Fan clutch
AssigneeGKN Rockford, Inc.
InventorsBruce A. Skaggs, Scott Orsinger
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A fan clutch assembly includes several features. A first feature relates to a lubrication passage that runs through the clutch package and has a return collection passage that extends through the operating piston. As a result, pitot tubes employed behind the piston may not be necessitated. Additionally, an anti-tamper device may be installed on the lead screw body to prevent adjustment of the fan hub and unintentional adjustment of the load carried on various bearings contained within the fan clutch assembly. Additionally, to position the speed sensor appropriately, a transfer shaft is provided that extends from the fan hub and/or lead screw back to the backside where a sensor is provided. This transfer shaft can be adjusted to precisely locate the sensor target relative to the sensor.
Claims24
A clutch assembly for a cooling fan, comprising:
- a drive housing having a belt drive input;
- a drive body output for driving the cooling fan;
- a clutch within the drive housing, the clutch having an engaged state in which the belt drive input rotationally drives the drive body output, and a disengaged state in which the belt drive input is rotationally disengaged with the drive body output;
- a piston assembly comprising a piston support body and a piston moveable relative to the piston support body with a working fluid chamber defined therebetween, the piston acting upon the clutch to transition the clutch between the engaged state and the disengaged state;
- and
- a lubrication passage running through the drive housing and into a lube collection region defined radially between the drive housing and the piston assembly;
- and
- a collection passage extending radially through the piston, the collection passage having an inlet port exposed to the lube collection region.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.