Viscous clutch
US7938240B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 28, 2006 |
| Grant date | May 10, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 19, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D35/024
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A viscous clutch assembly (100) includes a rotational input structure (110), a rotor (104) attached to the rotational input structure (110), a selectively rotatable member (102) surrounding the rotor (104) and rotatably supported by the rotational input structure (110), an electromagnetic coil (108) positioned relative to a driven side of the rotor (104), a valve assembly (106) supported by the rotor (104), and a magnetic flux circuit for controlling the valve assembly (106) with magnetic flux generated by the electromagnetic coil (108). The valve assembly (106) includes a cover plate (140) for regulating flow of a shear fluid. The rotational input structure (110) comprises a material capable of conducting magnetic flux. The magnetic flux circuit is configured to include no more than four air gaps (G1-G4).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.