Viscous fluid coupling and improved valve assembly therefor
US6056098A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 4, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 2, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 4, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D35/024
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A fluid coupling device is disclosed of the type having an output coupling assembly (13) and an input coupling member (11). Control of the flow of viscous fluid between a reservoir chamber (35) and an operating chamber (33) is by rotation of a valve arm (43), to cover or uncover a fill opening (45). Rotation of the valve arm is affected by an actuator assembly (61). A raised portion (79) on a plate (73) attached to an armature (67) biases the valve arm (43) into sealing engagement with a surface (31) which defines a fill port (45,89), thus reducing fluid leakage from the reservoir (35) back into the operating chamber (33). A portion (85) which covers the fill port includes a dimple (91) which is disposed within the fill opening when the valve arm is in its closed position (FIG. 5). As the valve arm begins to move toward its open position (FIG. 6), the dimple (91) causes a camming and axial separation of the valve arm from the adjacent surface, to reduce the undesirable results of viscous drag on the valve arm.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.