Hydraulic coupling having self-adjusting anti-rotation hydraulic fluid path

摘要

A hydraulic coupling for use in a vehicle drive train having a fluid path which extends between the housing of the hydraulic coupling and a coupling mechanism. The fluid path includes a first aperture formed in the housing with a first diameter and a longitudinal axis, as well as a second aperture formed in the coupling mechanism. A rigid conduit extends between the first and second apertures with a first portion having a diameter that is less than the first diameter of the first aperture so as to define an adjustment gap that allows the rigid conduit to move out of alignment with the longitudinal axis in response to misalignment between the first and second apertures. In addition, the rigid conduit provides resistance to torque imposed upon the coupling mechanism.

主权项

1. A hydraulic coupling for use in a vehicle rive train including a pair of rotary members, said hydraulic coupling comprising:
a housing in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid; a gear case supported for rotation by said housing and operatively coupled to the rotary members; a coupling mechanism non-rotatably supported within said housing and adjacent said gear case, said coupling mechanism operable to selectively couple the pair of rotary members together; a fluid path extending between said housing and said coupling mechanism, said fluid path including a first aperture formed in said housing and having a first diameter at a longitudinal axis, a second aperture formed in said coupling mechanism, a rigid conduit having a first portion extending through said first aperture in said housing and having a diameter less than said first diameter of said first aperture so as to define an adjustment gap such that said rigid conduit can move out of alignment with said longitudinal axis in response to a misalignment between said first and second apertures, and a second portion that is sealingly received in frictional engagement in said second aperture in said coupling mechanism such that said rigid conduit provides resistance to torque imposed upon said coupling mechanism.