Automobile clutch Use of clutches, types of clutches
Introduction:
The transmission system is one of the useful systems in the automobile vehicle; helps transmit engine power or kinetic energy to the drive wheels. It is an interconnected system of Clutch, Gearbox, Propeller Shaft, Differential, Axles and Driving Wheels.
What is Clutch and its functions?
The Clutch is one of the parts of the Car's Transmission system and helps it move. It is a device or assembly of a series of components that are connected at the engine end to the flywheel used to engage and disengage the drive and pinion shafts.
Its function is to engage and disengage the gear pinion shaft to the main shaft or engine crankshaft at different stages of power transmission, for smooth movement of torque. It is also the speed control part of a vehicle with a manual transmission, partially actuating the clutch disc through the clutch pedal.
When the clutch is engaged, full pressure is taken by the pressure plate and then the full device moves to the rear position, referring to the clutch disengaged position. When we release the clutch, the original position is reached due to the springs and the driver shaft is engaged with the pinion shaft. Refers to the engaged position of the clutch.
What does a simple clutch consist of?
A simple clutch consists of a series of components like pressure plate, disc or friction plate or clutch plate, fingers, spacers, bushings, levers, etc. These are the main components used in the construction of a clutch. These components will vary depending on the type of clutch.
Types of car clutches:
According to speed, efficiency, performance and day to day research Clutches are of different types, they are
1. Single plate clutch.
2. Multiplate clutch.
3. Conical clutch.
4. Centrifugal clutch.
Let's start learning about them individually. Starting with single plate and multi plate clutch.
Single plate and multi plate clutch:
In Monoplate Clutch there will be only one Plate and it is connected to the Pressure Plate adjacent to the Flywheel with the help of screws and Springs to recover its position. The disc will be in the middle of the pressure plate and the flywheel, which will be able to rotate freely.
single plate clutch types
When force is applied to the clutch pedal or pressure plate, the disc disengages from the flywheel and no torque transmission occurs between the input shaft (flywheel) and the output shaft. Meanwhile, we change gear with the help of Gear Road and after the change, when we release the force on the pressure plate, the disc engages the steering wheel again automatically.
Figure 2 Multiplate Clutch
This working procedure is the same in single plate and multi plate but in multi plate, there are a series of clutch plates which will result in more transmission of torque due to friction between the plates and increase in efficiency also when compared to Single Plate.
Conical clutch:
conical clutch types of clutches
This type of clutch is used in off-road vehicles. Racing vehicles and on motor boats. The sole objective of the Cone Clutch is to transmit maximum torque, minimizing losses in previous clutches and this type; the plates will be wedge-shaped and are called cones. Due to this Wedge or Cone shape, Torque transmission will be greater and will acquire greater efficiency.
Centrifugal clutch:
Centrifugal clutch diagram
As we know that Centrifugal is the acting force that tends the body to move away from its center.
Its working procedure is the same as normal clutches. This type of clutches are specially designed for lower speeds and higher speed conditions, the pressure of the springs on the plate will be exerted at low speeds and this pressure force will increase with the increase in speed and the springs will return. Due to this backward movement, the driver will feel tension in the clutch, to reduce this tension and maintain constant pressure force on the plates. Semi-centrifugal and centrifugal clutches will exert an external force on the plates. It causes the springs to engage the plate even at high speeds.
About the author:
Sai Shankar Rudra – He is a mechanical engineer from JNTUniversity, Hyderabad.
single plate clutch types
Figure 2 Multiplate Clutch
conical clutch types of clutches
Centrifugal clutch diagram
