초록 ▼

A fluid coupling device of the type including a rotatable input coupling member, a cover associated therewith to define a fluid chamber, a valve plate separating the fluid chamber into an operating chamber and a reservoir chamber, and an output coupling member disposed in the operating chamber and r

A fluid coupling device of the type including a rotatable input coupling member, a cover associated therewith to define a fluid chamber, a valve plate separating the fluid chamber into an operating chamber and a reservoir chamber, and an output coupling member disposed in the operating chamber and rotatable relative to the input coupling member. The valve plate defines a discharge orifice permitting the flow of fluid from the operating chamber to the reservoir chamber and a generally flat valve member is located within the reservoir chamber and disposed to move in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the valve plate to vary the flow area of the discharge orifice. The movement of the valve member defines a valve operating area and the cover includes a portion coextensive with the valve operating area and oriented substantially parallel to the plane of movement of the valve member. The cover portion is closely spaced from the valve member during movement thereof to prevent “blowoff”of the portion of the valve member adjacent the discharge orifice as fluid flows from the operating chamber to the reservoir chamber.

대표청구항 ▼

A fluid coupling device including a first rotatable member, cover means associated with said first member to define a fluid chamber therebetween, a valve plate disposed to separate said fluid chamber into a fluid operating chamber and a fluid reservoir chamber, a second rotatable member disposed in

A fluid coupling device including a first rotatable member, cover means associated with said first member to define a fluid chamber therebetween, a valve plate disposed to separate said fluid chamber into a fluid operating chamber and a fluid reservoir chamber, a second rotatable member disposed in said fluid operating chamber and being rotatable relative to said first member, said valve plate defining a discharge orifice adapted to permit the flow of fluid from said fluid operating chamber to said reservoir chamber, a generally flat valve member located within said fluid reservoir chamber and disposed to move in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of said valve plate, said valve member further being disposed to cooperate with said discharge orifice to vary the effective flow area thereof, temperature-responsive means operatively associated with said valve member to control the movement of said valve member, the range of movement of said valve member defining a valve operating area, one of said cover means and said valve plate including a generally planar restraining portion coextensive at least with said valve operating area, oriented substantially parallel to the plane of movement of said valve member and closely spaced therefrom during said valve member movement and being operable to engage said valve member in a surface-to-surface relationship and prevent excessive movement of the portion of said valve member adjacent said discharge orifice in a direction away from said valve plate.