connection can be formed between a driveshaft and a main transmission shaft or a transmission output shaft. During a gearshift operation, an active connection is temporarily made between a driveshaft and a main transmission shaft or a transmission output shaft by way of at least one electromagnetic clutch designed as a change-under-load unit.

Abstract: A coupling device (16, 116) for use in a motor vehicle has an input member (45, 145), a first output member (46, 146), a second output member (47, 147), and a planetary gear set (54, 56, 58, 62, 154, 155, 156, 161, 162) having gears (56, 58, 62, 155, 156, 161, 162) and a planetary gear carrier (54, 154). Each of the input member (45, 145), the first output member (46, 146), and the second output member (47, 147) are coupled to one of the planetary gear carrier (54, 154) and a gear (56, 58, 62, 155, 156, 161, 162) of the planetary gear set (54, 56, 58, 62, 154, 155, 156, 161, 162). Of the input member (45, 145), the first output member (46, 146), and the second output member (47, 147), a modulating biasing clutch assembly (70, 170) selectively applies a biasing force to two of the three.

Abstract: An electrically actuated torque transfer device including an input shaft and at least one output shaft selectively coupled to the input shaft. At least one modulating clutch assembly selectively couples the input shaft to the output shaft. The modulating clutch assembly includes an electrical clutch operator configured to engage a ball ramp operator. The ball ramp operator includes first and second opposed annular rings having complimentarily configured opposed ramped recesses and rolling members disposed in the recesses. Relative rotation of the annular rings translates the annular rings axially to engage the clutch assembly and transfer torque from the input shaft to the output shaft. The first annular ring is coupled to the input shaft and the second annular ring is coupled to the output shaft. A third element disposed between the first annular ring and a shoulder of the input shaft has an engagement diameter selected to minimize torque variations between the torque transfer devices.

Abstract: A mechanism for mechanically coupling a driving source and a driven member. The mechanism includes a first member coupled to the driving source and a second member coupled to the driven member. A resilient member exerts a force to bring the first and second members into pressure contact at a contact surface. A vibration is excited in the contact surface of the first member to produce a levitation force, based on an ultrasonic levitation, acting upon the second member. Frictional force between the first member and the second member is changed depending on the levitation force, thereby changing power transmitted between the first member and the second member.

Abstract: An ultrasonic clutch includes a driving element, a driven element and at least one alternating current (AC) power source. The driving element and the driven element are connected to a shaft of a driving device and an output axle of a loading, respectively. At least one of the driving element and the driven element is a piezoelectric device. When at least one of the driving element and the driven element is electrically connected to an AC power source, the near-field acoustic levitation, generated from the flexural vibration of the piezoelectric resonator above the piezoelectric resonator, occurs to push the driven element away from the driving element. Thus, the output shaft of the loading does not rotate with the axle of the driving device.

Abstract: A mechanism for mechanically coupling a driving source and a driven member. The mechanism includes a first member coupled to the driving source and a second member coupled to the driven member. A resilient member exerts a force to bring the first and second members into pressure contact at a contact surface. A vibration is excited in the contact surface of the first member to produce a levitation force, based on an ultrasonic levitation, acting upon the second member. Frictional force between the first member and the second member is changed depending on the levitation force, thereby changing power transmitted between the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A power operator for opening and closing a panel including a power module that has a motor and a gear train to transfer torque from the motor to allow for movement of the panel. The power operator includes a clutch assembly that is interconnected with the gear train. The clutch assembly includes sensors for detecting an angular speed of the clutch disks. A control module is interconnected with the clutch assembly and includes a microcontroller for adjusting an engagement force of the clutch disks using pulse width modulation such that the clutch disks are maintained in a limited slip condition.

Abstract: In a coupling arrangement for a drive arrangement and an adjustable positioning plate of a medical system, the positioning plate is adjustable at least in the direction of its longitudinal axis via the drive arrangement as well as by hand. A friction connection between the drive arrangement and the positioning plate can be produced and cancelled via the coupling arrangement such that the positioning plate can be adjusted at least in the direction of its longitudinal axis via the drive arrangement given a friction connection, and by hand given a neutralized friction connection. The coupling arrangement acts directly between the drive arrangement and the positioning plate.

Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch includes an electromagnet device housed in a rotor. The electromagnet device has a ring member having a containing chamber, a coil member having a bobbin and a coil element and housed in the containing chamber of the ring member, and a seal mechanism provided for enclosing the coil element in the containing chamber at a sealed-off condition. A desired seal mechanism is formed without using a molding resin. The productivity of manufacturing processes for the electromagnetic clutch may be increased by stopping use of a molding resin. Moreover, the proper insulation of the electromagnet device may be ensured by the desired seal mechanism.