Electromagnetic clutch having a structure for reducing impact noise

Abstract

An electromagnetic clutch according to the present invention includes a first rotatable member which is rotatably supported on a first bearing. The first rotatable member is connected to an external driving source and has an axial magnetic end plate. A second rotatable member is connected to a driven member. An annular magnetic member is supported on the second rotatable member through a plurality of leaf springs so as to be capable of axial movement and faces the axial end plate of the rotatable member with an axial gap therebetween. A third rotatable member is connected to the second rotatable member to limit the axial movement of the annular magnetic member. An electromagnet is associated with one of rotatable members and the annular magnetic member for transmitting rotational force from the external driving source to the other of the rotatable members by pulling the annular magnetic member into contact with the end plate. A coupling device couples the annular magnetic member to the third rotatable member. An elastic member is disposed between the coupling device and the outer end surface of the third rotatable member for reducing vibration and impact noise at the time of attraction in the axial direction of said annular magnetic member to the magnetic end plate of said first rotatable member.