THERMALLY RESPONSIVE ACTUATOR DEVICE PARTICULARLY FOR AUTOMOTIVE FAN CLUTCH

摘要

A thermally-responsive device for actuating an automotive fan clutch includes a temperature-sensing element comprising a coiled tube (20) containing a thermally-responsive expansible and contractible material. The tube (20) opens into a cavity (14) in a casing (12) containing a clutch actuator rod (16) which is axially displaced by the thermally-responsive material when the latter expands or contracts due to changes in temperature of air flowing past the tube (20). Displacement of the rod (16) controls the operation of the clutch mechanism (42, 50), and therefore of the fan (60). The actuator is mounted on and rotates with the clutch housing (36).