Introduction of Single plate clutch

                                    Introduction of Single plate clutch 

  Single plate clutch

   •  Most common type of clutch used in motor vehicles.

  Constructional details

   Basic parts 

   •Fly wheel 

   •Clutch plate 

   •Pressure plate 

   •Release mechanism

   Construction details – Fly wheel 

  

    •Material – cast iron 

    •The cast iron properties are 

    • Provides good friction surface  

    •Provides Good heat dissipation 

    •Provides Lubrication (graphite in its composition)

    •Bolted to the engine crank shaft 

    •Provides one friction surface for the clutch plate facing]\ 

    •Fly wheel diameter and shape depends upon the  type of clutch used and engine design

    Construction details – clutch plate

     Parts 

     •Central hub 

     •Cushion springs 

     •Friction linings 

     •Disc plate 

     •Torsional springs

     1. Central hub 

     • Machined with internal splines to limit the axial travel along the splined clutch shaft.

     2. Torsional springs 

     •Helps to provide a damping action against 

     •The torsional vibrations 

     •Variations of the driving torque between the engine and the gear box

     3. Friction linings 

     •Clutch plate is lined with friction material on its both bearing surfaces 

     •Leather, cork, fabric and ferodo are usually used materials

     4. Disc plate 

     •The central hub,  cushion springs are integral parts 

     •Friction material is riveted on its both surfaces

  

    Constructional details - pressure plate

      •Pressure plate cover bolted to the flywheel 

      •Pressure springs are pre compressed between the pressure plate and cover 

      •Release levers are casted or press formed 

      •Eye bolt is screwed into unit which is locked by the locknut

     Clutch  - Release mechanism

      Main parts 

      •Clutch release bearing 

      •Clutch yoke 

      •Cross shaft 

      •Levers 

      •Linkages

      Working:

      •Consists of only one clutch plate 

      •Flywheel is  bolted to the crank shaft 

      •Clutch plate mounted on splines of the clutch shaft 

      •Pressure plate assembly is bolted to the flywheel

 

Working: 

When the clutch is engaged

•Clutch plate is gripped between the flywheel and pressure plate

•Clutch plate revolves with flywheel due to friction

        As the clutch plate revolves ,clutch shaft also revolves

        Gear end of clutch shaft is supported in gearbox

        Front end of the clutch shaft is supported in the crankshaft rear end through pilot bearing 

When the clutch is disengaged

•Pressure plate moves back against the force of springs

•Clutch plate becomes free between flywheel and pressure plate

•Clutch shaft speed reduces slowly ,finally stops rotating