ELECTROMAGNETICALLY OPERATED FRICTION CLUTCH

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electromagnetically operated friction clutch having a clutch engaging part whose outer surface can endure wear caused by friction without producing large magnetic flux resistance. SOLUTION: A rotatable armature 14 is connected to an input gear 11 and has a friction surface 15 and a carbo-nitrified outer surface. A magnetic pole member 18 has a magnetic pole surface 20 engaged with the friction surface 15 of the armature 14 and a carbo-nitrified outer surface. An electromagnet 22 generates an electromagnetic field at the engaging position of the friction surface 15 of the armature 14 and the magnetic pole member 18 of the magnetic pole surface 20 so that it moves the armature 14 from a separating position. When the armature 14 is at the engaging position, an output shaft 12 is driven by an input gear 11. The carbo-nitrified outer surfaces of the armature 14 and the magnetic pole member 18 can endure wear but the inner surfaces of the armature 14 and the magnetic pole member 18 direct the flow of magnetic flux along a desired path.