What is a Dual Clutch?
2 Answers
Here is an introduction to dual clutches: 1. Overview: The clutch is located between the engine and the transmission, serving as the 'switch' for power transfer from the engine to the transmission. It is a transmission mechanism capable of both transmitting and cutting off power. Its primary function is to ensure smooth vehicle starts, reduce impact loads on transmission gears during gear shifts, and prevent overload in the drivetrain. 2. Structure: The DSG transmission mainly consists of a multi-plate wet dual clutch, a three-shaft gear transmission, an automatic gear-shifting mechanism, and an electronically controlled hydraulic control system. The most innovative core components are the dual clutch and the three-shaft gearbox. 3. Principle: Structurally, the DKG is composed of two sub-transmissions, each equipped with a clutch. Clutch 1 is connected to sub-transmission 1, and clutch 2 is connected to sub-transmission 2.
I remember my first encounter with a dual-clutch transmission was in the repair shop, when a car owner brought in a Volkswagen Golf complaining that the gearbox didn't feel right. Simply put, a dual-clutch transmission uses two independent clutches inside an automatic gearbox – one handles odd gears like 1st, 3rd, and 5th, while the other manages even gears such as 2nd, 4th, and 6th. Gear changes happen without interrupting power delivery because the next gear is already pre-selected while the current one is engaged. A light tap shifts it smoothly. This makes driving more fluid with quicker throttle response, significantly reducing jerky movements in city traffic jams, and it's about 10% more fuel-efficient than traditional automatics. The downside? The structure is more complex, potentially leading to higher maintenance costs – especially when clutch plates wear out and require full replacement (typically around 80,000 km). Overall, it suits modern cars prioritizing efficient driving, blending automatic convenience with manual precision.