Cone Clutch having friction surfaces in the form of a cone.
The engine crankshaft consists of a female cone. The male cone is mounted on the splined clutch shaft. Cone clutch has friction surfaces on the conical portion. The male cone can easily slide on the clutch shaft.
Working Principle
When the clutch is engaged (When the clutch pedal is not pressed) the friction surfaces of the male cone are in contact with the female cone due to the force of the spring. The power is transmitted from engine to transmission.
When the clutch is disengaged (When the clutch pedal is pressed) the male cone slides against the spring force. Now, the power does not transmit from the engine.
Line Diagram
Advantages
The normal force acting on the friction surfaces is greater than the axial force. Like in Single plate clutch, the normal force acting on the friction surfaces is equal to the axial force.
Disadvantages
The main disadvantage of Cone clutch is If the angle of the cone is made smaller than 200 the male cone tends to bind in the female cone and it becomes difficult to disengage the clutch.
Applications
- Cone clutch is used in low peripheral speed applications.
- Cone clutch is common in automobiles and other combustion engine transmissions.
- It is also used in very specialist transmissions in racing, rallying, or in extreme off-road vehicles.
- Cone clutches are used in power boats.
- Small cone clutches are used in synchronizer mechanisms in manual transmissions.
