Double coupling

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A double clutch is a power-shiftable clutch unit that consists of two (mostly coaxially arranged) clutches that can switch connections to one shaft each.

Application examples for this are clutch modules for dual clutch transmissions , in which both clutches have independent clutch actuation and one clutch operates the odd gears, the other clutch the even gears. The former are usually located on the inner solid shaft, the latter on the concentric hollow shaft. In this way - while one clutch is currently transmitting torque - the next gear can already be preselected. Then, when changing from the current to the preselected gear, the torque is passed on without interruption of tractive power.

Simpler forms of double clutches can be found in agricultural machinery, for example, where one clutch is used as the starting element of the drive and the second to connect the drive to a power take-off shaft . This makes it possible to use propulsion and PTO drive independently of one another.

In the literature, so-called two-disc clutches are sometimes incorrectly referred to as double clutches. However, this is a simple clutch with two friction disks, but both of which engage on one and the same output shaft. Double-plate clutches are usually used where the single-plate clutch required for torque transfer would be so large that there would be no installation space available for the outer diameter. You then use two smaller clutch discs instead of one larger one. The increase in this are three- or four-disc clutches , which are usually designed as multi-plate clutches and in extreme cases can have up to ten sets of plates (e.g. as a slip clutch in industrial machines or as a compact starting clutch in motorcycle gearboxes).

Sources and web links