Magnetic devices

Claim 2

In a magnetic coupling device a magnetizing field structure comprising an annular magnetic core formed of at least one flat strip of magnetic material having a series of spaced holes and folded at and between said holes accordion-wise so that each fold has a slot anD said core has a continuous channel in one side thereof, and a cooperating electrical coil for magnetizing said core disposed in said channel.

Claim 3

The combination of claim 1 wherein said core comprises two or more strips of magnetic material disposed in series with each other.

Claim 4

The combination of claim 2 wherein each end of one strip is connected to the adjacent end of another strip.

Claim 5

The combination of claim 2 wherein the ends of said strip are connected by interlocking folds of said strip.

Claim 6

The combination of claim 4 wherein the end fold of one strip is interlocked with an end fold of another strip.

Claim 7

The combination of claim 1 wherein said one side extends transversely of the center axis of said core.

Claim 8

The combination of claim 1 wherein said one side constitutes the inner periphery of said core.

Claim 9

The combination of claim 1 wherein said magnetic coupling device is a clutch.

Claim 10

The combination of claim 1 wherein said magnetic coupling device is a brake.

Claim 11

The combination of claim 1 wherein said magnetic coupling device comprises a first magnetic member and a second magnetic member mounted for rotation related to said first magnetic member, and said magnetizing field structure is mounted so that when said coil is energized the flux of the resulting magnetic field passes through and links said first and second magnetic members.

Claim 12

The combination of claim 10 wherein said first and second magnetic members are separated by a gap and further including a fluid magnetic medium in said gap, said gap located so that when said coil is energized said medium is magnetized and provides a torque-transmitting connection between said magnetic members.

Claim 13

The combination of claim 10 wherein said first magnetic member has a pair of spaced pole members and said second magnetic member comprises a shaft and a disc extending into the space between said pole members, a fluid magnetic medium in said space, and sealing means having sealing contact with said first and second magnetic members for confining said fluid magnetic medium in said space.

Claim 14

The combination of claim 12 wherein said fluid magnetic medium is a supply of magnetic particles.

Claim 15

The combination of claim 12 wherein said first magnetic member is secured against rotation relative to said magnetizing field structure.

Claim 16

The combination of claim 12 wherein said first magnetic member is mounted for rotation relative to said magnetizing field structure.

Claim 17

A magnetic device comprising first and second magnetic members mounted for rotation relative to one another and having confronting surfaces spaced from each other to form an air gap therebetween, magnetic particles in said gap, and a magnetizing field structure comprising an annular magnetic core and an electrical coil, said field structure positioned so that when said coil is energized a magnetic field is produced which magnetically polarizes said core, said magnetic members and said particles so that said particles provide a torque-transmitting connection between said magnetic members, said core comprising at least one flat strip of magnetic material with perforations folded accordion-wise and having a continuous channel in one side thereof defined by folded portions of said at least one strip having said perforations.

Claim 18

A magnetic device comprising first and second magnetic members mounted for rotation relative to one another and having confronting surfaces spaced from each other to form an air gap therebetween, magnetic particles in said gap, and a magnetizing field structure comprising an annular magnetic core and an electrical coil, said field structure positioned so that when said coil is energized a magnetic field is produced which magnetically polarizes said core, said magnetic members and said particles so that said particles provide a torque-transmitting connection between said magnetic members, said core comprising at least one flat strip of magnetic material with perforations folded accordion-wise and having a continuous channel in one side thereof defined by folded portions of said at least one strip having said perforations.

Claim 19

A magnetic device according to claim 16 wherein said channel has a rectangular or square cross-section.

Claim 20

A magnetic device according to claim 16 wherein said field structure surrounds said first and second magnetic members.

Claim 21

A magnetic device according to claim 16 with spaces between adjacent folds of said at least one strip.

Claim 22

A magnetic device according to claim 16 further including an insulating medium between adjacent folds of said at least one strip.

Claim 23

A magnetic device according to claim 16 wherein said insulating medium comprises a coating on opposite surfaces of said at least one strip.