Avdnei Ana-Maria, AE, 1731

The clutch
Definition
The clutch is a mechanism that uses pads impregnated with a friction
material to transfer the power from the engine to the axle tractors. It is used
for the gear shifting. The clutch is also used to isolate rotating components
against fixed ones , reducing shock loads. Vehicles with manual transmission
use the clutch to transfer the power from the gearbox to the wheels .

The monodisc clutch with diaphragm

central spring

At this type of clutch, the function of compression springs and

decoupling levers is accomplished by a special central spring shape.
The diaphragm central spring is a thin disc made of steel, in a
truncated shape, having a serie of elastic arms formed by radial cuts.
The monodisc clutch with diaphragm central spring, depending on
the direction of actioning of release force, we can discuss about two types of
clutches:
- mechanical clutch with diaphragm central spring released by
compression;
- mechanical clutch with diaphragm central spring released by traction.
On most cars and light commercial vehicles, the clutch used is the
one released by compression.

Avdnei Ana-Maria, AE, 1731

The
monodisc clutch with peripheral
springs

This type of clutch is still used in cars and trucks because it has the
lowest weight and the simplest construction.
The weight of this type of clutch (without book) is 0,30,6% of weight
of the truck and 0,40,8% of weight of the car production.
Its use is limited by the maximum momentum which can be
transmitted and which should not be bigger than 7080 daN.m.
The peripheral springs are arranged equidistant on the periphery of
the pressure disc. These are helical springs made from pulled wire with linear
characteristic.
In normal state the clutch is "coupled". This condition is the effect of
the compression springs, which mounted prestressed between housing and
pressure plate, in trend of expansion, driven disc collection will be done
between the flywheel and pressure plate.
The decoupling of the clutch is obtained when in the command part is
developed a force Fd. The decoupling collar, under the action of this force,
moved axially to the left, will rotate the decoupling levers in a clockwise
direction. Simultaneously with the release levers takeover by elastic forces of
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Avdnei Ana-Maria, AE, 1731

the springs through additional compression springs, pressure plate is axially

displaced to the left until loosen frictional contact between the driving and
driven parts. This is how the state of declutching is achieved. The clutching
after declutching is obtained by canceling force Fd.

Disadvantages:
- pressing the friction disc on the friction surface is nonuniform;
- mounting springs impose a constructive series of special provisions;
- decoupling levers require laborious adjustment operations;
- due to structural characteristics of the springs increases the axial gauge;
- reliability is lower because of a large number of parts and joints mobile
friction clutch mechanism contained inside;
- actioning is more difficult because the force required in maintaining the
clutch disengaged position is disengaged is higher in this type of clutch.
Therefore, after 1980 it was gradually dropped from use in favor of
The monodisc clutch with diaphragm central spring.

The bidisc clutch

Friction linings dimensions are limited by the dimensions of the

flywheel and the coefficient of friction is also limited. Also downforce springs
can not exceed a certain value, because with cresetrea they increase the
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size of the springs and the specific pressure of the disc may exceed the
allowable limit. In these conditions becomes cumbersome clutch drive and
clutch sizes grow considerably if you have sent a great moment.
For these reasons, the transmission of greater than 80 daN moments:
m resorting to increasing the number of surface friction clutches by using
multiple discs. Of these the most used are twin disc clutch. The weight of
such a clutch can reach about 0.7% by weight of the car.
Decoupling clutch is done by moving to the right disc pressure using
the clutch levers, screws through June, led freeing disk (figure below).
Meanwhile, the pressure plate is far from disc springs led by mounted
between disc and flywheel.
To limit axial displacement of the disc pressure so as not to produce a
click of the disc driven by the pressure plate, between the two pressure
plates are provided three screws supporting 12 fixed in housing.
Bearing pressure spring 16 returns to its initial position after releasing
the clutch.
Clutch levers are fixed to the outer ends of the pressure plate via
screws nut 6. 7 serves to adjust the clearance between the bearing pressure
and the inner ends of the clutch levers.
The clutch is fitted at the bottom with a hole to drain the oil. In this
slot game is introduced with the pin 14, which vibrations occurring during the
course of the car does not enable the port to clog with dirt.

Avdnei Ana-Maria, AE, 1731

References:
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Avdnei Ana-Maria, AE, 1731

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