Clutch is an important structural element of a machine’s transmission. Why? It is designed for short-term disconnection from the transmission. In addition, it helps in further smooth connection when switching speeds. The clutch also protects the transmission elements from overloads and vibrations. It is located between the gearbox and the engine. In this article, we will tell you how the clutch works and how it happens.
Clutch types1. Friction. Transmits torque using friction. This is the most common type.
2. Hydraulic. It transmits torque using a stream of special fluid.
3. Electromagnetic. Transmits torque using a magnetic field.
Also, the clutch is:
- single-disk, double-disk or multi-disk;
- dry or wet.
Almost all modern cars install a dry clutch with one disk, which has the following device: clutch fork, clutch, clutch release bearing, diaphragm spring, driven disk, pressure disk, clutch housing, flywheel.
How does single disc clutch work?
A flywheel is installed on the crankshaft of the motor, which acts as a clutch disc. As a rule, a two-mass flywheel is installed on modern machines, which consists of two elements connected by springs. In this case, one part is connected to the driven disk, and the other to the crankshaft. Thanks to this design of a dual-mass flywheel, vibration and jerking of the crankshaft are smoothed out. The structural elements are located in the clutch housing, which is attached to the engine with two bolts. In cars with automatic transmission, they usually do not put a clutch with a single disc for the reason that the principle of the automatic transmission is different from the mechanics.
How does the clutch work? The pressure plate presses the driven disk against the flywheel. In this case, if necessary, ceases to exert pressure on him. The pressure disk is connected to the casing by means of plate tangential springs, which when disconnecting the clutch act as return springs.
The diaphragm spring acts on the pressure plate. At the same time, it provides the compression necessary for the effective transmission of torque. The outer diameter of this spring rests on the edges of the pressure plate. On the inner diameter of the spring there are metal petals. Clutch release bearings act on their ends. The diaphragm clutch spring is fixed in the housing using support rings or spacer bolts.
The housing, the diaphragm spring and the pressure plate form a single unit called the
clutch basket. It is rigidly bolted to the flywheel. There are two types of baskets:
- exhaust action
- push action.
An exhaust basket is characterized by a small thickness. For this reason, it is used in confined spaces.
The driven disk is located between the pressure disk and the flywheel. Its hub connects to the input shaft of the gearbox. Friction pads made of glass fibers are installed on both sides of the driven disk. They can withstand temperatures up to 400 degrees.
How dual disc clutch works
The clutch with two discs transmits more torque at the same size. It also provides a high resource for the entire structure.
In this article, we told you how the clutch works. In a car with an automatic transmission, the gear changes are carried out according to a slightly different principle. Mainly use double disc clutch.