Variable speed fluid coupling.

摘要

A fluid coupling, e.g. a variable speed fluid coupling has a primary rotor (1) and secondary rotor (2) which are free to rotate independently of each other within a housing (7). The primary rotor (1) together with the housing (7) are adapted to pump fluid from the housing (7) through channel (15) to a reservoir (10) and from reservoir (10) to the working circuit between rotors (1 and 2) via channel (14) and feed ports (20). The fluid holding capacity of the reservoir (10) can be varied and its contents transfered in full or in part to the working circuitry of the rotors (1 and 2). When charged with fluid rotors (1 and 2) produce a hydro-kinetic coupling of variable output speed determined by the amount of fluid circulating between them and apportioned by the volumetric displacement of fluid from the reservoir (10). Where no displacement of fluid from reservoir (10) occurs and no fluid is introduced to the working circuit of the rotors (1 and 2) a neutral coupling condition exists. A fluid pressure sensitive valve (16) acts under back pressure conditions caused by reducing the volumetric capacity of the reservoir (10) and diverts fluid under pumped influence through channel (17) to the working circuit of rotors (1 and 2).