Electromagnetic clutch comprising a selector sleeve

A method of closing and opening an electromagnetic clutch, the clutch comprising a selector sleeve which is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on a first shaft and is adapted to be shifted linearly along the first shaft between an engaged and a disengaged state, a coupling body which is aligned coaxially to the first shaft,

• wherein in the engaged state, there is a fit in a form-fitting manner between the selector sleeve and the coupling body and thus a rotary connection between the first shaft and the coupling body, and
• a stator which has a coil which serves to shift an armature ring linearly along the first shaft, the armature ring being mounted radially in an axial guide separately from the first shaft and the coupling body,
• wherein a shifting of the armature ring by the coil is also accompanied by a shifting of the selector sleeve, the method comprising the following steps:
• a) applying voltage to the coil and generating a magnetic force acting on the armature ring in a first direction;
• b) thus shifting the selector sleeve from the initial position and towards an engaged or disengaged state;
• c) canceling or reducing the magnetic force acting on the armature ring;
• and
• d) shifting the selector sleeve in a direction opposite to the direction of the magnetic force by a restoring force exerted on the selector sleeve by the clastic spring unit.