192 clutches and power-stop control – Clutches – Automatic
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-02
2001-10-16
Marmor, Charles A (Department: 3681)
192 clutches and power-stop control
Clutches
Automatic
C192S084700
Reexamination Certificate
active
06302251
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to electromagnetic clutches for use in motor vehicle powertrain components and more specifically to an electromagnetic clutch having a rotor and armature with an unequal or asymmetric spoke patterns.
The popularity of sport utility vehicles which typically include selectable four-wheel drive systems and other vehicles such as minivans which offer similar part-time four-wheel drive systems have resulted in extensive development work on such systems and improved sophistication thereof. Whereas several years ago part-time, i.e., operator selectable, four-wheel drive systems were typically only utilized in pickup trucks and other vehicles actually likely to be used off-road and on rough terrain, four-wheel drive systems are now provided in vehicles which are outfitted comparably to near luxury vehicles and include as standard equipment such features as power windows, air conditioning, sunroofs, leather seats and sophisticated audio systems. Accompanying such up-market vehicles is an emphasis on smooth and quiet highway performance where such vehicles are most typically utilized.
Accordingly, extensive effort has been expended by purveyors in this field to provide equipment such as transfer cases which satisfy both the mechanical demands of the particular four-wheel drive system as well as the convenience and performance parameters demanded by purchasers of such vehicles. The present invention is directed to an electromagnetic clutch assembly which provides improved smooth and quiet operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An electromagnetic clutch assembly for transfer cases and other motor vehicle powertrain applications includes a friction disc clutch pack and an electromagnetic operator that applies compressive force to the clutch pack. The electromagnetic operator includes an electromagnetic coil, a rotor partially surrounding the coil, an armature and a ball ramp operator assembly that provides compressive force when the coil is energized. The rotor and armature include aligned paths or tracks of arcuate banana slots separated by webs or spokes which create a sinuous magnetic flux path and improve performance. The number of slots and thus the number of webs or spokes in the rotor and armature paths are unequal. This inequality greatly reduces pulsing associated with the repeated, simultaneous alignment and non-alignment of spokes in rotors and armatures with equal numbers of spokes and results in improved smoothness of operation and reduced noise and vibration.
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide an electromagnetic clutch assembly which provides improved smooth, non-pulsing operation.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electromagnetic clutch assembly having a rotor and armature with asymmetric banana slot and spoke patterns.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an electromagnetic clutch assembly wherein a sinuous flux path and a rotor and armature are created by banana slots with unequal or asymmetric spoke or web patterns.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an electromagnetic clutch assembly wherein a rotor and armature have banana slots and a spoke pattern wherein only a single pair of spokes in the rotor and armature are in alignment at one time.
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Croo Lyle
Fair Chad E.
Isley, Jr. Loren D.
Borg-Warner Inc.
Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione
Dziegielewski Greg
Marmor Charles A
Rodriguez Saul
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