Information AboutClutch |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT CLUTCH | |
| automotive transmission technologies | |
| auto parts | |
| clutches | |
| SHOPPER'S DELIGHT | |
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A clutch is any mechanism for transmitting rotation, which can be engaged and disengaged. In everyday use, the term clutch refers to a subcomponent of motor vehicle Engine 's Transmission designed to allow engagement or disengagement of the engine to the gearbox or whatever apparatus is being driven. Invention of the clutch is attributed to Karl Benz . There are many different vehicle clutch designs, but most are based on one or more Friction discs, pressed tightly together or against a Flywheel using Springs . The friction material is very similar to the material used in Brake shoes and pads and used to contain Asbestos . The spring Pressure is released when the clutch pedal is depressed and the discs are held less tightly and allowed to rotate freely. A wet clutch is immersed in Lubricating Fluid to keep the surfaces clean and to cool it, for improved performance and longer life; while a '''dry clutch''' is not. Since the surfaces of a wet clutch can be slippery (as with a motorcycle clutch bathed in engine oil), stacking multiple clutch disks can compensate for slippage. In a Car it is operated by the left-most Pedal using Hydraulics or a Cable connection from the pedal to the clutch mechanism. No pressure on the pedal means that the clutch plates are engaged (driving), while depressing the pedal will disengage the clutch plates, allowing the driver to shift Gear s. There are other clutches found in a car. For example, the radiator fan may have a clutch that is heat-activated. One such design is a special fluid coupling. When the temperature is low, the special fluid is thin and so the clutch slips. When the temperature is high, the fluid thickens, causing the fan to spin. A Manual Transmission contains cogs for selecting gears. These cogs have matching teeth, so-called dog teeth, which means that the rotation speeds of the two parts have to match for engagement. This speed matching is achieved by a secondary clutch called a synchromesh, a device that uses frictional contact to bring the two parts to the same speed, and a locking mechanism called a blocker ring to prevent engagement of the teeth (full movement of the shift lever into gear) while the speeds are not synchronized. On most Motorcycle s, the clutch is operated by the clutch lever, located on the left handlebar. No pressure on the lever means that the clutch plates are engaged (driving), while pulling the lever back towards the rider will disengage the clutch plates, allowing the rider to shift. Some cars and Moped s have an automatic clutch, using Centrifugal Force s to engage the clutch above certain Rpm , see Saxomat . When engaging the clutch, the engine speed may need to be increased from idle, using the manual Throttle , so that the engine does not stall. However, raising the engine speed too high will cause excessive clutch plate wear and cause a harsh, jerky start. This kind of start is desired in Drag Racing and other competitions, however. A clutch may also be a device on a shaft that will "slip" when higher than normal resistance is encountered on a machine. An example of a clutch such as this may be mounted on the driving shaft of a large grass mower. The clutch will "slip" or "give" if the blades were to hit a rock, stump, or other immobile object. SEE ALSO Racing motorcycles often use Slipper Clutch es to eliminate the effects of Engine Braking . EXTERNAL LINKS
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