What is Clutch in Automobile? What are Main Parts of Clutch?

Today we will discuss about what is clutch and what are main parts of a clutch. Clutch is a very essential part of an automobile and very first member of a powertrain.

What is Clutch?

In an automobile, a gearbox is required to change the speed and torque of the vehicle according to the driving requirement. If we change a gear, when the engine is engaged with the gearbox or when the gears are in running position then it can cause of wear and tear of gears. To overcome this problem a device is used between gearbox and engine, known as a clutch. Clutch is the first element of the powertrain. The main function of the clutch is to engage and disengage the engine to the transmission when the driver needs or during shifting of gear. When the clutch is in engage position, the power flows from the engine to the wheel and when it is in the disengaged position, the power is not transmitted.

Principle of clutch:

The very first principle on which a clutch works is friction. When two revolving friction surfaces are brought into contact and pressed, then they are united and start to revolve at same speed due to the friction force between them. This is the basic principle of a clutch. The friction between these two surfaces depends on the area of the surface, the pressure applied to them and the friction material between them. The driving member of a clutch is the flywheel mounted on the engine crankshaft and the driven member is a pressure plate mounted on the transmission shaft. Some friction plates, sometimes known as clutch plates are kept between these two members. This whole assembly is known as the clutch.

Function of clutch:

An automobile clutch has the following function:

1. It can be disengaged. This allows engine cranking and permits the engine to run without delivering power to the transmission.

2. While disengaging, it permits the driver to shift the transmission into various gear according to operating condition.

3. While engaging, the clutch slips momentarily. this provides smooth engagement and lessens the shock on gears, shaft and other parts of the automobile.

4. While engaging, the clutch transmits the power to the wheel without slipping, in ideal condition.

Main parts of clutch:

In a clutch, three parts are required to fulfill its function. These are known as the principal parts of the clutch. These are:

1. Driving member:

It is the member which is directly connected to the crankshaft. The driving member consists of a cover which carries the pressure plate (driving disc), the pressure springs and the releasing lever. This entire assembly is bolted on the flywheel and rotates with the engine all the time. The flywheel and the pressure plate grip the driven member between them under the action of the pressure spring.

2. Driven member:

The driven member consists of a plate which is free to slide lengthwise on the splines of the clutch shaft but which drives the shaft through those splines. This plate is known as a friction plate. The clutch housing also includes the driven member.

3. Operating member:

The operating member connects the driver to this whole assembly. It consists of the foot pedal, the linkage, the release lever and springs necessary to ensure proper operation of the clutch.

Today we have discussed about what is clutch and main parts of it. If you have any query ask by commenting.