Multi-speed viscous clutch
US9506507B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 12, 2014 |
| Grant date | Nov 29, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 12, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D2500/10468
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A viscous clutch includes a rotor, a housing member, a working chamber located between the housing member and the rotor, a reservoir to hold viscous fluid that is configured to rotate with the rotor, a return bore in fluid communication between the working chamber and the reservoir, a first passage from the reservoir to the working chamber, a second passage from the reservoir to the working chamber, and a valve. The second passage is spaced from the first passage, and can extend substantially radially through the rotor. The valve is configured to selectively regulate flow of the viscous fluid through the first passage, and the second passage is unobstructed such that the viscous fluid can pass from the reservoir to the working chamber regardless of the operational state of the valve. Viscous fluid present in the working chamber rotationally couples the rotor and the housing member.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.