Synchronized electromagnetic single plate clutch system
AssigneeROLLS-ROYCE plc
InventorDonald Klemen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An electromagnetic clutch assembly may include a first clutch plate, a second clutch plate, and a synchronizer. The second clutch plate may define an aperture. A portion of the synchronizer may be configured to extend through the aperture. In the absence of a magnetic field, the first clutch plate and the first surface of the second clutch plate may define an air gap and the portion of the synchronizer may extend into the air gap. In response to a first magnetic field, the portion of the synchronizer may contact the first clutch plate. In response to a second magnetic field, the portion of the synchronizer may translate in the aperture toward the second clutch plate and the first clutch plate and the second clutch plate may close the air gap.
Claims18
A system, comprising:
- a first clutch plate configured to rotate about a clutch axis;
- a second clutch plate configured to rotate about the clutch axis, the second clutch plate defining at least one aperture extending substantially parallel to the clutch axis;
- at least one synchronizer configured to extend through the at least one aperture toward the first clutch plate;
- a spring configured to exert a spring force on the synchronizer in a direction toward the first clutch plate, wherein the spring is configured to compress in response to the synchronizer translating in the at least one aperture in the direction away from the first clutch plate;
- an electromagnet configured to:
- generate a first magnetic field as a first magnetic flux passing through the first clutch plate and the second clutch plate, wherein a first magnetic force of the first magnetic field is less than a spring force of the spring to close an air gap, and
- generate a second magnetic field as a second magnetic flux passing through the first clutch plate and the second clutch plate, wherein a second magnetic force of the second magnetic field is greater than the spring force of the spring to close the air gap;
- and
- processing circuitry configured to control a magnetic field generated by the electromagnet.
A system, comprising:
- at least one input shaft;
- at least one output shaft;
- and
- an electromagnetic clutch assembly between the at least one input shaft and the at least one output shaft, wherein the electromagnetic clutch assembly comprises:
- a first clutch plate coupled to the at least one input shaft, wherein the first clutch plate is configured to rotate about a clutch axis;
- a second clutch plate coupled to the at least one output shaft, wherein the second clutch plate is configured to rotate about the clutch axis, the second clutch plate defining at least one aperture extending substantially parallel to the clutch axis;
- at least one synchronizer configured to extend through the at least one aperture toward the first clutch plate;
- a spring configured to exert a spring force on the synchronizer in a direction toward the first clutch plate, wherein the spring is configured to compress in response to the synchronizer translating in the at least one aperture in the direction away from the first clutch plate;
- an electromagnet configured to:
- generate a first magnetic field as a first magnetic flux passing through the first clutch plate and the second clutch plate, wherein a first magnetic force of the first magnetic field is less than a spring force of the spring to close the air gap, and
- generate a second magnetic field as a second magnetic flux passing through the first clutch plate and the second clutch plate, wherein a second magnetic force of the second magnetic field is greater than a spring force of the spring to close the air gap;
- and
- processing circuitry configured to control a magnetic field generated by the electromagnet.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.