Automobile Clutch | Use Of Clutches,

Types Of Clutches
Introduction:
The Transmission system is one of the useful systems in the Automobile vehicle; it helps to transmit the
engine power or kinetic energy to the driving wheels. It is an interconnected system of the Clutch, Gear
box, Propeller shaft, Differential, Axles and the Driving wheels.

What are Clutch and its functions?

The Clutch is one of the parts of a Transmission system in Automobile and helps to achieve the
movement of it. It is a device or set of a number of components which are connected at the end of the
engine to the Flywheel used to engage and disengage the driving and pinion shafts.
Its function is to engage and disengage the pinion shaft of the gear to the main shaft or crank shaft of the
engine in different power transmission stages, for a smooth movement of torque. It is also the controlling
part of the speed of a vehicle with a manual transmission by partially engaging the clutch plate using the
clutch pedal.
When the clutch is applied, the total pressure is taken by the pressure plate then the total device moves
to back position, it refers the disengaged position of the clutch. When we release the clutch, the original
position is achieved due to the springs then the driver shaft is engaged to the pinion shaft. It refers to the
engaged position of the clutch.

What a simple Clutch Consist of?

A simple clutch consists of a number of components like Pressure Plate, Disc or Friction plate or Clutch
Plate, Fingers, Spacers, Bushes, Levers, etc. These are the main components used in a Clutch
construction. These components will vary according to the type of Clutch.

Types Of Automobile Clutches:

According to the speed, efficiency, performance and day by day researches Clutches are of different
types, they are
1. S in g le-P late C lu tch .
2. M u lti-P late C lu tch .
3. C o n e C lu tch .
4. C en trifu g al C lu tch .
Let us start to learn about them individually. Starting with Single-Plate and Multi-Plate Clutch.

Single-Plate and Multi-Plate Clutch:

In the Single-Plate Clutch, there will be only one Plate and it is connected to the Pressure plate adjoining
to the Flywheel with the help of bolts and Springs to regain its position. The disc will in the middle of
Pressure plate and Flywheel which is free to rotate.
single plate clutch types of clutch
When the Force is applied on the Clutch Pedal or Pressure Plate, then the disc will get disengage with
the Flywheel and no Transmission of Torque takes place between Input (Flywheel) shaft and Output
Shaft. In the meanwhile, we change the Gear with help of Gear road then after gearing when we release
the force on Pressure Plate, the Disc again Engages with the Flywheel automatically.

Figure 2 Multi-Plate Clutch

This Working procedure is same in both Single-Plate and Multi-Plate but in Multi-Plate, there is a number
of Clutch plate which will results a more Torque transmission due to the Friction, between the plates and
increase in efficiency too when compared to Single-Plate.

Cone Clutch:
cone clutch types of clutches

This type of Clutch is used in the Off-Road Vehicles. Racing vehicles and in Power boats.The sole aim of
the Cone Clutch is to transmit the maximum Torque by minimizing the losses in earlier Clutches so in this
type; the Plates will be in the shape of Wedge and is called as the Cone. Due to this Wedge or Cone
shape, the Torque transmission will be higher and acquires a great efficiency.

Centrifugal Clutch:
Diagram of centrifugal clutches
As we know that, Centrifugal is the acting force tends the body to move away from its center.
There working procedure is same as the normal Clutches. This type of clutches are specially designed
for Lower Speeds and Higher Speed Conditions, the Pressure by springs on the plate will be exerted at
Low speeds and this pressure force will increase with the increase of speed and springs will come
backward movement. Due to this backward movement, the driver will feel strain to clutch so to decrease
such strain and to maintain the constant pressure force on the plates Semi-Centrifugal and Centrifugal
Clutches will exert an outward force on the plates. It makes the springs to engage with the plate even at
High Speeds.