Patent ID: 8863929
Filing Date: 2014-10-21
Classification: F04D,F16D

Abstract:
1. A fan clutch device, comprising: an input member which is attached to a drive pulley so that the input member rotates with the drive pulley; an enclosure attached to the input member so that the enclosure rotates with the drive pulley; a piston which is movable between a first position and a second position; a clutch ring with an engagement surface provided on an outer circumference of the clutch ring which selectively engages an opposing surface of the input member provided on an inner circumference of the input member; a fan hub coupled to the clutch ring; a spring provided between the clutch ring and the fan hub; a fan member coupled to the fan hub; and a shearing fluid provided in an axial space between the enclosure and the clutch ring, wherein, when the piston is in the first position, the engagement surface of the clutch ring engages the opposing surface of the input member such that the clutch ring rotates at a first rotational speed substantially equal to a rotational speed of the drive pulley, wherein, when the piston is in the second position, the engagement surface of the clutch ring disengages the opposing surface of the input member, and a shearing force, provided by the shearing fluid due to rotation of the enclosure, rotates the clutch ring at a second rotational speed less than the first rotational speed, and wherein the axial space between enclosure and the clutch ring is disposed radially outward of the spring, and attachment fasteners which couple the clutch ring and the fan hub are disposed radially inward of the spring.