Patent ID: 6682430
Filing Date: 2004-01-27
Classification: H02K,Y10T

Abstract:
An adjustable magnetic coupler comprising:first and second rotary shafts at least substantially aligned along a rotary axis; a transfer plate fixed with respect to the first rotary shaft to rotate as a unit therewith about the rotary axis; a hub disposed around the first rotary shaft and being slidably engaged therewith to move axially along at least a portion of the length of the first rotary shaft, the hub being configured to rotate with the first rotary shaft about the rotary axis; a first rotor fixed to the hub to slide axially as a unit therewith with respect to the first rotary shaft and to rotate as a unit therewith about the rotary axis, the first rotor being rotatably fixed with respect to the transfer plate and the first rotary shaft such that rotation of the first rotary shaft results in rotation of the first rotor; a second rotor fixedly coupled to the second rotary shaft to rotate as a unit therewith about the rotary axis; one of the first and second rotors having a body with magnetic material circumferentially spaced thereabout; the other of the first and second rotors having a body with non-ferrous electroconductive material circumferentially spaced thereabout; a push-pull mechanism coupled to the hub and operable to move the hub and the first rotor axially with respect to the first rotary shaft to adjust a spacing distance between the first rotor and the second rotor, the push-pull mechanism being configured not to rotate with the hub or the first shaft; and a bearing positioned between the push-pull mechanism and the hub to allow the hub to rotate with the first rotary shaft, reducing the likelihood of seizure or wear between the two.