UNIT II TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS

(CLUTCHES)

Introduction
Power from the engine drive the wheels of the vehicle Power through the crankshaft
Engine > Clutch > Gearbox > Universal joints > Propeller shaft > Differential > Axles > Wheels

Same for all vehicles -> depends on methods of drive and type of transmission units

Clutch - Function
Machine member used to connect the driving shaft to a driven shaft, so that the driven shaft may be started or stopped at will without stopping the driving shaft Interruptible connection b/w two rotating shafts

Types :
Positive engagement (Dog, splines) Progressive engagement (Friction plates)

 In an automobile :
Engage and disengage engine to the transmission Located b/w the engine and transmission Prevents jerky motion strain on transmission

Engaged
Power flow from engine to wheels Moving the vehicle and continuous running Permits gradual taking up of load

Disengaged
Stopping the vehicle Gear changing

Principle of operation
Friction (between two surfaces)
Area of surfaces Pressure applied Co.eff of friction

Driver - (Flywheel) Driven - (Pressure plate on trans. shaft tight clamping) Friction surfaces (Clutch plates) Friction member :
Slips on driving member with initial pressure As pressure increases, gradually bought to the speed of the driver

Requirements of a clutch
Torque transmission Max. torque of engine Gradual engagement Avoid sudden jerks Heat dissipation During operation Dynamic balancing - @ high speeds Vibration damping Eliminate noise Size Minimum space Free pedal play Reduce clamping load on bearings Lightness should not continue to rotate even after disengaging Ease of operation Little effort

Clutch parts
Driving member :
Flywheel, pressure plate Flywheel assembly rotates all the time Clutch housing heat dissipating member

Driven member :
Clutch plate free to slide axially on the clutch shaft splines Friction material on both sides

Operating members : (Foot pedal, Linkages, throw out

bearing, springs)

Working
Clutch pedal depressed
Bearing on the clutch lever forces the lever fwd. Pressure plate -> compresses pressure springs (moves away from clutch plate) Releases pressure on driven plate & flywheel

Clutch pedal released

Driven plate forced against flywheel by pressure plate Friction = Resistance of the vehicle Further pressure, clutch and transmission shaft turn with the flywheel

Torsional springs

Clutch plate (Driven member)

Clutch facing

Splines for transmission shaft engagement

Clutch cushioning

Driven plate
Splined Gear rattling & when driving speeds and torque outputs increase progressively -> Torsional vibrations Coil springs and friction washers

Splines

Cushion segments
Avoid high speed torsional vibration Reduce clutch chatter (w,t,material) Cushion segments facilitate to pick up torque smoothly

Cushion segments

Clutch facing (Friction material)

Selection of clutch facing

Co.eff of friction () with respect to heat Moisture (Condensation) Expansion @ high temp. Strength & wear rate Absorption properties
(Oil or vapour)
Clutch Facing

Clutch cover assembly

Pressure plate
Heaviest part Special cast iron Primary function Even contact with the clutch plate for full torque Slippage causes heat enough metal to absorb and radiate Directly connected to flywheel

 Flywheel smooth out jerky impulses. More weight reduces accelerating ability
Thinner the pressure plate
Lesser ability to absorb heat Cracking of surface

Friction materials
Mill band type Friction materials (asbestos sheets) with different impregnants Molded type
Matrix Asbestos Reinforcement Metal wires Binder Starch Metal wires - heavier loads

 Woven type
Impregnating cloth with a binder / resin (wearing threads of copper or brass)

Friction materials
Asbestos, Leather, Cork, Fabric, (Clutch liners)