Statics analysis and experimental study on the bi-stable self-amplifying force clutch of hybrid electric vehicles

Abstract

At present, hybrid electric buses are mainly used for urban buses, which work in two conditions for a long time, such as clutch separation and clutch engagement, but the mono-stable clutch cannot meet the needs. According to the working demands of the clutch, this thesis puts forward a new bi-stable clutch configuration used in hybrid electric vehicles, and then its working principle is described, which realizes self-amplifying force effect and solves self-locking defects through the structure of double-disc steel ball rolling groove mechanism. Based on statics analysis theory, the statics analysis was carried out on the back-and-forward rotating pressure plate, the clutch’s rear end cover and master pin. Then a bi-stable clutch test bed is set up in order to conduct the clutch’s bearing torque, separation thoroughness, heat load test and service life test. Its conclusion provides a good foundation for the further optimal design of the bi-stable clutch.

Keywords:

• Bi-stable clutch
• Self-amplifying force
• Statics