working of clutch

Clutch : It is a simple device which is used to engage and disengage the power source in the vechile i.e. an engine to the transmission i.e. gear box. It simply consists of mainly three majour components : Flywheel , Clutch plate/friction plate , Pressure plate. The other components are release bearing, tongue, Clutch pedal, etc... the functions of the 3 main components of a clutch are :

1. Flywheel : Flywheel is a large heavy disc which act as a store house of the energy from the power stroke of the engine and supplies the energy for the other strokes of the engine i.e. suction, compression, and exhaust.this flywheel is connected to the crankshaft. so the drawn power is collected from the flywheel. The outer perifery of flywheel contains the teeths which engages with the teeths of the starter which helps the engine at the time of starting.so in clutch it is a power source which is a drive plate.

2. Pressure Plate :  When the clutch pedal is depressed, the pressure plate releases, allowing itself and the flywheel to spin independent of the disc, which prevents torque from being transmitted from the engine to the gearbox. Generally made of cast iron or steel, the pressure plate uses a diaphragm-type spring to apply force against the disc once engaged, which is fastened to the assembly by a series of straps.

3. Friction disc : Between the flywheel and the pressure plate is the clutch disc. The clutch disc has friction surfaces similar to a brake pad on both sides that make or break contact with the metal flywheel and pressure plate surfaces, allowing for smooth engagement and disengagement. It also contain the torsional springs to absorb the vibrational energyof sudden engagement and disengagement of the transmission to the engine.

Working : The clutch working is a simple working. In this , the clutch disc is sandwitched between the flywheel and pressure plate but the disc will not be in the contact till the pressure is applied by the pressure plate. in initial case when the clutch pedal is released, it is said to be in engaged position. but when the clutch pedal is pressed, the release fork and the relesase bearing releases the pressure from the pressure plate hence the friction disc will not be able to transmit the power further from the engine to the transmission. When the clutch pedal is released again, the friction material of the clutch disc makes the contact between the flywheel and the pressure plate and the power is transmitted to the transmission. In this whole process, the whole assembly of clutch rotates with the flywheel i.e. clutch sdisc and pressure plate.