CLUTCH SYSTEM

CLUTCH SYSTEM


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The basic function of the Clutch is to engage and disengage the vehicle with the engine. Hence it can also be said that it connects or disconnects the driving shaft to the driven shaft. due to which the driven shaft can be controlled by our will without stopping the engine.



When the vehicle is started the load of the vehicle is put on the engine, this load cannot be taken by the engine hence when the vehicle is to be started the gear should be neutral, the engine is working (rotating the driving shaft) but the vehicle not connected to it. 



Now to make the vehicle move with a more/less speed we need to put the higher or lower gear and to do this clutch is operated, the clutch plate is disconnected from the flywheel of the engine and this causes the engine to work without moving the vehicle.



In other words, the load of the vehicle is removed from the engine. After changing the gear to the desired one, the load is again put on the engine gradually. Hence the vehicle moves with a higher/lower speed without damaging the gears.



During this process, the vehicle did not stop but was moving due to inertia. Also, the engine did not stop as there was no interaction with the engine.   



Some experienced drivers change gear without operating clutch, this is possible by matching the engine rpm to the transmission rpm (this increases clutch plate life but if this is not done properly then the transmission system may get damaged.  



It consists of the following parts:


This is a friction clutch, dry type, Single plate.

(there are two types of clutches in friction clutch 1. Dry-type  2. Wet type and  1. Single plate  2. Multi-plate )


  • Flywheel
  • Clutch plate 
  • Pressure plate 
  • Fingers
  • Springs
Flywheel


Clutch Plate

Clutch Plate & Damper Springs

Clutch Plate Lining

Clutch Assembly
(Fingers are pushed downwards,
this lifts the pressure plate 
away from the flywheel)

How does it work?

  1. When the clutch pedal is depressed the fork is pushed this pushes the fingers and the clutch bearings.                                    
  2. The fingers function like a see-saw(when one end is pushed down, the other end moves in the opposite direction.                    
  3. The pressure plate is pulled back when the fingers are pushed, this pulls back the clutch plate.                                                     
  4. This will set the clutch plate free from the flywheel.                    
  5. Now only the flywheel rotates but the clutch plate does not rotate.





There is the other way to operate the clutch like 


1. Hydraulic Clutch

2. Electromagnetic Clutch

3. Vacuum Clutch

4. Centrifugal Clutch etc. but the basic functioning remains the same.