| 摘要 |
A fluid coupling device is disclosed of the type including an input coupling member (11) and an output coupling member (13). A valve plate (31) separates the device into a fluid operating chamber (33) and a fluid reservoir chamber (35). In a preferred embodiment, the valve plate defines an inlet port (53) and a discharge port (59), which are conventional, and, in accordance with the invention, a discharge port (55) is disposed adjacent a pumping element (57). Attached to the valve plate is a temperature-responsive bimetallic strip (63) having a closed position when the fluid temperature is below a predetermined maximum, such that the device operates in the engaged mode. When the fluid temperature rises above the predetermined maximum, the bimetallic strip (63) opens, permitting additional discharge flow through the port (55), causing the device to operate in the disengaged mode, and preventing overheating of the fluid and damage to the coupling device.
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