Liquid friction coupling

US4386585A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Fichtel & Sachs · DE

Inventors

• Friedrich Kittel · Schweinfurt, DE
• Kurt Fadler · Niederwerrn, DE
• Peter Anders · Berlin, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 21, 1982
• Grant date: Jun 7, 1983
• Expiry date: Jan 21, 2002

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16D35/022
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A liquid friction coupling is provided for driving a fan wheel in connection with the cooling system of an internal combustion engine. The liquid friction coupling is manufactured as a pre-assembled unit. The unit comprises a shaft, a rotor fastened on the shaft and a shear liquid housing rotatably mounted on the shaft and enclosing the rotor. A partition wall defines two working spaces within the housing. This partition wall is provided with an opening. A valve lever is associated with said opening for selectively closing or clearing said opening so as to vary the torque transmission between the rotor and the housing. The valve lever is actuated, e.g. by a bi-metallic actuator member, subject to external temperature. The shaft is provided with a central bore. A fastening screw passes said central bore for fastening said shaft to a rotating member driven by the engine. The end of the screw which is remote from the engine is easily accessible for a tightening key. Components which cover the screw head are either provided with openings permitting access to the screw head or such components are easily fittable to the unit.