초록 ▼

A fluid coupling device (15) is disclosed of the type including an output coupling assembly (67) and an input coupling member (81) with a shear space (90) disposed therebetween. The coupling device includes a valve assembly (117) to control the flow of fluid from a reservoir chamber (99) into the sh

A fluid coupling device (15) is disclosed of the type including an output coupling assembly (67) and an input coupling member (81) with a shear space (90) disposed therebetween. The coupling device includes a valve assembly (117) to control the flow of fluid from a reservoir chamber (99) into the shear space (90). Movement of the valve assembly (117) is in response to variations in air pressure in a pressure chamber (59), tending to bias a piston (57) and shaft (93) in opposition to the force of a spring (113). Axial movement of the shaft (93) is translated into movement of a valve arm (127) in a plane parallel to the plane of a fluid port (119) by means of a valve actuation mechanism (109). In the subject embodiment, axial movement of a valve actuation piston (111) results in rotation of the valve assembly (117) about the axis of rotation of the device (15) for improved valve action in a remote sensing type of fluid coupling device.

대표청구항 ▼

In a fluid coupling device of the type including a first rotatable coupling member defining an axis of rotation, cover means associated with said first member to define a fluid chamber therebetween, valve means disposed to separate said fluid chamber into a fluid operating chamber and a fluid reserv

In a fluid coupling device of the type including a first rotatable coupling member defining an axis of rotation, cover means associated with said first member to define a fluid chamber therebetween, valve means disposed to separate said fluid chamber into a fluid operating chamber and a fluid reservoir chamber, a second rotatable coupling member disposed in said fluid operating chamber and being rotatable relative to said first coupling member viscous fluid being disposed in said operating chamber and operable to transmit torque from said second coupling member to said first coupling member by means of viscous shear drag, said valve means being operable to control the flow of fluid between said reservoir chamber and said operating chamber and including a valve plate defining a fluid port lying in a plane generally perpendicular to said axis of rotation, and a valve member disposed to move in a plane parallel to said plane of said fluid port to vary the flow area of said fluid port and the amount of fluid in said operating chamber, characterized by said fluid coupling device including: (a) first means adapted to move axially in response to an input signal which varies with variations in the condition sensed by a remote condition sensing device; and (b) second means mechanically coupled to said first means and operable to transmit said axial movement of said first means into said motion of said valve member in said plane parallel to said plane of said fluid port.