Abstract
The principle of self clamping friction clutch is presented in this paper and the transmitted torque capacity is also calculated. In order to enlarge the friction force, a part of rotating force of driving side is converted to normal force of friction materials by clamping arm. The increased normal force of friction materials assures the large friction force and the transmitted torque capacity of clutch becomes large. The self clamping friction clutch is adopted in the tube type air pressure clutch and the condition of stability is investigated. It is proven that the inclined angle of clamping arm and the friction factor of friction materials are the essential elements in stability and torque capacity of self clamping friction clutch. The transmitted torque capacity of self clamping friction clutch is compared with air pressure clutch. The normal force of friction lining is magnified by 1/(1-k) and the transmitted torque capacity is also magnified with same proportion comparing with air pressure clutch. The larger the friction factor of friction lining, the larger the magnification factor. The longer the clamping arm, the smaller the magnification factor. It must be also noted that the value of k=${\mu}Y/X$ is the criterion of stability. If the value of k=${\mu}Y/X$ is greater than or equal to 1, the self clamping friction clutch is unstable and it can not be used as clutch.
