What are the components of a friction plate clutch?
1 Answers
Friction clutches are the most widely used and historically longest-standing type of clutch. They are primarily composed of four main parts: the driving section, the driven section, the pressure mechanism, and the operating mechanism. The driving and driven sections along with the pressure mechanism form the basic structure that ensures the clutch remains engaged and transmits power, while the operating mechanism primarily functions to disengage the clutch. The clutch serves to transmit and cut off power, requiring it to smoothly transfer power during vehicle startup and to quickly cut off power during gear shifting or braking. Additionally, the clutch has an auxiliary function of preventing overload in the transmission system. The driving section includes the flywheel, clutch cover, and pressure plate; the driven section consists of the driven disc (commonly known as the clutch plate) assembly and the driven disc; the pressure device comprises several circumferentially arranged coil springs (or diaphragm springs); the operating mechanism includes the pedal, pedal lever, release fork, release sleeve with thrust bearing, and release levers. The performance requirements for friction clutches are as follows: Reliable operation with a long service life; Sufficient torque transmission capacity; Smooth and gentle engagement, rapid and thorough disengagement without "dragging" phenomena; Good heat dissipation performance; Balanced internal forces to avoid affecting the normal operation of the main engine or gearbox; Simple structure and easy maintenance.