EP3100342A1

EP3100342A1 - Magnetic coupling, coupling assembly, and method

Info

Publication number: EP3100342A1
Application number: EP15714465.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Georg Bachmaier; Christian Bachmann; Matthias Gerlich; Andreas GÖDECKE; Iason Vittorias
Original assignee: Siemens AG
Current assignee: Siemens AG
Priority date: 2014-04-02
Filing date: 2015-03-31
Publication date: 2016-12-07
Also published as: CA2944544A1; RU2666771C2; RU2016142788A; CN106464119A; US20170207692A1; RU2016142788A3; CA2944544C; WO2015150411A1; DE102014206284A1; CN106464119B

Abstract

The invention relates to a magnetic coupling, comprising a first coupling part, which can be rotated about an axis of rotation, a second coupling part, which can be rotated about the axis of rotation, and at least one coil, which is designed to generate a magnetic field along the axis of rotation through the first and second coupling parts for contactless transmission of a torque between the first and second coupling parts. A magnetic coupling having a magnetic field along the axis of rotation has the advantage that forces that act on the coupling parts in a radial direction can be reduced.

Description

description

Magnetic coupling, coupling arrangement and method The present invention relates to a magnetic coupling. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a clutch assembly. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for controlling a magnetic coupling. With the help of magnetic couplings, torque can be transmitted from one shaft to another without contact. There are numerous solutions for magnetic couplings. These are often based on magnetic fields generated by permanent magnets. The simplest embodiment of a magnetic coupling consists of two mutually arranged, rotating magnets. This results in a non-contact, but not separable coupling. If one replaces one side of the clutch by a rotating field winding, the clutch can also be made switchable.

DE 10 2012 206 345 A1 discloses a magnetic coupling for coupling a first shaft to a second shaft which uses a magnetic field extending radially to the axis of rotation to transmit a torque from the first shaft to the second shaft.

Against this background, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved magnetic coupling, an improved clutch assembly and an improved method.

Accordingly, a magnetic coupling is provided with a first coupling part rotatable about a rotation axis, a second coupling part rotatable about the rotation axis and at least one coil. The coil is adapted to a magnetic field along the axis of rotation through the first and second coupling part for a non-contact Über- generating torque between the first and second coupling part.

The torque is thus transmitted from the first coupling part to the second coupling part and / or in the reverse direction. The first coupling part and / or the second coupling part may be formed, for example, as part of a shaft. Also, the first coupling part and / or the second coupling part can be connected to a shaft. Furthermore, the first and second coupling part may be magnetizable. In particular, the first coupling part and / or the second coupling part may preferably be made of a material having a magnetic permeability of> 1, preferably> 80.

In the present case, "axial" is understood to mean a direction along the axis of rotation, while "radial" is to be understood to mean a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. A non-contact transmission is understood in particular to be a contactless transmission. That is, the first coupling part and the second coupling part are not in contact with each other. In particular, the first coupling part and the second coupling part can be separated from one another by means of an axial air gap. The non-contact transmission of the torque between the first coupling part and the second coupling part can also be transmitted through a material, in particular by a non-magnetizable material.

A non-contact transmission of the torque between the first coupling part and the second coupling part has the advantage that mechanical friction losses can be reduced. This allows the torque to be transmitted more efficiently. Furthermore, mechanical abrasion on the torque-transmitting coupling parts can be avoided or reduced. This leads to a lower wear of the torque transmitting coupling parts. This can be a clutch be provided, the torque-transmitting coupling parts are less maintenance intensive.

The at least one coil or a respective presently named coil may have N windings of an electrical conductor that is configured to conduct an electrical current. The at least one coil or a respective coil mentioned in the present case can in particular be designed to generate an axial and / or radial magnetic field.

For example, the at least one coil can generate a magnetic field whose field lines run along the axis of rotation from the first coupling part to the second coupling part and vice versa. Such a magnetic field can be generated, for example, by means of a cylindrical coil whose longitudinal axis is parallel to the axis of rotation. Alternatively, the coil can also be formed by a pair of coils, such as a pair of coils in Helmholtz configuration.

The strength of the magnetic field generated by the coil is proportional to the electric current flowing through the coil. In particular, the strength of the magnetic field generated by the coil can be controlled by means of the electric current.

Magnetic couplings have in particular a negative stiffness along the magnetic field axis. The term "negative stiffness" is understood in particular to mean that a force which binds two bodies together in an attractive manner, for example, becomes stronger the closer the two bodies come to one another For example, a force that brings the two bodies closer together becomes stronger the closer the two bodies are, so it is beneficial to compensate for a negative stiffness, eg, over a bearing. A magnetic coupling with a magnetic field along the axis of rotation, ie an axial magnetic field, can in particular have the advantage that a negative

Rigidity of the magnetic coupling occurs only along the axis of rotation. That is, a force acting on the coupling parts due to the negative rigidity of the magnetic coupling occurs only along an axis, the rotation axis. That is, forces acting on the coupling parts in the radial directions can be reduced. In particular, the forces can be reduced, which are to be absorbed by radial bearings.

Another advantage of a magnetic coupling with a magnetic field generated by a coil is that by simply switching off the current flow through the coil

Transmission of a torque between the first coupling part and the second coupling part can be interrupted. Furthermore, the transmitted torque of the clutch can be regulated via the current flow or the transmitted torque can be realized as a function of an amount of the current. Thus, any torque values up to a maximum torque, for which the clutch is designed, can be adjusted via a suitable control. Preferably, the magnetic coupling is used in a mechanical energy storage or forms part of such. Such a mechanical energy storage can be used for example in an emergency generator. The energy storage can supply a generator with mechanical energy in the event of failure of the power supply network, which converts this into electrical energy, so as to provide an emergency power. The energy store may be configured to provide the energy only over a short period of time until a diesel emergency power unit has started. For example, the mechanical energy storage can provide 100 kW for up to 15 seconds. An application of the magnetic coupling in hybrid vehicles, such as hybrid buses or hybrid vehicles is conceivable. According to one embodiment, the magnetic coupling further comprises a first auxiliary coil which is adapted to generate a magnetic field along the axis of rotation, wherein the first auxiliary coil is arranged along the axis of rotation spaced from the at least one coil.

By means of a suitable control of the first additional coil and the at least one coil, in particular a magnetic bearing can be provided in the axial direction. This may in particular have the advantage that an additional bearing in the axial direction, in particular an additional magnetic bearing, can be dispensed with.

Furthermore, stray magnetic fields, for example in the radial direction, can occur in the magnetic coupling, which, for example, cause a magnetic flux density in the axial direction to be weakened. This can result in the two coupling parts moving towards or away from each other. The first additional coil can in particular be set up to change a magnetic flux density of the magnetic field such that unwanted stray fields are counteracted. For example, the magnetic field generated by the first auxiliary coil can prevent the first coupling part and the second coupling part from moving towards each other or away from each other.

Furthermore, the first additional coil may have a smaller inductance than the at least one coil. Generally speaking, a time constant of a current increase in a coil is proportional to its inductance. Since a strength of a magnetic field generated by the coil is proportional to the current flowing through the coil, a magnetic field of a coil having a smaller inductance becomes faster be changed. This has the advantage that it is possible to respond more quickly in particular to a change in a distance between the two coupling parts. According to a further embodiment, the magnetic

Clutch further comprises a second auxiliary coil which is adapted to generate a magnetic field along the axis of rotation, wherein the second auxiliary coil is arranged on the first auxiliary coil opposite side of the coil and along the axis of rotation spaced from the coil.

In particular, the second additional coil can be identical in construction to the first additional coil. Furthermore, the second auxiliary coil may also have a smaller inductance than the coil. Preferably, the second auxiliary coil may have the same inductance as the first additional coil. The second additional coil may also have the advantage that occurring stray fields can be even better compensated. For example, unwanted influences can be compensated by stray fields on the first coupling part and on the second coupling part exclusively by means of the first and second auxiliary coil. Thereby, an excitation of the at least one coil, i. an electric current flow through the coil, kept constant. This can be advantageous in particular if the magnetic field generated by the coil can only be changed relatively slowly.

According to a further embodiment, the magnetic coupling further comprises at least three additional radial coils, which are adapted to generate a magnetic field radially to the axis of rotation, wherein the at least three additional radial coils circumferentially with respect to the axis of rotation distributed around the first coupling part and / or the second Coupling part are arranged.

In particular, the at least three additional radial coils can be distributed equidistant from one another with respect to the axis of rotation be arranged. By means of the at least three additional radial coils in particular forces can be compensated, which act radially to the axis of rotation on the first coupling part and / or the second coupling part.

A magnetic coupling, which has both at least one additional coil which generates a magnetic field along the axis of rotation, and radial additional coils can realize a hybrid of a magnetic coupling for contactless transmission of torque and an active magnetic bearing. By suitable control of the coils which generate the magnetic field along the axis of rotation, both a bearing of one of the two coupling parts in the axial direction and a transmission of torque between the two coupling parts can be achieved. By suitable control of the radial additional coils, a bearing of one of the two coupling parts in the radial directions can be achieved. Such a magnetic coupling can transmit a torque in a particularly advantageous manner without contact, as well as take over a radial and axial bearing at least one of the two coupling parts. As a result, it is possible in particular to dispense with an additional bearing or additional bearings.

According to a further embodiment, the magnetic coupling has a yoke which is adapted to guide a magnetic field generated by the at least one coil.

In particular, the yoke can be made of a material which has a magnetic permeability of> 1, in particular> 80. As a result, stray fields can be further reduced.

In particular, the yoke may have the advantage that it concentrates the field lines of the magnetic field in its interior and thereby amplifies a magnetic flux Φ. There one Magnetic force F _{m is} proportional to ² / S, where S is the effective cross-sectional area of the magnetic field, by changing the magnetic flux Φ and the resulting force can be changed.

According to a further embodiment, the yoke is formed at least partially U-shaped.

In particular, the legs of the at least partially U-shaped yoke can run perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Since a magnetic force acting between at least one of the two coupling parts and the yoke is greater, the smaller the distance between the yoke and the coupling part, it may be advantageous to have a greater distance between the yoke and the first coupling part and / or the second coupling part in the radial direction to provide as in the axial direction. As a result, in particular the influence of radial stray fields can be further reduced. According to a further embodiment, the yoke further comprises at least one projection which is adapted to guide a magnetic field generated by one of the at least three additional radial coils radially with respect to the axis of rotation.

The protrusion may preferably be made of a material having a magnetic permeability greater than one. In particular, the projection may be made of the same material as the yoke. Furthermore, the projection and the yoke can be formed in one piece. Further, the at least one projection may be formed such that at least one of the at least three auxiliary coils is formed around the projection. For example, the projection may be formed as a spool core.

Preferably, the yoke for each of the at least three additional radial coils on a projection, wherein each of the projections is adapted to one of each one of at least three radial auxiliary coils generated magnetic field radially with respect to the axis of rotation to lead.

According to a further embodiment, the magnetic coupling further comprises a control device which is adapted to control an electric current flow through the at least one coil.

In general, a magnetic field generated by a coil is proportional to an electric current flowing through the coil. In particular, the magnetic flux Φ generated by a coil is also proportional to the electric current flowing through the coil. Further, a magnetic force F _{m is} proportional to Φ ² / S, where S is the effective cross-sectional area of the magnetic field. By controlling the flow of electrical current through the at least one coil, in particular the magnetic flux and the magnetic field generated can be controlled. Also, by controlling the flow of electrical current through the at least one coil, the force resulting from the generated magnetic field can be controlled. In particular, therefore, by means of the control of the electrical current flow through the at least one coil, the non-contact transmission of a torque between the first coupling part and the second coupling part can be controlled.

According to a further embodiment, the control device is set up to reverse a direction of the electric current flow through the at least one coil.

Thereby, a position of the first and / or second coupling part can be controlled in opposite directions.

It may be further advantageous if the magnetic coupling is in a saturation state, that is, an increase in an applied external magnetic field does not cause a further increase in magnetization of a material in the magnetic field, a current flow through the reverse at least one coil to counteract saturation.

According to a further embodiment, the control device is adapted to control the flow of electrical current through the at least one coil such that a distance between the first coupling part and the second coupling part is adjustable along the axis of rotation. In particular, the control device may be configured to control the distance between the first coupling part and the second coupling part along the axis of rotation. For example, a sensor may be provided which determines a value of the distance between the first coupling part and the second coupling part along the axis of rotation and provides the result of the control device. The control device may in particular be configured to control a distance between the first coupling part and the second coupling part along the axis of rotation based on the determined value.

According to a further embodiment, the control device is set up to control the flow of current through the at least one coil such that the second coupling part levitates in the magnetic field generated by the at least one coil.

For example, sensors may be provided which define a position of the second coupling part in three dimensions, for example an axial position and two radial positions with respect to the axis of rotation, and provide the results of the control device. In particular, the control device can be set up to control a current flow through the at least one coil based on the determined values. For example, in order to levitate the second coupling part, the control device can generate a current flow through two coils, which respectively generate a magnetic field along the axis of rotation, and a current flow through three coils. len, each generating a radial magnetic field. As a result, for example, a hybrid of a magnetic coupling and an active magnetic bearing can be realized. This can also have the advantage that it is possible to dispense with additional bearings which support the second coupling part. Further, control of such a hybrid magnetic coupling may advantageously control both torque transmission and position of a coupling member. As a result, for example, a number of components can be reduced. Furthermore, it may also be possible, for example, to implement damping and / or to avoid natural frequencies.

According to a further embodiment, the first coupling part has at least one first axial projection and the second coupling part has at least one second axial projection. The at least one first axial protrusion and the at least one second axial protrusion are each formed from a magnetizable material and formed such that a magnetic reluctance between the at least one first axial protrusion and the at least one second axial protrusion is minimal when the at least one first axial projection and the at least one second axial projection are aligned axially to each other.

The first axial projection and / or the second axial projection can in particular as a circular sector or as

Be formed circle segment. In this case, the term "circular sector" is understood to mean a partial area of a circular area bounded by a circular arc and two circular radii. The term "circular segment" is understood to mean a partial area of a circular area which is delimited by a circular arc and a circular chord. Further, the first coupling part and the second coupling part may each have a plurality of axial projections, which together form a profile with a periodic structure. For example, the profile can be a ring from each other having spaced circular sectors. The profile may alternatively or in addition to the ring also have a further ring having spaced circle segments. The at least one first projection is preferably mirror-image-arranged relative to the at least one second projection.

If the axial magnetic field generated by the at least one coil penetrates the two coupling parts of the magnetic coupling, magnetization can be built up in the at least one first projection and in the at least one second projection. The magnetizations of the respective protrusions may then interact with each other such that magnetic reluctance between respective protrusions is minimized. This is particularly because a state of minimum magnetic reluctance corresponds to a state with a minimum of stored magnetic energy. This state of minimum stored magnetic energy can be achieved in the described magnetic coupling when the at least one first projection and the at least one second projection are exactly axially opposite one another. In this position, a magnetic flux can flow directly from the at least one first projection to the at least one second projection, wherein a gap to be bridged thereby is minimal. If the at least one first projection and the at least one second projection are not exactly opposite one another, a larger gap must be overcome. In this case, a torque is built up, which is directed so that the at least one first projection and the at least one second projection are moved towards each other.

According to a further embodiment, the first and / or the second coupling part has at least two projections, wherein one of the at least two projections is arranged on a first side of the first coupling part, wherein the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the first side, and the other of the at least two Projections on a second side of the second coupling part is arranged, which is opposite to the first side in the axial direction.

This can in particular have the advantage that a torque can be transmitted on both sides of a coupling part. As a result, in particular a plurality of coupling parts can be arranged axially one behind the other. As a result, a torque can be transmitted particularly efficiently. According to a further embodiment, the first and / or second coupling part is rotatably mounted.

Preferably, the first coupling part is mounted axially immovable (axial fixed bearing).

Further, a clutch assembly with a drive, a flywheel and a magnetic clutch, as described above, is provided. The flywheel is coupled to the drive by means of the magnetic coupling. The first coupling part can be connected to the drive or designed as a drive. The second coupling part can with the

Flywheel connected or designed as a flywheel.

The drive can be, for example, an electric motor, which can be operated, in particular, also as a generator.

According to a further embodiment, the flywheel is arranged in a closed container and / or in a vacuum.

In particular, the container may be formed from a non-magnetizable material. Furthermore, the container may be configured as a vacuum container. As a result, for example, friction losses and / or losses can be further reduced by a flow resistance.

Furthermore, a method for controlling a magnetic coupling as described above is provided, wherein an electrical current flow is controlled such that a torque between the first and second coupling part is transmitted without contact by means of a magnetic field generated by the at least one coil along the axis of rotation.

Furthermore, a computer program product is proposed, which causes the execution of the method as explained above on a program-controlled device.

A computer program product, such as a computer program means may, for example, be used as a storage medium, e.g.

Memory card, USB stick, CD-ROM, DVD, or even in the form of a downloadable file provided by a server in a network or delivered. This can be done, for example, in a wireless communication network by transmitting a corresponding file with the computer program product or the computer program means. The embodiments and features described for the proposed device apply accordingly to the proposed method.

Further possible implementations of the invention also include not explicitly mentioned combinations of features or embodiments described above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments. The skilled person will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the invention.

Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the embodiments of the invention described below. In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail by means of preferred embodiments with reference to the enclosed figures. 1 shows a schematic partial sectional view along the axis of rotation of a magnetic coupling according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an end face of a first coupling part of the magnetic coupling from FIG. 1 ;

Fig. 3 shows a schematic sectional view along the

Rotation axis of a magnetic coupling according to another embodiment;

4 shows a schematic partial sectional view along the axis of rotation of a magnetic coupling according to a still further exemplary embodiment;

Fig. 5 shows a schematic partial sectional view along the axis of rotation of a clutch assembly according to yet another embodiment;

Figs. 6 and 7 are perspective views of arrangements of additional radial coils; and

8 shows a flowchart of a method for controlling a magnetic clutch.

In the figures, the same or functionally identical elements have been given the same reference numerals, unless stated otherwise.

1 shows a schematic partial sectional view of a magnetic coupling 100. The coupling 100 may be part of a coupling arrangement 1 shown in FIG. 3. The magnetic coupling 100 has a first coupling part 3 which is rotatable about the rotation axis 2 and which is connected by means of a shaft 4 to an electric motor (not shown). The first coupling part 3 may be in a not shown Bearings are rotatably mounted, which also provides for an axial fixation of the first coupling part 3.

The magnetic coupling 100 furthermore has a second coupling part 5 which is rotatable about the axis of rotation 2. The second coupling part 5 may be formed as a flywheel or even another component, in particular a

Flywheel, drive. In the former case, the magnetic coupling 100 forms an energy store.

The first and second coupling part 3, 5 can each have a circular-cylindrical design and a magnetizable material, for example iron. The first coupling part 3 preferably has a larger diameter than the shaft 2 and may be integrally connected thereto.

The first and second coupling part 3, 5 may have on their facing end faces 3a, 5a axial projections 3b, 5b, whose function will be explained in more detail below. Between the end faces 3a, 5a and projections 3b, 5b, a gap 14 is provided. A view of the end face 3a is shown in FIG.

The first coupling part 3 and the second coupling part 5 are surrounded by a yoke 6 made of a magnetizable material, such as pure iron, at least in sections. The yoke 6 is U-shaped in the half-longitudinal section shown and for this purpose comprises an axial section 6a and first and second radial sections 6b, 6c adjoining the ends thereof. The sections 6a, 6b, 6c are preferably rotationally symmetrical with respect to the axis of rotation 2. The sections 6b, 6c may extend radially beyond the first or second coupling part 3, 5. The clutch 100 further comprises a coil 7 (also referred to herein as "at least one coil"). The coil 7 may extend annularly around the rotation axis 2. Further For example, the coil 7 may be arranged centrally along the axis of rotation 2 between the axial sections 6b, 6c.

The coil 7 is adapted to generate a magnetic field which runs along the axis of rotation 2 through the first and second coupling part 3, 5. The yoke 6 is configured to guide the magnetic field generated by the coil 7. A principal course of the magnetic flux of the magnetic field generated by the coil 7 is shown by the line 8. By means of the magnetic field running along the axis of rotation 2, a torque between the first and second coupling part 3, 5 can be transmitted contactlessly: If the projection 3b is deflected relative to the projection 5b due to a torque applied, for example, to the shaft 4 or the first coupling part 3 , Due to the applied axial magnetic field, a torque on the second coupling part 5, which tends to the projection 5b again axially directly opposite the projection 3b to arrange.

Fig. 2 shows in perspective the end face 3a of the first coupling part 3. On the end face 3a is a plurality of projections 3b, 3b 'arranged in a circle. Each of the projections 3b, 3b 'is formed as a circular ring segment, with the respective projections 3b being spaced apart from each other. That is, between the two individual projections 3b, 3b 'is an air gap 3c, 3c'. The projections 3b may be disposed in an outer annulus K1 and the projections 3b 'in an inner annulus K2. The number of protrusions 3b in the outer annulus K1 may be greater than the number of the protrusions 3b 'in the inner annulus K2. The protrusions 3b are preferably spaced from the protrusions 3b 'by means of a radial gap R. It should be noted that the second coupling part 5 has on its front side 5a correspondingly arranged projections only partially shown. If the deflection of one of the two coupling parts 3, 5 increases, a torque increases. The maximum possible torque is achieved when the deflection between the coupling parts 3 and 5 is such that, for example, the projection 5b of the coupling part 5 is located exactly above the air gap 3c between two adjacent projections 3b of the coupling part 3. Another deflection in the same direction would mean that the sign of the torque reversed.

3 shows a schematic sectional view of a magnetic coupling 100. The magnetic coupling 100 shown in FIG. 3 has a first coupling part 3, which is connected to a shaft 4, and a second coupling part 5, which is connected to a further shaft 4a is. The two coupling parts are of a yoke 6, which is adapted to guide a generated by a coil 7 magnetic field. The first coupling part 3 comprises four sections 3e, which are arranged at a distance from each other. Likewise, the second coupling part 5 comprises four sections 5e, which are arranged between the sections 3e of the first coupling part or intervene therebetween. The sections 3e, 5e each have corresponding projections 3b, 3d, 5b, 5d on opposite sides.

FIG. 4 shows a magnetic coupling 100 which, in contrast to FIG. 1, has a first auxiliary coil 9 and a second auxiliary coil 10. The additional coils 9, 10 may each extend annularly around the rotation axis 2.

The first auxiliary coil 9 is arranged, for example, adjacent to the first, radial portion 6a. As a result, the first additional coil 9 can, for example, change a magnetic flux in this region or in the region of the free end 6d of the first, radial section 6a. For example, an increase in the magnetic flux 8 in the region between the yoke 6 and the first coupling part 3 can lead to a magnetic flux 8 resulting from the magnetic flux 8 Force, which moves the two coupling parts 3, 5 towards each other, shown in Fig. 4 by the arrow 11, is amplified. The second auxiliary coil 10 opposite the first auxiliary coil 9 is arranged, for example, adjacent to the section 6c. As a result, the second additional coil 9 can, for example, change a magnetic flux in this region or in the area of the free end 6e of the second, radial section 6c. For example, an increase in the magnetic flux 8 in the region between the yoke 6 and the second coupling part 5 may result in a magnetic force resulting from the magnetic flux 8, which moves the two coupling parts 3, 5 away from each other, in FIG the arrow 12 is shown, is amplified.

For an efficient torque transmission between the first and second coupling part 3, 5, it is advantageous if a distance A or a width of the gap 14 between the two coupling parts 3, 5 can be controlled. These are the

Coil 7, the first auxiliary coil 9 and the second auxiliary coil 10 connected to a control device 13 via control lines 15. The control device 13 is in particular configured to control an electric current flow through the coil 7, the first additional coil 9 and the second auxiliary coil 10.

Further, the magnetic coupling 100 may include a sensor (not shown) measuring the distance A between the two coupling parts 3, 5. The controller 13 may then be configured to control the flow of electrical current based on the measured distance A. As a result, in particular a magnetic bearing function, for example for the second coupling part 5, can be achieved in the axial direction. In particular, the control device 13 may be configured to control a position of the second coupling part 5 such that it levitates. In addition, it is noted that gravity in the figures in the direction the lower edge of the sheet may have, but as well as other orientations of the coupling 100 with respect to gravity are possible. The control device 13 may also reverse a direction of electrical current flow through the coil 7, the first auxiliary coil 9 and / or the second auxiliary coil 10. As a result, the distance A can be flexibly controlled and, if necessary, a saturation of the magnetic flux 8 counteracted.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic partial sectional view of a clutch assembly 1 according to an embodiment.

The clutch assembly 1 has a drive 17, a magnetic clutch 100 and a flywheel 18. According to the embodiment, the flywheel 18 is formed as a separate part and is driven by the second coupling part 5. In particular, the flywheel 18 and the second coupling part 5 may be integrally formed.

In a first operating mode, the drive 17, for example an electric motor, stores energy in the flywheel 18. In a second operating mode, the energy is removed from the

Flywheel 18 is provided on the drive 17. Preferably, a corresponding electric motor 17 can also be operated as a generator in the second operating mode. The switching between the first and second operating mode is preferably carried out by means of the control device 13. To minimize friction losses, the second coupling part 5 together with the flywheel 18 may be arranged in a vacuum. For this purpose, the second coupling part 5 together with the flywheel 18 can be accommodated in an evacuated container 21. The container wall may be formed of plastic or other permeable to the magnetic field 8 material.

The above statements apply equally to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 4. The magnetic coupling 100 according to FIG. 5 has a plurality of additional radial coils 19, wherein in FIG. 3 only one additional radial coil 19 is shown. The radial additional coils 19 are circumferentially distributed around the flywheel 18 with respect to the axis of rotation 2. Possible arrangements for the additional radial coils 19 are shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

The radial additional coils 19 generate, when they are traversed by an electric current, a magnetic field radially to the rotation axis 2. In particular, allow the radial additional coils 19 forces to compensate, which is radial to the axis of rotation 2 on the first coupling part 3 and / or the second coupling part 5 or the flywheel 18 act. The radial additional coils 19 are arranged in each case around a projection 20 of the yoke 6, which is preferably made of the same material as the yoke 6.

1, the spool 7 (hereinafter also referred to as "at least one spool") is disposed adjacent to the second radial portion 6c Further, in particular, only an auxiliary spool 8 is provided adjacent to the first radial portion 6b is arranged.

The magnetic coupling 100 of the coupling arrangement 1 furthermore has a control device 13 which controls an electric current flow via the control lines 14, 15, 16 in the coil 7, the first additional coil 9 and in each of the additional radial coils 19. In particular, the control device 13 may be configured to control a position of the flywheel 18 such that the flywheel 18 levitates.

Thereby, the flywheel 18 can be supported in both the axial direction and the radial directions. Thus, a hybrid of a magnetic coupling for non-contact transmission of a torque and an active magnetic bearing can be realized. 6 and 7 show schematic views of arrangements of the radial additional coils 19 according to a section IV of Fig. 5th

FIG. 6 shows an arrangement of three additional radial coils 19, which are arranged distributed circumferentially around the first coupling part 3 with respect to the axis of rotation 2. Each of the three additional radial coils 19 is arranged around a radial projection 20 of the yoke 6 directed towards the rotation axis 2.

FIG. 7 shows an arrangement of four additional radial coils 19, which are arranged distributed circumferentially about the first coupling part 3 with respect to the axis of rotation 2. Each of the four additional radial coils 19 is arranged around a projection 20 of the yoke 6.

Fig. 8 shows a flowchart of a method for controlling a magnetic clutch. In the method, in a first step S1, an electric current flow is controlled such that a torque between the first and second coupling part 3, 5 of the magnetic coupling 100 is transmitted without contact by means of a magnetic field generated by a coil 7 along the axis of rotation 2. Optionally, the method may comprise a second step S2, in which additionally an electric current flow is controlled by at least one additional coil 9, 10. Furthermore, the method can have an optional third step S3, in which additionally an electric current flow is controlled by at least three additional radial coils 19.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to embodiments, it is variously modifiable.

Claims

claims

1. Magnetic coupling (100), with

a first coupling part (3) which can be rotated about an axis of rotation (2),

a about the rotational axis (2) rotatable, the second coupling part (5), and

at least one coil (7, 9, 10, 19) which is adapted to a magnetic field along the axis of rotation (2) through the first and second coupling part (3, 5) for a non-contact transmission of torque between the first and second coupling part (3, 5).

2. Magnetic coupling according to claim 1,

characterized,

in that the magnetic coupling (100) further comprises a first auxiliary coil (9) which is adapted to generate a magnetic field along the axis of rotation (2), the first auxiliary coil (9) being disposed along the axis of rotation (2) of the at least one Spool (7) is arranged at a distance.

3. A magnetic coupling according to claim 2,

characterized,

in that the magnetic coupling (100) further comprises a second auxiliary coil (10) which is adapted to generate a magnetic field along the axis of rotation (2), the second auxiliary coil (10) being mounted on the first auxiliary coil (9). opposite side of the at least one coil (7) and along the axis of rotation (2) of the at least one NEN coil (7) is arranged spaced.

4. Magnetic coupling according to one of claims 1 - 3, characterized

in that the magnetic coupling (100) further comprises at least three radial auxiliary coils (19) which are adapted to generate a magnetic field radially to the axis of rotation (2), wherein the at least three additional radial coils (19) extend circumferentially with respect to the axis of rotation (2) around the first coupling part (3) and / or the second coupling part (5) are arranged distributed.

5. Magnetic coupling according to one of claims 1 - 4, characterized by

a yoke (6) adapted to guide a magnetic field generated by the at least one coil (7).

6. Magnetic coupling according to claim 5,

characterized,

that the yoke (6) is at least partially U-shaped.

7. A magnetic coupling according to claim 5 or 6,

characterized,

in that the yoke (6) furthermore has at least one projection (20) which is set up to guide a magnetic field generated by one of the at least three additional radial coils (19) radially with respect to the axis of rotation (2).

8. Magnetic coupling according to one of claims 1-7, characterized

in that the magnetic coupling (100) furthermore has a control device (13) which is set up to control an electric current flow through the at least one coil (7).

9. A magnetic coupling according to claim 8,

characterized,

in that the control device (13) is set up to reverse a direction of electrical current flow through the at least one coil (7).

10. A magnetic coupling according to claim 8 or 9,

characterized,

in that the control device (13) is set up to control the flow of electrical current through the at least one coil (7). to be controlled so that a distance between the first coupling part (3) and the second coupling part (5) along the rotation axis (2) is adjustable, and / or

in that the control device (13) is set up to control the flow of current through the at least one coil (7) such that the second coupling part (5) levitates in the magnetic field generated by the at least one coil (7).

11. Magnetic coupling according to one of claims 1 - 10, characterized in that

in that the first coupling part (3) has at least one first axial projection (3b, 3d) and the second coupling part (5) has at least one second axial projection (5b, 5d), wherein the at least one first axial projection (3b, 3d) and the at least one second axial projection (5b, 5d) each formed from a magnetizable material and are formed such that a magnetic reluctance between the at least one first axial projection (3b, 3d) and the at least one second axial projection (5b, 5d) is minimal, when the at least one first axial projection (3b) and the at least one second axial projection (5b) are aligned axially to each other.

12. Magnetic coupling according to one of claims 1 - 11, characterized

that the first and / or second coupling part (3, 5) is rotatably mounted.

13. Coupling arrangement (1) with

a drive (17),

a flywheel (18) and

A magnetic coupling (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. Coupling arrangement according to claim 13,

characterized,

the flywheel (18) is arranged in a closed container and / or in a vacuum.

15. A method for controlling a magnetic coupling (100) according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein an electrical

Current flow is controlled such that a torque between the first and second coupling part (3, 5) by means of one of the at least one coil (7, 9, 10, 19) along the axis of rotation (2) generated magnetic field is transmitted without contact.