Ringed cover and seal for a viscous fluid clutch and method of making

摘要

A viscous fluid clutch includes a cover having an airflow ring. The airflow ring can be formed integrally with or separately from the cover. Concentric inner and outer walls are attached to each other by radially spaced fins. A cooling passage for airflow is provided between each pair of adjacent fins. During rotation, a cooling airflow passes freely between the fins, improving the rate of heat transfer from the clutch. Such construction of the walls and fins and a method for forming the cover are well suited for casting and eliminate the need for costly prior art machining. A labyrinth seal can be formed between the cover and housing by an annular flange on the housing received into a complementary groove in the cover.