Dana Corporation

Warner Electric Technology, Inc.

Paul A Larson

David C Gustin

Robert L Stibbe

James A Pardee

Dwight E Booth

David C Reuter

Stephen Edward Nyquist

Robert A Olsen

A rotational coupling device drives an output synchronous with either of two inputs. The device includes a hub disposed about an axis and an output member supported on the hub for rotation about the axis. First and second input members disposed about the hub are configured to rotate in first and second rotational directions and at first and second speeds, respectively, with at least one of the directions and speeds differing. A clutch member is disposed axially between the input members and coupled to the output member. An electromagnet is on an opposite side of the second input member relative to the clutch member. When the electromagnet is deenergized, the clutch member engages the first input member and the output member rotates with the first input member. When the electromagnet is energized, the clutch member engages the second input member and the output member rotates with the second input member.

Rotational coupling device for bimodal selective output

An electromagnetically actuated friction clutch includes a rotatably driven input gear. A rotatable armature is connected to the input gear and includes a friction face and nitrocarburized outer surfaces. A pole piece has a pole face for engaging the friction face of the armature and nitrocarburized outer surfaces. An electromagnet generates an electromagnetic field to shift the armature from a disengaged position to an engaged position wherein the friction face of the armature and the pole face of the pole piece are frictionally engaged. An output shaft is driven by the input gear when the armature is in the engaged position. The nitrocarburized outer surfaces of the armature and the pole piece resist wear, while interior portions of the armature and pole piece direct magnetic flux flow along a desired path.

Nitrocarburized component for an electromagnetic friction clutch assembly

A rotor for a six-pole electromagnetic clutch includes an outer pole ring and an axially facing disc. The disc is formed with two circumferentially extending and radially spaced rows of circumferentially spaced slots, there being short circumferentially extending bridges between adjacent slots in each row. To strengthen the bridges against failure under high load and heavy wear conditions, a stainless steel reinforcing ring is brazed to the outer pole ring and the disc and transmits torque between the two. The outer edge of the disc thus may be spaced radially inwardly from the outer pole ring to establish an annular air gap which coacts with the two rows of slots to enable the rotor to possess the requisite magnetic characteristics to function in a six-pole clutch.

Rotor for electromagnetic coupling

An electromagnetic clutch includes a fixed field shell with a multiple turn coil, a rotor rotatable with and slidable along a splined input shaft, and a rotatable armature disposed in axially opposing relation with the rotor. An internally splined locking ring is coupled to rotate with the armature and is supported to rotate with and slide along a splined output shaft. When the coil is first energized, the armature is drawn into engagement with the rotor by magnetic flux and acts through the locking ring to cause the output shaft to rotate at substantially the same speed as the input shaft. Thereafter, the magnetic flux causes the rotor and the armature to move axially as a unit toward the field shell so as to shift the locking ring into meshing engagement with the input shaft and thereby couple the output shaft for rotation with the input shaft via the splined coupling.

Electromagnetic synchronizing and shifting clutch

An electromagnetic speed change apparatus is effective to shift a sleeve from a first speed position to a second against the bias of a spring. In a preferred form, the apparatus includes an armature fixed to a shifting sleeve for rotation and axial movement therewith, one end of the shifting sleeve splined to an output shaft, the opposite end of the shifting sleeve selectively engagable with an internally splined aperture positioned in one end of an input shaft or with an internally splined carrier aperture axially spaced from the input shaft end. The shifting sleeve has a minor diameter portion and a major portion larger than the minor portion. The major portion is piloted by a support member disposed in the end of the input shaft. In a preferred form, a neck bridges the major and minor diameter portions of the sleeve, and provides a limit to axial movement of the shifting sleeve whenever the neck comes into contact with the support member. Finally, in the preferred form, the biasing force of the spring is effective to cause the shifting sleeve to move to a fail-safe gear position upon failure of electromagnetic actuation.

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Belvidere, IL, United States of America

Paul A Larson