What is the working principle of a motorcycle wet clutch?
1 Answers
Motorcycle wet clutches operate using the centrifugal force generated by the engine's rotation. Working principle of a wet clutch: The wet clutch engages and disengages through the centrifugal force produced during engine rotation. Simultaneously, when shifting gears with the foot, a linkage mechanism forcibly separates the clutch plates to achieve smooth engagement and disengagement. During gear shifting on a motorcycle, the throttle is first released to reduce engine speed and disengage the centrifugal portion. When the gear shift lever is pressed, the lever force forcibly separates the clutch friction plates, completely disconnecting the crankshaft from the transmission mechanism to facilitate gear switching. Clutch operation: When the engine speed is low, the clutch shoes retract under the tension of the springs, separating from the clutch housing. At this point, the clutch plates remain compressed, but since the clutch shoes are separated from the housing, power transmission between the crankshaft and the transmission mechanism is cut off. When the throttle is increased to raise engine speed, the clutch shoes overcome the spring tension and expand to engage with the clutch housing. If the transmission mechanism is in gear at this time, the motorcycle can move forward.
