Eaton Corporation

Lester Campbell

Edward J Bojas

Edward Goscenski

A viscous coupling (11) is disclosed of the type used as a by-pass element is a torque converter assembly (T) including a torque converter housing (H) and an output shaft (S). The coupling includes a body member (13), a cover member (15), and an annular clutch assembly (19). The clutch assembly includes a pair of clutch plates (53 and 57), splined to a mounting portion (37), and the coupling housing includes a housing plate (59), disposed between the clutch plates. The housing plate (59) has an outer portion (61) which is fixed between the body and cover members. Also disclosed is an assembly and fluid fill method which eliminates the need for fill holes and plugs or balls being pressed into the fill holes. The disclosed coupling requires substantially less machining than prior art viscous coupling, and therefore, has substantially reduced manufacturing cost.

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Battle Creek, MI, United States of America

Lester Campbell