Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid friction clutch (1) having a housing (2, 3) and a clutch disk (4), which is rotatable relative to the housing (2, 3), and which is rotatably arranged at one end (5) of a shaft (6) centrally supported inside the housing (2, 3), having a working chamber (9) between the housing (2, 3) and the clutch disk (4), having a storage chamber (10) for clutch fluid; and having a feed duct (11a, 1b), which leads from the storage chamber (10) to the working chamber (9), characterized by a supply pump element (14), which is rotatable relative to the housing (2, 3) and which is arranged, rotationally fixed, on the shaft (6), and which defines a shear gap (12) with the housing (2, 3); and by a valve (17), which is arranged in the feed duct (11), characterized in that an operative element (7) is arranged on the housing (2, 3).

Abstract: In a linear solenoid 107n, an electromagnetic coil 71n, a pressure sensor 72n, and label resistors 73n and 74n for correcting an inherent variation in a pressure detection characteristic are integrated; the standard characteristic of the pressure sensor 72n is stored in a control module 120M; when driving is started, the resistance values of the label resistors 73n and 74n are read, the pressure detection characteristic of the utilized pressure sensor 72n is corrected, and an excitation current for the electromagnetic coil 71n is controlled in such a way that a target adjusted hydraulic pressure is obtained. Even when due to a change in the oil temperature, the valve opening characteristic of the linear solenoid 107n changes, the adjusted hydraulic pressure is controlled to be constant.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a viscous clutch includes an orifice plate defining a bore to allow the passage of a fluid through the orifice plate, a reed valve secured relative to the orifice plate, an armature comprising a magnetic flux-conducting material, an anchor spring secured to the armature, and a stiffening plate. The reed valve includes a tongue configured to selectively cover the bore of the orifice plate, and a first pivot location along the tongue. A second pivot location is defined along the anchor spring at an edge of the stiffening plate. The first and second pivot locations are spaced from each other. The armature is configured to selectively apply a force to the reed valve to pivot at least a portion of the tongue about the first pivot location.

Abstract: An engagement system (10) for a fluid-coupling device (9) may include a first engagement member (31) and a second engagement member (15) that is in operation with the first engagement member (31). A working chamber (33) is disposed between and at least partially defined by the first engagement member (31) and the second engagement member (15). The working chamber (33) has an inlet port (118) and an outlet port (120). A fluid reservoir (35) is fluidically-coupled to the working chamber (33). A scavenge valve (11) is coupled between the working chamber (33) and the fluid reservoir (35) and adjusts the fluid flow through the outlet port (120). An engagement system (10) for a fluid-coupling device (9) may in addition to or alternatively include a working chamber (33) that includes a working chamber inlet port (118) that is along an outer perimeter (126) of the first engagement member (31).

Abstract: A viscous fan drive with a front-mounted fan and electrical actuation without a tethered harness. The mechanical package includes an inverted viscous clutch, a drive pulley and a split electromagnetic actuator with the electrical portion mounted to a stationary mounting member. An axially moveable valve member controls the flow of viscous fluid.

Abstract: A viscous fan drive with a front-mounted fan and electrical actuation without a tethered harness. The mechanical package includes an inverted viscous clutch, a drive pulley and a split electromagnetic actuator with the electrical portion mounted to a stationary mounting member. An axially moveable valve member controls the flow of viscous fluid.

Abstract: A linear solenoid is configured with an electromagnetic coil and a label resistor that are integrated with each other; the label resistor has a resistance value corresponding to a correction coefficient based on the difference between the actual characteristic of the supply current vs. adjusted hydraulic pressure output of the electromagnetic coil and a standard characteristic; and data for correcting a characteristic variation in the command current vs. output current characteristic of an electromagnetic coil is preliminarily stored in a control module by use of an adjustment tool. When the operation is started, the resistance value of the label resistor is read and an output current corresponding to a utilized linear solenoid is supplied, so that a target adjusted hydraulic pressure is obtained.

Abstract: A viscous fan drive with a front-mounted fan and electrical actuation without a tethered harness. The mechanical package includes an inverted viscous clutch, a drive pulley and a split electromagnetic actuator with the electrical portion mounted to a stationary mounting member. An axially moveable valve member controls the flow of viscous fluid.

Abstract: A viscous fan drive with a front-mounted fan and electrical actuation without a tethered harness. The mechanical package includes an inverted viscous clutch, a drive pulley and a split electromagnetic actuator with the electrical portion mounted to a stationary mounting member. An axially moveable valve member controls the flow of viscous fluid.

Abstract: A viscous clutch assembly (100) includes a rotor (104), a selectively rotatable member (102) surrounding the rotor and defining a working chamber (114) therebetween, a first opening (126A) defined through the rotor (104) between front and rear sides of the rotor (104) and in fluid communication with the working chamber (114) at both the front and rear sides of the rotor (104), a reservoir (112) supported by the rotor (104) and having a second opening (138), a valve assembly (106) supported by the rotor (106) having a cover plate (140) for selectively covering the second opening (138), and a channel (128,130) defined in the rotor (104) between the first opening (126A) and an area adjacent to the second opening (138). The channel (128,130) is in fluid communication with the first opening (126A).

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).

Abstract: A viscous fan drive with a front-mounted fan and electrical actuation without a tethered harness. The mechanical package includes an inverted viscous clutch, a drive pulley and a split electromagnetic actuator with the electrical portion mounted to a stationary mounting member. An integrated slip speed sensor is provided in order to determine the output speed.

Abstract: A viscous fan drive with a front-mounted fan and electrical actuation without a tethered harness. The mechanical package includes an inverted viscous clutch, a drive pulley, a split electromagnetic actuator with the electrical portion mounted to a stationary mounting member, and anti-drainback check valve.

Abstract: A valve assembly (106) for an electromagnetically actuated viscous clutch (100) includes a cover plate (140) defining a seating portion configured to selectively cover an opening (138) from a reservoir (112), a flexible mounting plate (142), and an armature (144) that is movable in response to applied magnetic flux to move the cover plate (140) relative to the opening (138) from the reservoir (112). The armature (144) includes a base portion (146) connected to the cover plate (140) and the mounting plate (142), and a finger (148) extending from the base portion (146). The finger (148) and the base portion (146) define a path for conducting magnetic flux.

Abstract: A system for supplying supplemental heat to a vehicle, particularly a vehicle with a diesel engine, A driven viscous plate with different viscous clutch faces on either side is provided between the engine and the coolant pump. One side clutches to the engine structure (ground) to generate heat, and the other side clutches to the coolant pump to vary the pump drive. The two sides are controlled by a valve operated by signals from the engine computer. The valve varies the supply of viscous fluid from a common reservoir independently to both sides of the driven viscous plate. The signal from the engine control unit is based on the instantaneous desired supplemental heat and coolant flow. In another embodiment, two separate viscous clutches are utilized and positioned on opposite sides of the coolant pump.

Abstract: A viscous fluid clutch assembly used in automobiles, SUVs, and trucks minimizes flow back of the cooling fluid from the reservoir towards the working chamber of the clutch when the vehicle is at rest and avoids excessive fan noise, wasted power and fuel inefficiency when a cold automobile engine is started. The clutch utilizes a discharge channel extending from the periphery of the working chamber to the reservoir and a specially designed ball check valve at the entrance to the reservoir which is open or closed depending on operation of the vehicle. The ball check valve is fluidly connected to the working chamber of the fluid clutch by a preferred articulated discharge channel which starts at the working chamber of the fluid clutch and ends at the reservoir of the fluid clutch.

Abstract: A viscous fluid clutch for controlling the rotation of an engine cooling fan has a dividing disk separating a storage chamber from a working chamber. The dividing disk includes an opening having a geometry that defines a drain-back path to the working chamber regardless of the angular orientation of the clutch.

Abstract: An external-control-type fan coupling device is provided and has no restriction on the layout or positional relationship of an electromagnetic coil and a valve element of the device. As a result, the casing and the valve structure of the device can be simplified. Additionally, the design prevents leaking of oil and leaking of magnetism without adversely affecting performance.

Abstract: A drive for a cooling fan at motor vehicles including a main cooling circuit and at least one secondary cooling circuit using a fluid friction clutch including a control element for the drive of the cooling fan is described. In case of a plurality of cooling circuits, such fluid friction clutches do not react as desired by actuating the cooling fan. To prevent this disadvantage, a drive for a cooling fan being drivable by a fluid friction clutch is to be provided, in which the cooling fan starts operation as soon as there is a requirement in at least one of the cooling circuits.

Abstract: An electronically-controlled fluid coupling device having a front mounted fan and electrical actuation without a tethered harness. The fluid coupling device combines an inverted viscous clutch, drive pulley and a split electromagnetic actuator package. In this arrangement, the electrical portion of the split electromagnetic actuator is not physically attached to the fan drive, but is instead mounted to a stationary member. The remaining actuator components are integral to the fan drive and are composed of only mechanical parts. The inverted clutch arrangement having remote electronic control allows three output modes: engaged, partially engaged, or disengaged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid friction coupling comprising a drive shaft (2) and a drive disk (4) which is rotationally fixed thereon, in addition to a drive housing (5) which is rotationally arranged on the drive shaft (2). The drive disk forms a working area (7) and a storage area (9) enabling a fluidic connection for a viscous medium via a feed hole (11) and a return channel (8). The feed hole (11) is controlled by a valve lever (12) with an anchor plate (14) by means of an electromagnet (19) arranged on the near side of the coupling. According to the invention, the valve lever (12) is arranged between the drive disk (4) and the electromagnet (19) and the anchor plate (14) is arranged in the magnetic flow area of the electromagnet (19, 20).

Abstract: An electronically-controlled fluid coupling device having a front mounted fan and electrical actuation without a tethered harness. The fluid coupling device combines an inverted viscous clutch, drive pulley and a split electromagnetic actuator package. In this arrangement, the electrical portion of the split electromagnetic actuator is not physically attached to the fan drive, but is instead mounted to a stationary member. The remaining actuator components are integral to the fan drive and are composed of only mechanical parts. The inverted clutch arrangement having remote electronic control allows three output modes: engaged, partially engaged, or disengaged.

Abstract: A fluid friction clutch, in particular for a motor vehicle fan, having a rotatably mounted shaft wherein a reservoir for at least largely holding the fluid is provided radially inside an outer periphery of the drive body, and wherein at least one first flow path and at least one second flow path are provided, which are used to connect the reservoir to the coupling area, and wherein the drive body, at the outer periphery, has at least one flow resistance element which is arranged between the at least first flow path and the at least second flow path, and wherein furthermore there is a controllable device for closing and opening at least one of these flow paths.

Abstract: To reduce the size/weight and the power consumption of a fan-coupling device and to provide an external control type fan-coupling device intended to improve a fan rotation controllability. A fan-coupling device, in which the inside of a sealed housing borne on a rotary shaft fixing a drive disk thereon is divided by a partition into an oil sump and a torque transmission chamber housing the drive disc, so that the drive torque may be transmitted to a driven side with the oil fed into the torque transmission chamber and so that the communication passage of oil may be opened/closed and controlled by a valve member to be activated by an electromagnet.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled fluid friction coupling is actuated by a flow of viscous fluid flowing into or out of shearing surface gaps disposed therein. An, the actuating pin is movable in a direction parallel to a surface of a partition. A swing-type valve lever is in contact with the actuating pin near a root end of the valve lever, and a swing end of the valve lever is arranged slidably movable while in contact with a surface of the partition having a valve opening therein. In response to a deformation of the temperature sensitive element caused by a change of air temperature, the actuating pin moves in a direction parallel to the surface of the partition, and then the swing end of the valve lever moves so as to open and close the valve opening. Thus, the fluid flow from a reservoir chamber to a torque transmitting chamber is controlled.

Abstract: To reduce the size/weight and the power consumption of a fan-coupling device and to provide an external control type fan-coupling device intended to improve a fan rotation controllability.

Abstract: An electronically-controlled viscous fan drive having a one-piece accumulator and reservoir located on the top side of the clutch. The accumulator also has a low pressure and high pressure fill hole for allowing movement of viscous fluid from the reservoir to a anti-bleedback chamber and into the operating and working chamber of the coupling during normal operation. A radially balance valve disk having a step up feature coupled to a spring and an actuator electronically controls movement of viscous fluid from the reservoir to the anti-bleedback chamber through the fill holes by energizing or deenergizing the spring based on engine operating conditions. The valve disk may be a one-piece or two-piece design. The accumulator is designed to prevent morning sickness associated with the flow of viscous fluid from the reservoir to the operating chamber during engine off situations.

Abstract: An electronically-controlled viscous fan drive having a one-piece accumulator and reservoir located on the top side of the clutch. The accumulator also has a low pressure and high pressure fill hole for allowing movement of viscous fluid from the reservoir to a anti-bleedback chamber and into the operating and working chamber of the coupling during normal operation. A radially balance valve disk having a step up feature coupled to a spring and an actuator electronically controls movement of viscous fluid from the reservoir to the anti-bleedback chamber through the fill holes by energizing or deenergizing the spring based on engine operating conditions. The valve disk may be a one-piece or two-piece design. The accumulator is designed to prevent morning sickness associated with the flow of viscous fluid from the reservoir to the operating chamber during engine off situations.

Abstract: A valve arrangement arranged in a flow connection between a storage chamber and an operating chamber is actuated by means of an electromagnetic actuating device and, depending on an input rotational movement to a closure element, controls a fluid flow from the storage chamber into the operating chamber. Rotational movement is provided by a rotary armature arranged immediately next to an electromagnet and fixed to a common shaft with the closure element. The magnetic flux path of the electromagnetic actuating device is shortened and thus the efficiency of the arrangement is increased significantly.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled fluid friction coupling is actuated by a flow of viscous fluid flowing into or out of shearing surface gaps disposed therein. In this invention, the actuating pin is arranged movable in a direction parallel to the surface of the partition. The swing-type valve lever contacts with the actuating pin near the root end thereof, and the swing end of the valve lever is arranged slidably movable keeping in touch with the surface of the partition having the valve opening therein.

Abstract: A fluid clutch includes a first transmission element and a second transmission element which is rotatable about an axis of rotation with respect to the first transmission element. Torque transmission surfaces of the first and the second transmission elements are located opposite one another in a working fluid region in which torque transmission coupling can be made selectively between the first and the second transmission elements by means of fluid. A valve arrangement can be actuated for selectively making and breaking a fluid flow connection between a fluid storage region and the working fluid region, in order respectively to allow and prevent the ingress of fluid from the fluid storage region into the working fluid region and a braking apparatus can generate a braking force acting on the second transmission element. Two components are movable with respect to one another within a limited range of movement by the transmission of braking force to the second transmission element.

Abstract: A fluid friction clutch, in particular for the fan of the radiator of an internal combustion engine, is described. A valve element (22) controlling the clutch is operated via a solenoid control by means of a piston rod (24) which is guided coaxially in the drive shaft (12) of the clutch. The piston rod (24) includes an anchor (28), which is guided in the drive shaft (12). An actuator coil (34) is received in the magnet body (32), which is seated rotatably upon the drive shaft (12). The drive shaft (12) guiding the anchor (28) is provided with a non-magnetic separation gap (38).

Abstract: A valve arrangement arranged in a flow connection between a storage chamber and an operating chamber is actuated by means of an electromagnetic actuating device and, depending on an input rotational movement to a closure element, controls a fluid flow from the storage chamber into the operating chamber. Rotational movement is provided by a rotary armature arranged immediately next to an electromagnet and fixed to a common shaft with the closure element. The magnetic flux path of the electromagnetic actuating device is shortened and thus the efficiency of the arrangement is increased significantly.

Abstract: Fluid friction clutch is disclosed of the type having a primary disk (2) fastened on a driving shaft (3) comprising magnetic material and a driven clutch housing (1) surrounding the primary disk and mounted with a hub (5) on the shaft (3), and with a working chamber (9) formed between primary disk and clutch housing, into which a shear fluid can enter from a reservoir chamber (11) according to the position of a valve plate (15) opening or closing a connecting opening (13) between reservoir chamber and working chamber and having an armature (16) lying in reach of the shaft (3), which can be shifted by magnetic force produced by a stationary electromagnetic coil (24) arranged on the driven end of the shaft (3), wherein the hub (5) of the clutch housing (1) facing the electromagnetic coil (24) is provided with an inserted first conducting ring (21) of magnetic material which is coupled magnetically at one end (22) with the electromagnetic coil (24) and at its other end facing the working chamber (9) adjoins a se

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for balancing the weight carried by a robot arm of a robot. Said device comprises a fluid spring, rotably a pneumatic spring, and a control device for controlling the movements of the robot. The device is characterized by a pressure sensor which measures the pressure of the fluid of the fluid spring. Said device and the method provided for by the invention permit the exact adjustment and balancing of the movements of the robot arm.

Abstract: In a fan coupling device in which the interior of a sealed housing supported and born by a rotary shaft having a driving disc secured thereto is separated by a partition plate having an oil supply adjusting hole into an oil reservoir and a torque transmission chamber in which the driving disc is contained and in which driving torque is transmitted to a driven side by oil supplied to the torque transmission chamber, a non-excited electromagnet utilizing a permanent magnet located in the oil reservoir of the sealed housing being supported around the rotary shaft, the valve member being actuated by the electromagnet to provide a mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of the oil supply adjusting hole.

Abstract: A viscous coupling is designed with a coupling housing and at least one drivable rotor, which is provided for the transmission of torque via shearing areas in a working chamber filled with viscous fluid. This working chamber is partitioned from a supply chamber for viscous fluid by a dividing wall. The viscous fluid can be delivered from the working chamber via a pumping into the supply chamber or from the supply chamber via a feed line. A volumetric-flow setting device having an electromagnetic adjusting device operably complete with the feed line back into the working chamber. The feed line, at least along part of its extension length, is directed through a region in which a magnetic field can be produced by the electromagnet. The viscous fluid is enriched with magnetizable particles, in, order to realize a magnetorheological behavior.

Abstract: A temperature-sensing, variable-speed fan drive with a fluid coupling filled with working fluid, for cooling two stacked heat exchangers, namely an engine cooling-system radiator and an air-conditioner condenser located in front of the radiator, comprises a partition plate dividing the internal space of a fan housing into a reservoir chamber and a working chamber, and two different communication ports, each formed in the partition plate to communicate the reservoir chamber with the working chamber. In addition to a first valve mechanism which adjusts the opening of one of the two communication ports in response to atmospheric temperature in the circumference of the housing, a second valve mechanism is provided to adjust the opening of the other of the two communication ports in response to a refrigerant pressure in the air-conditioner condenser.