초록 ▼

A fluid coupling assembly (11) in which the fluid coupling (43) is disposed within a coolant cavity (C) defined by an engine block (B) of an internal combustion engine. The fluid coupling includes an input coupling assembly (45) and disposed therein is an output coupling member (55), the input and o

A fluid coupling assembly (11) in which the fluid coupling (43) is disposed within a coolant cavity (C) defined by an engine block (B) of an internal combustion engine. The fluid coupling includes an input coupling assembly (45) and disposed therein is an output coupling member (55), the input and output cooperating to define forward (61,65) and rearward (63,67) viscous shear areas to optimize torque capacity of the coupling. The input coupling assembly (45) includes a rearward body member (49) disposed within the cavity (C) and which includes impeller blades (73), such that the member (49) also serves as the water pump for the engine.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A fluid coupling assembly for use with an internal combustion engine of the type including an engine block defining an engine coolant cavity having a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet; said fluid coupling assembly including an input pulley adapted to transmit input torque to an in

[ We claim:] [1.] A fluid coupling assembly for use with an internal combustion engine of the type including an engine block defining an engine coolant cavity having a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet; said fluid coupling assembly including an input pulley adapted to transmit input torque to an input coupling assembly of a fluid coupling device, said fluid coupling device being disposed at least partially within said engine coolant cavity; said fluid coupling device including an output coupling member disposed within said input coupling assembly, and including means operable to transmit output torque to a radiator cooling fan; said fluid coupling device defining a fluid reservoir chamber, and said input coupling assembly and said output coupling member cooperating to define a fluid operating chamber, whereby torque is transmitted from said input coupling assembly to said output coupling member in response to the presence of viscous fluid in said fluid operating chamber; said input pulley being disposed forwardly of said fluid coupling device and said radiator cooling fan being disposed forwardly of said input pulley; characterized by:(a) valve means disposed to separate said fluid reservoir chamber from said fluid operating chamber;(b) said valve means defining a fluid inlet port and including a valve member operable between a closed position blocking fluid flow through said fluid inlet port, and an open position, permitting fluid flow from said fluid reservoir chamber to said fluid operating chamber; and(c) control means operable in response to an input signal to move said valve member between said closed position and said open position.