Patent ID: 6200106
Filing Date: 2001-03-13
Classification: F01P

Abstract:
A fan assembly for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle having an ignition circuit, including an ignition lock and a starter switch for starting the engine, the fan assembly comprising:a fluid friction clutch driven by a drive shaft of the engine, said fluid friction clutch having a clutch housing defining a fan wheel having fan blades, anda locking device for locking said fan wheel,wherein said locking device comprises an actuator comprising an electromagnet, an electrical circuit connected to the actuator and to the ignition circuit containing the ignition lock and the starter switch, a detent element associated with the actuator that engages directly with said clutch housing to lock said fan wheel in response to actuation of the ignition lock and energization of the actuator, to prevent said fan wheel from rotating during starting of the engine, and a first switch included in the electrical circuit connected to the actuator that is open in response to a predetermined temperature of engine coolant.