Magnetorheological fluid clutch

摘要

A viscous clutch of the magnetorheological fluid type includes an input drive member and an output driven member. A selectively energizable magnetorheological fluid is disposed in a working gap between one cylindrical member on the input member and two cylindrical members on the output shaft. A slip ring configuration on the output member is provided to permit the introduction of electrical energy to a coil assembly disposed on the output member, which coil is energized to establish a magnetic field in the working gap, thereby energizing the magnetorheological fluid. Wiper structures on the input and output members prevent the accumulation and/or centrifugal packing of the iron particles in the magnetorheological fluid adjacent the axial ends of the cylindrical members. A cavity for excess magnetorheological fluid or fluid draining from the working gap is provided between opposed members of the output member. One of the opposed members has an angular wall portion diverging toward the working gap to direct fluid into the working gap when the output member is rotating. The input member includes a finned hub portion rotatably disposed in the cavity to assist in heat transfer from the magnetorheological fluid during clutch operation. A bearing member isolated from the cavity supports the output member on the input member.