초록 ▼

An electromagnetic coupler couples a first rotating element with a second element with a torque transfer between the first and second elements. The coupling is solely by a magnetic field which can be fully coupled, fully uncoupled or modulated to provide a variable transmission of power between the

An electromagnetic coupler couples a first rotating element with a second element with a torque transfer between the first and second elements. The coupling is solely by a magnetic field which can be fully coupled, fully uncoupled or modulated to provide a variable transmission of power between the first and second elements. The electromagnetic coupler comprises a set radially disposed electromagnets and a concentric set of pole pieces separated by an air gap. The magnetic field between the electromagnets and the pole pieces is increased as the current through the electromagnets is increased. At low current, there is substantial slippage between the respective driving and driven elements. With full magnetic coupling, the electromagnets and pole pieces are fully coupled or without any slippage therebetween. When the magnetic field is eliminated, there is no torque transfer between the driving and driven elements.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An apparatus having a rotatable driven shaft;a driving element driven by the rotatable shaft;a driven element for being selectively coupled to the driving element for a torque transfer with the driving element;a first electromagnetic element on the driving element;a sec

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An apparatus having a rotatable driven shaft;a driving element driven by the rotatable shaft;a driven element for being selectively coupled to the driving element for a torque transfer with the driving element;a first electromagnetic element on the driving element;a second electromagnetic element on the driven member with the coupling therebetween solely by a magnetic field for the torque transfer with-respect to the rotatable shaft;one of said electromagnetic driving and driven elements comprises a plurality of radially-extending electromagnets; andthe other one of said electromagnetic driving and driven elements comprises a plurality of pole pieces spaced radially from the radially-extending electromagnets to define an air gap therebetween across which magnetic flux may extend;an electric current device providing electrical current only to electromagnets and no substantial current to the pole pieces when generating the magnetic flux.