The structure and working principle of the loader clutch

Loaders that adopt mechanical power transmission systems generally use the same dry friction clutches as those in automobiles or tractors. This type of clutch is generally composed of four parts: the driving part, the driven part, the clamping mechanism and the control mechanism.

The active part includes the flywheel, clutch housing and cover. The driven part includes the driven disc and the driven shaft. The clamping mechanism includes a clamping spring. The operating mechanism includes a separation lever, a separation bearing housing, a separation bearing, a separation fork, a return spring, a foot pedal and an adjusting pull rod.

When the clutch is engaged, the engine's torque is transmitted from the crankshaft, and through the flywheel and pressure plate, it drives the driven disc by friction, and then is transmitted to the transmission through the driven shaft.

When the foot pedal is depressed, by adjusting the pull rod, the release fork and the release bearing housing with the release bearing, the inner end of the release lever is pushed to the left. Since the middle of the release lever is supported by the pillar on the clutch housing and the outer end is hinged to the pressure plate, it can overcome the pressure of the compression spring and pull the pressure plate to move to the right. In this way, the clamping force on both sides of the driven disc disappears, as does the frictional force. The engine torque is no longer transmitted to the transmission, and the clutch is in a disengaged state.

When the pedal is released, it returns to its original position and the disengagement bearing housing is pulled to the right by the return spring. At this point, the compression spring pushes the pressure plate to press the driven plate against the flywheel, and the engine torque is transmitted back to the transmission.