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Clutch system

  • US 8,522,944 B2
  • Filed: 10/19/2009
  • Issued: 09/03/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/21/2004
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A fan clutch device for vehicular use comprising:

  • an input member mountable to a drive pulley so as to rotate with the drive pulley;

    an output member including an axially movable component that adjusts from a first position to a second position in which the output member is rotationally coupled with the input member, the output member comprising an output surface to removably couple with a fan blade device,a spring device to urge the axially movable component toward one of the first position and the second position;

    a fluid-receiving space to receive pressurized fluid that causes adjustment of the axially movable component to the other of the first position and the second position; and

    a clutch ring arranged radially outward of the output member for frictionally engaging the output member with the input member with a torque transfer capability of at least 3000 in-lbs without slippage between the input member and the output member when the axially movable component of the output member is arranged in the second position, the clutch ring having a clutch ring maximum outer radius that is no greater than an input member maximum outer radius of the input member,wherein the clutch ring includes an outer frusto-conical surface and an inner frusto-conical surface that are generally parallel to one another, the clutch ring including a frictional engagement surface that is at least partially defined by one of the outer and inner frusto-conical surfaces.

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