Multiplate Clutch

Multiplate Clutch

It is used on heavy-duty vehicles or two-wheelers.

Structure

The center plate fits on the main shaft with the help of a spline. It has bell gears, and first, the pressure plate and then the clutch plate fit into the housing. It means that the first pressure plate and the clutch plate on it are more than two in number. Finally, the top plate is locked.

Work

Disengage: When the lever is pressed, the top spring is compressed, and the clutch plate is not pressed by the pressure plate, so it rotates freely. As a result, the power is cut off from the flywheel.

Engage: As soon as the lever is released, the pressure of the spring falls on the clutch plate, depressing the top plate and the clutch plate, and power is transmitted. The clutch can be of two types: dry or wet.

If more power and speed are to be transferred, two or three smaller clutch discs are used to increase the friction surface rather than using a larger flywheel and clutch. The pressure plates and clutch plates are mounted one after the other on the clutch shaft and are tightly pressed by a large number of springs.

Its function is similar to a single-plate clutch. These clutches can be dry or wet. When the clutch is dry, it is called a dry clutch. But when oil is used in the clutch, it is called a wet clutch. Most automatic transmission systems make universal use of wet clutches in part or in whole. These types of clutches are mostly used in motorcycles, scooters, and heavy commercial vehicles.

Types of Clutches

Hydraulically Operated Clutch

A hydraulically operated clutch uses a single plate clutch between the master cylinder and slave cylinder to operate. The clutch is engaged or disengaged using hydraulic oil.

Diaphragm Clutch

A diaphragm clutch is a spring plate made of a spring strip instead of back fingers of the pressure plate, i.e., a diaphragm clutch.

Centrifugal Clutch

This clutch works on the principle of centrifugal impulse. When at idle speed, the clutch is free. But as engine speed increases, the centrifugal force engages the clutch on the flywheel and starts rotating.

Semi-Centrifugal Clutch

In this type of clutch, the pressure and speed between the pressure plate and the clutch plate due to the centrifugal force are high, so the pressure on the pressure plate is more than the original spring pressure.

At normal speed, the spring exerts pressure on the clutch pressure plate, but at increased speed, the internal weight (pressure applied from the inside) is thrown out, and the lever exerts additional pressure on the pressure plate. When the speed decreases, the weight stops at the original position, and the lever is restored, and the excess pressure on the pressure plate disappears.

Fully Centrifugal Clutch

This method uses centrifugal force without using a spring to engage the clutch. It works automatically depending on the engine speed. When the engine speeds up, the weights are thrown by centrifugal force. At that time, the bell crank lever exerts pressure on the plate, and the clutch plate is pressed against the spring against the flywheel. Therefore, the clutch remains engaged as long as the engine is revving.

Fluid Coupling

Design: A fluid coupling is used with epicyclic gearboxes as the output shaft is always rotating. A fluid coupling consists of two hemispherical shells connected to each other by interior fins. These two units are very close to each other, and their ends are free in such a way that one end can move without touching the other end. All this system is enclosed in a housing assembly, and 80% fluid is filled inside this assembly.

Work - Driving: Since the unit impeller is connected to the crankshaft, the impeller rotates the fluid when the crankshaft rotates. As the driven impeller is mounted on the driven shaft, as the impeller rotates, the fluid rotates, and this rotating fluid also rotates the impeller, and at the same time, the driven shaft rotates, and this shaft transfers the power and speed of the engine.

Cone Clutch

When the clutch is pressed, the friction surface of the male cone on the clutch shaft is tightly fitted by a spring on the inner surface of the female cone tight to the flywheel. When the pedal is depressed, the male cone slides on the spline of the clutch shaft against the spring pressure. This clutch is used in synchromesh gearboxes.

Dog Clutches

This type of clutch is used to engage two shafts or gears to shafts. When the sleeve slides on the splined shaft, the inner teeth of the sleeve mesh with the teeth of the dog clutch on the driving shaft, and the clutch engages.