INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE FAN DRIVE TEMPERATURE-SENSITIVE CLUTCH Russian patent published in 2004 - IPC

FIELD: transport engineering. SUBSTANCE: invention can be used in cooling systems of automobile and tractor internal combustion engines. Proposed clutch contains temperature-sensitive element, cover, housing installed on drive shaft one radial-thrust bearing, tightener, support bushing with thrust bearing secured on bushing. Support bushing is installed on drive shaft. Temperature-sensitive element is made in form of thin-walled chamber filled with antifreeze with high expansion coefficient and is arranged between cover and tightener. Tightener interacts with thrust bearing, and support bushing contacts with radial-thrust bearing. Transmission of torque to housing and cover of clutch from drive shaft in case of ambient temperature rise is provided owing to transmission of axial forces from chamber through tightener, thrust bearing and support bushing to radial-thrust bearing. When ambient temperature drops, temperature-sensitive element cools and chamber, decreasing in volume, unloads radial-thrust bearing on drive shaft, and rotation of clutch housing decreases. EFFECT: simplified design of clutch, improved efficiency of operation at decrease of ambient temperature. 1 dwg