Hydrodynamic coupling

US4073139A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Voith Getriebe KG · DE

Inventors

• Waldemar Armasow
• Hans Lindenthal · Heidenheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 17, 1977
• Grant date: Feb 14, 1978
• Expiry date: Mar 17, 1997

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16D33/08
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A hydrodynamic coupling wherein the radially outermost region of the working circuit communicates with one or more radially inwardly extending channels defined by a casing which surrounds the impeller or runner element or by the casing and one of these elements. The casing has one or more openings located radially inwardly of the normal liquid level in the working circuit and in the channel or channels. These openings discharge working fluid which flows in the channel or channels radially inwardly in response to abrupt rise of fluid pressure in the working circuit as a result of abrupt change in RPM, particularly sudden acceleration of the impeller element. The outflowing fluid reduces the magnitude of transmitted torque, and the upper limit of such torque is determined by the distance between the radially outermost portion(s) of the opening(s) and the common axis of the impeller and runner elements.