Types of clutches

Single Plate Clutch:

The diagram shows the pressure plate pulled back by the release levers against the compression springs; so that the friction linings on the clutch plate are free of flywheel and pressure plate. The flywheel rotates without driving the clutch plate and hence the shaft.

When the pressure of the thrust race is released the compression springs are free to move the pressure plate to the left bringing it in contact with the clutch plate.

The pressure plate moves to the left, sliding the clutch plate on its splined hub, along the driven shaft until the friction lining touches the flywheel.

The compression springs now cause the linings to be gripped between the pressure plate and the flywheel and the friction between the linings and flywheel and pressure plate causes the clutch plate to revolve, turning the driven shaft.

Multi plate clutch:

When a great amount of torque is to be transmitted, instead of single plate a number of friction plates are employed. This increases the number of mating friction surfaces, hence it is called multiplate clutch.

These clutches are used in heavy commercial vehicles, racing cars and motor cycles for transmitting high torque

cone clutch:It consists of a flywheel and a cone mounted on driving and driven shafts respectively. The shape of the side of the flywheel facing the cone is as to accommodate the cone readily when the clutch is engaged. The surfaces of contact are lined with the friction lining (Asbestos, leather etc.). The cone can be disengaged from flywheel by mechanism which operates in the groove of the cone.

centrifugal clutch:A centrifugal clutch is a clutch that uses centrifugal force to connect two concentric shafts, with the driving shaft nested inside the driven shaft. It engages more at higher speeds.

The input of the clutch is connected to the engine crankshaft while the output may drive a shaft, chain, or belt. As engine revolutions per minute increase, weighted arms in the clutch swing outward and force the clutch to engage. The most common types have friction pads or shoes radially mounted that engage the inside of the rim of a housing. On the center shaft there are an assorted number of extension springs, which connect to a clutch shoe. When the central shaft spins fast enough, the springs extend causing the clutch shoes to engage the friction face. It can be compared to a drum brake in reverse.

ref:www.mech4study.blogspot.com