A diaphragm clutch is a type of clutch that uses a flexible diaphragm spring to transmit torque between the engine and the transmission of a vehicle. Learn about the design, working, advantages, disadvantages, and applications of diaphragm clutch in this comprehensive guide.
Contents
What Is Diaphragm Clutch?
A diaphragm clutch is a type of clutch that uses a flexible diaphragm spring to transmit torque between the engine and the transmission of a vehicle. It is a type of friction clutch, which means that it relies on the friction between two surfaces to transmit torque.
In a diaphragm clutch, the diaphragm spring is mounted between the pressure plate and the flywheel. When the clutch is engaged, the diaphragm spring is compressed, causing the pressure plate to clamp down on the flywheel. This creates friction between the flywheel and the pressure plate, transmitting torque from the engine to the transmission.
Diaphragm clutches are commonly used in vehicles with manual transmissions. They are known for their simplicity and durability, and are often preferred over other types of clutches due to their low maintenance requirements. However, they are not as efficient at transmitting torque as some other types of clutches and may not be suitable for use in high-performance vehicles.
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What Is Hydraulic Clutch?
Parts Of Diaphragm Clutch
A diaphragm clutch is a type of clutch that uses a flexible diaphragm to transmit torque between the engine and the transmission of a vehicle. The main parts of a diaphragm clutch are:
1. Pressure Plate
The friction plate in the clutch is forced onto the disc by this plate. On one side of the pressure, the plate diaphragm is spring.
2. Clutch Cover
This is the part that is attached to the pressure plate and holds the diaphragm spring in place.
3. Diaphragm Spring
The diaphragm is a type of spring that has a spherical shape. This helps to maintain the pressure on the friction plate. The exterior of the spring pushes outward and presses the friction plate on the flywheel when the release bearing presses the inside half of the spring.
4. Release Fork
The release fork works to suppress the diaphragm spring by pressing the release effect. A linkage release connects the fork to the clutch pedal.
5. Release Bearing
The diaphragm spring is pressed with this bearing, which is executed by the release fork.
6. Clutch Disc
This is the part that sits between the pressure plate and the flywheel and transmits the torque from the engine to the transmission.
7. FlyWheel
The engine of the vehicle is connected to the crankshaft disc, which rotates with it. When the vehicle is moving the pressure plate applies the friction plate to the disc and electricity is transmitted from the discost to the output clutch shaft due to the friction between the friction plate and the disc.
8. Clutch Pedal
The clutch pedal is a driver-driven pedal that is attached to the clutch.
9. Transmission Input Shaft
This is the part of the transmission that is connected to the clutch disc and transmits the torque to the rest of the transmission.
10. Friction Plate
This plate is usually located between the disc and the pressure plate and includes friction material on both sides, often located between the disc and the pressure plate. When these plates come together during an attachment, the friction material is responsible for power transmission.
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What Is Semi Centrifugal Clutch?
Working Of Diaphragm Clutch
In the engaged position the spring pivots on the inner pivot rings as it is held on the clutch cover so that is outer rings contact with the pressure plate. Again in this conical position, the spring exerts thorough pressure to keep the pressure plate in firm contact with the clutch plate and flywheel.
When the pedal is depressed the linkage moves the release bearing towards the flywheel to disengage the clutch. As the bearing contacts with the inner position of the conical springs, it moves that position forward which causes the link to move backward. This removes the pressure on the pressure plate and releases the clutch plate from contact with other driving members.
Another type of conical spring used is the crown spring. This type differs from the tapered finger type with its surface corrugated instead of flat and the center section is continuous without any spring. The clutch spring fits between the pressure plate and the clutch cover. The entire assembly is held together by six spring retainers located on the pressure plate. The actuation of this type of spring is similar to integral/split type diaphragm spring.
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What Is Centrifugal Clutch?
Advantages Of Diaphragm Clutch
- Because the lach mechanism has less friction, it requires less effort to operate.
- Throughout the life of the clutch, the operated plate is subject to a stable and uniform load.
- The clamping pressure on diaphragm springs remains unaffected at high speeds, unlike coil springs, which begin to bend or deform transversely.
- Because it maintains accurate balance at all times, harmful vibrations are eliminated in automobiles.
- The required clutch housing is quite low due to its compact form.
- The screaming and rafting are eliminated due to the lack of stable foundation and vibration.
- It has fewer rotating parts so there is no problem working with noise.
- It is light in weight.
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What Is Cone Clutch?
Disadvantages Of Diaphragm Clutch
- The size and diameter of the diaphragm are raised to increase the coefficient of friction.
- Coil springs have a tendency to bend in the transverse direction at a faster speed than diaphragm springs.
- For heavy trucks, the size of the clutch is increased to increase the friction surfaces.
Application Of Diaphragm Clutch
- Diaphragm clutches are often used in automotive applications, such as in vehicles with manual transmissions.
- They are also used in industrial equipment, such as lathes and milling machines.
- They have smooth engagement and disengagement, making them suitable for high-speed applications.
- They are also used in marine applications for controlling propellers.
- They are used in power transmission systems for heavy machinery and industrial equipment.
- They are also used in machinery for the printing industry, woodworking machinery, and textile machinery.
- They are used in off-highway vehicles, such as construction equipment and mining machinery.
Conclusion
The construction of a diaphragm clutch is similar to that of a single plate clutch, with the exception that Belleville springs are used instead of coil springs in the diaphragm. This clutch has more benefits as it does not require release levers and acts as a series of spring levers.
FAQ’s
Diaphragm clutches usually require minimal maintenance. However, it is important to periodically check the spring stress and lubricate the axle and diaphragm to ensure smooth operation. In addition, it is important to inspect the diaphragm regularly and replace it when showing signs of wear or damage.
One of the main disadvantages of the diaphragm clutch is that it has a limited torque capacity compared to other types of the clutch. It is also not suitable for high-speed applications, as the flexible diaphragm can vibrate and cause noise.
One of the main advantages of the diaphragm clutch is that it is self-centered, which means that it automatically adjusts to ensure proper alignment between driving and powered members. This makes it suitable for applications where accurate alignment is important. Diaphragm clutches are also relatively simple and easy to maintain, and they are generally quite reliable.
A diaphragm clutch uses a flexible diaphragm to transmit torque between the driving and driven members. The diaphragm is held in place by a spring and is connected to the driving member via a pivot. When the driving member rotates, the diaphragm is forced against the driven member, transmitting torque and causing it to rotate as well.
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