What is Centrifugal clutch?
- Centrifugal Clutch is one of the friction type clutch.
- This type of clutch works on the Centrifugal Force.
- No Manual Operation Required to Operate Clutch.
- It is Used in Fixed ( Preset ) Speed Vehicles. No Gearbox is Used in such type Vehicles.
Centrifugal clutch diagram:-
- It consists of Driving Element , Driven Element , Spider, Shoes, & Spring.
- The Spider Is Located on the Driving Member.
- Shoes are Connected to Driving Member with the help of Spring as Shown in Below Figure. The Shoes are Expands Radially in the way provided by Spider.
- The Spring Can be Adjust For Limit of Expansion to Change Vehicle Speed Limit.
- The Driven Member has Friction Lining at Inner Surface & Shoes has Friction Lining on its Outer Surface.
- The Driving Element is Connected to Crankshaft & Driven Member is Connected to to Transmission System.
Working of centrifugal clutch:-
ENGAGEMENT:-
1) When Vehicle Engine Starts, The Driving Element Starts Rotating with Crankshaft.
2) When Driving Element Starts Rotating , the Shoes Expands Radially Due to Centrifugal Force.
3) When Driving Element Achieved Preset Speed, the Friction Starts Between Shoes & Driven Element. Hence Due to Friction, Driven Member Starts Rotate at a speed of Driving Element. Hence Clutch gets Engaged.
DISENGAGEMENT:-
When Vehicle Engine Stops , The Driving Element Stops Rotating. Hence Shoes Comes inwards the Spider. Hence Clutch Gets Disengaged.
Advantages and disadvantages:-
Advantages of centrifugal clutch :-
- Simple In Construction.
- Less Maintenance Required due to Simple Construction.
Disadvantages :-
- Slip Occurs Between Shoes & Driven Member.
- Low Power transmission Capacity Due to Slip Occurs.
Application of centrifugal clutch:-
The applications of the centrifugal clutch are in following vehicles:-
- Mopeds.
- Scooters.
