What is single plate clutch?
The most common form of clutch plate used in vehicles is the single-plate clutch. It is constructed from a single clutch plate that is attached to the clutch plate’s splines. The engine crankshaft sits where the flywheel remains stationary and it rotates in conjunction with it. Two separate parts constitute the clutch in its entire; one is fixed on the driving shaft and the other on the driven shaft.
These two shafts are splined so as to allow for axial rotation, and one is attached to its housing. The two shafts are parallel and concentric with each other. By increasing the effective radius of contact, the driving torque can rise. Numerous individuals are familiar with vehicle clutches, but single-plate clutches are commonly used in larger vehicles like cars, trucks, and buses.
Multi-plate clutches are suitable for motorcycle riders and scooters, as they take up less radial area. Single-plate clutches are better at releasing heat due to their larger surface area, requiring no cooling oil. Numerous individuals are familiar with the workings and applications of an injection molding machine, as well as the benefits of using an automatic transmission car’s paddle shifter.
How Does single plate clutch works?
A spring produces the action force, forcing the driven flange to move in the opposite direction of the driving flange. Asbestos, cork, and leather are instances of friction materials that are used to secure the driving flange face. For the purpose to eliminate the clutch plates’ friction linings from the flywheel and pressure plate, the release levers are secured against the compression spring that supports the pressure plate. The compression springs are free to move the pressure plate to the left so it comes into contact with the clutch when the pressure plate is released.
Until the friction lining contacts the flywheel cone, the pressure plate will continue to slide to the left and move along the driven shaft to the clutch plate on the splined cut on the hub. The clutch plate rotates around the driven shaft as a consequence of the friction between the linings, flywheel, and pressure plate, which is now resulting from the compression springs squeezing the linings between them. The coefficient of friction is high, the generation of heat is not significant, and the torque transfer capacity of a single plate is relatively small.
The flywheel, pilot bearing, clutch plate or disc plate, pressure plate, clutch cover, release levers, and clutch shaft are essential components in a single-plate clutch. The flywheel connects to the clutch shaft’s pressure plate and is found in a flywheel containing bearings. The engine crankshaft rotates and turns the flywheel, while the pilot bearing supports the end of the transmission input shaft and prevents the clutch disc and transmission shaft from rotating when the clutch is released.
The disc plate or clutch plate is the operating part of single-plate clutches, with friction material on both surfaces and an internal splined central hub. It helps limit axial movement along the splined gearbox drive shaft and reduces benefits against changes in driving torque between the engine and gearbox or torsional vibrations. A clutch disc rests between the friction or pressure plate and the flywheel, featuring asbestos-resistant inverters on each side.
The pressure plate is the heaviest element in the clutch assembly, providing consistent contact between itself and the driven plate face to ensure the pressure springs can generate enough force to transmit the engine’s whole torque. The clutch cover, consisting of the flywheel, pressure springs, release lever mechanism, and pressure plate, rotates around the flywheel.
The release levers extend towards the clutch shaft and pivot on pins to the clutch cover, determining the performance of the clutch assembly. The clutch shaft is a part of the transmission, splined and having two ends: one fastening to the crankshaft or flywheel and the other joining the gearbox or being integrated into it. A single plate clutch is a cost-effective option with a lesser number of components, requiring fewer upkeep tasks compared to a cone clutch.
It offers straightforward gear shifting and minimal slippage, requiring minimal electrical power loss and minimal heat production. It can move torque using less capacity, but requires a greater force for disengagement due to firmer springs. Compared to a multi-plate clutch, it requires more room to accommodate and is susceptible to excessive stress and strain. Overall, single plate clutches offer a reliable alternative to cone clutches.
