The invention relates to a drive system transmitting magnetic torque without mechanic contact between the rotating parts and operating essentially as a coupling and connection means for transmitting rotary motion between at least two or more rotating axles.

The system according to the invention effects a magnetic connection between at least two rotating units without any mechanic contact between them so that the revolution number of any rotating unit can be chosen arbitrarily. Background of the invention

In case of traditional coupling systems in clutch systems for example transferring torque between the elements or devices a mechanic contact is needed between the two or more rotating units or devices, in which the peripheral speed of the driving rotating unit or wheel and the driven rotating unit or units or wheels are identical, whether geared drives systems, friction- disc drive system or belt driven system are.

In said driving systems, however, the mechanic contact between the driving and driven units in some cases may be disadvantageous. Sooner or later an abrasion of the parts may appear decreasing or even eliminating the efficiency of the torque transmission, besides it could need appropriate maintenance during operation. An overload of the system may cause even a total break-down of the transfer system. The use of such systems may be difficult in a dangerous or agressive environment as well. In this last case there are solutions eliminating this problem by combining mechanic and magnetic connection elements in order to avoid the getting of mechanic connection elements into the agressive medium. These systems are, however, very costly due to the fine-dimension processing of the mechanical elements needed. Summary of the invention

The object of the invention is to develop a system for transmission torque which does not need special maintenance, can be operated cost- efficiently and which ensures that no break could happen in any of the rotating units in case of a jamming, i.e. this system can inhibit the breakup of motion transmission in case of an overload or blocking without causing any damage in the system.

The recognition of the invention lies in that in case of at least two rotating parts, e.g. instead geared systems instead of a mechanic contact, a magnetic connection and coupling is developed between the driven and the driving axles. For magnetic coupling and connection permanent magnets or electromagnets can be used, but the system can be also of a hybrid nature, in which one of the rotating parts contains electromagnets, the other one permanent magnets so that there is no need for a mechanic contact between the rotating parts e.g. wheels being in connection with each other. This solution has several advantages. One of them is that in the drive system according to the invention the peripheral speeds of the driven and driving wheels have not to be identical, different revolution numbers and rotation directions can be simply realized.

Thus the subject of the invention is a drive system transmitting magnetic torque developing a motion transmission between at least two rotating units without mechanic contact.

The essence of the invention consists in the arrangement that the two rotating units are placed so that the axis of the first rotating unit, preferably a first wheel is perpendicular to the axis of at least one second rotating unit, e.g. to the axis of a second wheel. The first rotating unit contains magnets in an even number arranged in at least in two parallel rows perpendicular to axis of the first rotating unit so that the magnets being in each row have alternating polarities with a free space between them. Rows above each other are arranged so that the magnets in one row are opposed above the free spaces in the other row of magnets. On the second rotating part, e.g. on the second wheel, magnets of an even number are arranged so, at least in one row around a circular arc with alternating polarity, that there is a free space between the magnets the widths of the spaces are identical with the thickness of the magnets being on the first rotating unit, e.g. on a wheel.

Preferably, the first and/or both rotating units are provided expediently, but not obligatorily, with a shield made of iron or of a similar material.

The material of the parts of the rotating units including the magnets should not interact with the magnets, e.g. they should be made of wood, plastic, specific alloys, etc.

The form of the rotating units may be cylindrical, conical, disc or wheel forms.

Magnets may be permanent magnets or electromagnets or the combination of those, their cross-section may be circular, oval or angular.

In one of the preferred embodiment of the first rotating unit the magnets are arranged in several rows.

In another preferred embodiment the mantle of the first rotating unit and the radius of the curvature of the second rotating unit are identically arched, thus the two rotating units can be placed nearer to each other.

Preferably, the magnets on the second rotating unit are placed parallel to each other, and situated on disc-like elements being in a given distance from each other, the magnets can be expediently but not obligatorily separated from each other by shields made of iron.

It is also preferred if around the first rotating unit several numbers of second rotating units are arranged being in contact with each other, which contact may be a magnetic or a universal coupling contact. Brief description of the drawings

In what follows, the invention will be introduced in detail by means of the Figures enclosed.

Figure 1 is the side-view of the first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is the top-view of the same embodiment without a protecting shield;

Figure 3 is the top-view of the same embodiment with a protecting shield; Figure 4 shows the top-view of an exemplary embodiment of the second disc;

Figure 5 shows the top-view of the second disc of the first embodiment in another exemplary embodiment;

Figure 6 is the side-view of the second embodiment;

Figure 7 is the side-view of the third embodiment;

Figure 8 shows the top-view of the third embodiment,

Figure 9 shows the side-view of a fourth embodiment,

Figure 10 illustrates the perspective view of the fourth embodiment;

Figure 1 1 is the top-view of the fifth embodiment of the invention,

Figure 12 is the side-view of the sixth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 13 is the top-view of the seventh embodiment of the invention; Figure 14 shows the side-view of this embodiment of the invention;

Figure 15 is the side-view of the eighth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 16 shows the top-view of the exemplary arching of the second wheel in the first embodiment following the arc of the first disc.

Detailed description of the drawings

In Figures 1., 2. and 3. the rotating units of the first exemplary embodiment of the drive system mediating magnetic torque without mechanic contact is shown in side- and top-views. The operating principle and recognition of the invention will be shown by means of this simplest embodiment.

The driving system shown in Fig. 1 contains two rotating units, a first disc 2 and a second disc 1 which, according to the invention, are capable effect a rotation transmission, i.e. a torque transmission between two devices by means of a magnetic connection without any mechanic contact. Thus, the system comprises essentially at least two parts, a driving part and a driven part. Any of discs 1 or 2 may function as the driven or the driving part.

In the first embodiment, one of the rotating parts contains a first disc 2 having three axes, where axis 3 is perpendicular to disc 2, on which magnets 5 and 6 are arranged in at least two rows so that between the magnets in one row, free spaces 9 are left between magnets 5 and 23 being in one row, and free spaces 10 are situated between the magnets 6 and 22. The magnetic polarities of magnets 5 and 23 being in one row, and that of magnets 6 and 22 being in another row are of opposite directions. Another part of the drive system is formed by a second disc 1 arranged so that its axis 4 is essentially perpendicular to axis 3 of the first disc 2. The second disc 1 contains magnets 7 arranged on its mantle side by side in one row so that between magnets 7 free spaces 8 are left, and the polarities of consecutive magnets 7 are opposite to each other. The size of free spaces 8 is essentially identical with the thickness of magnets 5 and 6. However, they may be even smaller or larger. This is mainly possible if the length of magnets 7 of second disc 1 is not identical with that of the length of magnets 5 and 6 of first disc 2. The number of magnets 7 being in one row on second disc 1 , as well as that of magnets 5 and 6 built into second disc 1 should always be even.

The operation principle of the driving and motion transfer system according to the invention is based on the experience that magnets mounted onto two, or even several (as will be illustrated later on) separated rotating parts, e.g. the magnets 5 and 6 installed onto the first disc 2 and the magnets 7 installed on the second disc 1 , by the effect of an external force intrude into the magnetic fields of each other so that they either attract or repel each other bringing thus the transmission of the rotary motion to life. As the effect of an external power enforcing rotary motion, magnets 5 and 6 of the driven first disc 2 or magnets 7 of the driven second disc 1 attack essentially perpendicularly to the rotation direction of the second disc 1 or the second disc 1 the 7 magnets of disc 1 or magnets 5 and 6 of first disc 2 to be rotated, and intrude into their magnetic field. By the drive according to the invention, different revolution numbers or rotation directions can be arbitrarily chosen always according to the given task or aim, and even in case of a big difference between the diameters of rotating parts being in magnetic connection with each other, the operation of the system can be realized without any problem. The magnetic fields of magnets 5 and 6 of first disc 2 and those of the magnets 7 of second disc 1 being in an interaction with each other cross each other perpendicularly so that one of them can enforce the other one to a rotary motion only in one direction, thus they are suitable to adjust each other so that no losses or anomalies causing breaking can happen. To realise this, the essentially perpendicular direction of intersection is necessary. Magnets 7 of second disc 1 are parallel to the magnets 5 and 6 of first disc 2, but in given cases they can be arranged to each other in angles 0-45° , i.e. during motion, they cross the magnetic field of each other in this angle range.

The arrangement of magnets 5 and 6 situated in two rows is so that magnets 6 are arranged approximately above the free spaces 9 between two magnets 5. Figures 1 -3 show also two shields 28 and 29 made expediently of iron, which cover the bottom part and upper parts of second disc 2.

In Fig. 4 another embodiment of the second disc 1 is shown in its top- view. In this embodiment, magnets 7 are placed in several rows below each other, and between the rows of magnets 7 shields 32 made of an iron plate are situated. The magnets 7 have here a circular cross section. However, any other form of cross sections can also be used, e.g. in Fig. 5 an embodiment is shown in which magnets 7 have rectangular cross sections. Magnets 7 of the second disc 1 can have also arbitrary cross sections, such as circular, oval, square, rectangular, rhomboid, triangular, trapezoidal, etc. The number of rows of magnets 7 in one plane on second disc 1 do not have to be identical with the number of magnets 5 and 6 being in a row on the second disc 2 . The difference between the number of rows of magnets 7 and the number of magnets 5 and 6 in each row results in the different revolution numbers of the first disc 1 and the second disc 1 . Such for the two rotating parts different speed can be achieved relative to each other.

In Fig. 6 an embodiment is to be seen where the first disc 2 contains magnets 5 and 6 arranged in four rows with polarities mentioned earlier so that the curvature of its mantle has a given bend. In this case, the first disc 2 should be designed so that its radius of curvature follows the radius of curvature of the second disc 1 up to its perpendicular symmetry axis 26. Naturally, in practice, only the case can be realized that one of the discs, the first disc 2 fits the curvature of the mantle of second disc 1 , both of them could not fulfil this requirement. The advantage of this embodiment is that the distance between magnets 7 of the second disc 1 and magnets 5 and 6 of the first disc 2 can be reduced increasing thereby the efficiency and the interruption stability between the two discs 1 and 2. Magnets 5, 6 and 7 of different cross sections can be used also in this embodiment.

In Figures 7, 8 and 9 an embodiment is shown in a top- and two side- views in which magnets 5 and 6 are arranged in two rows with alternating polarities so that between them free spaces 9 and 10 are formed the lengths of which may be identical with the lengths of magnets 5, 6 and 7, but they may be also smaller, as in the exemplary embodiment. The revolution direction of the first disc 2 relative to that of the second disc 1 is determined by the positions of magnets 5 and 6, whether to the south pole of magnet 6 in the first disc 2 the north or the south pole of magnet 5 is fitted. The figures show also axes 3 and 4, as well as shields 28, 29 and 25.

In the exemplary embodiments shown the two rotating parts being in a magnetic rotation connection are discs. However, depending on the application field, they may be sticks, cylinders or discs, even may have a conical form. Such an example is shown in Fig. 10. The first disc 2 here makes a casing 27 capable of rotating in a bearing block 24, and the second disc 1 is situated in the internal part of the first disc 2 - which is marked here as casing 27, but in fact, it is another embodiment of disc 2 - so that in contrast to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 in which the second disc 1 has a contact with the first disc 2 only at an external point, here the second disc 1 has a magnetic connection with the first disc 2 at two points.

Figure 1 1 is an embodiment in which more, in the example embodiment six pieces of second discs 2 are in connection with one single first disc 2.

Second discs 1 are in a joint coupling with each other, multiplying thereby - here making a six-fold - transmission moment of the clutch.

Figure 12 shows an embodiment in which one single second disc 1 is coupled to three first disc 2. The lengths of magnets 7 of the second disc 1 or its rows of magnets have not to be identical with the length of magnets 5 and 6 built into the first disc 2. In order to achieve a balanced rotating motion it may be advantageous to divide the second disc 1 into more segments so that shorter magnets 7 are built into it. Figures 13 and 14 show such an embodiment in top- and side- views, respectively. In this embodiment the segments forming the second disc

1 and covering even more magnets of the first disc 2 are fixed in larger distances from each other on the same axis. Due to the smaller surface of shorter magnets 7, this system can be loaded with lower moment- than in case of longer magnets, however, the moment necessary for developing rotation is also smaller, and with this system we can create a well-balanced, regular rotating motion.

If the number of magnets 6 being in a row in the first disc 2 is smaller than that of the rows of magnets 7 in the second disc 1 , then, in spite of the fact that its diameter owing to the form and arrangement of the magnets is larger than that of the second disc 1 , its revolution number is larger than that of the second disc 1 , and vice versa. The raw material of discs 1 and 2, or that of other housings serving the building in of magnets should be so that they do not interact with the magnetic fields of the magnets. Such materials are e.g. wood, plastic or some alloys. The aim of using shields 28, 29 and 25 is shielding and ensuring thereby higher efficiency. The same function is solved by shield 32 in embodiments shown in Figures 4. and 5. These separating shields have not to be applied in embodiments shown in Figures 12. and 13.

Figure 15 illustrates an embodiment where one single drive, the second disc 1 rotates four pieces of first discs 2 so that the rotation direction of discs

2 arranged above each other are the opposite relative to each other, even when the rotation direction of the second disc 1 does not change. All this depends on the arrangement of magnets 5 and 6 built into the first discs 2.

In Fig. 16, the arching of the second disc 1 in the first embodiment is shown as a further embodiment in top-view as it follows the curvature of the first disc 2 ensuring thereby a smaller gap, and consequently a stronger magnetic coupling between the two discs 1 and 2.

The magnets applied may be permanent magnets, electromagnets or even the combination of thereof.

Thus, with this invention a contact-free, e.g. mechanic contact free, motion transmission system can be realised, in which a rotation motion can be effected by interacting discs with each other magnetically only. This system does not require lubrication in the contact range of two rotating parts, thus an abrasion-free, silent, cheap device can be created which, if necessary, can operate also in dangerous environment too. The device itself serves also as a shot-off element, since at a sudden overload the rotation motion transmission breaks without causing damages the whole system.

By using the motion transmission system according to the invention, driving systems can also be realized which have been impossible with the traditional geared systems, i.e. that the revolution number of a rotating disc (cogwheel) of a much bigger diameter could be identical or even much higher than that of another, much smaller rotating disc (cogwheel), by rotating it so that work and the connection occurs at the rims of both discs by a continuous magnetic connection.

A further advantage is that the device is developing connection and transfers rotation between two, essentially perpendicular axes, and in contrast to traditional cogwheel connections, where the rotation direction of the two cogwheels are opposite, in the device according to the invention, this can be chosen arbitrarily, which means that the connecting two parts may rotate either in the same or in the opposite direction.

The drive according to the invention is suitable for connecting the rotation of two or more axles with identical or different revolution numbers. One driving disc 2 is capable of rotating even more driven discs 1 so that the driven discs 1 may have identical or opposite rotation directions. Thus a system can be realized by which e.g. generators can be rotated having no stators any more, only rotors rotating in the opposite direction. The same procedure can be applied also in rotary piston compressors and piston pumps, in which one of their main parts was a stator and the other one was rotated around it. In the present case both main parts make rotary motions around each other, creating thereby a double revolution speed. Hermetically closed tanks or reservoirs can be operated from outside, e.g. in case of dangerous plant or in case of danger of pollution. The invention can also be applied in ship propellers, in driving electric cars, in generators, wind power plants, pumps, etc. It can be used in every field where continuous rotation is the essential condition, and not a precision stepping control.