The clutch system, as a key component of automobile power transmission, has a structure and working principle that can be briefly described as follows:
First, the clutch system has an active part, which is its power source. The active part includes a flywheel, a clutch pressure plate and a clutch cover. The flywheel is closely connected to the engine crankshaft and is responsible for receiving the power generated by the engine. The clutch pressure plate and the clutch cover are bolted together to form a stable structure to ensure that the power can be transmitted stably.
Next, the driven part is the power receiving end of the clutch system. It consists of a driven plate and a driven shaft (or a transmission input shaft). When the power of the active part is transmitted to the driven plate through friction, the driven plate will drive the driven shaft to rotate, and then transmit the power to the transmission to achieve the driving of the vehicle.
In order to ensure that the power can be transmitted stably between the active part and the driven part, a clamping mechanism is also required. This mechanism is mainly composed of a clamping spring, which can be a diaphragm spring or a coil spring. These springs rotate with the active part and rely on the clutch cover to press the pressure plate tightly against the flywheel. In this way, the driven plate between the flywheel and the pressure plate can be firmly clamped to ensure the continuity and stability of power transmission.
Finally, the clutch system also has an operating mechanism to control the separation and engagement. This mechanism includes components such as the clutch pedal, release lever, release fork, release bearing, release sleeve and return spring. When the driver steps on the clutch pedal, these components will work together to separate the pressure plate from the flywheel, thereby cutting off the power transmission between the engine and the gearbox. When the driver releases the clutch pedal, the return spring will press the pressure plate back on the flywheel to achieve the retransmission of power.
In summary, the clutch system ensures the power transmission and cutoff between the engine and the gearbox through the coordinated work of its various components, allowing the car to achieve smooth starting, shifting and parking operations.
