How does the clutch work in the car?

Clutch is an important structural element of the transmission of the machine. Why? It is intended for a short-term detachment from the transmission. In addition, it helps in the further smooth connection when switching speeds. Also, the clutch protects the transmission elements from overloads and oscillations. It is located between the transmission and the engine. In this article, we'll show you how grip works and how it works.

Types of clutches

1. Frictional. Transmits the torque with the help of frictional forces. This is the most common type.

2. Hydraulic. Transmits the torque with a flow of special fluid.

3. Electromagnetic. Transmits the torque with a magnetic field.

Also, the clutch happens:

- single-disk, double-disk or multi-disk;

- dry or wet.

Almost all modern cars are fitted with a dry clutch with one disc, which has the following device: clutch fork , clutch release, clutch release bearing, diaphragm spring, driven disc, pressure plate, clutch housing, flywheel.

How does one-clutch grip work?

The flywheel is installed on the engine's crankshaft , which acts as the driving 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 part is connected to the crankshaft. Due to this design of the two-mass flywheel, vibration and jerking of the crankshaft is smoothed. The structural elements are located in the clutch housing, which is fixed to the engine with two bolts. In cars with automatic transmissions, usually do not put the clutch with one disc for the reason that the principle of the automatic transmission differs from the mechanics.

How does the clutch work? The disc presses the drive driven to the flywheel. In this case, if necessary, ceases to exert pressure on him. The pressure plate is connected to the casing by means of plate-shaped tangential springs, which, when the clutch is disengaged, act as return springs.

The diaphragm spring acts on the pressure plate. In doing so, it provides the compression necessary for efficient torque transmission. 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. At their ends, the clutch release bearings act. The diaphragm clutch spring is fixed in the casing with support rings or spacer bolts.

The body, diaphragm spring and pressure plate form a single unit, called the clutch basket. It is rigidly connected by means of bolts with a flywheel. There are two types of baskets:

• Extraction action
• Push action.

The exhaust basket is characterized by a small thickness. For this reason, it is used in conditions of limited space.

The drive is located between the drive and the flywheel. Its hub connects to the primary gearbox shaft. On both sides of the slave drive there are friction linings made of glass fibers. They can withstand temperatures of up to 400 degrees.

How does grip with two disks work?

The clutch with two disks transmits more torque at the same size. It also provides a high resource of the entire structure.

In this article, we told you about how grip works. In cars with automatic transmission , the switching of the stages takes place on a slightly different principle. Basically use a two-disk clutch.