Centrifugal clutch: design and advantages
Centrifugal clutches have a very special property: They are independent! No external power supply is required for operation.
Due to the lack of external energy supply, the centrifugal clutch can also provide a good service in terms of safety applications.
The centrifugal clutch belongs to the family of self-engaging shaft clutches. It is speed-dependent.
THE FLYING POWER
Without an external force, the state of motion of an object would not change. It would either remain at rest or move in a straight line. Always differentiate between the idea of centrifugal force (centrifugal force) and the idea of centripetal force (radial force). Both forces occur in an accelerated frame of reference. However, there is an important difference: one force acts outwards, the other force acts inwards.centrifugal force (centrifugal force) is an apparent force or inertial force. It acts outwards and is caused by the inertia of the body. The centripetal force is directed inwards and ensures a smooth rotating movement.
HOW IS A CENTRIFUGAL CLUTCH CONSTRUCTED?
The design of a centrifugal clutch is quite simple, but nevertheless incredibly effective: the power flow goes from the drive flange 1) or the drive hub 2) to a highly flexible rubber element 3). The highly elastic rubber element is installed with compression preload and thus achieves its full performance. Several centrifugal weights 4) are mounted on this rubber element.
The centrifugal bodies are also connected to each other via generously dimensioned tension springs 5) and fitted with a high-quality, wear-resistant friction lining 6). The tension springs counteract the centrifugal force during start-up and determine the engagement speed of the centrifugal clutch.
As soon as the engagement speed is exceeded, i.e. the centrifugal force is greater than the restraining force of the tension springs, the centrifugal weights move radially outwards. They are pressed against the output bell 7) by the friction lining 6) and this is gently accelerated. The drive side and output side are now connected via the highly elastic rubber element.
When switched on, the power is transmitted without sleep, i.e. without loss. As soon as the operating speed drops below the switch-on speed again, the centrifugal weights return to their initial position. The drive side and output side are completely separated from each other again.
The clutch bell housing is the housing of the centrifugal clutch. The housing was given the name clutch bell due to its design.
HOW DOES A CENTRIFUGAL CLUTCH WORK
With the centrifugal clutch, the connection between the engine and transmission is established from a certain speed. The aim is to establish a frictional connection between an external output and an internal drive. When the input side starts to rotate, the centrifugal force creates contact with the output side and the clutch shoes are pressed against the clutch bell by the centrifugal force. The clutch shoes are held in place by springs. Depending on the spring strength, these determine the speed at which the clutch engages.
Note: The centrifugal force of the centrifugal weights provides the contact pressure for the friction linings.
Centrifugal clutches can be used in particular when the speed needs to be reduced while the engine is running.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF A CENTRIFUGAL CLUTCH?
Optimum and lossless power transmission
Exact engagement speed adjustable, then smooth engagement
Thermally highly resilient construction
Protection against overload
Tried and tested design principle: safe dimensioning of all components
Switch-on speeds are precisely determined by generously dimensioned tension springs and can be varied depending on the application and requirements
The centrifugal clutch is compact, short, smooth, accident-proof and maintenance-free
the friction linings are made of high-quality, wear-resistant and temperature-resistant material and are generously dimensioned, resulting in a very long service life
High thermal load capacity due to internal and external cooling
the design is adaptable and can therefore be easily and cost-effectively adapted to a wide variety of installation situations
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS FOR CENTRIFUGAL CLUTCHES
Our centrifugal clutches are available in both standard and special shapes. The surface coatings can be adapted depending on the area of application and the areas of application are diverse. Couplings are used in the agricultural, industrial and marine sectors, among others. Ship drives in particular benefit from the centrifugal clutch system (rudder propeller systems, water jet drives).
